Kira gaped at him.

Lorn met her gaze. “It could take years to get them to come around to tolerating someone who’s so Vampire. I’m not willing to hide you for that long. I’ve been talking to Velder…and I believe he’d allow us to move to his clan. I never really wanted to lead but it’s fallen to me, considering how bad Decker was. My brother could take over once we get enough support behind him. Right now, the threat of facing off against us both has been a deterrent. Plus, I have to say that Garson and Kar can fight a hell of a lot better than I gave them credit for. They hid their skills to remain under the radar.”

“You’re the new clan leader. You can’t give that up.”

“It wasn’t my ambition, Kira. It became necessary to protect the weaker ones so I stepped up. I’m still a VampLycan and it’s my duty to keep them safe. Once all the dust settles and more enforcers have sworn in, I’d be happy to step down.”

“I won’t let you do that. You’ll make an amazing leader, Lorn. You have the heart that Decker lacked.”

“So does Lavos.”

“I won’t allow you to give up everything because of me.”

“You’re all that matters, Kira.” He cupped her face. “It’s going to take some time so nothing is decided yet.”

“I’m going to walk in the sun.”

“We’ll sure try to get you there but I’m looking at all the options.”

“I’m determined, and you know me.”

“You’re as stubborn as hell.” He grinned. “But I have a backup plan. That’s it. Now let’s get some sleep. I’m worn out.”

She nodded. He needed to rest, and she curled up to him as he settled on his side. While Lorn fell asleep fast, she couldn’t.

He couldn’t give up leadership of the clan for her. It wasn’t right. He might not have ever wished for the position but it did suit him. He’d always been a natural protector. He’d done it for her all her life. Now he wanted to protect her again if feeding didn’t make her strong enough to withstand the sun.

* * * * *

Lorn woke when something inside his den creaked. He tried to tighten his arms around Kira but she wasn’t there. He sat up and caught site of her opening the door that led to the lift.

“Where are you going?” He climbed off the bed.

“You know.”

He had her pinned to the wall a heartbeat later, rage beating at him. “The sun is up! Are you crazy?”

“No. I’m testing a theory.”

“You’ll burn!”

“Maybe not.”

“I forbid it. What in the hell were you thinking?”

“That I want to help you and I’m a hindrance right now, stuck here.”

“The only thing you can do for me is stay where you’re safe.”

Kira sighed. “You need help and I’m your mate. Not officially yet, but I could be if I can handle the sun. That’s going to be the biggest tell of how this drinking-your-blood plan is doing. I’m going up there.”

“I think we should wait a few days.” Lorn worried it wouldn’t work and she’d be seriously injured. The sun could kill her.

“I’m awake during the day. I want to try.”

She’d always been too damn obstinate for his liking. It was possible she’d attempt it on her own when he wasn’t around in the future, or actually sneak out while he slept. Once the lift was raised to ground level, she’d be completely exposed to the sun if he wasn’t there to help shield her. A horrific image of her screaming, burning, helpless as she died, flashed through his mind.

“Two more days. We’ll attempt it then.”

She frowned, jutting out her chin. “Now.”

“Damn it!” He let her go, took a step back and ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated.

Her expression softened. “Every day I’m down here puts you at risk of the clan figuring out you’re hiding me. I might not need a babysitter. This is something we have to know.”

“We can give it a bit more time.”

“You took the clan. That means you need everyone you can trust at your side. I do a lot of paperwork for my father, and you’re going through Decker’s office. Guess who could be a big help there? Me. Plus, you’d gain two people. You keep making Kar babysit me at night when you’re gone.”

“It’s too soon.”

“Time isn’t on our side, Lorn. You know some are just waiting for a chance to strike once they evaluate the situation. Make it harder for them. I want Kar at your side if you’re attacked, not sitting on a log bored shitless because you don’t want to leave the den unprotected while I’m in it.”

She was right, and it pissed him off. “Fine. But I’m going to yell if you get hurt in any way. I’ll warn you now.”

“I feel strong even though it’s daylight up top. I’m wide awake. That’s promising, isn’t it? I think so.”

“You’ve always been hopelessly optimistic.”

“You’ve always been too grumpy and cautious.”

“I am when it comes to you,” he admitted.

She spun away, crossed the room to the bed, and scooped up the comforter. “I’ll wrap up good and you’ll block most of the sun. I’ll just slip a hand out once we’re up there. Worst case, I’ll get a little sunburn and jerk my hand back under the blanket.”

“Or lose a damn arm if it bursts into flames and ashes.”

He regretted the words as soon as she looked at him. He hated seeing fear on her face. “I’m sorry.”

“No. You have a point. But we need to know if I’m changing for the better or not. It’s not as though I’ll just ash in an instant. Unfortunately, we’ve all witnessed someone staked down, thanks to Decker.”

“I never saw it actually happen. He wasn’t foolish enough to stake the ones with too much Vampire blood while Lavos and I were around. Our father always sent us on some errand. We would have fought to protect those families.”

“I got a front row seat once. Decker thought it was important that I watch, probably to scare the hell out of me and remind me I was on borrowed time. He even sent Boon to collect me.”

“I didn’t know. Did that bastard hurt you?”