Aveoth closely watched Chaz and Fray. “You do not enter my home unless you feel someone has broken in. Jill is under my protection. She’s mine. Keep her safe at all costs. I don’t give a fuck who you have to kill, but no one harms her.”
Fray grinned. “She must be super-hot. Good for you, my lord. We won’t let anything happen to your woman.”
Chaz growled. “Respect, brother. Chill your ass out.”
Aveoth fought a smile. He liked and trusted the two GarLycans. The older twin, Chaz, tended to be more serious. Fray constantly said what was on his mind, even if it wasn’t appropriate. They amused him with their laid-back personalities. He’d read a lot of complaints about both until he’d put them under Kelzeb’s sole command. His best friend encouraged them, and Aveoth understood why. They were a breath of fresh air in the mostly stagnant attitudes at the cliffs.
“I’m totally being respectful.” Fray grinned wider. “Lord Aveoth has a woman and he wants to keep her. I’m down with that. Plus, he just said we have permission to slay any assholes who would attack her. Only snobby Gargoyles are butt hurt right now about her being here. They treat us like shit most of the time, so we have a license to kill. That’s high-five time.” He lifted one of his palms up.
Chaz shook his head. “Knock it off. I apologize, my lord. My younger brother must have missed out on some oxygen at birth since he was in the womb longer.”
“You’re like one minute older.”
Aveoth chuckled. “Enough. Protect Jill. No one is to visit her, especially Winalin.” That killed his humor. “She’s a threat.”
“I bet.” Fray snorted. “She’s been after you forever and thinks her shit doesn’t stink. The fact that you’d pick someone with human blood must sting her stuck-up ass big time.”
“Goddamn it,” Chaz rasped. “I apologize again, my lord. Perhaps I hit him in the head too hard while we were sparring this morning.”
“I’ll be back soon. Make certain nothing happens to Jill.” Aveoth strode off, but heard Chaz hissing at his brother as he went down the corridor away from his home.
“You’re such a dumbass, Fray. I can’t take you anywhere.”
“Lord Aveoth is cool. He wasn’t pissed. He knows Winalin is a snobby bitch. Who doesn’t?”
Aveoth grinned, turning the corner. He masked his features fast though, and found Kelzeb waiting for him at the top of the stairs. His best friend arched an eyebrow.
“The twins,” Aveoth whispered.
Kelzeb winked. “My favorite guys. Good choice for protection duty. They’ll defend her with their lives and both of them are excellent fighters.”
“I’m aware. Let’s go see Kado.”
“How much of a pain in the ass was he when you demanded to speak to him?”
“He’s predictable. I’ll give him that.”
“So he whined like an infant?”
“Pretty much.”
Aveoth’s phone buzzed and he took it out of his pocket. He cursed, coming to a halt. A female voice began to speak as soon as he accepted the call.
“Why is it that I had to hear you have a woman from Renna? She overheard it being spoken about.”
Kelzeb turned, giving him a curious look.
“I would have called you but I’ve been busy, Mother. Right now isn’t a good time. I’ll return your call soon.”
“I want to meet her.”
“You will. I have a meeting to attend.”
“You always have meetings. Are you dragging that poor girl with you? It’s cruel, Aveoth. That’s why I rarely leave my quarters. I heard she is human. The poor dear must be terrified. Bring her to me and I’ll entertain her.”
“I left her in my home with guards.”
“She’s trying to escape? I can’t say I blame her.”
He gritted his teeth. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I know you’d be on your best behavior, but she must be terrified as a human here. You never planned to introduce her to me, did you?”
“That’s not true. I meant to ask Renna to fit her for a wardrobe. You would have come along with her. Perhaps tomorrow would be a good time for that.”
“The poor girl doesn’t have any clothing? Are you keeping her chained naked to your bed?” Her voice became cold, and he heard her rage.
“Of course not! She has nothing appropriate for the cliffs. It’s a long story. I really need to go.” He lowered his voice. “Kado is making waves. I have to deal with him.”
She growled. “Of course he is. Call me later.”
He disconnected and shoved his phone back inside his pocket.
Kelzeb resumed walking down the stairs. “Are her feelings hurt?”
“Probably. I’ll deal with that later.”
They reached the council floor and Kelzeb stepped ahead of him, one hand gripping his sword. Aveoth did the same as they paused, preparing for a confrontation. He didn’t trust Kado or any of the council members. It was possible they’d attack without warning.
“I’ll apologize in advance for whatever Domb says,” Kelzeb muttered.
Aveoth held his friend’s gaze. “You are nothing like your father, nor are you close to him. We’ve been over this.”
“The bastard is an embarrassment.”
“So was Lord Abotorus while he lived. I will never hold you accountable for Domb or his actions.”
“Let’s do this.” Kelzeb sighed. “I’m ready for the dirty looks from the old bastard.”
“I’m ready for a fight if they demand one.”
“Me too.” Kelzeb took the lead, striding down the hallway once more.
The double doors were open, copious amounts of candles lit in the chambers, and it came as no surprise that every chair around the squared table was taken when they stepped inside. The four-member council had assembled.
“You may enter,” Kado called out.
Aveoth noticed the way Kelzeb’s shoulders stiffened as he stopped. He stepped next to him and glared at Kado. “As if I need your permission. You’d be amusing to me if you weren’t so offensive. Bow—now.” He cut his angry gaze to every face around the table, daring them to refuse.
The four rose quickly, Kado the last to stand, and lowered their heads. Kado glanced up first, his eyes unable to hide his outrage. He opened his mouth to speak but Aveoth cut him off.
“I’ve warned you before that I won’t stand for any plotting you do together outside of the scheduled meetings I’m notified of in advance. I’m aware you gathered today in private.” He stepped forward, pulling his sword. “Does anyone wish to challenge me? I’m prepared.”
Heads lowered and remained there. Kado wouldn’t meet his gaze anymore.
Long minutes passed. Aveoth wanted them to be uncomfortable and worried. The bastards were up to something, and he wasn’t about to pretend otherwise.
“I had planned to discuss the breach of protocol with Kado, but I’m glad he overextended his authority once again by calling you together. I won’t have to trust him to twist my words. I’ll say it directly to you. Look at me.”
Their heads rose, and he saw that none of them could avoid showing emotion. It ranged from anger, to resentment, to fear. Domb shot hateful glances at Kelzeb but his friend seemed to ignore them. Aveoth despised that Kelzeb had to suffer those looks from his own father. It pissed him off more though.
He glared at each of them, settling on Kado last.
“I am your lord, and I do not answer to you. Whatever you discussed today is irrelevant. Your duties do not include gossiping about why I brought a woman into my home. I’ll assume that’s what caused you to secretly hold a session today. Don’t let it happen again—or prepare to raise your swords to the death.”
“You are our lord,” Kado ground out. “It is our duty to think of the clan’s future. There is talk that you have a human breeding vessel. With all respect, we would like to discuss the possibility of you breeding with a Gargoyle instead.”
Milgo glanced up. “Elco has offered Winalin in the human’s place. It would be more appropriate. Your youngling would be a fine, strong addition to our clan.”
Domb jumped on that. “She’s fitting of a lord. Not some human breeder.”
Aveoth was done. “Elco craves power, yet has never lifted his sword or performed duties to earn a place in our clan. He is here only because he was born at the cliffs, leaching off us like an infant at his mother’s teat. That was acceptable until he became old enough to act like a responsible clansman. I refuse to promise him favors or status in exchange for the use of his sister’s body.” He glared at each of them. “It’s disgraceful for him to barter his own flesh and blood in that manner.
“Precious daughters and sisters, rare they may be, are to be mated to men who are excellent protectors and who will value their worth. They will not be bred and passed around to many, the way it was done in the old clan you fled from. That’s why so few women survived in the old times. And it’s a shame I have to explain this to the council. You better think long and hard about where you lost your honor—and try to find it once again. I’m done here. No more secret meetings. You’re adjourned. Get your asses up and out of this room within thirty seconds of my exit.”
He spun, storming out.
Kelzeb followed on his heels. They went up two flights of stairs before his friend whispered, “Would you like me to go back and make certain they emptied the chamber?”
“Fuck them. I made my point.” He was furious. “I hope they challenge me or outright disregard my decree. I’m in the mood to make some heads roll.”
“Sexual frustration will do that.”
Aveoth growled.
Kelzeb quickened his steps and joined him at his side as they moved through the corridors. “Why are we heading toward one of the scout tunnels?”
“I need fresh air to clear my head before I return to Jill.”
“I’ll stick with you. Are you thinking about finding a VampLycan to kiss to see if she reacts the way Jill did?”
Aveoth halted, stunned by the question. “No.”
“It might be a good idea. You need to discover if this is something new you’re experiencing or if it’s just a Jill thing.”
“I don’t want anyone else.”
Understanding dawned in Kelzeb’s steady gaze. “You are starting to care for her.”
“Jill is going to be my mate.”
“What if you can’t convince her to agree?”
Aveoth inhaled deeply and exhaled. “I’m determined.”
“What if that takes weeks or months? She seems like a strong-willed person.”
“I’ll wait for as long as it takes. I’m not letting her go. She’s mine.”
“This will be interesting. Just don’t take off any of my body parts while we spar when you go crazy from wanting her and being denied.”
A smile curved his lips. “Deal. Let’s stretch our wings.”
* * * * *
Jill turned the page of the book she’d taken from Aveoth’s library. It was a classic she’d loved as a child about a magical city by the sea. The fantasy aspect of it appealed to her, since her reality had drastically changed in a matter of days.
Her mind kept drifting to the tall GarLycan lord, though.
She wished she could hate Aveoth, but her memories kept replaying only his good points. He’d beat up her kidnappers, saved her from plummeting to her death, chose her over a gorgeous Gargoyle woman…and she liked the way he looked at her most of the time. He seemed like a good man, albeit a scary one. The fact that he wasn’t human was becoming less of a deterrent in terms of attraction.
Maybe I’ve lost my mind.
“Hello? Please don’t be frightened,” a woman’s voice called out sweetly. “I’m Aveoth’s mother. I’m going to open your door.”
Jill gasped, turning her head as the bedroom door slowly opened.
A tall, regal-looking woman sporting a gown entered but immediately paused at the threshold. Her silky black hair was coiled atop her head in some intricate twists. She was pale-skinned, beautiful, and didn’t look old enough to have an adult son.
The woman smiled and clasped her hands in front of her trim waist. “My name is Galihia. I’ll stay here so I don’t frighten you, child. May I ask your name?”
Jill put the book down and stood. “Jill.” She swallowed hard. “You only look about twenty-five.”
“You’re too kind. I’m much older than that. Please sit and be comfortable, as you were. I wanted to meet the woman my only son has brought to live with him. My curiosity got the best of me. You’re so pretty.” Her gaze lowered, seeming to take in Jill down to her feet. “And dainty! You’re adorable.”
“Thank you?” Jill wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.
“I am so happy to find you in this room.”
“I’m not sure how to respond to that.”
“My son put you next to his bedroom. That tells me that you’re very special to him.” She beamed, her beauty nearly radiant. “I am very happy for you both.”
She remembered what he’d said about Lane. He’d kept his lover in a room on the lower floor. Maybe the woman thought they had gotten married or something. “Oh no.” She shook her head. “I think you’ve got the wrong idea.”
Galihia’s smile faded. “Perhaps so. I’m still glad to meet you.”
Good going. Jill hated to see the look of sadness her denial had put on Aveoth’s mother’s face. “I mean, I only just met your son very recently. I sleep in here and he’s in there.” She jerked her thumb toward the adjoining bathroom that linked their rooms. “We, um…” She closed her mouth. “I’m making a mess of this. I’m not like Lane. Is that a delicate enough way to put it? I don’t want to shock you or something.”
Galihia cocked her head, smiled, and then laughed. “I’m not a woman who shocks easily. I’m Aveoth’s mother. He tends to be brutally honest and frank.”
“Of course.” Jill relaxed and took a seat. “Would you like to sit?”
“No thank you. I can’t stay that long. Renna and I have plans in a bit. We’re watching a movie together.”
The name rang a bell. “That’s the woman who’s supposed to make me clothes. Aveoth mentioned her.”
“She is family to myself and Aveoth. I don’t know what I’d do without her. She takes care of me.”
“Is she an indentured servant?”
Galihia appeared horrified. “Never! Her mate died, and she knew how lonely I was, so she came to live with me. She’s my best friend, as well as my blood. You’ll like her, and she will love you. She asked to come with me but I didn’t want her to face my son’s wrath.”
Jill arched her eyebrows.
“I didn’t get permission from him first to enter his chambers. It’s not that he’s mean. My son has a huge heart and he’s a good man. It’s just that he probably wanted to wait a bit longer before we were introduced. I hope I don’t frighten you. We must seem so strange to you. Do you know anything?”
It took her a second to figure out what Aveoth’s mother was probably hinting at. “You mean that he’s a GarLycan? I do.”
A smile returned to her face. “I’m so relieved to hear that. I didn’t want to give any secrets away but I’m so glad, and also that he mentioned Lane to you. She was a sweet woman but they didn’t have a spark. Do you understand?”
“I think I do. Aveoth said they got along but weren’t close.”
“It broke my heart because I had hoped he’d be less lonely when she came here, but that didn’t happen. Did he tell you much about his childhood?”
“A little,” she admitted. “I know he was taken and kept away from you by his father. He said he flew to you when he was young, just to see you, since it wasn’t allowed.”
She nodded, sadness entering her gaze again. “My mate was a cruel, heartless rock of a man.” Tears filled her blue eyes. “My son was such a happy baby, always smiling, and he loved to be held. Then I watched the life drain out of him a day at a time as my mate destroyed the happiness around him, until he took him from my arms to live apart from me. You can’t imagine the hope and fear I saw in his eyes when he flew to me that first time, as if I’d reject him too. My poor baby. I wanted to escape with him but there was nowhere to go. Abotorus would have tracked us to the ends of the Earth.” She reached up and wiped at her tears. “He would have killed us both; he’d accused me of tainting our son with the pathetic emotion of love. The best day of my life was when Aveoth killed him. I know that might make you think poorly of me, but I lived for years worrying that he’d murder my son. Imagine that.”
Jill bit her lip and stood. “My biological father is a piece of shit. I don’t think badly of you. I used to dream up scenarios where he was dying and needed a kidney or something. I so wanted to watch him die, since I sure wouldn’t give up a body part for him. He abandoned my mother when she was pregnant, and sent thugs to threaten her since he was so embarrassed that she’d given birth to me.”
“You poor dear.” Galihia approached, walking very slowly. “Where is your mother?”
“She died.”
“I’m so sorry. Do you have siblings? Close family?” Aveoth’s mother reached out her hand to her.
Jill took it. “No. It was just me and my mom. I’m alone now.”
“No, you aren’t. You have Aveoth and his family. I always wanted a daughter, and now I have one.”
Jill let her go. “It’s really not that way between us. We’re not, um…we haven’t… Crap. This is awkward.”
Galihia was a tall woman, probably nearly six feet. She leaned down a little, bending at the waist to do so. “This room is for my son’s mate. He put you here. That means he must have strong feelings, dear Jill.”
“I barely know him.”
“I watch a lot of television. There’s not much else for Renna and I to entertain ourselves with. Human men are finicky creatures, seeming prone to stupidity, infidelity, and telling untruths. My son is nothing similar to them. He’s intelligent, loyal, and honest. Did he explain what a mate is?” She went on before giving Jill time to answer. “He’ll be faithful and loving to you until he takes his last breath. He knows what he wants, and that is you, dear Jill. He doesn’t need months or years to decide. His choice was made the moment he brought you to this bedroom. You’re no longer a part of the human world, so you need to open your eyes to see the differences. Do you understand?”
“I feel like I fell down the rabbit hole.”
Galihia grinned. “I read that tale to my son when he was a child.”
“He got the reference when I said it to him just after we met.”
“Don’t let the fear of the unknown dissuade you from seeing what is before you. I am biased as his mother, but I’m also truthful. Aveoth is an amazing man with a tender heart that beats beneath his breastbone. He hides his emotions in front of others because he must, but to you, he’s the emotionally fragile boy who longed so much to be loved and held. Give yourself to him, and I promise he’d cherish you forever. Open up to him, and he will give you everything he is.”
Tears filled Jill’s eyes. “We’re just so different.”
“Are you truly? You’re alone in this world. He feels that way because of his place in the clan and the expectations he’s under as a lord.” Galihia reached out and touched Jill’s cheek. “He’s longed for someone like you, dear Jill. He’s the one who is truly afraid you’ll reject him. Please don’t hurt my son. You’re his one chance at happiness.”
“Why me?”
“I don’t understand.” Galihia frowned.
“I saw that Winalin Gargoyle person. She undressed in front of Aveoth and threw herself at him. I can’t compare to her looks. I mean, she’s a bitch. I get why he hates her, but he could have anyone. A Victoria’s Secret model would be all over Aveoth. I’m not putting myself down, but I’m a realist. My looks draw men’s attentions. I’m fit but I don’t have any super-cool physical tricks up my sleeve or some supernatural beauty going on. I take after my mother. I can’t shift or grow fangs. I was shocked when I found out my father wasn’t human.”
Galihia frowned. “What was your father?”
“A VampLycan.”
The woman before her paled. It instantly alarmed Jill.
“I didn’t know him. As I said, he was a piece of shit who abandoned my mom when she told him she was pregnant, and he sent thugs to threaten her every few years so she’d never tell anyone I was his. He was probably afraid she’d go after child support money, too.”
“It’s not that.” Galihia’s smile reappeared, but it didn’t meet her eyes and looked forced. “Does my son know?”
“Aveoth got me from Decker Filmore. That asshole is my biological grandfather. He had jerks kidnap me from my work and they flew me to Alaska. I really hate that family.”
“Never tell anyone else that your father is a VampLycan. Promise me.”
“No problem. I’m not exactly thrilled about it.”
Aveoth’s mother clutched Jill’s hands. “It will put you in danger. No wonder my son hasn’t introduced us yet. He must be working on a solution to deal with this development. The full-blooded Gargoyles in our clan will outright reject having someone with any Vampire heritage as his mate. He’s going to have to kill some of them.” Her features softened. “He must love you deeply.” Her full smile returned. “Don’t you see? He’s chosen you despite how much trouble it will cause him.”
“It makes you happy that Aveoth is going to have to kill people?”
“We live in a violent world. Death is a part of it. My son will take out any threat to you or to your future. Never spare a moment of pity for those deaths. His father needed to die. There are cruel ones like Abotorus here. Appreciate my son’s dedication to you, my dear. How many women can claim a man will do anything to keep her safe? He’d wage a war with his own clan for you.”
Jill was quiet, thinking about that for several moments. “That’s grim, but I get the point. Are you upset that I’m part VampLycan?”
“No. I’m happy that he found you, dear Jill. All that matters is that you are the one my son wants. I’m thrilled he’s found you, and that you’re his mate.”
“I’m not his anything. It’s too crazy to think it could ever work between your son and I.”
“Why?”
Her mouth fell open but she closed it, swallowed, and freed her hands from Aveoth’s mother’s again. “I don’t belong here.”
“Was your life where you came from a very happy place? Were all your needs met? Was there a man who you loved with all your heart, who made you feel as if your life was complete?”
Jill was tempted to lie but that wasn’t her. “No. My life sucked but I didn’t feel like I’d been dropped in another universe.” She eyed the woman’s formal gown. “I’m not dressing like you. No offense. It’s beautiful but aren’t you hot? Uncomfortable?”
“You are to become the mate of our lord. That means you can demand change for our women. My mate never gave me any standing in the clan besides his official breeder. Aveoth won’t do that to you. He’ll listen to you and want you to be happy. Make that your first official decree after my son announces you to the clan. Demand we dress more casual in public.”
“I’m sure that will go over well.” Jill rolled her eyes.
Galihia laughed. “Probably not, but I know I would appreciate it. So would Renna. The most difficult thing for her to adjust to since moving to the cliffs has been the formal dress code women endure. I’m afraid that was my mate’s doing. He felt it was indecent to reveal our limbs to his clansmen, and he decided pants decreased our femininity. Aveoth just hasn’t changed it, but you could convince him to do so. He’ll be a caring and devoted mate to you.”
Jill sighed and sat down. “It’s not that simple.”
“It could be. Aveoth is an amazing man, as I said. I know I’m his mother but he has so much love to give if you’d only allow him the opportunity. Life here might be different from the one you left behind, but change is sometimes the best thing that can happen to us. May I give you some advice?”
Jill held her gaze, considering it. It wasn’t as if she had a lot of friends here, and Aveoth’s mother had been nice to her. “Please.”
“Stop thinking so much and allow yourself to feel, dear Jill. Take a chance. Allow my son to bed you. Lycan blood runs through your veins. One trait that is always passed down is good instincts. Listen to yours. Are you attracted to him?”
“Yes.”
“Are you afraid of him?”
“No.”
“Do you think he’d harm you in any way?”
Jill shook her head.
“Why have you kept him distanced?”
“He has wings and can turn to stone. Plus, the whole we-have-nothing-in-common thing.” She thought about mentioning the drugged kiss but decided not to, in case she also had to explain the afterward part. There was no way she’d admit Aveoth had gone down on her to his mother.
“Would you disqualify a human man because he had a scar or a limp?”
Jill frowned. “I see where you’re going with this, but there’s no real comparison between someone who limps and someone who can fly. They wouldn’t give me bat babies if they knocked me up.” She regretted saying that as soon as the words were out. “I mean—”
A snort of laughter came from Galihia. “Bat babies? That’s funny. Our children don’t have wings at birth.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you. You have wings too, right?”
“I do have the ability to fly, although I’m a bit rusty. I never leave the cliffs. Your lack of wings isn’t an issue. They don’t allow women to leave.”
“Don’t you feel like a prisoner?”
“No, dear. I’m protected and safe. I could ask for scouts to escort me for a flight over our territory if I really wanted to stretch my wings. You’re so young, and you have no idea of the kinds of danger lurking out there in the world. I do.”
“Aveoth said I was lucky to have survived as long as I have, since I don’t smell human if I’m bleeding.”
“You were hurt?”
“I ran into something and got a small cut. It was fine.”
“You are very lucky to be alive. The danger to you is great without protection.”
“I was raised in bad places. I know how dangerous the world can be.”
“Humans are nothing.” Galihia waved her hand. “I mean that on a danger scale. I watch your television. I could take dozens of bullets and survive, even if I didn’t shell my body first. They’d bounce off if I hardened my skin. I can be hurt unshelled but I’d recover. I’m also stronger by far. Six of your humans could attack me and I’d win in a fight.”
Jill glanced down her. “Not in that dress.”
Galihia laughed. “Even so, dear. My wings are trapped in this gown, so I’d have to fight without them, but imagine a shelled fist slamming into a human attacking me. He’d feel as if he were hit with a sledgehammer.” Her smile faded. “You are fragile and could be killed so easily. You’re safer here.”
“Even though Aveoth worries about his clan rising against him?”
“He shared that with you?”
She nodded.
“My son is a strong leader and the best swordsman in this clan. No one ever won against my mate, yet Aveoth did. He’s a very skilled fighter. That alone has made many rethink challenging him, and the stupid die quickly here. He will never allow anyone to hurt you. Have faith in him. It’s well placed if you give him a chance. I feel in my heart that you won’t regret it. What do you have to lose? Your life has already changed. You won’t be able to forget my son, or look at things the way you did before your eyes were opened to more than just the human world. Consider that carefully. Would you really be happier returning to where you were taken from? Or would you wonder what might have happened, and all the possibilities if you gave my son a chance?
“You did fall into your own rabbit hole.” Galihia slightly bowed, lifted her head, and winked. “Enjoy the adventure. I must bid you my leave now.”
Jill watched the woman turn and gracefully exit her room, closing the door behind her. She fell back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, deep in thought.