Chapter Eleven
The basement had mostly been cleared of pack by the time they returned. Twelve cots were waiting to be used. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough survivors to fill them all. The victims remained sleeping, thanks to being sedated. Len used a warm, wet washcloth to clean blood and dirt off the exposed skin of the unconscious waitress.
Verna worked on the woman’s face, cleaning her split lip and applying healing ointment to a few of her cuts. “I wish I could do more for these humans. I’m still in training.”
“How do you train to become a healer?”
“Nina and Dorthy have been teaching me since I was a little girl. I’m also going to be the first in our pack to go through human training.”
That news surprised Len. “So the other healers aren’t actual doctors?”
Verna shook her head. “Taking care of a shifter and a human is very different. Moe wants me to be more educated because of your mom.”
“Does your magic not work on her?”
“Magic?” Verna chuckled. “It’s not like that. You watch a lot of movies, don’t you? Forget all that nonsense, Len. Werewolves heal fast. Pack healers mostly reset bones so they don’t improperly heal. We also stitch up deep wounds to stop the bleeding. Sometimes we do surgeries if we need to remove things like bullets. Thankfully, Weres don’t suffer from infections the way humans do, but we clean out wounds if they are dirty. Debris left behind can become a problem if the skin heals over it.”
“Oh. What kind of problems?”
“Skin irritations. Itching. Sometimes aches and pains. Think of a splinter. You’d feel it every time you bumped against something until it was removed.”
“I see. So you’re going to take first aid classes for humans?”
“I’m being sent to med school. Moe doesn’t like your mom depending on anyone outside of the pack treating her.”
“Is she sick?” Len tensed, instantly alarmed. There was a lot she didn’t know, and she had learned the hard way that no one wanted to tell her the truth unless they had to. She’d still be ignorant about everything not human if those Gargoyles hadn’t shown up in their town.
“No.” Verna scowled. “Not at all. Your mom is very healthy, and sharing blood with her mate helps keep her that way. Moe is worried about…”
“About what?”
Verna blushed. “I’m going for a bachelor’s degree in midwifery.”
It took Len a few seconds to realize what that meant. “Oh. Moe and my mom are probably going to have kids together. Gina mentioned that was a possibility.”
“Please don’t say that I said anything.”
“I won’t.”
“Thank you. Human doctors are fantastic, but everyone would feel better if we didn’t have to depend on someone outside of the pack to care for Lisa during pregnancy and childbirth. We can’t risk them running tests.”
“Right. Of course. The bloodwork would show something off about a baby of a Werewolf, right?”
“Yes.”
There was a commotion at the stairwell. Len saw three large, dangerous-looking strangers talking with Kevin. “Who are they?”
“I don’t know.” Verna cocked her head, seeming to listen.
Len couldn’t pick up what was being said that far away, but things looked tense. Some of the pack around the four men were inching away.
“The VampLycans have arrived,” Verna whispered. “They aren’t happy that we sedated the humans or brought them to the pack house. Kevin is explaining how dangerous the Morter Mines are.”
“Great. A pissing contest.” Len rolled her eyes. “That’s the last thing these poor women need right now.”
Hawk and Chaz came down the stairs, and the three new arrivals turned to speak to them. Len wondered where Fray was, hoping he hadn’t remained behind to guard the dead bodies. He wasn’t human, but part of a mountain collapsing on top of him might kill him. She wanted him safe.
“What are they saying?” Len was curious.
“Hawk reminded them that he’s in charge and that while he is grateful for their assistance, he doesn’t appreciate them being critical of the decisions our pack has made about the care of the humans harmed in our territory.”
Verna listened more. “The VampLycan named Garson just offered to take all the humans back to his clan in Alaska. Hawk said no. They’ve decided to have the healers give them medication that will terminate a pregnancy, and their minds will be completely wiped of what they endured at the hands of the Gargoyles. Lord Aveoth doesn’t want those women’s lives ruined or them traumatized even more by completely being taken away from everyone they know.”
Len stared down at the unconscious waitress. That could have been her laying there if Fray hadn’t saved her by pretending she was his breeding vessel. One of those monsters would have hurt her, and she’d possibly be carrying one of their babies. The only reason the pack hadn’t drugged her was because of her connection to Moe. She got to her feet.
“I’ll be right back.” Len headed right toward Hawk, Chaz, Kevin, and the three strangers.
Kevin noticed her first and motioned her away. Len ignored him and didn’t stop until she stood in front of Hawk. It put her in the center of their conversation circle. That was intentional. She wanted all six of them to hear every word she had to say.
“I’m Len.” She met the gaze of the three VampLycans. “Human, obviously. I’m also the stepdaughter of the alpha of this pack. Those women can’t talk for themselves right now because they are sedated. I’m appointing myself to be their voice.” She put her hands on her hips and glared up at Hawk. “You can tell your lord that it’s not up to him to end any pregnancies that might have happened. That’s something those women get to make the decision about. Each one is owed that much after what they’ve endured.”
Hawk was a scary man, and Len inwardly flinched over probably making him angry. He was Fray’s father and, hopefully, one day, her father-in-law. His mostly gray fluid eyes turned dark with lightning sparks of pale blue flashing as he scowled at her.
“We’re attempting to do what is best for these females. They have greatly suffered. To restore them to their original health and remove the memories of what has been done to them will assure they can resume their lives as if none of this happened.”
“But it did happen. I’m fine with you wiping the memories of the women who aren’t pregnant so they don’t have to remember the horrors they’ve endured. It’s the ones who might test pregnant that I disagree with you about. You can’t just end their pregnancies without consulting with them first. That’s a choice they need to make. It’s…only humane.”
“We’re not humans,” Kevin reminded her.
“I’m talking to Hawk. I believe that your lord is trying to do what’s best, but as a human, I’m telling you straight up that I’d want to be given a choice if I were one of those women. I’d find it unforgivable if someone decided something that important for me, like ending a pregnancy.” Len felt strongly about the topic. “You’ll be victimizing them twice.”
“It will just traumatize them more.”
She sighed at Hawk’s words. “Maybe, but it’s still the right thing to do.”
Hawk’s features softened. “You have a lot to learn, Lenore. First, any human pregnant by a Gargoyle would have to come live at the cliffs with our clan. It’s not only for their safety, but they’ll regularly need to be fed blood from a male. We are two different species. The drinking of blood assures that not only is the youngling born with strong Gargoyle traits, but it prevents rejection in a human’s womb. It’s very rare for your kind to successfully carry our young for more than a month without those feedings.”
That information surprised Len. “Then I guess you don’t need to end their pregnancies. Nature will do it.”
“I said it’s rare. The scent they will carry while pregnant will draw Vampires and Lycans to them. It’s against our laws for unmated humans to know about our kind. They could be killed.” Hawk paused. “And our way is less traumatic. They won’t even realize they were pregnant. Letting nature end those pregnancies would be crueler when they lose them. We’re trying to do what is best for those females.”
Len understood better, but it didn’t change her mind on the subject. “I still think they should get to decide if any of them are pregnant.”
Hawk let out a deep breath. “Do you realize we’d have to find a male willing to host a pregnant human and share his blood every few days? The female would get her own home, but she would become his responsibility to feed and care for like she was a part of his family. Do you honestly believe any woman would feel safe or agree to that after what other Gargoyles have done to them?”
Len held his gaze. “I still believe they should be given the choice if they are pregnant. You’re talking about their babies. Would the Gargoyle expect sex from her in exchange for being her host?”
“No.”
“Then I stand by what I’ve said,” Len firmly stated.
“Fine,” Hawk finally conceded. He turned his attention back to one of the VampLycans. “You can always erase their memories if they can’t handle being given options.”
“Thank you,” Len breathed out, feeling relief that they’d listened to her and that Fray’s father was willing to give those women choices if they did turn out to be pregnant. No way would she want someone terminating her baby without giving her the choice to decide.
The muscular VampLycan with long, wavy dark hair stared at Len. “It’s good to have a human representative here.”
Len liked being called that. Someone walked up behind her, lightly touching her hip. She spun, ecstatic to see it was Fray. “You’re back!” She hugged him.
Fray wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. “I was showering. What’s going on?”
“Your human representative was making her wishes known for the rescued women,” one of the VampLycans shared.
Len looked up, easing her hold on Fray when he released her. A big grin split his lips. “It’s good to see you, Tymber.” He glanced at the other one. “Yern.” Then his smile died. “What are you doing here, Garson? You left Alaska?”
“Kar and I wanted to take a vacation. Lorn asked Trayis if we could visit his brother’s pack. Arlis agreed. Then we got asked if at least one of us could help these two out. I volunteered. Kar will join us if we need a fourth V.L.”
“Who and who and who?” Len felt lost.
“Trayis is our clan leader,” Tymber informed her. “Yern is my brother. Garson here belongs to Lorn’s clan. We didn’t know if two of us would be enough to manage this situation since we weren’t sure how many victims had survived.” He paused. “Arlis is the half-brother of our clan leader and is an alpha of his own pack.”
“She doesn’t need explanations.” Kevin scowled. “You shouldn’t be involved in this at all, Lenore. It’s not your place to interfere with pack business or to ask questions. These are our allies. We’re grateful that they came. You need to go back to helping Verna and stay out of the way.”
She resisted rolling her eyes. “I don’t take orders from you, Kevin.”
He growled, looking instantly pissed. “You are a part of our pack, and I am in charge until Moe returns.”
“Don’t speak to her in that tone,” Fray ordered.
Len appreciated him standing up for her, but she didn’t need it. “I’ll say it again. I can’t be a part of something that I didn’t know about. You all kept me in the dark until our town was attacked by asshole Gargoyles. Then you only told me the truth because you had no choice.” Len glared at Kevin. “And don’t growl at me.”
“Spicy. I like her.” Garson stepped closer.
“Don’t even think about it, VampLycan.” Fray pulled her against his side, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Len is mine.”
“Damn. All the good ones are taken before I’m even given a chance to make them fall in love with me.”
Fray’s expression softened. “Now it makes sense why you’ve left Alaska. You and Kar are seeking mates. I thought the others were learning to trust your clan now that Lorn is leading it.”
Len was confused again. She looked up at Fray for clarification. He didn’t say anything, though. The VampLycan did.
“Our clan used to be led by a worthless piece of shit. Decker went out of his way to fuck over other clans and just be a massive tool in every way possible. He’s dead now, but there are still some bad apples giving the rest of us a negative reputation. Most VampLycan women would never consider mating to someone from our clan, and honestly, I can’t blame them. I wouldn’t mate one of our own for that same reason. They could secretly still be loyal to Decker’s screwed-up ways.” Garson shrugged. Then he winked at Fray. “I’m totally hoping to land myself a sexy Lycan mate. Kar came along because he actually wanted to take a vacation. I asked him to stay with Arlis’s pack because I figure I’ll have a better chance at finding a mate without him as competition.”
“You would like to be introduced to our single women.” Kevin nodded. “I can do that.”
“Avoid Tina,” Len muttered.
Garson met her gaze and arched his eyebrows in question.
“Tina can be problematic. She was my ex-lover before I found my mate and loves to cause trouble,” Kevin softly shared.
Garson inclined his head at Kevin. “Got it. I don’t need trouble. I’m looking for a sweet and kind mate.”
“This is not the time for this kind of talk,” Hawk demanded. “The injured humans could use some of your blood to be healed. Then we’ll have you test them to see if any are pregnant. It’s best to do this while they are still unconscious. Which one of you will do the testing?”
Yern lifted his hand. “Me. It’s best if I test them before we give them our blood. It will make pregnancy harder to determine afterward.”
“I see.” Kevin inclined his head. “Test the humans, and then our healers are prepared to draw some of your blood if you’re willing to donate.” Kevin motioned toward Nina. “I’ll take you to our eldest healer. She’ll assist you.”
The three VampLycans followed Kevin over to Nina. The five of them huddled together, softly speaking. Dorthy joined them.
Len watched the group talk for a full minute before she turned into Fray, peering up at him.
“Their blood can heal all those women’s injuries?”
“It’s the Vampire in them,” he clarified.
“It will only take a few minutes,” Chaz added. “Vampire saliva can remove surface skin wounds, and their blood can be swallowed or injected to heal internal injuries.”
“What about your blood?” Len looked to Fray for the answer.
“We don’t have that ability. Our blood is only shared with our mates. Regular feedings help their immune systems fight off about everything that would kill a human and stops their aging.”
That news shocked her. “What do you mean by that?”
“We live a hell of a lot longer than you do. Humans,” Chaz clarified. “Our mates stop aging when we share our blood so they can live as long as we do.”
The group across the room moved. That drew Len’s attention. They went to one of the cots, surrounding it. Yern knelt at the side of the unconscious victim. She was curious enough to walk away from Fray, wanting to see what would happen.
Yern’s hand shifted, claws growing out of his fingertips. He used his index finger to gently scratch the victim’s skin over her stomach that he bared.
Len muted her protest as she watched blood well from the shallow cut. The VampLycan dipped the tip of his claw into that blood and took it to his mouth. He closed his eyes as he rubbed it over his tongue.
Seconds passed before his eyes snapped open. He shook his head. “Not pregnant.”
Fray came to Len’s side, pressing his bigger body against hers. He also wrapped one of his arms around her waist. He lowered his head. “Those two hunt a lot of Lycans and have experience testing humans for pregnancy. Yern has a heightened sense of taste just for it.”
“Why do they hunt Werewolves?” She kept her voice as low as his.
“They mostly go after rogues that attack humans and need to be stopped. Those two hunt them down when they are reported by packs or nests. They also seek ones with younglings. You use the term kids.”
She pressed against his side. “What happens to the younglings? They are innocent.”
“Some are taken to friendly Lycan packs if their parents are stable-minded. Some are adopted into VampLycan clans if they are orphans. They don’t kill the innocent.”
Len nodded, glad to hear that. She watched as the group went to another victim. The process was repeated. That one wasn’t pregnant, either. Part of her hoped all the women were spared that diagnosis.
“How trustworthy is his sense of taste?”
“I’ve been told that Yern can detect pregnancy within hours of conception.” Fray paused. “I’ve worked with these two many times. He’s always correct.”
Len relaxed a little until they reached her waitress. She was already worried because of the things the woman had said, implying she was married to an abusive man. Chaz exposed her stomach and made a small scratch, soaked his claw with blood, and took it to his mouth.
Yern’s eyes snapped open seconds later, and he growled low. “This one is pregnant.”
“Are you sure?” Kevin scowled. “Her scent isn’t telling me so.”
Yern rose to his feet, facing off against the pack lead enforcer. “I’m certain. It’s in her blood. I’d say it happened at least a few days ago.”
“Damn,” Len muttered. Her poor waitress seemed to have the worst luck.
“Do you know her?” Fray wrapped his arm around her again.
She leaned into him, liking that he was attempting to comfort her. “She works at the highway dinner. It’s about ten miles from town. I don’t exactly know her or remember her name, but that’s where I’ve seen her. She’s waited on me a few times. I recognized her right away.”
“Do you still believe she should be given a choice?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll make sure that happens.” Fray shifted his stance, motioning to Chaz.
His brother moved to Len’s other side. “What?”
“Did you hear Yern?” Fray jerked his head toward the group who were moving away from the waitress to test the last two victims.
“Yes. That one is pregnant,” Chaz verified.
“Len knows her. Stick close to that female, please. Don’t let anyone end the pregnancy just in case the Lycans don’t agree with Father’s decision.”
“They wouldn’t dare.” Chaz huffed. “I’ll watch over her and demand they not sedate her again.” He moved toward that cot.
“Thank you.” Len felt gratitude that they were willing to help her make sure the right thing was done.
“It could have been you.”
Fray’s insight made her like him even more. “Exactly.”
“Don’t feel guilty, Len. I’m grateful I was able to prevent those males from harming you. Please focus on that emotion instead.”
He surprised her as she turned in his hold, staring up at him.
“Your expressions are easy to read. I’m also getting to know you.”
“I just want to do right by all of them. The pack seems to look down on me because I’m human. I’m not imagining that.”
“No. You’re not.” He turned his head, sighing deeply. “It’s something typical of other kinds. Humans are at the bottom of the food chain.”
“So I keep hearing.”
“I don’t feel that way.”
Len believed him.
“Fray!”
They both turned, staring at Hawk. His father motioned him to come closer.
Fray sighed. “I’ll be nearby. Chaz will watch over your human friend.”
Len watched him go. She walked over to Chaz. He stood there guarding the waitress, arms across his chest, and his expression grim.
“I appreciate you doing this.”
Chaz shrugged. “Fray has feelings for you.”
She wished he weren’t wearing sunglasses, wanting to see his eyes. “That’s mutual. I still appreciate what you’re doing.”
“You’re welcome.”
“What do you think your father wants?”
“One of the humans is pregnant. We’ll need to make a plan to take her to the cliffs if she decides she wants to give birth to the youngling. It will be an undertaking our father will be assigned by Lord Aveoth since he’s the senior Gargoyle on scene.”
Len inwardly cringed. Her possible father-in-law wasn’t going to be happy about performing that duty. Then again, she didn’t feel any guilt. Her gaze landed on the bruised and battered waitress on the cot.
If she is married to an abusive piece of shit…maybe living with Gargoyles will be safer for her. It might even be a huge improvement, Len thought.