“I don’t know why you don’t just ask her out already, I know you like the elven princess.”
“I have, several times and she has turned me down each and every time.” He sighed, “Go figure. She asked for permission to choose her own mate and to be permitted to date and has yet to agree to dating anyone.” His eyes turned stormy.
“Others have asked?”
His silvery eyes turned cobalt. “Only half of all the unmated males. I have heard them talk”—he let out a tense breath—“since they have never had a female from another species before, they are fighting over who will take her first.” He growled, gritting his teeth. “At least she’s turned all those bastards down.”
This time Stephany smiled in earnest. “Males! Keep trying. She might change her mind.” Stephany could see that the big male had a thing for the elven princess.
Xavier shook his head. “Nah, I don’t date anyway so it’s probably for the best.”
“Suit yourself.” She couldn’t help but to smile. Why were vampire males so pig headed? “Don’t come crying to me when she accepts one of the other males’ offers though.”
“You forget.” He threw her a feral grin. “I am her main guard and therefore will chaperone. Should a male so much as look at her wrong, let alone lay a single finger on her, they will bleed.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I would say that you were jealous.”
A look of surprise crossed his handsome features. “Never.” He chuckled. “Are you serious?” He chuckled some more, shaking his head. “I have been told to protect her virtue and will do so with my life.”
“Not because you want her for yourself?”
The feral gleam from earlier turned all out predatory. “I want her”—his nostrils flared—“I have never met a female who puts fire in my veins like the little princess does.” He squeezed his eyes shut for a few beats before opening them again. “I have yet to decide whether I prefer her in that little silk robe or her figure hugging clothes though.”
“Well then?”
Xavier shook his head. “One problem, I have come to my senses about dating her and I certainly don’t wish to mate her. Getting under Esral’s robe would mean having to do both those things, so it isn’t going to happen.”
“You should see how disappointed you look.”
The male shrugged. “There are plenty of willing females. Esral deserves more than just a quick rut. I will make sure that she is honored and adored before I allow a male anywhere near her.” His eyes narrowed and his fists clenched.
Xavier was completely smitten, even if he didn’t realize it himself. Hopefully he would soon, before it was too late.
Feeling comfortable in the discussion, Stephany thought back on what had been bothering her since her return. She hadn’t been able to speak up about it with Brant, but Xavier was a different story. “Before I go, your opinion please. I befriended one or two of the wolves while I was in their care.”
“My opinion?” Xavier shook his head for a few beats before raising his eyebrows, looking concerned. “You made friends with a wolf?” He sighed.
“Well sort of. They aren’t that bad.”
Xavier raised his eyebrows again. “If you say so, Steph.” He clearly didn’t believe her.
She took a deep breath. “Are there still plans to wage a war against them?” She tried to sound as indifferent as possible.
“Why would we?” Xavier shrugged his big shoulders, pulling his shirt over his head.
Stephany paused, not wanting to seem too eager. “They attacked us. They tried to take Tanya and ended up kidnapping me. Lance was nearly killed. There’s a long list against them.”
“It was a misunderstanding. There will be consequences, which will be discussed when the alpha swears fealty to our kings. The longer it takes for the male to get his ass here, the more difficult they will make it for him. But an all-out war?” He shook his head. “We have no desire to annihilate the beasts.” He raked his hand through his hair and shrugged. “Besides, I am sure it is just a matter of time before the alpha swears his allegiance.”
So unbelievably arrogant. Ward was right, they assumed that the wolves would fall to their knees. “And if they don’t?”
“They will.” He sighed, sounding bored with the conversation.
Stephany blew out a puff of air in frustration. “If they don’t?”
Xavier shrugged. “Although we don’t particularly want to exterminate the beasts. We would be forced into war. By the time we’re done with them, the alpha will beg to be allowed to kneel before us. They will swear allegiance though, so don’t concern yourself with the whole thing.”
The sheer arrogance of her kings, of the vampire species in general, was allowing the wolves a modicum of leeway but not for too much longer. Stephany worried for Ward. She only hoped that he had heeded her warning.
“I’m sure he’ll respond to the latest correspondence. Like I told you, although I have no idea where they are hiding out, I do know that they don’t have cell phone signal.” She prayed Ward would put his pride aside and swear allegiance. Though the thought of the strong male having to go down on one knee still left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Xavier smiled. “I’m sure once they receive our summons, they will come running in order to do what needs to be done…” He shrugged, “Or face the consequences.”
Stephany had to suppress a shiver. Once she felt that her emotions were sufficiently under control, she said her goodbyes and left.
Brant had insisted that she take the day off. Isla had been informed of the termination, and she was booked to have the procedure first thing in the morning. As much as she’d argued with Brant about not wanting the time off, he’d insisted. It left her with plenty of time to think. To worry. To wallow in her sorrow.
It sucked.
Right now, her whole life pretty much sucked.
Instead of going to her room, she headed outside and made for the forest. Cool, green, surrounded by nature. Ever since being with the wolves, she craved the outdoors. The wind in her hair, the ground beneath her feet. It was strange considering she’d been holed up in Ward’s cabin the entire time that she’d been there.
Yet, she felt a modicum of calm descend as the canopy above thickened and the scent of pine filled her nostrils. Stephany picked up a brisk pace, trying to concentrate on each footfall and not on her racing mind. The temptation that seized her was so self-centred.
Selfish, selfish, selfish.
It taunted. Everything in her wanted to call Ward. Not because she felt he should know. Not for any other reason than needing him to hold her hand when they extracted the life from her womb. The small, innocent, little life that was a symbol of their time together. Just like her and Ward, it was a life that could never be. She told herself for the millionth time that the baby would have no chance, yet she still felt untold guilt. The odds were just so bad on the child surviving, otherwise she would’ve gladly given her own life. If only there was a way. She would grab it with both hands.
Stephany forced herself to walk faster, almost jogging until finally, exhausted, she allowed herself a small break before heading back to the castle. The canopy of trees was thick and a deep green color that allowed dapples of light through to dance around her. Putting her back against a particularly large oak, she enjoyed the sounds of nature. The feeling of calm and tranquillity.
One small thump.
Imagined. Most likely. Her mind playing tricks on her. It had to be since she was only two months along. It took at least four and a half months to feel…another tiny thump. This time undeniable. Stephany put her hand to her stomach in the vicinity of the movement, she held her breath. Even the birds and insects seemed to quieten in anticipation. Two more little knocks. Softer this time.
A sob escaped as she slid down the side of the tree. It was too soon to feel movement. Too soon. The baby was half wolf though, she reminded herself.
Ward.
Stephany was pantin
g. Overwhelmed. Even more distraught than before. Not just a clump of cells after all.
How could she go through with this?
How?
Stephany pulled her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Ward’s number from memory. He’d insisted that she memorize it, just in case. It went straight to voicemail. Her eyes burned as she listened to his voice request that she leave a message. Stephany pushed the red button before the beep. Squeezing her eyes shut, she fought the tears until her throat hurt and her eyes stung. She made herself stand and forced herself to move in the direction of the castle, walking much slower this time around.
Once she made it clear of the trees, she noticed that the new recruits to the royal guard were practicing their line formations. Stephany knew the drill. From here they would go on to hand to hand combat, followed by knife skills or archery. All she wanted right now was the sanctuary of her room.
“Hey, beautiful,” a familiar voice sounded from behind her.
Stephany scrunched her eyes shut, wanting to run away. Instead she turned, slowly.
Lance smiled broadly. “If you wanted a romantic walk in the forest, all you had to do was ask.”
“I didn’t, so I didn’t.” She hated that she sounded so mean, but she couldn’t help it. When was he going to catch the hint?
His smile lessened. “Can I walk with you?”
“If you’re not back in five, we’ll know what you’re up to.” A shout from one of the males in formation, followed by a snort and a chuckle.
Lance rolled his eyes. “Callum, you can drop and give me two hundred.”
“It wasn’t me.”
“You can punish the offender once you’re done.” Lance growled, while still not taking his eyes off of her.
“But—”
“Three hundred,” Lance said. “I can keep adding, it’s entirely up to you.”
A disgruntled growl sounded as one of the males dropped to the ground and began doing push-ups.
“Please,” Lance whispered, his eyes pleading. “Just a walk.”
She nodded, not wanting him to look bad in front of his recruits. This was the last thing she needed right now. The very last thing. Stephany sighed as she continued on with Lance at her side.
They walked through the main entrance to the castle and into the main communal area, which was thankfully quiet at this time of day. Neither of them said anything until they were headed up the main stairs, taking the branch to the north tower.
“I wish you would agree to at least date me. I know I let you down. I can’t tell you how I wish I could take back the years, do things differently.” He glanced her way.
Stephany took in a deep breath. “Things happened the way they happened. It won’t do any good wishing differently.”
They entered the long hallway that led to her suite. Lance moved a few steps ahead, he turned, walking backwards so that he could face her. “One date. One last chance. Please.” He reached for her, but she stopped so he missed.
“It won’t change anything.” How could she make him understand?
He stopped, and then took a step towards her.
“You can’t deny that there was something between us. You are my mate.” His eyes narrowed at hers. “Your denial won’t change anything. Lores are Lores.”
Just because they were technically mates, didn’t change anything. For years he had chosen to ignore that fact. She didn’t want Lance. Would never want him. Stephany felt her heart rate pick up. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “It was sex…nothing more, nothing less. I bit you and it happened to be a new moon.” She took a step towards him. “Our mating was an accident. The sooner you get that through your thick headed skull the better. I’m done with this whole back and forth. You’re interest was flattering at first, but it’s become a huge irritation.” Stephany lifted her finger, poking him in the chest. “Leave. Me. Alone.” Poke. Poke. Poke.
“Not happening, Steph.” He grit his teeth. “You are mine and I will make you see that, whether you like it or not. You. Are. Mine.” He growled.
Stephany growled back, watching his brows furrow in confusion. Before he could say anything about her strange behavior, she put her hands on her hips. “I’m done with this, Lance. We may be mates according to the Lores, but there is no you and me. There never was, never will be.”
“There was a ‘you and me’. Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you looked at me at gatherings.” He paused, “We didn’t see each other very often over the years, but you wanted me. Something has changed. Damned if I can put my finger on it though.”
“I guess you must’ve rutted with one female too many. You even bedded females from my coven. Do you think I enjoyed overhearing all about your conquests? How you made Lucinda’s toes curl with your tongue skills and how your dick is so big that Penelope swears she could feel you all the way in her throat when you rutted her. Do you think I enjoyed hearing all about it? Although, I’ve never felt that way about you.” Frustration welled in her. “We have never had real feelings for one another, yet hearing those things still made me feel like the village idiot. We may be mated, but I don’t want to be with you.”
He at least had the good grace to look sheepish. “I’ve apologized and will keep apologizing. I’ll go down on my knees if I have to. You know I haven’t rutted anyone since you were taken. I refuse to take another female as long as I live. I don’t care if my hand gets cramps or my balls explode. I don’t care if it takes years. I will make it up to you even if it kills me.”
“Do yourself a favor, Lance. Find a nice female, settle down. Forget about me. I am sure that there is someone out there who will accept that you cannot take her as a mate.”
His face took on a pained look. “I want you…only you. You are my mate.”
“Trust me, you don’t want me.”
His eyes filled with tenderness. “I do…more than you know.”
“No!” She said a little too harshly. “I’m broken, Lance.” Or at least she would be. When this baby was removed, what was left of her heart would go with it. Stephany pushed past Lance and thankfully he didn’t try and follow.
Stephany dialed Ward again the moment her door closed behind her. She was weak. Desperate. It went to voicemail.
It was for the best. Her selfish need to have him with her would only cause him unnecessary pain. She wished that she could be strong and leave him out of it, instead she dialed again even though she knew it would go straight to voicemail this time as well.
Chapter 4
Tanya entered her suite. The human smiled softly. She wore her hair in a ponytail at the back of her head. Loose strands framed her face.
“Stop,” Stephany said.
Tanya’s brow creased. “Stop what?” She smoothed a hand over the long figure hugging dress she wore. It accentuated the human’s voluptuous mammary glands and her wide hips.
“Stop treating me like I’m dying or something.” Stephany felt her eyes roll, trying hard not to be too hard on the other female. Trying hard to fight the jealousy clawing at her. Tanya was her friend, she was trying to help.
Tanya cocked her head, looking like a school mistress. “I care. You’re going through a tough time. I want to help you through it. That’s all.” Tanya’s eyes softened up again. “Please let me.”
“Treat me normally…please. It’s bad enough without you looking at me like that.” Something inside Stephany eased.
“Fine,” Tanya huffed. “News is in that you let Lance walk you to your room earlier.”
“You’re going to talk to me about Lance at a time like this?”
Tanya narrowed her eyes. “You asked me to treat you normally, so I’m treating you normally. Out with it, sister.” Her friend put her hands on her hips and cocked her chin.
“I let him walk me—”
“Does that mean that you’re going to give him a chance?” Tanya interrupted, her hands still firmly on her hips.
“Absolutely not.” Stephany shook her
head for good measure. “He asked me in front of the recruits and I didn’t have the heart to turn him down in front of his subordinates.” Stephany let out a sigh. “Either this coven is too small or gossip travels altogether too fast. I’m not sure which it is.”
Tanya smiled. “Probably a bit of both. How are you holding up?”
Stephany sank down into the nearest chair. “I’ve felt better. I would rather not talk about it though. Tell me about your day.”
Tanya shook her head. “I heard that Isla came to see you today. Brant mentioned that she had to determine whether or not the…procedure was necessary. I heard it wasn’t good news.”
“No.” Stephany bit on her bottom lip for a few beats. “Not only has my pelvis been deemed too small, but”—she swallowed hard, her eyes burning with unshed tears—“there is no hope. I don’t want to talk about it.” Isla had measured her stomach and had declared that the baby would be huge based on the circumference of her belly this early on. The old female had tsked and shook her head as she went about her work. Although Stephany knew what the outcome would be, there was a small part of her that had still hoped and prayed that they had been wrong before.
“Oh, hun…” Tanya pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so sorry.”
“What’s happening with you?” Stephany was desperate for anything that would take her mind off of tomorrow.
Tanya smiled. “I still haven’t let the boys rut with me, so they’re not in great moods.”
“Too much information.”
Her friend clapped her hands with excitement. “On the flip side, I interviewed someone who would be perfect to manage the Book Corner for me. She’s in her early thirties, single, so she lives for work and is really sweet. Did I mention well organized?”
Stephany forced herself to smile.
“She’s totally overqualified since she owned her own store for that last five years. Not sure why she would leave a thriving business, but who am I to ask?” Tanya raised her eyebrows. “Anyway, she starts tomorrow so I can finally relax.”
Tanya had used her inheritance money to purchase a little book store. Ever since the shop had been refurbished, it had gone on to do really well. Brant and Zane didn’t want their pregnant mate to keep working though, so they’d finally all agreed that Tanya could hire someone to take care of the day to day stuff. It had taken a month to find a suitable manager. “That’s great news. I’m so happy for you.”
2#Stolen by the Alpha Wolf: Shifter Romance (Deliberate Theft) Page 4