Glacier Read online

  “I’ll be sure to call you the next time it happens to see if you’re interested in taking in a kid or two.”

  They studied each other. Glacier finally nodded. “I’d appreciate it. I think Mandy would make an amazing mother. We just want to be mates for a while but after that, make that call.”

  “You go it, bro.” Pest smiled. “Just don’t let her eat them.”

  Glacier shook his head. “Dick.”

  “I was joking. Short stack is a sweetheart. She’d no more bite a kid than I would. You were right about her. I like your mate, even though she’s a Vamp. Best one I ever met.”

  “She’s amazing.” Glacier finished his beer. “I only have one problem.”

  “What’s that?”

  “My motorcycle. We’ll fly to Alaska, and let’s face it, it wouldn’t be the best thing to have up there. It’s too loud and my new neighbors would complain. I’d like to give it to you.”

  Pest grinned. “Chicks love bikes. I’ll take it.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Cool, a free bike. I get the better end of this deal, and I did just buy a helmet. Now I get to use it for more than a day.”

  “I’ll get you the keys.”

  Glacier quickly retrieved them, passing them over.

  “Go sleep with your mate. Creed wants to get back to Angel. He hates leaving her alone, even if she’s spending time with her parents. He’ll want to fly out of here later today.”

  “You going to be around?”

  “I’m driving to Miami. I should be going soon. Tell short stack I said goodbye. I’ll make the trip up to Alaska to see you guys once you’re settled in.” Pest grinned. “In the summer. Fuck the snow.”

  Glacier gave him a hug. “Be safe.”

  “Always, bro.”

  Glacier returned to the bedroom, took off his jeans, and crawled back into bed. He pulled Mandy into his arms. She murmured his name and snuggled into his body. He smiled, drifting off to sleep.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Mandy got to meet her first VampLycan at the airport. He was tall, muscular, and daunting. Lake had flown from Alaska on a private jet to pick them up. He also got her through the small airport without the use of her ID or her real name.

  “We were worried the council might be looking for you,” Glacier explained.

  “You knew a VampLycan was coming?” He hadn’t said anything to her.

  “Not until I asked Creed how he wanted to get back to Alaska. Velder sent Lake for us.”

  “This has to cost a fortune. Private jet. Ouch.” She couldn’t imagine how much had been spent.

  Glacier only shrugged. “The clans have money.”

  Lake grinned. “This baby used to belong to our enemy. Our clans took possession of it after Decker died, and anyone who needs to fly uses it. The pilots are Lycans from a family pack. They’ll mind their own business and not ask any questions. We told them to stay in the cockpit. It’s all cool.”

  Mandy studied him. “You’re from Velder’s clan, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “You know about me?”

  “Of course. Velder informed us.” He winked. “You look pretty good for a dead woman. The Vampire council will never find you.”

  “Is your clan going to be okay with me living with them?”

  “Yes. Your secret is safe with us. Not to offend you, but nobody wants a bunch of Vampires invading Alaska to go after our neighbors.”

  That set her at ease. She also liked the way Lake smiled at her; he didn’t seem bothered by what she was.

  Glacier hovered close, being protective. He put his hand on the small of her back, helping her onto the jet and into her seat. He even held her hand while they flew.

  In Alaska, they landed at a larger airport. That’s when they said goodbye to Creed. Mandy, Glacier, and Lake took a smaller plane to a remote area, where the human pilot landed on a dirt road, dropping them off at Lake’s vehicle. He drove them into VampLycan territory. The town was small. They parked behind an auto shop.

  Mandy felt nervous as she climbed out of the vehicle, but Glacier kept flashing her smiles and whispering assurances. Lake gave them directions to their new home in the woods, before walking away.

  Velder met them outside a two-story cabin. He smiled at Mandy and hugged Glacier. “Welcome to my territory, and to your new home. It’s a two bedroom with two bathrooms. It was built last year to house visitors. I hope it’s to your liking.”

  “I’m sure it will be. We appreciate this.” Glacier hugged her to his side.

  “We’ve always wanted a GarLycan to live with our clan. It will help bond all the clans tighter together. We’re honored to have you.” Velder grinned. “Everyone can’t wait to meet you. I came alone to keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Tomorrow, we’re holding a party to welcome you.” His gaze cut to Mandy. “It will be held in the evening for your comfort. The sun will still be up when it starts, but I was assured you’d be fine.”

  “She will be,” Glacier agreed. “Aveoth told you?”

  “That drinking your blood protects her from burning? Yes. I was pretty surprised. Everyone else in the clan has been told she’s the result of a Vampire impregnating a rogue Lycan, but she has few Lycan traits. Aveoth and I thought it would cover all the bases. The rest of the backstory we created is close to the truth—the council found her and trained her to be an assassin. You found Mandy on a mission and faked her death to keep her safe.

  “I apologize for making you lie about your history, but it was the only reasonable explanation for someone who smells like a Vampire, but who’s also able to withstand the sun. It’s rare, but it’s happened before with our kind, a child born with predominantly Vamp traits. Aveoth wanted to tell all VampLycans the truth, but decided it’s too much of a risk. And I agreed. I understand why Vampires can never find out about GarLycan blood. Also, there could be a danger if anyone in Lorn’s clan finds out. Some are still upset about Decker. This would give them an opportunity for revenge. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

  “I’ve heard that name before. Who’s Decker?” Mandy glanced at Glacier for an answer.

  “He used to lead one of the clans. Total prick,” Glacier muttered.

  Velder chuckled. “What he said. Decker is dead. Lord Aveoth killed him. Some VampLycans in his clan were very loyal to him. The rest of us are forever grateful that he’s gone.”

  “I’ll fill you in later,” Glacier promised.

  Velder handed them keys. “We stocked it with food. Everything you need should be here. There’s also keys to an SUV on this ring. It’s parked behind the cabin, and has a map of the area. We have a convenience store that stocks most food and personal items. Anything they don’t have that you need, let us know.”

  “Thank you,” both Mandy and Glacier said at the same time.

  Velder left them to explore the inside on their own.

  Glacier opened the front door. “Stay here.”

  She waited on the porch as he entered, turning on lights. It was charming that he wanted to make sure it was safe before she entered. The view she caught of the interior had her loving the place already. It had an open floorplan with a rustic log cabin look. Lots of wood floors, big beams, and a beautiful stone fireplace.

  Glacier came back to her quickly and made her gasp as he scooped her into his arms.

  “What are you doing?”

  He grinned. “Carrying you over the threshold.” He entered the cabin, using his foot to close the door behind them. “What do you think?”

  She got a better look at the kitchen. It was modern, with an island separating it from the living space. Granite counters, gray and white in color, with stainless steel appliances. “Nice.”

  “I love it. Did you notice we didn’t see any other cabins nearby? We have lots of privacy.”

  She grinned. “This is going to be way better than living in New York. I bet it’s quiet. And look at that fireplace.”

  “Wait until you see the maste