A Mate for York (The Program Book 1)

by Hartnady, Charlene

  Crazy man…vampire. She swallowed hard between desperate pants.

  “I’m going to have you on your bed now.” York whispered into the shell of her ear, creating goosebumps on her arms and torso and back…hell, the little buggers popped up everywhere.

  “Don’t you mean take me to my bed now?” She sounded ridiculously out of breath. Her voice was a little hoarse from screaming.

  He shook his head. “I’m having you on your bed.” York’s eyes were on her lips and he moved forward.

  Her eyes were closing in preparation for their kiss when her ringtone sounded. It was shrill because she used one of those cheap throw away phones.

  “I need to get that. It’s probably my neighbor.”

  York moved towards the sound of the phone. Still carrying her. Still inside her. He moved quickly and quietly, putting her down within reaching distance of her phone. Her jeans were still on…sort of. The top part was shredded and hung from her thighs and hips but the pants legs were still on her calves and perfectly intact. She must look really hilarious. Her shirt was still in one piece.

  “Hi, Mrs. Simmons.” The caller ID showed that it was her neighbor, as suspected.

  “Is everything alright, dear?” She sounded really worried.

  “Yes, everything is fine.” Cassidy swallowed hard when York removed his buttonless shirt, toed off his boots and pulled off his jeans. Naked never looked so good.

  No drooling, Cassidy.

  “Why did you scream?” Mrs. Simmons didn’t sound convinced. “What’s going on?”

  “I saw a really big spider.” Cassidy lied, feeling her cheeks heat. She chewed on her lower lip, letting her gaze move down York’s hard body. His dick jutted out from between his hips. Thick and really hard.

  “Oh no, dear. That’s enough to give anyone a heart attack. How big is it? From your scream, I’m guessing it’s quite something.”

  “You could say that. It’s huge.” Her voice was a little breathless. “Bigger than I’ve ever seen before.”

  A drop of pre-cum beaded on the head of his cock and York grinned.

  “Is it one of those really hairy ones?” Her neighbor’s voice was animated.

  “No…no hairs. Just big and it moves like nobody’s business.”

  His grin widened and he crossed his hands over his chest. The guy was smoking hot. No one had ever made her come so easily. He hadn’t even touched her all that much before they had sex. She really needed to get rid of Mrs. Simmons. Cassidy ached for a repeat.

  “It’s on the move. I need to go,” she blurted.

  “Be careful, dear. It might be venomous.”

  Cassidy had to smile. “Although it bites, I don’t think it’s the venomous kind.”

  York sniggered, his eyes shone.

  “You can’t be too careful, Cass dear. Maybe I should pop around and help you with—”

  “No need, Mrs. Simmons. I’m capable of taking care of it myself.”

  “Are you sure?” The old dear still didn’t sound convinced.

  “Never more sure. You go to bed, it’s late.”

  “Okay.” Her neighbor sounded a bit deflated. “Be sure to give it a good clobber with your shoe. Keep hitting until it stops moving.”

  Cassidy had to cover her mouth with her hand for a few seconds to stop herself from laughing as York covered his dick with both his hands, his eyes were wide.

  “I’ll be sure to do that.” She bit down on her bottom lip when York shook his head, managing to look distraught even though he was grinning broadly.

  They said their goodnights and she put down the phone.

  “You’re not coming anywhere near me with a shoe.”

  Cassidy pouted. “What if I promised to kiss you better afterwards?”

  York choked out a laugh. “What if we skipped the hitting with a shoe part and moved straight to the kissing better part?” He closed the distance between them and picked her up. “Also, your clothes have got to go…I’ve missed your body.”

  Her heart skipped several beats which was stupid since he’d said that he missed her body…not her.

  She giggled like a school girl as he practically ran to her bedroom which was the only other room in the apartment. York lay her down on the bed and proceeded to strip her slowly. Her giggles quickly turned to moans when he insisted on kissing every inch of her body until she was writhing and begging for him to take her. When he finally did, it was slow and with infinite care until she was sure she would self-combust, at any second, from needing to come.

  Just as she was about to all out beg, he fucked her so hard and fast that her headboard knocked against the wall a couple of times…hell, the whole bed seemed to lift and drop a couple of times. She came hard with York chasing right behind her. He groaned, his body jerked against hers, their loud pants mirroring one another. York seemed to be the type of guy that only allowed himself to let loose when his partner was in the throes of orgasm. Cassidy was shaking by the time he stopped moving, her whole body felt drained of all its energy. Her limbs felt heavy and her eyelids droopy.

  He hadn’t bitten her this time but it was just as powerful, maybe even more so, since he was on top of her. Their bodies so close that they almost felt like one. Stop it Cassidy.

  The phone rang and York groaned. It didn’t stop him from jumping up and grabbing the device, which he handed to her.

  Cassidy pushed the green button. “Hi, Mrs. Simmons.” She tried to sound upbeat and awake instead of all drunk on orgasm.

  “Did you get him? I heard all the ruckus. You must have got him after all that.” Her neighbor sounded excited.

  York’s big shoulders shook as he laughed under his breath. The whole bed vibrated, he was laughing so hard.

  “Yes, Mrs Simmons. I sure got him alright.”

  “Oh good.” She sounded ecstatic. Cassidy felt sorry for any critters that ventured into that house. “I’m glad to hear it dear.”

  “Goodnight, Mrs. Simmons.”

  “Goodnight, dear.”

  York wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He was still chuckling. “You got me alright.” He whispered, almost too soft for her to hear.

  It’s not what it sounds like, Cassidy. He’s referring to sex. Nothing more. When he leaves soon, you will never see him again.

  Chapter 13

  6 days later…

  Lazarus growled so loudly that the human male fell backwards in his haste to get away.

  York had to laugh. “You need to stop doing that. This is the only male that agreed to come anywhere near you. A half finished tattoo is going to look like shit.”

  “Sorry.” Lazarus looked down at the male. “It won’t happen again. Silver hurts like a fucking bitch.” His face looked pinched. His muscles looked strained.

  “Stop acting like such a baby.” York looked down at the swirling ink lines on his upper body just above his right pec, it sloped onto his shoulder and lower neck area. His skin was still pink and angry looking from the silver. Lazarus was right though, the silver needle hurt. He was sure that it was from the continuous contact. A quick stab was one thing, ongoing contact got old fast.

  The ten males in the breeding program had decided to get inked as a symbol of unity and brotherhood. They had earned their way into the program through courage and brute strength. They were revered by the other males in the covens. Their positions envied. York didn’t particularly care either way. It wasn’t his idea to get the tat but he agreed to go along with it. The problem was that he wasn’t even sure he wanted to be in the program anymore. In many ways, it felt like he was an observer in his life rather than actually living it. The only time he felt truly alive lately was when he was with Cassidy.

  “You are thinking about her right now aren’t you?” Lazarus asked. The sound of the tattoo gun could be heard buzzing in the background.

  York frowned. “I’m not sure who you’re referring to. I haven’t decided on any of the females yet. We only have to put potential candidate
s forward tomorrow.” He crossed his hands over his chest.

  “You may have the rest of them fooled, but not me.” Lazarus looked at him through intelligent eyes that saw way too fucking much for his liking.

  “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

  “You’re fucking that human. I can scent human pussy all over you. You scented of it the morning after the meet and greet. The others may have believed your story about how you eased one of the females and how she rubbed herself all over you but I didn’t. You forget I know where you went. I still think you’re full of shit!” Lazarus said. The tattoo artist stopped working, he looked very interested in what they were saying all of a sudden.

  “What the fuck are you looking at?” York growled. The human visibly paled. He turned his attention back on Lazarus. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. There are twenty-five human women currently within the program…” York shrugged. “So I’ve been fucking around. That’s what we’re supposed to be doing. It’s a breeding program for fuck sakes. I may have been with her that night but not anymore.”

  Lazarus sort of smiled. “You haven’t touched any of the females from the program. You’ve barely hung around long enough to talk to them. You can count yourself lucky that no one has noticed.”

  “So I’m discreet. I’m not the type to kiss and tell.”

  “Yeah…” Lazarus choked out a laugh. “Whatever!”

  “I’m done.” The tattoo artist looked pale and sweaty. He held out a mirror so that Lazarus could get a good look at his ink. It was a bit more of an elaborate design on the opposite side to York. Same general position. The females would love it…then again…it made him look even meaner.

  “Looks good. Thanks.” Lazarus rose to his feet and they began walking.

  “Don’t lie to me, York. You’ve been disappearing under the guise of fucking one of the humans but you’re heading to Cassidy’s place. You fucked her that night you left the club and you’ve been seeing her ever since. Don’t even try and deny it.”

  “Shhh…” York looked around them. “Keep it down. I haven’t been fucking her.”

  Lazarus’ face clouded in anger.

  York held up a hand. “There’s more to it than that. I enjoy being with her.” He clenched his teeth for a few beats. “It’s not just sex or fucking…I feel like it’s…I don’t know.”

  Lazarus cursed. “You’re fucking in love with her. I told you to stay away but you didn’t listen.”

  York shrugged. “I’m not sure what to do about it.”

  “You’re getting away with it right now but it’s not going to last. Unless you take a human from the breeding program and keep on seeing Cassidy, but I can’t see that working.”

  “I don’t know what to do.” He felt defeated.

  “What has she said about it?”

  York shrugged again.

  “You guys haven’t discussed it?” Lazarus sounded shocked, he raised his brows. “I can’t believe you haven’t discussed it.”

  “We’re kind of just living in the moment.”

  “Well it can’t last. You’re going to get into trouble and I’m talking rotting in the dungeon lose your dick kind of trouble. Thirty lashes will seem like child’s play.”

  York didn’t feel like talking about this anymore, he knew he and Cassidy needed to discuss it. He needed to find out her feelings on this. Maybe it was just sex for her. Maybe he was giving up on everything for a female that didn’t want him beyond a physical relationship.

  “You’re right. I’ll sort it out. Have you decided who you are going to choose?” The males needed to decide on a female they potentially wanted as a mate. If another male chose the same female, they would be permitted to choose again. It was then up to the males to win their female. Particularly in cases where more than one male chose a certain female. Any males left at the end of the process would get to meet a new batch of females. Any unmated males at the end of three rounds would be scratched from the program.

  Lazarus shook his head. “Nah! None of them get me so I’ll try again next time round.”

  “You should try and attend an etiquette class or something.”

  “A what?” Lazarus frowned.

  “It’s a class that teaches you how to behave. It teaches manners, which forks to use at the dinner table and how to hold a tea cup.” York grinned, sure to let Lazarus know he was joking.

  “Fuck forks, fuck tea cups and fuck good behavior…I’m not good…I’m seriously fucking badass and I want a female that will love me for …me.”

  York laughed. “I’m sure she’s out there. I’m not sure that three rounds will be enough to find her though.”

  Lazarus shrugged. “I hope so but if not then to hell with it. I’m not changing for a female.”

  “Whatever you say, bro.” York shook his head. He for one knew how finding the right female could change a male. How it could turn his perfectly sane world into utter chaos.

  ****

  Her beautiful eyes brightened as she opened the door. Cassidy threw herself into his arms, wrapping her legs around his hips. Her greeting thrilled him to the core.

  It had his dick hardening, downright fucking twitching in his pants. It had been like this every day for the last week. Hard sex followed by fun, easy conversation followed by soft, tender lovemaking that threatened to steal what was left of his sanity. This was very often followed by a call from Mrs. Simmons wanting to know if Cassidy had managed to kill it. As far as Cassidy’s nosy neighbor was concerned, Cassidy had a spider infestation.

  It made York grin just thinking about it.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I’m really happy to see you.” York said as he kicked the door closed behind him.

  “I can feel that.” Cassidy nipped at his lip before kissing him quick and deep.

  He groaned as she pulled away. “I’ve missed you.” It just slipped out but he couldn’t help it, because he meant it.

  Her eyes narrowed a tad. “You mean you’ve missed having sex with me? Twenty-four hours is a very long time.” She grinned mischievously.

  He could hear how her heart rated kicked up a notch or two at the mention of feelings or anything permanent. York growled softly, feeling how her breasts mashed up against his chest. “Yesterday feels like forever ago. I missed you so damned much.” He was talking about her and not the sex...even though he had missed that too. Hopefully she would see his true feelings for her written in his eyes.

  Kissing him again, she thread her fingers through the short hair on his scalp. Her summer dress rode high on her thighs, giving him a view of her stunning legs and the v-neck cut gave him a perfect view of her cleavage. Fuck but she was the most beautiful female he had ever seen.

  York tried hard to ignore the packed bags stacked at the entrance to her small hallway. He moved quickly, needing to be inside of her more than he needed his next breath. Within a few strides, York lay Cassidy down on her bed and pulled up her dress so that it bunched around her hips. He couldn’t help the low rumble that vibrated from deep inside his chest. “Glistening fucking wet.” He dipped his head down so that he could lave her swollen clit. Next, he ran his fingers through the soft fur that had began to grow. “I fucking love your fur.”

  Cassidy giggled, the sound quickly turned into a drawn out moan as he sucked on her little bud of nerves. Her fingers dug into his shoulders. He pulled her legs over his shoulders feeling how her toes curled into his back as he continued to suckle on her.

  Rainbows and sunshine. Her taste was enough to drive him to distraction. He couldn’t help the rumble of satisfaction that moved through him. It didn’t take long and Cassidy threw her head back, she grasped the sides of his head with both her hands and gave a raw growl as her back bowed off the bed. In short, she came hard and he loved every drawn out second. Every mewl, every whimper, every pant.

  He longed to wake her up like this after a night…together. After they had actually slept wrapped up in each other
for the whole night. He longed to slip between her thighs and make her come. Hearing her loud, let-her-rip groan would be the best good morning he could ever hope for. Fuck, any good morning with Cass would be bliss.

  All this sneaking around was irritating the crap out of him.

  With one sweeping move, Cassidy pulled her dress over her head. “I’m ready for you, big boy.”

  “I’m not a boy.”

  “No, but you are damned big.” She looked at him from under her lashes. Fuck but she was something.

  “No arguments there, gorgeous. Damn…” he let his eyes track the length of her body. “Have I told you today how sexy you are?”

  She shook her head, her lip dented as she bit down on it.

  “You…my gorgeous female…are so utterly fuckable, it’s scary. You might want to call Mrs. Simmons and let her know that you’ve spotted a big one.”

  Cassidy giggled while grabbing the bottom of his shirt and yanking it up. He helped her out by lifting his arms. Then she leaned back, her eyes were wide and focused on his chest. “Oh wow!” She gasped. “That’s seriously hot.”

  For a second York wasn’t sure what she was talking about, then he looked down. His skin was still a faint pink under the ink. “Oh, this old thing.” He tried to play it down, leaning forward to take back her lips but she backed up so that he couldn’t reach her.

  “It’s really pretty…” She gushed.

  “I hope fucking not,” he growled. “Sexy, hot would be fine…pretty…” He snorted. “No…just no.”

  “Swirling and twirling lines…it looks a bit like an abstract dragon. It is pretty.” Her lush mouth pulled into a smile. “In a sexy, hot kind of way.”

  “When you put it like that…” He reached forward, wanting to suck on her bottom lip. She had a mouth made for wicked things.

  “What made you get it? I didn’t even know vampires could have tattoos.” Her brow pulled together and the most adorable lines marred her forehead.

  York shrugged. “All it takes is a silver needle.” His gaze was focused on her mouth…make that her nipples. Fucking perfection. Wide areolas and swollen nubs that beckoned him to suck on them and nip at them.