Gerri missed Micah’s skills in the worst way as the bush pilot swept down from the sky at an alarming speed. She grabbed at the seat belt for dear life, expecting them to crash at any moment. Her eyes were tightly closed, refusing to witness the impact. The wheels hit the ground, they bounced back into the air, and her stomach seemed to hit the roof. The wheels landed again but this time they weren’t thrown back into the air. The engines droned louder.
The crazy pilot laughed. “I knew I could do it.”
Gerri peeked an eye open, realizing they were slowing. It was an old road they’d landed on, two lanes in an area cleared of trees. She hoped a car or truck didn’t show up ahead of them to cause a head-on collision. The plane came to a stop and she opened her other eye.
Trayis turned to the pilot next to him, his eyes glowing. He lifted his hand, reached back to Gerri, and shielded her from seeing him. She sighed and held still.
“You did well with this emergency landing. The plane is no longer experiencing engine troubles. We shall get out, you’ll go deliver your supplies, and not remember having any passengers or where you’ve been with us.” Trayis paused. “And you have a strong desire to take more lessons from an instructor. I realize you have your license but do it. You wish to be an even better pilot.”
“I do,” the pilot stated.
Trayis pulled his hand away from Gerri’s face and he rolled his brown eyes when she looked at him. He mouthed one word. “Scary.”
She glanced at the pilot. He was smiling, seemingly in his own little world, staring out the front of the plane. She nodded, looking at Trayis again. “No shit,” she breathed.
Trayis opened the door and helped her out. Her backpack wasn’t stored in the side compartment but instead sat on the seat next to her. She slid on the straps and followed Trayis away from the road. The plane began to roll forward.
“Where did you find that guy?”
“I just grabbed him from the airport. He was going on a supply run to some resort in this area. My mistake.”
The plane took off down the road and Gerri looked both ways. “So is someone picking us up?” She watched the small plane lift off the road, climbing into the sky.
“Yes. This isn’t a public road.” He pulled out his cell phone, calling someone. “We’re here. You know what to do.” He hung up. “It should be about twenty minutes.”
“Why are we so far from your territory, since that pilot won’t remember where he dropped us anyway?”
“This was the longest straightaway and where the road is the least damaged by winters. It used to run to a tiny town that died out five years ago.”
“Not the one that the Vampires took out?”
“No. There was a hunting lodge some humans opened, even put in some tourist stores, a restaurant, and a gas station. Some corporation thought they could make a bundle so they built it. It was too close to our territory.”
“What does that mean?”
He grinned. “Let’s just say we made sure their guests never found game and wouldn’t be returning. The first month they were open, we got groups of trespassers on our border. I refused to allow our clan to be shot at by idiots. They didn’t turn a profit in the two years it was open and we bought it from them at a discounted price.”
She was amused. “That’s kind of evil but brilliant.”
“I do what I must for the protection of my clan. They should have opened one of those nature lover retreats. Instead they brought guns.” He shook his head. “Mistake.”
Gerri took off her backpack and stretched. She was tired of sitting after two flights. Not that she could complain about the first one. “Do you always fly first class when you travel on human transportation?”
He chuckled. “I don’t fit into coach.”
She glanced at his big body and realized he was right. “I didn’t know you ever left Alaska.”
“I go visit my brother every five or ten years. He can’t come to me.”
“Why not?”
“He’s mated, with two sons. His need to keep his family safe won’t allow him to be apart from them. He’d never trust humans to fly his mate or children this distance. It’s easiest to use their airlines when available, plus a hell of a lot cheaper. Do you know what it costs to hire a private jet?”
“No clue.”
“It’s outrageous.”
She let the matter drop. “Were you visiting him when I got there?”
He met her gaze and held it. “No. I came just for you. I’ll visit with my brother again soon.”
“You could have just called and asked me to come.”
He grinned. “That was a conversation we needed to have face to face. I doubt you’d be here otherwise.”
She glanced away. He was probably right.
“It will work out, Gerri.”
She stared at him, remembering her whispered words the night before after he’d left her room. He must have heard them. “I hope so.”
“You’d be miserable without Wen. This way, regardless of the difficulties the next few days or weeks may bring, he’ll be close. Instincts won’t be denied. You’re back where you belong.” He reached up and tapped his temple. “Think like a VampLycan. You’re clan.”
She wasn’t a VampLycan though. She kept that to herself. He was more than aware.
Trayis backed away. “I’ll be right back. I have to take a leak.”
“Me too. I’ll meet you back here in a few.” She crossed the street and went in the opposite direction. The scents and sounds from the trees made her smile as she found a spot to squat to relieve her bladder. There were no traffic noises, no car alarms, no sirens. Just birds and the rustling of the wind through the treetops.
Trayis waited for her back at the side of the road. He sniffed, motioning for her to come closer. “Bears are in the area. Stick close.”
“Yeah. I’m home.”
He chuckled. “You won’t be taking any strolls alone and we cleared the area around our homes after you were attacked. Some things have changed.”
“Good to know.”
A short time passed before a black SUV with tinted windows pulled up, stopping next to them. She couldn’t make out the driver until he opened the door. She instantly recognized him. He hadn’t changed at all, which shouldn’t have surprised her. VampLycans didn’t age the way humans did. It could have been days since she’d last seen him instead of fifteen years.
“Hi, Yern.”
He rounded the SUV and stared at her. His gaze lowered to her chest. “You’ve got boobs.”
She glanced down at the tank top she wore, noticing that it did reveal some cleavage. She grinned and looked up at him. “I do.”
Trayis sighed. “That’s the first thing you’ve got to say to your clansman after all these years? Tell me again why you’re an enforcer?”
Yern laughed. “But she’s got boobs. Big ones. She used to be flat as a board.”
Trayis rolled his eyes heavenward and shook his head. “Why me?”
Yern came toward her and opened his arms. “Give me a hug.”
She met him halfway and gasped when the big guy grabbed her and lifted her right off her feet. He gave her a bear hug, almost crushing her.
“Gently,” Trayis snapped. “Don’t break her.”
Yern eased his hold a tiny bit. “It’s good to have you home. We resume lessons tomorrow, Gerri. I doubt those stupid humans taught you any survival skills.” He put her down then cupped her face, leaning down to study her features.
“Looking for wrinkles?” They had always teased each other.
He cracked a smile. “You look good, baby. Just more mature. I like the differences.” His gaze lowered. “Especially the boobs.”
Yern suddenly snarled, jerking away and releasing her. Trayis had a grip on the back of his neck. “Wen would kill you, so don’t even think about it.”
“I’m not flirting with her. She knows.”
“It’s okay,” Gerri laughed. “It’s an old joke between us.”
Trayis let him go and scowled. “I don’t think Wen would find that kind of talk funny.”
Yern rubbed his neck. “Ouch. I used to tell her if she was ever attacked by a male to flash her boobs at him, but she didn’t have any.” He smiled. “Now she does.” His gaze turned to Gerri and he put his hands in front of his chest, making a motion as if to tear open his shirt. He winked. “Would totally work now.”
“You think that would actually stop a man from killing her?”
Yern nodded at Trayis. “He’d want to fuck her instead, and he’d lower his guard by trying to get her clothes off. That’s when she could kill him. Gerri’s always been small. She has to outthink her opponent since she doesn’t have claws.”
“Spoken like an unmated man. Just take us home. I’m tired. I know Gerri is too.” Trayis opened the passenger door and sat. “Get in.”
Gerri climbed in the back after grabbing her backpack. They left the road for a dirt trail after a few miles. She had to put on her belt to avoid being tossed around since there were lots of potholes and uneven ground. That was one thing she hadn’t missed about her old home. VampLycans didn’t make it easy to travel around their territory.
Yern kept glancing at her in the rearview mirror and smiling. “It’s good to have you back, baby.”
“Stop calling her that,” Trayis sighed. “Wen will get angry.”
“He knows we call her that. She was so little and cute. Still is.” Yern paused. “So does the wind still blow in Wen’s direction? You smell like him.” His gaze caught hers in the mirror again. “I take it that you’re still feel attracted to him as much as you used to?”
“Yes.”
“They are mates. He just hasn’t claimed her yet,” Trayis added.
“Dumbass,” Yern muttered. “I know his parents are mental after what they suffered but coddling them hasn’t helped any. I told him as much dozens of times. We’re VampLycans, not humans.” His gaze met Gerri’s again. “No offense.”
“None taken.”
“You don’t act like a human. Never did. You’re just a short, non-shifting VampLycan who smells human. Only right now, you smell like Wen. Guess I should have guessed you were his, even if you haven’t exchanged blood yet, since you’re obviously letting him between your thighs. Bet he was happy as shit about that. It was no secret how desperately he wanted you as a youth. You’d walk by and he’d get a hard-on. Please tell me he lasted more than ten seconds. That man wanted you so bad, he might have shot off before he even unzipped if you were naked.”
“Shut up,” Trayis barked. “You sound like a youth yourself.”
Gerri laughed. “He didn’t embarrass himself when he got me in bed.”
The clan leader turned in his seat to look at her but he smiled. “Don’t encourage him.” He reached over and slapped Yern with the back of his hand on the side of his arm. “Stop looking for something to tease Wen over. He’s got it tough enough right now without you adding shit.”
The sight of her old home came into view and Gerri unbuckled her belt, leaning forward to get a better look at it. Memories of her childhood flashed through her mind, and with them came sadness.
Yern parked and both men in front got out. Trayis opened her door and inhaled. “Klentz was a good man.”
She blinked back tears. “He was.”
“This is your home again.” Trayis took her backpack. “I had it cleaned this morning, since we haven’t had visitors staying here in about a month. Food has been put in the fridge.” He led the way.
She followed with Yern at her side. More memories surfaced. She’d been so happy being raised in this cabin. She hesitated when they reached the front door, staring at it. Trayis opened it wide and stepped inside first.
Yern waited for her, so she moved forward. The interior had been painted and the furniture had been upgraded. The coffee table was the only piece she recognized, and she was touched that it was still there. Trayis followed her gaze.
“I know Klentz carved the dolphin-shaped legs for your mother. We kept it.” Trayis put her bag down. “Gerri?”
She gave him her full attention.
“You stay inside for right now. I plan to inform the clan first thing tomorrow that you’re back with us. Most will recognize you but we have youths who won’t. This isn’t a remote home and you’d run into clansmen. Wen’s scent is still with you but I don’t want some overzealous teen to think they’re protecting the clan by grabbing you. They wouldn’t mean to hurt you, but I won’t risk you being bruised up or hauled in. Yern will be outside on guard duty. His brothers will switch shifts with him. You’re to have round-the-clock protection.”
“Wen’s parents?” She didn’t fear anyone else in the clan.
“They are unstable.” Trayis stepped closer. “Wen will deal with them, or I will. One way or another, this is a temporary solution. I refuse to have you in danger with our clan.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s good to have you back where you belong. Now I have to go meet with Wen.”
Her heart sped up. “Does he know I’m here?”
Trayis shook his head. “I plan to go home and shower, change my clothes, before I see him. He’ll find out tomorrow with the rest of the clan. I want to give him more time to think about all the horrible things that could happen to you in the human world.” Golden streaks flared in his brown eyes and that mischievous look returned.
“You’re going to give him some shit,” Yern chuckled. “No fair.”
“That’s why I’m clan leader and you’re an enforcer.” Trayis winked at Gerri. “Stay inside. Promise? Tomorrow morning I’ll come for you and hold that clan meeting. We’ll hold it around nine.”
“You have my word. I’ll eat and then sleep. I didn’t get more than a few hours last night.”
Trayis left and she faced Yern. “Are you hungry?”
“No, but thanks. I’m going to go outside. Do you need anything before I leave?”
“You can stay in here.”
“It’s against orders. I’m to patrol outside, and hell, when Wen does find out you arrived today, he’ll try to kick my ass if I spent the night alone with you.” His gaze lowered and he shook his head. “You have boobs. I’m so not getting over that. I was sure you’d be flat as a pancake.”
She laughed. “Fine. If you get hungry or don’t want to piss on a tree, I’ll leave the door unlocked. I can still do that here, can’t I?”
“Yeah. No one is going to hurt you.”
“Trayis wouldn’t tell me the truth so I didn’t bother to ask him. Will my being here cause him any trouble?”
Yern shook his head. “You’re clan, Gerri. Always have been. I know some of the adults were assholes about not trusting you when you were a child, but you never betrayed us.” His expression tensed. “We have bigger things to worry about these days.”
“Like what?”
“Whatever underhanded thing Decker will do. You helped Wen on his mission, so I know you’re aware that the son of a bitch sent a nest to attack his old clan. Some worry he’ll expose us to humans next and send them here.”
“He’s still the boogeyman.”
Yern nodded. “Pure evil. We all long for the day he dies. We’re finally at peace with his old clan and united though. They visit us and we visit them.”
She thought about her house. “Where will they stay if they come to visit, now that I’m here?”
“We have a few other cabins we built. This home was only used since no one lived here.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “Now someone does.”
He turned, closing the front door closed behind him.
Gerri made a slow circle, taking in the large room. It was good to be home.
* * * * *
Wen went over every detail of what had taken place in Washington. Trayis had called in a few of the enforcers to be present at the meeting. He’d been relieved that no one questioned it when he’d skipped over his private time with Gerri. He wasn’t about to share those moments with his clan.
Trayis had food brought in and they ate dinner together as they discussion the mission.
“Why do you smell like Tymber?” one of the enforcers asked.
Wen opened his mouth to respond but his friend spoke first.
“Because he was injured still when he arrived. You’ve met our human lawyer. There’s not much meat on her bones. Wen didn’t want to take too much blood. I gave him some of mine. If you have a problem with that, or want to give me shit over it, I promise to never let you bite me if you’re hurt in battle.”
Kavler grinned. “Where’d he bite you?”
Tymber lifted his middle finger. “Right here.”
“I’ll call this meeting to an end, since it’s obvious we’re all relieved the threat has been taken care of. I’ll share the details with the other clans.” Trayis smiled though. “Go. Wen, you stay. The clans might have questions for you.”
Everyone left, leaving him alone with his clan leader. Trayis didn’t reach for his phone though, instead leaning back in his chair.
Wen regarded him with a frown. “I thought you were contacting the other clans.”
“No need. They know the highlights I’d gotten from Graves and then you over the phone. Horton is dead. That’s all that matters. I wanted to talk about your parents. No one else needed to know that.”
“My father attacked me first. I slashed his arms to prevent him from doing me harm.”
“I figured. He’s healed. I saw your father before the meeting. He wants me to punish you for attacking an elder.”
Wen couldn’t say he was shocked. “What’s my punishment?”
“Having Mandro as a father. I told him he was lucky you didn’t take his arms off for attacking you. What he didn’t tell me was what prompted the fight. It had to be bad, since you normally tolerate a lot of shit from him.”
“They found a woman from Crocker’s clan willing to breed a child with me, and she didn’t want a mate.”
“Fuck.”
“I guess they figured I’d do it, have nothing to do with my own child, and they could help her raise it.” Anger filled him again at the thought. “I said no, and all hell broke loose. Didn’t Tymber report that to you? He was outside.”
“His orders were to stick close to you, not tattle. I figured your parents would pull some shit and I wasn’t around to deal with it. I asked him to.”
“Where were you?” Wen instantly regretted the question. It wasn’t his place to ask. “I apologize.”
“No problem. I was with a woman.”
“Oh.” That was news. Trayis avoided women unless he was in heat. He usually had a Lycan brought in to stay with him, and then the woman would leave when his heat had passed. It was well known he avoided VampLycans after some incident in the past. “Did you find your mate while I was gone?”
“No. It was just a one-night thing.” Trayis smiled. “She’s really cute too.”
“I’m glad. You need to do something to relieve all the stress you deal with on a daily basis.”
“That’s what I’m trying to do. Mandro and I had words about you. I told him to leave you alone, reminded him that you are no longer a boy but a man. You’re also one of my enforcers. Even as an elder, he has no right to issue you orders. They are there to give advice, not manipulate the lives of the clan.”
“I bet he didn’t take that well.”
“No, he didn’t. I told him if he didn’t like it, that he was welcome to leave the clan to join another. I ordered him to leave you the fuck alone and told him that he wasn’t permitted to interfere with your life anymore. That goes for his mate too. He’s fucking with my enforcer, and I won’t have that kind of tension in my clan.”
That stunned Wen. He didn’t even know what to say.
“I made it clear that their actions have made you reckless with your duties. That gives me the right to step in. You put Gerri in danger just to spend time with her because they forbid you to.”
A sick feeling settled in Wen’s stomach. “Did you tell my father I was with her?”
Trayis nodded. “I did. I also made it clear that I’d be thrilled if you mated her.”
Wen shifted in his seat. “I’m sure he had plenty to say to that.”
“He did. He started in with that bullshit about weak bloodlines clouding the next generation. I told him that wasn’t something I considered a problem. He called me incompetent to lead our people, if I felt that way. And I told him he was more than welcome to challenge me.”
Wen stopped breathing, staring at his clan leader.
“He immediately backed down.”
Wen sucked in a sharp breath. “You would have killed him if he’d attacked.”
“You’re a good man, Wen. You have honor. So do I. I can’t say the same for Mandro since your brother’s death. His mind is the only thing clouded and incompetent. One of us has to deal with him.” Trayis stood. “You volunteered for a very dangerous mission to be with the woman you want. That not only put your ass on the line, but Gerri’s. I’m done waiting for you to stand up to them. I’m forcing the issue to a close, one way or another. I refuse to lose you. That weakens the clan. But you’re miserable and a danger to yourself because of their demands. Fix this. I don’t care how. Do you understand?”
Wen stood. “I do.”
“Do you have a problem with anything I’ve said?”
“No. You’re right.”
Trayis got to his feet and rounded his desk. “He’s an elder but that doesn’t make him infallible, Wen. I’m considering it a family matter between the two of you, however this ends.”
Wen stared deeply into his eyes. “You’re giving me permission to kill him?”
“I’m telling you this can’t go on any longer. Stand your ground. Make it stick. If he won’t allow it, that’s his choice. Not yours. I won’t lose you.” Trayis reached around him and gripped the back of his neck, holding tight. “You’ve been an amazing son to them, tried your best to make them happy, but you are not Gerbin. It’s time you let them suffer the pain and reality of his loss without trying to soften the blow. However they handle that is on their shoulders, not yours. I need you, Wen. You. Be who you are. No more living in the shadow of death.”
Wen understood.
“It’s been a rough few days for you. Yesterday you were severely injured, and while I’m sure you’re mostly healed, your strength isn’t at its peak. I don’t want you to deal with your parents tonight. Tomorrow is soon enough. Tymber is waiting for you outside. His orders are to make certain you get rest tonight and that no one disturbs you.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re my friend, you’re my enforcer, and I consider you to be like a brother. I’m done watching you suffer. Tomorrow is a new day.” Trayis released him. “Now go. I do have phone calls to make.”