Trayis (VLG Series Book 11) Read online

  She took a seat, flattered that he’d remembered her name. That had to be a good sign. He was so handsome it was hard to look at him. He had beautiful eyes. They were a soft brown with a lot of gold streaks. “Yes. How’s your visit going?”

  “Good. I had to come meet my new nephew.”

  “Joshua is adorable. I got to hold him this morning when I was in the office. You can already see the intelligence in his eyes. He’s going to grow up to be as wonderful as our alpha pair. And the twins are super protective of their baby brother. It’s adorable.”

  Pride flashed in his eyes. “It almost makes me regret not having children of my own.”

  She could relate. She’d never have children. Or a mate. Unless she left the pack to live with humans. It wasn’t a happy thought. “You haven’t found a mate yet?”

  He shook his head and went back to eating his burger, dropping his gaze. “No. I did adopt a fully grown human. Though it’s not the same as having young.”

  That stunned her, and it must have shown on her face.

  He grinned. “It’s a long story. She became mated to someone in my clan.”

  That made sense. Sometimes humans needed a family bond to be accepted into a pack. Trayis must have offered to be that bond for the human. It proved he really was as compassionate as she’d always believed. It made her want him even more.

  It was a relief that he was still officially single, too. It meant she stood a slight chance of talking him into her bed.

  She glanced around, spotted Marcia with Kale, and watched as her friend grabbed him by the front of his shirt. She hauled him toward the trees instead of kissing him, though. He didn’t put up a fight but a look of pure confusion creased his features as he was led away. She grinned.

  “What’s amusing?”

  She gave her attention back to Trayis. “A friend of mine just made her interest known to the Were she wants.”

  He smiled. “Ah. I guess that’s the good thing about pack gatherings. Celebrations mean a lot of single people finding an excuse to have sex. The same thing happens in my clan.”

  “Do you like living in Alaska?” There was a lot she didn’t know about the VampLycans.

  “I do. The winters can be harsh, though. We get around it well. It’s like a different world up there.”

  “You mean because it’s remote? Arlis once said you live far from cities.”

  “That too. There are a few small towns that have popped up but nothing like here. The populations are usually just a few hundred or less. Humans mind their own business and stay out of our territories.”

  “That must be good. You know, to run around in fur and not need to worry about being spotted or shot at by hunters.”

  He nodded as he finished his burger and picked up the second one on his plate. It made her glance at her own; she could only eat one burger. She hoped that didn’t put him off, but no way could she eat as much as a shifter. She picked at her chips, desperately trying to think of something seductive to say or do. She had to gain his interest to get him into bed.

  He sniffed the air when the breeze teased her back, blowing her scent his way. “You’re not mated. I’m surprised.”

  That jolted her. “Why would you say that? A lot of women in their early twenties are still single.”

  He studied her face, not even being discreet about it. “I just figured someone would have snatched you up once you hit maturity.”

  She wasn’t sure how to take that and was tempted to ask. Did he think her so weak that someone would need to take her under their protection? “No mate. No boyfriend.” She shrugged. “I work for your brother. I handle all the pack correspondences, which keeps me busy. Our territory borders four other packs. It’s like Werewolf central around here.”

  That didn’t help her, either, since none of the Were men from other packs would give her the time of day…but she didn’t mention that. At least one of those other alphas had outright forbidden any of his pack from even dating humans. She figured mating to a half-breed wouldn’t be allowed, either.

  “Arlis must trust you a lot.”

  She smiled. “I can’t tell you how wonderful he is.”

  “Don’t let Ginny hear you speak in that tone about her mate. She’d be jealous, and maybe feel the need to remind you that he’s her mate.”

  The very idea horrified her. “Oh no! I’m not attracted to him.”

  Trayis arched one eyebrow, staring at her. Then his eyes narrowed as if he didn’t believe her.

  She dropped her gaze, seeing his dominance—and feeling it as well. This conversation had gone wrong in a bad way. “Arlis is my hero, but that’s it. It’s nothing sexual. Just gratitude.” She dared to look at him again. “My mother was human. Once it became known that I couldn’t shift, some of the pack wanted me banished.”

  Anger glinted in his eyes. “Why would they do that?”

  “Some don’t see me as worthy of being part of this pack. Not all of them…but enough that they went to Arlis. He put me under his protection and allowed me to stay. I was terrified at the time that I’d be sent to live with humans. I wouldn’t have fit in with them, either.”

  “That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. You faintly carry the scent of a Lycan. Other packs would target you. You wouldn’t be able to blend in or stay hidden with humans.”

  “That’s what Arlis told them. I was born here, and therefore pack. He gave me a job when they questioned how someone like me could be a useful member of our society. He saved my life. I do think he’s wonderful, but it’s in a protector type of way. No one was happier than I was when he found Ginny. He’s a fantastic alpha who takes care of his pack and deserves the best mate. And she’s it. Their love is something to inspire everyone.”

  His smile returned. “I understand.”

  She blew out a relieved breath. “Good.” It took a few seconds to work up her courage to speak again. “Um…are you seeing anyone?”

  That wiped the smile off his face. “Why?” His gaze held hers.

  Heat warmed her cheeks, and she swallowed hard. Be brave. Be gutsy. You can do this. Marcia had gone after Kale. She could do the same. “You mistook my attraction to the wrong brother.”

  The words came out soft, not exactly steady, but she’d said them.

  Surprise widened his eyes and his lips parted, but he didn’t say anything.

  “Look—the mouse dares to show her face,” a familiar bitchy voice stated from behind Shay.

  Her spine stiffened but she refused to look over her shoulder. She’d been paying attention to Trayis, not her surroundings. Her instincts were shit for a Were, but good enough to know at least a few of her regular tormenters had arrived. Damn. Now is not the time for them to pull their shit. What else is Kendra going to say?

  Whatever shot she’d at getting Trayis into bed, however small, would be gone by the time they were done insulting her.

  “Do you know who you’re eating with?” That was Lucinda. “I don’t think your half-brother would approve, Trayis. She’s the lowest member of our pack.”

  Barbie snorted. “Member? Try charity case. Our alpha has a big heart, and he took pity on her. The rest of us are smarter. She should go throw herself in the trash where she belongs.”

  Anger surged, and Shay slowly twisted her body, glaring at the tall bleached blonde with cold blue eyes. “Smarter? You just insulted our alpha. Perhaps your parents stuck you with the name ‘Barbie’ once they realized you have plastic between your ears instead of a brain.” Her gaze dropped to the bitch’s breasts and low-cut top. “Speaking of plastic, nobody believes you went from an A cup to a D while on vacation for a week without plastic surgery. Which seems to be a theme with you.”

  Barbie unleashed her claws but Lucinda gripped her wrist. “You can’t do that. She’s too weak and pathetic to actually, you know, have claws of her own.”

  “Yes,” Kendra snickered. “Don’t forget that. We’re not allowed to claw the special-needs girl. Laws had to b