Lavos

by Laurann Dohner

  She’d never been so grateful for a feature on her car. The locks had auto-engaged when she’d put it in drive, so he wasn’t able to get inside. But she couldn’t look away from his eyes. They were getting brighter.

  “Open the door,” he demanded.

  He was attempting to control her mind. She glanced at the light, finally breaking eye contact with him. It turned green.

  She stomped on the gas, taking off. Her tires protested but the car shot forward. Jadee trembled as she kept her foot pressed hard on the accelerator.

  Those Vampires had to know what she’d done. She wasn’t sure if he’d been one of the two she’d seen on the roof. It was possible. One thing was certain though—they’d come after her.

  She glanced in the rearview mirror as she made it through the intersection.

  The guy in the dark clothes ran after her.

  He was fast—too fast—but she was able to put distance between them. She gripped the wheel tighter and ignored the speed limit until she didn’t see him anymore. She took a few turns, eventually feeling safe that she’d lost him.

  The RV she’d gotten back from the repair shop days before came into view and she sagged with relief. She’d quit her job in the morning. They knew where she worked. Would they learn her name? It was a grim concept. The Vampire she’d killed couldn’t tell anyone she was immune to mind control but the one at the red light could. She’d refused his order to let him inside her car.

  I’m in deep shit. She parked her car next to her father’s RV and ran inside. She locked the door and rushed to the panel in the front. She twisted the key to bring the shutters down. The loud motor came on and they lowered, sealing the windows. It was the first time she’d used them since she’d returned home with her father’s tank on wheels and had one of the damaged windows replaced. It had seemed like paranoia to think Vampires were ever going to come after her once she’d left Alaska.

  “I’ll be paranoid now, happily,” she muttered.

  She dropped her purse on the table and took a seat. It reminded her that she needed to wash her sweater. It was balled up inside her purse, where she’d snuck it earlier when she’d gotten a chance.

  The memory of that Vampire exploding into dust made her grimace. She stood and started to strip. A shower was in order, and then washing her clothes.

  A slight noise startled her and she stopped unzipping her jeans. The handle on the side door turned but the locks held. She released the metal tab on her pants and backed up, trying to remain quiet. She reached the front and flipped on the monitors. She’d gotten familiar with the new camera setup, which she’d had replaced along with the damaged window.

  The man from the intersection stood outside the side door.

  Jadee’s knees almost buckled. She had no idea how he’d managed to follow her home but there was no denying the truth.

  He turned his head and nodded to someone off camera.

  “Shit,” she mouthed. She lifted the remote and changed the camera feed to show the front of the RV. Two more Vampires stood there. They stared at the windshield. One of them approached the driver’s side door and tried it. She turned her head, looking at it, already knowing it wouldn’t open for them, locked. Her gaze returned to the screen. Another Vampire arrived and he tested the passenger door.

  A creak overhead had her jerking her chin up. It had almost sounded like a footstep. She changed the feed again until she found the camera that showed the roof. A woman had somehow gotten up there. She wore tight black clothing. That made a total of five Vampires outside. The woman moved slowly to the side and jumped off.

  Jadee strained to hear anything but it was too quiet. She stared at the screen, flipping the channels to watch them from different views. A sixth one arrived. It was another woman. All of them wore black and they gathered near the side door. She wished she’d had sound wired with the cameras to hear what they said. They spoke too softly for her to hear them from where she stood. They split up again, surrounding the RV on all sides.

  One of the women knocked on the side door. “Hello?”

  Jadee sealed her lips and set the remote down. She lifted a leg and tore off one shoe, then the other. She was careful to stay very quiet as she tiptoed down the aisle to the door. She reached out and eased the bars down over the door as carefully as she could, timing her movements with the woman’s knocks, hoping they wouldn’t hear. The extra bolts were slid into place next. One of them made a slight scratching sound, and Jadee winced.

  The Vampire knocked harder. “Hello inside. Can you help me? My boyfriend beat me up. I just need to use your phone.”

  Jadee backed up and took a few slow, steady breathes. They couldn’t break in. The shutters were down.

  The woman Vampire pounded on the door. “Hello? I need help!”

  They clearly thought she’d fall for it. The strong desire to grab weapons surfaced but she hadn’t bought more ammo. The guns were useless, hidden inside the hallway closet. She could call the cops but it might get them hurt. It would be like ordering delivery food for her unwanted visitors.

  She turned her head and stared at the television mounted by the front. The Vampire woman wasn’t alone for long. A guy with blond hair joined her. He was new—and that meant there were now seven Vampires.

  “Her name is Jadee Trollis.”

  She could hear him speaking softly outside. She crouched down when her legs threatened to turn to jelly. They knew where she worked, where she lived, and now they had her name.

  “I grabbed one of her neighbors and ripped into his mind. He was very helpful.” He paused. “She moved here a few days ago and keeps to herself so far. No husband or kids that he knows of. The engine of her car is still warm so she must be inside. He didn’t see her come home but he was watching television.”

  “Lower your voice,” the woman whispered.

  “Maybe she’s deaf,” the guy stated.

  “I said lower your voice!” the woman repeated.

  Jadee closed her eyes and leaned forward until her head nearly touched the door. She was tempted to press her ear against it but what if they heard her breathing? She wasn’t willing to risk it.

  They tried the door again, the handle wiggling. She opened her eyes and turned her head, watching the monitor. The woman lifted one foot and planted it on the side of the RV. She pulled, gripping the handle. It might have normally worked to rip the door open if it weren’t reinforced. The metal creaked a little but it didn’t budge otherwise.

  Huff and puff, Jadee silently taunted. But you can’t get in.

  Jadee realized in that instant that she had to leave town. They knew her name though. Did one nest of Vampires talk to others? Would they be searching for her no matter where she went? They might put word out to others to hunt her down.

  Lavos came to mind. He could help her. Maybe. He had before.

  She chewed on her lip, watching the two Vamps on the screen softly talking just feet from her side door. They were probably plotting how to kill her.

  How could she find Lavos?

  That Digger guy had fixed the RV. She’d seen the name of his business printed on his T-shirt. He’d had to come inside to start the engine and check a few things on the dash. He knew Lavos. If she could find the mechanic, he could send a message. She just had to wait for the sun to rise and then hit the road.

  Chapter Ten

  Lavos didn’t feel like being sociable. His brother depended upon him though to stay at his side and help host the festivities. It was the first time they were officially welcoming visitors for a social event since his brother had taken leadership. It would help strengthen the bonds between the four clans, something that had been lacking when Decker ruled.

  They were using the lodge for a meet and greet. He forced a smile as he entered the foyer, seeing some familiar faces but a lot of new ones. His brother stood near the bar and motioned him over the second he spotted him.

  “This is my brother, Lavos.” Lorn looked relaxed, a group of pe
ople surrounding him.

  “Hello.” Lavos twisted his lips upward in a forced smile.

  A woman caught his attention when she reached out and ran a hand over his arm. “You’re single.”

  He couldn’t deny it. He’d seen her nostrils flare so she’d taken in his scent. “I am.”

  She possessed big dark brown eyes and long matching hair. “Lorn was just telling us that you’re his lead enforcer.” She batted her eyelashes. “That’s impressive.”

  He kept his muscles relaxed. She was obviously hunting for a mate with status. “Well, it’s a perk of being the brother to the new clan leader.”

  “You’re being modest.” Lorn shot him a look. “Lavos is an excellent fighter.”

  The woman ran her hand up Lavos’s biceps, squeezing them. “He’s a strong one.” She stepped closer and pushed out her breasts when she shoved her shoulders back. “I am looking for a mate. We should go somewhere more private and get to know each other.”

  She was a beautiful woman but he felt no desire to have sex. His brother would encourage a mating between the clans but Lavos had no interest in her.

  He’d had that problem ever since he’d met Jadee.

  He couldn’t forget her. She’d haunted his dreams for the past two weeks since they’d parted ways. He’d wake with painful hard-ons, wishing she were naked in his bed.

  “My brother has a beautiful house not too far from here. You should ask him for a tour.”

  Lavos wanted to kick Lorn. It was his turn to shoot him a look.

  His brother smiled, not upset or taking the hint when he continued to speak. “I’m mated, so now it’s his turn.”

  The woman rubbed up against Lavos’s side and leaned closer. “I would love to see your home.”

  “I have duties to perform first. I’m going to be free later.” He didn’t want to offend her by flat-out refusing to take her to bed, but he silently plotted to avoid her for the rest of the day and evening.

  Lorn let it go and helped get him off the hook. “Speaking of, could you please find Brista and make certain she’s prepared to watch all the children for the feast tonight?” Lorn addressed the others. “She’s the clan caretaker for our young. We were told some guests might bring their children and we thought it would be nice for her to entertain them.”

  “Of course.” Lavos bowed and untangled his arm from the woman. “I’ll see you later.”

  “I’m Mya.”

  “Until later, Mya.”

  He fled and yanked out his phone the moment he walked outside, calling Brista to relay the message. He knew Lorn wasn’t a fan of the woman but she was well liked by some of the clan, enough that it had assured she held her position when Lorn had taken over, at least for the time being. But he doubted Lorn would ever entrust his own future children to Brista’s care, not after the way she’d mistreated Kira for being so human when they were kids.

  He closed his phone when the call ended and marched toward the gas station. He entered and sighed when he saw Volti behind the counter.

  “Kill me,” Lavos demanded.

  His friend grinned. “I take it you met the delegates from the other clans and it’s a bore?”

  “One of them wanted to tour my house. She’s looking for a mate.”

  “My heart is bleeding for you.” His friend rolled his eyes. “I’d trade jobs with you in a heartbeat. I’ll go fuck her to test our compatibility and you can clean the bathroom, after you restock the shelves.”

  Lavos assessed the small store. “Deal.”

  Volti shook his head. “I wish.”

  “I mean it. You make her happy and I’ll take over here.”

  “Don’t mess with me. It’s cruel.”

  “I’m not.” Lavos rounded the counter. “Show me the basics of a cash register since I’ve never done this before.”

  Volti shoved him back. “No way. Lorn would kick both of our asses. It’s too important that we make a good impression on our visitors. They don’t trust us because of Decker. Not that we can blame them. Our previous leader was a total dickhead. Your job is to kiss ass and mine is to make sure any humans dropping in to fill up their tanks don’t decide to stroll around town.” His eyes brightened, glowing. “You’re in a hurry to get where you’re going so gas up, take a piss, and hit the road. You saw nothing of interest here and it was just a small town. It wasn’t even memorable. Leave.”

  “How many vehicles have stopped so far today?”

  Volti’s eyes dulled in brilliance. “Three. One family is sightseeing as they travel to visit an uncle. They wanted to check out Janella’s store but I told them it’s closed. They’d bought some jewelry from her online. One guy was heading to a new job. He wanted in and out of here as fast as possible, so I didn’t have to mess with his mind. Then there was a trucker. He’s a regular so no problem there. We’re along his route and he stops in a few times a week.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Janella was a little upset at losing prospective tourist business but today’s too important to risk someone seeing something they shouldn’t. Lorn purposely planned this for midweek since the weekends bring in more traffic. The delegates will be gone quick enough and life can resume as normal once the other clans feel comfortable with Lorn in charge.”

  Lavos knew he needed to get back to the lodge to help Lorn give a good impression but he lingered. “Where’s Kar?”

  “On patrol up the hill. He wrestled with Garson for the assignment and won.”

  “Why?”

  “There are new women in town to flirt with.” Volti grinned. “Why else? He didn’t want to be stuck doing perimeter duty. Garson was dumb enough to take that bet.”

  “Horny bastard.”

  “It’s totally natural. Our heat cycle is coming on soon. It’s better to find someone to spend it with now than have to travel around, hoping to catch the eye of some babe who isn’t hooked up with someone already. Spending it alone is hellish. This is the first year that other clans might welcome us with open arms instead of suspicion that we’ve come to spy on them, or worse.”

  Anger stirred. “I’d almost forgotten that Decker sent one of our women to kill Velder’s son.”

  “It wasn’t as if we knew about it until after the fact. Can you imagine? What a messed-up way to get an enforcer’s guard down. She got him into bed and then tried to cut out his heart. I’m glad she failed.”

  “Decker had no honor.”

  “Is Lorn going to get rid of that law that prevents us from sexual contact with humans? There are a lot of hot babes a few towns over that I’d like to get to know better.”

  “It’s never safe when we interact with them.”

  “I’m not looking to mate with one. I’d just like to be able to say yes when a cute human wants to jump my bones. It happens sometimes when it’s my turn to go pick up store supplies. It just feels so damn wrong to say no. I want to make them happy and I’m perfectly willing to use condoms.”

  Lavos laughed. “Only doing your civic duty to be polite to humans, right?”

  “Hell yes! They think we’re gay.”

  “That impression keeps them from coming into our town to seek out our males.”

  “Hey, I won’t tell them where I live and I’ll make it clear it’s a one-time deal.”

  “I’ll bring it up to Lorn next time we’re discussing laws.”

  “Thanks.”

  Lavos turned away. “I better get back to the lodge.”

  “See you later. I’ll be at the feast.”

  Lavos avoided the main entrance of the lodge and went in through the kitchen. It had become a hive of activity. He talked to everyone working to make sure there were no problems. Davis, Kira’s father, had everything running smoothly. He had to finally return to Lorn’s side.

  Mya ended her conversation with a tall male and came straight to him, gripping his arm. “You’re back.”

  “I made my rounds. Everything is going well.”

  “Can you leave?
I want to see your house.” She licked her lips. “Everyone I’ve spoken to has said nice things about you. My father would approve. He wants me to find a strong mate.”

  He had to give her points for persistence. “I’m on duty until this evening.”

  She pouted. “Your brother is the clan leader here. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to get someone to cover for you.”

  “He’s depending on me for his support. I wouldn’t ask him to do that.” He hoped she’d take the hint.

  “I want to test a mating. I’m attracted to you, and you’re strong enough to be worthy of me.”

  He’d have to be blunter. He didn’t want to offend her but he wasn’t going to fuck her either. He felt no attraction. “I’m flattered but right now isn’t a good time.”

  Anger glinted in her eyes. “I see.” She released his arm.

  Shit. Lorn would kick his ass if the woman called her father to complain that someone had been rude to her. “Later tonight I’ll be free.” He winked, hoping he gave the impression he wasn’t flat-out refusing her offer.

  She rewarded him with a smile. “Business first. I respect that. I’ll see you later.” She blew him a kiss and returned to the tall man she’d been speaking to before.

  He withdrew his phone, calling Volti.

  His friend answered right away. “What’s up, Lavos? Didn’t I just see you?”

  “Dress to impress for that feast.”

  “Are you seeing a lot of hot babes?”

  “One. Her name is Mya. Remember it. She’s beautiful and really wants to test a mating with an enforcer.”

  “Was she running a fever? There’s nothing better than sex with a woman in heat.”

  “She’s hot all right.”

  “Thanks.”

  He hung up and sighed. Lorn caught his attention and he had a feeling it was going to be a long afternoon. One of the men standing next to his brother was Velder, another clan leader. Velder knew they owed him. He’d supported Lorn taking over the clan from Decker.

  It was time to kiss some ass. He could do it.