“Oh shit. Why were they after us…me anyway?”
“With you gone, there won’t be any more vampire heirs. Long term, our people would end up destroyed. There is no love between the different species. Enough talk, get that phone.” Taking slow deliberate steps, he walked to where she had left her bag.
Tanya handed him the device.
Zane pushed a few buttons, holding the cell phone to his ear. “Female, fetch me clothes from the closet next to my bed.” His eyes looked in the direction of the loft.
“Please.” She added as she moved towards the stairs. He grunted something unintelligible.
Zane barked orders at someone on the other end of the line. Tanya finally gave up on trying to find any underwear, she settled on black jeans, a grey t-shirt, boots and socks. As an afterthought, she grabbed the leather jacket that was on the bed.
Zane stood at the bottom of the stairs, in a wide stance, naked as the day he was born and seemingly quite comfortable. She handed him the garments and he nodded in…thanks? “The guys will be here in five so best you”—his gaze moved across her skin—“get dressed.” Using his good arm, he stepped into his jeans. Tanya rummaged in her bag pulling out a fresh pair of jeans and a light blue top.
“I would prefer it if you wore something else.”
She choked, “Excuse me?”
“I like the look and feel of your skin. Make sure that you keep certain parts covered or I will be forced to beat my men when they look at you.”
She looked down and felt heat rise in her face. Her nipples protruded from the thin cotton. She may as well have been completely topless.
“What I don’t understand is why you insist on wearing such manly clothes? Even that first day in the square…”
“Jeans are hardly manly.” She was secretly thrilled that he liked the way she looked and couldn’t believe he actually remembered her from that day. The only other thing she had with her besides her pajamas was a yellow dress that tied at the back of her neck. The only problem was that she didn’t have a strapless bra. In hind sight she didn’t know why she brought the thing in the first place. She stuffed it back in the bag.
“Wear it,” a low vibrating growl. Goose flesh rose on her arms and her first impulse was to obey him.
“I can’t. I don’t have the correct underwear.”
“You will not be needing underwear.”
A thrilling spark of awareness coursed through her. Why did she have to keep reminding herself of Brant? His warm smile. Great hands. Tanya felt like groaning in frustration.
“Your men will have an eyeful if I go braless.”
His dark eyes narrowed. “They wouldn’t dare look since it would be the last thing they ever got to see. Put on the dress.”
“Fine.” She ground her teeth. She would do as he said but he was not going to get into her panties. There would be no sex. “I am going to wear panties.”
“No underwear.”
“Why not?” She placed her hands on her hips.
“Covering up like that isn’t natural. It would please me if I knew your pussy was naked and waiting for my attention.”
Much to her annoyance, Tanya made a strangled sound. That did it. She was going to wear undies whether he liked it or not. Aside from Brant, there was another reason why sex with Zane would be a bad idea yet she couldn’t seem to remember why right now. “Face the other way.” Damn, her voice was breathy.
He grinned. Zane was unbelievably attractive when he smiled. So much so, she decided right there and then that she would do everything in her power to keep him scowling.
He shook his head. “Are you shy sweetness?”
“Yes, I am.” No use lying.
“No need. You are my female. Very soon there will be no inch of your skin that I have not tasted.”
Tanya coughed trying to dislodge the lump of sheer desire that had lodged itself in her throat. “Um…” She licked her lips. “It’s a human thing. Please humor me, Zane.”
“Mmmmm,” another deep rumble. “I think I could grow to like the sound of my name on your lips.”
Heat swept through her. Zane turned, he had only just pulled the jeans over his hips and seemed for the moment to be focused on fumbling with the catches on his pants.
Quicker than she thought possible, she pulled off her own soaked jeans and bra. She pulled the dress over her head leaning forward so that her hair would be out of the way to tie the neck straps of the dress. There was a bit of a built in bra that helped keep everything together, but one hint of a breeze or any more sex talk from Zane and her nipples would be all over the place. She shrugged to herself. Nothing much she could do about that. Tanya risked a quick glance at the vampire king. He was still struggling one handed with his jeans. Tanya pulled off the wet panties, replacing them with a new pair. Full cotton briefs damn him. What the vampire bully didn’t know wouldn’t kill him.
She finished getting dressed, still feeling irritated at him for making her go braless. “Oh for goodness sakes turn around and let me help you.”
He sighed, turning slowly. A look of sheer frustration marred his features. The look soon turned heated as his gaze drifted over her. “Much better. Don’t ever wear underwear around me again.”
Things were quickly moving in the wrong direction. “Did you say you had a first aid kit?” She decided to try and move the conversation to something else.
“No time.”
“There’s always—” Her sentence was cut short with the sound of a vehicle pulling up.
“My men.” He sat on the sofa. “Help me with my boots.”
“Please.” She paused a few seconds waiting in vain for a bit of politeness that wasn’t forthcoming.
Tanya suppressed a sigh and pulled his socks and boots on and had just done up the clasps when footfalls sounded on the outside deck.
She turned in time to watch four big vampires enter the cabin.
“Piece of shit elves.” The first one to enter spoke saying the word like a curse.
Zane looked her in the eye then gestured to his t-shirt lying beside him on the sofa. His eyes softened for the barest second. This time she did sigh as she picked up the garment holding it out for him.
“They were after our chosen female. Tried to assassinate her. Lance, I need you to let Brant know about the attempt. The human needs round the clock protection. I’m not sure I can trust him and his puny brother to protect her. Their whole coven are like a bunch of pussies.”
“Stop that.” She swatted him on the side of his good arm. “What did I tell you about speaking badly of those who can’t defend themselves?” Tanya stood moving away a few feet.
Zane managed to look sheepish for half a second before frowning at her. “Just calling a spade a spade. Now get your delectable ass over here and help me up before I spank you.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
A ridiculously sexy smile slid into place, one that dared her to defy him.
“You’re lucky you’re hurt or I’d so tell you to go to hell.”
Zane’s eyes darkened. “I’m disappointed.” He held out his hand, which she clasped. His gaze stayed on her cleavage the whole time she helped him up. “Mmmm…” He whispered in her ear as soon as he made it to his feet, “I like the dress.”
“Lance.” The big head guard immediately came to attention. “Have Charlotte meet us when we arrive. I want her to measure my female so that she can have more of such items of clothing.”
“I must say my lord…that dress does enhance…” His eyes had dipped to her boobs. Tanya felt like putting a hand across her chest. She could just imagine how she must look.
“What does it enhance?” Zane interrupted, his eyes blazing. “Are you checking out my female?”
Lance looked down, eyes solidly at the floor. “I would never dream of it my lord. I will let Charlotte know.”
“Good. Let me make something very clear. This human might look good, and I know that she smells amazing. Let me catch o
A series of mumbles and nods of agreement rose from the men. All hardened warriors in their own right.
“Griffin and Ross, you stay and clean up. I want them on spikes. Ten feet high. We need to send King Katar a little message.” Using his good arm, he pulled her towards him. He was so tense it felt like his body had been carved by granite.
“Spikes as in?”
“Do not concern yourself female, but know that I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”
Unfortunately she could guess. Dead bodies and spikes. The elf king would get his message alright. She was just glad she wasn’t Griffin or Ross at the moment.
Chapter 9
Lance and another big guy climbed in to the front of the vehicle, Tanya slid in next to Zane in the back. She tried to readjust her boobs without anyone noticing and then pulled on the hem of her dress trying to cover as much thigh as possible.
“Leave it alone.” Zane pulled her onto his lap. The sliding motion had the dress riding way up. “Much better.” His low growl had her nipples tightening and darned if he didn’t notice. She watched in horror as he palmed her breast, making a low rumbling noise as he did it. Everything in her tightened. It felt so good. Too good.
Tanya tried to wriggle away. Zane hissed. His face contorted in pain. She realized she’d knocked his shoulder.
“Stay still, Ysnaar.”
“It serves you right. Stop groping me.”
“I haven’t even begun to…grope you. If you’d like I could…” His eyes had moved back down to her chest.
“No that’s okay. What does Ysnaar mean anyway?”
“The direct translation is feisty one. I have never met a female like you before. You want me, yet you keep pushing me away.” He frowned as he spoke.
“I do not want you. I am a one man kind of woman and since I already slept with Brant…”
Zane snarled. His fangs lengthened. His irises flashed red for a second or two. Tanya cowered, covering her face with her hands. His body shook beneath her as he snarled a second time.
His little outburst was over before it began. His warm hand cupped her chin. “Do not ever be afraid of me. I would never harm you.”
“Don’t do that again.”
“I can’t promise that I won’t react that way in the future, but I’ll never hurt you.” His eyes were locked with hers. “I don’t like the thought of another man touching you, let alone rutting with you.” He released her chin and looked outside the window for a few beats. “I’ve never cared before. I’ve even shared females in the past but the thought of you with him…” Zane shook his head, his dark eyes bore into her. “I don’t understand it. Must be because Brant is a birth enemy or it could be because you are my future mate.”
“I’m not your future mate. I’m not even sure I want Brant as a mate. I didn’t ask for any of this.”
“The system isn’t fair. Hell, life isn’t fair. Yet it is important that you know that the future of one of our covens is at stake. You must choose or we will fight to the death for you.”
It didn’t seem right or fair at all. It didn’t matter which way she turned, which vampire king she chose, one of the covens would be doomed without an heir regardless.
Zane chuckled, the sound sad. It chilled her from the inside out. “It gives me hope to hear you say that you have not yet chosen Brant.”
“I don’t understand. Surely there will be strong vampires born to your coven. They may not be of royal descent, but surely they will be able to lead your people.”
Zane skimmed his hand over her skin stopping only when he was under her dress, on the side of her thigh. “That’s the problem, all of our males are dominant and strong, they will all vie for the position. It is not in our blood to submit unless faced with royal blood. Once I am gone, an all-out war amongst the males is inevitable.” He casually caressed her skin as he spoke. Were all vampires good with their hands? Goose flesh broke out on her skin as he slid higher in tender circles.
“I see. Why couldn’t a female lead?”
“We lead with both mind and fist. Females are not as strong physically. Any female that tried to take the throne would be slaughtered.”
“That’s barbaric.”
He shrugged and winced at the movement.
“Don’t vampires heal quickly?” She looked at how his shirt stuck to the area. His wound must still be bleeding. It was hard to tell though because his shirt was black.
“This would normally heal within an hour or two, but the poison has slowed the process.” His eyes narrowed. “It may be barbaric”—he raised his eyebrows—“but it is the way of our people and not about to change any time soon.” She had to suppress a shiver as he circled higher.
“You’re doing it again.” His hand stilled, he gently squeezed her flesh.
“Doing what?” she asked.
“Telling me you want me with your body.”
Shit. She swallowed hard. “I am not…my body is not.” Her nipples were hard, her panties damp and he’d barely touched her. What was it about him that had her libido running wild?
Zane looked down at her chest. “Did you drop pebbles down your top?”
Damn this blasted dress. She was so finding something else to wear when they got to his place. “I’m cold.”
He chuckled and sniffed at the air. “I can smell your arousal.”
She gasped. These stinking vampires and their heightened senses. “So sue me, I think your head guard is cute.”
The car swerved. Lance managed to get the vehicle back under control before they careened off the road.
“Oh really?”
“Yes really.” She winked at Lance when he nervously glanced in the rear-view mirror.
“So if I do this, it wouldn’t affect you at all.” With ultra-speed, his hand skimmed up her leg clasping her ass. Tanya moaned. The moan turned into a squeal as her underwear was ripped off. Here one second and gone the next.
She shoved her legs together. “Hey!” His hand squeezed her very naked butt.
“Much better. I told you no underwear.”
“I disagreed. You can’t have everything you want. It doesn’t work that way.”
He pulled her closer to him. Tanya anchored her hands on his chest, but only so she didn’t hurt his shoulder.
“Yes it does.”
Tanya wanted to argue some more but something hard nudged her from below. Feelings of guilt and desire warred inside her as she realized it was his cock.
She had to stay strong. Deep down, she quite liked Zane. She even enjoyed their sparring way more than she should. She obviously was attracted to him, but Brant was the vampire for her. If she slept with both of them it would create major problems. Brant might never forgive her. How fun would that be? Living out the rest of her life with a pissed off vampire who fucked her whenever he needed a new heir. No thanks.
“I can tell that you were spoiled growing up. Vampire females might open their legs at the click of your fingers but…newsflash…I’m a human.”
His whole body tightened and his jaw worked. “You don’t know me, therefore you may not assume anything about me.”
Oopsie, it seemed she had crossed a line. “Do vampire females turn you down?” If she was one of those hussy vamps she wouldn’t hesitate to jump Zane at even the smallest crook of his finger.
His lips twitched. At least he looked a little less angry. “I can have my pick of the females,” he paused. Why did she hate the thought of that? Zane came across to her as a viral male. He had sex regularly, she had no doubt.
“I was not spoiled. Far from it.” He looked outside. Focusing on the view of the dark, thick forest. His thoughts far away. Something that Stephany had said came back to her. Her friend had mentioned Zane having had a difficult childhood.
“You act spoiled sometimes. I’m sorry if I made the assumption that you were spoiled as a child.”
His midnight eyes softened as they landed on her. “I am the king. I’m used to my coven obeying my every command.”
“I’m not a part of your coven. I am not yours to command.”
His face lit up in a smile that had her insides belly flopping. “It is a new and intriguing concept, yet I feel that I am entitled as you are my female.”
“I’m not yours.”
“You are mine until you go back to Brant.” His face hardened at the mention of his enemy.
“Even if I was yours. It would be as partners. Equals. You need to try and wrap your head around that.”
“Female…” His hand moved from her ass to her hip. It somehow felt more intimate. “…I will try.” Not much, but coming from him, it meant a lot.
They turned onto a dirt track that cut between the trees. The thick forest suddenly opening into rolling lawns. Tanya had a ridiculous urge to rub her eyes. Perched on the highest hill was an honest to God stone castle. Just like the ones from the story books she had read as a little girl. The ones she loved so much that they had sparked her love for books, which ultimately had led to her dream of buying the bookstore. The stone castle had three towers and a flag. The only thing missing was a moat and drawbridge. The large iron and wood doors were open.
“And how is it that you mocked Brant about his mansion?”
“This is way better.” Zane winced as he exited the vehicle. He waited while she did the same.
The castle, just as the cabin had been, was practical. It might lack flash but it was comfortable. Homey even. Passages were long and wide. The rooms were big and airy. There were a number of both male and female vampires there. The place was busy.
“Does your whole coven live here?”
“A large number do but no not everyone. The West Tower is mine.” Zane moved slightly ahead of her, moving to the right and up a winding stair case. Tanya noticed how his hand sought support from the wall every few steps. Zane paused more than once as they made their slow ascent. Sweat dripped from his brow and his skin had paled by the time they made it to his…chamber. She struggled with a better word. An old fashioned version of a loft maybe. There were large windows. A wooden trussed ceiling and shock horror in the form of a four poster bed with carvings of massacres in the dark shining wood.
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