“You think that helps your case?” Dusti punched his arm, still trying to get him to free her hand. He held it tight enough it almost hurt. “We have another term in my world that applies too. You’re a man-whore. No thanks. I’m so done. Let go.”

“What is going on here?”

The deep voice of a man startled Dusti and she twisted her head, staring at the mid-thirty-something big guy storming out of the woods. He was dressed at least, not a creature. He wore a shirt, faded jeans, and running shoes. His hair was a little long and she took note of the resemblance to Drantos. It was probably another cousin of his.

“Dad.” Drantos released her and lowered his head.

Dusti gaped. She glanced between both men, rubbing her freed hand to return blood circulation to her fingers. They only looked a few years apart. Drantos had said VampLycans aged slowly but it still came as a shock.

“I asked what was going on.” The man halted a few feet away and sniffed. “Is this one of Decker’s associates?”

“She’s his granddaughter.” Drantos lifted his head. “She and her sister—”

The slightly older man snarled and lunged, attempting to grab Dusti.

She gasped and jerked back but Drantos was faster. He put his body between them. A loud, terrifying snarl came from him. Their bodies clashed and Drantos used his chest to shove the other man back.

“Don’t!”

“You’re protecting Decker’s kin? Get out of my way, son. That’s an order.”

“No! Listen to me, Dad. She isn’t aligned with Decker. She hates him as much as we do.”

“Lies,” the other man growled. “She’s his blood and I know what that means. She’s to be offered to Aveoth in exchange for the GarLycans’ help to slaughter the other clans. I’ll kill her before I allow that to happen. Is the sister dead?”

Drantos widened his stance and lifted his arms, his claws sliding out. Dusti backed up until a tree blocked her escape. She was tempted to make a run for it but Yonda took the opportunity to creep up on the left, glaring at her. Dusti held still, afraid to move farther away from Drantos's protection.

“No. She’s with Kraven. I know you’re furious but listen to me,” Drantos demanded. “They had no idea about us or what was going on here. Decker lured them to Alaska by letting them think he was dying. You know his daughter fled. Antina mated with a human and never told her daughters about their heritage. They had no real contact with Decker.”

“They still pose a danger. I can’t allow a war to begin. Their deaths will end it here and now.”

“Don’t make me do this, Dad.” Drantos didn’t budge. “You’re being unreasonable.”

“I’m protecting the lives of many VampLycans. Two deaths are better than dozens or hundreds. It must be done. Get out of the way right now.”

“No!” Drantos snarled.

His father snarled back.

Dusti gawked, horrified that it seemed son and father were about to fight. More clothed people arrived, watching both men. She glanced at the strangers, seeing shock and dismay on many faces.

“You’re going to challenge me?” Velder hissed the words. “I gave you a direct order, Drantos. Two lives are not worth many more. We both know it.”

“I’m not challenging you.” Drantos spoke loud and clear. “They are the granddaughters of Marvilella. Don’t forget that. She was clan. They need sanctuary.”

Velder seemed to consider that briefly. “We’ll give them to Aveoth ourselves then, without strings. He can pick one of them. That is the best option I’m willing to afford.”

“This one is mine.” Drantos growled low. “Aveoth doesn’t get her—and Kraven will fight for her sister. The bonds won’t be denied. Don’t ask that of us.”

The other man stumbled back a few steps until Dusti could see his face. He appeared completely horrified. “No!”

“It’s the truth. You’re not turning them over to the GarLycan. I’ll fight Aveoth to the death before he touches what belongs to me, and Kraven feels the same. You can ask him when he arrives, which should be soon.”

“Tell him you forbid it!” Yonda shouted. “She’s human. Smell her. Weak!” The woman turned her head and spat on the ground. She glared at Dusti. “Not worthy of one of your sons. She’s already causing dissension in our clan. Your son is openly defying you. Kill her!”

The older man snapped his head in her direction and his features twisted into a mask of rage. “Stay out of this.”

Yonda dropped her head and backed away. “I’m sorry, Velder.”

“This is a family issue. Tell the others to prepare for our journey home and keep your mouth shut about what you’ve heard. I won’t abide gossip.” He spun around, addressing the rest of the people who’d approached. “My son isn’t challenging me for leadership. This is a family disagreement. We’re leaving. Go now!”

Yonda spun and fled, running fast. She was buck naked but didn’t seem to care. Dusti watched her until she was out of sight and saw the others follow. She turned her focus back to Drantos’s father. He seemed to be having a glaring match with his son.

“Don’t even think about hurting either one of them,” Drantos warned. “Kraven and I will leave the clan if you make us.”

“You just defied me in front of the others.”

“I’m not going to let you kill Dusti or her sister. She’s innocent in this mess. Decker Filmore might be their blood relation but that’s the only tie they have. Plenty of our people have blood ties to others in his clan. It doesn’t make them our enemies.”

“Decker will target our clan to get them back.”

“I’m aware but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to hand Dusti over. I’ll leave with her and go somewhere else if you don’t want to fight him.”

“I’d rip out Decker’s heart and feed it to him if he ever dares step into our territory. It’s the GarLycans I don’t want to fight with.” Velder paused, glanced at Dusti, then back at his son. “We have kept the peace since settling in this area. We have too many women and children, Drantos. I have to protect them at any cost. They are yours to protect as well, your responsibility as my son.”