Gerri jerked awake. The room was still dark—and she sensed danger. A chill ran down her spine. She wanted to reach for the light on the bedside table but pure fear kept her frozen.
It only lasted a few heartbeats. She shoved at the covers, rolled out of bed, and launched herself into the nearest corner. Her fists came up as she spun around, prepared to fight whatever it was that woke her. It was so dark in the room that she couldn’t make out much.
“Easy,” a deep voice rumbled. “I’m not here to hurt you.”
He was male. She didn’t know who or what he was, but she guessed not human. She did adjust her head a little to track where his voice had come from. He was somewhere near the end of the bed, if she had to guess.
“You have good instincts, and I like that you were aware when I came in then protected your back. That’s a great defensive spot. I can only come at you from the front.”
Her mind went over possibilities. “I have permission to be here. You really don’t want to mess with me.” She swallowed, hoping Micah would realize she was in trouble and rush to her defense. It was tempting to scream, but the man in her room hadn’t attacked her so far. He might if she called for help. “What do you want?”
“I was curious about you.”
She went over what she knew so far. He’d said he wasn’t there to hurt her. He could also see in the dark, since he knew she’d gone to a corner. “You’re smelling a VampLycan. I’m guessing that you belong to this pack, picked up my scent, and came to investigate what the hell it was that caught your nose? Now you know. I’d like to point out that it’s really rude, no matter what race you are, to sneak into a woman’s bedroom in the middle of the night. Rethink it if you believe that just because I smell like one guy, I’m open to sex. You’d have to kill me, because I’ll fight you—and then you’d die next. I’m protected.”
He chuckled.
“I’m not joking.”
“I know you aren’t. You amuse me, is all. Forgive my response.”
She relaxed a little since he stayed near the end of the bed, but didn’t she unclench her hands. He was in for a fight if he did try to touch her. It wasn’t one she could win, but she might manage to stay alive long enough for Micah or his parents to be alerted that they had someone else in their home. Hopefully they’d come.
She wished she could see. “You know I’m human. Will you turn on a light? I’m blind without one; you know that.”
“I’ll turn on the light. Ready?”
She nodded. Part of the darkness moved and came closer. He turned on the lamp next to the bed.
Gerri blinked, adjusting to the sudden brightness, then gawked as she stared at the nighttime intruder.
He hadn’t changed all that much since the last time she’d seen him.
Shock held her still for a moment, but then she dropped her chin, her gaze lowering to the carpet between them, and she put her hands to her sides. She stepped away from the wall and bowed slightly, staying in that position.
He came toward her and she noticed the black boots he wore, with black cargo pants. “Look at me, Gerri,” he said.
She straightened and raised her chin. He wasn’t as tall as Wen, but no one would ever call him short either. Trayis was about six feet four. She couldn’t believe he was in Colorado.
He smiled. “Do you still paint on canvas?”
It wasn’t a question she’d expected. “No.”
“A shame. You had real talent as a child.” He reached out and touched her hair. His smile widened. “It’s as wild as ever. Your mother used to try so hard to restrain those curls, but they always burst out of the braids she wove.”
Fear came next. “Is Wen okay?” What if he’d come to tell her something horrible? She couldn’t understand why else the clan leader would be there.
“He’s fine. I ordered him back to Alaska. Tymber sent me a text when Wen arrived home.”
She breathed out a sigh of relief. Then the next guess on why Trayis would come to see her struck—and she took a step back, bumping the wall. “You’re angry that I went on that mission with Wen, right?”
His mouth firmed into a grim line for long seconds. “Furious,” he finally sighed. “He put you in danger.”
“He didn’t force me to go.”
Trayis reached out his hand. Gerri hesitated then clasped it. He backed up, leading her toward the table and chairs by the windows. Memories from her childhood returned. Trayis used to take her on walks sometimes, asking her how the other children treated her. He’d always been kind to her, like some kind of uncle.
“Sit.” He let her go.
Gerri took a seat across from him. Trayis put his hands on the table and leaned forward a little. “How is human life?”
She debated on how to answer, then decided to be honest. “Not that great.”
“Is your mother well?”
“I don’t know. We parted ways.”
Trayis’s shock showed on his face.
“She hooked up with a pack. Long story I don’t want to go into, but I wasn’t staying. She wasn’t leaving.”
“Do you have any children? I know you don’t have a human man in your life, at least not anymore, judging by Wen’s scent on you.”
“It’s just me.”
“That will make things easier.”
She leaned forward and crossed her arms on the edge of the table, staring at him. “Did you come to try to wipe my memories? It won’t work long term. Klentz tested me.”
“I remember that you inherited your mother’s immunity to mind control, although you’re not as strong as she was. The truth is lost to you, but you dream about it until you remember it’s an actual memory. No, Gerri. I’m only here to talk to you.”
She inwardly winced. “Did Wen break the rules by getting me involved in VampLycan politics? I’ve always kept clan secrets, lived under the radar, and never caused trouble. I’m not about to change any of that now. I give you my word, for what that’s worth.”
“Wen shouldn’t have involved you. I’m angry with him about that, but I’ve never questioned your honor. You swore to keep quiet about everything you’d learned growing up. I never would have allowed you to leave home if I had doubts. You have a good heart, Gerri. I tried to talk your mother into staying, but she had her mind set. It’s not my way to force people to live with us.”
She breathed easier, relaxing. “I promise that I’ll never talk about Washington. Is that why you came? To make sure I wouldn’t say anything?”
“I’m here to offer you a choice.”
That confused her. “What kind?”
“You were a child under your mother’s care when you left the clan. She made decisions for you that I had no right to interfere with. You’re an adult now. Would you like to rejoin the clan?”
His words nearly floored her. She hadn’t expected him to make that offer in a million years.
“You can return to Alaska with me or go back to the life you built with humans.”
“I don’t understand. I’m human. I mean, I was only allowed to live with the clan because of Klentz.”
“Bloodlines don’t matter to me. I accepted you into our clan, Gerri. You never asked to leave, your mother did.” He smiled. “I still consider you one of mine. You can come home if you want to. The house your parents raised you in still stands. We maintain it. The interior isn’t quite the same, since we’ve had people stay there from time to time, but you could move right back in. I even have a job to offer you. It will involve human relations, since you have more experience dealing with them than anyone else in the clan. You’ve lived amongst them for fifteen years. I’ll have you handle phone calls and such, but you won’t be going on more dangerous missions if you accept. I want you safe inside our territory.”
Tears filled her eyes. There had been so many times when she’d wished more than anything that she could go back to the life she’d once had. It wouldn’t be the same though, since she no longer had family there.
Then there was Wen. His parents would flip. Fear filled her—they wanted her dead.
Trayis seemed to guess her thoughts, or maybe he picked up her scent changing with her emotions. “There will be difficult things to deal with, but you’ll be under my protection. No one would dare harm you. It will also keep you close to Wen.”
She noticed that the brown in Trayis’s irises had turned more golden, but then some black bled through. Whatever he was thinking, he was feeling various emotions too. She couldn’t smell them the way he could but VampLycans showed them in their eyes. He wasn’t trying to mask them.
“That’s complicated,” she finally whispered.
“I’m more than aware, Gerri. I don’t get involved between parents and their children, but Wen is also my enforcer and friend.” His eyes turned totally black.
“You’re angry with his parents,” she guessed.
“Furious. It’s fucked up to expect a son to replace the one they lost. They’ve done their best to mold Wen into a version of Gerbin. I’ve talked to Mandro and Elna many times, but they refuse to hear me. Mandro is arrogant. Elna is insane. Neither of them seem to be able to see or care what they’re doing to their son. And Wen was always eager to please, since they made it clear who their favorite child was. It did a number on him. I may not have young of my own, but I’d never make them feel as if they were worth less than a sibling. I’d hoped he’d defy them and come after you one day. It finally happened.”
“He’s not going to mate me, Trayis. He just wanted to spend time with me. We were kids when we parted and there was so much left unsaid.”
“Is the bond still there between the two of you? Be honest with me.”
She nodded. “He fought not to bite me. He said his parents would kill me.”
“What do you feel toward him?”
“I love him. I always have, and I always will.” There was no reason to lie to Trayis.
“Is he your mate in your heart, Gerri?”
She nodded again.
“Then the choice has been made. We leave first thing in the morning. I’ll ask my brother to send Micah to pack the human possessions you left behind in whatever dwelling you had and fly them to you later.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“What’s the problem?”
“I called to check on him and Sherry answered the phone. They were lovers. He was with her but sent me away with Micah.” It still hurt.
“I sent Sherry to Wen, Gerri, because I didn’t know he had his cousins nearby. I couldn’t send a VampLycan into that city to back him up. Fucking security cameras and cell phones are going to be the death of us. Are you aware that Wen’s been arrested twice in the past?” Trayis sighed. “Wen couldn’t control multiple minds at once so he had to allow himself to be taken into custody. The police have to turn off the cameras in their interview rooms when an attorney consults with her client. It meant Wen could mind control the officers without it being recorded when she’d have them escort her in, spin a story, and order them to destroy any evidence they had. Sherry works in that capacity for me.”
“I knew that.”
“Wen had no idea that I’d sent her. He didn’t ask her to be there. I can also assure you that he has no feelings for her.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do. I’ve read his mission reports and talked to him at length when he’s had dealings with her. It was just sex and nothing more to him. You’re his heart, Gerri. Come home.”
She reached across the table but hesitated before touching him, remembering that VampLycans didn’t just do that.
Trayis lifted his hand and took hers, clasping it. “You always have permission from this moment on. Consider me your family now, Gerri. I will take the place of Klentz as your father figure and protector in the clan.”
Trayis was full of surprises. He was pretty much stating he’d just adopted her. “Thank you. I’m honored.”
He grinned, his eyes turning golden, reminding her of an amused cat. “But?”
“I don’t know if I can go back. Wen won’t be happy if I return to live with the clan because his parents are probably going to try to kill me.”
“It’s time to shake things up, Gerri.” He winked. “You always had courage. Let me help you claim your mate. It’s time for you to come home.”
Tears flooded her eyes. “I want to so much. Thank you.”
He squeezed her hand. “You and Wen deserve to be happy. I couldn’t do anything in the past to stop you from being separated, but that time is gone. Now it’s about building the future you two were meant to have together.” He leaned in. “And I don’t give a damn if your children can shift or not. We have way too many boys being born. I’ll be thrilled if you birth some girls. If mind over matter exists, give it a shot. Think ‘girl’ when you and Wen try to get pregnant. That’s all I ask.”
Gerri recovered from the astonishment fast. “I’ll try my best.”
“Raise them just like you were. Did I ever tell you that you’re the only girl child who never gave me headaches?” He let her hand go and rose to his feet. “Try to get some sleep. Things will work out. Wen won’t be able to deny his instincts once he’s around you day after day. He’s in deep shit for putting you in danger, so I’ve decided to punish him by making him work with me in my office.” A slow grin spread across his face. “He’ll get the desk right next to yours. Sweet dreams. I’ll see you early in the morning.”
He crossed the room, but paused by the door, glancing at her over his shoulder. “Worst case scenario, if he’s really stubborn, he’ll break when he goes into heat.”
Trayis seemed to be waiting for a response.
“Um, okay.”
He turned to her fully and leaned against the door, a grin on his face. “Klentz never told you?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“You had barely turned fifteen when he was killed. I guess he wouldn’t have had that talk with you yet, and your mother always tried to shield you too much. VampLycans go into heat once a year. Wen is just a little older than you are. He started feeling the heat when he turned fifteen.” His grin widened. “Klentz caught Wen with his claws embedded into a tree, staring at your bedroom window one night. You were too young for Wen to touch, but his instincts demanded he remain close to you. He’d damn near destroyed that tree, clinging to it for three days until the heat let up. As an adult, it lasts longer—and you’re not too young to stay away from this time. He’ll go into heat and nothing will stop him from going to you.”
She bit her lip. “What if he picks someone else?”
The golden gleam returned to Trayis’s eyes. “He’d have to go far away and pretend whoever he fucked was you to be able to achieve sexual release. Even that would be tough to do, since any other woman’s scent would put him off. He knows for certain now that you’re his mate, if he had the urge to bite you. I’m not letting him leave the clan. You’ll end up with Wen tearing off your clothes and claiming you. Count on it.” He left her room, closing the door quietly behind him.
She stayed seated in the chair and sighed. She hoped Trayis was right about all of it. That things would work out and Wen would claim her. A warm sensation settled in her stomach, thinking about having girl babies with Wen. Real hope that she might be able to build a life with the VampLycan she loved flared.
“Please let this work out,” she whispered.
* * * * *
Wen knocked on his parents’ door. Their lights were on, despite the late hour. He was certain they’d waited up for him. As an elder, his father would be aware of his comings and goings. The door jerked open and the smell of food filled the air. His father smiled. “Finally. I’ve never eaten this late in my life. Get in here. Did you rip that Vampire apart?”
“Yes. Horton is no longer.” He stepped inside and spotted his mother.
She came out of the kitchen with her hands on her hips. “The roast is probably dry. I thought you’d be home hours ago. Come in and take a seat at the table.”
He sighed, doing her bidding.
An unfamiliar scent hit him and he growled, his gaze darting to the hallway that led to the bedrooms. A tall woman stalked out of the darkness. She was a beauty, with long black hair, a dress that hugged her body in all the right places, and a flirtatious smile on her lips.
His father took a seat at the head of the table. “Come join us, Quilla. This is the son we told you so much about.”
The VampLycan woman took a seat across from Wen, smiling. “Hello.”
She had a deep, throaty voice, and her dark gaze raked over his chest and face, her approval obvious. “You are as handsome as they promised. Your parents have told me all about your accomplishments.”
Wen wasn’t surprised. They did this to him almost every damn time he returned home from a mission. “I apologize to you for their deception. I’m not looking for a mate.”
The woman didn’t appear surprised. “They mentioned you are resistant.”
He tensed more, not liking her reaction. Most of the women they brought to him had been under the impression he was lonely and ready to settle down. “To say the least. They shouldn’t have brought you here. What clan are you from?”
“Crocker’s, and yes, I’ve heard the experiences other women have had, who your parents have invited to meet you. I’m different. I enjoy my independence.” She winked. “I don’t want to change clans but I’m not opposed to having a child. I’m seventy-two years old. I’d like to have one while I’m still young enough to enjoy them. I’ve never found my true mate. I might consider settling for you if we get along well.”
“Don’t look at me to be the sperm donor. I’d never settle for a loveless mating.”
“Wen!” his father snarled.
His mother came storming into the room holding a large serving dish. She slammed it on the table. “We found you a breeder, and you will fuck her until she’s with child!”
He seethed. “No.”
His father snarled again and glared at him, his eyes turning black. “You will give us that grandchild your mother wants. Do your duty!”
“We’ve already decided custody arrangements,” his mother added. “You won’t be bothered. Just breed her until she’s pregnant. Then your duty to me will be done.” She spun, going into the kitchen to gather more prepared food. “Start tonight, Wen. Don’t disappoint me. Quilla will go home with you.”
His claws grew from his fingers, his rage increasing. They made it sound as if he would have no part in raising this child they demanded. He slowly stood. “No!”
His father shot out of his chair. “Your mother has spoken! It has been decided. You refuse to take a mate, so we are meeting you halfway. Breed her!”
Wen felt hair sprouting along his skin and face, his fangs elongating. “I said no! You want a child so bad? You breed your mate and let her birth you another son!”
Glass crashed in the kitchen and his mother ran out, gasping. “Wen!”
He turned his gaze on her. “You heard me. I’m done. No more women, no more parading them in front of me, and no breeders. I decide who I mate, and when I have a child, it is mine to raise. Not yours.”
“Gerbin would do it for us!” Tears filled his mother’s eyes.
“I’m not him!” Wen roared. “He’s dead!”
His father instantly attacked, and pain shot up Wen’s ribs.
He acted on instinct, shoving his father back. They were evenly matched in size, but Wen had a lot more fighting experience. He struck out, ripping into his father’s arms, doing damage to muscle.
His mother screamed and Wen jumped back. His father appeared stunned as he sank the floor, blood running down both injured arms, which hung limply at his sides.
His mother rushed to her mate, throwing her body over his, and turned black eyes on Wen. Hair sprouted along her features, her fangs flashing as her mouth elongated. She was shifting.
“Don’t make me incapacitate you too, Mother. Make no mistake—I will if you come at me.” It tore him up, seeing his parents that way, knowing they must hate him at that moment. No child should ever injure their own father or threaten their mother. No child should ever be forced to.
Sadness came next. “I’m not Gerbin,” he rasped. “I will never be my brother, and no child can ever replace him. Not mine and not one you might have together. He’s gone forever. Accept that! Finally deal with it.”
He glanced at Quilla. She had leapt out of the way of the fighting, standing in the living room. “Go home. Find another sperm donor for your child. I wish you luck with that.”
He walked to the front door, half expecting his mother to attack his back. She didn’t.
Wen fled, slamming the door behind him. He made it about ten feet from the bottom of the porch before motion from his left brought him to a halt.
Tymber grimly regarded him from where he leaned against the house, arms crossed over his chest. He would have been able to hear everything if he’d been there for a while.
His friend spoke first. “You had no choice. I’m glad you finally stood up to them. Go home. I’ll stay here to make sure your father doesn’t need a healer. I can hear your parents talking. He still lives.”
Wen opened his mouth but then realized he didn’t know what to say. His family life had been strained before, and now it was destroyed. His parents would never forgive him, but then, he wasn’t so sure he could forgive them either.
He locked himself inside his cabin and took a shower. His father’s blood on his hands made him feel sick. Tears came as he stood under the spray. He wanted Gerri but it would never be safe to bring her to the clan. His parents would be spiteful for certain now. They wouldn’t just harm her because she was human, but to get revenge for his defiance.
He had done the right thing though. It was clear they’d planned to mold his child the way they had him in the years since his brother had died. He’d never allow that to happen.
The only way he could claim Gerri as his mate was to leave the clan and break his allegiance to Trayis. Honor vs. his heart. It was the worst decision a VampLycan could have to make. “Fuck.”