Kraven

by Laurann Dohner

  She faced him. “What do you mean you couldn’t move your legs?”

  “The bastard who attacked me from behind left me partially paralyzed.”

  “You’re telling me you healed from a spinal injury?”

  “I’m VampLycan.” He touched his chest. “We can recover from damn near anything, especially if we take fresh blood right afterward. It’s the Vampire trait in us. The other injured are probably getting blood from their loved ones as we speak, since we’re under threat from your grandfather’s clan. They won’t want to stay down and heal slower.”

  “You’re such a freak.”

  He didn’t take offense. She seemed to be in shock and struggling with what he’d told her. There was no bristle in her tone. “I’m a freak you like,” he reminded her. He leaned in closer. “Don’t make me spank your ass, Bat. Behave while I shower. Just sit there until I’m done. Don’t try to leave this bathroom.”

  She seemed to pull herself together. “So…I’m in Howl. Are all the people who live here VampLycans?”

  “Mostly, but we do have a few full Lycans. Not all of the original pack abandoned their children when they realized how strong we were.”

  “Should I even ask?”

  He chuckled and backed away from her, removing his bloodied pants. He stepped under the spray of water, turning to watch her. She didn’t jump off the counter and make a run for it. He decided to keep her occupied to make sure she stayed.

  “Here’s the history of VampLycans. Ready?”

  She said nothing.

  “I’ll give you the condensed version. Over two hundred years ago, a group of Lycans and Vampires lived in peace, side by side. It was the first and last time they attempted it, that I know of. Word kind of spread about how it went with that first alliance, so nobody wants a repeat to happen.

  “Both sides were being killed by humans in large numbers and were desperate to survive. Vampires could erase the memories of humans who saw too much, but they also burn up in the sun, so they slept during the day and were vulnerable to attack; they lived in constant fear of humans stumbling upon their resting places while they couldn’t defend themselves.

  “Lycans used to have to move around a lot; it was really the only way to avoid anyone discovering what they were. They only breed in safe environments, so their numbers were rapidly dwindling because of their nomadic lifestyle.

  “The two races made an alliance to protect each other that was mutually beneficial. The Lycans could keep Vamps safe during the day, and Vamps could wipe the minds of anyone who found Lycans suspicious. They lived in one place together.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yep.” He leaned his head back, washing his hair. “Relationships were bound to happen between the two races, with them living in such close proximity. Vamps can’t breed with each other or humans, but it turned out that Vampires who fed a lot from humans could impregnate female Lycans. It was a first, and it changed everything.

  “The Vamps turned on the Lycans, killing a lot of their men and raping the women to get them pregnant. They’d tear into their minds, take over, and convince the women they were screwing their mates to get past their natural birth control defenses. The Lycans fought back and escaped, fleeing to Alaska, where they felt the Vampires wouldn’t find them. It was remote, not a lot of humans lived here, and Vamps don’t like to feed off animals.

  “The pregnant women gave birth to VampLycans. But when the first generation of half-breed children began to hit puberty, they frightened most of the Lycans. The children were stronger, faster, tougher than regular Lycans, since they’d inherited Vampire traits too. A lot of the full-bloods fled to find Lycan packs to join.”

  “They abandoned their kids?”

  He rinsed out his hair and nodded. “Most did. The children were adolescents by that time. It was fucked up but Lycans mistrusted anything Vampire. I can’t blame them after what they’d endured. The children were big enough to fend for themselves. My father is a first-generation VampLycan. His mother left him when he was fourteen. Most of her family went with her, but she’d had a few sisters who stayed. One of them mated with a Gargoyle.”

  “The rock guy with wings? So he’s like a cousin?”

  “Aveoth is no relation of mine. Gargoyles were in this area before the Lycans arrived. They weren’t happy with a pack of Lycans showing up, especially when they found out some of them were carrying the offspring of Vampires. That’s their number one enemy. Some of the single Lycan women offered to mate with them in order to form an alliance. Gargoyles usually breed boys. Girl births are rare among their kind, and long term, that causes a problem… So that’s how GarLycans came to be.”

  “This sounds crazy.”

  “I’m sure it does but it’s the truth. We have four VampLycan clans. They split apart into groups when they first arrived here in case the Vampires tracked and attacked them to retrieve the babies. That way the rest would have time to flee and escape the area. Over the years, the children grew up and the clans remained divided since hierarchies had been established.

  “GarLycans have just the one clan, since their home is impenetrable. They don’t fear attacks by Lycans or Vampires. No one can hurt them, really…unless maybe they have military-grade weapons and helicopters. And they’d have to know where to look first, and we’re not even exactly sure where they’re living in those cliffs. We have an alliance but it’s not as strong as it used to be.”

  “Why?”

  “Full-blooded Gargoyles and their half-breed children still hate anyone with Vampire blood. We don’t have any single full-Lycan women to offer to mate with them anymore. The few full Lycans who remain with us are older. All the younger generations are mixed breeds.”

  “Why would this rock guy want me? My mother was a VampLycan, right? That means I’ve got some Vampire blood, supposedly.”

  “His name is Aveoth. You can use it. And they still want lovers. Some of our women have chosen to go live with them but they know it’s nothing permanent or lasting. GarLycans have sexual needs like anyone.” It pissed him off, thinking about Aveoth getting his hands on Bat. “That’s why Aveoth would want you. To warm his bed and to drink your blood. You’re like sex and his favorite drug, all rolled into one.”

  “I still don’t get why. Can’t he get laid on his own? Find some other moron to drink blood from?”

  He sighed. “I’m certain he could, but it’s easier to take a lover from a VampLycan clan. She’ll know what he is and he won’t have to keep her locked up. Humans taken by Gargoyles in the past usually went insane or died while trying to escape. Anyone trying to climb down has fallen to their deaths. Aveoth was set to take Margola as his lover and they fed him her blood, hoping he’d at least come to care for her. He couldn’t mate her but the Lycan in him craves some kind of bond. He got addicted, from what we’ve heard.”

  “So her blood became like heroin to him?”

  He shrugged. “It must be a Gargoyle thing, since blood addiction to a certain family line sure isn’t a Lycan trait.”

  “You also said my great aunt died before she grew up. When did they start feeding him her blood? Was she a baby or something?”

  “She was in her early teens. Age of consent is eighteen but she died before then. Her parents made the deal with the GarLycans, trying to strengthen our alliance again by offering her to the son of the GarLycan leader. His father was still in charge at that time but Aveoth challenged him soon after. He now rules his clan.”

  “He beat up his own father?”

  “He killed him.” Kraven left the water running and simply wrapped a towel around his waist, not willing to open his healing wounds by trying to dry his back. “Strip and get in, Bat. I’ll go cook something for you.”

  She slid off the counter. “You lay down. I’ll shower and hit your kitchen. I’m not totally useless and you should see how bad you look.”

  He turned and peered over his shoulder at his back in the mirror. It no longer bled and the skin
had mostly closed where enemy claws had torn him open. “I’m good.”

  “You are anything but that.”

  “I’m touched you care but food will help me heal too. I’ll cook. You get your ass in the shower. We’ll talk more afterward.”

  He faced the mirror and reached for his hair gel. Bat suddenly grabbed it out of his hand. She grimaced after reading the label, then peered up at his hair. “No.”

  “What?”

  “No more spikes. It looks ridiculous. You’re not some punk-rocker teenager.” She spun away and walked to his small trashcan near the door, dropping the bottle into it. She turned, facing him. “Just let it dry. You’re a handsome man without that crap in your hair.”

  Her expression appeared serious. It was nice to hear her compliment him, even if it was wrapped in an insult. He grinned, deciding to grant her wish. “Fine.”

  “Thank you.”

  He strode out of the bathroom, hoping it wouldn’t take long to thaw meat from his freezer. He’d just reached the living room when the door opened. He smiled, changing direction when the tall, beautiful woman stepped inside.

  “Mom.”

  “I wanted to check on you. I can’t stay, I’m needed by our people.” She hugged him and held out a bag. “Here. Fresh meat. I went hunting this morning. Your father said you were injured.” She released him and walked around to see his back. “Not bad. I doubt you’ll have many scars.” She sniffed. “The human?”

  “She’s VampLycan too. Only her father was human. Please don’t give me any shit, Mom. I got enough of it from Dad.”

  “I know. He’s worried about the future if both of his sons mate weaklings. He’d hate to have to pass the clan to Redson or someone else. And I’d resent having to birth more sons just to make sure our line remains in control. I’m enjoying not having young ones following me around.”

  Kraven scowled.

  “I had you and your brother when I was still in my youth. I had much more patience then.”

  “You still are young, Mom.”

  “I feel old, especially today. The possibility of war with Decker and the GarLycans is our worst fear.” She stepped closer. “I’m being brave for your father but we’re both terrified they’ll attack and slaughter our entire clan. We could handle VampLycans but the ones with wings? They’d stone-out and our claws wouldn’t pierce their shells.”

  “I have a plan.”

  “What is it?”

  He hesitated. “You won’t like it.”

  “Tell me anyway.”

  “I need your old Nova. It’s flashy, fast, and everyone knows you let me drive it sometimes. I’m going to feed Bat when she gets out of the shower and afterward I’m going to leave with her. I’ll skirt Decker’s territory so they get a look at us. It’ll lead them away from here. They’ll chase us instead of attacking our people.”

  “Kraven.” She shook her head.

  “I’ll make it to the airport. I’ll take her to Washington. We’ll lead them there and vanish.”

  “You’ll be too vulnerable if you leave the clan. You might not make it out of the area.”

  He chuckled. “No VampLycan runs fast enough to catch your car, and the GarLycans won’t take to the air while it’s daylight, if they get involved. I have enough time to reach the airport by then. It will give me at least a ten-hour head start before they can begin flying to Washington.”

  “You’re right. I don’t like this idea.”

  “Bat being here puts the clan at risk. Decker needs her to make the trade and Aveoth will come if he knows about her. I’m not letting them attack our people or take her. I’ll lead them away and make them search for us elsewhere.”

  “What kind of name is Bat?”

  “Batina. Don’t start. Please? I’ve had a rough day.”

  “Fine. I wish you’d take a few of our men with you.”

  “We already have injured. I want the clan protected, not short a few enforcers. I won’t get caught.”

  “They won’t be needed here if your plan works. You’ll be hunted.”

  “I’d rather be safe than sorry with the clan at risk. I’ll do this alone.”

  “I’ll have my car brought here and send one of the women with you to return it.”

  “No. Leave it at the airport for a few days. Decker’s enforcers could attack anyone driving it once they see me with Bat. They’ll think the driver will know where we went.”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks for the meat.”

  “Contact us often to let us know you’re safe, and don’t make me worry.”

  “I’ll call friends and have them give you messages in case Decker gets access to your phones and puts a trace on them.”

  “Good plan. I love you.”

  “Go help our people, Mom. I’d rather Bat not see you and I just heard the water shut off.”

  “What is wrong with her? You obviously don’t want to introduce us.”

  “Not now, Mom. Please?”

  She didn’t look happy. “Fine. Only because your father needs me right now to help deal with the stress everyone is under.”

  She left his home, closing the door. Kraven let out a sigh of relief. His mother and Bat wouldn’t get along. He carried the bag into the kitchen and set it inside the sink, opening it. He sniffed and smiled. Elk meat was one of his favorites.

  Bat raided Kraven’s closet and dresser drawers. She didn’t feel an ounce of guilt for hacking off the bottoms of his black sweatpants so they fit her better. He’d kidnapped her and could just deal with her needing to do whatever it took to be clothed again. She only wished his feet weren’t huge. There was no way wearing a few pairs of socks were going to make his shoes fit.

  The smell of cooking meat had her stomach in knots. She was starving and followed the smell to a nice kitchen. She liked his home. It was rustic but modern at the same time. Almost charming. He still wore just a towel wrapped low around his hips as he stood in front of the cooktop frying meat in a few pans.

  His back looked almost healed. She clenched her teeth, studying it. Faint red lines remained of what had been jagged tears in his skin. It was tough to wrap her head around the existence of VampLycans but she wasn’t a fool. She’d seen one of them shifted, and that hadn’t been elaborate makeup on Kraven’s back. He really was healing at a phenomenal rate. No human could do that.

  “The food’s almost done.”

  His husky voice shouldn’t have startled her. He didn’t have to turn around to know she was there. “What is it? Steak?”

  “Elk.”

  “Fantastic.”

  He glanced at her then and smiled. “It’s good. You enjoyed the rabbit.”

  He had to bring that up. The memory of following him to that rock he’d been sitting on flashed through her mind, as well as what they’d done together. She decided to change the subject. “How are you feeling?”

  “Good. Almost a hundred percent. I see you found something to wear.”

  “Are you going to get mad that I used the scissors in your bathroom to shorten the legs of your sweats?”

  “No. I’m glad you didn’t pick my favorite pair to mutilate. I just bought those ones a few weeks ago.”

  “That explains why they didn’t seem faded or have any holes in them. Your wardrobe is scary. I’ve never known a man who owns so many pairs of leather pants and dusters before.”

  “You’ve never experienced an Alaskan winter. I like the leather, not that we go out much once the snow starts.”

  “Do you hibernate or something?”

  “Or something.” He turned off the flames under the pan. “We stay indoors when the weather is really bad but we do visit each other when it’s possible.”

  “It sounds boring.”

  “I catch up on movies I put off seeing, read a lot, and do house projects.”

  “How fun.”

  He opened cabinets and plated their meal. “I’m ignoring your sarcasm. What do you do during the winter?”

&n
bsp; “The same thing I do every other time of the year. I work. It’s Southern California. We don’t get snow. It does get scary when it rains. People freak out and a lot of them don’t know how to drive in it. It’s fender-benders all the way to and from work.”

  He frowned as he set them up at the bar counter to eat and retrieved sodas from the fridge. “You really love your job?”

  She shrugged. “It’s what I do and I’m good at it.”

  “Eat. We’ll talk afterward. You need food.”

  She was more than happy to do that. It smelled wonderful and he’d made mashed potatoes to go with it. They were instant from a box but she wasn’t about to complain. She hadn’t had to cook. He got them silverware and took a seat next to her.

  Chapter Ten

  Bat glared at Kraven. “Say that one more time.”

  “Decker’s enforcers took your sister.”

  “You waited until now to tell me?” She slid off the barstool and rushed toward the front door. “I have to find her.”

  Kraven grabbed her before she could reach it and hauled her to a stop. “Drantos went after her. He’ll find her. Decker doesn’t want her, Bat. She told the enforcer who took her that she was you.”

  “And you let her?” She wanted to slap him.

  “I couldn’t exactly stop it from happening. I was injured. I tried to get up to attack him but I blacked out. I woke up and she was already gone. My brother will find her.”

  “How in the hell do you know that?” She jerked out of his hold. “Where’s a phone? I’ll call my grandfather and straighten his ass out. I’ll have him arrested and brought up on charges if he so much as touches a hair on Dusti’s head. Hell, I’ll kill him with my bare hands. No jury will convict me. I can sell temporary insanity in a snap between the plane crash, my harrowing experience in the woods, near drowning in the river, and being attacked by what I’ll claim are dangerous animals.”

  “Dangerous animals?”

  “I could rant about VampLycans and GarLycans to really sell an insanity plea but I want to keep you out of it. I think big-ass bears are enough to get the jury’s sympathy. We’ve all seen grizzlies-gone-bad horror flicks. They would relate to that way better than a mythical-creatures scenario.”