“But according to your crazy story, the pregnant women were about to birth Vampires. Some had already. You said they were enemies. At least try to make sense.”

“The Gargoyles were willing to become allies with the half-breeds because they were desperate for the full-blooded Lycan women to breed with. Our clans are linked by bloodlines, but only on the Lycan side. Gargoyles and Lycans had GarLycan children. The children born in our clans are VampLycans. Half Vampire, half Lycan. Over a hundred half-breed children made up the first generation of our new clans. They frightened the pure-blood Lycans. They were stronger than them and had inherited some Vampire abilities. A vast majority of the Lycans not mated to Gargoyles left when those children started to mature and those traits began to show.

“Your grandfather is a first-generation VampLycan, Dusti—and after he matured to adulthood and took over his clan, he didn’t agree with how the clans were split into four. He’s power-hungry and believes there should be one ruler, one clan. He wants the GarLycans to help him take out the other clan leaders and anyone else who opposes him. He plans to start a civil war.”

“Didn’t the Gargoyles take off too when these super half-breeds grew up, if they’re so scary?”

“No. The Gargoyles were dwindling until they mated with the full-Lycan females. Their children born from that alliance filled their clan to a strong number. Aveoth is a half-breed who leads his own clan. They consist of a mixture of GarLycans and full blooded Gargoyles. His father was a Gargoyle, and his mother a GarLycan. Both Gargoyles and GarLycans are pretty damn tough. They fear no one. That’s why we can’t allow Decker to use you or your sister as leverage against Aveoth to force him into a war with us. It would be a bloodbath with few survivors.”

Dusti just stared at him, trying to take in everything he’d said. It was possible he didn’t believe in aliens. She almost wished he did, because she was used to Greg’s world. The one Drantos had made up in his head was way more complicated and involved mythical paranormal creatures.

His eyes…okay, she couldn’t explain that. Which unsettled her and made her nervous.

“So you’re telling me I’m related to Vampires and Werewolves?” She didn’t want to hear any more and felt hysteria begin to rise up. It couldn’t be true. “Or am I part Gargoyle? I’m a little confused but it’s all cool. Next full moon, I’ll try to howl just to see if I sprout hair. I guess now I know why I usually get sunburned instead of tan when I lay out. I just thought it was my fair skin but now I’ll know to avoid the sun and sharp wooden stakes. I don’t think I’d like to be a Gargoyle statue though. It sounds boring.”

The blue of his eyes darkened into near black, stopping her humor immediately as alarm spread throughout her body. It made him look evil.

“You aren’t part of the GarLycan clan. And it’s not something to make fun of. To be a VampLycan is an honor.”

“Couldn’t I be a fairy instead? They have sparkly magic dust and wings. I’d much rather you tell me I’m one of those.”

He sighed. “This is how you’re going to deal with what I’m telling you? Making smartass remarks?”

She nodded. “This is too messed up.”

“We’re trying to avoid a war, Dusti. You need to know what’s really going on.”

“Can you at least make your fantasy world make sense? According to you, you’re already at war with Vampires.”

“Vampires are no longer a threat. They’ve tried to come after us a few times over the years and we’ve slaughtered them. That war ended when they realized how strong we’d become.” He hesitated. “It’s a war between the clans we want to avoid right now. That’s the threat. Decker’s clan isn’t strong enough to take on everyone else. He’d lose unless he can force the GarLycans to his side. That’s why he can’t get his hands on your sister to use against us. He’ll hand her over to Aveoth so he’ll fight us too.”

“Why is Bat so important to this Aveoth? Why would he want her?”

“Aveoth was once promised your grandmother’s sister. She died before that could happen. He’ll want Bat because she’s a direct descendant of the woman who should have been his.”

“It sounds crazy. You have to see where I’m coming from.”

His gaze lowered to the neck of her blouse. “I know, and I’m sorry I had to be the one to tell you the truth, but I can prove it. I’m dominant and you aren’t.”

“You mean you’re stronger.”

He glanced up, his intense gaze meeting hers before he focused lower once more. “You’re part Lycan, even if it is very minimal. I can force it to the surface.”

She felt really uneasy over the way he studied her throat. She pushed against his chest again, futilely, unable to move his heavy bulk. He suddenly tucked his head, burying his face against her neck. She tensed.

“What are you doing?”

“Giving you proof. I'm going to show you how you react to someone else with Lycan bloodlines.” His lips brushed the skin under her earlobe and his hot breath warmed her neck. He growled low before his mouth parted. A wet tongue licked down the side and he nipped her shoulder.

Shock tore through Dusti as a jolt of awareness flashed through her body when his teeth nipped her. Oddly, it didn’t hurt, but it reminded her of the time she’d accidently touched a frayed cord plugged into the wall. A current of electricity zipped from where his mouth touched, all the way down to her toes. She gasped.

He released her skin then bit her again, harder, an inch closer to her throat. The second bite made her react even stronger. He didn't break skin but she wouldn't be surprised if it left marks.

A moan tore from her lips as her body writhed under his, sexual desire firing her blood. It confused and alarmed her. Her breasts ached painfully and her stomach muscles clenched. He nibbled and bit her again, causing her back to arch until she pressed tight against him.

His muscular legs parted, spreading her thighs. His hips settled more firmly until the hard ridge of his cock nudged her clit.

Dusti clawed at his shirt, horrified but unable to control the burning need he inspired. She wanted him inside her. She hurt.

He slowly rocked his hips, rubbing against her. He bit her neck again and then did it a little harder. Her hands slid up, the desire to touch his skin overwhelming. She located the back of his neck. Her fingernails dug into hot flesh, kneading it lightly, and her legs moved of their own accord, wrapping around the back of his thighs to draw him closer.