“What does that mean?”
Wen crossed his arms over his chest and sighed. “Damn. Decker did keep you in the dark. Okay, it’s just a maybe on being able to link thoughts and feelings when you mate a pure human. It certainly doesn’t happen right away. It can take years of blood exchanges.”
That news wasn’t welcome, but it didn’t matter. Jadee belonged to him.
“Your Lycan side can suffer insecurities. Humans often divorce. As a man, you can reason that you’ll keep her happy enough to never want another, but the beast isn’t always logical. That might be a big part of why you’re craving seeing her pregnant quickly. Not to mention, humans have no natural birth control. You’ll probably get her pregnant regardless of trying or not if she’s fertile.”
“What about human birth control options?”
“It’s iffy on birth control pills. No glove, no love is the best way to avoid a pregnancy if she’s ovulating.”
Lavos flinched. “Condoms?”
“Never used one before?” Wen grinned. “They aren’t so bad. I’ve had human lovers. You adjust. They sound far worse than they are.” His humor faded. “It’s better than ending up having to mate a woman you accidentally got pregnant. I’ve had nightmares about that.”
“You wouldn’t consider having a human mate?” It disappointed Lavos. He’d started to like Wen.
“I would have been very open to it…but it’s not an option anymore.” His features turned harsh. “My older brother died. I’m first son now, and my parents demand I mate a VampLycan to ensure pure bloodlines.”
That forced Lavos to think about his father. “I don’t give a shit what my father thinks. Jadee is mine, and anyone who doesn’t like it can fuck off.”
“I’ve hinted to my parents that they should have more children because I wish to shun the first-son responsibilities.” Wen straightened, pushing away from the post. “We’ll see if they listen. I’ve always been their problem child.”
“Are you close to them?”
Wen nodded. “Sometimes that’s a curse. Guilt is a shitty thing to feel when they depend on you to keep them happy. They even drag the memory of my brother into it occasionally, telling me what he’d do if he were still alive. I just wish for the freedom I once had as second son.”
“I totally understand that. I never envied Lorn his position in the family. Our father has always been an asshole but he was ruthless with Lorn.”
“You weren’t close to your father?”
Lavos shook his head. “Lorn had to beat him down and banish him when he stepped up for leadership. Dad and Decker were a lot alike.”
“Damn. I’m so sorry. Are you two handling it okay? I can’t imagine what I’d feel if my brother had to fight my father.”
“He gave Lorn no choice. We expected that fight to happen eventually, and Lorn had my full support.”
“Your mother?”
“She’s always welcome to visit the clan but she left with him. He’s her mate.”
“Damn.”
“It’s been rough all around, but Lorn was the best choice to take over the clan. We sure as hell weren’t going to allow Nabby to get control. We used to dub him Decker Junior. He acted just like him.”
“A greedy prick?”
“Cruel, a bully, and he got off on the pain of others.”
“Where is this Nabby?”
“Buried near a few of Decker’s other most trusted that he left behind when he fled the wrath of Lord Aveoth. Nabby was the first to officially challenge Lorn.”
“I was serious about offering to stick around for a bit. I’ve got nothing going on right now and everyone is invested in your brother holding this clan.”
“Won’t your clan miss you?”
“I travel a lot for Trayis. It’s fine.”
“Do you mind if I ask exactly what you do for your clan?”
“We’ve been buying up some land to expand our territory. Some of the surrounding human families left the area but still retain ownership. I track them down and see if they wish to sell to our clan. Some do. Some don’t.”
“Do you ever convince the latter?”
Wen shook his head. “Rarely. Their fathers and grandfathers, sometimes great-grandfathers, are the ones who busted their asses to stake claims to the land put up by the Homestead Act. They had to survive and thrive to keep it. It’s an important part of their family history, and some even hold gatherings over the summer months every year. We’d never take that from them by messing with their minds.”
Lavos definitely liked the guy.
“We also visit the pack formed by our relatives who left Alaska. They settled in Colorado.”
“I’ve never been.”
“It’s damn pretty. I actually bought some land there.” Wen grinned. “It’s near the pack.”
“The alpha doesn’t mind?”
“He knows I have no interest in taking over his territory, and he’s found it handy having a VampLycan around from time to time. I once dreamed of moving there but then my brother died. I’ll eventually give the land to the pack, but for now, I just like being able to call it home from time to time.”
“Sounds nice.”
“It’s close to the territory that some of your ancestors live in too. The Lycans left for Colorado together and split their territory among four different packs.”
“We were forbidden to keep in contact with them.”
“Yeah. It seems nobody from Decker’s clan keeps in touch with their Lycan families. The other clans do, but not to the extent that Trayis encourages it with our people. Family is important. One of his brothers is the alpha of our lineage pack.”
“How did that happen?”
“Trayis’s mother was a Vampire victim, and after he took charge of the clan, she left with her Lycan parents. She mated a Lycan and had another child. Trayis and Arlis are actually half-brothers.”
“They’re close?”
“As close as two brothers can be, living so far apart, but yeah, they seem tight. It’s another reason I’m welcome there. I’m one of Trayis’s friends, as well as an enforcer. I’m trusted by the pack to never do them any harm. They have no fear of us.”
“That’s good.”
“It is. Even a few of the GarLycans visit their family pack. You should go one day and meet them.” Wen glanced around. “So you want me to stick around for a bit? I have to admit I’m curious as hell about this clan, and I would like to help you and your brother keep it.” He held Lavos’s gaze.
“We’d appreciate it. Thanks.”
Chapter Sixteen
Jadee and Kira sat a few feet apart on a couch in a cozy living room. She’d met the father, Davis, who’d been nice, but he’d gone back outside to pull guard duty. It left them alone.
“I bet you have a million questions.” Kira grinned. “You can relax. Dad can intimidate, but then again, all the men in the clan do.”
“Everyone is so big and in shape. I feel tiny.”
“Me too,” Kira admitted. “I take after my mom. Short. They’re also muscular because they shift into another form, and it’s quite a workout. I used to envy how much food these people can put away and never gain an ounce of flab. I looked at a cake and could feel my stomach bloating.”
Jadee glanced at Kira’s body. “You don’t seem to have that problem anymore.”
“I can’t full-on shift yet but I can grow claws. It speeds up the metabolism. I’ve noticed a difference since my attack.”
“Lavos said you were mostly human, then a Vampire turned you, but now you’re like the others here.”
“Except for changing forms.” Kira lifted her hand but then paused, staring at Jadee. “I was going to show you but I don’t want you to be afraid of me. We’re family now. I’m trying to put myself in your shoes. Are you completely wigged out? Lavos said he told you everything, but he’s a man. They have a different idea of that than we do.”
“I’m not exactly the run-of-the-mill person. I grew u
p listening to stories about people and things not human. I’d love to see what you can do. I was more worried about my throat.”
“That I’d want to suck your blood?” Kira laughed. “It’s just Lorn’s neck that tempts me. You’re safe. The bloodlust only kicks in when he’s around, and I think it’s only still happening because I associate it with sex.” She winked. “Newly mated.”
“Show me the claws, please?”
Kira straightened her hand and lifted it higher. Her fingernails began to grow longer, the tips curving a bit and growing sharper as Jadee watched.
“That’s so cool.”
“I know.” Excitement laced Kira’s voice. “I never thought I’d be able to do that. Lorn thinks I might be able to full-on shift one day but I’m not so sure. Of course, I’m worried what I’ll look like if ever do transform.” She dropped her hand, the claws sliding in. “Have you seen Lavos shifted?”
“Once.”
“Scary shit, right? VampLycans don’t look like wolves. They’re too humanoid in shape. It’s not so bad for a guy to look terrifying, but a girl?” Kira shook her head. “And what if not all of my body shifts? Like if my breasts remain human?”
Jadee wasn’t sure what to say to that.
Kira leaned forward a little. “Sorry. This is new to me too, only I’ve known about VampLycans all my life, obviously. I was raised in this clan but I’m an expert on knowing how it feels to be an outsider. How are you handling the reality that humans aren’t the only people on the planet?”
“I’m not a fan of Vampires.”
“Me either.” Kira twisted more in her seat, getting comfortable. “Even though I guess I owe one, even if he didn’t mean to do me any favors.”
“I understand. Lavos told me what happened to you. You’re so lucky to be alive. I hate Vampires. They’re pure evil.”
“There’s supposed to be a few good Vampires but I haven’t met any. Most are assholes.”
“I definitely met the asshole kind,” Jadee admitted.
“Lavos is a good man. You can trust him. I had some human friends when I went to college, so I’m trying to imagine what you might be worried about. I felt like an outsider in the human world too, since I always had to keep my guard up and pretend I fit in way better than I actually did. You want the low-down on everything here?”
“That would be appreciated.”
“First off, you won’t have to worry about Lavos being a player or abusive. Mates don’t cheat or beat on you. He’s in this relationship with you one hundred percent, for life. His instincts are strong and he wants you protected from all harm. Period.”
“That’s great to know.”
Kira nodded. “Now the clan… I mean, every race has their freaks and maniacs. I won’t kid you. I’ve met a few fucked-up VampLycans, but most of them are solid. Lavos and Lorn, my dad, and the carefully chosen enforcers of our clan are amazing. You can trust them to never hurt you. But the rest of the people here?” Kira shook her head. “Never trust anyone, okay? Unless Lavos or I tell you they’re good, don’t let your guard down.”
“I’ve been warned already. They don’t like humans.”
“Some of them hate them. Let’s just say I didn’t have any good friends besides Lorn. Some of them tolerated me when I was still mostly human, a few were kind, but I watched my ass so I didn’t have a so-called accident. It was a real concern. It’s going to take time for everyone to adjust to the new way this clan is being run by my mate, and to grow to trust you not to do them any harm.”
That had Jadee snorting. “As if I could.”
“Physically, to be blunt, you’re about as scary as a baby bird to them. Not at all. They’re way faster, stronger, and lethal in a fight. They’ll mostly be worried that you’re going to pull a stunt like film them when they aren’t in human form and load it to the internet to expose them to the world. That makes you a serious threat, Jadee. Swear to me you’ll never do that. It would start a war like you can’t imagine.”
“I would never.” It hurt her feelings that Kira would even suggest it.
“I had to ask. Lorn told me your father and his team were myth busters or something along those lines. I watch shows about people going in search of Bigfoot and to prove the existence of aliens.”
“That’s true about my father but I wasn’t a part of his team.”
“Don’t you feel you owe it to your father’s memory to prove he didn’t waste his life looking for the proof he sought?”
“It got him killed.” Jadee tried not to take offense. Kira said she was trying to put herself in her shoes, so she did the same. “Let me tell you a little about my childhood. I spent three weeks in Scotland while my father and his friends were hunting for the Loch Ness monster. I get sick on boats, and guess what we did every day and night? Yeah. Out on a boat, looking for a sighting. It was miserable.
“Then I was stuck for two weeks in some Brazilian jungle because someone reported cat-shifter people. The only thing we caught was some mysterious fever from infected bug bites and days of puking, with the worst case of the runs to go along with it. We were lucky it wasn’t some deadly disease.
“Don’t even get me started on the time I nearly froze to death on some mountain over a snow beast rumor. That’s how I spent Christmas one year. Forget about Santa bringing me a new doll. I was praying I wouldn’t be buried alive under an avalanche. Four people died in a camp less than a mile from us on day two, after part of a snow bank came down on them. I was six, Kira. I had no business being there.”
Sympathy softened Kira’s features. “It sounds rough.”
“I was fed up with that life by the time I hit my teens and begged my dad to let me live with my grandma. He fought me at first, but finally gave in. I didn’t care about whatever my dad was hunting. I just wanted a stable home, a normal life, and to not be a part of that. Kids didn’t think it was cool that I’d traveled all over the world. They teased and tormented me when they found out what my father did for a living and why he wasn’t around. My grandma raised me during my teens.
“Those creatures and things he was looking for? I grew to resent them—because they were more important to him than I could ever be. He missed my high school graduation to go to England. He blew me off for a fucking ghost. He justified missing that important event in my life because he got some grainy video footage that he thought might actually prove his life had meaning. I’m glad his did in the end…but I suffered for it.”
Kira took Jadee’s hand and squeezed. “You’re breaking my heart.”
“I don’t mean to. I’m mostly over it because you can’t change the past. You can only learn from it. The point is, you never have to worry about me being anything like my father. His obsession got him killed and caused me a lot of emotional pain. I just want to enjoy life and never be in the spotlight. Clear enough?”
“Yes.”
Jadee studied Kira closely. “I’d never do anything to hurt Lavos, and I understand that it would put a target on my back too. I give you my word, for what it’s worth to you, that I will never tell another person about what I’ve learned.”
“That’s good enough for me.” She let Jadee go. “I will admit, I’m so glad Lavos found you. We’re family. I’d always hated being an only child. I’m hoping we become as close as real sisters.”
“That would be great.”
“It would.” Kira grinned. “So, back to VampLycan 101. What do you want to know? You can ask me anything.”
She thought about it. “Will it bother Lavos that I can’t shift?”
“It doesn’t bother Lorn that I can’t. It’s not an important factor. I wouldn’t worry about it. Very few couples shift to have sex in the other form. I’ve come across it while I was patrolling.” She grimaced. “So not sexy. Do you think Lavos is hot shifted? I love Lorn but it doesn’t do it for me.”
“Lavos looks terrifying.”
“Exactly. The women look like that too. I honestly can’t tell the sexes apart unl
ess I’m familiar enough with them to identify their eyes or markings while they’re shifted. They get a little furry between the legs, so it’s not like you can spot girl or boy parts with ease unless the view is right. I wouldn’t worry about Lavos wishing you could shift. Most prefer sex in skin.”
“That makes me feel better. I’ll admit, I feel a little insecure. I saw some woman hitting on him earlier today. She was gorgeous, and a VampLycan like him.”
“He mated and wants you. Be honest with him, Jadee. He’ll always tell you the truth. Mates don’t play games or lie to each other. They don’t cheat either. You can talk to him about anything or ask him any question. You’re his other half. I think that’s the most important thing I can tell you. You didn’t marry a human. You merged your very life and body with a VampLycan. He’s a part of you now, and you’re a part of him. Two become one. It’s emotional and physical. Do you understand?”
She let the words sink in. “You mean that, don’t you?”
“Yes. A lot of mates die if they lose their other half. They just don’t want to live. The ones who survive were either not mated long or have small children. They know they’re needed so they manage to hang on. I worry about one particular woman in our clan because she lost her mate and her kids are almost mature. I don’t know if Perri will keep living once her children leave her home.” Kira sighed. “Welcome to the world of VampLycans. Promise to heed my warnings about being careful of who you trust. You’re not just risking your own ass anymore. Lavos’s life is on the line too.”
It gave Jadee a lot to think about. “Okay. Thank you for telling me all this. I have one more question.”
“Ask away.”
“I don’t want to be rude, but…your dad looks so young.”
Kira laughed. “Most VampLycans age like a human until we hit about twenty. Then it slows down big time. My dad looks to be in his early thirties, at most, but he’s way older.”
Jadee wanted to ask when he was born but she didn’t. “So VampLycans live a long time, huh?”