Lorn cocked his head. “Millie?” The submissive VampLycan helped care for the youngest members of the clan. She was also Marlo’s younger sister.
“She’s my true mate. I’ve known for two years and Nabby has used her against me. He refused to allow me to claim her.”
“Nabby threatens me with her death too,” Marlo admitted. “I had to do as he said or lose my sister. What choice did we have?”
Lorn hated Nabby even more. “Where is she?”
“Inside the lodge,” Xelor answered. “She wanted to help keep the children amused so they aren’t afraid.”
“Go inside. Guard them all.”
Both VampLycans spun, walking away. Lorn jerked his head at Garson. “Go with them.”
“I can fight,” Garson argued. “I don’t like to but that doesn’t mean I’m not good at it.”
“I’m aware,” Lorn admitted. “But neither of them realize that. They mistake your laid-back attitude for a weakness. I meant no offense. I’m trusting you to keep them in line. Kill them if they betray us. I know you can take them both out if the need arises. Warn the woman about what’s going down and enlist their help to defend the lodge against clan enemies. Nothing is fiercer than a bitch protecting her pups.”
Garson grinned. “Very true. Thank you. I’m all over this job.” He rushed after the other men.
Lavos studied Yenis’s body. “That was impressive. I’ve never seen someone’s heart ripped out before. He’s not coming back from that.”
“He pissed me off.”
“Never talk shit about Kira. Yeah.” Lavos snorted. “Everyone knows better than to do that.”
“Damn straight.” Lorn bent and wiped his bloodied hands on grass.
“Lorn?”
He stood and turned, staring at Lavos. “What?”
“Are you doing okay?”
“I don’t enjoy killing.”
“I’d worry if you did. This is necessary. Remember that.”
“I’d do anything for Kira. Every death of our enemies will assure that she’s safe with this clan.”
“I’m just checking to make certain your mindset is where it needs to be.”
“Stop. It’s wasting time we don’t have. I’d like to surprise Nabby before he can assemble a group of Decker supporters. It’s best if we take them on in smaller numbers.”
A sound made them both jerk to the right, peering into the woods. The sight of Kar rushing at them had Lorn moving to meet the VampLycan.
Kar stopped, sweat coating his skin and his breathing a little heavy. It spoke of how much energy he’d used to reach them.
“Kira?” Lorn snarled the question.
“Fine. She sent me to you.”
“I told you to guard her.”
“She fed off a moose and is locked back inside your den.” Kar caught his breath. “She was going to come if I didn’t. She thinks you need backup.”
Lavos chuckled.
Lorn glared at him. “You think that is funny?”
“Yes. You’re worried about her and she’s worried about you. True love. She’s also right. Your den is safe. We do need an extra fighter. Thanks for coming, Kar.”
“No prob. Where’s Garson?”
“Inside the lodge, babysitting,” Lavos answered.
Lorn wanted to send Kar back but knew Lavos was right. The only people who knew the area his den was located wouldn’t betray him. Davis would do anything to keep his daughter safe. Kar and Lavos were needed to fight at his side.
“Let’s find Nabby and then deal with the elders.” He glanced at Kar. “Thank you for taking care of Kira.”
“She’s the same. You called it. I was afraid the Vampire genes would change her personality. I had to bleed the moose a little just to get her to bite and she still worried she might have hurt the beast. She’s as kindhearted as ever. I had to assure her it was absolutely fine. The big boy probably gets more injured brushing up against branches than what she did to him.”
“She’s part VampLycan. I had faith that her father’s Lycan blood would spare her the fate of turning cold.” Lorn was glad he’d been right.
“Enough about Kira. We’ve established she’s fine.” Lavos sniffed the air. “Nabby.”
Lorn picked up the scent too. “Let’s go say hello.”
He pushed his worry about Kira to the back of his mind. He needed to keep his full attention on the situation at hand. Nabby wasn’t known to fight fair. The bastard would try to kill him, using any means necessary.
Chapter Eleven
The sound of a fight drew Lorn to his enemy. Nabby and a mated male were exchanging blows. A female backed away with a small child in her arms.
Lorn recognized the couple immediately. Reso and Ahlu had mated four years before, and she was pregnant with their second child. Reso had probably tried to sneak them out to avoid being separated from his family.
“Enough!” Lorn snarled.
Nabby spun, glaring at him. “Keep out of this.”
“He’s a tradesman. And you’re pathetic. What did you plan to do? Beat Reso to a pulp in front of his mate and child in the slowest, cruelest way? You haven’t even unleashed your claws.” Lorn allowed his to slide out. “You want to fight? Pick on someone with your skill.”
Reso quickly moved to get in front of his mate and child. Lorn held great respect for the VampLycan. He wasn’t a fighter, instead earning income for the clan and his family by creating wood carvings, beautiful works of art. Everyone in the clan had their own special skills.
Nabby lowered his gaze to take in the blood still on Lorn and sniffed. His expression turned menacing as he met Lorn’s gaze again. “What have you done?”
“I’m taking control of the clan.”
“No, you aren’t.”
“Who’s going to stop me? You?” Lorn stepped closer. “Skin or fur. Pick.”
Nabby glanced at Lavos and Kar.
“Don’t worry about them,” Lorn informed him. “They’ll stay out of it. They’re just here to make certain this remains a fair fight. And I hope you aren’t waiting for Yenis to help you take me down. You’ll see him soon though, in hell—where you’re going.”
“You killed him? I smell his blood.”
“It was a fair fight. He died for you and stayed loyal to the end.” Lorn noticed Nabby didn’t even ask about Xelor. He decided to mention him. “Your brother lives.”
“He won’t for long. I’ll take care of him after I’m done with you. He’s spineless and weak.”
“You mean he’s not a bully without heart, or willing to harm women or children. It’s called ‘honor’. I’m grateful someone in your family knows the meaning.”
“You bastard!” Nabby spat. “I’m going to enjoy killing you, your brother, and your friends. Hell, I’ll put your heads on posts inside the lodge just to make you an example to the rest of the clan.”
The threat amused Lorn. “Try your best to take my head. Skin or fur? Decide. I challenge you.”
“Skin.” Nabby threw back his head and let out a howl.
“You call for help? Are you that certain you can’t win in a fair fight against me, Nabby? Pathetic.” Lorn snorted. He didn’t look away from Decker’s enforcer as he spoke to Lavos and Kar. “Watch the woods. We’re about to have company.”
“We’re ready. Take off your shirt and those boots, Kar. They’ll likely shift without warning so be prepared.” Lavos sounded amused. “Let’s kick some ass.”
“Do we just injure them?”
“No mercy, Kar,” Lorn stated. “Kill if they try to help Nabby take me down.”
“Kill fast,” Lavos added. “I see incoming.”
“Fuck,” Kar growled. “I spot five.”
Nabby lunged forward and tried to take Lorn unaware. Lorn jerked to the left, Nabby’s clawed fingers missing his throat. He drove his fisted hand upward as their bodies slammed together, his own claws ramming into Nabby’s chest. The enforcer gasped in pain. Four of Lorn’s claws had imbed
ded deep into one of his lungs.
Lorn twisted his fist, knowing it did more damage. He shoved hard, separating them. Nabby stumbled back, clutching himself where the blood flowed. His head snapped up as he regained his balance. Shock etched his features.
“I’m faster than I was as a youth.” Lorn casually shook his claws, blood flicking off them onto the ground. “To the death. This is going to be a pleasure.”
“Don’t play with him,” Lavos snarled. “Seven incoming now…and shit, two of them are elders. A little help here, Lorn. They’re almost on us.”
Lavos and Kar would be greatly outnumbered, and the elders were skilled fighters. Lorn snarled too and lunged forward. He usually would have waited for his enemy to take the first step but he didn’t have time. He’d be damned if his brother was killed because this VampLycan without honor hoped to stall for time, waiting for more backup to come.
Nabby jumped back but he wasn’t fast enough. Lorn sliced open his chest with the first swipe of claws and caught Nabby’s arm with the second one. Blood flew and Nabby roared in rage. Lorn twisted, kicking out, and landed a blow to Nabby’s stomach. The VampLycan went down. He hit the ground hard and lay there, still seeming dazed by Lorn’s strength and speed.
“Get up or die on your back!”
“Uggggh!” Kar suddenly went flying in the air but the VampLycan landed in a crouch. He rose up fast, fur sprouting over his chest, arms, and face. “Dickhead move, slamming into me at a full run, Gordy. My turn.”
He shot forward out of Lorn’s view. Snarls ensued. Lorn didn’t look back, not stupid enough to be distracted away from Nabby.
Nabby rolled and began to shift. Lorn cursed, knowing it was another stall tactic. He raced forward, grabbed Nabby by his hair and the back of his pants, and threw him at a tree. The VampLycan slammed into it, the shift stopping.
Nabby fell to the ground and shook his head. He got to his feet slowly, glaring at Lorn.
“You called skin. Stay in it and keep your word for once.”
Nabby roared again and ran at Lorn. His features were twisted in rage, his mouth open and prepared to bite. His fangs would do just as much damage in skin as in fur.
Lorn leapt, catching Nabby by one wrist. His feet hit the ground and he threw his weight in the opposite direction Nabby had been running, so the VampLycan’s momentum wouldn’t knock him over.
It halted Nabby with a jarring jerk and spun him so they faced each other.
Lorn punched him in the throat, his claws tearing deep. He couldn’t waste any more time. He used brute strength to twist his fist and force his claws to tear through the side of Nabby’s throat.
He stared into Nabby’s terrified dark brown eyes as his enemy realized it was a killing injury. Half of Nabby’s throat was torn out. Blood sprayed from both sides.
Nabby’s knees collapsed and he grabbed at Lorn’s wrist with both hands.
Lorn briefly glanced up and saw that Lavos and Kar were fighting back to back, with five VampLycans attempting to take them down. Kar had fur but he’d remained in mostly human form. Four of their attackers were in fur, attempting to use wolf-pack tactics to tear them apart. Both Kar and Lavos were bleeding but holding their own.
Lorn was almost dragged down by Nabby still gripping his wrist when the bastard totally fell over, his body jerking on the ground. Lorn ripped out of his hold and dropped to his knees next to the man’s head and shoulders. He leaned forward a little to peer into Nabby’s terror-stricken gaze.
“This is for all the pain and terror you’ve caused others.”
Lorn shoved both sets of claws into what was left of Nabby’s neck and separated his head from body. It took real effort to sever through bone, but he had motivation. He rose up and snarled, racing toward Lavos and Kar.
The two elders who’d held back from the fight turned as one, coming at him. They unleashed their claws, their intent to attack clear.
“No honor!” Lorn yelled, beyond pissed. “What the hell is wrong with you both? You’re supposed to be examples for our youth!”
They halted just feet away. So did Lorn. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Lavos slash open the belly of one of his attackers who tried to leap on him. Lavos and the beast hit the ground but Lavos got up fast. The shifted VampLycan didn’t.
Lorn’s full attention returned to the elders, the warning from his mother about Amos foremost in his thoughts as he faced him.
“What are you doing, Lorn?” Amos glared, pointing at him. “You overreach.”
“Decker’s reign of terror and abuse is at an end. I’m taking the clan. Stand down or die. I’ll consider it a challenge if you attack me.”
“Insolence of a child!” Muller spat. He tensed, as if planning to lash out at Lorn.
Amos touched the other elder on his arm. “Wait.” He sneered at Lorn. “Decker shall return. You, your brother, and Kar will die for the offense of killing Nabby. He was favored.”
“He was a bully. Now he’s dead. You will be too if you challenge me.”
“You do overreach,” Amos hissed. “The other clans won’t stand for someone so young attempting to lead this clan. We don’t need a war with them until Decker and his enforcers return. You’re going to destroy our clan while we’re vulnerable!”
“The other clans asked me to step up. I’m preventing a war. Decker went too far, Amos. They’re prepared to disband our clan and they are supported by the GarLycans. Lord Aveoth was present at our meeting.”
Surprise widened Amos’s eyes and he sucked in a sharp breath.
A body landed a few feet away. Lorn glanced at it. Gordy no longer lived. He took a split-second to check on Kar and Lavos. They were fighting with only two VampLycans now. Two other bodies lay sprawled near their feet. He focused on the elders again.
“Decker is never returning. He broke VampLycan law by attacking Velder’s clan and attempted to blackmail Lord Aveoth. There will be no forgiveness. The other three clans agreed, along with Lord Aveoth. Do you understand?”
Amos and the other elder glanced at each other, sharing something unspoken. They regarded Lorn. It was Muller who spoke first.
“We will not be led by your kind.”
Lorn knew it was meant as an insult. “What kind is that? Someone who respects peace and doesn’t wish to rule by terrorizing the very people it’s his duty to protect? Decker’s needs always came above those of all others. He was greedy, selfish, and twisted in his mind.”
A scream of pain pierced the air. It cut off fast.
The two elders turned their heads at the sound, and Lorn glanced toward his brother and Kar as well, relieved to see them both standing. The other VampLycans who’d attacked them weren’t moving. Lavos met his gaze and took a few menacing steps in his direction. Kar followed. Both of them were covered in blood.
“Stay back,” Lorn ordered. “Don’t interfere. Lavos, you’re my lead enforcer. It’s official.” The message was clear. Kar would stay out of the fight if both elders attacked Lorn, but his brother was welcome to even out the odds. “Kar, stand guard.”
Both of them stopped. Kar jerked his head in a nod and turned his back, watching the woods, on alert. Lavos glared at the elders and wiped his bloodied claws on what was left of his pants.
The elders stared at Lorn again. He waited to see what they’d do next.
Muller growled, his eyes beginning to glow. “They take orders from you? You are no leader. You’re a youth playing a deadly game of pretense. Outrageous! You will stand down and take the punishment you deserve! An elder will lead if Decker doesn’t return.”
Lorn shook his head. “You began this clan, helped shaped it, but you’ve allowed Decker to twist it since the beginning into something vile. You allowed him to cull clansmen who showed more Vampire traits than Lycan. Their deaths are on your hands too. You even stood by him when he planned to murder other VampLycan leaders and anyone who stood against such a grievous act. He was sick inside, and you both fed into the rot that filled his m
ind.
“I acknowledge your age and position but you have gained no wisdom or respect. You’d keep things the way Decker ran them. Times have changed—and so will this clan. We will live in peace. I won’t stand down or step aside. Challenge me or get the hell out of my clan!”
Running feet caught their attention at that moment and two more of Nabby’s friends came bursting out of the woods. The blond one saw the bodies on the ground and snarled, claws unleashing. “You’re dead!”
Amos attacked without warning. Muller did as well.
Lorn jumped back to avoid the slashing claws from both men. They separated, one getting behind Lorn. He tried to edge out from between them but they moved with him. Lavos and Kar tackled the VampLycans who’d just arrived.
Amos nearly stabbed Lorn near the heart with the first blow but missed a direct hit, cutting him instead of doing any fatal damage. Advanced age could be a benefit to a VampLycan over the younger ones. They gained fighting skills every year they lived, and Amos had lived for over two hundred years. Lorn kept that in mind as he used his claws to block Amos from tearing out his throat next.
Muller attacked from behind and Lorn roared in pain as claws dug into his back and lower, barely missing his spine. The bastard was attempting to paralyze him. He knew death would come if his spine was severed but he managed to kick Amos away as the elder tried to go for his heart again.
“Fucking bastard!” Lavos snarled.
Muller screamed in pain, tearing away from Lorn and releasing him. Lorn didn’t have time to look back but he heard his brother and Muller fighting. Lavos had come to his aid to even the odds.
Amos recovered from being kicked in the stomach and came at Lorn again.
They slashed at each other, their claws clashing with enough force that agony shot up both of Lorn’s arms. He waited for the right opportunity and drove forward, slamming his chest into Amos. It threw his opponent back, making him stumble.
It gave Lorn a chance to glance at Lavos. They had trained together since they were small, he knew Lavos could fight well, but elders were hard to take down. His brother had slashed the side of Muller’s face wide open, blinding the elder in one eye, and had taken only a few minor hits in exchange.