“Honey, please tell me you’re not in some precarious situation with your mate and can help out your father.”
Mandy’s laughter floated into Dmitri’s mind. “He’s not precarious, but he is deeply implanted in a warm substance and will need a few minutes to answer your call.”
“I am enjoying a bath and washing my mate’s thick coat, my liege.” Honey’s words held humor and a carefree tone.
Bears rarely laughed, but Mandy had changed the dynamics of Dmitri’s clan. It was still undecided if the changes were for the better. Dmitri closed the connection. Mandy’s pregnancy had her in wolf form and the last thing he wanted to picture was the two of them in a bath. It might lead to thoughts of them mating and god he hoped they didn’t.
He could hold off no longer; it was time to meet Vorlyk, the first vampire to lead both cats and wolves. The northeast clan came to Dmitri’s land for the safety of their young. Not only was Dmitri’s territory overrun with different beastkind, but also children. His small room at the nightclub was holding more and more appeal.
He descended the stairs that led to the great room. His home was not as large as other territory rulers, but it suited him. Two stories, five bedrooms, and four large bathrooms gave him plenty of space to move around. The cabin had an office for club business, and a large open room with comfortable sofas perfect for entertaining guests who could turn into half-ton bears in less than a second.
Dmitri entered the great room. The Kodiak stood off to the side with several yards separating him from the newcomers. Dmitri noticed his friend Nicolas cradling his new child and couldn’t stop a wince at the soft expression on the wolf’s usually fierce face. Zenya, his mate stood by his side, her feline grace evident in the curves beneath her jeans, tight shirt, and the allure of her neck where her pulse beat steadily. The mate scent of the pair was hard to miss along with the faint baby smell that blended with the odor of cat and wolf. This child was the first beastkind born without human intervention. His own bear, Honey, mated a wolf and would produce the second cross-bred offspring.
Though Dmitri noticed everyone in the room, his focus zeroed in on the vampire. Young but deadly, his power leaked into the room in a sizzling wave, receding for mere seconds then spiking again.
Vorlyk.
Dmitri nodded to Nicolas and Zenya then moved toward Vorlyk to offer a proper greeting. It was that or kill him.
“Welcome to my home.” Dmitri purposely left out the word territory and tried to keep his own power under control. “I am Dmitri, liege to the bear clan.”
Vorlyk gave a nod and noticeably reigned in his vampire energy. Dmitri was thankful the baby vamp displayed some control.
“I thank you for your welcome and that of your alpha.” His dark brown eyes held no challenge, only curiosity.
The corner of Dmitri’s mouth tilted up as he cast a quick look at The Kodiak, knowing the irritable bear could be less than hospitable. “May I inquire about the remainder of your clan?”
“They wait outside. Sonora is offering them refreshments and explaining the sleeping arrangements.”
Sonora was The Kodiak’s mate and handled these situations much better than the bad-tempered bear.
“I am no piddling alpha; refer to me as The Kodiak.” The discontented bear grumbled from his corner.
Vorlyk turned. “Forgive my lack of knowledge to your social structure and clan terms. I assure you I mean no disrespect.”
“None taken.” Dmitri answered for his bear while flashing amber eyes at the unfriendly beast. The Kodiak usually calmed him, but this night the difficult bear was acting the idiot.
“You have met Nicolas and Zenya?” Vorlyk kept his tone mild, causing Dmitri to admire the vampire’s social skills when dealing with beasts.
The hierarchy of beastkind and vampires was well defined. Vampires ruled and beastkind died if they didn’t like it. Vorlyk was young, but he exuded power and could undoubtedly kill beastkind with one hand tied behind his back. Unfortunately, The Kodiak was crazier than most bears and didn’t tend to care that he risked his life when he didn’t give an inch to vampires.
Dmitri turned to Nicolas. “Greetings my friend and congratulations on your son. Fortunately, he is as beautiful as his mother and not as ugly as his father.”
Nicolas handed the child to Zenya and stepped toward the vampire. Dmitri’s arms came out and the two men exchanged a deep hug. The red tinges at the corners of Dmitri’s brain faded just a bit.
He released Nicolas with a final thump to his back and turned to Zenya. “I welcome you and your cats, my lady.”
Her tone was friendly, but a touch of censure flavored her words. “We are a pack of cats and wolves each holding equal rights within Vorlyk’s clan, but I thank you for your greeting on behalf of us all.”
Fucking great. Zenya and The Kodiak would kill each other over word games before the sun rose the following morning. How the hell had he gotten himself into this mess?
Chapter Three
Dmitri, having years of practice dealing with taciturn weres, managed to control himself and respond with diplomacy. “With the recent mating of Honey and Mandy, I assure you I consider your mixed clan equals.”
Dmitri knew his unknown territory had the she-cat on edge, and he felt relief when she smiled and relaxed her defensive stance.
“May I?” He held out his arms for the naked human infant.
Now Zenya’s smile turned to melodic laughter. “He bites.”
“Well then, he may have the face of an angel, but he has the temperament of his father.”
Zenya placed her child into the vampire’s arms. “His name is Jaime Ivan, but he’s better known as Ivan the Terrible.”
Now it was Dmitri’s turn to smile. “A proper name and one of legend.” He turned to Nicolas as he brought the child to his shoulder. “Have you heard from his namesake?”
Nicolas hooked his arm around his mate’s neck and brought her in close. “No. We were hoping you had news. Columbus told me his father spent time with your clan.”
Dmitri felt badly that Ivan didn’t return to his rightful place after leaving the bears, but the man was unstable and might never join another clan because of the loss of his mate. “He stayed here for two months, spending most of his time with Tyboll.” Dmitri couldn’t suppress a wider grin. “We call him Tyboll the Terrible, and I believe he and your young one here may have a lot in common.” Dmitri winced, pulling the small child from his shoulder where he left a perfect set of tiny teeth marks.
The human infant shifted to cat form, squirming and unsheathing his small, sharp claws.
“The floor would be best. He has no manners,” Zenya quickly interjected.
Dmitri placed the hell-cat on the floor and watched him immediately scamper to The Kodiak. Before anyone could stop him, Ivan the Terrible clawed his way up the stunned bear’s leg. The Kodiak grabbed the cat by the scruff, trying to pry him loose from his clothing. The lion cub shifted to wolf. With his longer snout, he nipped The Kodiak’s chin.
Dmitri looked away because he couldn’t hide his smile. Until Mandy, no one challenged the big, bad bear, but now another pint-sized little monster got the best of him. Dmitri glanced at Vorlyk, who was also looking everywhere but at the bear. Zenya moved quickly toward The Kodiak, but the large man reached out a hand in the universal sign for stop. He moved the wriggling wolf cub further away and gently tapped his nose with his other hand. “I will be the one to teach you manners, Ivan the Terrible, for you are in need of a strong hand.”
The tension in the room dropped another notch. Beastkind, with the exception of the South American cats, cherished their offspring. Even The Mighty Kodiak would never harm an infant of any breed.
Vorlyk cleared his throat. “Would I seem ungrateful if I requested a time of rest for my clan before we begin working out the particulars of our arrangement in your territory?”
Dmitri nodded, feeling relief. “Not at all. I know they must be tired and it’s late. I
was hoping you and I could enjoy a shot of whiskey when your clan has settled in for the night.”
Vorlyk smiled, making him appear even younger. “Thank you, I would be honored.”
Nicolas snorted and everyone turned his way. “Remember, my liege, Dmitri owns a nightclub, and his Russian blood keeps him sober when other vampires fall under the table.”
Dmitri gave his friend a devilish grin. “You should have noticed that I evened the playing field slightly and did not offer vodka.”
“Like that will make a difference.” Nicolas harrumphed.
“I will keep your warning in mind, alpha.” Vorlyk’s tone remained serious and Dmitri knew, regardless of the young vampire’s easygoing demeanor, Vorlyk’s unease matched his own.
Dmitri also noticed the dynamics of the new clan. Nicolas’s wolf accepted this vampire as liege, which made Vorlyk far deadlier than he appeared. It was never good to underestimate a vampire—friend or foe.
Dmitri spoke to the room at large. “We have allotted you three cabins close together. They aren’t large, but have all the amenities. Sonora has taken your clan to her cabin and is waiting for us.”
Vorlyk gave a nod. “Thank you, Dmitri. We appreciate your hospitality and protection.”
They followed Dmitri half a mile to Sonora’s cabin. The Kodiak continued holding the now-quiet cub in his arms where the rascal seemed content. A group of men and women were waiting outside the cabin when they arrived.
Dmitri’s first look at Vorlyk’s clan was a surprise. Two female cats stood with Sonora. The others—more than ten women, two male teenage cats and two more babies—congregated closely with male wolves, obviously standing guard. One of the females with Sonora turned. Her face displayed great beauty mixed with horrific mutilation. Vorlyk walked over and kissed the marred side of her face, his entire manner softening.
“My love, I would like to introduce you to our host, Dmitri. Dmitri, this is my mate Madayah.”
Dmitri took her hand, kissing the backs of her fingers, scenting the feline odor mixed with vampire from her mate. “Welcome to my home.”
“Thank you, Dmitri.” She turned and introduced the cat beside her. “This is Esta, Nicolas’s second.”
Displaying clear distrust, Esta did not place her hand out. A large man walked up behind her and rested his arm on her shoulder. She immediately relaxed and a small sigh escaped her lips.
The wolf turned to Dmitri and put his hand out. “I am Aster, mate to the second.”
Dmitri shook hands. He’d heard many stories of Aster’s crazy exploits and deadly abilities. He wondered why the warrior wolf was not second to their alpha, but he wisely held his tongue. He heard mumbling coming from the large group of female cats and turned to see what caught their attention.
Ivan the Terrible lay sleeping in The Kodiak’s arms. Even with the child snuggled against him, the bear’s fierce manner kept anyone from approaching.
Trying to maintain his patience, Dmitri kept his tone level. “His mother might want him back.”
Nervous giggles from the females of the northeast clan met Dmitri’s words and a smiling Zenya spoke. “My hell child never sleeps in our arms and usually runs and creates havoc until he drops in his tracks. Your Kodiak has a way with him that we’ve never seen.”
“Humph,” The Kodiak said under his breath, but he did not relinquish the child.
Zenya continued, “Thank you, Sonora, for your generosity. We are tired and your liege has given us leave to seek our beds for the night.”
The female cats’ unified relief was palpable. Dmitri knew some of their story and hoped trust could develop with time. He also knew his control was unraveling and he needed to be away from the uneasy females as quickly as possible.
“The Kodiak will take you to your new homes.” He cast hard eyes at his bear and watched The Kodiak walk away, followed by Vorlyk and his clan.
Dmitri flashed back inside his own home after everyone left. Walking to the sideboard, he downed a tumbler of whiskey, but before he could pour another, the crystal shattered in his hand. Blood welled from a shallow cut, but Dmitri didn’t care, it would heal in minutes. He grabbed the bottle, sat down, and tipped the whiskey to his lips. He didn’t know how the fuck he would survive the following months. Maybe it would have been better if Cheri allowed Europe’s vampire council to kill him. Better than what would happen if his monster won the never-ending battle and gained its freedom.
Chapter Four
Zenya sighed; she was incredibly tired and longed for a soft bed. The three cabins rested approximately twenty feet apart. They had no right to be fussy, but they’d lived as a single unit since the clan formed and she would miss the closeness.
“Are you okay?” Nicolas circled her shoulder, moving her hair from her neck so he could rub the arch of her collarbone with his thumb.
“Yes, thank you. I want to settle in and rest.” She wearily gave a low groan of approval at his touch.
He nuzzled the hair above her ear. “We’ll be safe here. No harm will come to the children.”
“Woman, do you wish your child back?” The Kodiak’s surly voice startled her.
Zenya looked at the large man gently holding her son. She sighed. “If I must.” She smiled, twisting from Nicolas’s arms to take Ivan the Terrible from The Kodiak. The other two cubs in their pack were mild mannered and sweet. Jaime Ivan terrorized them constantly. The only two who seemed to hold their own against him were the much older twins, Sierra and Roland, belonging to Marcus and Amy, the liege vampires of the southwest clan. They were also the children of Ivan and Alba, Ivan being her son’s namesake. Ivan senior left his twins in the vampires’ care after their mother died fighting off cats. Zenya nursed Alba’s cubs because her own child was killed by the same cats who took Alba’s life.
Zenya and Nicolas were the first cross-mated beastkind. Her child, Jaime Ivan, was the first born without a human donor and also the first double shifter. Zenya looked forward to seeing Mandy, a wolf, who was now pregnant by and mated to a bear. The two women would have a lot to talk about.
The Kodiak turned his hulking body and left without another word.
“How is everyone holding up?” Nicolas’s words entered their minds.
Zenya knew he worried that some of the females would have trouble with their new surroundings. They were frightened of change and craved stability. It was still too dangerous to return to Nicolas’s territory high in the Ohio Mountains near Lake Erie, and it could be years before they had a real home. The enemy cats along with vampires attacked Nicolas’s original pack, killed his wolves and their liege vampire. Now the alpha wolf had a new pack made up of cats and wolves with Vorlyk as their liege. Through Nicolas, the females had a home and, though scared, they were survivors and would adapt.
“Do you have a plan to divvy up the cabins, my liege?” Nicolas asked Vorlyk.
“Madayah was told each cabin has two rooms. My mate and I will stay in one cabin. I’ll leave it to you and Zenya to arrange the others, though everyone is welcome in ours.”
“Thank you, my liege.”
Zenya knew Nicolas’s respect for Vorlyk grew daily. The young vampire’s strength also grew and his endless calm helped them all feel safe. They’d come a long way since the days of running for their lives through the jungles of South America. Vorlyk was now a vampire to be reckoned with.
Jaime Ivan, in human form, began stirring in her arms. The peace of the past hour was at an end. She placed him on the ground. He immediately shifted to wolf and began sniffing the new scents.
Zenya followed Nicolas into the far cabin, nudging her son in front of them. She turned and noticed the rest of the clan standing silently, not breaking up or heading to separate cabins.
Zenya took charge. “You may all share with us. I will not force you to sleep apart, but the cabin is small and you will be tightly packed.”
Esta spoke up. “Aster and I can share the other room here and everyone else can pile into the ma
in room. We could use the third cabin during the day while the children nap.”
Zenya looked at the others. No one objected and she felt instant relief that they all wanted to stay close. She often joined them in their puppy and kitten piles when Nicolas was away. They soothed each other and she was grateful that their pack was so close. It wasn’t easy, but between Vorlyk and Nicolas, they had become a tightly knit family.
“We’ll place all but necessary luggage in the third cabin to give us more room. Let’s get this done so we can sleep.” Zenya walked inside.
“Did you see how strong and handsome he is, Zenya?” Talya whispered, even though everyone had highly sensitive hearing and could hear what she said.
Talya was now eighteen and became more trouble with each passing month. Repeatedly abused by male cats from a young age, she never knew love or kindness until Vorlyk rescued her. She wasn’t happy with the strict rules that were in place until she turned twenty-one, and it took the entire clan to keep her in line.
Zenya tried to keep weary impatience from her voice. “I have no idea who you mean. The Kodiak is mated.”
“Not the bear.” Her eyes went dreamy, “The vampire.”
“He will eat you alive.” Esta spoke loudly from across the room, having the least amount of patience with the young cat’s ever-changing moods.
“I wouldn’t mind.” Talya shot back, not in the least intimidated.
“That’s enough, Talya. The vampire will have nothing to do with you. To him, you are a very young child.” It was harsh, but Zenya learned if she wanted to penetrate Talya’s thick skull she had to be direct.
Talya’s full lips tightened. “No, this clan makes me a child. I’ve been a woman for many years.”
Zenya sighed. They’d had this argument repeatedly.
A calming energy floated throughout the room and Zenya turned. Nicolas had released his alpha’s power to soothe and reaffirm the closeness of the pack bond. She smiled because he always knew what to do, and right now, she was too tired to argue with the raging ball of hormones named Talya.
Dmitri Page 2
