Lorn Read online

  Brista screamed again. Kira threw her to the ground again and jumped back.

  Brista rolled into a ball, grabbing at her bleeding ribs, loud sobs coming from her. Kira lunged, wanted to keep tearing into her, but someone grabbed her around the waist and lifted her right off her feet.

  “Enough,” Lorn rasped.

  She didn’t fight his hold as he retreated a few steps. Instead, she looked at her hands. The claws remained, a piece of Brista’s shirt caught on one of them, the tips red with blood. The smell of it had her fangs extending, and the urge to lick her fingers surfaced.

  She fought it down since everyone seemed to be watching her. It would blow the whole big “not a Vampire anymore” proclamation she’d just made.

  “Get Brista the hell out of here,” Lorn demanded of Dobis. “No one dies tonight—or tomorrow. You go near Perri’s children and it will be punishable by death. Do you understand me? This is not a democracy. If you’d like to challenge me for leadership, do it now.” He eased Kira down to her feet and gave her a light push toward Davis.

  Kira watched as Lorn extended his claws and hair grew on his face, arms, and the backs of his hands. He looked terrifying and pissed. Her gaze flew to the men and women who’d come with Brista. Gazes dropped and they lowered their heads. No one stepped forward.

  “That’s what I thought. Don’t ever assemble again, believing you can threaten me to force an issue. Next time I’ll just kill you. You want to discuss something? Make an appointment and we’ll sit down calmly to talk. That’s far more than Decker ever offered. Now go home—and Brista?”

  The woman on the ground quieted but refused to look at Lorn.

  “Count yourself lucky to be alive. Ever try this again and I won’t pull Kira away. I’ll allow her to finish you off. She’s going to be my mate—and she hates your ass. I only stopped her because you have friends and a few of the children actually like you. Don’t press your fucking luck. If I even suspect you’re thinking about harming any child, I’ll take you out myself. Get the fuck out of here and go home.”

  No one said a word. Dobis pulled Brista to her feet and helped her walk away. She leaned heavily on him. The other families went with them.

  Kira braved peeking at Lorn. He still appeared furious but some of the hair had receded and his claws retracted. Shit. He’s going to be pissed at me. She swallowed hard.

  Lorn took deep breaths to get his temper under control and faced Bran. “I’m sorry about that. What did you come to speak to me about?”

  “You’re mating Kira?”

  “I am.” Lorn half expected a fight. The elder VampLycan might have a serious problem with that, and challenge him.

  Bran turned his head, studying Kira. Lorn watched his expression, trying to gauge how the elder felt on the matter. He didn’t see disdain or anger. Bran finally sighed and crossed his arms, meeting his gaze. “My son respected her courage. I see why now. You fed her blood and it did this?”

  “Yes.”

  Bran addressed Kira. “Did you see my son the night he died?”

  Lorn relaxed. He wanted to protect Kira, but figured Bran had the right to ask. He didn’t interfere. Kira looked okay and not upset by the question. Only sadness showed on her face.

  “No. I’m sorry. I had caught some human poachers and had them pack up their camp. I escorted them off our land and then returned to wipe away all traces they were there. I expected Veso to show. He usually checked on me a few times during my shifts. Two Vampires came instead, who said there were more, and they had Veso.”

  “Did you try to help him?”

  “I would have if I’d been given the chance.” Kira stepped closer to the big VampLycan.

  Lorn moved too, prepared to defend her if Bran attacked.

  “I liked your son,” Kira admitted. “He was a great instructor. Hard but fair. I shot one of the Vampires in the face and the other in the chest. I ran, knowing they would be hot on my ass. I didn’t see Veso. I had hoped they were full of shit about attacking him, and that he’d show up to save me. He didn’t.”

  “They caught you?”

  “One did. He was bleeding me to death, so I bit him back. It was either lie there and allow him to do whatever he wanted to me, or survive any way I could.”

  Bran reached out and grasped her shoulder. “That was brave.”

  “It was desperation. I’m so sorry about Veso.”

  “Me too.” Bran released her. “So you were full Vampire?”

  “Yes. Now I can grow claws.”

  “And you actually withstood the sun?”

  “I went out in it today. I even ate food before I came here. It didn’t make me puke.”

  Bran stared at Lorn. “I give you my loyalty. I know you won’t trust me yet but I’m aware my son hated Decker, and only pretended to go along with him. He wished for someone in your family to lead this clan, and he fed information to Lavos that he picked up working with the enforcers. I didn’t oppose his actions. I’ve never wanted war.” He glanced at Lavos, then back at Lorn. “I offer you my services as an enforcer if you need one. My son would have made the same offer. He’s not here to do it, but I am.”

  Lorn hadn’t expected that. “I accept. I know you have honor, Bran. Your word is trusted. I’m aware you didn’t always side with Decker. Otherwise he would have made you one of his enforcers.”

  Bran reached down and withdrew the dagger at his hip. He ran the tip of it across his palm then sheathed the small blade. Lorn unleashed his claws and cut his own palm with the tip of a finger. They shook hands, their blood mingling. It was a custom of elders in making a blood oath.

  “I’ll begin tomorrow. What time do you want me in your office to start my duties?”

  “Eleven.” Lorn figured that would give them all enough time to sleep after the late evening he needed to put in.

  “I’ll see you then.” Bran released his hand and glanced at Kira. “I’m glad you survived.” He left fast, heading home.

  “Upstairs—now.” Lorn was furious and upset with Kira. She’d promised to remain inside his den. He’d almost had a heart attack when she’d come stalking out of the trees, bold as brass, and started a fight with Brista.

  “I know you’re pissed but—”

  “Upstairs now,” he ground out. His gaze scanned the area. “We’re all going to my office. Right now.”

  She took his hint and walked up the back porch of the lodge. He didn’t want anyone spying on them. He followed closely on her heels, gripping her elbow and leading her to the stairs. He knew the rest kept close.

  Lorn released her, unlocked one side of the double doors, and threw it open. “Inside. All of you.”

  Garson, Kar, and Davis entered after Kira. Lavos came in last. Lorn slammed the door and flipped the bolt. He growled low and glared at Kira. “You promised to remain where you’d be safe. What the hell do you think you were doing?”

  “Don’t talk to my daughter that way,” Davis bristled.

  “Stay out of it, Dad.” Kira frowned. “This is between me and Lorn. I’m sorry, okay? It was driving me nuts staying inside the den, so I went outside. Then Garson got that call and I knew something was really wrong.”

  “You let her come with you?” Lorn wanted to deck Garson.

  “No! I didn’t know she was behind me. I told her to lock in and then I beat feet here. I thought she’d do as she was told.”

  Kira stepped closer and in front of Garson. “He didn’t know, Lorn. He probably broke a new speed record for reaching the lodge as fast as possible. I had a hell of a time trying to keep up with him without giving myself away. I’m the one you should be yelling at.”

  “I’m furious! You could have been hurt.”

  “I’m fine. You stopped me from killing Brista. You know she deserved it. What a bitch!”

  “She is.” Lorn couldn’t disagree. “But some VampLycans love and trust her with their young. It would have caused more problems if you’d killed her, and think of the young ones w