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She took a seat, flattered that he’d remembered her name. That had to be a good sign. He was so handsome it was hard to look at him. He had beautiful eyes. They were a soft brown with a lot of gold streaks. “Yes. How’s your visit going?”
“Good. I had to come meet my new nephew.”
“Joshua is adorable. I got to hold him this morning when I was in the office. You can already see the intelligence in his eyes. He’s going to grow up to be as wonderful as our alpha pair. And the twins are super protective of their baby brother. It’s adorable.”
Pride flashed in his eyes. “It almost makes me regret not having children of my own.”
She could relate. She’d never have children. Or a mate. Unless she left the pack to live with humans. It wasn’t a happy thought. “You haven’t found a mate yet?”
He shook his head and went back to eating his burger, dropping his gaze. “No. I did adopt a fully grown human. Though it’s not the same as having young.”
That stunned her, and it must have shown on her face.
He grinned. “It’s a long story. She became mated to someone in my clan.”
That made sense. Sometimes humans needed a family bond to be accepted into a pack. Trayis must have offered to be that bond for the human. It proved he really was as compassionate as she’d always believed. It made her want him even more.
It was a relief that he was still officially single, too. It meant she stood a slight chance of talking him into her bed.
She glanced around, spotted Marcia with Kale, and watched as her friend grabbed him by the front of his shirt. She hauled him toward the trees instead of kissing him, though. He didn’t put up a fight but a look of pure confusion creased his features as he was led away. She grinned.
“What’s amusing?”
She gave her attention back to Trayis. “A friend of mine just made her interest known to the Were she wants.”
He smiled. “Ah. I guess that’s the good thing about pack gatherings. Celebrations mean a lot of single people finding an excuse to have sex. The same thing happens in my clan.”
“Do you like living in Alaska?” There was a lot she didn’t know about the VampLycans.
“I do. The winters can be harsh, though. We get around it well. It’s like a different world up there.”
“You mean because it’s remote? Arlis once said you live far from cities.”
“That too. There are a few small towns that have popped up but nothing like here. The populations are usually just a few hundred or less. Humans mind their own business and stay out of our territories.”
“That must be good. You know, to run around in fur and not need to worry about being spotted or shot at by hunters.”
He nodded as he finished his burger and picked up the second one on his plate. It made her glance at her own; she could only eat one burger. She hoped that didn’t put him off, but no way could she eat as much as a shifter. She picked at her chips, desperately trying to think of something seductive to say or do. She had to gain his interest to get him into bed.
He sniffed the air when the breeze teased her back, blowing her scent his way. “You’re not mated. I’m surprised.”
That jolted her. “Why would you say that? A lot of women in their early twenties are still single.”
He studied her face, not even being discreet about it. “I just figured someone would have snatched you up once you hit maturity.”
She wasn’t sure how to take that and was tempted to ask. Did he think her so weak that someone would need to take her under their protection? “No mate. No boyfriend.” She shrugged. “I work for your brother. I handle all the pack correspondences, which keeps me busy. Our territory borders four other packs. It’s like Werewolf central around here.”
That didn’t help her, either, since none of the Were men from other packs would give her the time of day…but she didn’t mention that. At least one of those other alphas had outright forbidden any of his pack from even dating humans. She figured mating to a half-breed wouldn’t be allowed, either.
“Arlis must trust you a lot.”
She smiled. “I can’t tell you how wonderful he is.”
“Don’t let Ginny hear you speak in that tone about her mate. She’d be jealous, and maybe feel the need to remind you that he’s her mate.”
The very idea horrified her. “Oh no! I’m not attracted to him.”
Trayis arched one eyebrow, staring at her. Then his eyes narrowed as if he didn’t believe her.
She dropped her gaze, seeing his dominance—and feeling it as well. This conversation had gone wrong in a bad way. “Arlis is my hero, but that’s it. It’s nothing sexual. Just gratitude.” She dared to look at him again. “My mother was human. Once it became known that I couldn’t shift, some of the pack wanted me banished.”
Anger glinted in his eyes. “Why would they do that?”
“Some don’t see me as worthy of being part of this pack. Not all of them…but enough that they went to Arlis. He put me under his protection and allowed me to stay. I was terrified at the time that I’d be sent to live with humans. I wouldn’t have fit in with them, either.”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. You faintly carry the scent of a Lycan. Other packs would target you. You wouldn’t be able to blend in or stay hidden with humans.”
“That’s what Arlis told them. I was born here, and therefore pack. He gave me a job when they questioned how someone like me could be a useful member of our society. He saved my life. I do think he’s wonderful, but it’s in a protector type of way. No one was happier than I was when he found Ginny. He’s a fantastic alpha who takes care of his pack and deserves the best mate. And she’s it. Their love is something to inspire everyone.”
His smile returned. “I understand.”
She blew out a relieved breath. “Good.” It took a few seconds to work up her courage to speak again. “Um…are you seeing anyone?”
That wiped the smile off his face. “Why?” His gaze held hers.
Heat warmed her cheeks, and she swallowed hard. Be brave. Be gutsy. You can do this. Marcia had gone after Kale. She could do the same. “You mistook my attraction to the wrong brother.”
The words came out soft, not exactly steady, but she’d said them.
Surprise widened his eyes and his lips parted, but he didn’t say anything.
“Look—the mouse dares to show her face,” a familiar bitchy voice stated from behind Shay.
Her spine stiffened but she refused to look over her shoulder. She’d been paying attention to Trayis, not her surroundings. Her instincts were shit for a Were, but good enough to know at least a few of her regular tormenters had arrived. Damn. Now is not the time for them to pull their shit. What else is Kendra going to say?
Whatever shot she’d at getting Trayis into bed, however small, would be gone by the time they were done insulting her.
“Do you know who you’re eating with?” That was Lucinda. “I don’t think your half-brother would approve, Trayis. She’s the lowest member of our pack.”
Barbie snorted. “Member? Try charity case. Our alpha has a big heart, and he took pity on her. The rest of us are smarter. She should go throw herself in the trash where she belongs.”
Anger surged, and Shay slowly twisted her body, glaring at the tall bleached blonde with cold blue eyes. “Smarter? You just insulted our alpha. Perhaps your parents stuck you with the name ‘Barbie’ once they realized you have plastic between your ears instead of a brain.” Her gaze dropped to the bitch’s breasts and low-cut top. “Speaking of plastic, nobody believes you went from an A cup to a D while on vacation for a week without plastic surgery. Which seems to be a theme with you.”
Barbie unleashed her claws but Lucinda gripped her wrist. “You can’t do that. She’s too weak and pathetic to actually, you know, have claws of her own.”
“Yes,” Kendra snickered. “Don’t forget that. We’re not allowed to claw the special-needs girl. Laws had to b
e written just for her.”
The other two laughed. “Pathetic,” the both said in unison.
The bench seat across the table creaked, and Shay glanced away from the trio to watch as Trayis rose to his feet. She wouldn’t blame him if he walked away but instead he glared at the women. “Are you insulting my brother—again?”
His viciously growled question sent a chill down Shay’s spine. She glanced at the Bitch Trio and saw them go pale. Barbie stumbled back a step, dragging Lucinda with her.
Kendra, the idiot, held her ground. She jerked her chin up and scowled.
“No. We’re not.”
“It sounded that way to me. You’re also insulting me by questioning who I decide to keep company with. Shay was invited to join me. You aren’t. Get lost.”
Kendra seemed to have a death wish when her friends took off but she remained. “We were trying to be friendly and do you a favor.”
“A favor?” He lost the growl but his voice came out icy cold.
Kendra pointed at Shay. “She never comes to these celebrations. Nobody wants her around. You only visit every blue moon, so she’s clearly targeting you.”
“For what?”
“No other male will waste time on her. She probably figured she had a shot with you since you’re not from the pack. She’s a fucking mistake that never should have been born! Her mother was a murderer. The only reason she’s allowed in our pack is because our alpha pities her. I didn’t want her to fool you into believing she was worth even a minute of your time.”
“I’ll considered myself warned. Now get the fuck away from us.”
Kendra hesitated.
Trayis snarled.
She spun, stalking away as quickly as her high heels would allow on the grass.
Trayis sank back onto his seat. Shay lowered her chin and refused to meet his gaze. She gripped her plate. “I’ll leave.”
He shocked her by reaching out faster than she could track with her eyes and gripped her wrist. His touch was gentle but firm. “I didn’t say you had to.”
She still couldn’t find the courage to look at his face. “I’m sorry they did that. It’s because Marcia isn’t here to scare them off.”
“Who’s Marcia?” His voice came out soft now, a bit husky. She didn’t hear any anger anymore.
“My best friend. She’s a dominant who’s beaten on them in the past for targeting me.” She paused. “Her parents took me in when I was orphaned as a toddler, and they raised me.”
“I have questions, Shay. Would you mind answering them?”
She closed her eyes, hating this. “Ask.”
He hesitated.
She opened her eyes and peeked up at him for a split second. His handsome face held no expression. She focused on her plate of food. Everyone else in the pack knew her history, but he didn’t appear to. It was better to just spit it out than to wait for him to probe her with uncomfortable questions.
“My father always wanted to learn how to surf,” she began. “He took a two-week vacation to California. He met my human mother on the beach on the first day he arrived. They hit it off, she got pregnant, and he brought her home.” She paused. “I don’t remember them, but Dean and Sylvia, my foster parents, were best friends with my father since childhood. It was tough for my mother to leave her family and friends, and not everyone in the pack was nice to the human girl. She was only eighteen at the time.
“Humans live more sheltered lives. It was difficult for her to become a young mom, accept the reality that she had a Werewolf mate, and live amongst people who weren’t supposed to exist. When I was two…my father came home to find her barely breathing. He tried to save her but she died in his arms. He loved her, and the grief was too much. He made it three days before he stopped breathing, too. He just couldn’t go on without her.”
“Fuck.” Trayis rubbed her wrist, which he still held. “I’m sorry.”
“Some of the pack considers it murder because my mother committed suicide,” she whispered. “She’d taken sleeping pills. They aren’t even sure how she got them, since my father kept a close watch on her because she was having such a hard time adjusting to life here.” She shrugged. “It’s also not a secret that I wasn’t planned. My dad loved my mom, but he’d decided to leave her in California since he knew it would be too difficult for her to learn the truth about him and give up everything she knew. He didn’t want to be selfish by taking her from her life. Her scent changed, though, and he realized he’d gotten her pregnant. I was assured he was happy about that. He wanted us both. I was loved. It just ended in tragedy for us all.”
“I’m so sorry, Shay. He must have loved her with everything he was, not to have survived their bond breaking. Don’t allow anyone to tell you otherwise.”
She nodded, blinking back tears. “They were right about one thing, though.”
“What?”
She dared hold his gaze. “I did come to this celebration because of you.”
“Why?”
“I was hoping you’d see me as just a woman, instead of the way the rest of the pack does. I wanted to take you home with me. You said it yourself…these celebrations make people want to have sex.” Heat flamed in her cheeks, and she had to look away from him again. “But that was ridiculous. I’m sorry. I’ll leave.” She pulled on her wrist, and he let go.
She stood, her legs shaking, and stepped over the bench. The trash was nearby, so she dumped her plate, hurrying to leave before the Bitch Trio had a chance to come after her again.
Footsteps sounded on the grass behind her, and she whirled, prepared to do her best to defend against an attack.
Trayis smiled down at her. “My place is probably closer.” He jerked his head toward the woods. “I’m staying in the trailer near here.”
She was stunned speechless.
He held out his hand. “You don’t want those bitches to win, do you? They were sniffing after me last night. I turned them down flat. Imagine how annoyed they’ll be when I choose you to bed instead?”
She lifted her hand and he took it, pulling her close.
“You don’t actually have to have sex with me…but they’re watching.”
She tore her gaze from him and scanned the area, seeing the Bitch Trio near the grills. All three appeared utterly enraged, glaring directly at her.
She smiled and stepped closer to him. “I brought condoms.”
His eyebrows rose.
“I’m more human than Were. I’m sorry but…I took after my mother. Is that a deal breaker?”
“No. I’ve been with humans before.”
She breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”
“Don’t say that as if you think you should be grateful. I want you, Shay. But it’s been a while since I’ve done this. My life keeps me very busy. I could become a little impatient or aggressive once our clothes are off. I don’t want to scare you.”
She liked that he hadn’t been with anyone recently. “I’ll risk it.”
Chapter Two
Shay had never thought she’d get to see the inside of the alpha’s new, fancy travel trailer that he’d bought to house special visitors. It was off limits to pack. Trayis unlocked the door and gestured her to enter. She climbed up the three steps and got a view of a living area. It was compact but even nicer than she’d suspected it to be.
Sections of it expanded out of the sides, making the interior feel roomy. The modern kitchen was tucked to one side in the center area, a table across from it, and down the hallway she could see a bed.
She made room for Trayis as he followed her inside, locking the door behind them.
He flipped on some lights and pulled down the shades on the windows. It would give them privacy if anyone tried to spy. He didn’t say anything until all the windows were covered. His head nearly touched the roof of the trailer. He was that tall, standing over six feet.
He held her gaze. “I do have a question still.”
“Okay. Ask them.” She’d give him tot
al honesty.
“Of those laws that were written for you, does one of them declare you hands off? Is Arlis going to have a problem with me touching you?”
“No one is allowed to force me. But I willingly came here with you. You have my permission.”
He cocked his head, staring at her with confusion. “No one is ever allowed to force another pack mate to have sex.”
“In my teens, a few of the boys saw me as an easy target. I couldn’t shift, and I lived with a foster family. They didn’t think I’d be protected, didn’t think I counted as a full pack member because of my human blood.” She crossed her arms over her chest, hating to admit such weaknesses to a man she was attracted to. “Horny boys. Girl without claws. I’m considered extremely submissive in pack terms.” She shrugged. “A few came after me.”
He straightened his head, anger glinting in his eyes. “Were you sexually assaulted?”
“No.” She lowered her hands to her sides. “Can we drop this?”
“I just don’t want to set off triggers if you have any.”
As she told Marcia, she knew he was a protector. It was sweet. “Do you want blunt?”
“Yes.”
“Fine.” She sucked in a sharp breath and blew it out. “They may have thought about forcing the issue, but fear of getting me pregnant was too high. I don’t have control over my ovaries. Rod and Marcia both told me that when I’m ovulating, it’s extremely faint. They couldn’t pick it up most of the time. No one could be certain when I was fertile or not.”
“Who is Rod?”
“My foster brother. We’re family. Nothing more.”
“Go on.”
“Pack boys never wanted to, um…fuck me, because of the fear of knocking me up. They thought they could use some of their dominant vibes to get blow jobs, though.” She knew she blushed, and Shay lowered her gaze to his chest. “They were wrong. I could feel what they were doing, even though my human side is stronger. They couldn’t just make me drop to my knees by tossing out vibes, or cause enough fear for me to blindly follow orders on instinct. Especially if it was to suck their dicks.”
“That’s fucked up.”