Frank paled a little but again, he hid it fast. He was good at masking his emotions. “I didn’t know.”
Trayis nodded. “Over fifteen VampLycans came with me after we heard about the last attack. A couple GarLycans tagged along, too. It gets boring in Alaska. We’re always eager to band together for a good slaughtering of assholes who fuck with family.” He remembered what Shay had told him about Frank—and he wanted to make one thing damn clear. “And my family means everything. Though, I haven’t yet been fortunate enough to find a true mate the way my brother has.” He glanced at Arlis. “Where is your precious mate? I’d love to say hello before I mingle. Ginny’s the best.”
Arlis grinned. “Look near the kitchen.”
He nodded, gave Frank one last warning glare, and made his way to the kitchen area.
Ginny looked nervous, standing next to a few of the enforcers’ mates. They were surrounding her in a protective group. She spotted him, and instant relief showed on her face. He walked toward her, blocked her view of the other guests.
“Calm down,” he urged, keeping his voice low.
“Frank was making threats,” she whispered. “I think us having another baby made him realize that with three sons, this pack would be harder to take after they grow up. He’s been insulting us and acting like he’s ready to challenge for our territory.”
“I know. It’s taken care of. Smile. Frank is currently trying not to shit his pants. It seems his brother forgot to tell him to never fuck with Arlis before he died.”
Ginny smiled, seeming to calm. “I know Arlis could win in a fight but…”
“You don’t want a pack war. You’ve got three vulnerable children to think of.” He nodded. “It’s fine, little sister. I just let that prick alpha know the consequences of an attack.” He winked. “I’m terrifying. I even gave him the freaky eyes.”
Ted’s mate, Donna, raised a brow. “Freaky eyes?”
Trayis let his eyes turn utterly black.
She gasped and jerked back.
He laughed, letting the black fade out. He smiled wider. “Scary, isn’t it?”
“You’ve got amazing control.” Donna stepped closer, releasing a deep breath. “Neat trick.”
Ginny laughed. “Did you throw him some vibes?”
“No. I kept it under control. Words were enough.”
“I could hug you.”
He opened his arms. “Go ahead. I know I’m an amazing big brother.”
Ginny stepped into the circle of his arms and squeezed him tightly. Then she sniffed, her head jerking up. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open.
He’d forgotten. “About that…we’ll speak of it later.”
She frowned. “Shay?”
“What about Shay?” Donna stepped closer, sniffing. It was her turn to gasp.
“We’re seeing each other. This is not the time to discuss it.”
Ginny’s expression remained concerned. “Does my mate know?”
“I’m not sure if I was close enough to him. And we haven’t spoken of it.”
She nodded. “Shay’s a gentle soul, Trayis. Don’t hurt her.”
“I would never.” He offered Ginny his arm. “Let’s go say hello to the other alphas and their entourages. I want everyone to know I accept you as my brother’s mate, and that I’d take it personally if anyone even thought about harming you.”
Ginny put her hand on his forearm and nodded. He led her away from the enforcers’ mates.
“You realize everyone is going to know about you and Shay by morning, don’t you?” She kept her voice soft. “I love these women but they gossip like crazy.”
“I don’t care if the entire pack finds out.”
“Good thing, because they will. What are your intentions?”
He laughed, glancing down at her—then stopped at her stern expression. “Did you honestly just ask me that?”
“I did.” She smiled slightly. “I’m the official alpha bitch. It’s my duty to look out for all the female members. That especially means Shay.”
“I like her. We’re spending time together. Don’t make too much of it.”
Her smile died and a few worry lines took its place. “Not many people have been kind to Shay…so the ones who are, she’s completely devoted to. I have no doubt she’d throw herself in front of a Werewolf in a mindless rampage, even knowing she’d only slow them down long enough to tear her apart, if it gave the few she loves time to shift to better protect themselves. She’d already die for us—but you’re the one man she’s been intimate with. Think about that, Trayis. She loves with everything she is when someone allows her to get close. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
He had a feeling he did. “I don’t want to hurt Shay.”
Another alpha approached. “Trayis.”
A flash of memory hit of meeting the man before. “Hello, Allen.”
“You remember me. I didn’t expect you here.”
Trayis pulled Ginny closer to his side. “I had to meet my newest nephew, and seeing how big the twins have grown has shown me how remiss I’ve been in not visiting as often as I should. I’m not making that mistake again.”
Allen nodded, not looking surprised. “Family is important.”
“Yes, they are. How’s your pack?”
“Good. We’ve had a great year. Three new pups were born. Six matings happened. On the business front, we opened a store…”
Trayis went on auto pilot, pretending to continue listening to Allen as he glanced around, finding Arlis. His brother remained by the fireplace but now he spoke to Gill, another alpha. His body language looked relaxed. Frank was at the bar, downing a shot.
Trayis hid a smirk. The prick had been put in his place and knew better than to fuck with his brother’s pack. He watched the Were speak to the elder Lycan female behind the bar and saw anger glint in Yasha’s eyes.
“Now I’m hoping to talk her into mating me,” Allen finished.
Trayis forced a smile as he gave the alpha his full attention again. “I wish you luck with that.”
“I’m determined. No one can resist me for long. Of course, I would have to choose the only woman in my pack who doesn’t want to be the official alpha bitch.”
“One of life’s strange twists.” Trayis cleared his throat. “I’m glad your pack is doing so well. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get a drink. My throat is dry.” He glanced at Ginny.
She let him go and nodded, telling him she was fine on her own. He looked over her shoulder, seeing that the enforcer mates were nearby. Her little personal protectors. He motioned for them to return to her side. They didn’t hesitate. He strode to the bar and smiled at the bartender.
“How is my favorite elder?”
Yasha grinned in genuine pleasure. “I’m doing great. It’s good to see you, handsome. What can I make for you?”
He winked. “Just a beer, beautiful.”
She turned, opened one of the mini fridges, and grabbed his preferred brand. She twisted off the cap for him and passed it over. “You charmer. Too bad you’re way too young for me.”
Frank stepped closer, glancing up and down Trayis. “How old are you?”
Trayis took a sip and swallowed. “Just a few hundred years.”
Frank seemed startled by that news. “I thought you and Arlis would be closer in age.”
“Obviously we don’t have the same fathers. He’s full Lycan. I’m not.”
Frank curled his lip. “Yes Your mother bedded a Vampire. Disgusting. The bitch must have been desperate.”
Trayis had put the beer down and moved before the prick could even react. In an instant, he had Frank pinned to the wall by his throat, claws out. “Listen to me well, Frank. You’re an ignorant asshole. I’ll rip your fucking head off and shove it up your own ass the next time you talk shit about my family. My mother was the victim of a mind and body rape by a master Vampire—but she survived, birthed me, and then was able to meet her true mate. That was Arlis’s father. This is the only warning I’
ll give you to never disrespect my family again by words or actions. Do you understand me?”
Frank couldn’t respond since he’d turned deep red, unable to breathe. Trayis knew everyone had stopped speaking, and he could sense them watching. He eased his grip enough for the alpha to gasp in air and then dropped him, backing off a couple feet.
“Problem?” Arlis came up to his side.
“Frank needed a history lesson…and to learn not to insult a VampLycan’s mother,” Trayis snarled.
Yasha smirked. “It seems Frank didn’t know how VampLycans came into existence. But Trayis set him straight. Did you know VampLycans hunt and kill Vampires who force our women to breed? They’ve also killed Werewolves who’ve sold our women to Vamp assholes. It’s illegal to create VampLycans if it’s not consensual for both parties.”
Frank reached up and touched the bleeding scratches around his throat. “I’m a guest here, and this is how I’m treated?”
“Don’t.” Arlis allowed his voice to deepen and he threw major vibes. “You came into my house, tossing out threats and insults. The only reason I’m not dragging your ass outside to challenge you is because I’m a good fucking host. You haven’t been an alpha for long, Frank. Six years isn’t shit as far as experience goes. I’ve let some of your insults slide with that in mind. But you have a lot to learn. Do you want a fight? If so, let’s do it alpha to alpha—the honorable way.”
The other alphas approached. Trayis tensed, prepared to battle at his brother’s side, but they made their support known by standing next to Arlis and glaring at Frank.
“Your brother earned my respect,” Allen stated. “You have not so far, Frank. We enjoy the peace between our packs. Fuck with one, you pick a fight with all of us.”
The other alphas nodded their agreement, throwing their own vibes at Frank.
He paled, glancing at each of them.
Gill spoke next. “You have two choices, Frank. Be an ally or an enemy. I know damn well I sent you copies of our alliance contracts when you became alpha, and so did the others. You agreed to all terms just the way Fred did. We have stable, established packs that are flourishing. No one wants a territory war. You should have challenged for a different pack if you’re ambitious enough to think you could take over neighboring territories. It won’t happen with yours. And we have enough enemies without fucking each other over.”
“We weren’t pleased with the previous attack on this pack,” Allen added. “Those cowards snuck in without warning. At least Bufford rid us of the troublemakers in our various packs by recruiting them. No one misses any of those pricks. But we all lost friends and family during that attack. It was a learning experience we’re not willing to repeat. We’re stronger together; peace means safety to the ones we’re sworn to protect.”
“You don’t find him a threat?” Frank jerked his chin toward Trayis. “He’s a VampLycan! What if Arlis decides he wants his brother nearby permanently, and a bunch of those bastards take our territories? We need to band together to get Arlis out!”
Trayis was already regretting not killing Frank.
But Allen just laughed. “You’re showing your youth and stupidity. The only way to bring the VampLycans down on your pack is to fuck with one. Arlis is honorable, he’s not greedy…and who in the hell do you think talked us all into sitting down to write out peace terms? We have sentries protecting our borders from humans, rogues, and Vampires. Not each other. In a crisis, we want to know we can count on help from our neighbors—not get attacked by them.”
“Your thinking has been tainted by your fear, Frank.” Gill glanced at Trayis then back at the alpha. “I too saw Arlis’s close association with the VampLycans as a threat at first. Knee-jerk response. Then I allowed myself to push past my fear to see the truth. Arlis survived an attack to his pack and mourned the losses. His grief was great. He could have asked the VampLycans to wipe every last one of us out, but instead he called for meetings, making peace with all the packs that surround his territory.”
Damon, the last alpha there, chuckled. “Trayis hasn’t killed me yet, and I’m an asshole who likes to push his buttons. He’s a good guy who gives warnings when you go too far. You’ve experienced that yourself tonight, since your head is still attached to your body. Not to mention, he respects the fuck out of Arlis, which means he adheres to the peace terms his brother has created…as long as we keep up our end of the deal.
“My pack is the closest to the city. A large enough Vamp nest moving in could become a threat. And guess what? Nests have no qualms about fucking with packs. Those motherfuckers are terrified of VampLycans, though. I’ve used that threat more than once when Vamps have encroached on my border.” He winked at Trayis. “Thanks, buddy. It’s very effective when I tell them I have you on speed dial.”
Trayis couldn’t help but grin. “You are an asshole. I also never gave you my number.”
“No need. I have Arlis’s. I know you’d help me out, because if they started targeting my pack, it’s reasonable to assume they’d fuck with your brother’s, too. You’d never allow that to go down. Am I right?”
Trayis nodded. “My clan would definitely deal with the problem.”
Damon’s expression sobered as he glowered at Frank. “You have a lot to learn as an alpha. My father taught me a lot before he stepped down. His mistakes—like being an asshole to his neighbors—were things I learned not to do. We’re stronger together than apart, being dicks to each other. Maybe you missed out on all that great advice and wisdom when you killed your brother. A smart alpha learns fast and adapts. Be smart, Frank. Or be dead. Either way, you’re not fucking up what we’ve accomplished.”
Arlis crossed his arms. “We’re united, Frank. You’re either with us or against us, but coming in here blustering and making threats isn’t going to fly. Got it?”
Damon added, “And don’t even think about seeking out our pack troublemakers and making false promises to follow you. I remind my pack that I’d fucking rip their limbs off one at a time to drag out their agonizing deaths if they ever betrayed me.”
“I just tell mine I’ll kill them in a heartbeat if I suspect they’re plotting to attack another pack behind my back,” Allen mused. “I’m sure I can replace them with any of your members who are tired of your shit, Frank.”
Frank looked furious. “Are you threatening to take my pack?”
Allen snorted. “Not unless you start shit and leave us with no recourse. Nobody here wants a war except you. I’m with Damon on the VampLycans. Trayis is cool. So are the other VampLycans who visit.”
Gill nodded. “You attack Arlis, he’s not going to have to call the VampLycans. I think I can speak for Allen and Damon when I say we’ll consider it a declaration of war against all of us.”
“Damn straight,” Damon growled.
Allen nodded as well.
Gill glanced at Trayis. “There won’t be anything left for you to kill by the time you arrive, if you ever get that call. We’ll have already handled the problem.”
Frank began to sweat, the scent of fear and anger rolling off him. “I apologize,” he said tightly. “I don’t want a war.”
Arlis turned to Yasha. “We need drinks.”
Yasha grinned. “I’m pouring rounds now.”
Trayis relaxed. His brother was a great alpha who’d built strong bonds with the other pack leaders. They’d stood together against Frank’s bullshit. He hadn’t been needed after all…but he decided to stick around just a little longer. It was better to be safe than sorry, since he didn’t trust Frank at all. The Lycan had no honor, and he was also a total idiot.
Chapter Eight
Trayis remained until the last alpha and his enforcers left. Arlis stood at his side on the porch until they got word that all parties had left the territory from the sentries.
His brother sighed. “Frank’s going to be a problem. He’s been set straight…for now. But I see future shit happening once the fear fades. Stupid is like that.”
&nbs
p; “Agreed.”
Arlis turned to face him. “Now…do you want to explain to me why Shay’s scent is all over you?”
Trayis cocked his head, studying his brother closely. “I like her. We’re spending time together. I respect the hell out of you, Arlis, and she’s your pack, but she’s also an adult. Are we going to have a problem?”
“Of course not. I just worry. She’s not like other women.”
“You mean because she’s so human?”
“No. Because she’s not anything at all like the typical alpha chasers. We both know the types.”
He figured his brother had dealt with a lot of women coming after him, too, before he’d mated Ginny. Some power-hungry females were cunning, experienced at seduction, and coldly ambitious. “I’m aware of that. Hell, Shay doesn’t even know I’m my clan leader.”
Arlis appeared shocked for a moment, but then he sighed. “I can see how that happened. Shay is a bit distanced from pack gossip unless it’s about her, and we don’t have any official correspondence between my pack and your clan that she’d be privy to. It’s all private phone calls with us. I’m just saying, Shay isn’t the type to fuck and then walk away from. Her heart is fragile. You’re going to bruise hers when you leave.”
“I hope not,” he said quietly.
“You’re a good guy, Trayis. I know you’d never intentionally hurt her, but you will when you go home. I’d hate for that to happen.”
“As if you or your pack can talk,” he said, his anger sparking.
Arlis tensed. “What does that mean?”
“You were discussing a plan to bribe a half-breed into mating her and making it sound like she’s some fucking child who needed a caretaker. That’s screwed up, Arlis. She deserves someone who’s going to love her. I fucking refuse to allow her to settle for some asshole who sees her as a price to pay to join a pack, just so you can worry about her less. You are not going to do that to her! Forget the half-breed bullshit. Don’t even bring them here.”
Arlis tilted his head slightly, staring at him for a long moment. “Shit! Is this more than you just scratching an itch while you’re visiting? Have you bitten her?”
Trayis (VLG Series Book 11) Page 11
