“I see.”

“I don’t want to lie to you.”

“You should be honest.”

“Isn’t there a way I can fit in without having to punch someone or getting hit?”

“I’m here to help you figure this out. You’re good at dealing with humans but we don’t have too much interaction with them.”

“That’s too bad.”

“It is. Drantos believes just being his mate will make everyone accept you. I’m sure he’s right but that could take many years. I’d like to hurry that process along. What kinds of other skills do you have?”

“I’m great at movie trivia. I love television shows too.”

Crayla just stared at her.

Dusti sighed. “That was supposed to make you laugh. I can’t fight. I’m not the best cook. I wouldn’t know how to make a quilt to save my life if you have some kind of sewing circle or whatever they’re called. I’m a city girl. I’m so far out of my element here that it’s not funny. I admit it. I’m at a loss.”

“Get pregnant.”

Stunned, Dusti knew her mouth fell open. She recovered fast. “That’s the best advice you have for me?”

“Yes. To birth Drantos’s children would endear you to the clan. They could forgive a lot of your flaws if you happen to have a son first. I know that’s out of your control but we could always hope. They would rejoice a girl too. Have a baby.”

Dusti had no words. She felt insulted.

“It’s what I did when I became Velder’s mate. I was from another clan and my status wasn’t high enough for most to consider me worthy of being with him.”

“Are you part human too?”

“No. It’s just that my father isn’t an enforcer. He is a craftsman.”

“What does that matter?”

“Enforcers are fighters who protect our clan and possess much strength. Craftsmen are of lower ranking. My father helps the clan by building homes and furniture.” She paused. “We all have our own skills. We just need to find yours.”

“I don’t think I’d be good at building stuff either.”

“Take my advice then. I got pregnant right away. They forgot all about where I came from and my father’s standing in our clan once I presented Drantos to this clan. They were grateful that I’d birthed a future leader.”

“Don’t you think that’s kind of…” Dusti failed to find a polite word to describe it.

“Old fashioned? Yes, but it’s effective. You’ll become the mother of a future clan leader. That will earn you instant admiration. Does that insult your human side? It shouldn’t. Women have been breeders for men for all of history. VampLycans are just more honest about it. It’s a respectable way to make yourself a useful part of the clan.”

“By popping out children with Drantos?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” Dusti shot to her feet. “I forgot to get you something to drink. How rude of me. Let me rectify that.” She fled into the kitchen, remembering where she’d seen the bottles of booze. “I know I need one,” she called out.

Where is Bat when I really need her? Shit. This is worse than I thought it would be. Drantos? Can you hear me? Please come home and save me from your mother.

She closed her eyes and focused but she didn’t hear his voice answering in her head.

Just my luck. Damn it!

“I’ve upset you.” Crayla followed her into the kitchen.

“Good guess,” Dusti muttered.

“I didn’t mean to. Being a mother is very honorable and it has brought me much reward. The clan accepted me on my own merits later. Does that help?”

Dusti poured herself a drink and took a sip. “Yeah. Sure.” She wasn’t going to argue.

“Do you drink often?”

She met her mother-in-law’s narrowed gaze. “Nope, but I think now is a good time to start.”

“You need to toughen up, Dusti. You’re my son’s mate.”

“I’m your son’s mate who wants a drink, and do you know what?” She lifted the glass to her lips again and took a sip. “I’m having one. Accept that.”

Crayla sighed.

* * * * *

Drantos scanned the woods and caught movement to his far left. He eased behind one of the thicker trees and unleashed his claws, waiting. The wind shifted and he inhaled. His tense body relaxed and he stepped out.

“Over here,” he whispered.

His cousin changed direction and approached him silently. They were both on duty. Red stopped next to him. “It’s all quiet.”

“I know. That’s good.”

“Kraven’s plan worked.”

“What exactly was that?”

“To take the other sister out of here and make damn sure they were seen by some of Decker’s people, to lead them away from our village.”

“Where did he take her?”

“All I know is they were heading for Washington State and he planned to keep them moving for a bit.”

Drantos nodded. It was a good plan, as long as they could keep ahead of the enforcers sent after them. He just hoped Aveoth found Decker fast, and swiftly gave him justice. He had a feeling that Decker Filmore would end up like the man he’d sent to steal Dusti. He deserved to die.

“How goes it with your new mate?”

“Our bond snapped into place.”

Red sighed.

“What?”

“She’s so human.”

“Don’t start that shit too. I found my mate. I got enough of that from Dad and a few of the clan. Some of them have been giving me pitied looks but I’m actually glad she’s exactly the way she is.”

“Why?”

He considered his answer. “Life isn’t boring. She amuses the hell out of me and makes me laugh. I’m happy with her. The fear she sometimes feels is the downside but I’m proud of how well she’s taking all this. She knew nothing of our kind before we met.”

“She can’t shift.”

“It’s not a problem.”

“I bet you thought otherwise while you were traveling with her. I hate walking far distances.”

“She rode my back home last night.”

Red chuckled. “Seriously?”