Trayis (VLG Series Book 11) Read online

  He kissed her. They could do that.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Trayis had just finished taking her to his office to give her a tour. It was the most solidly built barnlike structure she’d ever seen. They’d used logs to build it. The interior was open, with stairs leading to a loft area. A few desks were up there. The front area had some couches and tables. It delighted her to see the huge fireplace in the center, open on both sides, used to help keep the building warm in the winter.

  There was a long table with chairs, as well, for conferences, and a small kitchen was behind that. Part of the back of the building had been blocked off to give Trayis a private office. It wasn’t too large, but it boasted a fire-burning stove in the corner, near his desk.

  “Why two fridges in the kitchen?”

  He waved to the living room area as they returned to the main part of the building. “My enforcers hang out here often. One wasn’t cutting it for storing drinks and snacks for all of us. We can go through a lot of sodas, waters, or beers in a day. That’s one fridge alone. There’s also a storage room we use as a pantry that I didn’t show you, along the back. It has three chest freezers for meat.”

  “Ah. That makes sense.”

  He faced her. “Why do you look so nervous?”

  She bit her lip and then released it. “It’s almost ten o’clock.”

  “The clan is going to love you.”

  “That’s what you keep telling me.”

  He grinned, taking her hand. “They will. Stop worrying. These people aren’t like your pack.”

  “You keep telling me that, too. I just don’t see how they can accept me and not feel as though you could have done better at finding a mate.”

  He released her hand, grabbed her around her waist, and yanked her up against his body. “Do you remember what we did most of the night when we weren’t sleeping?”

  She blushed. “Yes.”

  “You’re fucking perfect, Shay. No one is better for me than you are.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He deepened the kiss. Her body reacted and she moaned, wanting him instantly. He groaned back, breaking the kiss. His eyes were streaked with gold when their gazes met, proving how turned on he’d become. The stiff feel of his cock trapped between their bodies was also an indication.

  “You’re fucking perfect. I’ll keep saying that until you believe it.”

  The front door to the office opened and Tymber entered. He grinned upon seeing them. “Good morning.” He closed the door and came closer. His nostrils flared. “Now she smells like your mate. Congratulations to the both of you, and to our clan!”

  Trayis gently eased her down his body and put her feet on the floor. Then he adjusted his cock.

  Tymber laughed, not even bothering to pretend he didn’t notice. “Sorry to interrupt but everyone is waiting. Wen and I have kept them outside.” He lifted his hand and waved at Trayis’s hips. “You can finish what you two were starting after you announce Shay as your mate. For now, think of something that pisses you off. No offense, but you shouldn’t address them with a boner.”

  Trayis sighed. “As clan leader, I officially decree that I’m banning everyone from saying ‘boner’ from this day forward.”

  Tymber chuckled. “Blame Wen.”

  “Oh, I am.”

  “The word has caught on, so good luck with that decree.” Tymber spun around and made his way to the door. “I’ll tell them you’ll be out in a minute.” He paused before opening it, though, and then looked back, amusement on his features. “I’m glad no one says groovy anymore. I hated that one. I would say they’ll get tired of using their boners but um…” He laughed. “That isn’t going to happen. Pun intended.”

  He opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind them.

  Shay was smiling when Trayis met her gaze.

  He rolled his eyes. “See what I put up with? I sometimes already feel as if I’m a parent. They’re just large children.”

  “I love your clan so far, Trayis. Everyone is really relaxed, and I can see how comfortable they are with you. You’re a great leader.”

  “I try. I’m one of the first generation, and for whatever reason, I’m also one of the few the others listened to. When we broke into clans, the ones who moved here put me in charge.”

  She studied him closely. “First generation?” She let that sink in. “You’re like two hundred years old or more, aren’t you? I’ve heard that’s about how long VampLycans have been around.”

  His expression grew somber. “Does that bother you?”

  “No. Not at all. You look great for your age.”

  He chuckled. “We’re still not sure how long our natural lifespans will be. It’s kind of crazy to think about. At least as long as a Lycan but with the Vampire blood, who knows? It could be thousands of years. More. I’ve heard there’s a Vampire in Russia who claims to be over three thousand years old who hasn’t gone crazy and faced the sun.”

  Shay had a grim thought.

  He seemed to guess what she was thinking. “You’ll be drinking my blood, Shay. Often. It will affect your human half.” He paused. “There’s something we should talk about, but not right now.”

  She cocked her head, staring up at him. “What?”

  He hesitated. “The clan is waiting.”

  “Please? Now I’m worried.”

  He reached up and caressed her cheek. “It’s just that…drinking my blood might…” He paused.

  “Might what? Spit it out.”

  He searched her eyes with his gaze before saying, “Activate more of your Lycan side.”

  The news stunned her.

  “I know I should have told you before we mated. Lorn’s mate was attacked by a Vampire, and she basically turned into one. It shouldn’t have happened, since she’s part Lycan. It did though. Lorn mated her, and drinking from him gave Kira the ability to not burn in the sun, and we’ve been assured she’s eating food again instead of just a blood diet. It makes me think that maybe my blood will give you abilities that have been dormant until now, from your Lycan half.”

  Excitement filled her. “You think one day I might be able to shift?”

  “Possibly. I don’t want to get your hopes up since I know that’s something you really wanted, but I don’t want it blindsiding you, either.”

  She grinned. “That would be amazing!”

  “It doesn’t matter to me, Shay. You’re prefect just the way you are.”

  She loved him for that. “I know you mean it.”

  “I do. Now, are you ready to meet the clan? Don’t be nervous. They’re going to love you as much as I do.”

  “Except for your Blood Bitch Foursome,” she teased.

  He grimaced. “They don’t love anyone but themselves. I hope you remember what Wen told you. It’s the truth. I’ve never touched one of them. Mya especially tried to lure me into bed, but I was never that stupid. She’s always wanted to mate to someone with a high ranking.”

  “Don’t worry. If one of them says anything, I won’t fall for their bullshit.”

  He grinned. “Good.” Then he offered his arm. “Let’s do this.”

  She felt a little sick to her stomach but pushed it back. Wen and Tymber had been really nice, and they were Trayis’s two head enforcers. The three of them would handle any turmoil her being the clan leader’s mate might cause. She had to have faith in that.

  He led her to the door and she tightened her grip on his arm. The second he opened the door, she saw a ton of people milling around in front of the building. They had been softly speaking, but now all of them became quiet, turning their way.

  Trayis led her a few feet outside the door and smiled. Wen and Tymber were waiting to stand on each side of them.

  Trayis cleared his throat and spoke loudly. “Thanks for coming. My vacation was great—but the best part of visiting my brother’s pack was finding my mate. Everyone…meet Shay. She’s half Lycan and half human. If anyone has a problem