She laughed. “You’re being silly.”

He growled again. “I am?”

“Yes.”

“Go home.” He spun and dove into the river.

That had pretty much been the last time Lorn had spent time with her.

She had cried when he’d just walked away every time she’d tried to approach him. Her father had finally realized something was wrong and had sat her down. It had been a painful talk.

“You’re too attractive, baby girl. You take after your mother.”

“I know I look like her.”

“You take after her in more ways than just sharing her pretty face. You’re smaller than the other women, you can’t shift, and you smell totally human.”

“That’s because you’re half VampLycan but Mom wasn’t.”

“Yes. The problem is that you are so human.” He’d taken her hand then and shattered her world. “Lorn is turning into a man, honey. He just realized you’re growing into a woman. He’s not allowed to ever be with you that way.”

“You like him, Dad. I know we’re too young but in a few years—”

“I do like him and trust him with your life. It’s not up to me though. Decker demands we keep the bloodlines strong. I broke that law when I spent time in the outside world and fell in love with your mother. I stayed there to be with her. I only returned home after she died because I couldn’t raise you myself among humans. I didn’t know at the time that you’d never shift. I couldn’t risk leaving you with a babysitter while I worked, in case you sprouted claws or changed forms. It’s important that they never know we exist.”

“You could have made her forget what she saw.”

“I had to work to support us. She might have panicked and called others before I could get home to wipe her memories. It was just safer to return to the clan.”

“But Lorn likes me too.”

“It’s forbidden, Kira. Lorn’s family would never allow him to leave this clan because he’s the oldest son. It’s his responsibility to carry on their bloodlines and take care of his family when his father gets too old. And Decker wouldn’t allow him to be with you. I’m sorry. One day I’ll send you into the human world and you can find a nice one of them to mate with.”

“I don’t want anyone else!”

He’d hugged her then. “I’m so sorry. Lorn and you aren’t meant to be.”

The sound of Lorn inhaling brought Kira back from her memories into the present and she closed her eyes when the low rumble of a growl could not only be heard, but felt under her palm still resting on his chest. He seemed mad, and he obviously smelled her pain. There was no hiding her feelings from him anymore. All the years they’d avoided each other suddenly seemed meaningless.

“Damn it, Kira. Why didn’t you tell me you had feelings for me?”

“What was the point? I’m mostly human and there’s no getting around that.”

He released her and stepped back, out of her reach. “Expect me at breakfast tomorrow. We’re going to talk. I know you have to patrol and I need to go right now. I was ordered to witness the official ceremony. The couple just arrived.” He glanced around. “I can smell my father nearby too. He’s approaching.”

She’d take his word for it. Her sense of smell and hearing weren’t nearly as keen as his. “What do you want to talk about?” She avoided looking at him still. “Are you going to offer to run away with me?” Her lungs froze as she stopped breathing, hoping he’d say yes.

“You know I can’t do that, but—”

“Enough.” She cut him off. That jabbing sensation in her heart felt like a twisting knife. “Then we have nothing to discuss. Enjoy the party. Wish the couple congratulations for me.”

“Kira, I—”

She rushed away before he could say anything else.

* * * * *

Lorn grabbed a beer out of an ice cooler and found a spot away from the others. His gaze followed the newly mated pair. They appeared overjoyed at finding and claiming each other.

The party had already been scheduled before Decker had caused trouble, but the couple had decided to go through with it. The clan needed something to celebrate after the last few hellish days.

He took a sip of his beer, trying to swallow down some of the resentment he felt.

It didn’t help. He wanted what they had.

Movement out of the corner of his eye drew his attention and he turned his head. The last person he wished to speak to approached. He faced him. “Ladius.”

“Keep your voice down. I told you to always address me as ‘Father’ at social events.”

Lorn smirked. “You still want to give the impression we’re close?”

“You’re my son.”

“We do look similar, and Mother has assured me on many occasions that you were the one who impregnated her.”

“You’re in a foul mood.”

“Did you expect anything less? Is that woman still coming?”

“Your intended mate will be here in four or five days. Her parents insisted things die down a bit before she joins our clan. She’s a looker.”

“I’m certain she is. I had hoped she or her family would change their minds after that stunt Decker pulled.” Lorn wanted to drop the topic. The urge to crush the glass bottle clutched in his hand became strong enough that he actually loosened his grip. It would draw attention to the pair. He didn’t want that. “Where are my mother and brother?”

“They’ll be along shortly.” Ladius’s mouth twisted into a grimace. “I saw you come around the building right after that girl left the same way. Did you see her?”

“Her name is Kira, and I said hello.”

“We spoke of this already. Decker will return and his laws are still in effect. I also will not allow you to shame our family in any way. I’ll do whatever it takes to make certain that never happens.”

Lorn set the beer down and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring directly into his father’s eyes. “Is that a threat, old man?”

“It’s a promise. You’re to be mated to another. You stay far away from that girl.”

“Or you’ll do what? Decker isn’t here to help enforce your wishes.”