“We moved to Siberia until I learned human ways, then we moved to Moscow.”
“Human ways?”
“Yes, although I had my parents and my ancestors’ acquired knowledge, our first few months as a human are awkward.”
“I can only imagine.” Rachel gave him an incredulous look and shook her head. “My mind is about to explode. Is there a book on your kind?”
“Volumes, but kept in our private library. However, Stallo’s original grimoire has never been found.”
“I’ll definitely need one of your lycan library cards.”
“Few humans have access. Your father does.”
“Hmm. I suppose that makes him more of a veterinarian.”
Lev frowned. “Lycan doctor.”
“I’m sorry. Not trying to offend. It’s a lot to take in.”
“I understand.”
“Okay, how the hell does that make me so important to your kind?”
“You are Rh O-Negative.”
“My father told you.”
“Yes.”
“Not questioning your information, but there are millions of people with my blood type.”
“True. However, in addition you have a genetic marker your father identified as Stallo’s gene.”
“Okay, so my family tree includes a warlock?”
“Yes. Stallo left his family behind. His grown children and wife remained as outcasts in their village and later died of a plague. However, one daughter, Lotta left a few months earlier with a lover. Her daughters carried Stallo’s unique DNA or what some call the shifter mutation.” He smiled. “Which is why you are special.”
“Why?”
“You and only a few other special women can mate with an alpha werewolf and have hybrid children. That is children born human with the ability to shift.”
“Great. So now the wolf pack wants me as some broodmare.”
“Not our pack society, but rather a rogue wolf pack.”
“The men who abducted me.” Her skin paled. “The Toothbrush Bandit wanted my DNA.”
All this information was too much for Rachel to process. On the run from a mysterious pack wasn’t the ideal situation to initiate her.
“You will be safe within our pack society. With me.” He drew her in. His wolf wanted to taste more of her blood. To finalize the claim. Agreeing to keep their secret and live within their society did not mean she’d agreed to be his mate. He could compel her to do as he pleased, however, he wanted a woman to love him, not be his obedient slave. Lycan law stated one could not compel a lower rank werewolf or human to fall in love. She had the right not to choose him as a mate. Especially with a lycan that may pass on odd mutations.
She stared at the small camp stove. Her full lips puckered as if confused, worried, or perhaps regretting she agreed to learn the truth.
“Rachel, you are in shock.”
“I don’t know what the hell I just agreed to. But there is one thing I’ve wanted to do.”
Lev’s heart drummed. His wolf howled. He swallowed. “What?”