Garson moved fast, getting between the teen and the bigger VampLycan. “Hey, none of that.”

“You want to fight me instead?” Xelor puffed up his chest and slid out his claws.

Garson snorted. “Me? You know that’s not my thing. Why are you picking on them anyway? It wouldn’t even be a fair fight. There’re three of you and two of them. They’re still in training. They aren’t hurting anyone by being outside. I’m with them.”

“Don’t interfere. They were given an order to go inside the lodge before dark. They didn’t do as they were told.”

Garson withdrew his phone and tapped the screen. “I promised I’d show them something first. Why don’t you come back in like five minutes?” he asked casually.

“What did you say?” Xelor snarled.

Garson turned his phone. “Look. I found this on the internet. The kids don’t understand why anyone would find a human attractive.”

Xelor lowered his gaze to the phone. His two friends stepped closer, also staring at whatever was on the screen. Garson used his other hand to wave off the two youths behind him. They fled around the building fast.

“See? She’s hot, isn’t she? Women make money by filming themselves masturbating. I’d totally do her.” Garson smirked.

Lorn had seen enough. He approached, coming up behind Xelor. Garson spotted him first and a look of relief crossed his face. He shoved his phone back inside his pocket.

“Where did they go?” Xelor realized the youths had taken off.

“They’re avoiding being bullied,” Lorn drawled.

“Porn?” Lavos snorted at Garson but stayed by Lorn’s side.

Garson grinned. “It worked. Show him a beautiful woman touching herself and any man will stop whatever he’s doing to watch. It’s about time you got here. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could stall. These assholes were looking to bleed our trainees.”

Xelor lunged at Garson but the latter swiftly threw up his leg and kicked him in the stomach. Xelor stumbled back, almost into Lorn, who grabbed his arm and spun him around, his own claws unsheathing from his fingertips.

“Are those the orders your brother gave you? Bully and beat on the weaker? What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Did you find Kira’s body?” Yenis mocked from a few feet away. “I hope they fucked her before she bled to death. Someone should have.”

Xelor tore out of Lorn’s grasp as the other VampLycan taunted him.

“You’re a moron,” Garson muttered. “With a death wish.”

In a blink, Lorn grabbed Yenis by the throat and slammed the jerk against the side of the lodge, lifting him off his feet. He punched his chest with his other fist, a warning.

“Don’t, Marlo,” Lavos rasped. “Garson and I will take you down before you get one step closer.”

Lorn wasn’t worried about Xelor or his friend as he glowered up at Yenis. “What were you saying about Kira? And she’s not dead.”

“Nothing.” The VampLycan lowered his gaze, refusing to meet Lorn’s.

Lorn backed up, taking Yenis with him, and tossed him hard. His heavy body rolled a few times before he ended up in a crouch.

Lorn glared at Xelor. “Things are changing. I used to like you when you were a boy. It must have been hell dealing with your brother every day. I know Nabby tormented you. It’s time to make a life-altering decision.”

Xelor grimly regarded him. “You’re taking the clan?” His nostrils flared and he paled. “You killed your father?”

“He’s alive. Barely. I allowed him to live but he’s been banished. Choose sides.”

Long seconds passed. Xelor shifted his gaze away for a split-second then looked back at him. “I pledge to you—but don’t trust Yenis.”

Lorn gave his full attention to the one named.

The blond VampLycan snarled. “Traitor! Nabby will kill all of you!”

He tried to run but Lavos tackled him from behind. They both went down then got up quickly. Yenis unleashed his claws.

Lorn wasn’t surprised. Yenis and Nabby were best friends and very similar. “Decide now.”

“I’ll never follow you. Nabby and I are going to kill you!”

“That’s your final answer?”

“Yes!”

“To the death.”

“Don’t waste too much energy on him,” Lavos warned.

It wasn’t advice Lorn needed. Yenis launched at him, slashing with his claws. Lorn avoided contact with those sharp tips, ducking his head and twisting, kicking out hard. His heel struck Yenis in the hip, sending him stumbling into a tree. Yenis pushed off against it, snarled, and lunged again.

“I’m going to find Kira and fuck her. I’ll pass her around to anyone who wants a piece of that ass after you’re dead!”

Lorn knew it was Yenis’s attempt to make him lose his focus and temper. He flashed his fangs. “And you’re stalling for time. Are you hoping your friend arrives to finish your fight? We both know you’re weak and don’t stand a chance. Garson over there could take you.”

“Hey,” Garson blustered. “I resent that.”

“Shut up,” Lavos muttered.

“Fine,” Garson huffed.

Yenis struck, attempting to go for Lorn’s throat with his claws. Lorn easily avoided him, dropping to a crouch before driving upward in the next second. His claws buried deep into Yenis’s chest. He pinned the other VampLycan to a tree, staring into his eyes.

“You chose the wrong side.”

Fear and panic flashed on Yenis’s face but sympathy wasn’t an emotion Lorn could afford. The asshole would go after Kira if he didn’t kill him. He twisted his wrists as he shoved his claws deeper. Material and skin tore, the latter a sickening sound. Yenis screamed, his head thrown back.

Lorn didn’t hesitate. He ripped out his enemy’s heart and dropped it on the ground as he leapt back, avoiding the slumping body.

Blood coated both of his hands and wrists as he faced Xelor and Marlo. “Decide.”

Marlo fell to his knees in an instant, bowed his head, and trembled. “I swear allegiance to you, Lorn.”

Xelor was a bit slower to drop, but he did. He kept eye contact with Lorn and nodded. “My oath to you, as long as you aren’t like my brother or Decker.”