Trayis (VLG Series Book 11) Read online

  Trayis

  VLG – Book Eleven

  Vampires, Lycans, Gargoyles

  By Laurann Dohner

  Trayis by Laurann Dohner

  Growing up mostly human in a Lycan pack has been hard for Shay. Shunned and distrusted by most, she wouldn’t have survived without the support of her foster family and alpha. She’s had a longtime secret crush on Trayis, her alpha’s VampLycan half-brother. Shay thinks he’s hot and finds the courage to approach Trayis during one of his infrequent visits. She’s hoping for just one night of ecstasy before she spends her life alone, unwanted.

  Trayis is stunned when he realizes the sweet, timid Shay is interested in bedding him. He’s also furious when some pack women attempt to humiliate her in front of him. He’s more than happy to pick her over one of them. She might not be his type but it’s just sex. He’s up for that. What he doesn’t plan on is how she makes him feel.

  So much for a simple vacation and a one-night stand.

  VLG Series List

  Drantos

  Kraven

  Lorn

  Veso

  Lavos

  Wen

  Aveoth

  Creed

  Glacier

  Redson

  Trayis

  Trayis by Laurann Dohner

  Copyright © May 2019

  Editor: Kelli Collins

  Cover Art: Dar Albert

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-950597-02-4

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal, except for the case of brief quotations in reviews and articles.

  Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is coincidental.

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Epilogue

  Trayis - VLG – Book Eleven

  By Laurann Dohner

  Chapter One

  Shay stared with longing at the mated couples who had arrived at the party from her spot near the trees. They all looked so happy. The single people were hooking up as well. It seemed she was the only person by herself.

  Someone bumped her arm and she gasped, turning her head.

  Marcia smiled. “Hiding again? You’re allowed to go down there to join in, Shay.”

  “We both know how that will go over.”

  Her childhood friend sighed. “Fuck them.”

  Shay snorted. “As if anyone would touch me long enough.”

  “Well, actually—”

  “Don’t. Werewolves hate condoms.”

  Marcia stepped around her, turned, and then frowned down at her from her taller height. “There’s always humans, then.”

  “Because the two times I dated them worked out sooo well.”

  Marcia gave her arm a gentle squeeze. “Maybe you just chose poor specimens when you gave dating humans a try? I’ve heard some of them aren’t bad.”

  “One showed up on our third date with another woman’s scent all over him, and the second jerk decided not to take no for an answer. He would have hurt me if I wasn’t such a good fighter. Pass.” She shrugged. “Life isn’t fair. If anyone knows that, it’s me.”

  “I still think you should go down there to celebrate the birth of our alpha’s third son. You’re part of this pack.”

  “Technically…but not according to some. This is a celebration. I don’t want to cause a scene if anyone decides to be a jerk. The focus should be on our alpha pair’s newest addition to their family.”

  “Bullshit! This is a celebration for the entire pack and that includes you! I know you’re lonely, and it’s not okay to go without touch, Shay. Our kind needs it.”

  “I don’t go into heat.”

  “It’s not just about that. You’re half Werewolf. Sex and being held is a big deal for us. We need it like air and food. Even humans crave touch. Everyone does.”

  “I’ll never be that desperate. The men just want blow jobs or anal sex. That’s what the pack guys offer me, Marcia. I can’t accidently get pregnant that way. And not once has the offer changed.”

  “I could talk to Rod.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Ewww. Keep your brother out of this. First off, I don’t want a pity fuck. That’s what it would be. Secondly, he’d be horrified if you even brought it up, since he sees me the same way I see him. We’re family.”

  “Okay.” Marcia got out of her way and stood next to her.

  Shay watched as more of the pack joined the gathering. Minutes passed before Marica spoke again.

  “You’re just going to stand here then and watch everyone? You’re really not joining in?”

  “Yes. Go. Have fun. I’m not going to let you hang out up here with me all day.”

  A tall, muscular man strode out of the tree line across the clearing below, and Shay recognized him immediately. That blond streaked hair was unique compared to her pack. Most of them had dark brown or black hair.

  Her heart rate picked up and warmth spread through her chest. “Trayis came.”

  Marcia leaned in closer, pressing their arms together. “Damn, he’s as hot as he is terrifying. Is it just me or has he bulked up on muscle since the last time he visited?”

  “He’s not terrifying. Trayis is actually very sweet.”

  Marcia snorted. “To you, maybe. The rest of us have all gone running with him at one point or another. I take it you’ve never seen him shifted?”

  “No. Why? Is something wrong with his Wolf? Is he a bit aggressive or something?”

  “Or something.”

  Shay couldn’t look away as Trayis approached their pack alpha and gave his half-brother a big hug. He grinned widely as he spoke to Arlis’s mate, revealing his looks only improved when he was happy. Ginny handed over the infant in her arms to him. The sight of Trayis holding his tiny nephew had Shay’s stomach clenching a bit.

  It had been five years since he’d last visited from Alaska. The alpha pair’s twin boys had been born that time.

  Speaking of, the identical twins rushed to their uncle, grabbing hold of his legs.

  “Explain,” Shay urged, tearing her attention from the touching scene of a family reunion. “What’s wrong with Trayis when he’s shifted?”

  “He’s a VampLycan, Shay, not a full Were. Let’s just say when shifted, he looks like a creature out of one of those human horror movies about us. Not that he’s mindlessly violent or anything, but nobody wants to so much as brush up against him. Hell, even go near him during a run. Only Arlis risks playing with him; he obviously knows his older brother won’t kill him. Ginny too. Trayis is her brother-in-mate, though. Our alpha pair are the only ones who feel comfortable around his beasty side.”

  “Huh. I’ve never heard any rumors about him.” It made her feel sad for him. She knew what it was like to be avoided for being different.

  “That’s because Trayis is highly respected in the pack. Do you really think they’d dare talk trash about how he looks on four legs? Nobody wants to offend him.” Marcia leaned away and ran her fingers through her dark hair. “How do I look? Kale just got off du
ty and has arrived.”

  Shay studied her friend. “Beautiful. Fierce. You should just tell him how you feel.”

  Marcia frowned. “Maybe I’m too dominant for him.”

  “It’s his loss if he needs some submissive woman to cater to his every need.”

  “Oh, I’d cater alright, if his need was to get me naked. I’d even get on my hands and knees to let him take me from behind.”

  Shay laughed. “You’ve been drawn to him since he hit puberty, the second he started growing all those muscles and shot up in height.” She glanced at the clearing, hunting for Kale. He’d approached a group of young women Shay hated. They had always been mean to her. “Shit. Bitch Trio alert.”

  A snarl tore from Marcia. “Why does he always flirt with them?”

  “Because they’ll sleep with any guy who smiles at them?”

  Another snarl came from her best friend.

  “Go rescue him from himself. Show him what’s he’s been blind to.” Shay grinned. “Just walk up to him, grab him by the shirt, and kiss him. He might like the direct approach.”

  “That’s easy for you to say.”

  “You’re better than those idiots he’s flirting with, Marcia. Be yourself and take what you want. What do you have to lose? I heard he’s thinking about settling down.”

  “Who told you that?” Marcia was in her face a heartbeat later, her eyes partially going Wolf. Blackness surrounded her irises. “Who’s he been seeing that I don’t know about? He never gets serious with anyone!”

  “I ran into Darlene this morning in Arlis’s office, when I had to have him sign some correspondence I’d printed out. Ted is retiring from an enforcer spot, and Kale wants it. She said if he takes a mate, it would give him an advantage over the others who might want the honor. Darlene admitted he’d discussed it with her only because they’re cousins. She wants him to win the spot, of course. It makes sense. A mated enforcer is more focused on his job, not busy trying to impress potential sex partners to get laid.”

  “Fuck,” Marcia sighed.

  “You don’t want him to end up with a mean girl, do you? Show him you’re interested and go get your mate.”

  “Who says he’s my mate?”

  Shay rolled her eyes. “Give me a break. I’m your best friend, and you freaked out over what I just said. It’s obvious. He’s yours. It would make you miserable if he claimed someone else.”

  “I’d leave the pack,” she admitted quietly.

  Shay felt sick to her stomach hearing those words. Marcia was her best friend. Shay herself was stuck and couldn’t transfer somewhere else. Only Arlis would offer someone like her protection and a place with a pack. And likely only because she’d been born there. “You’re better suited to Kale than one of those bitches. He’s always screwed around with submissives. Show him how good it can be with a dominant. Kale isn’t the type to back down from a fight. He probably craves it. Challenge him to get him into your bed. Hell, tie him to it until he’s ready to bite.”

  Marcia stepped in front of her again, smirking slightly and peering deeply into her eyes.

  “What?” Shay crossed her arms.

  “Great advice from someone who’s too chickenshit to mingle at pack parties. You’ve never gone after a man, either. If you did, you wouldn’t be sleeping alone every night.”

  “I’m different from you.”

  Marcia lifted her eyebrows. “I’ll make you a deal.”

  Shay detested seeing that mischievous glint in her bestie’s eyes. “What?” She knew she’d regret asking.

  “I’ll go after Kale with everything I have…if you pick one man to go after with the same gusto.”

  “But I’m not a dominant.”

  “You’re a woman. We’ve got the same thing between our legs that men want so desperately to get at. At least they know you won’t tear strips out of their skin if they aren’t great at fucking.”

  “Crude. Kale also won’t fear knocking you up. You can control your ovaries. I can’t.”

  Marcia reached back, pulled something from her jeans pocket and held it out.

  Shay stared at the items in her open palm, stunned.

  “Four condoms. Take them. I was going to ask Rod to fuck you tonight. You don’t want him? Find someone you’re attracted to.”

  Shay’s hand shook as she took the foil-wrapped condoms. Mostly out of fear that someone would walk up on her and Marcia and catch sight of the things. She slid them into her bra cup, happy she’d worn a baggy shirt to hide the slight bulge they created.

  “Deal?” Marcia narrowed her eyes. “I’ll find the courage if you do.”

  Shay thought about what would happen if Marcia left the pack. Not only would she be without the person she spent the most time with, but the mean girls might target her even more. She’d be miserable. “Fine.”

  A grin split Marcia’s face and she turned. “Pick.”

  Shay stared down at the clearing. Tim was a submissive who worked with children. She felt zero attraction to him, though. Her gaze lingered on Trayis…and stayed there. Memories of her childhood filled her mind. He’d always been nice to her on his rare visits. It was probably because they were both half-breeds. Of course, she wasn’t a kid anymore.

  He also wasn’t part of the pack. He’d stay for a few days, and then be gone for years. Worst case, no matter how badly it went, at least she wouldn’t have to face him every day.

  “Trayis.” His name left her lips.

  Marcia gasped. “Are you crazy? Anyone but him. How about Ruffus?”

  She wanted to gag. “You mean STD waiting to happen if he wasn’t a Were? Gross. He’d hump a tree if it had a hole. Plus, he’s one of the jerks who harass me the most. Like he’s doing me a big favor to even offer to let me blow him. I’d rather sell my ass to a stranger on eBay.”

  Marcia barked out a laugh. “Okay. Bad choice. What about Zander? He doesn’t act like a man whore or treat you badly.”

  “I think he likes men.”

  “That’s kind of hot.”

  “True, but I’m clearly not his type.” Her gaze stayed on Trayis. “I’m only attracted to one.”

  “I never knew you were nuts. Fine. I’ll go after Kale. You hit up Trayis.” Marcia held out her hand. “Just don’t say I didn’t warn you if it goes bad.” The she jerked her hand back before Shay could shake on it. “You know…Trayis could hurt you.” Concern laced her voice. “He’s part Vampire. What if he drinks blood? You’re just a little shit.”

  “He won’t hurt me. He’s a protector. And stop calling me that. I hate it.”

  “You are a little shit. You’re all of five foot nothing.”

  “Five-three, thank you very much. Not everyone is lucky enough to grow to be almost six feet, Marcia. I envy you the ability to reach all your kitchen cupboards without using a chair.”

  Marcia held out her hand again. “Fine. Trayis better not suck your blood though. Half-brother to our alpha or not, tell him you have a bodyguard who will come after him if he harms you. You’re family.”

  Shay clasped her hand. “Deal. Let’s do this.”

  But panic swiftly hit as they released each other. Had she honestly just agreed to go hit on Trayis? Crap!

  Desperate times call for equal measures. It was a saying her foster mom, Sylvia, had told her thousands of times.

  “I go for Kale and you go for Trayis. Let’s do this. Pretend we have cast-iron balls.”

  Uncertainty sounded in her best friend’s voice. Shay stepped close and leaned against her side to show support. “Kale’s meant to be your mate. You can do this. He’s perfect for you, even though he’s been a moron not to see it. You intimidate men, but that’s not a bad thing. Go intimidate the hell out of him. You can bet none of those brainless bitches he ever nailed matched him in bed for passion or aggressiveness. You know he’s had to hold back. You won’t let him. He’ll love that—and you.”

  Marcia laughed. “Okay. What’s your game plan to get Trayis into bed, oh short
one?”

  Shay’s mind blanked. “Beg?”

  Marcia snarled low.

  “Joke.” She wasn’t so sure though. “I don’t know. I’ll wing it. He’s always been nice to me. And besides, I wouldn’t mind a pity fuck from him. He’s gorgeous.”

  “And dangerous. Don’t forget that part.”

  “He stopped a group of kids from bullying me once, when you were visiting your cousins. He’s a protector.”

  “Of kids. Weren’t you like ten years old at the time? Maybe we should call this off.”

  “You’re using me as an excuse now. Kale is looking for a mate. It’s going to be you. You’ll blow his mind once you get him naked and show him how good it can be between the two of you. We both know it. Go after your Were. I’ll be fine. I’ve got something in common with Trayis. I’ll work with that.”

  “You’re half human and Were. He’s half Vampire and Were. Nothing alike. He can shift into something scary as fuck. You can’t even get your fingernails to grow long.”

  “But I’m a woman. He’s a man. It’s not like I’m chasing after him during a run when he’s in fur. Then we’d have problems. But in skin? Even playing field, right?”

  “Right.”

  “We can do this.” Shay had everything to lose if she couldn’t get Marcia to go after Kale. It wasn’t a sure bet, but she really believed they belonged together. “Let’s go.” She took the first step and Marcia stayed at her side.

  They broke apart at the bottom of the hill.

  Shay was glad that Trayis had moved away from the large group of the pack to sit at a picnic table to eat. No one shared it with him. He tended to be a bit of a loner when he visited, only spending time with his brother’s alpha family. She changed directions, grabbed a plate of food off the buffet, and had to ignore some pointed shocked looks from her pack over her presence as she made her way over to him.

  “May I sit with you?”

  Trayis looked up and nodded, putting his half-eaten hamburger down. “Shay?”