“Her name is Kira—and I told you to stop using that tone when you speak of her. I’ll never be thankful that Decker assigned Kira to deal with humans who trespass on our lands. It puts her in danger.”

“I insisted she have one of our guards in close proximity when she’s on patrol.”

“Because you knew I was pissed and spending my time tracking her movements so she wasn’t out there alone. That was pure selfishness on your part, making certain I had no reason to go near her—and your spies will tell you if I do.”

“Your obsession with her is sickening.”

It took effort for Lorn not to launch an attack. It must have shown on his face because his father switched tactics and put more space between them.

“You gave me your word that you’d stay away from Kira. Nothing has changed. You’re going to mate a VampLycan woman and give me strong grandchildren.” He suddenly grinned wickedly. “I wonder how long that girl will stay under the radar of Darya. I’ve been assured she’s not only beautiful but an excellent fighter. It will be her right to take out any threats to her family.”

Lorn’s stomach churned and his lunch wanted to come up. Would his father manipulate the VampLycan into attacking Kira? “That will never happen.”

“You won’t allow it?” Ladius shook his head. “Your mate comes first. Always.”

“Kira is no threat to anyone.”

“Darya isn’t going to like you having feelings for that girl. You won’t be able to hide them from her forever. Your link will never be as strong as that of true mates, but she’ll want it to be. The first time Darya catches you looking at Kira, she’ll know who’s to blame for your lack of enthusiasm in this mating. Perhaps someone will tell her first…”

Lorn glanced around once more, making sure no one watched them. He leaned forward a little and softened his voice. He stared into his father’s eyes. “If anything bad happens to Kira, it will be the last day you draw breath. I’ll hold you personally accountable.”

Shock took over his father’s face. “You’d try to kill me over her?”

Lorn didn’t hesitate. “Try? I’m your son. I always follow through with a threat. You taught me that. Decker had reason to be wary of me, and so do you. You couldn’t take him in a fight when this clan formed or you would have led it. I’m a much better fighter than you ever dreamed of being in your prime.”

“I’m your father! You’d attack me over that weakling?”

“I’ll demand blood if Kira’s is spilled. You do anything to her, or have someone go after her, I’ll be seeking yours, old man. Never threaten Kira again. I don’t even want you looking her way. It only pisses me off. Am I clear?”

“Yes.”

He saw a little fear in his father’s eyes. No guilt surfaced. “We made a bargain and I’ve kept my side of it. You might be able to force me to take some stranger into my home but you better be damn certain Kira is always safe. She’s the only reason you have any control over me. Enjoy it while it lasts—and pray she has a long, happy life. Your lifespan is the same as hers.”

Ladius spun away and stalked toward a group of elders. Lorn watched him go and grabbed his beer. His hands shook slightly but he took a sip just to cool his temper. It didn’t help. He was sure his father wouldn’t repeat anything that had been said between them. It would make Ladius appear weak. He’d rather die first.

Lorn knew hell. His life had always been a series of burdens and responsibilities he’d never wanted because of his birthright. He wished he could just leave. To flee the clan and live somewhere else, anywhere else, had been a fantasy of his for what seemed like forever. Dreams were for children though.

He couldn’t abandon the weaker members of the clan. They depended on him to protect them from assholes like his father and other VampLycans under Decker’s thumb. He’d never openly defied Decker but he had learned the art of manipulation from Ladius. It was a game he grew tired of playing.

He glanced at the newly mated couple accepting congratulations from other clan members. Their joyous smiles mocked him. He’d have to accept some woman his father had chosen for her lineage and suffer in silence. It was expected of him. He didn’t know Darya, nor did he want to. She’d expect to bare his children and share his home. He took another sip of beer. She would grow to hate him once she realized he refused to settle.

Kira’s face flashed in his mind. The bitterness returned. She had feelings for him. It made everything a thousand times worse.

Chapter Two

The thick woods were comforting as Kira picked up the pace, running to get away from the pain and the man who caused it.

One decision had been made though. She’d take her father up on his offer. No way could she remain with the clan to watch Lorn take a mate. The sight of them together would kill her a day at a time.

It was terrifying to walk away from all she’d known but she’d survived a year of college, after all. Not all of it had been good but humans weren’t so bad. She just had to keep her guard up around them and lie about her family to protect the clan’s secrets. She’d always gone with the story of having deceased parents and no family. It was best to avoid any questions.

That year had proved she could survive in the human world if she had to. It was possible she could become a real cop instead of just carrying a badge to scare off poachers. To serve and protect was something she’d been groomed to do.

A few miles later, she paused and noticed that the woods had grown too still. Her gaze drifted to the treetops, not spotting a single bird. She cocked her head and strained her hearing, not picking up the normal sounds of smaller creatures scuttling about. Rabbits were usually all over the area but none could be seen.

A faint whiff of smoke reached her nose and she turned in that direction.

“Damn poachers,” she muttered. They were stupid to start a campfire considering it hadn’t rained in weeks.

They were easy to locate as she followed the smell of burning wood. Four human men sat around the fire. They’d used a small clearing as a base camp. One quick sweep revealed four backpacks, the same amount of sleeping bags. She pumped the shotgun as she stepped around a tree into their view. Her badge hung from around her neck. They’d be able to see it clearly.