“Oh God…” She let her head drop into her hands.
“Oh no, does that mean you didn’t? I had heard that Brant is an attentive lover, that he—”
Tanya made a sound of disgust and put her hand up to stop the vampire. “No stop. I don’t want to hear about Brant with other women.”
“Does it make you feel jealous?” Stephany had perked up significantly.
“You know it does. Remember Alexandra?” Oh shit. She’d forgotten all about the female. “Please tell me Brant didn’t drink from her while I was away?”
Stephany smiled broadly and shook her head. “No, Alexandra has moved out and is no longer in Brant’s service. He was very angry that she nearly struck you and that she used the fact that he drank from her to goad you.”
The news improved her mood somewhat, yet the nagging thought that Zane was probably with one of the other female vampires of his coven ate her up from the inside. She knew she had no right to ask for his fidelity. She doubted very much that he would give it to her anyways. Knowing Zane, he would go out of his way to sleep with someone while she was gone just out of principle. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered how intently he had watched Brant fuck her. Zane was so going to have sex with someone else.
“Why the glum face? Alexandra leaving is good news.” Stephany cocked her head, her eyes brimming with concern.
“It’s Zane,” she mumbled.
“What of Zane?”
“Brant has sworn to be faithful, but…” She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.
Stephany chuckled. “Don’t be so worried. Zane might rut with others in your absence, but he wants you.”
“No, he needs me. There’s a big difference.” It irked her that Stephany was so indifferent about Zane’s promiscuity.
Stephany looked thoughtful. “I haven’t had much interaction with Brant’s birth enemy but for what it’s worth, I’ve never seen him act out like he did. I think that he does have feelings for you. The sex must have been good.”
“It’s not all about sex.”
“No, but he is a male so it is very important especially early on. Zane is as red blooded as they come. I am certain he will bed another female, but I can also assure you without a doubt that he would prefer to have you.”
It didn’t make her feel any better. She was going to give him a big piece of her mind when she saw him again. If he thought she was going to end up choosing a cheating son of a bitch, he had another thing coming. If he had so much as put a finger on another female, she would tell him what to do with himself.
The memory of finding her ex in bed with another woman still stung. The wound was just too fresh. Troy still had the audacity to blame her. She had put on too much weight, she was too flabby. He had needs that she wasn’t fulfilling and he was forced to look elsewhere. If she lost some weight, toned up a bit then he wouldn’t have to look at other women. He’d even talked about her getting a breast reduction and some lipo. No freaking way. She wasn’t changing and she would demand fidelity. She hadn’t asked for any of this.
“I see that the thought does not make you happy.”
“I don’t want either of them drinking or having sex with other women. I don’t want to have to choose either,” she whispered the last sentence.
“I am sure you will make the right choice when the time comes. I am afraid that they will fight regardless of the outcome.”
“They said they would only fight if I didn’t choose.” She felt her panic levels rise.
“There is too much at stake. Neither will walk away.”
“Why can’t I just have both? I’ll have heirs for both covens and there will be no need for anyone to lose.” She felt a tickle on her cheek and her hand came away wet when she wiped at it. Damn, she was crying and couldn’t seem to stop. “Surely we could make it work somehow. I can’t choose between them and I don’t want to see either man die by the hand of the other.”
“Oh my God, you love them both.”
“It’s too soon for that. I care for both of them and for both covens.”
Stephany laughed, she scooted towards Tanya and grabbed her into a rib cracking hug. “You are a genius. Brant and Zane are kings first, their alliance to their covens. All decisions must be in the best interest of their people. They would have to make it work.” The female vampire finally released her and she took in a big lungful of air. Stephany continued really excited. “This could work. Oh by the Gods, this could be the answer. You must speak with Brant when he returns.”
“You saw them this morning. How they were tearing into each other. I can’t see how it—”
“We’ll work something out. You would need to bare both of their heirs.” She clasped her hand. “It wouldn’t be easy but if you are willing then”—she smiled warmly—“I know this could work.” She squeezed. “Now, eat your breakfast and then let’s get you ready. My suggestion would be to rut with him first. Men are always more agreeable after their needs have been met.”
Tanya gasped.
“Don’t act all coy, you know I am right. Brant will be the more difficult of the two to convince. If he agrees, then I am sure Zane will too.”
“What makes you think that?” Her heart sped up. Maybe this could work after all.
“Am I right in saying that Zane watched Brant rut with you?”
“How do you know that?”
Stephany touched her nose.
“You freaking vamps and your damned sense of smell.” The vamp would’ve smelled that she and Brant had sex.
“The three of you were in the room together and unless Brant knocked Zane out, it means he would have watched the two of you…”
Tanya slid a hand over her eyes and wished she could block her ears as well. It felt weird talking about this.
“I am right about him watching?”
Tanya shrugged.
“Yes or no?” Stephany’s voice took on that commanding edge that vampires could do so well.
Tanya shrugged, she narrowed her eyes at the vamp not wanting to answer but she needed Stephany’s help. No one knew Brant like she did. “He held Brant down because he was freaking out so much. Brant could smell Zane on me. Zane touched me during…you know.”
“Brant let him?”
“He wasn’t happy about it, but yeah he did.”
“This could work. Brant already considers you to be his mate, his queen. We’ll find a way to convince him. For the sake of our species we have to.”
Within an hour, Tanya had eaten a good deal of the tray of food. There were at least a half a dozen dresses strewn over the bed.
“For the love of blood, this is it.” Stephany removed a red number from the closet. It had long sleeves and a high neck with a single pearl button that would clasp at the back of her head. Judging from the length, it would fall mid-thigh.
“Um, it’s stunning but more for going out at night.”
“Who cares? I know Brant won’t. Take off the bra.”
Tanya looked down at her underwear and her cheeks heated. “I’d rather not.”
“Why so shy? Nothing I haven’t seen before and anyway I assure you I’m not into females.”
“I didn’t realize vampires swung both ways.”
Stephany arched her eyebrows. “We may be non-humans, but we’re similar in a lot more ways than you would think. Time is a wasting, off with the bra already.”
“Fine.” She reached behind her and unhooked the clasps letting the cups fall away from her breasts. She had a whole drawer full of stunning underwear she might never get to wear at this rate. Tanya picked up the red dress marvelling at the sensual feel of the fine fabric between her fingertips. This wasn’t an off the rack item, that was for sure. She caught Stephany gawking at her breasts as she approached the mirror. For a second she felt the urge to cover up.
“All I can say is, you had better have twins with a rack like that.” She whistled under her breath. “No wonder the boys are fighting for your attention.”
To think Tanya had actually considered a breast reduction for a half a second after she dumped Troy’s ass. “Yeah, yeah, I’m perfect baby making and feeding material.”
“You are perfect. Those boys won’t be able to think straight with you anywhere near them. Our rules be damned, all of our males will be rushing to town to seek human females for themselves.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, have you seen yourself? You vampire females are stunning.”
Stephany’s face clouded. “My hips are too narrow. I could never carry a child to term. I have been advised to be permanently sterilized, but since I don’t rut I’ve decided not to bother. I would have loved children.” She looked wistful for a second before snapping out of it. “Put the dress on already.”
Tanya pulled the garment over her head. Stephany did the button up for her. She swallowed hard when she saw herself in the mirror. The dress hugged all of her better areas like the swell of her breasts and the narrowness at her waist. The length hid her upper thighs and showcased her great lower leg. Silver heels completed the ensemble and Tanya had to admit she’d never felt sexier.
“You chose this for me, didn’t you?”
Stephany nodded, “I knew it would work perfectly on you.”
“You know so much about me, yet I feel like I know nothing about you. Why have you chosen to be celibate?”
Stephany narrowed her eyes as she put her hands on her hips. “Nosey human.” She laughed. “It’s quite a boring reason actually.” She paused seeming to gather her thoughts. “I accidentally mated with someone twenty one years ago. We couldn’t be together. End of story.”
Tanya felt her eyes widen. “Boring my ass. Why couldn’t you be together?”
“Let’s just say he was from the wrong side of the tracks.”
“He was a human wasn’t he?” her voice had turned high pitched with excitement.
Stephany smiled down at her like a mother would to her insolent child. “No. Let’s leave it at that shall we?”
“No way. You get to know all about my…difficult situation. Tell me who he is.” The infuriating vampire pursed her lips. “Tell me or you’re in the dark from now on.”
“Fine. It was another vampire. Someone from Zane’s coven.”
“Lance.” Suddenly it all made sense.
“How do you know?” Stephany cocked her head.
“I saw the two of you this morning. You reacted to him like I’ve never seen you react to anyone before. Normally you’re so cool and collected. I noticed how he got to you.”
“Really?” She ran a hand through her short platinum hair. “I’ll have to work at schooling my emotion more.”
“Do you love him?”
Stephany choked out a negative sound while shaking her head. “Hardly. I don’t even know him. It was a one night stand gone bad.”
She racked her brain for a moment trying to recall how the whole mating thing went. Realization dawned. “He drank from you during…”
The female vampire looked sheepish. A blush crept up from under her collar.
“Oh my God”—Tanya held her hands over her mouth—“you drank from him.”
“It was a complete accident. I don’t know what came over me.” Her hand went through her hair. “The war had only just ended, things were still very strained between the covens. There was no way either king would’ve accepted the union. Both of us have high level positions within the royal staff.”
“So what? You just went your separate ways and that was that?”
“Pretty much.”
“My word, that’s so romantic.” Tanya clutched at her chest. “Let me guess, you have never been able to find another male that does it for you, and you are both pining for one another?”
Stephany rolled her eyes. “Please! I did a ridiculously stupid thing. I can’t trust myself to be with a man and technically I am a mated woman. I prefer to stay away. Much less complicated.” Her eyes narrowed and hardened up. “As to Lance pining after me. If rutting with anything in a skirt counts as pining then sure thing.”
Tanya rubbed Stephany’s arm. “I’m so sorry. What a jerk. That sucks. You need to get laid girlfriend. I doubt you would make the same silly mistake twice.”
Stephany threw her a look that told her she was full of it. “Not happening sister.”
“I think you’re still hung up on a certain vampire and that’s why you’re staying away from all males.”
Stephany’s eyes widened. “Wrong. Let’s move on. I don’t want to continue this conversation.”
“Fine.” She huffed wanting to goad Stephany some more, but the female had confided in her. Which was something she didn’t think the other woman did very often. She wanted to be Stephany’s friend, wanted for them to be able to confide in each other.
“Let’s do your hair and make-up although I have to confess, I don’t have much experience in either.”
“No, the dress is over the top already. I’ll run a brush through my hair and put on the basics.” Tanya made her way to the mirror and picked up the hair brush. Once she was done, she put on some concealer, lip gloss and mascara. Simple, almost as if she wasn’t wearing any. She remembered Zane’s dislike for make-up and wondered if Brant felt the same. Female vampires, with their porcelain skin and dark, thick lashes didn’t need artificial help.
They went on to play several games of chess. Stephany had never played before so she taught her, Tanya won the first round. Once the female vamp got the hang of it, Tanya lost the remaining games. At four games to one, Tanya called it quits.
Lunch was salad and turkey sandwiches with plenty of juice to wash it all down. She shouldn’t be hungry after such a big breakfast but she still managed to eat a good deal of food. Card games next, Stephany beat her hands down at poker, but Tanya was the clear winner at black jack.
Stephany kept reassuring her that Brant would be back soon, but there was no sign of him or his closest royal guard.
Dinner was the most delicious pot roast Tanya had ever had the pleasure of tasting. It was served with crisp vegetables. Stephany enjoyed the meal with her, reminding her that vampires did partake in human food and drink from time to time. They did not follow a strictly liquid diet. After the meal, she brushed her teeth and reapplied her make-up.
“I’m sure he’ll be here any minute. I’m sure we have a game of monopoly around here somewhere.” Stephany plastered a smile on her face.
“No please, I’m all gamed out. I think I’ll read a bit. I’m sure you’re right, he’ll be here any minute.” She tried to plaster the same fake smile onto her own face, but truth was she was worried. Was Brant safe? Why was he staying away so long? Had the events of this morning shaken him so much that he was feigning being busy so that he didn’t have to see her? “Have you heard anything?”
Stephany shook her head. “I tried calling, but his phone keeps going to voice mail. I wouldn’t worry, the estate is huge so they have a ton of ground to cover.”
Tanya nodded.
“Well, have a good evening and call me if you need me. I’m just down the hall.”
“I will. Please let me know if you hear anything.”
Stephany nodded.
Her book was still on the bedside table where she’d left it earlier. She was going to read the romance novel and get into it even if it killed her.
Chapter 16
The room was dim, with only the side table lamp illuminating the space. His human lay on top of the blankets. She was on her side, legs curled towards her chest with a book clutched tightly to her breasts. He removed the paperback, the cover brought a smile to his lips. A half-naked male, the title said Demon Shifters. Brant shook his head while placing the book on the side table.
The dress she was wearing was open all the way down her back, it hugged her ass and accentuated her full breasts. His blood heated and his hands itched to touch her. Brant let out a pent up breath. He was worried how seeing her again would affect him. She still carried the feint undertones of Zane’s scent, but for some reason seeing her in his bed made it easy for him to push that fact aside.
It had been a long hard day. What he needed right now was a hot shower. He would not touch his future mate until he had prepared for her. He undressed, making quick work of his clothes and made his way to the bathroom. He turned the faucets on and entered the cubicle, allowing the hot water to massage his skin. Taking some shower gel, he lathered himself including his hair before rinsing the suds from his body. Now that he had seen Tanya, he couldn’t wait to touch her smooth creamy skin. He brushed his teeth. Using one of the fluffy white towels, he dried off and strode back to his suite. She was exactly as he had left her. There was a tiny snorting sound and he realized that she was snoring ever so softly. His mouth drew into a smile.
His little human was adorable.
Right now, he wished he hadn’t been away for so long. There were many things that needed doing though and he had needed time to think things through. The current situation was not of Tanya’s making. This had to be very difficult for her. Brant would do everything in his power to keep her happy. He would have to find a way to tramp down this possessive streak as well, even if it killed him.
Brant slid in behind her. Soft ass pressed up against a very hard part of him. Taking his time, he trailed his fingers down the length of her spine nuzzling into that soft spot at the back of her neck. Tanya whimpered.
Brant carefully brushed her hair to the side, so much skin, where was he to start? He took her earlobe into his mouth and nibbled and sucked alternately until she moaned. Next, he moved to the sensitive patch just below her ear. His delectable human arched back into him, mumbling something incoherent ending on a sigh. Even in sleep she was highly sensual. It was when he ground his hard cock against her perfectly rounded ass that her eyes sprang open in a gasp.
“I missed you.” Brant slid his hands around her cupping her exquisite breasts loving how her nipples turned to stone beneath his palms.
So responsive.
“You were gone so long.” Her voice held no trace of sleep, it held a husky tone that made him harden up a whole lot more.
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