Lorn Read online

  That voice inside his mind didn’t belong to him. It was Kira’s.

  “I’m glad you think so.”

  She clutched at him and he pulled back a little and stared into Kira’s eyes.

  She grinned. “You saw? Heard me?”

  “Yes. If you were thinking about my body and we were inside the den. I’m glad you like me without my clothes on. I’m pretty fond of you that way too.”

  “I was. This is so cool!”

  “The bond will grow stronger. I’m surprised it’s happening this fast. It usually takes days and a lot more blood exchanges.”

  “I’ve been drinking your blood for days.”

  “True.”

  “I love you, Lorn.”

  “I love you too.”

  It would take time for the clan to adjust to him being their leader. More challenges might be issued but he refused to die. Kira’s life depended upon it. He wouldn’t let her down. Tomorrow he’d talk to clansmen and hopefully swear in more enforcers to back him. He’d also call Velder. It might be time to host an event at the lodge to show everyone that he’d made peace with other VampLycan clans.

  “You’re thinking a lot but I can’t pick it up. Talk to me.”

  “I’m going to invite the other clans to come here.”

  She appeared surprised. “Why? I mean, won’t that freak everyone out? You just took the clan.”

  “And I damn well plan to keep it. I want everyone to know Velder, Crocker, and Trayis are happy that I took over, and to strengthen our bonds with them. It will become clear that Decker won’t be coming back.”

  “Strength in numbers.”

  “Exactly. Perhaps Lord Aveoth will even come. I’ll send him an invitation if the other clans agree to come here.”

  “Some of the elders will shit their pants.” Kira stroked his shoulders. “It will frighten them.”

  “Good. I want them to know there will be grave consequences if they take me on.”

  “Do you think the clan leaders will actually come? Let’s be real. Decker would have pulled something like that, then he would have ambushed them. Trust won’t be easily earned after all that asshole has done.”

  He considered it. “Good point. I don’t trust that a few idiots won’t attack any visitors to try to start a war or make me look bad. Velder offered to send enforcers to me if I needed them. We could say they’re delegates.”

  “Do you plan to tell Velder the dangers?”

  “Yes. There’s no reason to lie to him. I’ll want anyone coming here to be prepared for the worst and ready to fight if the need arises.”

  “It’s brilliant.”

  “I try.” He grinned, shifted some of his weight and rolled to the side, pulling Kira against his body.

  She curled into him and yawned.

  “You’re tired. It’s been a long day.”

  “I didn’t sleep much today.”

  “I’ll get the lights and pull all the curtains together tight. We’re not below ground now.” He worried about any sunlight touching Kira on his bed.

  “I’m sure it will be fine.”

  “Maybe we should sleep in the pantry. There’re no windows in there. I could make us a bed.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  He scowled as he climbed out of bed and checked the material of the drapes. It was thick. He pulled a lot of nights on guard duty for the clan and had to sleep during the day. They sealed pretty tight but he worried about the top edges of them, the space between the top of the window and the rod.

  “Turn off the light and come back to bed,” Kira urged.

  “I think the pantry would be better. I could just shove a towel along the bottom of the door, just in case.”

  “Lorn?”

  He turned, staring at her.

  “You’re being too paranoid. You can sleep on the side toward the window, okay?”

  There was no such thing when it came to Kira’s safety and wellbeing. He couldn’t be careful enough.

  “Please? I want to cuddle with you.” She raised her arms. “Come here, sexy.”

  He rechecked the seams of the curtains and made certain that no gaps were along the center or sides. A new thought struck. “Shit!”

  “Lorn,” she sighed.

  “I’ll be right back. I have some wood in the shed outside. I’m going to board up the window from the inside.” He walked over to where he’d left his pants and bent, ready to put them on.

  Kira slipped out of bed and yanked them out of his hand. He growled, straightening. “Someone could break a window. What then? Sunlight would come through.”

  “It’s fine.” She threw his pants across the room and held out her hands to him. “Come on. We’re both tired and we need sleep. I’m safe and with you. Your brother and his friends are right outside too, keeping watch.”

  She had a good point but he would still worry. He just stared down at her, frown firmly in place.

  “Damn. Fine.” Kira threw up her arms. “You board up the windows. I’m going to get in bed. Hurry up.”

  She strode over to his bed, pulling back the covers.

  He went after his pants and put them on. “I’ll be right back.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “No!”

  Kira flinched at the volume of Lorn’s voice. “Come on. Are we really going to argue the first day we’re mates?”

  He crossed his arms over his chest, barring the door to the hallway. “If you think I’m going to allow you to walk around the house with the curtains still open, then yes. We are.”

  “I need to find out if I have a better tolerance for the sun.”

  “Give it a few more days.”

  “How do you think you can prevent me from doing it after you leave?” She put her hands on her hips, narrowing her eyes. “I’m going to see what happens. You can either be with me when I do it, or at the lodge. Your choice.”

  He snarled. “You infuriate me. I could tie you to the bed.”

  “You won’t. What happens if someone breaks into the house?” She batted her eyelashes at him and gave her most innocent look. “I’d be helpless. You wouldn’t want that.”

  “Stop doing that. I’m on to you. You used to do the same damn thing when you wanted the last cookie when we were kids.”

  She laughed. “You always gave it to me.”

  “You were too cute to resist and you’d pout. Sometimes there were tears. I hated it when you cried. Don’t even go there.”

  A knock sounded on the bedroom door. “Um, are you two going to fight all day?”

  “Go away, bro.”

  Lavos sighed. “Kira has a point, you know. We should find out how much tolerance she’s gained, Lorn. It would help if she’s seen during the day, if her skin doesn’t burn in the sun any longer.”

  “Stay out of this.” Lorn lifted his booted foot and kicked the wood behind him.

  “You know Brista isn’t just going to let what happened last night sit. She’ll keep at it until she has so much proof shoved down her damn throat that she literally can’t spread false rumors. I’m coming in. I hope you’re both decent.” Lavos tried to open the door.

  Lorn leaned back, his weight slamming it shut. “We’re dressed but stay out there. You shouldn’t even be inside the house. I locked it up. And I don’t give a damn what Brista says.”

  “I’m your brother. You gave me a key.”

  “Think of Elsa,” Kira reminded Lorn. “Brista has it out for that poor girl. The sooner I’m walking around in broad daylight, the better. I’m proof that drinking blood from certain VampLycans can activate the Lycan side more. Hell, I barely had any from my dad. Elsa isn’t part human. If I can withstand the sun after being turned into a Vampire, anyone in the clan could totally build immunity to sunlight.”

  Lorn appeared frustrated. “You drive me crazy.”

  “Short trip, remember?” She grinned. “Move out of the way. I’ll run right back in here if I start to turn red.”

  “You m