by T. S. Ryder
Smiling, she nodded her head and looped her arm delicately through his, not wanting to catch the lace of her long-sleeved dress on the cufflink buttons of Viktor’s suit.
He nodded at the pair of younglings to open the backdoors to the yard. Music started playing with the visual cue of the doors and a hush fell over the vampires in attendance as they all got to their feet and turned to look at her as she began the long, slow walk down the aisle.
She told herself not to look at the end, to focus on getting to the altar before she took her first glance at Lee, but the second the altar was in view she couldn’t help herself.
Lee stole the very breath from her lungs the second her eyes found him. He was handsome, dressed in a simple black suit with a long, flowing set of velvet robes around his shoulders. His eyes were all for her, and a tender smile was on his face, so different from the cocky, playful attitude he showed everyone else.
Time seemed to both slow down and speed up as the music ended and she stepped up onto the altar beside him.
“You look beautiful, my princess,” he whispered, reaching out a hand for her to take before they faced the crowd and the Council.
“And you look dashing, my prince,” she whispered in return, just as Arjin sliced a long, shallow gash along first her wrist and then Lee’s.
“Under this full moon, on the 13th day of September, Lee Dameron and Calissa Gerber have chosen to join together as a blood bound pair. The Council has recognized and approved of this joining personally, and wish the couple the happiest of lives for the centuries to come.”
With that, Lee pulled Calissa into his arms in a rough hug and pressed a kiss to her lips full of all the things he felt for her. Love. Affection. Adoration. Lust.
Calissa couldn’t help but shed a few tears of genuine happiness. If this was how life was supposed to be, she’d gladly live it. After all, she had a new mate to look after, a child born out of their love to raise with him, and a coven to run. With the Council on her side, and the threat of the humans eradicated, nothing was about to stand in her way.
*****
THE END
Vampire Romance: The Vampire Prince's Baby
Description
A curvy orphan looking for a man to free her PLUS a sexy Vampire Prince on a quest to gain the throne PLUS two dangerous fights that must be won!
It's a great honor to be chosen to marry a son of the Vampire Empress.
Found Burlap doesn't care about honor. She also doesn't care that mating with a vampire might kill her. All she cares about is getting away from the boring orphanage she grew up in.
When Vampire General Alexandru offers her that chance, she accepts without hesitation.
Alexandru has just one thought on his mind when he chooses Found to be his mate, producing a child so that he can prove himself worthy to be the Empress' heir and take on the title of Emperor someday. The Empress has decreed that only a son with a human mate who bears his child may have the honor and Alexandru is determined that he is the one she will choose.
But there are dangerous obstacles in the way. Bear Shifters are threatening his territories and he must take action. Plus Alexandru's jealous brother Vlad has his eye on his bride.
Alexandru will not rest until he manages to claim the Empress' favor–and Found–for his own. Will he manage to do so? Only one way to find out.
Chapter One
Alexandru opened the throttle on his refurbished 1969 Harley Davidson, enjoying the feel of the wind on his face. The night was inky about him and it was only by going this fast that he could push past the hunger that burned in his throat. He had a couple of blood bags in his backpack, but he was too impatient to stop and drink.
As a general of the Vampire Empress, he held extensive lands that he protected from both Shifters, animalistic beings that could shift from human to animal forms, and his own brothers. Well, half-brothers. All of them shared a father, but Alexandru's mother had only given birth to him and his sister.
He often traveled across his territory, but rarely had the opportunity to take the time to just enjoy riding. He always had business to attend to.
And that was what he was doing here, riding along the rough roads between large stretches of fields full of crops and animals. Snatches of smells–pig, cow, tree, asphalt–all bombarded his senses as he rode, blowing away as quickly as they came.
The Vampire General passed a broken sign that read Bayside Orphanage and headed for the large house at the end of the gravel driveway. It wasn't in terrible repair, but it could use a fresh coat of paint and a new roof.
He could almost smell her blood already—the girl he had chosen was waiting for him. It had only been a few weeks since he sent out a call for all women of child-bearing age in his land to send a droplet of blood to him so that he could take a human bride. The moment he scented hers, he knew she was his.
The orphanage mistress, a tiny, wrinkled woman, waited for him on the steps. He cut his engine, put the kickstand down and approached her.
"My Lord, please spare the girl," the mistress rasped. "She has done nothing."
"Step aside," Alexandru said impatiently. "My bride awaits me."
Since the death of the Emperor, Alexandru's father, the Empress had refused to drink vampire blood. As a result, her mortality was returning and it was impossible not to see the lines on her face or the gray in her hair. She appeared to age more every day.
Her sons would continue their faithful servitude towards her for as long as she lived, but it would not be yet another seventy years before she was laid to rest beside their father. Once she was gone, the brothers would divide into factions, warring against one another until a new Emperor took his place.
"Master, the girl is an innocent," the mistress tried again, but Alexandru pushed past her.
The Empress hated to think of her sons killing each other, as well as the toll such a war would take on human lives. So she decreed that she would name one of the generals, vampires who had already proven their military aptitude, as her heir.
The catch was that he must have a mortal wife and a child from her in his arms before he was considered possible to be the heir and next Emperor.
Alexandru always knew he was meant to take his father's place and had been building his army and power since he was old enough to shoot a gun. This new declaration meant he had to adjust his plans, but he was certain that he could control the bloodlust that caused his brothers to kill their wives, rather than mate them.
As he stepped into the orphanage, his eyes found his bride instantly. The almost non-existent beat of his heart sped.
She stood near an empty hearth. An alluring, delicious scent wafted off her dark olive skin, and her slanted dark eyes gazed steadily at him. Alexandru drew in a deep breath. There was no fear in her scent. A suitcase sat near her feet and she picked it up.
"Let me look at you first," he instructed.
She set the suitcase down and stepped forward. "Do you wish me to undress?"
The mistress, who had followed him in, whimpered.
Alexandru shook his head. "I can see everything I want with you clothed."
He circled her, feeling uncomfortable like he was inspecting a prize horse rather than the woman who would be his wife. She had good, wide hips that would be perfect for birthing. Her breasts were the size of a grapefruit and would provide his children plenty of milk. She was a good, stout girl—thick and strong, not like the wives his brothers kept choosing.
"If you come with me, you will never return," he told her, stopping to stare down at her. She had to crane her neck to meet his eyes.
"That's why I sent in my blood. I want nothing more than to get away from this place."
The orphanage mistress gasped. "Do you think so cruelly of me?"
"I think nothing of you at all," the girl replied, not moving her eyes from the Vampire General. "I was born for better things than a lifetime in an orphanage."
"If you go with him, you were born for deat
h!"
"Perhaps I was, then."
Alexandru's brow rose. Odd… she did not scent of depression. He didn't think she was as willing to die as she made herself believe. He put an arm around her, breathing deeply of her scent. O-negative. It was the only blood type that could bear vampire young, although the reasons for this were unknown. He lifted her effortlessly and carried her out to his motorcycle.
"My things," she protested.
"You have no need of them any longer." Alexandru deposited her onto the bike and climbed on himself. "We will be wed before sundown tomorrow and you will have everything you could want at your fingertips."
The girl nodded. "What should I call you?"
"Alexandru. It's my name. And you?"
"Found," she said, her arms tightened around his middle. "Found Burlap."
***
When Found woke the next morning, she had the briefest moment of panic. Her, marrying a vampire general? There was nothing special about her, nothing that warranted Alexandru coming to rescue her from that orphanage where day in and day out she thought she might shrivel up and die from boredom. She should have been released long ago, being a legal adult for almost three years now, but with nowhere else to go, she had stayed.
She sat up in bed gazing around the room she had been given. It was more luxurious than anything she had ever experienced. Not only did her bed have a feather mattress, but it also boasted curtains that fell gracefully at each of its four ebony pillars. Fluffy pillows surrounded her.
A vintage chaise lounge sat beside a bookshelf full of expensive-looking crystal figurines. Next to this was a vanity dresser with diamond jewelry sitting on top of it. Found felt like a princess. Well, she sort of was now. At least she would be once she married Alexandru.
A silk Persian carpet caressed her calloused toes when she swung out of the canopy bed. No sooner had she done so than a tall, willowy woman bustled in, bringing with her a wheeled cart.
The woman clucked her tongue. "How am I meant to make a wedding dress for you by sundown? I ask you how?"
Found smiled, reminded of the old grumpy hen that she used to gather eggs from. "Hello."
"Why, yes, hello," the woman said, distracted. "I am Wava. I ask you again, am I a miracle worker? A wedding dress in one day! It shall be hideous and I shall die of shame. Very well, if Sandru wants to be a laughing stock, I'll have to refashion one instead of making it from scratch. What's your name?"
"Found Burlap."
Wava's dark brows disappeared under her bangs. "What sort of the name is that?"
"The one the orphanage mistress gave me when I was found on her doorstep wrapped in a burlap sack."
She still had the sack–or at least she had, until last night. It had been left behind at the orphanage with the rest of her things. Well, that was for the best. This was a new life. Being tied to the past wouldn't help her anyway.
"Found Burlap. Well, I suppose it's better than no name at all." Wava put her hands on her hips. "Are you a virgin?"
Found expected the question, but she still felt her face grow warm. She took a deep breath, heart beginning to quiver nervously. What if Alexandru no longer wanted her when he knew the truth? The call for blood from candidates hadn't specified she had to be one.
Would she be expected to outline her sexual history? There hadn't been much else to do at the orphanage and more than once she had slept with a man, hoping he would take her away. They never had, but she didn't much care now.
Wava stared at her, awaiting an answer. Found raised her chin. If Alexandru wanted a virgin, he should have said so. "No."
"Good. Then I don't have to explain sex to you. You do know why Sandru wanted a mortal wife, yes?"
Found nodded. It was all explained in the letter asking for a drop of her blood. Vampires ruled the lands, protected them from the dangers of Shifters, witches and demons. In order for Alexandru to one day be Emperor, he needed a human wife to bear him an heir of his own. Found didn't know why. But now that Alexandru had chosen her for his wife, she would give him as many children as her body was able.
"Good, good," Wava continued. "Let's measure you quick. You'll need your blood transfusion shortly and I want to get working on your dress. Your refashioned dress. I tell you—"
Found's brow creased. "Blood transfusion?"
"Vampire blood in your veins will make you stronger. Eventually you'll drink right from Alexandru, but a direct transfusion remains the quickest way to get it into you, especially since you have your wedding night tonight."
Wedding night. Found ducked her head and a tight feeling squeezed her insides. She had hardly been able to believe her eyes when she first saw her husband-to-be.
He was tall, much taller than she was, with olive skin tones only a few shades lighter than hers. Wide shoulders and narrow hips revealed a powerful body, ropes of muscles straining against his shirt. When he spoke, she saw the fangs that should have sent her running in fear. Instead she wanted to know what it would feel like to have those two sharp points pierce her skin. He was certainly more attractive than any of the other men she'd had in the past.
"It's not too late," Wava said suddenly, wrapping a measuring tape around the shorter woman's hips. "To change your mind, I mean."
Found smiled at her. "Why would I want to change my mind? Alexandru is going to give me a life of wealth and luxury."
"Or he might kill you in your wedding bed."
Found shrugged. "I don't think he will."
Wava frowned. "There is a reason why there are so few vampire children, you know. They are strong creatures that can crush your skull, and the bloodlust… ah, well. Alexandru drinks regularly, but the desire for your blood may be too strong for him when you are body to body."
"If I die, then I die." Found had already considered the possibility and she wasn't afraid. It wasn't as though she had much of a life to miss. This was worth the risk.
Wava clucked her tongue. "I can't decide whether you are brave or stupid. O-negative is the only blood type that can carry vampire children to term, but it's also the most tempting to vampires. Think rich, creamy Belgian chocolate compared to something like a Mars Bar."
"I've never had Belgian chocolate."
Wava looked even more horrified than she did at the thought of making a dress in one day. "You poor, poor creature! Well, I'll get you some before the wedding. If you die in the mating, you can't go to your grave without having a taste of Belgian chocolate."
"Yes," Found said, rolling her eyes. "Because that is what's important."
"If you find yourself dead tonight, I think you will miss what you never had."
Found shrugged. "Maybe. But this is the best chance for me to get everything I want from life. I'm not giving it up."
Wava hummed. "Then it seems you and Alexandru have something in common. Neither of you are looking for love."
"Love?" Found shook her head. "No, I don't need or want love."
Chapter Two
Alexandru stared down at his sleeping wife. His wife. His body still tingled with the aftereffects of consummating their marriage, but she didn't have a single bruise on her beautiful body.
There was a sense of triumph in him, being beside the fragile human that was his mate and knowing he was strong enough to be gentle with her. He had been afraid when orgasm took him that he would accidently break her, but she had expressed only pleasure–the best she'd ever had–before she fell asleep.
The dress she wore to marry him in was hanging on his closet door, next to the tuxedo that Wava insisted he wear, rather than the jeans and sweatshirt he had been planning on. He smiled fondly, remembering his sister's look of horror when he had told her what he planned to wear.
His stomach growled. Even though he had drunk his fill before the wedding and filled his nostrils with a pungent mixture of herbs, her smell still made his mouth water. He scented his own blood in her, having decided the transfusion to strengthen her must come from his own veins. But the human smel
l was so delicious he forced himself out of bed. Best not tempt fate.
Alexandru threw on some old clothes and slipped out of his suite, locking the door after him for Found's safety. Wava had had so many transfusions over the years that his vampires no longer scented her as human, but this delicious, O-negative beauty could prove too much temptation for some of them. He wasn't going to take that risk.
He went to his private office, where he opened his store of blood. Dozens of blood bank bags hung in the freezer. He selected a particularly succulent O-negative to satisfy his hunger.
"I hear congratulations are in order, brother."
Alexandru tensed as he turned on his heel. His younger half-brother, Vlad, leaned against the windowsill on the other side of the room. The Vampire General felt his hands clenching and tried to relax. Vlad liked nothing better than to provoke him. He had ever since the Empress had declared that Vlad was not worthy to rule humans and gave his lands to Alexandru.
Since then, Vlad had been a wanderer. He went from brother to brother, who felt obligated to take care of him until he annoyed them so much that they kicked him out.
"Congratulations?" Alexandru asked calmly. He made a mental note to track the route Vlad had taken to get here and flog all the guards that had let him past.
"On your marriage, of course." Vlad's nostrils flared. "I don't scent blood on you, so you must have had a successful mating. Interesting…" Another deep inhale. "She smells delicious."
A deep growl rumbled through Alexandru's chest. He advanced on his brother, pulling his head higher and narrowing his eyes. Vlad was quite a bit smaller than he was and never pushed things to a fight for fear that he'd end up without a head. That didn't mean he wasn't damn annoying.