A Mate for York (The Program Book 1)

by Hartnady, Charlene

  “Mmmm, the bed.” She ground herself up against his erection.

  York groaned at the contact, nipped at her ear. “The bed…the shower…the floor….the wall…the kitchen…everywhere.” Each word came out on a rough pant. “The heat can get pretty hectic…your scent is going to drive me insane with need. You need to be prepared, Cass.” He suddenly looked worried.

  “What?”

  He deposited her carefully on the bed. “There are some things you should know about a vampire pregnancy…you need all the facts before we do this. I can’t believe I didn’t think to tell you before. I was too damned happy.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I want this.”

  He shook his head. “Hear me out first.”

  Cassidy nodded. There wasn’t much he could say that would put her off this.

  “You will be pregnant for a whole year. We were briefed that human pregnancies only last nine months.” He looked so worried that she had to lean forward and kiss him softly on the lips.

  She moved back slightly, keeping them nose to nose. “I will happily carry your child for a whole year.” She moved back a bit more. “As long as you promise to give me lots of back rubs.”

  York smiled, looking so damned handsome it threatened to take her breath away. “That’s a deal.”

  “Besides”—she bobbed her eyebrows up and down—“pregnant women are supposed to be extra horny so we can have loads of sex.”

  His face looked pained for a moment and he growled. “No…don’t talk about sex…I need to get through this conversation and your scent is making it impossible as it is.” He paused, readjusting his cock before continuing. “Um…sheesh…” He rubbed his hand over his head. “As a human, you might not like this one…”

  “Try me.”

  York looked her deep in the eyes. “If you can’t do it then I will understand.”

  “Tell me.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

  “You will get thirsty.” He raised his brows. “As in very thirsty.”

  She could see that there was more. When he didn’t say anything more she prompted him. “Thirsty is no big deal. What kind of thirsty?” She could guess.

  “For blood, Cass. You will need to drink from me often.”

  Cassidy had to smile at him. “I already bite you all the time during sex.”

  His face got this goofy, faraway look. “I love it when you do that. Makes my dick fucking explode.” He turned serious. “Blood drinking is a whole other level.”

  “If I drink from you, will it be as good as when you drink from me?”

  He nodded, his eyes glowed softly and his nostrils flared. “Big time. Mated couples drink from one another, it is the vampire way.”

  “I’m going to be your wife…your mate…I want you to be satisfied. I won’t lie, the thought freaks me out a little but I’m good. I’m sure I’ll love it.”

  York swallowed thickly. “I love you, Cass. I can’t wait to be inside you so I’m going to move onto the next thing now because I don’t have much patience left.”

  “There’s more?” She quickly smiled to show that she was joking…well sort of joking.

  York nodded. “Your breasts will fill with blood instead of milk.”

  Cassidy shrugged. “That figures. I would give birth to a vampire baby so it stands to reason that he or she would drink blood.”

  “He,” York said.

  Cassidy felt herself frown. “What do you mean by he? He as in a boy? You can’t know that.”

  “The child will be a boy. We are not sure why but all vampire/human births to date have led to the births of boys. We will have a son.”

  “A son. I don’t want to get too excited yet. What if I don’t get pregnant?” It felt like a boulder landed in the pit of her stomach. To think just hours earlier she had thought she would never conceive, never be a mom, never get to experience the wonderful gift of giving life to another.

  York cupped her chin. “Then we will try again and again and keep going until it happens. It will happen, Cass, of this I am sure.”

  She nodded, trying hard to believe him. Wanting so badly for it to be true.

  York grinned, letting his hand fall away. “Vampires have seriously potent seed and as the Elite Leader, my sperm is particularly powerful.”

  Cassidy had to laugh, she shook her head. “I’m sure you’re right. Is there anything else I should know?”

  York clenched his jaw, his eyes darkened up. “It is not without risk. My kings almost lost their mate early on in her pregnancy. Human females will struggle to survive a miscarriage. Even our own females are greatly affected. The good news is, you will become stronger and even take on some of our vampire traits, not just blood drinking but general stuff.”

  “Like what? How soon?”

  “It will happen after we mate and will gradually become more pronounced as we bond with one another. You drinking my blood will strengthen the bond between us.” His eyes lightened as a hunger returned. “You will see better, hear better, all of your senses will become magnified. You will age slower…”

  “If I had known that, I would’ve agreed to this much sooner. In fact, I would’ve joined the breeding program instead of the trial phase,” Cassidy joked.

  York frowned, his whole body became tense.

  “What is it? I was only joking.” She moved closer to him, grabbing his biceps.

  When he locked eyes with her, he smiled. “I know that.” He kissed her. A quick brush of the lips. “I told you that I’ve never had to work so hard to get a female as what I had to with you. Almost impossible.” His face became serious and his jaw tensed. “It’s just that there are females within the program for the wrong reasons. You just reminded me of that.”

  “What? Women who want to slow down aging?”

  “I hadn’t thought of that one since it is not a major thing for vampires, but yeah. There are more advantages to being with us, they want money, and to live in luxury. I worry that a male might end up with someone like that.”

  “Give the guys some credit.” Cassidy pulled her shredded dress over her head and shrugged out of the ruined bra. “I’m sure they’re more intelligent than that.”

  “Sometimes a male will lose his mind.” He spoke slowly, his eyes on her breasts. York growled softly, sending a shiver up her spine.

  “Was there anything else you needed to tell me?” Her pussy felt slick. Her nipples pebbled under his scrutiny.

  He shook his head. “More than likely but damned if I can remember.” His nostrils flared and he licked his lips. “I think I covered the important stuff.” His eyes drifted to the juncture of her thighs. “I want you on your hands and knees, Cass. Since you are about to become a vampire’s mate, I need to rut you…seriously rut you and in true vampire style.”

  “Have you been holding back?”

  York shook his head. “There is no such thing with you. I couldn’t if I tried.” He pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it on the floor.

  His words warmed her.

  “Do you need to let Mrs. Simmons know that you are about to see a whole damn horde of spiders?” He kicked off his boots and lost his jeans in record time.

  “More like one really big, hairless one.” She looked down. His magnificent cock jutted from between his hips.

  York’s gaze turned feral and his eyes glowed, his cock actually twitched. “I hate to tell you, gorgeous, but you’re not going to be seeing much of my cock…” He palmed his thick girth. “It’s going to be buried too deeply inside of you for you to see much of anything.” He winked at her.

  If she wasn’t wet before, that changed now. Just hearing him talk of sex with her had her breathing turning a little ragged.

  “On your knees, gorgeous. I need you to hold on tight.” He gave her a wicked grin. “Making babies is serious business.”

  Cassidy moved onto all fours, sure to poke her ass up in the air. She widened her stance, feeling the air abrade her inner thighs and sensitive flesh.


  “You are so beautiful. I’m going to last all of five fucking seconds,” York growled.

  “I doubt that.” She groaned as his tongue breached her opening. She cried out when its long length vibrated inside her, as he made a low rumble of pleasure.

  “So good.” He groaned as he moved to her clit. He closed his mouth over her and sucked, making her gasp. His tongue swirled around and around against her bundle of nerves until she was rocking against him. Her heavy pants turned to even heavier moans.

  Just as her pussy began to flutter, York pulled back. “I can’t be gentle.” A whispered growl, as he crouched over her, his chest against her back. York grabbed her hips, holding on tight. She might have bruises in the morning but right now she didn’t give a shit.

  A shrill cry was torn from her as he thrust into her in one hard move.

  York grunted loudly, staying perfectly still for a few beats. His chest heaved and his breath came in ragged pants. He kissed her on the side of her neck. “Are you okay?”

  She could barely understand him, his voice was so deep and guttural. It made her even hotter for him. “Yes,” she moaned.

  He pulled out slowly and carefully until just the tip of his cock was inside of her. “Good,” York growled as he thrust back into her.

  He fucked her hard and slow. Her whole body shook with each deep thrust. The bed lifted and landed. The headboard knocked. It was hard to breathe, impossible to think. She could only feel. York’s hands were on either side of her. His hot breath on her neck. On and on…thrust after thrust.

  Her breasts were smashed against the mattress. Her arms shook from clinging to the covers. Her orgasm snuck up on her. It felt good one second and then her back bowed and her eyes closed. A deep, raw groan escaped as her pussy began to spasm. Her orgasm flashed awake inside of her somewhere deep in her belly. It then seeped through every part of her like a thick, spreading warmth.

  When York bit down on her neck, she screamed. The pleasure so intense, it had her seeing fireworks. Which was weird since her eyes were closed.

  He grunted and then all out moaned as his movements became jerky. Cassidy could feel his warmth spurt deep inside her. Then he slumped on top of her, careful not to squash her. He was breathing hard.

  On a soft growl, he rolled to his side taking her with him, their bodies still joined. His arm wrapped around her and his hand clutched her stomach. His fingers began to trace the skin on her belly with a softness that warmed her heart.

  They had a ton to look forward to. Just thinking about it made her smile. Cassidy sighed, snuggling closer to the vampire curled behind her. Her vampire.

  Chapter 16

  His arms were filled with softness. The scent of sunshine and rainbows filled his nostrils. York couldn’t help but to groan as he pulled Cassidy closer. From the feeling of warmth on his skin, he guessed that the morning was well on its way.

  He snuggled into the crook of her neck, nipping at the sensitive skin there.

  It was Cass’ turn to moan. She stretched out, stifling a yawn. “You’ve worn me out.” Her voice was still thick with sleep.

  His heart filled with warmth. It was the fourth day he was waking up with her and he loved it just as much as he suspected he would. Hugging her even closer, he whispered into her ear. “I told you that the heat could get pretty hectic.”

  She made a little snorting sound. “I think I might need a band aid for my lady bits.”

  York couldn’t help but to laugh. “No need, I will kiss you better.”

  The scent of her arousal filled the air and York had to grin. They had made love countless times over the last few days. He still didn’t have his fill of her, although he suspected that he never would. Even a lifetime was too short.

  “Am I still in heat?” Cassidy turned her head, so that her wide eyes met his.

  York shook his head. “No.” His gaze dropped to her breasts, which had come into view as she turned. He dipped his head and sucked on her nipple. So tasty and just so damned arousing, his already hard cock began to throb.

  Cassidy looked a little crestfallen. “So…” She paused for a long while and he released her nipple with a soft popping noise.

  “What is it?” York was sure to look her deep in the eyes.

  Cassidy shrugged. “I’m just a little nervous. I really want to be pregnant. I only hope we made love enough times.”

  Although this was a serious moment, he couldn’t help but to chuckle. “I think we have that covered. My balls have actually shrunk in size.” He planted a kiss on her temple.

  She gave a breathy sigh and he noticed that her hand dropped to her belly. “I just want this so badly, York.” She licked her lips. “We’ll know in a few days, right?”

  He cupped her chin, reveling in the soft skin under his hand. “Yeah…it won’t take long. You’ll develop a thirst that just won’t quit no matter how much you drink. The queen informed me that your little canines will sharpen and extend. They will still be very small, unlike our fangs.” He curled his lip away, allowing his teeth to extend.

  Her eyes widened and again her arousal blossomed.

  York fucking loved how his vampire side turned her on.

  “You will start to crave blood and will only be satisfied once those little fangs are firmly in my neck and my blood is on your tongue.”

  Although she pulled a little face, he could see that she wasn’t nearly as grossed out at the prospect as most humans would be.

  Cassidy looked down at the bed, her eyes were clouded in worry.

  “Hey.” York put a hand around her waist. “I will be there for you every step of the way. It’s not as bad as you think. I have a feeling that you will take to it quickly and easily.”

  Her green tinged eyes met his. “That’s not it,” she all but whispered. “I’m just so worried that I’m not…you know…pregnant. I want this so badly for you…for us.”

  “We will try again, Cass. I for one, will love every minute, of every heat, you have.”

  “I might not have another heat.” Her lip wobbled. “It’s a miracle I ovulated this time. I still can’t believe it.”

  “Firstly, vampire seed is potent…as in ridiculously so. All females that are not capable of birthing young...” Best to explain that, just in case no one else had. “Most of our females have pelvises that are too narrow to be able to birth young. Cutting the child out is impossible because a silver blade would need to be used and silver is toxic to infants.”

  “And here I was feeling jealous of their narrow hips.” A look of guilt crossed her face.

  “You don’t have to feel guilty, but you certainly don’t have anything to feel jealous over either. Most of our females would kill to have hips like yours.” He clasped her there, feeling her soft flesh beneath his fingers. “You have no idea what your lush curves will do to a male.”

  She giggled. “Actually, I think I might have a small inkling.” Her heated gaze dropped to his cock, which twitched under her scrutiny.

  “My greedy little female. I’m not finished with this conversation, but I need you to hold onto that dirty thought.”

  Her eyes lifted and locked with his.

  “Females that can’t birth young have themselves sterilized, because even though we can scent when a female is in heat, mistakes can happen. Even when being extremely careful. When males rut their mate during the heat, it almost always results in the female becoming pregnant.”

  Cassidy nodded. “I’m still nervous. I just want this so much. It’s your greatest desire to become a dad and I want you to have that.” She bit down on her lower lip and her eyes filled with tears.

  It fucking killed him to see her like this.

  “I have exactly what I want. That’s you, Cass. You are my greatest desire.” The pad of his thumb trailed along her jawbone.

  She smiled and a tear streaked down her cheek. “Do you really mean that?”

  “Fuck, yes. I am already the happiest male on earth. Even if we never have a baby, I
am truly satisfied and completely fulfilled because we have each other.”

  Another tear tracked down her cheek and he wiped it away. “Please don’t cry.”

  Her smiled widened and her eyes sparkled. “I’m not crying.” She sniffed. “It’s the harsh morning sun. I have sensitive eyes.” Cassidy giggled softly.

  York had to shake his head, making sure to give her a look that told her she was full of shit. “Now…” he growled while pulling her against him. “About that wicked thought you had earlier.”

  Her giggle grew louder. It was in that moment that York knew, without a single doubt, that they were going to be just fine regardless of what happened.

  A Mate for Gideon is available for pre-order now.

  Author’s Note

  Thank-you for reading the first in my new series.

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  I live on an acre in the country with my gorgeous husband and three sons and an array of pets including a ball python.

  In my spare time you can usually find me typing frantically on the computer completely lost in worlds of my making. I believe that it is the small things that truly matter like that feeling you get when you start a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset.

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