She did until the hunger faded and her thoughts became clear again. She gently eased her fangs out and slowly pulled back on her hands and knees.

Kar rolled, releasing the big animal. It struggled but got up, running toward the river. Kira watched it go. It seemed okay, not hurt.

Kar brushed off his clothes as he got to his feet. “Better?”

She stared up at him.

He pointed to his chin. “You have blood all over you. Let’s take a walk to the water. You can splash your face and clean that off.”

The VampLycan had helped feed her but she still wasn’t certain she could trust him. He seemed to read her hesitancy. He stepped closer and offered his hand.

“We’ve worked together on shifts. Did I ever give you any shit about being human? At least now you’re stronger and faster. I’ve got no problem with you being a Vampire, Kira. I’m sorry it happened to you but I have faith that you’re still a good person. You felt sympathy for that beast even though I know you were starving. That says it all. Besides, Lorn would kill me if I let anything happen to you. Trust in that. I don’t want to be shredded to pieces.”

She reached up and clasped his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. He actually smiled. “I had a hell of a time keeping up with you. You’ve gained impressive speed.”

“Thank you.”

“I’d say it wasn’t some newbie Vamp who turned you.”

“He said he was five hundred years old.”

“That’s going to be quite an advantage. It means you’ll be stronger than most of the newbies I’ve come across.” Kar led the way to the river.

The moose were long gone. Kira bent near the edge, scooping chilled water into her hands and washing her face and throat. She stood and looked at Kar.

He nodded. “You got it all. Let’s go back to the den.”

“I want to check on Lorn.”

“No way in hell are we going near the village.”

“He might need help.”

“Then return to the den and I’ll go. They’d smell you from a mile away.”

“I stink?” She winced. “Lorn lied to me.”

“You’re carrying the Vampire scent. It’s not bad or anything, just distinctive.” He leaned in and sniffed. “You also smell like Lorn. No one from the clan can get a whiff of you. They’d know he’s been feeding and fucking you. That’s the last thing he needs right now. Shit’s going down and he has to be firmly in charge before he can spring you on them.”

“He’s challenging Nabby, isn’t he?”

“I honestly don’t know. Ladius and Nabby, along with the elders, were starting some shit. Lorn’s probably dealing with that.”

“What kind of shit?”

“Walk and talk.” Kar glanced around. “I don’t like you out in the open. Who knows where the patrols are, now that we were attacked by Vampires. They might switch patterns. I wasn’t on duty tonight so I’m not aware of their routes.”

Kira headed back toward the den. “What do you know?”

“Some of the clan are thinking of joining the other ones. It’s a good time to get out. To prevent that, Nabby plans to split the families apart by keeping all the mothers and children inside the lodge.”

Anger surged in Kira. “So the men will stay. They won’t leave their mates and children behind.”

“It’s an asshole move,” Kar agreed. “Lavos, Garson, and I spent the day trying to keep everyone calm. Nabby has been looking to start fights since Decker left, as if he can’t wait for someone to give him any excuse to kill them. We asked everyone to play it cool until Lavos could get ahold of Lorn. Most have faith he’ll do what it takes to prevent their families from being taken away and held at the lodge tonight.”

“Go help Lorn and Lavos.”

“I’m not leaving until you’re locked inside the den. And promise me you won’t leave. You’ll only distract Lorn if you were to show up, and you could be used against him. You’re a weakness he can’t afford right now.”

“I might be able to help.”

Kar stopped and gripped her arm, spinning her to face him.

She stared up, unafraid. He’d have attacked her already if he’d planned to.

“These assholes are using mates and children against our men. What in the hell do you think they’d do with you if you’re captured? You’re a Vampire, Kira. Yeah, you’re fast, but I could not only catch you but kick your ass if I wanted to. You’ve got weaknesses I don’t.” He released her and raised his hand, his claws extending from his fingertips. “A few well-placed slices and you’d lose enough blood to be weakened. They’d use you against Lorn and take him out—because he would stop fighting if your life depended upon it.

“Go inside the den and lock down until he comes back. Do you love him? Then forget your pride and everything else. The best thing you can do is stay safe so he doesn’t have to worry about you.”

She wanted to argue still, the urge to help Lorn too strong.

“You just became a Vampire. It’s going to take time for you to learn your new skills and make the best of them. Trust me. I thought I was a badass after I could fully shift when I hit full maturity, until I had my ass handed to me in training. You’re not an asset to Lorn right now. Stay locked inside the den and I’ll go to the village.”

She nodded. “You’re right. Okay.”

“Swear to me on Lorn’s life. I can’t leave you if you don’t promise me.”

She raised her hand. “I swear.”

“Good.” He released her. “Now move.”

Kira returned to the stand of boulders. “Go on. I’m safe.”

He nodded. “You gave your word. You’re a hindrance to Lorn. Don’t forget that.”

“I’m going inside the den. Now go help him since I can’t.”

Kar spun, taking off toward the village. She tracked his heat signature until the trees between them became too thick. She entered the den and took a seat at the table.

“Be okay, Lorn. I need you to return to me.”

* * * * *

Lorn paused by the lodge with Lavos at his side. Garson, two youths and three of Nabby’s cohorts were gathered in a small group. Xelor, Nabby’s younger brother, shoved one of the youths by slamming his palm into the kid’s chest.