Lorn grinned. “Should I ask what trash duty is?”

“Rigo has to collect trash from every home near our village and take it to where we burn it. It’s something we have youths in trouble do. What kind of punishments do your youths get?”

Lorn’s good humor vanished. “Decker had them shackled behind the lodge for an entire day, regardless of the age or crime. No food, no water, and no regard for the weather. I won’t do that. I think trash duty sounds like a good start if I need to address a problem.”

“I can email you a list of things we do, if you’d like. We don’t hurt youths. I’ve had to whip a few of the clan, but they were adults. I wish I didn’t have to, but the elders expect some Lycan traditions to hold. I always accept the offer of any man who wishes to take a woman’s punishment, otherwise I allow my mate to do the whipping. I can’t strike a female myself.”

“I’d welcome your suggestions.” Lorn hesitated. “I need a lot of advice. Do you mind if I call you for it?”

“I’d be honored, Lorn. Anytime.”

“Thank you. I need to call the other clans.”

“No need. I’ve been appointed the temporary liaison. I hope that’s okay with you. We figured you’d have enough bullshit to deal with, without having to make multiple calls each time you needed to reach out to the other clans.”

“I’m relieved.” Garson walked into the office and took a seat across the desk. Lorn motioned for him to remain quiet. “Thank you, Velder, I look forward to our talks. I have to go. We’re trying to make sense of Decker’s office. It’s imperative that we find the land deeds.”

“Why?”

“Decker might attempt to sell the land to get revenge.”

“We used the Homestead Act to acquire this much territory when it was finally offered in Alaska. Very few humans wanted to claim this land. It was too harsh an area and too remote. A certain amount of acreage was available to each family who applied, so we had all VampLycan families file. Each deed was placed in their names. Unless Decker forced your people to sign them over to him, he could only sell what he and his sons registered and claimed.”

“That’s good to know, but I’d hate to find out he sold the lodge and most of the town out from under us.”

“I can send someone to Juneau and have them access the deeds if you’re worried. It wouldn’t be difficult to persuade them to change ownership into your name. That’s one of the advantages of being what we are. Our gift of manipulating humans when the need arises. I would consider this one of those times.”

“Decker could do the same.”

“Not if I leave a few of my men in Juneau until he’s caught. They’ll be on the lookout for him or any other VampLycans not ours.”

It was brilliant. “I’d appreciate that.”

“It’s best for us all. We don’t need humans moving into the heart of VampLycan territory. I’ll send them right away to check the records so they’re there first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you. I’ll talk to you soon.” Lorn ended the call.

“Are the other clans cool with us?” Garson gripped the arms of the chair.

“Yes. Thankfully.”

“Good.” He relaxed. “Everything is quiet. Where’s Kar?”

“He’s guarding Kira.”

Garson’s mouth dropped open. “Isn’t she dead?”

Lorn leaned forward and braced his elbows on the desk. “No. She was attacked by Vampires but they didn’t take her. The bastards turned her. She’s inside my den.”

“Holy shit!”

“I’m trusting you because you’re one of mine now.” Lorn carefully studied him. “Is that a problem?”

“No. I like Kira. Did she become mean? That happens sometimes with Vampires. They lose their humanity.”

“She’s the same. I’ve been feeding her my blood.”

“You weren’t just saying that stuff to Perri about blood last night to give her hope for some kind of normal future for her kids?”

“It’s true, according to Velder. I’m hoping it will strengthen Kira’s dormant Lycan genetics.”

“Is it working?”

“She woke during the day.”

“That’s great, man! It means she can come back to the clan and nobody will be able to stake her to the ground.”

“That’s never going to happen. She’s my true mate. I don’t give a damn what others think. Nobody will hurt Kira, or anyone else with strong Vampire traits.”

Garson swallowed. “I guess you weren’t dicking around when you said things were going to change.”

”No. I wasn’t. Is that an issue for you?”

“Nope. I’m good. Is the ban still in effect for dating or fucking humans?”

“For now, yes. It’s not a death sentence, though. Not anymore. Let’s get the clan settled and then we’ll go over the rules one at a time and see what needs changing.”

“Fair enough. I’m hoping you decide we can take them as lovers. Humans dig me.”

Lorn snorted, amused. “It’s our pheromones. It draws them to us.”

“I don’t care what it is. I hate going into the human town to collect the mail every week and having to break hearts when I refuse the women.”

“Whatever’s decided, remember not to tell them where you live. The last thing we need is humans showing up and asking a lot of questions or snooping around.”

“I know. One-night stands only and always wear condoms. I’m cool with that.”

“Just don’t do anything yet. Let’s get a handle on this clan before we think about any interactions with humans.”

* * * * *

Kira couldn’t stand staying inside the den any longer. Lorn had been gone for hours. She’d promised to remain below while the sun was up but it had gone down hours ago. Kar patrolled Lorn’s land so it would be safe if she just got a little air near the entrance.

She stepped out from behind the boulders and froze, her new eyesight making her smile. It wasn’t difficult to spot Kar. He sat on a fallen tree about twenty yards away, his back to her. She whistled low and he jerked, twisting his head until their gazes locked. He was on his feet and striding toward her in the next second.