“Fat chance,” she muttered, figuring out a sarong was a lot like a thinner version of a big towel. She wrapped it around her waist and tied it in a knot so it formed a skirt that reached her ankles. “You were dating that woman before we met. That’s all kinds of messed up, Drantos.”
“Look at me.”
She released the soft material and threw her head back, glaring at him. “What?”
“I told you it wasn’t like that. We were having sex.”
“She wanted your father to kill me. She said I wasn’t good enough for you. She acts like a jealous girlfriend.”
“It’s because you’re human. It’s difficult to explain.” He frowned. “We’ll discuss this at length once I take you to my home. Now isn’t the time. You’re still in danger and so is the clan. Just stick close to me and do as I ask.”
She just wanted to hug her sister and go home. She was done with Alaska, her insane grandfather, the whole VampLycan thing, and especially Drantos. Her life had turned to shit ever since she and Bat had boarded that flight. She was hungry, sore, and felt miserable. They’d survived a plane slamming into the ground and then had been kidnapped from the crash site. To make things worse, she’d almost been attacked by some hell beast. The near drowning in the river and almost turning into a human Popsicle hadn’t been fun, either. Last but not least, she’d learned that her mother had been keeping big secrets from her daughters and she wasn’t what she’d appeared to be.
All those things had lowered her guard enough to trust the man in front of her. Who was a cheating bastard.
Tears filled her eyes. It was too much. It just all slammed into her at once. They weren’t alone in the woods anymore and people were around them. Maybe not people. Creatures in skin. She darted a frightened look around, really understanding that she wasn’t anything like them. Her and Bat were surrounded by the things they probably would have paid money to see featured in some horror movie.
I’m having a breakdown, she acknowledged, but didn’t try to reign in her emotions. I’m entitled to one after all this shit has happened.
It wasn’t actually Drantos’s fault that her grandfather was some kind of evil mastermind or that Vampires and Werewolves were real. But he’d been the one to tell her the truth and take her away from the other survivors from the plane. Maybe a rescue team would have found them and she’d be back in her apartment if he hadn’t done that. She’d still be clueless—and happier for it.
“Dusti?” Drantos inched closer and tried to take her hand.
“Don’t!” She stumbled back.
He growled. “Keep your voice down.”
“Fine,” she whispered. “I know you saved my life a few times but stop touching me.” His earlier words replayed through her mind. “I just need you to back off me right now, okay? Just leave me alone.”
He blanched, his expression paling.
“I mean it. Don’t keep grabbing me.” She fought tears by blinking them back. “I just want to go home. Do you get that? I want the hell out of here. I’m so done with all of this shit!”#p#分页标题#e#
Movement from the corner of her eye made her startle and she jerked her focus off Drantos. Yonda, now dressed in sweatpants and a tank top. The woman grinned slyly. “You heard her. I know I did—and I’ll repeat it to anyone who asks. She just renounced you, Drantos.”
“Fuck,” he growled. “She didn’t. She doesn’t know anything about our culture. Knock your shit off.”
Yonda proceeded to murder her with a ferocious glower. Dusti wasn’t about to forget that she could transform from a woman into a hell beast and tear her to shreds with her claws. Pure hatred seemed to radiate off the dark-haired beauty, directed solely at her.
Velder’s sudden appearance almost right behind Dusti had her jumping again, twisting to stare up at him. He hadn’t made a sound when he’d snuck up on her.
“Dad,” Drantos argued. “She’s been raised by humans. She’s just upset because she misunderstood about Yonda and I. Yonda’s manipulating the situation because she’s pissed that Dusti isn’t a full VampLycan. It’s none of her business.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Velder looked angry as he spoke low. “Some of them overheard it and I have to follow the laws, despite you being my son. She made it clear that she doesn’t want you touching her. You must keep away from her at all times. Shift and run back to the clan. You’ll make it there before we arrive and can tell them we’re coming. We’ll find her lodging somewhere safe.” He paused. “Don’t cause another scene. We’d have to fight for certain, son. I’m your clan leader. You must heed my words or be punished more severely. One of us would die.” His voice deepened and grew loud. “You’re to return to our clan now. Go!”