"She said I reminded her of a lover she'd once lost. It doesn't matter. Kira was with me all the time back then. Vasilla would order her to go away so she could get me alone. Kira refused to leave and threatened to tell the others." He suddenly growled. "My Kira has always had a fierce spirit, and she appointed herself my protector. Vasilla went after her once to punish her for interfering. The bitch smacked Kira and knocked her down. I wasn't fast enough to get between them to protect her. She could have been seriously hurt if Vasilla had used claws."

"What did you do?"

"I snarled at Vasilla and told her I'd rip off her arm if she ever touched Kira again. She realized I meant it. We were snarling at each other and suddenly a big rock slammed into Vasilla's face. Kira pitched about ten of them before Vasilla ran away." Lorn smiled wide. "Kira began carrying rocks in her pockets and would throw them at Vasilla when she came near me. She hates the woman for what she tried to do and how uncomfortable it made me."

"Did you ever...you know? After you started avoiding Kira?"

"Hell no! I told Vasilla I'd stick my dick into a bear's den with cubs and let the mother rip me to shreds before I'd go to her bed. The point is, I won't allow Vasilla to touch me. See the problem?"

"Your mate would get jealous."

"I've hurt her enough where other women are concerned. I won't let one touch me, even if she is the clan healer. We should have two, anyway. Perhaps a man."

"Jase loves animals and tends to injured ones. He might be interested." Lavos began to walk again. "He's been getting abuse from his trainers because his heart isn't into learning how to fight. He's too gentle. I could bring it up and ask."

"Do it." Lorn kept pace with his brother. "We'll speak to all the trainers about their treatment of youths. It's one thing to teach defense but another when they're cruel to ones not suited for enforcement or guard duty."

"Decker would have had Jase killed if he didn't end up having a skill he could make money from. The gender lines have always been drawn on clan jobs. It wouldn't have crossed Decker's mind to utilize a man as a caregiver."

"That's going to change too."

The lodge came into view. Most of the clan members had assembled along the back porch and around it. Lorn realized they must have heard the fighting from their homes and rushed to protect the women and children inside, against Nabby's orders. Garson came forward and met them.

"They know," he murmured. "Word spread fast after Nabby howled for reinforcements and Xelor told them you're taking the clan. I didn't stop him. I figured it wouldn't be secret for long."

Lorn tensed. "What's the overall feeling?"

"They were hopeful you'd win." Garson smiled. "They were discussing attacking Nabby and the others if they were the ones who walked out of the woods. They feared with you both dead, they'd be next."

Lorn stepped around Garson and addressed all the familiar faces staring at him. "Nabby, two of the elders, and eight other VampLycans have lost their lives tonight." He paused, watching their reactions. Garson had been correct. He could see relief in the faces of men and women. "I've banned Ladius but his mate is welcome to visit. Speak now if you have a problem with me taking over the clan."

Juno stepped forward out of the shadows of the lodge. It surprised Lorn. He hadn't thought he'd object to a change of leadership.

"I'm glad," Juno stated loudly. "I pledge my loyalty, Lorn. You've watched out for us, and helped so many when we were targeted by enforcers. You threatened to castrate Boon when he sniffed after my daughter and she wasn't interested in becoming his lover. We lived in fear that he'd take her against her will and no one would punish him. He left her alone long enough for me to see her mated into another clan, and safe from his vengeance."

Thaddeus cleared his throat. "I give you my loyalty, too. You spent hours training my son when he was smaller than the other boys in his age group, and Decker informed me that he might be too weak to live. Your fighting lessons made him skilled enough to impress and get the target off his back."

His son nodded. "You saved my life. I volunteer to be one of your enforcers." He grinned. "Eight years have put a lot of muscle and weight on me. No one teases me now, or I kick their ass. They never attempt it twice."

Laughter and smiles met that statement. Thadlow had grown to an imposing, bulky six feet four and had gained a reputation for being a brawler at the age of seventeen.

"I'll accept you when you turn eighteen." Lorn held up his hand to stop others from speaking. "It's been a long day. We'll talk more tomorrow. Things will change. It's going to be good for the clan."

Perri crept forward. Rumor had it Decker had killed her mate the year before but no one could confirm it. She'd kept to herself after his death, mourning in private. "What about the weaker ones? What will you do to them?"

Lorn stared at her and realized he hadn't seen either of her two children for a few weeks. "No more culling of our clan members."

Tears welled into her eyes and she hugged her middle. He approached her and wanted to clasp her arms but didn't want to stain her with blood. He held her gaze instead so she could see his sincerity.

"Your children are safe from death," he promised. "Are they showing signs?"

She gave a sharp nod. "One is. My daughter started to get bad sunburns." Her voice broke. "My younger son seems fine though. They're only a year apart. I know it's law to kill them both but please spare my children!" She grabbed Lorn's arm, tears streaming down her face. "I'll do anything. Please don't take my babies. They're all I have."

He placed one hand over hers, figuring she didn't care if he was bloody after all. "Your children will be safe. No one is going to hurt them." He looked at the people around him. "We're VampLycans. It's no longer a death sentence if our children inherit stronger Vampire traits. The other clans feed them blood from those born with strong Lycan traits. It's been known to help reverse the vulnerability to sunlight and the need for a vein. I'd appreciate it if some of you would donate blood and give it to Perri. The faster the better. There's a chance to save her daughter from a future without the sun if we act quickly."

He looked down at Perri. "I'll donate if no one else does. Feed her only donated blood. Don't give her more of yours or any from your son. I assume that's what you've been doing?"

"She keeps food down but it's getting more difficult. We haven't had to feed her blood yet but it's coming. She's showing symptoms of bloodlust."

"I'll donate." Thadlow came down the porch and stood next to Perri. "With your permission. I know I'm only seventeen but it won't hurt me any. I probably lose more blood during defense training than Elsa could drink from me."

"I'll donate too," his father offered. "Please let us. We're so Lycan we sprout hair in our sleep." He grinned. "I probably shouldn't admit that to everyone."

More laughter erupted from the small crowd.

"Do it." Lorn waited for someone to protest but no one did. "Bag-feed only. No direct feeding. She's hit puberty, correct?"

Perri nodded. "She's fifteen."

"Bloodlust isn't just for blood, and it's safer for her to be fed by bag. You want to keep the opposite sex away from her while she drinks. Understood?"

"Yes." Perri glanced at Thadlow then blushed. "I do. She's far too young to take a lover."

"Agreed." Lorn released her and stepped back. "Vasilla?" He searched faces and located her. "Help make that possible. You can draw blood and store it for Elsa's use. Make certain plenty is available, or notify me or Lavos."

She came forward, sliding through the clan to reach him. "I will." Her gaze lowered down his body and her appraisal wasn't that of a healer. She licked her lips and looked up at him again. The invitation clear. "You should come home with me. You've sustained injuries."

"I guess this is one thing that'll never change," Lavos muttered.

Vasilla jerked her gaze to him.

"That's never going to happen," Lorn informed her. "Help Elsa."

Vasilla stepped back, her body going stiff. "Fine. Any other orders?"

"The past isn't to be repeated," Lorn growled, his anger clear. "Do you understand me? I won't tolerate that shit, or overlook it. You are also to treat everyone in the clan as equals. No exceptions." He'd punish her if he found out she ever sexually stalked another youth or snubbed a clan member she didn't feel was worth treatment.

She paled. "I do."

"Good."

He broke eye contact. "Take your families home. Don't forget the Vampires invaded our territory, so remain watchful. Decker did something to make them believe we're an easy target. Tomorrow evening, we'll meet back here at six and go over everything. It will give you time to think of questions you may have, and I'll answer them."

They began to break apart and leave. Two women timidly came forward. He knew both of them and wondered if they had pressing issues. He'd upset the order of things. It was to be expected.

"Do you have questions that can't wait?" He glanced at them both.

"You're hurt." Masa tilted her head and pulled her hair back to show off the line of her throat. "You'll heal faster. We wanted to show our support by offering you our blood. You could come home with us."

The other one stared at Lorn, an obvious hopeful look on her face that he'd choose her. She ran a hand over her shirt, as if to draw notice to her breasts.

It stunned Lorn for a second. He hadn't expected that. "That's very flattering but I have a woman in my life. I do appreciate the offer."

They left without argument. Garson approached next. "Well, that went down pretty easy. And I can't believe you said no to them! Those chicks were dying to nail you. You probably could have done both at the same time! You're the new clan leader. I'd have totally gone with them so they could play a game of tag team with my joy toy."

Lorn glanced at Lavos, confused. "Joy toy?"

Lavos chuckled. "It's human slang for his dick."

Lorn regretted asking. "I take it Kar hasn't spoken to you about what I assigned him to do?"

"No." Garson shook his head. "Speaking of, where is Kar? Is he okay?"

"He's notifying the families of those who died. Do you want to help him?" Lorn knew the two were close friends.

"Sure. I'm too hyped up to sleep anytime soon."

"Go find him. Thanks for your help. I'm grateful you're one of mine."

Garson's expression lit up. "Really? As in, it's official?"

"Yes. If you want the position, it's yours. You and Kar have earned it." Lorn had no hesitation in making the offer. Lavos trusted his friends and they'd come through for him.

"We accept! I'm an enforcer to the clan leader! Wait until I tell my parents. They're going to flip. My dad always says I'm a disappointment but he'll eat those words." He spun, rushing away. "I'm going to enjoy this," he called out.

"Your friends are a bit immature for their ages," Lorn said once Garson was out of sight.

"Both are loyal to the core, and their lighthearted attitudes are more for show than about who they are deep down. It was their way of staying under Decker's radar. They hated everything he stood for as much as we do."

"They sure didn't come across as dangerous enough to be considered a threat to Decker by acting that way," Lorn surmised.

"Exactly. They both showed exceptional fighting skills in training and were afraid Decker would ask them to become his enforcers. It made them sick just thinking about the shit he'd order them to do. Their fathers weren't Decker's advisors so refusal would have meant death, especially since they were too strong to dismiss and could possibly challenge him one day. We were lucky that way, Lorn. We could tell Decker no and live." Lavos shrugged. "Anyway, it worked. They were assigned guard duty for the clan but nothing more."

"Smart."

"I'm an evil genius that way. It was my plan. Kar used to be way too serious and Garson painfully shy. I spent an entire summer coaching them how to act. Decker and his enforcers just assumed both of them bulked up on muscle to draw the women, rather than to be strong enough to take anyone in a fight."

Lorn smiled, amused. "I see." Then his emotions changed quickly. "Kira will be worried. I need to go to her. I've been gone too long."

Lavos stepped closer. "Good idea. Let's get you back to her before you fall on your face. You don't look so good."

"I'll be fine after I see Kira and know she's safe."

Chapter Twelve.

Kira rushed forward the second Lorn staggered inside the den. Blood coated him but most of it stained his loose shirt and damaged pants. "You're hurt!"

"It's mostly not mine." He nearly collapsed, swaying on his feet.

She closed the distance between them and tried to wrap her arm around him to help him to the bed. He jerked away, avoiding her touch. "Don't. You'll get bloody. I'm going to shower."

It took effort to just watch him cross the room without giving him assistance. She hadn't been raised in a VampLycan clan without learning about male pride. He had it in spades. Lorn entered the bathroom and closed the door. The shower came on in seconds.

Noise startled her and she spun, watching Lavos enter the den next. His clothing was a little torn and he had blood on him, too, but he seemed steadier on his feet.

"Lorn's going to be okay. You look really worried."

"What happened?" She backed away. Lavos had never been mean but he'd tended to avoid any interaction with her in the past.

"My big bro is the new leader. Nabby, his friends, and two of the elders are dead."

Lorn had really taken the clan. Her heart raced. "Your father?"

"Severely hurt and banished."

"That's good."

Lavos scowled.

"It would have haunted Lorn if he'd had to kill him."

"True." Lavos strode across the confined space, opened the fridge, and removed a drink. He downed it. "Don't feed off him, Kira. He lost too much blood. He refused to allow any of the women at the lodge to share their blood and our mother had already left with our dad." He turned to stare at her. "Do you understand? Give him at least until tomorrow before you sink your fangs into him."

She sealed her lips tight. It seemed an insult. She fought her anger for a few seconds. "I'd never do anything to hurt him."

"Sorry." His tense stance relaxed. "I didn't mean to sound like a prick. I'm aggressive still. Those bastards tried to surround and come at us in pack-like formation. They acted more like rabid dogs than VampLycans, who should know the meaning of a fair fight. Even the two elders tried to attack Lorn together. Fucking cowards couldn't take him on one at a time."

"How's Kar?" She was the one who'd sent him back to the village; she'd feel guilty if he'd died.

"Fine. Banged up, bruised, and bloodied like us, but he'll survive. My friend Garson didn't even have to fight."

"That's a relief. Are you hungry? There's not much here but I can fix something."

Lavos took a seat. "That would be great. Anything will do. Lorn wanted to get right back to you. I think he knew he could only stay on his feet for so long and wanted to crash here to be close to you." He crossed his arms over his chest. "He's worried you'll go hunting if you grow hungry. That's why I'm with him. I'll feed you. Lorn won't be happy but you'll understand when you see him without clothes. He's got some serious claw marks and he's really lost a lot of blood. He actually changed clothes before we came, so all that blood you saw is what seeped from his wounds."

Her gaze fixed on the bathroom door. She needed to check on Lorn and took a few steps.

"Don't," Lavos rasped. "He wants to act all badass in front of you. It's a pride thing. He'll come out acting as if he's fine, but please say you aren't hungry if he offers to feed you. Wait until he passes out and then I'll give you blood. I have plenty to spare."

Kira felt torn.

"He's feeling very possessive toward you. He'd rather let you bleed him out than allow you to take blood that isn't his."