She laughed. “You kind of scare me when you change.”

“I’d never hurt you.”

“I trust that. It’s just the whole looking like a hell beast and your eyes going dark.”

“Hell beast?”

“Kind of similar to a devil dog, if you want the truth. Like you should be sitting at the feet of Satan himself.”

“I didn’t realize I looked that bad.”

“I’m sure you’re very handsome for a shifted VampLycan, but considering I’m not used to seeing them, you’re scary.” She worried she might have hurt his feelings. “Please don’t be offended.”

“I’m not. You accept me, and that’s all that matters, sweetheart.”

“How did it go with that woman?”

“What woman?” He arched his eyebrows.

“Don’t try to look all innocent. You know who I’m talking about.”

A teasing glint showed in his eyes. “You’re the only woman I notice.”

“Cute.”

He hugged her tighter. “Still jealous? There’s no need. You’re it for me, Jadee.”

“Can I get a straight answer?” She rubbed her hands along his shirt, lightly massaging him.

“Fine.” He sobered. “Your scent is all over me and everyone could smell that I’d mated. Tha—”

“How can they tell? I mean, couldn’t you have just hugged me as a friend?”

He took long seconds before he spoke, seeming to think over his answer. “It’s more than the scent I carry on my clothes from coming into physical contact with you. It’s kind of tough to explain, but Lycans put off pheromones. When one is horny and single, that scent can attract the opposite sex.” He winked. “When one is mated, we put off different pheromones. The I’m-mated-and-not-interested-in-anyone-else kind. They’re particularly strong right now because…”

“You’re going through Lycan PMS?”

He threw back his head and laughed, then stared down at her. “Yes. We also just exchanged blood, so there’s no missing that you’re a part of me. The fact that I wanted your scent all over my clothes as well is a bold statement of how proud I am to be mated to you.”

“How did that woman react?”

“Mya was angry, but her clan leader stepped in and ordered her to leave our territory. She’s a troublemaker for Trayis, and was seeking to find a mate in our clan. She targeted me because I’m second-in-command. I found her annoying when we first met today, I had no interest in sleeping with her to test a mating, and all I could think about was you. Any more questions, mate?”

She smiled. “Just one.”

“What is it?”

“Why are we still dressed? I missed you.”

He lifted her off her feet, walking them both to the couch, then eased her back onto her feet in front of it. He let go, backed off a little, and pulled his shirt over his head. “Get naked with me.”

Jadee had a feeling she was going to love being mated to Lavos. “Race you.”

Lavos’s cell phone rang and a vicious snarl tore from his throat. “I have to get this.”

She stilled, watching him jerk his phone from his pocket, accept the call, and put it to his ear. “What’s wrong?”

He listened, his face twisting in anger. “I’ll be right there. Can you send Davis to watch my home?” He paused, listening. “Tell him thank you.” He ended the call and shoved his phone back into his pocket. “Velder called an emergency meeting. I have to go back to the lodge. I’m so sorry. It’s important.”

She watched him bend, snatch up the shirt he’d just discarded, and put it back on. Disappointment struck. “Are you taking me back to Kira’s?”

“No. Stay inside with the doors locked. Davis was busy, so Bran offered to patrol around our house to keep you safe. Don’t be alarmed if you see a black-haired man outside. He won’t try to come in.”

“Who is Bran?”

“He’s the father of a friend of mine who also mated a human. Veso refused to join the meeting because he’s still on his honeymoon. I don’t have that option. I need to go.”

“Because you’re lead enforcer.”

“Exactly. I won’t be long.” He leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips. “Lock the door after me. You’re safe.”

He left and she followed him to the door, twisting the bolts with a deep sigh. She hoped this wasn’t her future, them being interrupted often and him having to leave.

“Damn.” She turned, studying the living room. “At least I have time to get acquainted with my new home.”

* * * * *

Lavos entered Lorn’s office. He’d hung around outside his home until Bran had actually arrived to patrol. He wasn’t willing to take a chance that someone would attack Jadee. He glanced around the large space, surprised to see not only all four clan leaders, but at least three of each of their enforcers present too. Kar and Garson were standing behind Lorn’s desk, where is brother sat. He crossed the room, getting close to his brother. Tension hung in the silent room, so thick it almost had a scent.

Velder sat in a chair in front of the desk, the two other clan leaders next to him. It seemed they’d been waiting for Lavos to arrive, because Maku, Velder’s man, closed the door.

“What’s going on?” Lorn stared directly at Velder.

“I’ve just received a call from my son Kraven’s mate.”

“Problem?” Lorn tensed.

“Kind of. Bat and Kraven made friends with the nest master of Los Angeles. Bat talks to Michael at least once a week. She told him about the Vampire attack on your clan.”

Lavos sighed. “Did we piss this Michael off by killing those bastards who came after us and now he wants war?”

Velder shook his head. “Michael has been a friend to the VampLycans. He helped Kraven protect Bat when they were in his territory. Fucking Decker had the Vampire Council and the local Lycan packs searching for her.”

Lavos had heard something about that. “Decker wanted to give her to Lord Aveoth, right?”

Velder glanced at the two clan leaders in the chairs on each side of him. “You’ll want to hear this too, Trayis and Crocker. That’s why I insisted you be here.”