Kraven (VLG Series Book 2) (18 page)

“Were they close?”

“Very. It used to embarrass me when I was a kid. They were always kissing and hugging in public. They held hands all the time. I’d catch them making out on the couch if I got out of bed to get something from the kitchen after my bedtime. When I got older, I wanted that kind of relationship. I guess I always assumed any couple in love would be like them. But I learned later on that what they had was one in a billion.”

It made him wonder about her past with men. Had someone hurt her deeply? He fisted the steering wheel and resisted asking. It wasn’t the time.

“I was almost glad they died together. It was the only good thing that came out of their accident. I don’t think one of them could have survived without the other for very long. They were that in love. It sucked for us, but I think it’s how they would have wanted to go. Together.”

“Did your father age?”

She shrugged. “I didn’t really notice. Girls tend to focus more on their mothers’ looks since it’s a way to kind of guess how we’ll age as we get older.”

He checked the mirrors, his gaze drifting to their surroundings. He didn’t see anything to alarm him but he maintained a fast speed, just not too far over the limit. They would reach the airport soon.

“Was there anyone in your life who was close to your mother?”

“Not really. We moved a few times. My dad’s parents were alcoholics. He lost his dad in high school and his mom two years later, so they were both gone by the time I was born. He said they’d burned their bridges with any family so he wasn’t close to anyone on either side growing up. He always said we were the only family we needed.”

“Think, Bat. Was there anyone who was around your mother for years?”

She seemed to consider it. “Dr. Morton Brent. He’s been our doctor for as long as I can remember. He and my mom were on friendly terms. She was paranoid about doctors… Damn it!”

“What?” He glanced away from the road. She looked angry.

“She was always riding our butts about never trusting anyone but Dr. Brent. He
must
know the truth. It all makes sense now! She made us promise to never go to emergency rooms or see other doctors. She called them all hacks who would get us killed via malpractice. She even made a point of endlessly pointing out news stories about doctors misdiagnosing their patients and doing them harm, or worse.” She paused. “Could a regular doctor or hospital tell that our blood is wonky if they ran tests on us?”

Bat was smart. He nodded. “Definitely.”

“He treated Dusti for free after our parents died and we didn’t have medical insurance. I thought he was just a sweetheart who felt sorry for us. Instead, he was helping to hide the truth. God! What I wouldn’t give to talk to him right now. Too bad you broke my phone or I’d be calling him to get some answers.”

“He’s in California?”

“Yes.”

“You need clothes. We could make a trip there to speak to him and pack you a bag. I’d like to have a conversation with this guy too. We’ll fly to Washington first but we can catch another flight straight there. I told you we’ll have about ten hours’ head start. We’ll have to get in and out of California fast, but it’s doable.”

“Good.”

He saw the sign for the airport ahead. “You need to do everything I say, Bat. Don’t argue with me until we’re in the air.”

She sighed. “Fine.”

He was pleasantly surprised. “Thank you.”

“It’s better for Dusti if I get far away from here. I’m the bait. That’s not something one forgets.”

Chapter Eleven

Bat watched Kraven literally control someone’s mind. At the moment, the pilot stared at him silently, a blank look on his face while Kraven told him what he wanted.

“I can get us out of here in thirty minutes.”

“Make it ten.”

The pilot hesitated. “We have to wait on other planes taking off and landing.”

“I’ll deal with traffic control. We’re wheels-up in ten. You’re going to let the lady on the plane now. We’re very important clients. Go. Make it happen.”

The pilot spun away, rushing inside the hangar. Kraven’s eyes were still glowing bright blue when he turned his head and met her stare. They faded to a lighter color as she watched.

“That’s freaky.”

He shrugged. “Grab my bag and get on whatever plane he’s at. He’s supposed to have the nicest aircraft here right now. I’m going to have to go inside for a few minutes. Stay out of sight.”

“You can
really
control people and mess with their minds!”

“Not now, Bat.”

An airport worker came around the side of the building and Kraven’s eyes began to glow again. “You. Come here.”

The man paused, but once he looked at Kraven, he walked right to him.

“See the car? I want you to park it somewhere safe and out of sight. You protect it like it belongs to the person you love most. A friend of mine will come get it at some point. Give them the keys and show them where it’s at so they can take it. He or she will say ‘Kraven sent them’. You don’t talk about that car to anyone. Do you understand?”

The man nodded mutely.

“What’s your full name?”

“Mike Marlin.”

Kraven glanced at Bat. “Get the bag out.”

She moved, unsure if she was doing it because his eyes were still glowing or if she had her own free will. She pulled the bag out, gripping it tight. Kraven looked back at the worker. “Move the car now and forgot you saw us. Just remember my instructions.”

The stranger walked away from Kraven, opened the driver’s door, and climbed inside. He started the engine and drove behind a few hangars.

Kraven’s eyes dulled to light blue again as he pointed at her. “Go after the pilot and get in the plane, Bat. We don’t have time to waste. I’ll be right back.”

“You’re going to pull that mumbo-jumbo on the people inside?”

He nodded. “Yes. Move! Decker’s enforcers aren’t far behind us. Ask questions later.” He strode off.

She sighed and walked inside the hangar. The pilot was talking to another guy. Bat approached them, half expecting trouble, but it didn’t happen. The pilot rushed to her side to take the bag and carried it onto his plane. She followed him up the steps inside.

“Make yourself comfortable,” the pilot encouraged. “There’s a fridge near the front with cold drinks and various sealed sandwiches if you get hungry. There’s also a container next to it with chips and snacks. Have whatever you want.” He flashed a smile.

“Thank you.”

It was a decent-size plane for being a private one. She counted eight seats to accommodate passengers and some empty space near the front for possible storage. It was far bigger than what she and Kraven needed but she wasn’t going to complain.

Bat slipped into a seat and watched the pilot leave the plane. She sighed, trying to relax. Her mind kept fixating on what Kraven could do. A little jealousy surfaced. It would be amazing to be able to control people. She could order clients she hated into confessing that they were pure scum. Then there were the occasional ones who were actually innocent. She could have a little glowing chat with the prosecutor and convince them they had the wrong person.

A list started to form of people she’d love to mess with. Her bosses were at the top. She’d order the three partners to be nicer to their employees and not stare at her ass. She’d become partner in a snap, too. That caused her to grin. She’d make Jacob leave the firm and go anywhere else. He was a conceited asshole who was one of the partners, and he’d stood in her way too many times to count. He didn’t view anyone with a set of tits as bright enough to be his equal.

Maybe Kraven can do me a few favors while we’re in Los Angeles.
She chuckled over that.

The pilot entered the plane and stopped in the aisle, smiling at her.

“So is this business or pleasure?”

She hesitated. “Business.”

He glanced at her and his expression clouded with confusion. “You don’t have shoes on.”

Shit.
“I took them off. It’s been a long day. I hope you don’t mind. High heels are a bitch.” She silently hoped Kraven would return soon.

Kraven seemed to almost read her mind, as he boarded the plane seconds later. He had to crouch a bit not to hit his head on the top of the cabin. “We’re ready to go. The tower is waiting for you to contact them, Norman. Are we fueled?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Let’s get on with it.” Kraven took the seat opposite her.

Bat waited for the pilot to go into the back to close up the door and then enter the cockpit before she spoke. “I’m glad you’re here. He was starting to ask questions.”

“Like what?”

“Business or pleasure trip? Where are your shoes? I was afraid he was going to demand my driver’s license or something next.”

“Not a problem. I would have handled it.”

She bit her lip as the pilot started the engines. Fear of flying was new but the crash was still foremost in her thoughts. “Are you sure we can’t just drive?”

Kraven surprised her by shifting his ass a little, stretching his long legs out as much as possible. He opened his arms. “Come here. I’ll hold you.”

She hesitated.

“I won’t let anything happen to you, Bat. I already protected you once when we crashed. I’d do it again. What are the chances of that happening twice in one week? Not very likely. Let me hold you.”

She was grateful there were no witnesses or she would have flat-out refused. It was a matter of pride for her to never show fear, but Kraven had already seen her at her worst. There was no denying she had her moments. The crash was one of them. It helped her make the decision as she fumbled for her seat belt and released it.

The plane started to move as the pilot drove it out of the hangar and toward the runway. She stood and crossed the space that separated them. Kraven helped her settle across his lap sideways. He wrapped his arms around her and she tucked her head against his shoulder.

“Thank you.”

He surprised her again by brushing a kiss over her forehead. “Just breathe. In and out. You’re safe with me.”

She closed her eyes and shifted her head a little, picking up his steady heartbeat. It helped her relax and feel less afraid.

“I’m not a big fan of flying either. I always say I would have been born a GarLycan if I were meant to soar in the sky.”

His chatter helped distract Bat when the plane paused, probably preparing for takeoff. She could hear the pilot talking to someone, most likely the control tower. The words were muffled by the engines. She cuddled firmly into Kraven and he held her a little tighter.

“Tell me about Gargoyles. Do they really turn into stone statues and hang out on tops of buildings?”

He laughed. “I hope not.” He stroked her back. “Although it would be funny if Aveoth did that. Did I tell you that we used to be friends when we were kids?”

“No.”

“We were. We’d meet him in the woods between his territory and ours. He could stone-out but I wouldn’t want him hanging out on my roof. It’s kind of cool though. His skin turns gray and we call it ‘shelling’. He can harden his body. He took me flying once.”

“Really?” The conversation was helping her remain calm as the plane started to move again and picked up rapid speed. They were taking off. She kept her eyes closed. “Tell me about it.”

“We had to do it at night so no one would see us together. Lord Abotorus, Aveoth’s father, was a total asshole.” Kraven shifted his body a little, bracing his legs better. “He was a snob who would have hated his son hanging out with a couple of VampLycans. There’s no other way to put it. Anyway, Drantos loved to have Aveoth take him flying but I’ve never been a fan of leaving the ground. They kind of teased me until it was a matter of pride to accept. I have to say it was beautiful. I know how a bird feels to soar.”

Bat tried to picture that. “Weren’t you afraid he’d drop you?”

“No. We’re pretty damn strong. And I hadn’t pissed him off.” He chuckled. “That’s about the only way it would have happened. On purpose.”

The plane lifted off the ground, sharply gaining altitude. Bat clutched at Kraven, clinging to him. He stopped rubbing her back and rested his chin on the top of her head. “I’ve got you, Bat. It’s okay. Anyway, Gargoyles don’t express many feelings. It was kind of cool to see Aveoth laugh and kid around with us. He taught us sword fighting since they’re big on that in his clan, and we taught him a lot of Lycan tracking skills. I hated it when those times ended.”

“What happened?”

He hesitated.

“You said he’s a threat, so I take it you aren’t friends anymore?”

“Winter came one year and traveling is difficult that time of year. He can fly, but it’s not exactly smart or safe to do it during storms. And we’re snowbound on the ground during the worst of it too. He wasn’t about to visit our village to say hi, even if he wanted to fly during the coldest months. Anyway, word spread that he’d challenged and killed his father. Some bad shit had to have gone down for Aveoth to do that. I knew they weren’t close but he never talked about wanting to take his father out. Drantos and I never saw or spoke to him again after that. We went where we used to meet him, in hopes he’d show up, but he never did. Drantos tried to contact him a few times but his requests were ignored.”

“You said his dad was an asshole.”

“Yes, he was. It still came as a shock, though. I mean, to kill your own father? Think about that.”

“I bet my mom thought about doing that before she had to run away from home to avoid forced sexual slavery.”

“Very true. Antina was just a girl though. There’s no way she would have been able to challenge her father and win. Our laws require a fair, equal fight to take leadership. She wasn’t as strong as him and weapons aren’t allowed.”

“So she couldn’t just shoot his worthless ass and call it a day?”

He shook his head. “VampLycans aren’t permitted to use weapons against each other, only when we’re battling another race. We have to be in the same form, and fight each other in a fair challenge. There’s no honor in a shifted person attacking someone in skin.” He paused. “Decker absolutely has no honor. He violated our laws today when his enforcers attacked us in the trucks.”

“Then
why
couldn’t she have just shot him? He’s an asshole. Everyone seems to know that.”

“The other clans would have had a problem with it. They would have punished her. All VampLycans are accountable for their own actions. Decker will pay for attacking us. He can’t deny what happened this time.”

“It sounds like they should have awarded my mother a medal if she’d shot his ass.”

“We’re better than Decker. Your mother’s only hope would have been if either of her two brothers challenged him. They were older and equal in size to their father. But they didn’t.”

That had Bat tensing, her eyes snapped open, and she pulled back to stare at him. “I have uncles?”

“Your mother never told you about them?”

Anger stirred. “No. Big shocker, right? It was a theme of hers, apparently.”

“They’re like Decker, Bat. I’ve met both of them over the years and didn’t like either.”

“Fantastic. Is there anyone else I should know about? Any aunts? Cousins?”

“No aunts by blood. Your mother was Decker’s only daughter. One of your uncles is mated and has three sons. They travel a lot for Decker. The other hasn’t found a mate yet, last I heard.”

“So what about my cousins? Are they pricks too?”

“I’ve never met them. To be blunt, Decker doesn’t want anyone to be able to use his family against him. He’s probably afraid we’d kill them or something. That’s what
he’d
do. We usually only hear they were in the area after the fact. Decker sent them away after he murdered Marvilella and Antina made a run for it. Maybe they were angry with him for taking their mother and they chose to roam for him.”

“Roam?”

“Attend to business outside of the clan. Enforcers sometimes go on short missions in your world but it’s possible Decker set them up somewhere far from here on a more permanent basis.”

She let that information sink in. “I wonder why my uncles didn’t take that bastard out if he really killed their mother. I mean, homicide seems like how you guys handle things since there’s no real law.”

“We
do
have laws. They’re just different from the ones you know. It could be the simple fact that they thought they couldn’t take Decker in a fight. It’s also less accepted in VampLycan clans to kill a parent for leadership. Of course, this is all somewhat new to us, considering how short of a time we’ve been in existence. First generations still run all four clans. Aveoth is the only second generation to take over a clan, but he’s a GarLycan.”