Trayis (VLG Series Book 11) Read online

Frank paled a little but again, he hid it fast. He was good at masking his emotions. “I didn’t know.”

  Trayis nodded. “Over fifteen VampLycans came with me after we heard about the last attack. A couple GarLycans tagged along, too. It gets boring in Alaska. We’re always eager to band together for a good slaughtering of assholes who fuck with family.” He remembered what Shay had told him about Frank—and he wanted to make one thing damn clear. “And my family means everything. Though, I haven’t yet been fortunate enough to find a true mate the way my brother has.” He glanced at Arlis. “Where is your precious mate? I’d love to say hello before I mingle. Ginny’s the best.”

  Arlis grinned. “Look near the kitchen.”

  He nodded, gave Frank one last warning glare, and made his way to the kitchen area.

  Ginny looked nervous, standing next to a few of the enforcers’ mates. They were surrounding her in a protective group. She spotted him, and instant relief showed on her face. He walked toward her, blocked her view of the other guests.

  “Calm down,” he urged, keeping his voice low.

  “Frank was making threats,” she whispered. “I think us having another baby made him realize that with three sons, this pack would be harder to take after they grow up. He’s been insulting us and acting like he’s ready to challenge for our territory.”

  “I know. It’s taken care of. Smile. Frank is currently trying not to shit his pants. It seems his brother forgot to tell him to never fuck with Arlis before he died.”

  Ginny smiled, seeming to calm. “I know Arlis could win in a fight but…”

  “You don’t want a pack war. You’ve got three vulnerable children to think of.” He nodded. “It’s fine, little sister. I just let that prick alpha know the consequences of an attack.” He winked. “I’m terrifying. I even gave him the freaky eyes.”

  Ted’s mate, Donna, raised a brow. “Freaky eyes?”

  Trayis let his eyes turn utterly black.

  She gasped and jerked back.

  He laughed, letting the black fade out. He smiled wider. “Scary, isn’t it?”

  “You’ve got amazing control.” Donna stepped closer, releasing a deep breath. “Neat trick.”

  Ginny laughed. “Did you throw him some vibes?”

  “No. I kept it under control. Words were enough.”

  “I could hug you.”

  He opened his arms. “Go ahead. I know I’m an amazing big brother.”

  Ginny stepped into the circle of his arms and squeezed him tightly. Then she sniffed, her head jerking up. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open.

  He’d forgotten. “About that…we’ll speak of it later.”

  She frowned. “Shay?”

  “What about Shay?” Donna stepped closer, sniffing. It was her turn to gasp.

  “We’re seeing each other. This is not the time to discuss it.”

  Ginny’s expression remained concerned. “Does my mate know?”

  “I’m not sure if I was close enough to him. And we haven’t spoken of it.”

  She nodded. “Shay’s a gentle soul, Trayis. Don’t hurt her.”

  “I would never.” He offered Ginny his arm. “Let’s go say hello to the other alphas and their entourages. I want everyone to know I accept you as my brother’s mate, and that I’d take it personally if anyone even thought about harming you.”

  Ginny put her hand on his forearm and nodded. He led her away from the enforcers’ mates.

  “You realize everyone is going to know about you and Shay by morning, don’t you?” She kept her voice soft. “I love these women but they gossip like crazy.”

  “I don’t care if the entire pack finds out.”

  “Good thing, because they will. What are your intentions?”

  He laughed, glancing down at her—then stopped at her stern expression. “Did you honestly just ask me that?”

  “I did.” She smiled slightly. “I’m the official alpha bitch. It’s my duty to look out for all the female members. That especially means Shay.”

  “I like her. We’re spending time together. Don’t make too much of it.”

  Her smile died and a few worry lines took its place. “Not many people have been kind to Shay…so the ones who are, she’s completely devoted to. I have no doubt she’d throw herself in front of a Werewolf in a mindless rampage, even knowing she’d only slow them down long enough to tear her apart, if it gave the few she loves time to shift to better protect themselves. She’d already die for us—but you’re the one man she’s been intimate with. Think about that, Trayis. She loves with everything she is when someone allows her to get close. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  He had a feeling he did. “I don’t want to hurt Shay.”

  Another alpha approached. “Trayis.”

  A flash of memory hit of meeting the man before. “Hello, Allen.”

  “You remember me. I didn’t expect you here.”

  Trayis pulled Ginny closer to his side. “I had to meet my newest nephew, and seeing how big the twins have grown has shown me how remiss I’ve been in not visiting as often as I should. I’m not making that mistake again.”

  Allen nodded, not looking surprised. “Family is important.”

  “Yes, they are. How’s your pack?”

  “Good. We’ve had a great year. Three new pups were born. Six matings happened. On the business front, we opened a store…”

  Trayis went on auto pilot, pretending to continue listening to Allen as he glanced around, finding Arlis. His brother remained by the fireplace but now he spoke to Gill, another alpha. His body language looked relaxed. Frank was at the bar, downing a shot.

  Trayis hid a smirk. The prick had been put in his place and knew better than to fuck with his brother’s pack. He watched the Were speak to the elder Lycan female behind the bar and saw anger glint in Yasha’s eyes.

  “Now I’m hoping to talk her into mating me,” Allen finished.

  Trayis forced a smile as he gave the alpha his full attention again. “I wish you luck with that.”

  “I’m determined. No one can resist me for long. Of course, I would have to choose the only woman in my pack who doesn’t want to be the official alpha bitch.”

  “One of life’s strange twists.” Trayis cleared his throat. “I’m glad your pack is doing so well. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get a drink. My throat is dry.” He glanced at Ginny.

  She let him go and nodded, telling him she was fine on her own. He looked over her shoulder, seeing that the enforcer mates were nearby. Her little personal protectors. He motioned for them to return to her side. They didn’t hesitate. He strode to the bar and smiled at the bartender.

  “How is my favorite elder?”

  Yasha grinned in genuine pleasure. “I’m doing great. It’s good to see you, handsome. What can I make for you?”

  He winked. “Just a beer, beautiful.”

  She turned, opened one of the mini fridges, and grabbed his preferred brand. She twisted off the cap for him and passed it over. “You charmer. Too bad you’re way too young for me.”

  Frank stepped closer, glancing up and down Trayis. “How old are you?”

  Trayis took a sip and swallowed. “Just a few hundred years.”

  Frank seemed startled by that news. “I thought you and Arlis would be closer in age.”

  “Obviously we don’t have the same fathers. He’s full Lycan. I’m not.”

  Frank curled his lip. “Yes Your mother bedded a Vampire. Disgusting. The bitch must have been desperate.”

  Trayis had put the beer down and moved before the prick could even react. In an instant, he had Frank pinned to the wall by his throat, claws out. “Listen to me well, Frank. You’re an ignorant asshole. I’ll rip your fucking head off and shove it up your own ass the next time you talk shit about my family. My mother was the victim of a mind and body rape by a master Vampire—but she survived, birthed me, and then was able to meet her true mate. That was Arlis’s father. This is the only warning I’