Chapter Twelve
Shoni felt nervous that a VampLycan was coming to her home. Chaz had woken her almost an hour before. That had given her enough time to shower, dress, and pick up her place a little. She was currently listening to one side of a phone conversation he was having.
“Folsom is one of the worst run packs I’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with.” Chaz had just finished telling his brother about last night. “That’s why I’m going to ask Garson to wait a few days before he erases Shoni’s memories. I need to stick around to make certain more of them don’t come after her again.”
He paused, listening. “Yes, they are that stupid.”
She hoped his brother agreed with waiting and didn’t talk Chaz into changing his mind. It wasn’t just because she was afraid for her safety. She’d lose Chaz and all her memories of their intimate times together. Shoni just wasn’t ready for that yet. Once he was gone, she’d be alone again.
That’s going to be hellish , she silently admitted. Everything that had happened since she’d been kidnapped from the hotel had kept her focused on the sexy GarLycan and learning about what else existed in the world. She wouldn’t have that knowledge anymore to make her not care as much about what Marco had done or how embarrassed she felt about being jilted right before her wedding.
She dreaded facing her coworkers when her vacation time ended. Everyone at the office would pity her. That also reminded her that she had some wedding gifts to return. Ember was holding them for her. Her cousin had offered to take them to her apartment when Marco had phoned her to say he’d dumped her for Della. It was to avoid her immediately having to deal with that problem, too.
“I’ll get ahold of you tonight,” Chaz said, ending the call. “Are you okay, Shoni? You look a little off.”
His words pulled Shoni from her thoughts. “Yes.”
“The food I ordered should be here in a few minutes.” He stood, walked to the counter that separated the living spaces, and put on his sunglasses. “I’m not going to screw up twice.”
“I really should go grocery shopping. I’m sorry that I basically only have condiments and drinks in my fridge. I cleaned it out since I didn’t want to deal with all the stuff that spoiled while I was in Hawaii.”
“I like ordering fast food. It’s no problem. We can go shopping later today if you want.”
“It’s cheaper to eat at home rather than order from different places whenever we’re hungry.”
“I don’t worry about money.”
Shoni couldn’t say the same. She lived on a tight budget and tried hard to put money away for rainy days. It was a reminder that she’d wasted a large chunk of her savings on her wedding and reception. “We should go grocery shopping later, and I’ll make you a nice dinner. What’s your favorite meal?”
He flashed her a smile. “Anything that I don’t have to cook myself.”
“I enjoy cooking, but I don’t do it all that often. Not unless Ember is spending the weekend. Otherwise, I tend to make too much for one person.”
“That doesn’t sound like a bad thing.”
“Most meals aren’t as good after you reheat them. I made a pot roast once for Ember and I. She was supposed to come for the weekend, but then an emergency came up at work, and she ended up having to cancel. I ate it four days straight.”
The doorbell rang. Chaz strode toward it. “Food.” He paused at the security pad and tapped in the code to turn the system off before unlocking the door.
It wasn’t a delivery person with food standing there when he opened it. A tall, muscled stranger smiled. He had wavey black hair that fell onto his wide shoulders. His shirt was bright blue, rolled up to just under his elbows, and the top four buttons were undone. The jeans he sported looked well-worn, and he had a pair of black running shoes on.
“I’m here!”
“Garson. How did you know where I was?”
“Fray tracks you by your phone and added me so I could see your location.” The VampLycan turned his attention to Shoni. “Hello, pretty girl.”
Chaz suddenly reached out and grabbed the guy by his shirt, yanking him inside. He closed the door as Garson stumbled to stay upright. He was then pushed up against the wall next to the door.
“No.” Chaz’s voice deepened.
Garson opened his mouth to speak.
Chaz cut him off. “No flirting with Shoni. No hitting on her. Don’t even think about her in that way. Am I clear?”
“I understand. The chick is off-limits big time.”
Chaz released him. “Exactly.”
“No problem, man. There was no need to get physical. You could have just said that without jerking me around.” Garson smiled as he inhaled. “I smell why you’re so protective of her. You’ve done the dirty.”
Shoni felt herself blush. “We showered afterward.”
“Ah-ha!” Garson laughed. “Gotcha!”
“Damn it, Garson.” Chaz turned her way, probably staring at Shoni, but his sunglasses hid his eyes. “He was bluffing and smells nothing.”
“I knew it the second I saw this chick. You’re not a moron, man. Anyone around someone as fine-looking as her would be a saint for resisting. You can be many things, but that’s not one of them.”
“Fuck you.” Chaz sighed. “Her name is Shoni. Use it. She’s not a baby chicken.”
“It’s human slang that means woman or female.” Garson winked at him. “I’m down with the human sayings so I fit in with them.”
“I wouldn’t call women chicks,” Shoni advised. “Some would be offended. That term isn’t used all that much anymore.”
Garson looked at her. “Really?”
She nodded. “I think my father and his friends used that word back when they were much younger.”
“Ouch. Okay. I’m not an old dog. I can learn new tricks.” Garson glanced around the condo. “This is a tiny home. How cool.”
The doorbell rang. Chaz sighed. “I ordered food. Don’t talk.” He opened the door, accepting two large bags that time. After a few pleasant word exchanges, he closed the door and carried them to Shoni’s counter.
“I smell burgers, fries, and other fried goodness.” Garson followed. “Please tell me you ordered enough so I can have some. I’m hungry.”
“I wasn’t expecting you yet, but I ordered plenty.” Chaz removed his sunglasses, meeting Shoni’s gaze. “Can you get us some plates, please?”
“I’m on it.” She grabbed three, got ketchup out of the fridge, and three cans of iced tea. She hoped their new guest wouldn’t mind that option. If so, she had a few bottled waters left.
Curiosity about Garson plagued Shoni, but she kept silent, studying him with glances. According to Chaz, VampLycans were half shifters and Vampires. He looked like a gym guy with great hair and a handsome face. Other than that, she’d have sworn he was human.
“You got onion rings and fried zucchini, too,” Garson murmured. “I think I love you.”
Chaz ignored him as he went through the bags, placing a few wrapped burgers on two of the plates, one on hers, and then dividing up six orders of sides. There were some ranch dipping sauces, too. Shoni stood on the other side of the counter since she only had two barstools.
“Come sit here. I’ll stand,” Chaz offered.
“I’m good.” Shoni unwrapped her bacon cheeseburger.
Chaz scowled, watching her.
“Seriously, I’m good. I stand up a lot while I eat. You two sit.”
“That’s the bad thing about living in a tiny house. Not a lot of seating.” Garson winked at her. “But I dig your home.”
“It’s a condo. Not a tiny house,” Shoni informed him.
“Oh. I’m still learning all things human. I thought condos were like apartment buildings. I don’t leave Alaska much.”
Chaz took a seat, opening one of his bacon cheeseburgers. “Enough about that. Fray said you and the other VampLycans did well working with the humans.” He turned, holding Garson’s gaze. “I know you didn’t have any experience with that. I don’t want you fucking up Shoni’s head when you start changing her memories.”
“Lorn volunteered Kar and I to take shifts dealing with thieves. Those fuckers are pests, but yeah, we got in a lot of experience. I know what I’m doing now. No problem, man.”
“Humans are coming into VampLycan territories to try to steal from your homes?” That seemed to astound Chaz. “I wasn’t informed.”
“Not our territories. It’s the fancy lodge taken over by the clans. It seems some human did a news story on how the owners left almost everything behind when it suddenly closed, and now the occasional group of thieves shows up there thinking they can break in to steal shit. The clans take turns patrolling it now to make sure humans stay away.”
“A fancy lodge?” Shoni was intrigued.
Garson turned to her. “Humans built a massive lodge some years ago. It’s more like a hotel in the middle of what you’d call nowhere. It quickly turned into a headache for us once it opened.”
“Why?”
“The human guests didn’t respect our borders. Nothing pisses off my kind more than being shot at. Not that it happened. My kind saw them long before they got the chance to spot us. The last straw was when they put in an airstrip and built a plane hangar. We can’t have humans flying so damn close to us. If they fly over their territory, they might see our neighbors in the air.” Garson jerked his head toward Chaz. “It needed to be shut down. The owner was persuaded to sell it to us. Now humans have no business being there.”
Garson turned back to Chaz. “I’ve gotten in a lot of practice working on human memories. You can trust me to do no harm. Are we doing this after lunch?”
Shoni tensed.
“No.” Chaz took a sip of his tea.
“Ah. Got it. You’re keeping her.” Garson chuckled. “Nice. First, Fray finds his mate. Now, you have yours. I’m so jealous.”
Shoni felt a stabbing sensation in her heart and focused on her food, refusing to look at either man. It took Chaz long seconds to respond.
“I’m not taking a mate. There have been some problems with the local pack. It’s not safe to leave Shoni yet until their shit is resolved.”
“What kind of shit?” Garson opened his second burger, taking a big bite.
Chaz started to give him a rundown on everything, including her being kidnapped and taken to that warehouse. Garson snarled a few times as he listened, glancing at her. Shoni finished her food.
“That’s some fucked up shit right there,” Garson stated after hearing everything. “What total dicks.”
“Keith was a special kind of asshole,” Chaz agreed. “And five out of six of his sons were just like him.”
“You really think this Corlin is any better?” Garson dipped a fry, popping it into his mouth.
Chaz shrugged. “He didn’t attack me and seemed the smartest of that bunch.”
“The Folsom pack sounds like them having shitty leadership for all that time caused Keith’s kind of rot to spread to others. I’m glad you killed the jerk who was holding younglings hostage. That’s worse than using women. I wish I’d been here to help you last night. You should have called.”
“I didn’t get the message from Fray until afterward,” Chaz admitted. “Besides, I had it handled.”
“Did you tell this Corlin what happened? I would,” Garson suggested. “There might be more Noah-type pricks who use messed-up tactics to get what they want. The new alpha would know who was capable of that kind of crap. I’m sure he’d want them dead before they send someone else after Shoni here. No one with a brain would want to get on your bad side.”
Chaz sighed. “I didn’t, but I should.” His gaze went to Shoni. “It might be best if I visit the pack after what happened last night and remind them you’re under my protection.”
“The diner again?” Shoni knew he didn’t want her to stay in her home if he had to leave her alone.
“No. Garson is here. He can protect you while I’m away. There’s no need for you to go somewhere public to be safe from them trying to come at you again.”
“I could totally go for a diner trip. I’m still hungry.” Garson glanced between them.
“No,” Chaz stated. “Order more food to be delivered if you want. Keep Shoni here.” He leaned in, glaring at Garson. “Treat her like a sister. Remember… no.”
Garson lifted his hands, displaying his palms. “Hands off. Mouth shut. No flirting. Got it, man. You can trust me.” He glanced at Shoni before their staring at each other continued. “Not to mention, I’m looking for a Lycan mate. Humans come with families, and that’s tough to explain away when they need to disappear. She’d be all bummed and depressed. I want a happy mate.”
“Good.” Chaz picked up the sunglasses he’d taken off before eating. “You’re safe with Garson, Shoni. I won’t be gone long. Let Garson answer the door if anyone shows up.”
She nodded. “I understand.”
Chaz stood, motioning for Garson to follow him. “Let’s have a few words outside.” He turned his head in Shoni’s direction. “I won’t be long. Listen to Garson, okay? I trust him.”
“I will.”
They both walked outside, and Chaz closed the door behind him. Shoni was curious and hurried to press her ear to the crack between the front door and frame. She heard Chaz’s voice but couldn’t make out the words. He spoke for a good minute. Garson must have been inches from the door because his words were clear.
“You’re shitting me! Some dick cheated on her and stood her up before the wedding? Hell yeah, I’ll fuck with his head if he dares show up here. I’ll send his ass to Antarctica and make him believe he’s a penguin if you want.”
Shoni backed away from the door and headed upstairs. She located her purse, checked all her missed texts, and saw voicemails waiting, too. Most of them, she ignored. Her father had made it safely home. Ember wanted to come over that night, demanding to see her. Her cousin was worried about her.
She immediately texted back. I’m good. Not ready for company yet. I’ll call you in a few days. Love you .
Ember immediately responded, tiny dots appearing. You’re not avoiding me anymore . I’d be there right now, but we had three surgeries scheduled early this morning. I’m on recovery duty until the last owner picks up their pet. I still feel bad that I went to that concert last night. I should have been with you.
Shoni responded. No. I told you there was no way you were missing out on that. You and your friend bought those tickets six months ago, and you’ve been excited ever since. Was it fun?
You know it. I still feel guilty for going. I bought you a T-shirt.
Shoni smiled. Thanks. I’m glad you went.
I’m coming over later and will bring Italian food from your favorite restaurant. Then I’m going to drill you for info about the hottie. I demand all the details.
“Shit,” Shoni muttered. Her cousin was talking about Chaz and the show he’d put on in front of her family. She started to text back. I love you, but I really need more alone time. Give me a few more days. Please.
Fine. One more day. Tomorrow, we’re going to spend time together. Even if I have to kick in your door. Got to go. One of the owners just arrived to pick up their neutered dog. I’ll text you tomorrow when I’m on my way.
Shoni breathed out a sigh of relief after reading Ember’s response, glad her cousin was giving her a reprieve for one more day. She heard the door open and close below. Garson was back inside. She put her phone on her bedside charger and went downstairs.
Garson sat on a barstool, finishing off the onion rings. It was strange to have someone she didn’t know in her home. She did trust Chaz. He said she’d be safe with the VampLycan.
“Do you want another tea? I have water, too. I’m sorry your choices are limited. I need to go grocery shopping.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m sorry for all you’ve been through. Humans don’t usually get pulled into our world all that much. It sucks when it happens because it usually means shit went wrong. It’s the whole law thing about keeping our existence secret.”
Shoni entered the kitchen, starting to clean up the small mess left from their eating. “It’s definitely made my life more interesting.”
He chuckled. “I bet.”
“Can I ask you something?”
He hesitated, looking uncertain. “You know I’ll just have to remove whatever I say when Chaz tells me it’s time to make you forget all this.”
“I know. I’m curious, though.”
“Shoot.”
“You said humans need to disappear. Why?”
“Oh, you mean when someone mates a human? Chaz didn’t explain this to you?”
“No.”
“That’s not surprising. He’s the most tight-lipped GarLycan I’ve ever met. His twin is way more talkative. So, here’s the lowdown. Is that the right saying?” He went on before she could answer. “When you mate to one of us—or, hell, anything not human—we share blood. Other humans would notice when that person stops aging. That’s what happens to human mates sharing our blood. It’s best to cut all ties to their families and friends. Our number one rule is to stay hidden and off the radar of your kind.”
Shoni walked to the counter that separated them, thinking about what he’d shared. “Being mated extends someone’s lifespan?” She wanted confirmation.
“Yes. You aren’t going to suddenly change your mind and agree to mate Chaz now that I told you that, are you? Because matings are for life. As I just told you, that means drastically extending that. I recently met a Lycan who is going on his sixth century. Gargoyles live way longer, and that’s what Chaz mostly is. You need to take mating seriously and only do it if you’re in love with him.”
Shock hit. “Six centuries? As in six hundred years old?”
“Yes.” Garson popped a fry in his mouth, chewing. “I’ve heard they can live even longer than that. Gargoyles are around for thousands of years. See why I’m telling you not to agree to it unless you are in love with him? There’s no such thing as divorce in our world. Mating is until death.”
“He didn’t ask me. Chaz said he isn’t ready for a mate.”
“Oh. I just assumed he had those kinds of feelings since he slammed me into a wall for calling you pretty. My bad.”
Shoni turned away, putting her and Chaz’s plates in the sink to wash later.
“He could change his mind. I saw how he looked at you while his sunglasses were off. Chaz’s eyes don’t freak you out?”
“No. I think they are beautiful.”
“Chaz should keep you. Not too many women would dig staring into his strange eyes during sexy time. I don’t even want to imagine what that would look like. I hang out with Fray more than his brother. His eyes can do some weird things, depending on how he’s feeling. My kind just get glowy eyes when lust hits.”
Shoni turned to face him. “Glowy?”
“Watch.” He stared at her, and his dark eyes lit and brightened. They turned amber.
Shoni froze, unable to look away. It was like her mind ceased working, and she couldn’t even think.
“Are you in love with Chaz? Tell me the truth,” Garson ordered.
“Yes,” she blurted.
Garson’s eyes turned dark again, returning to normal. She could think again. Shoni backed away until she bumped the counter behind her. She put her hand over her mouth as her heart pounded. It horrified Shoni that she’d admitted that aloud.
“Sorry about that. I needed to test if you were immune to me. You’re not. Some humans are. That would complicate things if you were. I wouldn’t be able to remove and change some of your memories.”
Shoni dropped her hand and tried to calm down. He’d just done something to her mind to make her answer his question. She hadn’t been able to stop herself.
“Then again, I’m sorry you aren’t immune, since you love Chaz. He’d have to rethink that entire mate thing with you since it’s against our laws to allow an unmated human to know about us. Ready or not, he’d have to bond with you to keep you safe or find a place for you to live without other humans you might betray us to.”
“That’s what would happen if I’d been immune to whatever you just did to me and Chaz still didn’t want to keep me in his life?”
“Yeah. Or much worse. It’s best not to even think about that. Really. Some answers you never want to know.”
Shoni felt fear but pushed it down. “Would you have to kill me?”
“I would never do that, but you might have had to come to Alaska with us. There are lots of unmated men there who’d love to romance you until you agree to mate with one of them. Let’s just say there aren’t a lot of options for my clan since we used to be led by an asshole. The few unmated women we have…” He visibly shuddered. “That’s a hell no. I want to be happy when I take a mate. Not miserable or worried about her slitting my throat while I sleep.”
Shoni just stared at him, unsure how to take that.
“It’s a long story I won’t share since that would mean just more work for me later when I start adjusting all your memories to make you forget all the stuff you need to.” He smiled. “Let’s just say our previous shitty leader had friends with benefits. I never want to be with someone who liked him that way. Do you have any snacks? I’m still hungry.”
“Maybe.” She went to cabinets that stored dry foods, opening them up. She had some canned goods in there, too. “Do you like soup? Corned beef hash? I also have some boxes of flavored noodles.”
“I like every kind of food. I’d be happy with any of it.”