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“Me two,” Sylvia said.
“Me three,” Trayis growled.
All of them stared at him with surprise. He opened his mouth to continue but a slight noise down the hall had them all turning. Ellis approached them. His eyes were a little red and puffy, as if he’d shed some tears of his own. He kept his focus on Shay.
“May I speak with you?”
“Yes.” She stepped closer to him.
“I’m sorry for how I treated you when we met. I thought…I thought you were lying to me.”
“It’s okay.” She wanted to hug him but his body remained stiff, as if he wouldn’t welcome touch from her. “It’s not your fault. None of this is.”
“I have a lot to think about. But I’m going to confront my parents when I go home.”
Shay hesitated. “Maybe that’s not the best idea. They could shun you.”
Anger glinted in his eyes. “Maybe I’ll shun them.”
Dean changed the subject, fast. “Do you know what you need? A snack. Let’s go have one. We always think better with food in our stomachs. Then we’ll talk.”
Ellis nodded and allowed Dean to lead him back toward the kitchen.
Shay went to follow but Sylvia blocked her way, shaking her head. “Let Dean calm him. He’ll assure him again that he’s got a home here if he’s shunned. We won’t allow him to become rogue.”
“Maybe Kale and I could go over to their territory, track down Elvis and Mildred, and beat the fuck out of them,” Marcia growled low.
Sylvia chuckled, shaking her head. “No. It’s not our way.”
“It’s the way I want to be.” Marcia sighed again. “But it wouldn’t help in the long run. I know. I still want to kick their asses. I have for as long as I can remember.” She jerked her head toward Shay. “For fucking with my sister.”
“I’d like to meet them, too,” Trayis said.
Shay glanced at him over her shoulder, liking the suddenly rough sound of his voice. “You’re doing the black thing with your eyes again.”
“That’s cool but freaky.” Marcia chuckled. “Kind of sexy, too.”
“What is?”
The deep voice startled Shay, and she realized that Kale had opened the front door and entered without knocking. He must have just gotten off work.
Marcia rushed to her new mate. “He’s here! Mom, you know Kale.”
Shay clutched Trayis, holding her breath, waiting to see how Sylvia would react.
Her adopted mother simply smiled warmly and embraced the couple in a hug. “Welcome to our family.”
Shay relaxed, breathing again.
“Let’s get back to our date,” Trayis said quietly. “Dinner should be waiting. I almost forget that I ordered something to be delivered.” He pulled Shay closer and addressed her family. “Call us if we need to come back. We will.”
“Shay never takes her cell anywhere.” Marcia waved her hand over Shay’s dress. “Unless she’s got it stashed in her bra or undies.”
Trayis gave her family his cell number then led her outside. Shay glanced back as the door closed.
Trayis immediately scooped her into his arms. “They’re fine. The boy needs time. Dean seems like a good influence, he’ll talk to him until he calms.” He quieted briefly as he carried her down the porch steps. “I like your family, Shay.”
“I think they like you, too. Maybe we should stay for a bit.”
“The boy needs man time with Dean. I barely remember being that age, but I know it was difficult to control my emotions. It would be bad if he went home in a rage to deal with his asshole parents.”
That reminded her of something. “How old are you, anyway?”
He chuckled, taking her into the woods toward the trailer. “It doesn’t matter. Vampire blood seems to halt our aging process once we hit adulthood, and then it’s very slow.”
She cuddled into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. It was kind of nice being carried around by him. “So you’re really old and don’t want to tell me.”
He chuckled. “Exactly.”
“Keep your secrets, then.”
“I do have some.” His tone grew serious.
She considered that. “Will any of them hurt me?”
“I don’t think so. That’s the last thing I want, Shay.”
She believed him. “Okay. Good enough.”
“You still look incredibly sexy. I can’t wait to get you alone.”
She grinned. “Walk faster.”
He laughed, picking up the pace.
Chapter Eleven
Trayis was glad he’d asked a favor from Ginny. His brother’s mate had pulled through for him. The table had been set with nice dishes and covered food waited as they entered the trailer.
Shay grinned up at him. “That smells so good.”
“It does. I had Ginny call the caterer she’d used for the party and order us something special.” He opened the fridge, spotting the bottle of wine waiting. Two glasses were chilling on the shelf next to it. He pulled them out and turned.
Shay looked surprised.
“I might come from Alaska but I’m not a complete barbarian.”
That drew another smile from her. “This is romantic.”
“I wanted lit candles but that’s a bad idea in a trailer.” He put the bottle and glasses on the table with the food. “Burning it down probably wouldn’t be cool. Then there’s the whole smoke issue. This place is small and cramped.”
“Don’t forget the forest fire risk. Too many trees,” she teased. “Embers and all that.”
“I have three fireplaces in my home.” He waved her to take a seat as he did the same, opening the wine and pouring it into their glasses.
“That sounds nice.”
“One’s in the open living room, and I wanted one in my bedroom. It gets extremely cold in Alaska during the winter. The third is in another bedroom. My cabin has three bedrooms total, and three and a half baths.”
“Wow. Somehow, I imagined it would be tiny like mine.”
He threw back his head and laughed, imagining a VampLycan in such a small cabin.
“What’s funny?”
He lifted the covers off the food, presenting it to Shay. He’d requested a few filet mignons for each of them and stuffed clams with fresh vegetables. There was also mashed potatoes with cheese and herbs mixed in. “One of my kind would end up rolling over in bed and falling out of your loft space.”
“I can see that.” Her gaze darted over his chest and then she held his gaze. “I doubt you’d fit on a twin-sized bed, anyway.”
“I have an extra-large king-size bed. We make them ourselves.”
Her mouth opened but then she closed it.
He shrugged. “I’m tall. I hate having my head against the headboard and my feet hanging off the end on standard human mattresses. Some of the clan are excellent tradesmen. I asked one of them to make me a frame and headboard. Someone else creates larger-than-normal mattresses from human ones we buy. Then we have other members who make the bedding to fit.”
“You have taskers, too.”
“I guess so. It’s just not what we call them. They’re skilled tradesmen.”
She peered at him as she unfolded the cloth napkins and silverware Ginny had laid out. He knew she’d been the one to personally deliver the meals and set the table. Her scent lingered.
“I like that.”
He smiled. “We work together in my clan, and we all find something to do that we enjoy. Everyone is happier that way. It’s also nice to be able to create or build something in the winter months when the snow comes.”
“Tell me more about your clan.”
He cut a piece of steak and took a bite, carefully considering what to share. He swallowed. “We’re close, like a big family, with the exception of a few troublemakers.”
She nodded. “Every pack has their fair share.”
“Mine has fewer of them. It’s a clan leader’s duty to nip that shit in the bud fast.”
“What if
the troublemaker won’t stop?”
“There’re four clans. They can go live with another one if they wish, but none of the leaders will put up with trouble for long.”
“Do VampLycans ever go rogue or get banished?”
“It’s rare. One clan had quite a few VampLycans leave, but Decker was in charge of them at the time. He never banished anyone, though.” Decker killed them. He wasn’t about to mention that to Shay. He didn’t want her to fear the clans. “Most fled to other clans to escape his rule. Decker was a bad leader. He’s dead now. Lorn took over. I like him.”
“Have you ever thought about joining another clan?”
“No.” Guilt surfaced. He needed to tell Shay the truth. He still worried about how she’d react. He’d learned enough about her to figure there was a chance she’d run away from him, believing she was too far beneath his station. It had been bad enough when she’d suspected he might be an enforcer.
“This is so good.” She moaned around a bite of tender meat.
“It is. The company is better.”
She blushed, and damned if he didn’t want to kiss her. He cut another piece of filet instead and stuffed it into his mouth. He couldn’t wait to take her to bed and strip off that form-hugging dress she wore.
“Have you ever thought about joining another pack?”
She stilled, fork and knife held in midair. She gazed at him a moment, and then she ducked her chin, continuing to cut her food. “No. Never.”
“Shay?” He tensed slightly. He’d upset her somehow.
She looked at him. “I’m grateful for the one that I have. No other pack would take me in.”
“That’s beside the point. Would you ever consider leaving if you found your mate?”
She dropped her gaze, her shoulders slumping. “That won’t happen.”
Anger on her behalf began to seep into him. “That’s bullshit,” he snarled.
Her head snapped up, eyes wide. No fear showed, though. Just surprise.
“I’m asking because I need to return to Alaska soon, Shay.”
She continued to stare at him, looking confused.
It made him even angrier at his brother’s pack that his hint wasn’t enough. He spelled it out for her. “Would you come with me?”
Her mouth opened and closed a few times. It was so fucking cute. All his anger drained, replaced by amusement.
“I don’t expect you to agree to become my mate without knowing what you’re getting into beforehand…but I thought the first step would be you coming to Alaska with me. Seeing our home. Meeting my clan. I’m hoping you’ll feel secure enough to become my mate once you do.”
She dropped the silverware to the table. Trayis’s body tensed, and he half expected her to bolt. He was prepared to catch her before she could get out of the trailer.
Instead she slid off the bench and stood, facing him. “You want me?”
“I do.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Really?”
Hating the bench seating at that moment, he stood with her in the narrow walkway. They touched. “I do, doll. Will you come to Alaska with me? Give my home a shot and see if you could be happy there?”
“Do you think I’m your true mate, or do VampLycans not have those?”
He cocked his head. “We do have them, but sometimes the Vampire side of us confuses the Lycan instincts. I have strong feelings for you, Shay. So strong, I’m certain you’re it for me. I wouldn’t ask otherwise. I don’t want to lose you. How do you feel about me?”
Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Have you thought about kids? They could turn out like me.”
“You mean adorable? I’m definitely okay with that.” He gripped her hips. “Answer my question. How do you feel about me?”
“I care. A lot. Scary deep. What if I have a baby that can’t shift?”
“You’re half Lycan and I’m all VampLycan. Our kids will shift. Even if I’m wrong, I don’t care about that. I will love them all the same because they’ll be ours.” He smiled. “Scary deep, huh? That sounds serious.”
She clutched his shirt. “What about your alpha? Won’t he be upset if you bring someone like me home?”
It was tempting to blurt out the truth but he was still too worried she’d bolt. He’d have to ease her into that reality. “We aren’t prejudiced in the clan. Wen, as an example, is mated to a full human. Remember? I told you I adopted Gerri.”
She nodded.
“It would have been fine if Wen had fallen in love with a Vampire, too. In my clan, the most important thing is being happy and having a strong bond with a mate. Every mate found is precious. A leader would have to be a heartless dick to refuse them the right to be together.”
She just stared at him, mute.
“Are you worried about not seeing your adoptive family? We can visit more often. Even if it’s just for short visits. I did that not too long ago.”
She looked confused again.
“That human I adopted? Her mate is cousins with Graves and Micah. Gerri was brought to your territory for her safety, until I could pick her up to take her back to the clan to be with Wen again. Most of your pack wasn’t aware, since I only spent a few hours here and then flew back to Alaska with Gerri. We can visit more often. I can’t be gone from Alaska for long stints but short trips would be doable.”
“Oh, Trayis,” she sniffed. “I want to say yes…but I’m afraid you’ll lose respect in your clan. You have no idea how badly I want to agree, but I never want you to face consequences because you’re with me.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s not. I care too much about you to be the cause of any pain in your life. I’m not that selfish. Your happiness matters too much to me.”
“Doll.” He leaned down and kissed her. They were done talking. She would just keep saying silly things. He slid his arms around her waist and lifted, walking backward toward the bedroom.
Shay moaned against his mouth, meeting his passion. She had plenty of that. His body burned with need. He bumped into the bathroom wall but kept moving until the mattress stopped him. He gently put her on her feet and spun her around, reaching for the zipper on the back of her dress. He wanted to tear it off but then she’d never be able to wear it again. That would be a crime.
“I can’t think when you’re touching me,” she panted.
“That’s the point.”
“This is serious, Trayis. I’m a half-breed.”
“My entire clan is half-breeds, Shay.”
She twisted her head, giving him a wry look.
He nodded, helping her remove the dress. “Full-bloods are the rarity in my clan.”
The dress fell to the floor and he got a look at the delicate garments hidden underneath. They were white and lacy. Her taut nipples teased him—and his patience was gone. “I’ll buy you new ones.”
He eased her back on the bed, tearing at the flimsy straps of the bra, then her tiny panties. He needed to taste her—badly. His fangs slid down and the urge to bite hit hard. It was hell to resist, but he didn’t break her skin as he sucked on her breast.
Shay was his. He no longer could deny that.
She’d admitted to not being able to think when he touched her. It sounded like a great plan to keep her off balance. One way or another, he would take her home with him when he returned to Alaska. When they got there, he’d prove that she could be happy with him and his clan. Arlis was about to lose one of his pack, but Trayis would gain a mate.
He paid attention to her other breast, growing more aroused by the sounds of her moans. Her fingers slid into his hair, and he loved the feel of her fingernails raking his scalp. He lowered down her body, placing wet kisses over her stomach. He couldn’t get enough of her taste.
Shay tugged on his hair. “I need you inside me now!”
He chuckled. “But I want to play.”
She yanked on his hair harder. “Please?”
He rose up her body and kissed her mouth. She wrapped her legs
around his waist, rubbing her pussy against his stiff dick. He groaned, not wanting to reach for a condom, but getting her pregnant before she agreed to mating would be unforgivable.
He tore his mouth from hers, glanced around frantically for the box, and lunged to the side, where he’d placed them on the nightstand. Shay released his hair and splayed her hands on his chest, using her fingers to tease his nipples.
He managed to get the condom rolled over his stiff shaft, and then he slowly entered her tight body. Shay moaned his name and he pinned her tight under him. His woman felt like heaven.
The urge to bite struck again, but still he resisted. It was getting more and more difficult. Once they were sharing blood, he wouldn’t have to worry about taking too much from her.
“Trayis. Yes!”
He fucked her hard and fast, making certain to rub against her clit with every thrust. Her moans urged him on.
She was his, and he wouldn’t let her go. It was a done deal.
* * * * *
Shay woke alone but she heard Trayis softly speaking to someone. She sat up in bed, staring down the hallway. He’d left the bedroom door open. He paced at the far end of the trailer with his cell phone pressed to his ear.
He looked tense and angry, despite keeping his voice low. She slid out from under the sheets and stood, walking toward him. Had he informed his alpha of his choice to bring her home? She still worried that it would cause him problems.
“You need to be harsh with her punishment, Wen. She’s testing your authority.” He paused, closing his eyes. His other hand rose to rub the bridge of his nose as he paused to listen. “I get that you can’t fight her. If Mya were a male, you’d kick her ass for sneaking out and causing more trouble. Put her in a holding cell. That’s what I’d do.”
Shay paused in the hallway just outside the bathroom door.
“Take away everything but her clothes and treat her like a child, since she’s acting like one. Put a female guard on her. I’d pick Vassa. She’ll be furious with Mya for fucking her brother and causing him to fight his best friend. That should make things miserable for Mya. She needs to learn to follow your orders.”
It became clear to Shay that Trayis was giving his alpha advice.