Lorn took deep breaths to get his temper under control and faced Bran. “I’m sorry about that. What did you come to speak to me about?”

“You’re mating Kira?”

“I am.” Lorn half expected a fight. The elder VampLycan might have a serious problem with that, and challenge him.

Bran turned his head, studying Kira. Lorn watched his expression, trying to gauge how the elder felt on the matter. He didn’t see disdain or anger. Bran finally sighed and crossed his arms, meeting his gaze. “My son respected her courage. I see why now. You fed her blood and it did this?”

“Yes.”

Bran addressed Kira. “Did you see my son the night he died?”

Lorn relaxed. He wanted to protect Kira, but figured Bran had the right to ask. He didn’t interfere. Kira looked okay and not upset by the question. Only sadness showed on her face.

“No. I’m sorry. I had caught some human poachers and had them pack up their camp. I escorted them off our land and then returned to wipe away all traces they were there. I expected Veso to show. He usually checked on me a few times during my shifts. Two Vampires came instead, who said there were more, and they had Veso.”

“Did you try to help him?”

“I would have if I’d been given the chance.” Kira stepped closer to the big VampLycan.

Lorn moved too, prepared to defend her if Bran attacked.

“I liked your son,” Kira admitted. “He was a great instructor. Hard but fair. I shot one of the Vampires in the face and the other in the chest. I ran, knowing they would be hot on my ass. I didn’t see Veso. I had hoped they were full of shit about attacking him, and that he’d show up to save me. He didn’t.”

“They caught you?”

“One did. He was bleeding me to death, so I bit him back. It was either lie there and allow him to do whatever he wanted to me, or survive any way I could.”

Bran reached out and grasped her shoulder. “That was brave.”

“It was desperation. I’m so sorry about Veso.”

“Me too.” Bran released her. “So you were full Vampire?”

“Yes. Now I can grow claws.”

“And you actually withstood the sun?”

“I went out in it today. I even ate food before I came here. It didn’t make me puke.”

Bran stared at Lorn. “I give you my loyalty. I know you won’t trust me yet but I’m aware my son hated Decker, and only pretended to go along with him. He wished for someone in your family to lead this clan, and he fed information to Lavos that he picked up working with the enforcers. I didn’t oppose his actions. I’ve never wanted war.” He glanced at Lavos, then back at Lorn. “I offer you my services as an enforcer if you need one. My son would have made the same offer. He’s not here to do it, but I am.”

Lorn hadn’t expected that. “I accept. I know you have honor, Bran. Your word is trusted. I’m aware you didn’t always side with Decker. Otherwise he would have made you one of his enforcers.”

Bran reached down and withdrew the dagger at his hip. He ran the tip of it across his palm then sheathed the small blade. Lorn unleashed his claws and cut his own palm with the tip of a finger. They shook hands, their blood mingling. It was a custom of elders in making a blood oath.

“I’ll begin tomorrow. What time do you want me in your office to start my duties?”

“Eleven.” Lorn figured that would give them all enough time to sleep after the late evening he needed to put in.

“I’ll see you then.” Bran released his hand and glanced at Kira. “I’m glad you survived.” He left fast, heading home.

“Upstairs—now.” Lorn was furious and upset with Kira. She’d promised to remain inside his den. He’d almost had a heart attack when she’d come stalking out of the trees, bold as brass, and started a fight with Brista.

“I know you’re pissed but—”

“Upstairs now,” he ground out. His gaze scanned the area. “We’re all going to my office. Right now.”

She took his hint and walked up the back porch of the lodge. He didn’t want anyone spying on them. He followed closely on her heels, gripping her elbow and leading her to the stairs. He knew the rest kept close.

Lorn released her, unlocked one side of the double doors, and threw it open. “Inside. All of you.”

Garson, Kar, and Davis entered after Kira. Lavos came in last. Lorn slammed the door and flipped the bolt. He growled low and glared at Kira. “You promised to remain where you’d be safe. What the hell do you think you were doing?”

“Don’t talk to my daughter that way,” Davis bristled.

“Stay out of it, Dad.” Kira frowned. “This is between me and Lorn. I’m sorry, okay? It was driving me nuts staying inside the den, so I went outside. Then Garson got that call and I knew something was really wrong.”

“You let her come with you?” Lorn wanted to deck Garson.

“No! I didn’t know she was behind me. I told her to lock in and then I beat feet here. I thought she’d do as she was told.”

Kira stepped closer and in front of Garson. “He didn’t know, Lorn. He probably broke a new speed record for reaching the lodge as fast as possible. I had a hell of a time trying to keep up with him without giving myself away. I’m the one you should be yelling at.”

“I’m furious! You could have been hurt.”

“I’m fine. You stopped me from killing Brista. You know she deserved it. What a bitch!”

“She is.” Lorn couldn’t disagree. “But some VampLycans love and trust her with their young. It would have caused more problems if you’d killed her, and think of the young ones who would have grieved her loss. She’s loved by some of the clan. I don’t need anyone resenting you for her death. Now she’s been publically put on notice that I won’t tolerate her actions.”

Kira frowned. “I hate her. And you know why. It was bad enough how she treated me for being too human, but Elsa is a VampLycan, damn it! I heard what she wanted to do. She’s the one who should be staked down, and then beheaded since her ass won’t burn in the sun.”

“Apparently, you’re not too human or Vampire now,” Kar muttered. “You smell like a VampLycan—and I saw the claws. It was extraordinary. I was impressed by the way you handled Brista. She’s got a mouth on her but not much fighting skill. You showed her.”