“True.” Her gaze drifted to the open doorway when the men’s voices rose. “What are they doing in there?”

“Plotting an attack on the nest. They need to be taken out. They shouldn’t even be in this area.”

“Are you going with them?”

Kira shook her head. “No. Lorn won’t allow it. He’ll want me to stay here to keep me safe.”

Worry surfaced. “They could die, couldn’t they?”

Kira shook her head. “VampLycans can kick Vamp ass big time. I also know my mate. He’ll call in help. The other clans have offered it. He’s trying to show them how different he is from Decker. He would never want assistance but Lorn isn’t anything like him. Our men are coming home to us when this is over.” She leaned back in her seat. “Just don’t be grossed out if they’re bloody and covered in dust.”

“I’ve seen Veso take them out. Only some of them didn’t dust.”

“Soldiers?”

“I called them creepers.”

“I can see that. They are creepy as shit. I’ve never seen one myself but I’ve heard about them all my life. They’re supposed to have veins on their skin and blood in their eyes.”

“They do.”

“You’ve been through so much. I’m so sorry you were pulled into this world, Glen.”

“Me too, but none of this is anyone’s fault but King Charles.”

Kira laughed. “That’s what he’s going by? Wow. He sounds like he’d deranged and full of himself.”

“He totally is.”

“Well, you’re safe now. What can I do for you to make things better?”

“I’d kill for a shower and some clean clothes.”

“I can do that. I actually lived in the lodge before Lorn mated me, and most of my things are still in my old bedroom. I’ll take you to the visitor’s quarters once they leave to attack that nest and get you something to wear. We’re about the same size.”

“Visitor’s quarters?”

“There’re two apartments in the basement area of the lodge. One is a two-bedroom that my father lives in, and there’s a one-bedroom unit for when someone visits the clan.”

“Thank you.”

“We’re practically family now.” Kira stood. “Eat. I’m going to check on the guys. I’ll be right back.”

“Kira?”

The woman cocked her head, peering at her. “Yeah?”

“How does one go about mating a VampLycan?”

She sat back down. “It’s not scary. I promise. Or painful.”

“I’m all ears. I want to hear. Veso isn’t much for talking in-depth about things.”

“I bet.”

* * * * *

Veso strapped on weapons. They were going after the nest—and they weren’t doing it alone. A thump sounded on the roof and he tensed, staring up.

“It’s just a GarLycan,” Lorn said, not looking alarmed. He crossed the room and threw open the large window. He backed away and a moment later a body dropped, swinging in front of the window before entering.

The man was big, and his wings were tucked when he straightened up, standing. He wore all black leather, from his pants to his open-back shirt, a half sword strapped to his thigh, and he moved out the way as a second thump sounded up on the roof. He removed his sunglasses, revealing lively silver-colored eyes that appeared molten with the way the irises stayed in motion, as if they had a life of their own.

“I’m Chaz. That’s my twin Fray you hear. We’re your air support.” He bowed his head at Lorn. “At your service.”

A second man came through the window. They looked so much alike, the only way to tell them apart was the second one had hair a bit longer and he only wore leather pants with a black tank top. He removed his glasses too, showing the same strange silver eyes.

“Hello, VampLycans.” Fray grinned. “This is going to be fun. I’m so ready to kick the ass of some bloodsuckers. Thanks for asking us to join you. It was getting a bit boring at the cliffs.”

Lorn nodded. “We appreciate the assistance. Did Lord Aveoth tell you they drugged Veso?” He jerked his head to point him out.

“They used strong sedatives with dart guns,” Veso explained.

“Darts don’t pierce us when we’re prepared.” Fray’s skin darkened to a grayish hue, the texture hardening.

It was the first time Veso had seen it up close. “That’s a handy trait.”

Fray flashed him a smile, cracks appearing in his skin from the effort. “I know. It’s good to be a GarLycan. We can shell harder to reflect bullets but this is me in battle mode when I deal with suckheads. It’s a mild shelling. They try to bite me like this and they’ll break a fang.”

“Enough.” Chaz gave his twin an annoyed frown. “My brother is the outgoing one and he likes to show off sometimes. We have more air support flying above waiting to go with us. I brought eight scouts for the nest. We left another six patrolling your territory for Decker. I hope that’s okay.”

“Thank you.” Lorn approached the men. “We appreciate this.”

“The master is using some humans. He took over their minds.” Veso would hate for innocents to get caught in the coming battle.

“Got it.” Chaz reached up and pressed his finger against his ear. “Mind-fucked humans might be on the playground. Grab them if you see any and hold them until a VampLycan can get them straightened out.” He dropped his hand. “We upgraded to have better communications. We’ll bring you guys any humans we catch and you can see if you can wipe their memories.”

“The new coms system is awesome. It beats yelling at each other,” Flay added, his skin returning to a normal texture and color. “One of our scouts carries a signal booster on his back. We brought you guys some. Go Team Dust Vamps.” He reached into a pouch attached to his belt and approached Lorn. “Just pop one in your ear and press to talk. You’ll hear anyone speaking.” He handed them out to the other men, including Veso.

Veso glanced at it, figured out how it worked, and put it in his ear. A deep voice instantly broadcast through the tiny speaker. “Are we flying them to the location or following from above, Chaz?”