Kraven spun away and went to clean up a little before bed. He really wanted to leave the crash site now. They needed to get Bat and Dusti to Howl, their clan’s village, and especially to their father, Velder, the clan leader. But Drantos was determined to get a fresh start in the morning.
And on top of that, Drantos ordered him to keep Bat warm, claiming she couldn’t regulate her own body heat. That meant he’d have to hold the little hellion in his arms and trust that she wouldn’t attempt to slit his throat while he slept.
He might have to take orders from his older brother, but that didn’t mean he had to like it.
Returning, he dropped some sleeping gear next to Bat and crouched.
She gasped. “What are you doing?”
She wasn’t about to just agree to sleeping with him, so he didn’t give her a choice, attacking before she could react.
He grabbed Bat after settling next to her and pinned her down. “Shut up,” he hissed.
“Fuck off, asshole. Get off me,” she ground out.
Kraven let her know who was in charge by making her look deeply into his eyes. He knew the second she noticed their color change. Fear widened her gaze…
A curious thing happened then, though. She went lax under him, just staring.
He frowned, watching her.
The silence was broken by his brother and Dusti speaking softly, but he ignored their conversation. “Bat?”
She said nothing.
It sank in slowly that she was affected by his eyes. Kraven slowly shifted his hold on her and grabbed her breast, figuring that would piss her off enough to react.
She remained still beneath him, her expression blank.
Son of a bitch. What the hell? She’s acting completely human. It can’t be… He’d been under the impression when he’d learned of the sisters that they knew exactly who and what their grandfather was. Their mother had obviously mated with a human, for them to smell the way they did, but they should know their heritage.
He released her breast and trailed his hand lower, over her hip, and shoved his fingers under her ass, firmly gripping.
She didn’t even blink and her breathing remained shallow. She was totally under his control.
How is this possible?
Was Drantos right? Had the sisters inherited so little of their mother’s VampLycan blood that they were literally helpless? All the possibilities filled his mind. Decker Filmore could easily control Bat and take away her will.
That didn’t sit well with him.
Kraven released her ass and adjusted his body a little, getting more comfortable. Bat continued to gaze up at him, completely docile—and suddenly he didn’t like seeing her that way. It felt wrong, somehow. She wasn’t totally human so she shouldn’t be responding like one. He cupped her cheek, leaning in closer to stare deeply into her eyes.
“Are you attracted to me? Answer.”
“Yes.”
He scowled. The Bat he was coming to know wouldn’t admit that so easily. But he still felt distrustful. “I’m going to ask you some questions and you are going to answer them all honestly. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
A faint smell filled his nose, and he felt both satisfaction and astonishment. She wasn’t faking it. The little hellion was getting turned-on. A few more breaths, though, and he realized the scent wasn’t coming from the woman under him—but the sister a few feet away.
He turned his head and saw his brother was on top of Dusti. He sniffed deeply again and cursed, looking back at Bat.
“Sleep,” he whispered. “Forget everything from the moment I laid down until you wake in the morning. Do you understand?”
She gave a slight nod of her head and closed her eyes.
Kraven released her and rolled away, going after Drantos before he fucked Dusti in front of the remaining survivors.
His brother had clearly lost his damn mind. Kraven had to pull him off and physically restrain him from trying to get back to Dusti.
Kraven tried to make light of the situation. Of course Drantos wanted to fuck the woman. The blonde sisters were attractive. He was even guilty of wanting to nail Bat. He was just too smart to actually do it.
It came as a huge shock when Drantos declared Dusti was his mate.
Oh, hell no. This shit can’t be happening. It’s a nightmare. It has to be.
They’d leave first thing in the morning and take both sisters to their father. He’d know what to do. Decker couldn’t get his hands on either of them.
Chapter Three
Bat opened her eyes to bright sunlight. The headache was less severe but still present. She frowned, blinked a few times, before she realized Kraven was crouched in front of her. He looked concerned.
She was immediately alarmed. The last thing she remembered clearly was going to the bathroom the night before and sitting back down near her sister. There were a few brief flashes of talking to her sister this morning but it was mostly a blur. The pain in her head had been pretty bad but it alarmed her that her memory was fuzzy.
“Did I pass out?”
He leaned in closer. “No. You’ve been sleeping.”
“I had the weirdest dream. I was in the circus.” She’d been upside down, swaying on a swing, and there had been bears waiting for her to fall. They’d wanted to eat her. She blinked a few times to clear her head.
“Are you all right?” His concern was evident and a bit touching.
“Yes. It wasn’t a nightmare or anything,” she lied. Her attention finally turned to their surroundings.
They weren’t in the clearing anymore.
Woods totally surrounded them, the plane was gone, and no survivors were spread out around a campfire. Bat currently sat on a rock with a blanket wrapped around her. “Where are we?”
Kraven suddenly gripped her jaw with a warm, firm hand, drawing her focus. “You were exhausted. You slept so long I actually worried about you.”
Bat shrugged. “I work a lot of hours. I’ve had one high-profile case after another for the past few months. I’ve gotten behind on my sleep. I guess it must have all caught up with me.” Bat gripped his hand. “Why are you touching me?” She tried pushing it away. “Let go.”
Kraven released her and stood. “My mistake.”
“Where is Dusti?” She was warm so she let the blanket drop off her shoulders, pooling behind her.
He bit his lower lip, staring at her. “What’s the last thing you remember?”
Fear was instant. “Is she okay?” She jerked to her feet but it was a mistake, as she immediately swayed on her feet. It also made her aware that her shoes were gone. Her bare feet were planted on dirt. She turned her head, again taking in their surroundings. Nothing was familiar.
He curved his two big hands around her hips. She wanted to push Kraven away but she needed his support while the world still spun a little. “You were utterly worn down to the point of exhaustion. I should have seen it last night but I was too angry to take notice. I’m sorry.”
She lifted her chin, staring at him with confusion. “For what? Where is the plane? The other survivors? Most importantly, my sister?”
He hesitated.
“Oh my God. Is Dusti okay?” Full panic set in.
“She’s fine.” His tone softened. “She’s with Drantos.”
“Why aren’t we at the crash site?” It had been years since she’d sleepwalked. And out here, it was a daunting concept. “Did I take off in my sleep?” It would account for a lot, including the loss of her shoes.
“What’s the last thing you remember?” he asked again.
“I was sitting next to Dusti and you came up to us. I think we were getting ready to go to sleep.”
“I carried you out here.”
Her mouth dropped open. A new fear crept in. “Why? I’ll fight if you’re thinking what I hope you’re not. I’ll totally press charges if you sexually assault me.”
He slowly shook his head, a look of pure disgust on his face. �
��Give me a break. I wouldn’t have to force you to do anything. You’re too easy.”
“I’m not easy!” she snapped, completely insulted. “Did you just imply I’m a slut?”
“No.” He carefully released her and took a cautious step back, as if making sure she wouldn’t sink to her knees.
Her legs held her up and the dizzy spell passed. “Where the hell is my sister?” That was her priority. She’d worry about his motives for getting her alone later and why he’d obviously kidnapped her from the crash site. She must have been really out of it if he had carried her. She was usually a light sleeper.
“My brother and Dusti are nearby. Will you please sit back down? There are some things I need to tell you.”
“I’ll stand.”
“You’re wobbling on your damn legs,” he snapped. “Sit!”
The harsh, deep command startled her enough that she actually sat. It was that or fall. It stunned her that he sounded so vicious. The rock dug into her ass a little but it was better than collapsing. Kraven crouched before her again.
“You’re in danger.”
She studied him, her heart racing. She hoped that wasn’t a threat. He was a big guy and she missed her security detail all the sudden. Her law firm assigned guards to pick her up in the mornings to go to work and take her home every evening.
“From you?”
“No.” He scowled. “From your grandfather.”
“Okay.” She tried to remain calm. “He’s a frail old man who’s dying.” Maybe Kraven wasn’t functioning on all levels.
“He’s not ill. He’s devious and cruel.”
She stared into his eyes. Years of dealing with her clients had made her aware of certain tells when someone told her lies. Kraven didn’t seem to be. “How would you know that? Have you met him?”
“Yes, and that bastard is pure evil.”
A sick feeling settled into her stomach. And it wasn’t just rumblings from the hunger she’d suddenly become aware of. Her grandfather was rich. Maybe he’d made an enemy of Kraven and she was his payback.
“You know who he is…” She paled. “Did you do something to bring the plane down?”
“Are you out of your mind? I hate flying, and crashing was even worse.”
He looked sincere. She believed him. “So what’s your angle? Why did you bring me out here? Do you want some kind of reward for saving my life? You obviously aren’t a fan of my grandfather’s. What do you want from me?”
“I’m trying to tell you why we’re in the woods, miles from the crash site. We couldn’t stick around there. His men will be looking for you and I can’t allow you to be found.”
He was a nutcase. Terror seized her body. “Where is my sister, you son of a bitch?! What have you done with her? What is your brother doing to her?”
“Calm,” Kraven demanded just as loudly. His hands wrapped around her upper arms. “He’s not going to hurt her. We need to talk.”
“Talk to the hand, asshole. Get away from me! I swear I’m going to kill you. Make your long-haired biker brother bring my sister back!”
“I said calm down,” he hissed, leaning in close.
“I want my sister.” She glared at him and struggled but couldn’t break free of his hold on her arms. “I’ll see you both in prison if he so much as touches a hair on her head.”
His hold eased but he didn’t stop touching her. “I’m attempting to tell you the truth.” His deep voice turned gruff. “I’m not having a good day…hell, a good year. You don’t want to push me with your threats. I don’t fight women but for you, I’d make an exception. I’m not like other men, as you might have guessed. Perhaps you weren’t raised around ones as wild as me but I won’t be pushed too hard. I’m an enforcer.”
“Yeah. You’re different all right.” She knew what his job title meant. He beat the shit out of people for a living. She wished he wasn’t wearing a jacket. She bet he sported prison tattoos. She’d love to get a look at them. It would tell her more about his past. “How long did you serve?”
He frowned. “All my life, of course.”
She winced. Most guys like that had gone into the system as young offenders, then were transferred into prison at the age of eighteen straight from a juvenile detention center. His crimes as a minor must have been pretty heinous to get that kind of sentence.
“Did you get early parole or did you serve your time? What did you go down for? Murder? Armed robbery?” It would help her determine how dangerous he could be.
He frowned. “What in the hell are you talking about?”
He’s dense, she decided. “How long were you locked up and what for? Is that clear enough? Are you on parole still or did they just cut you loose? I’m a defense attorney, remember? You’d be surprised at how familiar I am with guys like you.”
Shock widened his eyes. “I’m not a criminal! I’m an enforcer of the law.”
Bat barely suppressed a groan. “Great. You’re a cop. My day just got worse. I guess now I know why you’re such a dick to me. Let me assure you that every defendant deserves an adequate defense. It’s their constitutional right to have counsel.” She gave him a quick once-over. “Undercover narcotics? You’re pretty good. I never would have pegged you for being vice. Is my grandfather a drug dealer or something? Do you expect me to turn state’s evidence against him? I hate to break it to you but I don’t know shit about the man.”
He continued to gawk at her. He looked mean with the spiked hair, had the body of a weightlifter, and dangerous vibes radiated off him in droves. Criminals would accept him into their lives with ease. Someone would have to be insane to accuse him of being a cop. Career criminals would assume he’d kick their asses for the implied insult if they ever doubted what side of the law he lived on.
“Let’s not make it personal. We survived a horrific experience and we’re stuck in the wilderness until help arrives. We should be adults about this.”
He continued to stare at her until his lips slowly curved downward. “You really don’t know, do you?”
“Know what?”
He leaned closer, invaded her personal space, and inhaled deeply through his nose. “Damn. It’s weak. I thought you were playing my brother. He said you were clueless, but I was certain it was an act.”
“What is?” Bat stood slowly.
“When I call you a bitch, you think I mean a nasty-mouthed woman, don’t you?”
She blinked a few times, trying to figure out where his mind had gone. But she quickly gave up. He’d obviously spent way too many years working vice. It got to some men, made them antisocial, and in some cases, outright nuts. The criminal lifestyle rubbed off on them, changed them. Some of them were forced to do drugs to fit in when it came to do-or-die situations; it couldn’t be helped. The unfortunate ones became addicted. Lines blurred for them until they became the very thing they’d wanted to arrest.
“I don’t like being called that, okay?” She tried to be nice about it. “It’s insulting. I’m a strong woman who says what I mean. That’s not a bad thing. I stand up for myself. Again, not a bad trait. I know I’m a bit too blunt but you have to admit you haven’t exactly been undeserving of some of the shit I’ve said.”
He straightened and spun away, ran his fingers through the jet-black spikes and softly cursed. “Unbelievable. How can she not know?”
“Know what?”
He slowly faced her again. He kept a good five feet between them and cocked his head to stare at her curiously. “Tell me about your parents.”
Left field, she thought. Where the hell had that question come from? “Okay, I’ll play the game. My parents were wonderful people. They were killed in an accident when I had just turned eighteen. My sister is two years younger and I raised her to keep her out of the foster care system. My parents had left me guardianship over her. We’re from Los Angeles.”
“What about other family?”
“Just the grandfather you know about. He contacted me after he discovered he’
s dying. We were traveling to him when the plane crashed.”
He hesitated. “How much do you know about your grandfather?”
“Not much. He’s rich, a recluse, and my mom left home at a young age. They didn’t get along. She moved to Los Angeles. That’s where she met my father and they married. She was a teacher and he worked construction.”
“What kind of accident killed her?”
Bat winced. “That’s rude.”
“Answer me.”
“No. That’s none of your business.”
The guy lunged forward and grabbed Bat. She gasped when her feet left the ground. He’d lifted her body a good foot until they were nose to nose with each other.
“Answer me now. Details.”
Fear overrode everything inside Bat. He’d looked strong but he didn’t even appear strained by holding her full weight. She swallowed hard. “They were killed in an auto accident. A semi ran a red light. It had been raining and the truck came down a hill towing a trailer. The driver couldn’t stop and it struck the car so hard it ripped in half. Both of my parents were instantly killed.”
He eased her back to her feet, let go of her arms, and backed away. “That would do it.”
Outrage burned. “That would do it? We’re discussing my mom and dad, you callous son of a bitch. Losing them destroyed my life. Do you get that? I was barely eighteen, scared shitless, and had a sister who depended on me. I had to make choices I’m going to regret for the rest of my life but I did the best I could.”
“That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry for your loss. What do you regret?” His tone and facial expression softened slightly.
“I’d been accepted to law school but I had to sell our house to afford it. I spent most of my college money on burying my parents, and then fleeing when the state tried to come in and take my sister away from me. They didn’t feel an eighteen-year-old could care for her sixteen-year-old sister. Times were pretty tough though. The housing market wasn’t that strong and we struggled. I think my sister still has resentment but I just thought once I finished law school we’d be set.”
Kraven Page 4