Wen Read online

  Gerri had spent all her time indoors, reading books, rather than playing outside with the others. He had never understood her reasons until he’d finally asked her why. Some moments in life stuck in one’s mind, and that was one of them. She’d peered up at him with her big blue eyes and tears had formed inside them.

  “My dad says I’m easy prey, and I should stay inside where I’m safe. He doesn’t want anything to happen to me. Trayis said I needed to be around other kids but they won’t chase away anything that comes after me. I almost walked into baby moose last week. I couldn’t hear or smell it. It was a good thing it was alone or I might have been attacked. I’m going to have to become a craftsman like my dad or stay inside all the time like my mom does when I grow up. I tried to lift my dad’s chainsaw so he could teach me to make sculptures, but it was too heavy. One day, when I’m bigger, I’m going to do that every day until I’m so good I have a future.”

  Wen had pitied her. He’d started taking her outdoors and even taught her how to fight. She’d been really smart, had a sense of humor, and he’d enjoyed spending time with her. Their bond had grown until he couldn’t imagine life without his G.L.

  His grip on her hand tightened as he followed the insane Vampire into one of the buildings down the block. He wasn’t going to allow anything to happen to her.

  The Lycans followed. They were quiet but he could still pick up the sounds they made. It was going to be bad if they were being led into a trap.

  Vampires were greedy and selfish. He had something Horton wanted though, and Gerri was the only leverage he could use against Wen. He’d thought it out well and tried to relax. He’d had to risk his life often in the past on these kinds of missions but this one was different. G.L.’s life was on the line too.

  The interior of the building was nicer than the exterior. Someone had spent money having it repainted. Horton turned after they entered and smiled. “Welcome to our current home. It’s guarded twenty-four-seven by Joel’s pack.”

  The Lycan curled his lip, glaring at Wen. He got the message loud and clear. The alpha of the rogue pack wasn’t happy about having them as guests and made no bones about it. Wen returned his attention to Horton.

  “I need food and a bed for my mate.”

  “Of course.” Horton turned, walking up the stairs. “This way.”

  Wen yanked Gerri around to his other side and put his body between her and Joel as they passed by the alpha and climbed the stairs. It was a five-story building, from what he’d counted from the outside. They stopped on the fourth floor and the Vampire threw open a door near the top of the stairs.

  “Here you are. I’ll have one of Joel’s pack bring something for dinner. Expect food in twenty or so minutes. I want you downstairs while she eats. We have information to exchange.”

  “You think I’m going to leave her alone?” Wen shook his head. “It’s never going to happen.”

  “I don’t trust humans. The pack will keep an eye on her.”

  “I don’t trust anyone here,” Wen countered. “She remains at my side.” He took off his backpack and tossed it on the floor.

  Gerri did the same.

  “We have common goals.” Horton frowned. “We both want to hurt the VampLycans enough to keep them from ever coming after us. It would be stupid to harm her. You wouldn’t tell me what I want to know if I did.”

  “It would be stupid to leave her alone in a building like this one.” Wen sharply inhaled. “I’ve picked up the scents of at least four Vampires and over two dozen Lycans since we’ve met. Do you know what I haven’t smelled? Any women from any race except for Gerri. I’m not leaving her alone to fall victim to some asshole who thinks she’s an easy meal or something to fuck. You’re a master. I shouldn’t have to tell you the temptation she poses in this scenario. Why the hell don’t you have any women here?”

  Horton’s mouth firmed into a tight, white-lipped line. Wen figured he wasn’t going to answer, but then the Vamp surprised him by closing the door at his back, giving them privacy.

  “They didn’t last a week. Fucking animals,” Horton whispered. “It wasn’t mine who killed them. Joel’s men were too rough with the two whores I bought them. I turned them, thinking they’d be able to survive this rabid bunch, but I didn’t foresee how violent they’d be during sex.”

  Wen cringed inside, imagining the horror those poor women must have faced before their deaths. First, they’d been turned into Vamps, then thrown at a Lycan pack. He doubted they signed up for what they’d endured. “It’s a learning curve, dealing with rogues.”

  “I wouldn’t say that too loud,” Horton whispered. “Joel takes offense. He’s too irrational at times to completely control but I am stuck with them for now. They want my money, and I need them to guard us during the day.”

  Wen believed that. There was no other reason why rogues would hang with Vampires unless they got something out of the deal. It had to be either for money or they needed someone to do a little mind tuning on humans. “My mate stays at my side.”

  “Fine. We’ll get you fed, and then both of you will come downstairs. I turned two apartments into an office. Try not to insult Joel.” Horton rolled his eyes. “Fucking Werewolves. They can turn on you.” He spun, quickly opened the door, and left.

  Wen closed the door and locked it. It wasn’t a solid door but the locks would at least give them a split-second warning in case of attack if someone tried to break it down. Gerri opened her mouth but he shook his head, easing around her to check out the apartment. It smelled of a human and was a bit dusty, as if it hadn’t been lived in for weeks.

  It turned out to be a one-bedroom apartment with a bathroom, kitchen, and small living area. There was no fire escape, so the windows were attack proof. Someone would have to climb to reach them, and the building wouldn’t permit that without balconies. He checked for any obvious recording devices next but found none. Gerri stayed close to him as he searched, shadowing him from room to room.

  Chapter Seven

  Wen finally faced her. “Stay in character,” he mouthed.

  Gerri wondered if he heard someone in an apartment next to theirs or if he’d seen a bug she couldn’t. “I’m worried, baby.” She winked. “Are you sure they aren’t going to turn us over to the VampLycans?”

  “I don’t think so.” He raised his voice a little. “I know the clans would attack any Lycans or Vampires that were hanging out together. They’d be paranoid about that. I think we’re good. Relax, mate.”

  “I’m just so tired of always running.” She batted her eyelashes at him. “Thank goodness you’re so big and strong.”

  He smiled, amused. “There, there, baby. Don’t cry. You know I can’t stand it when you do. You’re being so brave for a human.”

  She lifted her hand and flipped him off, then spun away. There was no way she was going to pretend to sob if someone were listening to them. It sank in that they were four floors up in a building with Vamps and Lycans. She’d caught it when Wen had stated he smelled at least two dozen rogues. That was more than they’d expected. At any second, they could attack. Wen would be greatly outnumbered.

  He grabbed her around her waist, turning her in his arms, and pressed her against the wall. It stunned her enough to gasp as he lifted her right off her feet.

  His lips came down over hers and his tongue swept into her mouth. He also pressed his body against her and wiggled his hips until she spread her thighs, wrapping them around his waist. She moaned as he rubbed the length of his stiff cock along her pussy.

  She clutched at him, turned on. He smelled so good and felt so right. It was insane to fool around while they were in a nest of crazy Vamps and rogue Lycans, but she didn’t shove him away. He finally ended the kiss and stared into her eyes. His were glowing. She didn’t fear him messing with her mind. He was just turned on too.

  “Better?” He whispered the words. “You were scenting of fear.”

  “So you decided to make me hot and wet?”

&nbs