“Like what?”

He sobered. “I could walk at six months. Human children usually don’t do that until they’re a year old.”

“Wow.” She was stunned. Then she had a horrible thought. “Shit.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m going to grow old faster than you are.”

He shook his head. “I’m going to share my blood with you, and you already look younger than your actual age. You do have some VampLycan traits, even though they are faint. We tend to live so much longer than humans because of our ability to heal so quickly. By giving you blood, it will help slow your aging process.”

She sighed. “That’s good. I was picturing me looking ninety and you still being hot. That’s something I really wasn’t looking forward to for either of us.”

“You think I’m hot?” he asked, grinning.

She glanced at his chest. “Scorching hot.” She met his gaze again. “And you know it.”

He leaned in closer. “Show me.”

Arousal coursed through her body. She moved, straddling his lap. He leaned back and his big hands cupped her ass through the shirt she wore. Total awareness of Drantos was an exhilarating experience. Her heart raced, her skin felt as if it were super-sensitized, and the need to be skin to skin with him became almost overpowering.

The front door opened and Dusti gasped, twisting her head.

Drantos stood, lifting her with him so fast it made her head spin. He turned slightly, putting his body between her and the man who entered. The sudden appearance of bright sunlight blinded her for a second until she blinked a few times, then was able to identify their guest.

“Father, what’s wrong?”

Velder closed the door and strode to a chair, taking a seat. “I came to check on you.”

Drantos grumbled low under his breath and gently lowered Dusti until she stood at his side. “I’m fine, but you knew I would be. What is the real reason you’ve come? There’s no need to be polite.”

Dusti bit her lip to prevent herself from pointing out it was extremely rude to just walk into someone’s house unannounced. The memory of what could happen if she offended the clan leader, and how it could cost Drantos in some way, helped her remain silent.

“Fine. We’re spread thin with this current threat. Kraven is gone and I need you back on patrol. I realize you just mated and need time to bond, but it’s a priority that we keep our women and children safe until things are stable.” He glanced at Dusti. “It’s also important to send a strong message that your mating her isn’t going to weaken your position in this clan. There are some rumblings.”

“Did you mention to them that her grandmother came from our clan?”

“It’s not her bloodlines that are in question. It’s her strength. Some also heard about what happened last night and word spread. They don’t feel as if she’ll be able to accept our ways and it will affect you. She is your mate.”

Drantos snorted. “She attacked a Lycan. I wouldn’t call that weak. She believed he was a VampLycan, yet still came to my defense.”

Velder scowled. “An elder Lycan who is respected by all. That didn’t earn her favor. No one doubts her bravery, it’s her sanity they question, and they wonder if you’ll act more human to please her. You know that would be a problem. You’re my first son. One day you’ll lead this clan.”

“Maybe in a hundred years or so if you decide to step aside. I’m sure as hell not going to challenge you.”

Velder shrugged. “It makes them nervous. Anxiety amongst our people is the last thing we need right now. They are already worried about Decker and how that will play out.”

“Fine. When do you want me to take a shift?”

“This evening. Get your mate settled today, and perhaps it would be a good idea if she was seen.”

“I’ll take her to get clothing.”

“There’s also the problem that she rejected you at first. It’s causing talk.”

Drantos snarled. “Don’t they have better things to do than gossip?”

“Apparently not.”

“She didn’t understand how mating works.”

“Your mother pointed that out to the women this morning when she met up with them at dawn. She’s hoping it will ease some of the tension.” Velder glanced at Dusti. “Outings with the women would be good for her.”

Drantos laughed.

“I’m serious,” Velder stated.

“Should I be insulted?” Dusti stared up at Drantos. “What’s funny?”

He held her gaze. “Our women bond by hunting a couple of times a week when it’s summer. They shift forms and go take down a few large animals. They bring their kills back to the village to cook for feasts that bring the clan together. Humans would consider it a BBQ for the community.”

She wasn’t amused. “Great. I see the problem.”

“I didn’t mean to make light of it but you don’t like the sight of blood. Hunting is grisly. They use their fangs to rip out the throats of their prey.”

“I got it.”

Velder sighed, drawing their attention. “She could take a rifle and guard the downed kill while they hunt for others. We’ve seen a lot of wolves in the area where they hunt. It would make her a useful part of their outing.”

“There’s one problem with that,” Dusti volunteered. “I don’t know how to shoot a gun. I take it that I’d have to fire the thing to scare them off?”

“Perfect. So she could shoot one of our people by accident,” Velder muttered. “I shouldn’t have brought up that option. Maybe she could gather firewood for their cooking pits while they’re out hunting.”

“I can tell the difference between one of you guys in shift and a wolf. Give me a little credit.” VampLycans were bigger and way scarier looking. But she didn’t point that out.

“She’s not a youth. That’s their job.” Drantos looked pissed. “You want her status set in this clan but giving her firewood duty would undermine it.”

Velder stood. “This is the problem with mating with someone so human. How is she going to fit into our society? Everyone has a duty, but what can she do?”

“Be my mate.”