She nodded and released him, rushing to her downed mate.

“Don’t bleed for him,” Lorn softly ordered. “Let him suffer the agony of a slow heal.”

She twisted her head, her horrified expression one he knew would haunt him for a long time.

“I’m contemplating permanently maiming him to make certain he’s less of a threat to others, but a mate missing an arm or leg wouldn’t be able to defend you well enough. He’d become a burden. My compassion is at the limit, and the next few days will give him time to realize how damn lucky he is to be breathing. He won’t starve before the jaw heals.”

“You’re right.” She suddenly turned her head and slapped her mates injured jaw.

Ladius yapped loudly.

Lorn’s mouth dropped, stunned. Ladius had to be in a lot of pain, and that smack definitely caused more agony.

His mother stood fast, her tears stopping, anger replacing them. “Stubborn fool.” She wiped her face dry. “I’m closing my mental link to him. He’s being stupid, thinking he can still find a way to lead the clan. I’ll take care of him—and he will listen to me, since he can’t talk back. I appreciate you sparing his life but I’ll break his legs myself if he tries to mess with you again.”

Ladius whined.

Their mother turned and kicked him in the hip. “Enough out of you! You crossed a line today by trying to kill our sons. I’ve always been aware of your flaws but I had hope that you’d overcome them. I see now you won’t do it unless you’re made to. Things have changed, mate.”

Lorn studied his mother, admiring her determination and inner strength. It wasn’t something he’d seen often used against her mate. She peered up at him.

“I’ve always been the obedient mate he demanded, but no more. Things need to change. You’ve said it for years.” She licked her lips. “Today, I lost any remaining hope that your father would mellow with age and wisdom. I watched my firstborn and my mate fight. He’s not fit to lead this clan.” She turned her head, glaring down at Ladius. “It’s your turn to be the obedient one, or I’ll keep you injured until you see things my way. That’s how it will be from now on. I’m in charge.”

Lorn watched his father’s reaction and stifled a grin. The old man appeared a little afraid of his once docile mate. She growled low, a warning to Ladius. It impressed Lorn. He glanced at Lavos, seeing his raised eyebrows and surprise etched over his features.

“Wow, Mom. You’re a badass. Who knew?” Lavos suddenly chuckled. “I wouldn’t mess with her, Dad. She used to grab us by the hair to force us to stop and listen when we misbehaved as young ones. I’m betting she’ll just go straight for your nuts. Ouch.”

“That’s a real possibility,” she agreed. “We won’t be having any more children soon, if ever. I sure don’t feel in the mood to have sex, so he won’t have a use for his nuts in the near future.” She lifted her arm, offering it to Lorn.

“What?” He glanced at it.

“Drink. You’re hurt, and you just kicked your father’s ass. I know what that means.”

He studied her eyes.

“You can take the clan.” She glanced at Lavos, then back to him. “Both of you can. Drink my blood and heal. Beware of Amos the most. He’s quiet for an elder but I’ve watched him and your father practice fighting. He’s a fast shifter and uses it to his advantage to launch sneak attacks. He won’t give warning.”

Lorn hesitated.

“Do it,” Lavos said. “She’s right. You don’t need to be already injured when shit hits the fan as soon as we leave here. You have Dad’s blood on you. They’ll realize as soon as they get a whiff that shit is going down.”

Their mother smiled. “I haven’t had to feed you since you were nine and broke your leg falling out of a tree.”

He remembered. Their father had forbidden her to ever help them heal. Each injury was supposed to be a lesson to toughen them up, but that day their father had been gone, so she’d fed him her blood. It had been their secret. The leg had completely healed by the time their father had returned days later, her scent faded.

He took her wrist and licked her skin, gentle when he bit down. He closed his eyes, drinking just enough to feel his skin tingling as the wounds mended. He released her when it was done, sealing the bite. He opened his eyes and held her stare.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” She glanced at Lavos. “Both of you. I have faith you can win leadership.” She turned away and crossed the room.

Their mother leaned down and grabbed her mate to flip him over. “As I see it, neither one of us has a use for your balls, so keep that in mind. Now be very still so you don’t bleed all over my floor any more than you already have. I’m going to go pack.” She straightened, addressing Lorn. “We’ll be out of here within the hour, if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course. You’re always welcome to return, Mom.”

“I’ll visit, and you can call if you need anything. May we use the borderline cabin built by the clan for emergencies? It’s going to take time to build us a home of our own.”

Lorn cringed. He’d been so angry he hadn’t considered where they’d live. “It’s yours for as long as you need.”

“Thank you.” She strode out of the room, toward the bedroom.

“Damn,” Lavos muttered.

“What choice did I have? Would you have preferred I killed him? She was screaming and begging me to stop.”

Their father whined but both of them ignored him.

Lavos’s expression softened. “I get it. And letting them stay in the borderland area was nice.”

“I didn’t want to unleash him on the humans and it will be easier to keep an eye on him here.”

“Agreed.” Lavos stepped closer. “Now what?”

“We deal with Nabby and the elders most loyal to Decker.” Lorn looked down at his clothes. He just pulled off what was left of his shirt and dropped it. Two snaps of his pants had come undone and they were torn in a few spots, but they’d do. He looked back up at his brother.

Lavos glanced at their father. “What about him?”

Lorn studied Ladius. He lay on the floor where his mate had flipped him, barely conscious and still bleeding. “He’s done for right now. He’s too injured to even shift back. Mom can handle him on her own. I’m sure she’ll take one of the off-road vehicles and toss him in the back, along with whatever she packs. The cabin is stocked at all times. They’ll have plenty of food and water.”