The Bride Hunt Box Set: Books 1-3

by Charlene Hartnady

  You can’t be serious!

  You don’t mean it.

  Wait!

  Stop!

  I love you.

  Don’t go.

  No! Please!

  They all went through her mind. More than once. It was almost like he was moving in slow motion.

  “Blaze,” she finally managed to squeeze out.

  He paused for half a second. His back stiffened. Then he was gone. The door clicked softly behind him.

  Roxy just sat there. She continued to clutch the comforter to her chest. Her heart beat wildly. Her eyes stung so she blinked a couple of hundred times.

  She should pack. She really should. Unfortunately, she was a sucker for punishment because she wasn’t ready to give up yet. Not by a long shot. There had to be something she could do.

  After a shower, she quickly dressed. It was a little after midnight. Coal had said to come at any time. Hopefully he meant it.

  Chapter 18

  Roxy knocked on the door a second time. She was just considering leaving when Coal opened it.

  She expected to see his hair mussed and his eyes heavy with sleep. Instead, he was frowning heavily. There was an air of nervous tension surrounding him. The guy was wide awake. He blinked twice like he was shocked to see her. Had he been expecting someone else at this time of night?

  “Oh, Roxy,” he huffed, leaving out the it’s you part of the sentence. Leaving no doubt in her mind that he had been expecting someone else. He ran a hand through his hair, reminding her of Blaze.

  Then he looked over her shoulder and his eyes widened. He sighed heavily. “Thank god you’re here.”

  Roxy heard footfalls from down the passageway. What the hell was going on? She turned towards the sound. It was an older-looking woman, a dragon lady, judging by her size.

  Just then, Roxy heard Julie moan. It was a noise that was heavily laced with pain.

  “Oh my god!” Roxy said. “Is Julie about to… have the egg?”

  Coal nodded.

  “Oh shit!” What bad timing. What a selfish thing to think. What was wrong with her? “Oh wow! Okay.”

  “Come on in.” Coal was looking at the dragon lady.

  “Oh!” Roxy realized that she was hogging the doorway. “Sorry. I’ll just be on my way. Wish Julie all the best...”

  “Roxy!” Julie yelled from somewhere inside the room. “Get in here.”

  She glanced at Coal who looked more stressed than anyone she had ever seen before. His eyes had this wild look and he kept scrubbing a hand over his face and through his hair.

  “You’d better do as she says.” He stepped to the side and frowned even harder. Once she was inside, Coal raced past her and grabbed Julie’s hand. The other woman was standing. She wore leggings and a t-shirt.

  “This is Smoke. She is one of our best healers.”

  The older lady smiled broadly. “I am honored to be able to deliver a royal egg. It has been many years since I’ve had the privilege of delivering an egg but fear not, the birthing process is not one a healer forgets.” She put down her brown leather bag. It was worn and ancient-looking. “Are you sure you would not prefer to go outside? Fresh air encourages the pains which in turn speeds up the process.”

  Julie shook her head. She clutched her belly and grimaced. “Here comes another one.” She began breathing in pants.

  The healer went to Julie, saying words of encouragement.

  “I take it you had your talk with Blaze?” Coal asked. He kept glancing at Julie, his concern for his mate evident.

  She nodded. “You were right, it didn’t go well. He wants me packed and gone by morning.”

  Julie moaned, but continued to pant.

  “You’ve got your hands full. I’m going to go. We can talk about this tomorrow.”

  “No,” Julie half moaned, half yelled. “Wait, it’s nearly over.”

  “If Blaze said he’s sending you away, then chances are good he will do just that. He’s so damned stubborn.”

  “Look who’s talking.” Julie gave a laugh filled with tension. “Okay so he’s being an idiot. I hope you haven’t given up.”

  Roxy pulled a face. “I’m tempted. He said a couple of things…” The lump came back, clogging her throat and making her eyes sting. No crying.

  “I’m not sure that there’s much we can…” Coal glanced from Julie to Roxy and back.

  “Call Inferno,” Julie said.

  “What?” Coal frowned. “I don’t know…”

  “Maybe he can talk some sense into Blaze.” Julie’s eyes were wide.

  “No!” Both Coal and Roxy said, in unison.

  “He won’t even listen to me,” Coal went on, “He sure as hell won’t listen to his fledgling baby brother.”

  “We have to do something.” Julie grit her teeth and clutched her stomach. “Not now.”

  “I can’t think of anything other than this birth.” Coal pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry,” he turned to face Roxy. “Maybe Inferno can think of something ‒ although his harebrained schemes often get him into huge shit.”

  Julie began to pant.

  “What choice do we have?” Coal locked eyes with Roxy. “What do you want to do? Is there someone else you would rather call on for help or do you want to go home?”

  Her eyes began to well with tears.

  Julie moaned. “Of course she wants to stay.” She ground out between pants.

  Roxy nodded, she had to work hard not to cry. Her nose burned, eyes stung, her throat was starting to hurt. She sucked in a few deep breaths. Who else could she ask for help? She kept coming up with blanks. Inferno had always been so sweet. He would help her. She was sure of it. Roxy looked Coal in the eyes. “I think Inferno would be the best person.”

  Coal nodded. He walked to Julie and took her into his arms. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He kissed her on the brow and looked at her with such tenderness that Roxy felt her own pain so much more acutely. “Come on.” He walked towards Roxy, he gave her a tight, sympathetic smile.

  “Thank you,” she said. “Good luck!” she glanced Julie’s way.

  Julie gave a smile that spoke of nervousness and excitement in equal measures.

  “Your female will be fine,” the healer said. “You can help this human. I will take care of the birthing.”

  Julie got a panicked look. Her eyes widened and she gave a small shake of the head.

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he growled. “I’ll see you in a few,” he spoke to Julie, using a much softer tone. “My female is a human,” he added, looking at the healer, before walking to the door.

  Roxy had to move fast to keep up with Coal. “What was that all about?”

  “Dragon shifter females prefer to give birth outdoors. They prefer to be alone or with a healer. It is unusual, if not unheard of for a male to be present.” He rolled his shoulders. “Julie is nervous about the birth. She asked me to stay with her and I will be there every step of the way.”

  Roxy smiled. “You’re a good guy.”

  Coal slowed down a smidgen. “Blaze will come around.” He glanced at Roxy. “I’ve been watching the two of you. Don’t give up on him. If you really do love him then fight for him. I know he feels something for you… I know it. The way he looks at you. The way he treats you. Inferno will help you, although I’m a little worried about it. He’s a loose cannon. Be careful what you let him talk you into.”

  “I’m sure we’ll think of something that doesn’t involve us getting into deep shit. I’ll stay away from loose cannon behavior.”

  Coal stopped abruptly and rapped on a door. He knocked again almost immediately, this time harder.

  “Okay, Okay.” Inferno yawned as he opened the door, he was rubbing the back of his neck. His hair stood up in all directions. He was also completely naked.

  Roxy looked away.

  “I need you to help Roxy,” Coal said, sounding gruff. “Do not fuck her around or get her into trouble.”

 
; “What’s going on?” Inferno’s voice was still a bit croaky but at least he sounded more awake.

  “I need to go.” Roxy could hear the urgency in Coal’s voice.

  “Thanks so much. I’ll speak to you guys tomorrow.” Roxy touched the side of Coal’s arm. “It’s going to be okay; Julie I mean, it’ll all be fine.” She sounded stupid saying it. How the hell did she know?

  Coal nodded. “I know.” He looked even tenser and panicked than before. “I need to get back.”

  Roxy had to say her goodbyes to his retreating back.

  “Um…” Inferno scratched his head. “care to enlighten me as to what the hell’s going on?”

  “Can I come in first?”

  He gave his head a small shake. “Sorry! Sure.” He stepped to the side and Roxy walked inside, trying to keep her eyes averted.

  Inferno switched on the light.

  “How can I be of service?” She could hear that he was smiling.

  She turned, then quickly turned back around. He wasn’t quite as buff as Blaze but he was still huge compared to most guys she knew. Okay, all the guys she knew. “Would you mind putting on some pants?” Of course, his you know what was semi-erect and they pretty much matched up in that department. Not that she wanted to know, or stare. Roxy just needed him dressed. This was awkward.

  “Oh yeah! Sorry!” She heard Inferno walk to the other side of the room. Roxy turned a bit more so as to keep him out of her line of sight. She heard him put on some clothes.

  “It’s safe.” He sounded amused.

  “I’m sorry to barge in on you.” Roxy turned to face him.

  Inferno folded his arms and leaned against the closet. “No problem. What’s up?” Then his eyes widened and he stood up straight. “Is Julie in labor? She is, isn’t she?”

  Roxy nodded.

  “Why didn’t I think of it sooner?” He gave his head a rub, mussing his hair even more. “I guess I was half asleep.”

  “I just came from there. The healer had just arrived. Julie seemed okay but what do I know?”

  Inferno gave a small shrug and visibly relaxed. “She’ll be just fine. There’s nothing anyone can do.” He looked so calm about it. Then Inferno chuckled. “Coal looked terrified.”

  “He’s worried about his mate and his unborn… child… egg.” It was still a weird concept to her.

  “Yeah.” Inferno nodded. “That makes sense.” Then his eyes narrowed in thought. “That doesn’t explain what you’re doing in my chamber at this time of night. Fuck!” he growled. “If Blaze finds you here he’ll remove my head.”

  Roxy swallowed hard. She pressed her lips together and tried not to cry. She’d barely cried during the whole Ben break-up. Not once when she’d given him the ultimatum, not once when he’d turned her down, not once when she’d moved out. Only that one time once she was out. Just once. Lauren had given her the spare bedroom. It was the first night and she’d had a little cry and that was the end of it.

  This time around, it seemed that she couldn’t help it. Her body just reacted. Her eyes filled and her throat constricted and it all happened against her will.

  “Oh no!” Inferno huffed out a breath. “What did he do?” He gestured towards the living room area. “Sit. Can I get you something, warm milk? A juice? A bat to hit the asshole over the head with?”

  Roxy choked out a laugh. She shook her head. A tear or two escaped so she quickly wiped them away. She took a seat, feeling a tiny bit better.

  Inferno sat next to her but gave her some space. “Tell me all about it.”

  Roxy told Inferno everything from beginning to end. He nodded. It was only when she got to the part where Blaze basically kicked her out that he reacted.

  “What a dickhead! Doesn’t he know what he has in a female like you?” Inferno looked pissed. He shook his head. “Any unmated male in the four kingdoms would give their left testicle to be with a female like you and he just casually throws you away. I don’t get it.”

  “He’s afraid of getting hurt again. At least I think that’s the problem. Maybe he genuinely doesn’t feel anything for me. That could be it too.” She sniffed, fighting those damned tears all over again. “I should never have tried to trick him into falling in love with me. It was wrong and—”

  “You can’t trick someone into falling in love with you,” Inferno smiled. “It’s not possible. You felt something between the two of you right from the start… I still can’t believe you kicked Thunder in the balls.” He laughed. “I so wish I could’ve seen that.”

  Roxy couldn’t help but smile back.

  “Now we have to decide what the fuck we’re going to do about this. I take it you don’t want to leave if you’re here?” he raised his brows. “You love my idiot older brother… I swear sometimes you would think that he was the younger male…when it comes to females that is,” Inferno winked at Roxy and she had to laugh. Somehow Inferno made her feel more relaxed about this whole thing.

  “I want to at least give it one more shot. I’m not sure how, but I can’t just leave things like this. I’m sure Blaze has feelings for me. I just wish he would admit it already.”

  “A male doesn’t act the way he does unless he has feelings for a female.”

  “He said that it’s instinctual mating behavior and that it has nothing to do with emotions.” Roxy could only hope that Blaze had it wrong.

  Inferno shook his head. “He’s working damn hard to convince himself. Idiot!” Then Inferno leaned forward just a tad. “This is what we’re going to do, let’s go back to Blaze’s chamber to collect your things. You can stay here with me. I’ll become your protector for a time.”

  Roxy looked about the room. As was standard, there was only one bed.

  “I’ll take the couch,” Inferno rolled his eyes. “Don’t look so nervous.”

  Roxy nodded.

  “Now, the whole protector thing won’t last for very long. Once our males become aware of the situation, they’ll start to become restless, this is especially true of the higher-ranking males. They will start to demand a chance to win you. They will start challenging one another. Testosterone levels will go through the roof and sporadic fights will start to break out throughout the lair. This can be dangerous for our human inhabitants. Hell, it’s dangerous for everyone.”

  “How long will we have?”

  “A day or two tops.”

  Roxy pushed out a breath through her nose. “I don’t think a day or two will be enough.” She pictured the look on Blaze’s face, the resolve in his eyes.

  “It’ll buy us some time to come up with another plan.”

  Roxy nodded.

  “Good!” Inferno rose to his feet. “Let’s do this.” He held out a hand and helped her up. She felt really tired all of a sudden. “Besides,” Inferno gave her hand a quick squeeze and grinned. “you might decide after living with me that it’s me you want instead of him.”

  Roxy could see that he was only joking. “You might fall in love with me instead. Shit…” he laughed, “that would serve that asshole right. Blaze would go fucking insane. He might kill me but it would be worth it.” Then he became serious. “Wait just a minute, something like that might actually work.”

  “What do you mean?” Roxy could hear the caution in her voice.

  “You and me.” Inferno looked deep in thought.

  “Um…” She didn’t want to hurt the guy’s feelings. “I’m sorry but…”

  “No,” Inferno growled. “I’m not actually suggesting that you and I get together. Not for real anyway.” He frowned. “I know you love my brother and besides, I would never move in on his female despite how sexy you are.” He gave her another wink. “I’m suggesting that I fake win you to make him jealous.”

  Roxy laughed, sounding nervous. “I’m not sure that whatever it is you have in mind is a good idea.”

  “It’s a brilliant idea. Blaze needs a kick in the ass and me winning you would do that.”

  “I don’t know,” she shook her head
. “Isn’t it risky? Blaze might end up hating me.”

  “If he does love you, he will go into meltdown. He won’t be able to help himself. You can come clean immediately at that point and get him to admit his feelings in the heat of the moment.” Inferno looked excited. “It’ll work.”

  “How would you win me exactly?”

  “I would need to go head-to-head with the highest-ranking unmated male.” Inferno didn’t look worried.

  “I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Are you sure you can win?” Coal had referred to Inferno as a fledgling and it was clear to her that he looked younger than his two older brothers. He looked younger than many of the guys she had seen.

  “I’m a prince,” Inferno grinned. “I’m getting stronger by the day.” He flexed his biceps and he did look really strong. “Besides, all of the top warriors have females. The only three I would normally have to worry about are Flame, Scorch and Lava. I can beat the others easily. Nothing will go wrong… trust me. I’ll beat Crimson, who’s the next highest ranking,” he quickly added. “Blaze will go nuclear, then you’ll know for sure that he’s in love with you. You can both declare your undying love for one another… the end.”

  “You make it sound so easy.” It sounded harebrained and loose cannon.

  “It will be easy. Worst case scenario, Blaze pretends to be indifferent ‒ in which case we’ll have two weeks to drive him crazy. I’ll sleep on the couch. I promise not to try anything.” He touched a hand to his chest. “What do you say?”

  “Can I think about it?”