“Understood. I would have liked to kill him myself, though you were kinder than I would have been for drawing my mate’s blood. I wanted to make him suffer first.”
Dusti wondered if either of them realized how cold they sounded discussing the dead corpse on the ground. She refused to glance at what used to be Craig. Throwing up would ruin the image she wanted to display of being tougher than she really felt.
“You killing him may have caused tension. I do it and it’s justice. These are my lands and my laws were broken.” Aveoth took a deep breath. “Speaking of laws, what does your father think of you mating to someone who smells so human? You’re the eldest son and it’s your duty to produce strong offspring. You risk failing with her.”
“It doesn’t matter what he thinks. She’s mine.”
“He could reject her.”
Drantos softly growled. “I don’t care.”
Aveoth studied Drantos with a frown. “I believe you.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“Are you still close to your father?”
“Yes.”
“But you’d defy him if he rejects her as your mate and you’d leave your own clan?”
“I’m not giving up Dusti.”
“So possessive.” Aveoth smiled. “Go. Take her and leave.”
“Thank you.” Drantos wrapped his arms around Dusti’s middle. “Did you know Decker planned to use Batina to blackmail you, to help him start a war between our clans?”
Aveoth’s skin seemed to harden more, darkening to a dull gray. “No. You believe he still plots a war?”
“I’m certain of it.” Drantos hesitated. “We still get a few families every so often seeking asylum from Decker. He murders his own clan members who show stronger Vampire traits. He also deems any younger siblings a loss, assuming they will mature and become the same. He’s beheaded toddlers and babies.”
Aveoth narrowed his eyes. “You’re certain this is true?”
“Yes. We’ll give you access to speak to the survivors and witnesses if you find it as horrifying as we do.”
Aveoth said nothing. Dusti felt horrified too, even if the man turning to stone in front of her didn’t. Her grandfather was way worse than anything she’d ever imagined.#p#分页标题#e#
Dusti was in his arms but Drantos didn’t feel as if she were safe yet. Aveoth was a danger to her. The GarLycan leader had changed a lot over the years. He’d grown bigger, stronger, and fierce. Traces of the young man he’d once been where there too, faint as they may be.
“What happened to you?” Drantos stared at Aveoth, hoping for an answer. “Why?” He didn’t need to say more. They both knew what he asked. They’d been best friends once, close as brothers. Then Aveoth had shut him out of his life.
Aveoth regarded him for a long moment, only his eyes revealing any emotion. The silver in his gaze turned blue. “Our childhood ended and my responsibilities began. It was best if we didn’t speak any longer. I have earned enemies. It would have put you in danger, being my friend.”
“From who? I heard about your father. I know he wouldn’t have approved of us spending time together.”
Aveoth’s gaze grew brighter blue. “You mean you learned that I challenged and killed him.” He inclined his head.
Drantos couldn’t comprehend how anyone could do that. He and his father had plenty of disagreements but he’d never attack him or take his life. Especially to take control of the clan.
Aveoth’s eyes lightened, the silver bleeding through. “Don’t look at me like that, Drantos. Lord Abotorus and Decker Filmore are of the same ruling mindset. Cruelty and fear are what kept or keeps them in power.” He glanced at Dusti, then back at him. “They both believed their children were acceptable pawns to use in a political game. I no longer wished to be a part of my father’s.”
“I’m sorry.” The meaning behind the words Aveoth had spoken was grim. There had clearly been no love between father and son.
“I have the same problem with some of the full-blooded Gargoyles that I had with Lord Abotorus. They feel the mixing of bloodlines has weakened our clan. They fear I’ll be too lenient with VampLycans because of our shared Lycan blood.”
“I think Craig would disagree if he still had a head to talk with,” Dusti muttered.
“Quiet,” Drantos whispered.
“Now Decker wishes to try to use me for his own political gain.” Aveoth’s irises turned almost white. “And I still don’t want to be used. I have no desire to go to war with VampLycans, Drantos. I like the peace.” His tone deepened, his anger clear. “You are not my enemy.”