He kissed her. They could do that.
Chapter Eighteen
Trayis had just finished taking her to his office to give her a tour. It was the most solidly built barnlike structure she’d ever seen. They’d used logs to build it. The interior was open, with stairs leading to a loft area. A few desks were up there. The front area had some couches and tables. It delighted her to see the huge fireplace in the center, open on both sides, used to help keep the building warm in the winter.
There was a long table with chairs, as well, for conferences, and a small kitchen was behind that. Part of the back of the building had been blocked off to give Trayis a private office. It wasn’t too large, but it boasted a fire-burning stove in the corner, near his desk.
“Why two fridges in the kitchen?”
He waved to the living room area as they returned to the main part of the building. “My enforcers hang out here often. One wasn’t cutting it for storing drinks and snacks for all of us. We can go through a lot of sodas, waters, or beers in a day. That’s one fridge alone. There’s also a storage room we use as a pantry that I didn’t show you, along the back. It has three chest freezers for meat.”
“Ah. That makes sense.”
He faced her. “Why do you look so nervous?”
She bit her lip and then released it. “It’s almost ten o’clock.”
“The clan is going to love you.”
“That’s what you keep telling me.”
He grinned, taking her hand. “They will. Stop worrying. These people aren’t like your pack.”
“You keep telling me that, too. I just don’t see how they can accept me and not feel as though you could have done better at finding a mate.”
He released her hand, grabbed her around her waist, and yanked her up against his body. “Do you remember what we did most of the night when we weren’t sleeping?”
She blushed. “Yes.”
“You’re fucking perfect, Shay. No one is better for me than you are.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He deepened the kiss. Her body reacted and she moaned, wanting him instantly. He groaned back, breaking the kiss. His eyes were streaked with gold when their gazes met, proving how turned on he’d become. The stiff feel of his cock trapped between their bodies was also an indication.
“You’re fucking perfect. I’ll keep saying that until you believe it.”
The front door to the office opened and Tymber entered. He grinned upon seeing them. “Good morning.” He closed the door and came closer. His nostrils flared. “Now she smells like your mate. Congratulations to the both of you, and to our clan!”
Trayis gently eased her down his body and put her feet on the floor. Then he adjusted his cock.
Tymber laughed, not even bothering to pretend he didn’t notice. “Sorry to interrupt but everyone is waiting. Wen and I have kept them outside.” He lifted his hand and waved at Trayis’s hips. “You can finish what you two were starting after you announce Shay as your mate. For now, think of something that pisses you off. No offense, but you shouldn’t address them with a boner.”
Trayis sighed. “As clan leader, I officially decree that I’m banning everyone from saying ‘boner’ from this day forward.”
Tymber chuckled. “Blame Wen.”
“Oh, I am.”
“The word has caught on, so good luck with that decree.” Tymber spun around and made his way to the door. “I’ll tell them you’ll be out in a minute.” He paused before opening it, though, and then looked back, amusement on his features. “I’m glad no one says groovy anymore. I hated that one. I would say they’ll get tired of using their boners but um…” He laughed. “That isn’t going to happen. Pun intended.”
He opened the door and stepped out, closing it behind them.
Shay was smiling when Trayis met her gaze.
He rolled his eyes. “See what I put up with? I sometimes already feel as if I’m a parent. They’re just large children.”
“I love your clan so far, Trayis. Everyone is really relaxed, and I can see how comfortable they are with you. You’re a great leader.”
“I try. I’m one of the first generation, and for whatever reason, I’m also one of the few the others listened to. When we broke into clans, the ones who moved here put me in charge.”
She studied him closely. “First generation?” She let that sink in. “You’re like two hundred years old or more, aren’t you? I’ve heard that’s about how long VampLycans have been around.”
His expression grew somber. “Does that bother you?”
“No. Not at all. You look great for your age.”
He chuckled. “We’re still not sure how long our natural lifespans will be. It’s kind of crazy to think about. At least as long as a Lycan but with the Vampire blood, who knows? It could be thousands of years. More. I’ve heard there’s a Vampire in Russia who claims to be over three thousand years old who hasn’t gone crazy and faced the sun.”
Shay had a grim thought.
He seemed to guess what she was thinking. “You’ll be drinking my blood, Shay. Often. It will affect your human half.” He paused. “There’s something we should talk about, but not right now.”
She cocked her head, staring up at him. “What?”
He hesitated. “The clan is waiting.”
“Please? Now I’m worried.”
He reached up and caressed her cheek. “It’s just that…drinking my blood might…” He paused.
“Might what? Spit it out.”
He searched her eyes with his gaze before saying, “Activate more of your Lycan side.”
The news stunned her.
“I know I should have told you before we mated. Lorn’s mate was attacked by a Vampire, and she basically turned into one. It shouldn’t have happened, since she’s part Lycan. It did though. Lorn mated her, and drinking from him gave Kira the ability to not burn in the sun, and we’ve been assured she’s eating food again instead of just a blood diet. It makes me think that maybe my blood will give you abilities that have been dormant until now, from your Lycan half.”
Excitement filled her. “You think one day I might be able to shift?”
“Possibly. I don’t want to get your hopes up since I know that’s something you really wanted, but I don’t want it blindsiding you, either.”
She grinned. “That would be amazing!”
“It doesn’t matter to me, Shay. You’re prefect just the way you are.”
She loved him for that. “I know you mean it.”
“I do. Now, are you ready to meet the clan? Don’t be nervous. They’re going to love you as much as I do.”
“Except for your Blood Bitch Foursome,” she teased.
He grimaced. “They don’t love anyone but themselves. I hope you remember what Wen told you. It’s the truth. I’ve never touched one of them. Mya especially tried to lure me into bed, but I was never that stupid. She’s always wanted to mate to someone with a high ranking.”
“Don’t worry. If one of them says anything, I won’t fall for their bullshit.”
He grinned. “Good.” Then he offered his arm. “Let’s do this.”
She felt a little sick to her stomach but pushed it back. Wen and Tymber had been really nice, and they were Trayis’s two head enforcers. The three of them would handle any turmoil her being the clan leader’s mate might cause. She had to have faith in that.
He led her to the door and she tightened her grip on his arm. The second he opened the door, she saw a ton of people milling around in front of the building. They had been softly speaking, but now all of them became quiet, turning their way.
Trayis led her a few feet outside the door and smiled. Wen and Tymber were waiting to stand on each side of them.
Trayis cleared his throat and spoke loudly. “Thanks for coming. My vacation was great—but the best part of visiting my brother’s pack was finding my mate. Everyone…meet Shay. She’s half Lycan and half human. If anyone has a problem
with my choice, speak up and I’ll deal with your bullshit now.”
A woman with light brown hair, who looked about twenty, gasped. “No fucking way.”
“Shut it, Yanca,” Tymber growled. His big body tensed at Shay’s side.
Another pretty woman grinned. “Yeah, shut it, Yanca. Jealousy’s an ugly thing.” She winked at Shay, holding her gaze. Then she bowed. “Welcome to our clan, Shay. I’m Stellia, the clan healer. We’re thrilled to meet you.” Her gaze slid to Trayis. “Congratulations. She’s way better than any souvenir you’ve ever brought back on the rare trips you take.”
The assembled clan chuckled, some of them nodding in agreement. Then almost as one, the group did a shallow bowing move, lowering their heads for a few seconds. Shay glanced up at Trayis. He winked at her but said nothing. She wondered if she should bow back, but Trayis didn’t. She held still, taking her cues from him.
Then they came forward a few members at a time, clapping Trayis on the shoulder and saying hello to her. They were nice and, from what she could tell, seemed to openly accept her. No one touched her, but neither did they give her disapproving looks.
Some of the tension left Shay. She did notice that Trayis kept hold of her, with Wen and Tymber staying at their sides.
Yanca was the only one who didn’t come closer, instead storming off into the woods. Shay noticed.
So did Trayis. “Yanca is one of the four.”
“Don’t mind what she said,” a tall VampLycan male advised. “Troublemaker.” He rolled his eyes. “No one pays them any mind. We’re very glad you’re here, Shay.” Then he clasped Trayis’s shoulder. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Maverick.” He turned to introduce Shay. “This is one of our enforcers who took over travel duties for Wen, after he mated. It’s his job now when one of us needs to go kick ass somewhere far from our territory.”
Maverick nodded. “I’m hoping I find a mate one day in my travels, since I sure haven’t found one here.”
“But Yanca has offered. Mya, too,” Wen teased, his tone giving it away.
“Not even in jest, man. Never,” the tall VampLycan growled, but amusement sparked in his eyes. “I’d rather find myself a cute little Vampire mate over one of those four. She’d be way more loving and only suck the blood out of me, rather than my will to live. A guy would have to have a death wish to lock themselves to one of those four. Talk about misery.”
Shay glanced at the VampLycans around her, gauging their reactions to his words. Trayis had told her no one would care if someone brought home a Vampire, which was tough to believe. But no one had a negative reaction.
Trayis nodded. “A Vampire would cause me far fewer headaches than those four have. You find one you want to mate, bring her home.”
Maverick winked at Shay. “You picked a good one with this guy.”
“Shay was worried her being half human would be a problem,” Trayis admitted. “I told her it wouldn’t be.”
Maverick held her gaze, his expression growing serious. “It’s certainly not. We’re a mostly smart clan. And it’s Trayis who keeps it that way. He points out stupidity and doesn’t suffer fools. He also chose enforcers with his same core beliefs. We had a lot of interaction with Decker’s clan when he was in charge, because we border that territory. He used to be one of the leaders. Talk about someone who hated humans.”
Maverick shook his head, looking disgusted. “Decker even hated VampLycans who were more blooded on the Vampire side. He killed children if they grew an aversion to the sun. We took in the few who managed to flee his clan and kept them hidden from the bastard. Our best day in decades was the day we heard he’d been killed. Point is, we got a front-row seat to that kind of hate over bloodlines, and it turned our stomachs. Everyone is welcome here. Bloodlines don’t matter. Mates are a priority. No one gives a shit what blood runs in your veins, Shay.” He jerked his head toward Trayis. “You’re his mate, and that’s everything. We’re damn glad you’re here.”
She blinked back tears. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
Trayis snorted. “He says it and you finally believe?”
She grinned up at him. “You’re my mate, though. You’d totally lie if you thought it would help avoid hurting my feelings.”
He smiled back at her. “I wasn’t though. Is this issue put to rest forever?”
She nodded.
“Good.”
“Now we get to plan a party.” Wen sounded excited. “All the other clan leaders are going to want to come.”
“And the friends we’ve made,” Tymber added.
“Including the GarLycans,” Maverick reminded. “I’m really liking the ones who’ve been visiting us and hanging out more often.”
Trayis pulled Shay against his side and stared down at her. “They’ll love you, too.”
“I hope so.”
“They will.” That was Gerri, Wen’s human mate, who introduced herself. “I’m not a huge fan of packs, but that’s another story I’ll share with you later. Clans are way better. We’re going to become the best of friends, Shay! I hope I can call you that…?”
“Of course.” Shay felt hope at seeing the genuine friendliness on the woman’s face. It would be great to make friends. She looked forward to it. The more the merrier.
She let her worries go. The clan was accepting her without issue. No one seemed upset that she was half human.
And the news that she might one day shift was still circling her thoughts. Becoming Trayis’s mate wasn’t scary after all. It was turning out to be the best decision she’d ever made—right after the pact she’d made with Marcia to go after the men they wanted.
Trayis kissed the top of her head and hugged her tight. “Let’s mingle, and then we’ll sneak off and enjoy any time we have.” Passion flared in his beautiful eyes. “We’re newly mated, which means we shouldn’t stay out of bed for long. Though as clan leader, I have responsibilities to tend to.”
“I’ll take over while you and Shay bond,” Tymber offered. “I don’t have a mate who needs my time.” He glanced at them both. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got your backs. Take all the time you need.”
Shay was touched. Trayis nodded at his enforcer in gratitude. It seemed they’d have a honeymoon after all.
Epilogue
Ten days later
“So that’s how I returned to the clan and Wen.” Gerri finished her story.
Stellia chuckled. “It was about damn time, too. As kids, anyone with eyes could tell those two belonged together.”
“It’s so romantic.” Shay sat on the couch in the cabin. She loved her new home, being mated to Trayis, and enjoyed spending time with her two new friends. Both women had shown up the first day Trayis had returned to the office, to get to know her better.
But she and her mate had five wonderful days of alone time in the cabin first.
“Your story with Trayis is romantic, too,” Gerri reminded her. “That took so much courage for you to go after him.”
Stellia nodded. “Trayis can be intimidating to most people. I’m not surprised he didn’t tell you right away that he’s our leader. That’s so him.” Her gaze softened as she peered at Shay. “I’ve never seen him this happy. Thank you for that.”
Gerri nodded. “He deserves someone as wonderful and special as you are. You do make him happy.”
Shay blushed a little in embarrassment. “My life is a thousand times better with him in it. He’s my entire world now.” She stood. “Does anyone want something to drink?”
She made it just a few feet before a dizzy spell hit and she stumbled.
Stellia was there in a flash. The VampLycan could move. She put her arm around Shay’s waist and turned her around, led her back to the couch, and helped her sit. Then she crouched in front of her.
Concern showed on her features as she kept hold of her wrist, seeming to take her pulse. “What was that?”
“I probably just stood too fast after sitting down fo
r so long.”
Unconvinced, Stellia jerked her head toward Gerri. “Get Trayis, please.”
“No!” Shay shook her head. “He’s at work. I’m sure it’s nothing. I just got up too fast.”
Stellia released her wrist. “Probably…but it could also be a sign that your mate’s blood is doing something to your Lycan half. Trayis and I discussed this after he mated you. Do you feel any different inside? Does your skin tingle? Are you having any weird urges?”
“No. Nothing like that. I’m sure I just moved too quickly. That’s all. It’s happened a couple times now.”
Stellia motioned for Gerri. “Get Trayis—now.”
“There’s no need,” Shay protested. “I’m fine. Trayis is busy.”
Stellia wouldn’t have any of it. “Get him, Gerri. He’ll have my ass if he’s not notified right way.” She gave Shay a stern look. “He’s worried about you.” She leaned in close, studying her eyes. “Try to think of something that makes you really angry.”
“Why?”
“To see if anything happens with your eye color.”
Easy enough—Shay hated that Gerri had fled to get Trayis. It was ridiculous. She was fine. Then again…her new friends were probably terrified of something happening to Shay while they were with her.
She closed her eyes, thinking about the Bitch Trio. That always pissed her off. A particular memory of them tormenting her about her mother and father surfaced. She opened her eyes and held Stellia’s gaze.
“Well?”
A few seconds passed. Stellia shook her head. “Just a pretty soft brown. Sorry. Not a hint of black.”
Shay shrugged but she felt a little disappointment. It would be incredible to finally be able to shift. Trayis had warned her that it could take months. Even years. Part of her wished it would happen right away. She’d tried to keep that hope buried since Trayis had brought it up, but it flickered to life sometimes when he went running on all fours. She wanted to join him so badly. And not by riding on his back, which she’d done a few times when he’d given her tours of the territory. Alaska was beautiful.
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