Fray (VLG #14)

Chapter Three

It was eerily quiet in the small cavern room they were inside. Len was glad she couldn’t make anything out once Fray had turned off the light. The roof still loomed overhead, but at least she wouldn’t see it coming if it collapsed, crushing them to death. Fray kind of threw his body around next to her, and the bed creaked.

She was naked from the waist down. It made sense that he’d strip her that way after he’d explained the situation. That Yiz guy didn’t seem very trusting, and he was a major asshole. He would probably try to catch them naked. It was impossible to forget that Fray had stripped all his clothes off and lay just inches away.

He adjusted his body again, and the bed frame made more noise. She startled when he put his hand on her stomach and leaned in. His hot breath fanned her cheek, then her ear.

“This is going to be the hard part. I still need you to work with me. Can you do that?”

What can be worse than letting him strip my lower half? She nodded, though. She got it. They were in deep shit, and the bad guys needed to think Fray was one of them. He technically was since he admitted to being a Gargoyle, too, but she understood that he must be the equivalent of the good guy version.

She had known him for years, and he’d never done anything to hurt her before. Moe was close to the two brothers and always spoke well of them when he said anything about them. She was willing to give Fray her trust.

“I need them to think we had sex and that I bred you. Remember their sense of smell?”

She had a really bad feeling she wasn’t about to like his next words. His hand on her stomach was warm through the material of the shirt and gentle when he lightly rubbed her there. She nodded again. He’d probably have to scratch her again.

“You heard what he said about the smells between us. It was lacking semen in that mix.”

Her eyes widened.

“I know. Do you think this is a fun conversation for me to have with you? You’re Moe’s daughter, even if it isn’t by blood. I’m supposed to treat you as though we’re related.” He sighed, and his hand stilled on her stomach. “I’m just going to have to flat-out say this. You’re not some blushing virgin. I could always tell when you had boyfriends and if you’d had sex with them recently from your scent. You were doing the college professor.”

She knew her checks must be turning pink.

“You’d bleed if I took you dry, so I need to help you out with that a little, and then I’m going to have to jack off. You’ll smell right to them, and it will convince them I’m breeding you. This fucking bed is a nightmare, too, because they’ll hear it if I nail you or, in our case, not hear it if I don’t. That means we’re going to have to do a little X-rated acting by putting on a sound show. Follow me so far?”

She turned her head, really wishing she could see Fray, but it was just darkness. “Mmmmm.”

“The muzzler is going to loosen soon, and we’ll get it out of your mouth. I can see you, but I’m not sure if you’re pissed off right now or just shocked.”

She glared in his direction.

“I get that you don’t like having a muzzler in your mouth. Sorry. This is what I think will work. I’m going to get on top of you and touch you a little until you scent right. Then I’m going to pretend to fuck you to make this bed rock. I’ll use my hand to get myself off. I’m sure some guy has come on your thigh before, or at least I hope so. That way, they’ll pick up my semen on you. Damn.” He sighed. “This is so fucked up. Please don’t ever tell Moe. He’s going to want to rip off my nuts. I say we make this our little secret by never telling anyone what we had to do.”

She could totally get on board with that last part. She nodded.

“That’s the plan. Are you okay with that?”

It all made sense. She might not like what they needed to do, but Fray was trying to keep them both alive. She closed her eyes and nodded again.

“I have to admit this is going to be more difficult for me than you.” He moved, and she tried not to tense when he maneuvered his big body over hers. She spread her legs apart to make room for him.

Len opened her eyes, trying to find his face, but couldn’t see a thing. It was starting to bother her. She moved her arms, pointing to where the light was.

“What?” He froze.

She jerked her head and pointed again.

“Do you want me to get off you? Are you panicking? I’m not going to hurt you.”

She shook her head and tried to look at him again, squinting since he said he could see her. She pointed toward the light again.

“You want the light back on?”

She nodded.

“It’s better if it’s off. I haven’t ever had to jack off with someone watching me before. That’s something a man does in private.”

She didn’t know why that struck her as funny, but it did. It might have been the stress. She laughed.

He came down on top of her, fitting his hips between her knees until he was a lot lower on her than he would be if he did plan to have sex with her. “I’m glad that amuses you. I’m keeping the lights off. It will help you forget all this later if there aren’t vivid images to go with it. I almost wish I were blind.”

That hurt her feelings. She lifted her hand and flipped him off. She really missed being able to talk.

“What was that for?”

She turned her head away and closed her eyes.

“Hey.” He cupped her cheek, using his thumb to brush back her hair. “Did I say something wrong?”

She lowered her hands and tried to pull out the stupid thing in her mouth. It moved slightly. She was done with it and tugged harder despite the fact that it hurt her teeth to do it. She used her tongue to try to shove it out, too.

“Easy, honey.” He released her cheek and shoved her hands away. “Let me see what I can do. Just keep your voice to a whisper. They will hear us otherwise.”

He gently gripped the strange thing covering her mouth and shook it a little. It wasn’t coming out. He leaned in since she could feel his breath. “Try to pull your lips back. I’m about to get up close and personal with you, but my saliva will help it unseal. It’s a Gargoyle thing. Fair warning. Are you okay with that?”

She gave a thumbs up, willing to let him spit on her at that point if it was what it took to free her mouth.

He adjusted her head, and she jerked when his tongue traced her lower lip. It was wet and hot. He wasn’t exactly kissing her but instead seemed to lick at the edges of the pacifier thing. It was one of the weirdest experiences she’d ever had, but she held still as he worked around the edges of it. He put his mouth over hers, and she felt his teeth clamp around the thing. He just stayed there for a good minute, but whatever he did worked because it released its hold on her teeth. He pulled it out and, from the sound, spit it out.

She opened her mouth, running her tongue over her lips and teeth. She flexed her jaw a few times, too, since it was nice to be able to move it. Fray just lay on top of her while she did it. She had words for him but remembered to whisper when she spoke.

“Don’t ever do that to me again.”

“You said it was okay for me to get up close and personal.”

“I meant shoving whatever the hell that was into my mouth. It tasted horrible.”

“I know.”

“What in the hell was that?”

“You don’t want to know all the gritty details, but it’s called a muzzler. We use it when we must keep a human silent for whatever reason. They also prevent Vampires from trying to bite us. It’s why I keep a few of them inside my pack. I hate Vamps trying to take a bite out of me.”

She replayed his words a few times. “Vampires?”

“They are real. That’s why I wanted my backpack from Moe’s. I saw a few of them on the edge of your town and planned to track them to find out who they were and why they were there. I like to get answers to see if they need killing or are harmless. Vamps see the wings and just panic. They fight, so we don’t have time to talk until they are restrained.”

She closed her eyes while letting that information sink in. “All Vampires are dangerous if they exist.”

“The tooth fairy isn’t real. Is that comforting? I think a woman sneaking into your bedroom to take your teeth while you sleep is way more frightening than someone wanting to drink a little blood. Vamps just usually feed a little off you, make you forget it, and you wake up fine in the morning. The decent ones are oversized mosquitoes. And…you still have all your teeth when they are done with you.”

She opened her eyes and reached down, finding his shoulder. She gripped it with both hands since she had to keep her wrists close together. He had hot, firm skin. “Is that supposed to be funny?”

“No. I’m trying to distract us both from the fact that I’m between your thighs.”

It had worked and reminded her of why she’d wanted that damn muzzler thing out of her mouth. “Like I’m thrilled about this, too. Let’s just get this over with. When do you think we might be able to sneak out of here?”

“Yiz will check on us, and we’ll pretend to be asleep. We’ll wait until the sun comes up. They are night runners. Their downtime will be daylight. Did you see how pale-skinned they are? That tells me they aren’t fans of the sun. Old clans are like that. They almost function like Vampire nests, only coming out after dark. The tough part is I won’t be able to fly us out.”

“Why not?”

“Someone could see me in the air. We are forbidden to fly during the day in populated areas. Even in small towns like yours.”

That made sense. She’d never seen a flying man before. Mystery solved as to why no one was aware that Gargoyles existed. “This old mining site is dangerous. They put up fences years ago, closing off the entire area. The ground and hillsides have been known to experience major sinkholes and collapses. We’ll have to walk about a mile until we’re out of danger once we leave the cavern.”

“I’ll have my wings out and walk us past the danger. I’ll be able to fly us close to the ground if that happens. Feel better? We won’t fall to our deaths.”

She nodded. “That will work.”

“Let’s get past one hurdle at a time. Yiz doesn’t strike me as the patient sort. We need to smell right when he comes in here. I’m damn sorry about this.”

“You didn’t know they were going to attack the motel, did you?”

“No. I’m shocked as shit that they’d dare come to the States. My lord has claimed it. They are stupid, though.”

A ton of questions filled her head. Who is his lord? How many gargoyles are there living in the United States? She decided to ask them later. “Then let’s just do what we must and get away from them.”

“I admire you right now. You’re taking all this really well.”

“I’m promising myself a stiff drink later. Maybe an entire bottle.”

“I’ll buy.”

She smiled. “You should. I usually get dinner before I let a guy remove my undies and pin me to a bed.”

He leaned closer, his chest pressing against her belly. “I’ll buy you a steak. Deal?”

“With lobster, considering that we’re inside a very dangerous mine. Dessert, too. I’ve earned it.”

He chuckled. “Fair enough. Spread your legs more. I’m going to touch you, Lenore. You need to scent right, and that means making you wet.”

She felt her cheeks warm again. “Call me Len.”

“Do you want to tell me the fastest way to turn you on?”

His tone became husky. That helped, but she wasn’t willing to admit that. “I can do it myself.”

“It will help me get off if I touch you.”

She blushed more and nodded. “Are you sure about that? You were wishing you were blind so you didn’t have to look at me.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He adjusted his upper body a little and snagged the chain between her cuffs, jerking her hands up above her head again. “This is going to haunt me for a long time. I just wish I had less to remember.”

“Haunt? Geez. I’m not that bad-looking.”

His body grew rigid. “That’s not what I meant either. Moe threatened to castrate me the time he smelled arousal coming off me when I was watching you. It was right before you moved out of their home. I heard a noise outside the office door, so I investigated. You were wearing a very short nightgown that went to mid-thigh, and you stretched to reach an upper cabinet while you were waiting for the coffee to brew. You wore blue panties, and I got a good view of your ass since your back was to me. One second, I was standing in the hallway, thinking I wanted to take you back to bed and all the things I’d like to do with you there. Instant hard-on. The next, Moe had his hand around my throat and shoved me back into his office to remind me that you were off limits.”

She was stunned but couldn’t remember that ever happening. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise that Moe would have someone over, though, and she not be aware of it. His office was close to the open kitchen and living space from the hallway. The office had its own door to the outside of the house. She’d moved out a year after graduating high school to get her own place. “You were attracted to me?”

“I’m not blind, Len. You’re Moe’s daughter, though. I’m not supposed to want you.”

“Stepdaughter.”

“He sees you as his daughter, and that means he wouldn’t want you anywhere near me. He’s tried to keep you unaware of anything not human.”

A male shouted something in the distance, the words lost to Len, but she jerked from the sudden noise.

“Damn. Their so-called lord has returned. We’re out of time. No more talking. Just try to relax. Ready, honey?”

For what? She nodded, though, despite being unsure of what he was going to do to her exactly.

Fray lifted off her chest and slid a hand between their bodies. She spread her legs more to give him room. He shoved the borrowed shirt she wore up to her stomach, and she sealed her lips together when his fingertips lightly brushed her inner thigh, slowly inching upward toward her pussy.

She sucked in a sharp breath when his thumb pressed down over her clit. It was wet, as if he’d licked that digit first. He circled the bud, playing with her.

“This is going to be hell for both of us,” he rasped. “I’ve wanted to touch you for so damn long. I hated your professor. He wasn’t good enough for you. I wish I could put my mouth down here instead. I’d love to know your taste on my tongue. Of course, these bastards would never go down on a breeder. It would seem odd to them if I did.”

She imagined what that would be like if that were Fray’s mouth instead of his thumb caressing her clit and knew she was already getting wet. She moved her arms lower until her hands were pressed against the top of her head. She needed to hold onto something and curl her fingers into some of her long hair spread over the bed. Fray knew what he was doing. It was torment as he continued to draw circles over the sensitive bud, making her ache to climax.

A soft growl came from Fray. “Fuck. You smell good.”

He stopped playing with her clit and ran his thumb down her slit. They could both feel how wet she had gotten. He lightly teased where she wanted him inside her, but instead of fucking her with his digit, he ran his thumb upward, rubbing her clit again.

Len moaned and moved her hips, urging him to get her off. Fray growled again and turned slightly. Something hard, big, and hot pressed against her leg. He was turned on, too. She knew that was his cock. He applied more pressure as he changed the pattern of teasing her clit, rubbing up and down.

She blindly released her hair and reached for his shoulder, clinging to him. She shifted her legs higher, gripping his hips with her knees. She wanted to urge him up her body more. Just imagining what it would feel like to have him fuck her sent her over the edge. She clenched her teeth and tucked her head, shoving her mouth against her shoulder to muffle the sounds she made as the climax rolled through her.

Fray pulled his thumb away and gripped her knee, forcing it away from his hip. He climbed up her a bit, and she thought he’d fuck her when she felt his stiff cock brush up against her pussy. He wedged the thick, hard length of his shaft against her slit and seemed to trap it there with his hand. He rocked his hips slowly. She understood what he was doing. He was using her body and his hand to get him off.

Len released his shoulder and opened her arms, found his head, and hooked her bound wrists behind his neck. She explored his back, letting her hands slide over the expanse of his skin.

She bucked under him from the friction of his cock, teasing her oversensitive clit. He had a big, thick one. She didn’t need to see it. She could feel it pressed tight against her pussy.

“I want you,” she admitted.

He growled in response but didn’t enter her. He did increase the pace of his hips. The bed loudly creaked.

Maybe she hadn’t been clear enough. “Fuck me.”

He thrust against her a little harder and snarled. Then Fray lowered down her body a little, and she felt him press up against her pussy, the crown of his cock nudging against her opening as if he did plan to take her up on her offer. He groaned and came against her instead.

His body shook a little, and his harsh breathing echoed in the cave. She felt his semen spilling onto her. It was very warm. He released his shaft and came down on top of her, his chest flush with hers. It pinned her tight to the bed.

He pressed his cheek against hers, his heavy breathing tickling her neck and ear. “I knew I wouldn’t last long. Now you smell like you’ve been bred.”

She was holding him, her arms still around his neck. She’d stopped exploring his back, though. Why didn’t he enter me? Part of her was relieved. She probably would have regretted it later.

The other part of her felt confused, her feelings injured. She hadn’t expected to want him that much, but she had. She’d practically begged him to fuck her, yet he hadn’t. She wasn’t sure how to take that.

“Try to sleep.” Fray caught his breath. “I’ll wake you the moment I think we have a chance of escape.”

She nodded against him.

“Are you okay, Len?”

She nodded.

Long seconds ticked by.

“You’re able to talk, but you’re being very quiet.”

She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. I’m trying to fall asleep like you said.”

He adjusted his body on top of her, seeming to get more comfortable. “Are you going to tell Moe about this? I’d like to know if I should expect him to castrate me.”

“No.” She couldn’t let it go. “It’s not like we had sex. That was more like what teenagers do to fool around.”

He lifted his head for some reason. She closed her eyes in case he looked at her face. He must have seen something, though. “What’s wrong?”

She opened her eyes, hating that she couldn’t see him. “I told you I wouldn’t tell Moe what happened.” She closed her eyes and turned her head away from him.

“You’re pissed. Why? You agreed to let me touch you.”

“Did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much? I mean, years of you not speaking to me, and now you’re a damn chatterbox. I’m trying to sleep.”

He lowered his face and pressed his mouth against her throat. It came as a surprise when he nibbled on her there with his lips and tongue, even going higher to catch the lobe of her ear with his teeth. He lightly bit her.

“What was that for?” She jerked her head away from his mouth.

“When I do fuck you, it won’t be here, honey. It’s going to be somewhere that we both can enjoy being together without me having to keep an ear out for danger and my other hand ready to grab my sword to protect you. I will take my time and enjoy the feel of being inside you.”

Her heart hammered.

“ When . Not if . I want to be clear. We’re not finished, even after I get us the hell out of this mess and deal with these bastards with the help of my brother. I didn’t even ask you if you’re on birth control. Get on something right away if you aren’t already. I don’t want anything between us when I fuck you. Not my shirt. Not even a condom. I want to feel every damn inch of you against me without any barriers. Expect me at your house when I clear out this damn colony from Moe’s territory. You can either let me in or tell me to go to hell. The choice is yours. Think about that and be sure, either way, when you find me on your doorstep.”

She didn’t have to consider it. “I keep a spare key to my back door by a big rock near it. Left side.”

He chuckled. “No roommates?”

“Moe doesn’t trust them not to somehow screw me over. He rents his cabin by the lake to me.”

“Good. Now sleep. I’m going to plot how to get us the hell out of here without being caught. I need to think.”

* * * * *

Fray listened for hours, waiting for it to grow absolutely quiet. He was grateful that Len didn’t have his hearing and that she’d fallen asleep. The bastards had bred the women they’d captured, and he’d had to fight his urges to attack every damn Gargoyle in the place. He wanted to save those women from the horrors they’d experienced, but he had to get Len to safety first. She was his priority.

Zadian and Yiz both had crept into the cave earlier to check out what he and Len were doing. He’d let them know he was aware of them by reaching for his sword and holding their gazes in the dark. It would be a mistake to allow them to think they could sneak up on him. He might as well have invited them to attack him otherwise. They’d left without a word. A third one had brought him his bags and placed them on the floor near the opening.

He eased off Len after a few hours of total silence and climbed out of bed. He put on his clothes, minus the shirt Len wore. Then he buckled his belt and adjusted his sword so it was ready if needed. They hadn’t taken his watch. He glanced at the time. It was two hours after sunrise. He pulled out his cell from his pocket, but there was no signal. The mountain probably blocked it.

The main area of the cavern was abandoned when he left the room they’d been given to explore the larger section of the cave. A woman softly cried from one of the tunnels. Pity welled inside Fray, but he and Chaz would rescue them. It was just a matter of time. By scent, he found the tunnel they were using for a bathroom to take a piss. It was a great excuse to use if he got caught exploring.

He stood there for at least twenty minutes, waiting and watching. No one seemed to be patrolling the area. Amateurs. He curled his lip in disgust. They weren’t even smart enough to keep a day guard. That was great for him but bad for them.

Fray turned, entering the cave room with Len. He crouched down next to the bed and put his hand over her mouth. She instantly woke.

He placed his lips close to her ear. “Not a word. It’s time to go.”

She nodded, and he released her. He didn’t turn on the light but used his hands to guide her off the bed, careful of each movement to avoid the frame from creaking. He helped her put on her panties and skirt before pulling her close.

“Make no sound. They have great hearing, and it echoes a bit out there. You stick right behind me. If we’re confronted, get against the nearest wall and stay there because I’m going to have to fight. You do everything I say. Don’t hesitate. Our lives depend on it. Got it?”

She nodded.

“They brought my packs. I’m removing the handcuffs now. I’m going to put my backpacks on you. I need to be able to sprout wings if we need to fly.”

She lifted her hand and gave him a thumbs-up. It only took a moment to free her from the cuffs. He stashed them back into one of his bags, easing away from her.

He hooked the pack straps on each of her shoulders and gripped her hand, leading her out of the cave. He knew she couldn’t see, but the Gargoyles had left a few lanterns on in the main area. He paused at the opening, making sure it remained clear. Nothing moved. He stepped out and released her hand, silently unsheathing his sword.

He crept across the room and was impressed with Len. She kept quiet and exactly where he wanted her. That was at his back. They finally saw daylight from the mouth of the mine. He motioned for her to stop and get against the wall. She did it.

He went on alone to make certain they hadn’t left someone stationed outside. It was clear, and his gaze scanned the wooded area, checking every inch of the ground and even the trees. He glanced back, waving her forward. She came. It made him aware that Len was barefoot. Her shoes had been left behind in the motel. That was going to be a problem when they left the dirt of the caverns. It couldn’t be helped, though.

He grabbed her hand with his free one and started to jog. She kept at his side as they made it to the tree line. He glanced at the ground, aware that it might hurt her feet. She didn’t slow or complain.

Len impressed him. She might be human, but she was brave. They kept going. Her ragged breathing warned him when she grew tired. He slowed to a walk, barely glancing at her because he needed to watch for an attack.

“Can we rest?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.”

She nodded, panting. He saw the fence that enclosed the property and sheathed his sword. He helped her climb over it and followed. There were no cars in the wooded area, but he saw the top of a nearby roof. He pulled her across the old paved road and had her lean against a tree.

“Stay put. I’ll be right back. Hide if you see anyone. I’ll be close.”

“Where are you going?”

“To get us a vehicle.”

She nodded. “I need to pee.”

“Pick a spot to squat.”

“Great. I’ll do that.”

He glanced around once more, looking for signs of pursuit. He rushed away and approached the house from behind. He cocked his head, listening for any sound of life from inside. He didn’t pick up any.

The garage was separate from the house. He tried there first. An old truck sat rusting, but the tires were flat. There was also a dirt bike. A thin chain and lock held it against one of the built-in benches. He examined the bike quickly, and the owner was nice enough to leave the keys for the lock hanging on a hook by the larger door. He freed it, pushing the bike out of the garage.

Len waited for him in almost the exact spot he’d left her. “Cross your fingers.” He straddled the bike and tried to start it. Fray grinned as the motor rumbled. “Get on, honey.”

“You lost your sunglasses.” She climbed on. “And you’re sporting a sword. I hope we don’t run into any cops.”

“They are the least of our worries. I could just tell them we went to a wild party where we had to dress up in costumes or something. Humans tend to grab hold of any excuse rather than the truth. It’s too unbelievable for them to handle.” He glanced at the nearby fence that closed off the old mining operation. “Hold on tight.”

He took off down the road, noticing that there weren’t foot pegs for Len to rest her bare feet on. He slowed on turns to make certain she wasn’t hurt. He knew the area somewhat.

“Do me a favor,” he yelled out. “Watch the sky behind us.”

“You said you can’t fly during the day.”

“I said it was forbidden. Those bastards are crazy enough to break even the most basic rules we live by.”

She twisted her head, doing what he’d asked, while he paid attention to the road. They passed a car, and he winced at the looks the driver sent their way. He wouldn’t be surprised if the human called the police. They probably were a sight with his shirt off and Len’s bare legs and feet sticking out on the sides of the dirt bike. He recognized a building they passed and turned onto the road leading to Kevin’s place. It was closer than Moe’s.

“We’re close to Kevin’s place. He’s one of Moe’s best friends. Do you know him?”

“Yes. Watch the sky,” he ordered Len.

“I am. I only see a few birds.”

He punched it on the straight road, wanting to put distance between them and that colony. He finally spotted the mailboxes he sought and slowed, turning onto a dirt road. He drove it until he reached the first house porch and right under the outcropping roof to hide the bike from the sky. Fray killed the engine.

The door swung open almost immediately, and he turned his head. Kevin stood there wearing sweatpants. It was clear the guy had just gotten out of bed, alerted that someone had driven onto his property. He arched his eyebrows when he met Fray’s stare.

Fray spoke first. “We have problems.”

Kevin’s nose flared as he inhaled. His gaze shifted to Len. “Moe is going to kill you.”

“Hi, Kev.” Len released Fray and climbed off the back of the bike. She shoved her skirt down.

Fray climbed off the bike and spotted Mitch rushing out of the house next door to investigate who had trespassed. Fray addressed Kevin. “Order him to hide the bike. It’s hot as hell.”

“I don’t care about the dirt bike.” Kevin stepped outside. “What in the fuck are you doing with Lenore? You know the rules. You might not live here, but you have to follow them.”

“You have rogue Gargoyles trying to set up a colony at the mines about eight miles from here. They attacked the motel last night, stole women to breed with, and took us with them. I couldn’t fight that many and get Len out with me. I had to play along by joining them. We just escaped.”

Kevin paled. “What?”

“Do I really have to repeat myself? They are full-bloods, and none of them are mated. They plan to breed a small army of scavengers. Their breed preference is humans, thankfully, but I doubt they are aware that your pack has already claimed this area. We need to stop them before they steal more women. They have taken at least eight breeders so far that I counted. Within a week, they could steal twice that many.”

Len stepped closer to him. “He’s not crazy. I saw them. Gargoyles are real. They have wings and everything, but they aren’t stone like you’d think. They are just big. And I think Russian.”

Fray appreciated her standing up for him, but it wasn’t needed. “Kevin and Mitch already know that Gargoyles exist.”

Kevin reached up and ran his fingers through his hair. “Fuck. Scavengers are those brutal little bastards you told me about, right? They are bred just to be clan defenders?”

“Yeah. This isn’t technically a clan, though. Those have mated pairs. A colony is different.” Fray nodded. “They only contain males, and usually the children they breed are ice cold emotion-wise and trained as soon as they can get their claws out to kill. Bad shit. We need to deal with this now. Len said Moe is out of town. This mess is yours until he gets back. We need to work together, Kevin.”

Kevin narrowed his eyes, staring at Len. “And her? Do you want to explain what you’re doing anywhere near her, Fray? You know Moe is going to lose his shit.”

“I didn’t realize he wasn’t in town when I arrived. I left a message on his answering machine, but Len heard it. I didn’t know she’d bring my backpack to the motel. They attacked, and that’s how it happened. They would have stolen her to use as a breeder. I told them she was mine already and went along with them, pretending I wanted to join their colony. It was me touching her or one of those bastards. What would you have done?”

Len smacked his upper arm. “I thought you said you weren’t going to tell anyone?”

“He smells me on you. I thought we could make it to Moe’s, and you could shower my scent off, but your safety comes first. Kevin’s home was closer, and now we have backup if those bastards track us down.” He held Kevin’s gaze. “My scent is just on her. Not inside her. I had to make it believable. One of them commented about her scent. He was suspicious.”

Kevin dropped his arm to his side. “I hear you. I doubt Moe is going to care whether you actually nailed his daughter or not. Does she know everything now?”

Fray shook his head. “I didn’t tell her what you’re thinking.”

“What don’t I know?” Len glanced between them.

Fray remained quiet. It wasn’t his secret to tell.

Kevin crossed the porch and gripped her shoulders gently in his big hands. “Moe wanted to protect you, kid. You might not be his blood, but he loves you. Your mom is aware of the truth, but they decided you’d be safer not knowing. This Gargoyle colony coming into our town changes everything. I have permission to explain things to you in case of an emergency. I’d say this constitutes that.”

Fray grimaced. He kept close to Len in case she took the news badly. The Gargoyles would be hunting them once they realized the two of them had escaped. He’d be damned if he allowed her to put herself in danger by running off on her own.

Mitch cleared his throat. “I’m going to make calls and bring everyone here.”

“Have them meet us at Moe’s place. It’s bigger and more fortified. We’re at war.” Kevin ran his hands down Len’s arms and clasped her hands.

Fray didn’t like him touching her that way but refrained from protesting. Kevin was like an uncle to Len since he was Moe’s best friend. He was also mated.