Creed Read online

  Cold metal struck Kado at his neck. He hadn’t shelled so it went through his skin, bone, and out the other side.

  Creed froze, slightly winded.

  Kado’s head hit the floor first, rolling a little after it was severed. The body slumped next, dropping to its knees, then pitched forward. Blood slowly spilled from the throat.

  Creed turned away, not wanting to witness the rest. He sheathed his sword and walked closer to the GarLycan lord, bending on one knee and bowing his head. “Your call, Lord Aveoth.”

  “Fair and just. Rise, Creed.”

  He knew the fight wouldn’t be questioned and he wouldn’t get into trouble, but it was law to get judged from their lord after a fight. He lifted his chin and stared directly into Lord Aveoth’s cool gaze.

  “Thank you.” Creed paused. “You expected me to kill him from the moment I broke the law and took a mate, didn’t you?”

  “I did. I knew Kado well, unfortunately. There was no preventing it.” Aveoth approached, stopping directly in front of him. It was a sign of trust. He reached out and placed his hand on Creed’s shoulder. “I am sorry you had to be the one to do it, but he never would have challenged me. I knew he’d pull some stupid stunt that would force you into fighting him.” He paused. “You suffered enough because of Kado. I didn’t want to add to your burden but you’re one of my GarLycans. This was the best way for it to end.”

  Creed accepted those words. “I understand. Thank you.” He felt gratitude. Aveoth might have made decisions that would result in Creed being in a position to challenge Kado, but his leader was correct. Kado hadn’t left him any choice. And he had to die in order to keep Angel safe.

  Aveoth tightened his grip and squeezed. It was a gesture of comfort. “It’s never easy but it’s a necessary when we have fathers like ours. You’ve avenged your mother and protected your mate. Always remember that. It makes it easier to live with.” His voice lowered. “I have no regrets over Lord Abotorus.”

  “Nor shall I over Kado.”

  “Go and be with your mate.” He released Creed. “What do you wish done with the body?”

  “Return it to my brothers. They can decide if they’d like to honor him or not with a traditional burial. He lost the right to expect that of me the day he shut me out of his lair to live elsewhere.” He hesitated. “Is that too cold?”

  Aveoth shook his head. “The council saw to Lord Abotorus being entombed. I held no respect for him at that time and refused to pretend otherwise. My mother wasn’t in attendance, either. I’d be worried about you if wanted to do it. Sometimes our deadliest enemies are those with family bonds. Never revisit your decision. Go to your mate. It’s about living now.”

  “Thank you.” Creed bowed his head and backed away, avoiding glancing at the body or the red stains on the floor. He straightened his shoulders and took a few steps, then paused, glancing back at Kelzeb. “I’m in your debt.”

  “I didn’t have to challenge him or fly your mate to her pack. You owe me nothing, Creed. Just be happy. It’s what all of us want.”

  Creed faced forward, leaving the room. His brothers might seek vengeance. It was doubtful though. It was on record that Kado had wanted to enslave his mate, and Lord Aveoth had deemed the fight fair and just. No one would believe he’d had a choice in the matter. To defend a mate was honorable. Kado had set it all in motion by his own actions.

  He made it to the door of his lair and addressed Fray. “Any trouble?”

  “No. I’ll fly out and tell Chaz we’re off duty. He was watching your ledge in case they tried to get at her that way.”

  “I appreciate it. I am in your debt.”

  “No, you aren’t.” Fray grinned. “Kelzeb offered us a week off to do this little babysitting job. It was the easiest gig he’s had us do in a while. Last week we had to take out a nest of Vampires. Two masters banned together, thinking they were hot shit and above reproach since they’d amassed over sixty suckheads under their control. They were blatant enough to start drawing attention. That was some intense shit. I had to burn my favorite duster and boots.” He glanced down. “I hate breaking new ones in but I couldn’t get the damn ash and blood out of the old ones. Do you get much Vampire action guarding the Lycan village?”

  “No. They avoid going that far out.”

  “Sounds like a vacation every day of the year.” Fray paused, glancing down him, then back up. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.”

  “I smell the blood, and figured you’d have to take out your old man. I’m sorry. Not everyone got as lucky as Chaz and I.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Our father is a full-blood but he’s not like the others. He removed the stick from his ass and is pretty modern. He can’t stand most of the other Gargoyles. Of course, he’s practically a baby compared to the ones who founded and built our home inside the cliffs.”

  “You’re GarLycan?”

  “I am. Mom was a Lycan.”

  “Was?”

  “She wasn’t one of the doves who live here.”

  “Doves?”

  “You know. Mates who stay at home. They perch in our nests. Mom wanted to fight at Dad’s side, and he let her walk all over him.” He smiled. “They were crazy about each other.” His features sobered. “He couldn’t tell her no about anything, including that. They were ambushed twelve years ago. They were supposed to wait for us to meet them outside of the nest but shit turned sour before we arrived. Mom was killed.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thanks. It’s why Chaz and I always take on suckheads. That’s what killed her. They drained her fucking dry before Dad could get to her. I heard you lost your mother too.”

  “Yes. It was eleven years ago.”

  “Now you have a mate. Enjoy it. She seems nice, and man, she knows how to fight. I was impressed seeing her take on that Lycan. She can handle herself for a human.”

  “Thank you. But I hope she never has to fight again.”

  Fray nodded. “Amen to that, brother. I’ll get Chaz.”

  Creed watched the other man walk away and then entered his lair.

  He bolted the door behind him, going straight to Angel. She waited inside the bedroom, sitting on his couch with a fire blazing. She held an open book in her hands. Happiness sparked in her entire expression when she saw him.

  “How did it go?” Angel closed the book and stood, rushing toward him. She’d been worried ever since he’d left. “What happened?”

  “Lord Aveoth denied everything my father requested.” He removed his sword, laying it flat on the mantel, and then unbuckled the belt securing the sheath, resting it against the wall. He pulled her into his arms.

  “Your dad is a tool but don’t let him get to you.”

  “He’s dead.”

  She jerked her head up, staring at him. Shock tore through her. “What?”

  “I had to challenge him, Angel. He would have kept coming after you.”

  His words hit her hard. “Oh my God.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “You killed your dad because of me?” She clutched at him, horrified and heartbroken at the same time. “I’m so sorry!”

  “He left me with no choice. Don’t apologize.”

  “You’re going to resent me.” It was her worst fear coming true.

  Creed scowled. “Never.”

  “You had to kill your dad over me!”

  “It wasn’t just about you. He is the reason my mother died. It was just a matter of time before I took his life or he tried to take mine.”

  She wanted to believe that. She just couldn’t.

  Creed must have seen something in her features because he leaned in, getting a better grip on her.

  “Listen to me. He was not a good man, Angel. He forced me into this position, and challenging him was the only option left. I refused to live with the worry of what he’d do next to make me miserable. He’s done it all my life. I will admit you were part of the motivation that drove me