Chapter Thirteen
Fray was glad to get back to the pack house. They’d witnessed that all the Gargoyle body parts had been turned to ash and properly disposed of. He knew Kevin felt a little insulted by what he viewed as a lack of trust. That wasn’t it, though.
Chaz walked beside him. “Fucking Lycans and their paranoia. I told them that it’s tradition for other Gargoyles to be present when remains of our kind are handled. Of course, we trust Moe’s pack. I swear that Victor was going to sprout fur and challenge to fight me.”
Fray disagreed. “He wouldn’t have. You’d have kicked his ass. I’m sure Victor was just fed up with the mistrust that funeral directors get these days. Have you seen the human news?”
Chaz scowled. “No, I haven’t. What does that have to do with anything?”
“A couple of human mortuaries have been in the news for not actually burying or cremating bodies. It’s probably a sore spot with anyone working in the death business. A few corrupt persons are giving them all a bad reputation.”
“You need to stop watching their news.”
“You need to stop telling me what to do.”
“I’m in charge,” Chaz shot back.
“You always make me regret not beating you in the womb so I’d come out first every time you say that.”
“I can’t believe your immature ass is considering taking a mate.”
Fray stopped at the house entrance, grabbed his brother’s arm, and forced him to stare into his eyes. He reached up with his free hand to tear off his sunglasses. Chaz hesitated but then did the same, so they were staring directly at each other. Their features might be slightly different, they weren’t identical, but their eyes were.
“I’m not immature, and you know it. Do you have a problem with Lenore, or is it just me possibly mating? Be honest.”
“Our lives are going to change. I just keep thinking about that. It’s…”
“It’s what? Horrifying? Scary as fuck? Too weird to contemplate? Spit it out.”
“The last two,” Chaz softly admitted.
“You don’t have to live at the cliffs full time if Lenore and I mate. I don’t know why, but you do have some friends. They genuinely like your too-serious and mostly grumpy ass.”
“Fuck you.” Chaz chuckled, though. His humor faded as fast as it had appeared. “It wouldn’t be the same without you as my work partner.”
“You mean it wouldn’t be as much fun. Life changes, though. We don’t want to end up like some of those stuffy ancient fucks living at the cliffs who refuse to put televisions in their homes and fought having electricity added. They’d still be living in candlelight if Lord Aveoth hadn’t insisted they get with the times. I think you should partner up with one of your friends and take some assignments if Len and I mate.”
“She’s human. Some idiot full Gargoyles might give you some shit when you take her home. I need to be there to cover your asses.”
“Most of the troublemakers, slash human haters, are dead. We’ll be fine. Just don’t sign on to become a Lycan pack guardian. I wouldn’t be okay with not seeing you for years at a time. I’d miss your ugly face.”
“We look too much alike for you to insult me that way, even in jest. Besides, I’m the better-looking one with the sexier body.”
Fray released his arm. “And yet, I’m the one about to test a mating. As the humans would say…the proof is in the pudding, and I’m the tastier one!”
Chaz chuckled, shaking his head. “I pity Lenore if she mates you. You’re an idiot.”
Fray chuckled, too, opened the front door, and entered their Uncle Moe’s home. A few pack women sat softly talking in the living room area. The smell of meatloaf hung in the air. It instantly reminded him that he was hungry.
Gina came rushing from down the hallway, spotted Fray, and changed direction. “You need to get downstairs. Your father is upset with Lenore!”
He sidestepped her and hurried down the hallway to the secret entrance leading to the basement. It already stood open, so he almost leaped down the stairs. His father with his arms crossed and his expression thunderous was the first thing he saw. Lenore faced off against him with her hands on her hips. She looked angry instead of terrified.
“You had no right to pressure that male into becoming a host,” Hawk lectured.
“He offered. If you have a problem with it, take it up with him,” Len shot back.
“He’s our swordmaster. Not a human wrangler.”
Fray reached Len’s side, understanding from that last part that their argument had to be about Delbius. “What is wrong? Don’t use that harsh tone with Lenore, Father.”
His father had removed his sunglasses, his silver eyes sparking with bright blue bolts of color. “She made Delbius speak with the pregnant female, and now he’s given her his blood and oath to care for her. Lord Aveoth won’t like that.”
“Again, I didn’t make him do anything. He offered. I just wanted Delbius to answer a few of May’s questions,” Len argued.
“You should have asked me,” Hawk softly snarled.
“You scare people, and we’re trying to ease May into everything without freaking her the hell out more. Hasn’t she endured enough?”
Fray put his arm around Len to show his support. “She’s got you there, Father. I’d have chosen Delbius over you to speak to a traumatized human, too. He shows a lot of compassion and patience from his years teaching younglings.”
Hawk just glared at him, the blue sparks darkening in his silver eyes.
Fray decided to try another tactic. “Lord Aveoth mated to a half-human. He likes them. Besides, Delbius rarely leaves the cliffs. Perhaps over time, this female will grow to care for him and become his mate.”
Len turned in his arms, gaping at him. “I highly doubt May will be looking for a new relationship after what just happened to her.”
“Never say never,” Fray countered. “Delbius is a wonderful male. Any female would be lucky to have him as a mate. I’m just saying that over time, their relationship may change into a romantic one. I feel confident that Lord Aveoth will also think of that possibility.” He met his father’s gaze. “A happy swordmaster is always a good thing.”
His father grimly watched him.
“Delbius always wanted to become a father. It’s possible he volunteered to host this female because her youngling will need one once it is born,” Fray added.
His father’s expression softened, and the dark blue bolts returned to all silver. “I didn’t think of that. This youngling will need a good male in his life to guide and teach him our ways. It will fill a need in Delbius to be that male.”
“I’m glad you finally see it that way.” It was Fray’s turn to glare. “Don’t glower at Len again. Especially when I’m not at her side. You could have frightened her.”
“I doubt it. This human has more backbone than most I’ve met.”
Fray smiled at the look of respect his father shot Len as he said those words. She was brave and feisty for a human. He also liked to think that she knew he’d protect her and never allow anyone, even his own father, to harm her.
“I need to call Kelzeb to give him an update and tell our lord that one human female will be returning to the cliffs with us.” Hawk walked away.
Fray gave his full attention to Len. “I take it that the human has decided to keep her baby?”
“Yes. I’m sure Kevin will have a problem with it once he gets me alone. He was convinced no one sane would want to have a baby under these circumstances.”
“How did you know she would?”
“I didn’t. I just didn’t want May’s rights taken away from her. That would have victimized her twice.”
“I admire you for standing up for this female.”
Len wanted to change the subject. “How went the cremation and spreading the ashes?”
“Fine. It wasn’t like we could return the remains to their own lord. We don’t even know where they came from.”
“Do you think anyone is going to come looking for them?”
“Very doubtful. Their lord would have been furious after they ran away. He’d have stricken their names from his clan and forbidden anyone from ever speaking about them again. Gargoyles aren’t forgiving. To that clan, those males were dead the moment they left.”
“That’s a good thing. I’d hate for more of them to show up here.”
“Where are the other human females?” Fray hadn’t seen them since he’d returned.
“They’ve been healed, and the VampLycans are still working with them on wiping away their memories of what really happened to them and implanting new ones that justify the time they disappeared. Once that’s done, they’ll be returned to their homes. The VampLycans are going to stick around for a week or two so they can make sure those new memories stick. Or something like that.”
Kevin approached, looking angry. Fray regarded him warily.
“Your parents called. They will arrive early in the morning. I heard about the female deciding to keep her baby. Why do I have a feeling that you helped her decide to do that, Lenore?”
“I only was honest and gave her the options available. She’s the one who made that choice.”
“I’m glad Moe will be the one dealing with you soon.” Kevin spun around and stalked off.
“He’s been a barrel of laughs since Moe and my mom left on vacation,” Len muttered, watching the Lycan lead enforcer leave. She turned to Fray, peering up at him. “Verna has promised to stay with May, and Delbius is also with her. They kind of took over the room we slept in. Do you know what that means?”
“We have to find a new place to sleep this evening?”
“Exactly.” Len lowered her voice. “How do you feel about sneaking out of here with me, going to my cabin, and spending the night there?”
“I would love that, but I don’t think my father or Kevin will allow it.”
“The danger has passed. All the bad Gargoyles have been taken care of. There’s no reason for us to remain in lockdown, right? Also, what part of sneaking out did you miss?” Len reached up and caressed his chest. “I think we’ve waited long enough to find some alone time.” She winked.
Fray’s dick instantly hardened. She wanted him. The thought of being alone with Len, not having to deny how much he wanted her, sounded too tempting to resist. He didn’t even want to try. “Let me speak with Chaz. He’ll help us get away. Of course, your cabin is the first place they will look if they notice that we’ve left here.”
“It’s not like we have any other options. The motel burned down. This is a small town. We could drive to a hotel off the highway, but that’s over twenty minutes away.”
“It’s best if we stay in town.”
Len nodded. “Agreed. That means my cabin is our only option. Let me talk to Gina. She’s way more understanding than Kevin. Maybe she can make him back off for one night and let us have some privacy.”
Fray licked his lips. “Speak to her. I’m going to talk to Chaz.”
They parted, and Fray located Chaz upstairs in the main house. His brother was softly speaking to Garson, one of the VampLycans. He walked up to them, overhearing part of their conversation.
“The Lycans are going to return the females to their lives from the police station,” Garson shared.
“That sounds like a good plan,” Chaz responded, his attention switching to Fray. “What was the problem with Dad?”
“One of the females is going to the cliffs to have her baby. Delbius will be her host. Dad wasn’t happy about that at first, but it’s been resolved.” Fray smiled at Garson. “How went the mind work?”
“Good. None of them were immune.”
“He was just telling me that Kar didn’t come with him because he’s fascinated by what Graves does and wanted to tag along on some judging jobs.” Chaz looked amused. “Garson here thinks that will be boring.”
“I wouldn’t want to do what Graves does,” Fray admitted. “Packs call him in when they don’t have the heart or stomach to do what needs to be done,” Fray informed him.
Chaz nodded. “Graves told us about a healer who lost her mind when her mate died from drowning. She was attacking anyone she came into contact with. Her pain was that intense, and it became clear she wasn’t going to recover. The female wasn’t strong enough to kill an adult in a fight, but she was causing injuries, and they worried about their young. Locking her up until she died from her grief seemed cruel. Everyone in that pack loved her, so Graves was called in to end her suffering.”
Garson’s eyes widened. “That must have been tough to do. I just thought Graves had to hold a trial for someone who might have broken a pack law, hear a bunch of boring evidence, and then decide if that person deserved a beat down or not. I hope something like that doesn’t happen while Kar is with him. My best friend acts tough, but that would break his heart to see a mercy killing go down.”
“It’s rare,” Fray assured him. “Graves mostly gets to deal with rule breakers who are either related to the alpha or maybe someone the alpha doesn’t like but is popular with the rest of the pack. That way, everyone feels the punishment dealt out is fair since Graves is an outsider.”
Chaz nodded, focusing on Fray again. “Why aren’t you with Lenore?”
“I need a favor.”
His twin sighed. “What?”
“Run interference. Len and I want to get away tonight and stay at her cabin.”
Garson chuckled. “Someone is getting laid.”
Fray shot him a dirty look. “We’re testing a mating. It’s not just sex. We haven’t exactly had the opportunity to do that since this shit show started.”
“Now it’s over. Why does someone need to run interference?” Garson glanced between them. “She’s an adult female, and the fact that she’s human isn’t a problem since she seems cool knowing about all of us.”
“Her stepfather is our uncle, who happens to be the alpha of this pack, and he’s not going to be happy if Lenore mates with my brother,” Chaz muttered. “He won’t want her to live in Alaska.”
“Shit.” Garson lowered his voice. “I can see that being a problem if his mate pitches a fit that her daughter is going to the cliffs. No offense, but I got the sense from talking to other GarLycans that it isn’t the greatest place for women to live.”
“It’s not as bad as it used to be,” Fray defended. “Len will have friends there. I’ll make sure of it. Will you help me or not?”
“I have an idea.” Garson grinned. “We’re about to move the victims down to the police station after the human cops are off shift, and it’s just Lycans. Why don’t we say Lenore is going there too, kind of like representing her kind, and the two of you can sneak away? It will give you a few hours at least before anyone here wonders why she’s not back.”
Fray smiled, liking that idea.
Chaz grumbled low, obviously in disagreement. “Fuck. I’ll keep Kevin busy. That’s the best I can do. He’s paranoid about other Gargoyles coming here in the future to try to pull this shit again. He wanted to speak to me about it.”
“The chances of that happening are about zero.”
Chaz nodded in agreement with Fray. “But Kevin wanted assurances. I’ll keep him busy. Make those few hours count because I have a feeling you won’t get much more time than that without him or someone else showing up at Lenore’s place.”
* * * * *
“Thank you,” Len whispered to Gina.
“I was young and in lust once.” The older woman glanced around. “Kevin is busy right now, but I know he plans to sit down to talk with you later. You know, to kind of go over stuff you might want to avoid telling Moe and your mother to soften the blow of all you’ve seen and been through.”
“I’m twenty-four, not five.”
Gina laughed. “You’ll always be a young girl to us. At least until you start getting gray hairs and wrinkles.” Her humor faded. “Kevin’s responsible for you while our alpha pair is gone. He’s worried Moe will blame him for you being in danger at all.”
“That’s bullshit. I was the one who decided to take Fray a backpack at the motel after I heard the message he left for Moe. I knew I shouldn’t do that, but I wanted any excuse to see Fray. Besides, no one could predict Gargoyles would invade our town. I mean, there’s a lot better places to set up than Wyoming.”
“I disagree. I read that Las Vegas has more people living in that city than our entire state has. We have a lot of wide-open spaces, and we’re not bursting with humans on every corner. That’s probably why the Gargoyles came here.”
“Great. I’ll remember and mention that to Moe if I want to leave here with Fray to move to Alaska.”
Gina winced. “Just don’t mention me if you bring that up. I don’t want to be on Moe’s bad side either.”
Motion had Len turn, watching as Fray came toward her. He had put his sunglasses back on. She really hated them. His unique eyes were beautiful, and she couldn’t stare into them enough. He walked over and stopped, glancing around.
He spoke low. “We came up with a plan. Garson did, actually. They are moving the humans to the police station soon to place them back into their normal lives. We will say we’re going with them since you’ve appointed yourself their representative. Instead, we’ll sneak away. We should have a few hours before anyone looks for us.”
Len liked that plan. She glanced at Gina, arching her eyebrows in question.
Gina nodded. “That should work. My mate suspected you might want to go with the humans to oversee their families being contacted to come get them.”
Excitement hit Len. She stared up at Fray, smiling. “Finally. Let’s get out of here!”