Chapter Ten

Lavos didn’t feel like being sociable. His brother depended upon him though to stay at his side and help host the festivities. It was the first time they were officially welcoming visitors for a social event since his brother had taken leadership. It would help strengthen the bonds between the four clans, something that had been lacking when Decker ruled.

They were using the lodge for a meet and greet. He forced a smile as he entered the foyer, seeing some familiar faces but a lot of new ones. His brother stood near the bar and motioned him over the second he spotted him.

“This is my brother, Lavos.” Lorn looked relaxed, a group of people surrounding him.

“Hello.” Lavos twisted his lips upward in a forced smile.

A woman caught his attention when she reached out and ran a hand over his arm. “You’re single.”

He couldn’t deny it. He’d seen her nostrils flare so she’d taken in his scent. “I am.”

She possessed big dark brown eyes and long matching hair. “Lorn was just telling us that you’re his lead enforcer.” She batted her eyelashes. “That’s impressive.”

He kept his muscles relaxed. She was obviously hunting for a mate with status. “Well, it’s a perk of being the brother to the new clan leader.”

“You’re being modest.” Lorn shot him a look. “Lavos is an excellent fighter.”

The woman ran her hand up Lavos’s biceps, squeezing them. “He’s a strong one.” She stepped closer and pushed out her breasts when she shoved her shoulders back. “I am looking for a mate. We should go somewhere more private and get to know each other.”

She was a beautiful woman but he felt no desire to have sex. His brother would encourage a mating between the clans but Lavos had no interest in her.

He’d had that problem ever since he’d met Jadee.

He couldn’t forget her. She’d haunted his dreams for the past two weeks since they’d parted ways. He’d wake with painful hard-ons, wishing she were naked in his bed.

“My brother has a beautiful house not too far from here. You should ask him for a tour.”

Lavos wanted to kick Lorn. It was his turn to shoot him a look.

His brother smiled, not upset or taking the hint when he continued to speak. “I’m mated, so now it’s his turn.”

The woman rubbed up against Lavos’s side and leaned closer. “I would love to see your home.”

“I have duties to perform first. I’m going to be free later.” He didn’t want to offend her by flat-out refusing to take her to bed, but he silently plotted to avoid her for the rest of the day and evening.

Lorn let it go and helped get him off the hook. “Speaking of, could you please find Brista and make certain she’s prepared to watch all the children for the feast tonight?” Lorn addressed the others. “She’s the clan caretaker for our young. We were told some guests might bring their children and we thought it would be nice for her to entertain them.”

“Of course.” Lavos bowed and untangled his arm from the woman. “I’ll see you later.”

“I’m Mya.”

“Until later, Mya.”

He fled and yanked out his phone the moment he walked outside, calling Brista to relay the message. He knew Lorn wasn’t a fan of the woman but she was well liked by some of the clan, enough that it had assured she held her position when Lorn had taken over, at least for the time being. But he doubted Lorn would ever entrust his own future children to Brista’s care, not after the way she’d mistreated Kira for being so human when they were kids.

He closed his phone when the call ended and marched toward the gas station. He entered and sighed when he saw Volti behind the counter.

“Kill me,” Lavos demanded.

His friend grinned. “I take it you met the delegates from the other clans and it’s a bore?”

“One of them wanted to tour my house. She’s looking for a mate.”

“My heart is bleeding for you.” His friend rolled his eyes. “I’d trade jobs with you in a heartbeat. I’ll go fuck her to test our compatibility and you can clean the bathroom, after you restock the shelves.”

Lavos assessed the small store. “Deal.”

Volti shook his head. “I wish.”

“I mean it. You make her happy and I’ll take over here.”

“Don’t mess with me. It’s cruel.”

“I’m not.” Lavos rounded the counter. “Show me the basics of a cash register since I’ve never done this before.”

Volti shoved him back. “No way. Lorn would kick both of our asses. It’s too important that we make a good impression on our visitors. They don’t trust us because of Decker. Not that we can blame them. Our previous leader was a total dickhead. Your job is to kiss ass and mine is to make sure any humans dropping in to fill up their tanks don’t decide to stroll around town.” His eyes brightened, glowing. “You’re in a hurry to get where you’re going so gas up, take a piss, and hit the road. You saw nothing of interest here and it was just a small town. It wasn’t even memorable. Leave.”

“How many vehicles have stopped so far today?”

Volti’s eyes dulled in brilliance. “Three. One family is sightseeing as they travel to visit an uncle. They wanted to check out Janella’s store but I told them it’s closed. They’d bought some jewelry from her online. One guy was heading to a new job. He wanted in and out of here as fast as possible, so I didn’t have to mess with his mind. Then there was a trucker. He’s a regular so no problem there. We’re along his route and he stops in a few times a week.”

“That’s good.”

“Janella was a little upset at losing prospective tourist business but today’s too important to risk someone seeing something they shouldn’t. Lorn purposely planned this for midweek since the weekends bring in more traffic. The delegates will be gone quick enough and life can resume as normal once the other clans feel comfortable with Lorn in charge.”

Lavos knew he needed to get back to the lodge to help Lorn give a good impression but he lingered. “Where’s Kar?”

“On patrol up the hill. He wrestled with Garson for the assignment and won.”