“It wasn’t just her treatment of Kira. Vasilla came after me often as a youth.”

Lavos spread his hands, in a “so?” gesture, looking confused.

“She offered to teach me all about sex just after my fourteenth year. Is that clear enough? I became her target. She’d track me into the woods then boldly make her intentions known.”

“Shit. Fourteen? She’s like a hundred.”

“She said I reminded her of a lover she’d once lost. It doesn’t matter. Kira was with me all the time back then. Vasilla would order her to go away so she could get me alone. Kira refused to leave and threatened to tell the others.” He suddenly growled. “My Kira has always had a fierce spirit, and she appointed herself my protector. Vasilla went after her once to punish her for interfering. The bitch smacked Kira and knocked her down. I wasn’t fast enough to get between them to protect her. She could have been seriously hurt if Vasilla had used claws.”

“What did you do?”

“I snarled at Vasilla and told her I’d rip off her arm if she ever touched Kira again. She realized I meant it. We were snarling at each other and suddenly a big rock slammed into Vasilla’s face. Kira pitched about ten of them before Vasilla ran away.” Lorn smiled wide. “Kira began carrying rocks in her pockets and would throw them at Vasilla when she came near me. She hates the woman for what she tried to do and how uncomfortable it made me.”

“Did you ever…you know? After you started avoiding Kira?”

“Hell no! I told Vasilla I’d stick my dick into a bear’s den with cubs and let the mother rip me to shreds before I’d go to her bed. The point is, I won’t allow Vasilla to touch me. See the problem?”

“Your mate would get jealous.”

“I’ve hurt her enough where other women are concerned. I won’t let one touch me, even if she is the clan healer. We should have two, anyway. Perhaps a man.”

“Jase loves animals and tends to injured ones. He might be interested.” Lavos began to walk again. “He’s been getting abuse from his trainers because his heart isn’t into learning how to fight. He’s too gentle. I could bring it up and ask.”

“Do it.” Lorn kept pace with his brother. “We’ll speak to all the trainers about their treatment of youths. It’s one thing to teach defense but another when they’re cruel to ones not suited for enforcement or guard duty.”

“Decker would have had Jase killed if he didn’t end up having a skill he could make money from. The gender lines have always been drawn on clan jobs. It wouldn’t have crossed Decker’s mind to utilize a man as a caregiver.”

“That’s going to change too.”

The lodge came into view. Most of the clan members had assembled along the back porch and around it. Lorn realized they must have heard the fighting from their homes and rushed to protect the women and children inside, against Nabby’s orders. Garson came forward and met them.

“They know,” he murmured. “Word spread fast after Nabby howled for reinforcements and Xelor told them you’re taking the clan. I didn’t stop him. I figured it wouldn’t be secret for long.”

Lorn tensed. “What’s the overall feeling?”

“They were hopeful you’d win.” Garson smiled. “They were discussing attacking Nabby and the others if they were the ones who walked out of the woods. They feared with you both dead, they’d be next.”

Lorn stepped around Garson and addressed all the familiar faces staring at him. “Nabby, two of the elders, and eight other VampLycans have lost their lives tonight.” He paused, watching their reactions. Garson had been correct. He could see relief in the faces of men and women. “I’ve banned Ladius but his mate is welcome to visit. Speak now if you have a problem with me taking over the clan.”

Juno stepped forward out of the shadows of the lodge. It surprised Lorn. He hadn’t thought he’d object to a change of leadership.

“I’m glad,” Juno stated loudly. “I pledge my loyalty, Lorn. You’ve watched out for us, and helped so many when we were targeted by enforcers. You threatened to castrate Boon when he sniffed after my daughter and she wasn’t interested in becoming his lover. We lived in fear that he’d take her against her will and no one would punish him. He left her alone long enough for me to see her mated into another clan, and safe from his vengeance.”

Thaddeus cleared his throat. “I give you my loyalty, too. You spent hours training my son when he was smaller than the other boys in his age group, and Decker informed me that he might be too weak to live. Your fighting lessons made him skilled enough to impress and get the target off his back.”

His son nodded. “You saved my life. I volunteer to be one of your enforcers.” He grinned. “Eight years have put a lot of muscle and weight on me. No one teases me now, or I kick their ass. They never attempt it twice.”

Laughter and smiles met that statement. Thadlow had grown to an imposing, bulky six feet four and had gained a reputation for being a brawler at the age of seventeen.

“I’ll accept you when you turn eighteen.” Lorn held up his hand to stop others from speaking. “It’s been a long day. We’ll talk more tomorrow. Things will change. It’s going to be good for the clan.”

Perri crept forward. Rumor had it Decker had killed her mate the year before but no one could confirm it. She’d kept to herself after his death, mourning in private. “What about the weaker ones? What will you do to them?”

Lorn stared at her and realized he hadn’t seen either of her two children for a few weeks. “No more culling of our clan members.”

Tears welled into her eyes and she hugged her middle. He approached her and wanted to clasp her arms but didn’t want to stain her with blood. He held her gaze instead so she could see his sincerity.

“Your children are safe from death,” he promised. “Are they showing signs?”

She gave a sharp nod. “One is. My daughter started to get bad sunburns.” Her voice broke. “My younger son seems fine though. They’re only a year apart. I know it’s law to kill them both but please spare my children!” She grabbed Lorn’s arm, tears streaming down her face. “I’ll do anything. Please don’t take my babies. They’re all I have.”