Kraven Read online

  His bag was in the guest bathroom. He slid out the phone and she watched impatiently as he put in the battery.

  “Put it on speaker,” she urged.

  He nodded. “Fine, but be quiet.”

  “I’ll try.”

  She impatiently waited for the call to connect. Kraven gripped the phone in his palm, far out of her reach. It clicked and rang twice.

  A deep male voice answered. “What did you learn from the doctor?”

  Kraven didn’t hesitate to answer his cousin. “Here’s the short version. Tell Drantos Antina had help from a nest of Vampires to keep the daughters safe. She killed their master and they left her family alone as a thank you.”

  Bat couldn’t resist anymore. “How’s Dusti? Is she okay?”

  There was a pause. Red spoke. “She’s fine. Hello.”

  Kraven glowered at her. “So much for staying quiet.”

  “I’m worried.” Bat shrugged.

  “Interesting news,” Red stated before they could argue. “Decker took six bullets but survived.”

  “Who got to him?” Kraven pointed at Bat, then put his finger to his lips.

  She sealed hers shut.

  “Dusti shot him.” Red chuckled. “With Drantos’s gun. He was pissed that she stole it and snuck out of his home to meet Decker, but she’s unharmed and safe.”

  “What?” Bat lost it. Pure fear and panic filled her. “What happened? Son of a bitch! Is she okay? Did you say Dusti shot our grandfather? Like with a gun? What was she doing with a weapon?” She reached out and slapped Kraven’s arm. “You said Biker Bear would keep her safe!”

  “Goddamn it, Hellion,” Kraven growled. “Shut up.”

  “Don’t tell me to shut up! I want answers, damn it!” Anger flooded Bat.

  “Both of you stop,” Red demanded. “Here’s the highlights. Lord Aveoth isn’t going to go after either sister. He’s been made aware of Decker’s plan and it pissed him off. Maybe the blood addiction is bullshit, because Drantos said Aveoth will stay away from both of them. Drantos also made it clear to the GarLycan that Dusti is his mate and their bond is solid. Lord Aveoth’s clan is helping our clans track down Decker. You’ll be safer here than you are out there now, since Decker’s fled. Your father told me to tell you to come home when you called. When should I expect you both?”

  Bat’s temper faded as quickly as it had flared. She stared into Kraven’s eyes.

  He’d want to take her back to Alaska.

  He held her gaze, his expression unreadable. “I’ll have to get back to you on that, Red. Expect a call later tonight.” Kraven hung up and removed the battery.

  Bat backed away and leaned against the wall. “Are you going to make me go?”

  He shook his head. “You’ve made it clear that you prefer Los Angeles. I’d never force you to live somewhere that would make you unhappy.”

  She felt torn for the first time in her life about what she wanted to do with her future. Dusti was in Alaska. Bat’s life was in L.A. It was a situation she’d never thought she’d have to face. She and her sister had always remained close, just half an hour drive apart at most. They went to dinner at least every few weeks. Now it would be a long plane ride to see her.

  “You don’t look so good. I’m not talking about the makeup job either.”

  “It just kind of hit me.”

  “What?”

  “Dusti is never coming back here, is she? You said she mated your brother. Will Biker Bear move to California?”

  “No. Drantos will lead our clan one day. It’s his duty to stay there.”

  “What if Dusti wants to come home?”

  “He is her home now.”

  She turned away and tried to put some space between them before Kraven caught her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. Bat didn’t struggle, instead gripping his arms. Kraven sighed, lowering his head to put his lips close to her ear.

  “You look so sad, Hellion. She’ll be happy there. Drantos will make sure of it and we can visit her anytime you want.”

  “You said the winters are shit.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “You become a movie-watching couch potato and do home projects. I don’t even know what that means but it sounds boring.”

  “That’s because I lived alone. They’ll have each other to spend time with. Mated couples love the winters. Drantos will have shorter shifts to work and they’ll just make love all the time.”

  “What if he’s bad in bed? My poor sister will be stuck with him.”

  Kraven laughed.

  She twisted her head, staring at him. “I’m not trying to be funny. I mean it. Do you know how annoying it is when a guy hounds you for sex when you’re not interested?”

  “You’re so damn cute. I’m willing to give my brother the benefit of the doubt but worst case, he’ll hone his skills as a lover with his mate by the time the snow starts melting.”

  “Wipe that grin off your face. I’m serious.”

  “I know.” He chuckled but seemed to get control of it. “I could keep you happily amused during an Alaskan winter. And Dusti will be fine. Drantos will make certain he meets her needs. Her happiness will be the most important thing to him. Stop worrying so much.”

  Bat turned her head and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. “It’s almost six.”

  “Ignore the time. They’ll wait until we arrive. You’re upset. We’ll talk until you feel better.”

  “I need to work. It’s what I do best.” She pulled on his arms around her waist. “We need to go. It’s better to get there a little early than to be late.”

  “Bat…”

  “Let go.”

  Kraven opened his arms. She stepped away from him and turned. “We have to go over some things first.”

  “Like what?”

  “You don’t talk after we enter the lounge. It’s a large room with a bar and some tables. Not a word. You stand about four feet behind me and look mean. That’s what bodyguards do. I don’t know if Mr. Bales has his own security guard or not, but I know Warren Otis has two with him at all times. They’ll pat you down. Don’t fight it. Just act stoic and bored. I’m sure you can pull that off.” She ran her gaze up and down him. “You can’t take the blade, Kraven. They’ll find it.”

  “I told you, the blade goes with me.”

  “And I heard your cousin on the phone. Rock guy is cool now. You won’t be facing off against any of his winged men.”

  Kraven didn’t look happy but he finally nodded. “Fine.”

  “Okay. Oh, and if you do talk, don’t call me ‘Hellion’. I’m Ms. Dawson. You’re pretending to work for me and that’s the title you’d use.”

  “I still don’t like this.”

  “I’m sure that’s true, and thank you.”

  The way his eyes darkened was a bit disturbing. She stepped closer, peering at them. “What does it mean when your irises and your pupils become the same black color?”

  “Let’s get this over with.” He spun, stomping toward the door.

  Bat cringed. She’d somehow pissed him off. Again.

  “Damn.” She hurried to catch up to him.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Don’t lose your cool, no matter what. Jacob is one of the partners and he’ll be here. He’s condescending, a first-rate prick, and he will sputter off shit that will make you want to smash him in the mouth. I know, and I sympathize, but ignore it.” Bat smoothed down her dress, glancing at Kraven in the elevator as it lowered them to the ground floor of her building. “Just remember what I said. Don’t talk or show any emotion.”

  “I heard.”

  “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  “I have a bad feeling about this.”

  “Welcome to my work world. We’re likely about to meet a criminal, and who I believe is his boss. I always try to make a mental challenge out of these ordeals. You know, like let’s see how much shocking shit I can take and still pretend I’m fine with it. I just hope whatever M