“I’ve just received a call from my son Kraven’s mate.”
“Problem?” Lorn tensed.
“Kind of. Bat and Kraven made friends with the nest master of Los Angeles. Bat talks to Michael at least once a week. She told him about the Vampire attack on your clan.”
Lavos sighed. “Did we piss this Michael off by killing those bastards who came after us and now he wants war?”
Velder shook his head. “Michael has been a friend to the VampLycans. He helped Kraven protect Bat when they were in his territory. Fucking Decker had the Vampire Council and the local Lycan packs searching for her.”
Lavos had heard something about that. “Decker wanted to give her to Lord Aveoth, right?”
Velder glanced at the two clan leaders in the chairs on each side of him. “You’ll want to hear this too, Trayis and Crocker. That’s why I insisted you be here.”
Trayis was the one to speak. “What’s wrong?”
“I’ve told you about Michael.”
“The master of L.A.?”
Velder nodded at Trayis. “Yes. He’s got one of the largest nests in the United States. The reason for it is that he takes in strays.”
That confused Lavos. “Strays?”
Velder shrugged. “From what Bat and Kraven have said, he actually has a heart and morals. They like him a lot. You know how humans go to L.A. to become movie stars? Well, it seems Vamps go there seeking sanctuary from harsh, abusive masters. Michael accepts Vamps with his same beliefs.”
“Which are?” Lavos asked.
“He likes to keep the peace between races, values human life, and even allows Lycan packs to exist in his territory. Most masters use their nests as slaves. Not Michael. They’re allowed to work and have somewhat normal lives for Vamps. He doesn’t take their money or force them to sleep in only one place. From what I’ve gathered, he only demands they have to follow his rules to stay in his territory.”
“What are his rules?” Crocker looked interested.
“Don’t kill humans. Don’t use them like cattle. Don’t cause a war. No selling or distributing drugs to make money or to control humans. No blood stealing or turning a human into a Vamp without permission. Shit like that,” Velder answered. “I did my own checking on him since I knew Bat and Kraven were fond of him. I only heard good things.”
“Rare for a master,” Crocker muttered.
Velder nodded. “That’s why Kraven likes him. Michael kept his humanity. Bat told Michael about the Vampires that attacked Lorn’s clan and gave him all the details. He sent out a mass email to his nest, asking for information on a master who called himself a king to see if anyone knew Charles Borrow. As I said, Michael takes in strays. A female Vamp responded. She used to be part of Borrow’s nest before she fled to Los Angeles.”
“Borrow is dead,” Lavos pointed out.
Velder held his gaze and smiled. It was cold. “Michael called the female, and learned that Charles Borrow always kept three Vamps very close to him. He referred to them as his court. They were his most trusted. He never traveled without them by his side. I remembered the details of the attack on that nest. Vlad played the part of assistant and caretaker to Borrow. Veso killed this Vlad during his initial escape from that mine with his mate. Denny sounded like the one that was found hiding under the pile of bodies. It was his job to play jailer to their human victims and make certain the master always had live food. That’s the one you killed, Lavos.”
The implications sank in, and Lavos understood. “We can only account for three full Vampires dying—including Charles. There should have been four. One did get away.”
“What about the four that died the night they kidnapped Veso and attacked Kira? Maybe one of them was the last of Borrow’s supposed court.” Lorn glanced at his brother.
Velder caught Lavos’s gaze. “No. Listen to what else I have to say. The Vampire Council probably sent a few of their own with Charles Borrow. The missing one is named Horton. It was his job to bring in new Vamps to the nest when they wanted to increase their numbers and defend it. The Vamp woman who spoke to Michael said Horton made soldiers sometimes to terrorize anyone in the nest who pissed off him or Borrow. He’s supposed to be a real sick bastard, and she believes he’ll do anything to seek vengeance for the loss of his master. He worshipped Borrow to an almost godlike degree.” He paused. “He also fits the description given by that soldier who made others.”
“Goddamn,” Lorn growled. “This Horton made Mitch.”
Velder gave a sharp nod. “Michael did more than get us that information. He called other masters he’s made secret alliances with. Not every nest is comfortable with the power the Vampire Council wields. The good news is, he got a lead on Horton’s location. It’s not exact, but there were enough rumors to pinpoint a city neighborhood. Horton destroyed the nest he came from. Word was, they were too happy to see Borrow gone and liked the taste of freedom. They wouldn’t bow down to Horton and follow him.”
“Less assholes in the world,” Lavos said. “They had to be nuts to have a master like Borrow.”
“It’s not all good news though.” Velder hesitated. “Horton slaughtered them and has hooked up with rogues. They’ve been spotted in Washington State. Vampires and Lycans are taking orders from him. He’s reached out to some nests and packs, spreading lies about us.”
“What kind?” Crocker’s eyes darkened, going black. He was obviously angry.
Velder took his time to answer, glancing at different faces in the room, finally staring at Lorn. “Michael used his contacts to reach out to those same packs and nests. Horton told them that a team of VampLycans attacked his nest, took Borrow and his court captive, and brought them here to torture and gain information.”
“That’s bullshit,” Lorn snarled, rising to his feet.
Lavos put his hand on his brother’s shoulder, instantly on alert. He glanced around, worried that the other clans might attack. “That’s something Decker might have done, but not us. It’s a lie,” he growled. “They attacked us, invaded our territory, and kidnapped Veso.”
“They turned my Kira into a Vampire,” Lorn yelled. “She almost died!”
“Easy,” Velder soothed. “I said Horton was telling lies. I don’t believe them.”
“I don’t either.” Trayis actually smiled. “Sit down, Lorn. You’re amongst friends. We all know Decker sent those bastards here to kidnap one of your clan. Borrow wanted a VampLycan to breed with his human relative, and Decker sure as hell wouldn’t give up one of his enforcers right now. They’re all he has to keep his ass alive. None of us would have attended the dinner today if we didn’t have total faith that you’re honorable.”
Lorn sat. Lavos released his shoulder and breathed easier.
“What kind of shit is Decker trying to start now?” Crocker’s eyes were still near black and hair had grown along his face, his Lycan side showing through. One glance at his hands revealed that his claws had come out.
“Easy, my friend.” Velder reached over and placed his hand on his arm. “We all hate Decker and knew he wouldn’t go quietly. He’s been a pain in our asses since the beginning, but I don’t think he’s responsible for what Horton is doing right now.”
“Bullshit! He killed my mate. He needs to die!”
That bit of information shocked Lavos. He could tell his brother also hadn’t known when Lorn sharply sucked air into his lungs. Decker killed Crocker’s mate? When? How? He didn’t ask though, not wanting to upset Crocker again.
“Decker does need to die—and Lord Aveoth is hunting him,” Velder quietly stated. “This is a different problem though. One started by Decker but now it’s our mess, yet again.”
Crocker closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they were much lighter and some of the hair had receded from his face. “I’m listening. Go on.”
“My guess is that Horton blames us and Decker for Borrow’s death. He’s spreading that lie to nests, packs, and rogues to fan the old fears that we’ll one day wi
pe them all out to be at the top of the food chain. According to Michael, he’s told them we’ve spent all these years breeding an army. That they were kidnapped by us to gain numbers and locations of other nests and packs in the lower forty-eight, since we stick to Alaska.”
“That doesn’t even make sense,” Garson spat. “I mean, we hate the Vampires who attacked our Lycan ancestors, but we leave Vamps alone unless they’re going after Lycan women to repeat the past. We sure as hell wouldn’t go after any packs, since we protect them.”
Lavos shot his friend a warning look to keep his mouth sealed. Garson had a tendency to blurt things out when he was upset. Now wasn’t the time.
Garson gave him a nod and leaned back against the wall, glowering.
“Lycans fear us,” Trayis reminded them. “My half-brother tells me that other packs question his sanity when they hear that he’s in contact with me. They believe I’ll one day challenge him and slaughter his pack because I must see them as weak. Of course I don’t, and it’s not true. Still, that’s the first thing they think.”
“I think Horton is trying to convince nests and packs to join forces and come after us before we slaughter them,” Velder said. “We need to kill this miserable son of a bitch before it’s more than just a band of rogues listening to his bullshit.”
“We’ll send teams after him.” Crocker sat up straighter in his chair.
Wen made his way forward, drawing attention. He cleared his throat. “May I speak?”
Lorn nodded. Trayis turned his head to peer at his enforcer. “What is it, Wen?”
“I think that would be a mistake. This Horton is claiming we’ve already sent out a team to kidnap members of his nest. It would only add credibility to his story and possibly spread panic in the city he’s in. And there’s no way for a team of us to enter any territory without it drawing notice. I’m sent on missions often for my clan, and I visit different cities. I’ve always let the masters and alphas know if I need to be in their territories for a few days. They’re wary, but one VampLycan isn’t seen as a dire threat. I think you should just send me. I won’t raise any alarms, and if they call around, they’ll hear I do this often.”
“We’ve been adding to our territory. Wen’s the one who tracks down landowners to see if they’ll sell to us. He’s right. One VampLycan doesn’t freak them out much but a team of us would,” Trayis agreed.
“Michael doesn’t know the exact number of the rogues Horton is leading.” Velder seemed to study Wen. “You look fierce, and I know Trayis must have a lot of faith in you, but it would be a suicide mission to go in alone. The nests and packs could also attack you.”
Wen smirked. “Tell him, Trayis.”
Everyone stared at the clan leader. He grinned back at Wen. “If anyone could do it, it’s him. Not only is Wen one of my best fighters, but he’s a genius when it comes to figuring out how to make friends with other races. What’s your plan?”
Wen’s expression became all business. “Horton is gathering rogues, trying to build alliances to take us on—so what’s more tempting than a rogue VampLycan who can help him win his war? He’ll want the exact numbers of each clan, their locations, and to learn our weaknesses.”
Lavos had to give the enforcer credit for having balls. “You want him to capture and torture you? Because that’s what he’ll probably do.”
“I’ll convince him I’m on his side. We’ll have VampLycans wanting both of us dead as our common bond.”
“He’ll never buy it. He sounds crazy but not outright stupid.”
Wen held Lavos’s gaze and smiled again. “He’s lost his beloved master, slaughtered his own nest after they rejected him, and broken the rules set by his own council. Do you know what they’d do to him if they learned he let loose a soldier that slaughtered a human town?”
“They’d order his death,” Lavos answered.
“Exactly. He’s desperate enough to want to believe I could help him. He might hold me prisoner at first, but I’ll get him to let his guard down. It will be the last thing he ever does. Dead men don’t tell more lies or cause problems.”
After a bit more discussion, it was decided that Wen would be given a chance to take Horton out alone. Thoughts of Jadee distracted Lavos for the rest of the meeting. She currently might be in danger from a few disgruntled clan members loyal to Decker, but it would be another story if Vampires and Lycans started an outright war with them. He’d have to stash her inside his den to keep her safe.
Chapter Eighteen
Jadee rushed to the door when someone pounded on it. She stared out the window and then opened the door. Lavos smiled at her, entering the house.
“Sorry. I don’t carry keys. I forgot about that when I told you to lock up after I left.”
“Is everything okay?”
He pulled her into his arms and kicked the door closed behind him. “The clan leaders and enforcers had to hold an emergency meeting.”
She clung to him. “Was this about me?”
“No. They got a lead on the Vampire who created Mitch.”
Anger and pain hit. She’d lost her dad because he’d been turned into a soldier by that freak. “Are they going after this son of a bitch? Are you?” She made an instant decision. “I want to go with you if you are.”
He gripped her arms and forced her to put a little space between them, staring into her eyes. “No. Neither of us are going after that bastard. Someone else is though. I won’t have you in danger.”
“But—”
“No.” He shook his head. “Let’s not make this our first fight as mates. I’d rather we argue about silly things, such as who gets to be on top when we go to bed and make love.” He eased his hold on her arms and ran them down to her hands, threading his fingers through hers. “An enforcer will take out that Vamp. You and I will stay here to bond.”
She bit her lip, part of her wanting to protest, but then she remembered everything she’d gone through. Did she really want to come face to face with another Vampire?
The answer was simple. No.
“Okay.”
His eyebrows rose.
“I’m not stupid. As long as that son of a bitch dies, I don’t care who gets to take off his head. I just want him to pay for all the deaths he caused.”
“He will.” Lavos tugged on her hand. “Follow me.”
Jadee walked behind Lavos as he went upstairs and entered his bedroom. He walked over to the dresser, got something out of the top drawer, and turned. “Have I told you how much you mean to me?”
“I know. You mated me.”
He slowly approached her with a smile. “You’re my everything. When I was sixteen, I hated my life. My dad really is a dick. He was rough on Lorn and I growing up. You’ve heard about Decker. I had hit this stage in my life when I wondered why I was on this Earth. Everything was just so miserable. My brother saw what was happening to me, the depression I felt, so he planned a trip for us. We told everyone we were going hunting but instead we borrowed a car from a human, drove to the airport, and went to meet my mother’s mother for the very first time. To this day, no one knows. Mom had told us stories while we were growing up about how wonderful Grandma was.”
Jadee smiled back at him. “It sounds like an adventure.”
“It was. Grandma is really funny. She hugged us a lot, kissed us; she’s very affectionate. We never really had that growing up. My dad yelled at our mom if she coddled us too much. The Lycan pack is the opposite of how this clan used to be. They are super friendly, everyone is close, and the alpha’s a good guy. The night before we had to return home, my grandma pulled me aside and asked me why I seemed so sad. I didn’t want to leave, but I knew I had no choice. Lorn had lied to get me away and he would have been punished if he’d returned without me. Decker also would have sent enforcers after me. No one was allowed to leave this clan alive.”
Jadee reached out and put her hand on his chest. “What happened?”
“My grandmother told me to have fa
ith that things would get better, and that one day I’d find happiness. She took off her ring and placed it in my hand, telling me to keep it with me at all times as a reminder. It was a symbol of hope for the wonderful future she promised me I’d have one day.”
Tears filled Lavos’s eyes and he slowly lowered to his knees in front of Jadee. Her heart pounded and she had to swallow hard. Her own eyes watered.
He opened his hand and the silver ring he usually kept on a chain was in his palm. “You’re my happiness, and my wonderful future that I’ve been waiting for. I want you to wear this ring now as a symbol of my love and a promise that we’re going to be happy forever.”
Her hand shook as she offered him her left one. He used his index finger and thumb to gently push it on her ring finger. It fit as if it had been made for her.
Lavos grinned. “See? You’re perfect for me.”
Jadee threw her arms around his neck, sinking to her knees and clinging to him. “You’re perfect for me too. I love you, Lavos.”
“I love you too, baby.” He cupped her face. “Remember how I said next time we’ll take it slow when I’m making love to you?”
She grinned. “Next next time?”
“Next next time,” he agreed.
He maneuvered until he was at her back and wrapped his arms around her waist. She peered at him over her shoulder, eyebrows arching as he shoved her pants down.
“In a hurry?”
“Always.”
His hand delved between her thighs, rubbing her clit with his thumb.
She closed her eyes, moaning. “You’re so bad.”
“In the best ways.”
The way his voice deepened, taking on that sexy gruffness, turned her on more. She reached back, fumbling to get his pants open. He used his free hand to help until his cock was free. She wrapped her fingers around it, stroking his rigid shaft as he continued to massage her clit. She was getting soaking wet, aching to have him inside her.
“Bend and brace,” he demanded. “I need you now.”
She let him go and lowered her upper body, spreading her hands apart on his floor, locking her elbows straight. She resisted making a crack about doing it doggy style but she thought it. Lavos entered her slowly, his thick cock breaching her pussy. She moaned his name.