A Mate for Lance (The Program Book 5)

by Charlene Hartnady

  Brynn frowned. He moved away from her a little. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to…”

  “Don’t worry about it.” She touched him lightly on the arm. “I don’t mind.”

  His grin came back. “You see.” Brynn narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. “The female…Amber, likes me.”

  “She’s just being polite.” The dark haired stranger gave her a wink. “Let her mingle a bit.”

  “Not a fuck. Have you seen how hot she is?” There was a sharp edge to Brynn’s voice.

  “I have eyes, so yes, I have.” The dark haired guy said. His voice had also deepened.

  Shit! They were talking about her. Sort of arguing over her. No way. Just…no.

  “Back the fuck off Kai. I saw her first.” Brynn gave Kai a shove.

  They totally were arguing over her. Her mouth fell open in an all-out gape.

  Kai shoved Brynn back. “Touch me again and I’ll—”

  “No fighting.” It came out sounding like a low growl. The breath froze in her lungs. It was Lance. His eyes were blazing. A bright blue that made her feel a little faint.

  “Kai is trying to move in on my—”

  “The female is not yours.” Lance glanced at her. His stare was enough to weaken her knees. To send blood fleeing from her brain. She whimpered and bit down on her lip like a total idiot. Control yourself Amber.

  Kai smirked. “She’s not yours you motherf—”

  “Fuck you!” Brynn’s face was red, his whole body tense.

  “What did you say to me?” Kai stepped forward, putting the two guys chest to chest.

  Lance interjected by pushing himself between the two and physically pulling them apart. Amber couldn’t help but to notice how his biceps corded. He looked even better up close and personal. All she could think of doing was wrapping herself around him and licking that strong jaw. Kissing his lips. Running her hands over his chest or maybe his abs, or maybe both. Yes, both. Definitely both.

  “Back the fuck off,” Lance snapped, flashing two long fangs. Fangs! It should have scared her but it didn’t. He released his hold on the two guys. “It’s the testosterone. Fucking reeks of the stuff.” He muttered and pulled a face. “No fighting. The females will get hurt.”

  This seemed to sober them. Kai pulled his shoulders back. “Just so long as he remembers that the female is not—”

  “Shut the fuck up.” One look from Lance and the dark haired guy bit back the rest of what he was about to say. “Brynn spoke with the female first. Back off and next time maybe get off your ass quicker.” He turned back to Brynn. “She is not yours. At least not yet.” He gave Brynn a tight smile. “And for the record, Kai’s right, you need to ease up a bit. Creepy stalker is not a good look on you.”

  It was weird that they were talking about her, yet Lance hadn’t even acknowledged her presence. When he finally turned his head toward her, she held her breath, stomach fluttering, skin warming and heart beating a little faster. His gaze swept over her with such indifference. It was as though he saw right through her. Like she wasn’t even standing there right in front of him. He was definitely arrogant and a touch rude. Not her type at all, even if he was really good looking.

  Lance stalked off in the opposite direction. Stalked. It was not a word she had ever used before and yet, where Lance was concerned, it fit perfectly. He moved with ease and grace, yet with confidence and purpose. A man used to getting what he wanted and not having to lift a finger in the process. She pursed her lips, deciding that it was a good thing that Lance was out of the running. He was bad news.

  Brynn cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “A glass of merlot would be great.” More than great. A cold shower would also be good as well but her reaction to Lance was lingering, something she forced herself to tamp down. He was nothing, not even interested. She wouldn’t think of him again. Her gaze drifted around the room. Kai had moved away and was standing alone. He lifted his beer and winked at her when he caught her stare. Heat infused her cheeks. Amber smiled. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention. From two really gorgeous guys. She was tempted to pinch herself. Tempted. She did pinch herself, beyond happy when it hurt. This was real. It was happening.

  Kai was still staring at her. She could feel his eyes on her so she dropped her gaze. She didn’t want them fighting again and she suspected that if Brynn caught Kai winking at her, all hell might just break loose. That’s when she saw it, an envelope, it was laying on the floor at her feet. There was something scrawled across it. She picked it up. It was good paper. Not the mass produced kind. The envelope felt heavy in her hand considering it was made from paper. It was off white. The word Lance was written in neat, cursive handwriting.

  “What’s that?” Brynn asked as he moved in next to her.

  She didn’t know why she did it but she shook her head. “Nothing.” She smiled, as she pushed the envelope into her purse. Then she took the glass from Brynn. “Thanks.”

  He frowned. “I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I’m not sure how to act around human women.”

  “You should just be yourself.” She shrugged. “Do what you would normally do.”

  His face remained passive. “I’d take you back to my suite and rut you.”

  Amber choked on the wine as she swallowed. She closed a hand over her mouth, feeling her eyes fill with tears. Thankfully none of the wine came out of her nose. She coughed a few more times before taking a deep breath.

  “Are you okay?” Brynn shook his head. “See, we’re very different. It’s my understanding that human females like to talk and to get to know a male before allowing sexual contact.”

  What the hell did she say to that? “Um…well…”

  “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to make you feel uncomfortable.” Poor thing looked really upset. It wasn’t his fault she was…what was she exactly? A twenty-something spinster? A bit of a recluse when it came to men?

  “No, that’s fine. I’m just…” She shrugged. “Not really used to talking about such things so…openly.” It had been a very long time since she’d even had sex so it was no wonder she struggled to discuss the subject. To even say the word…sex.

  It didn’t help that Brynn was an opposite member of the sex or that he was really good looking. His eyes were a slivery grey and his hair was dark. With his height and bulk, the combination made her tongue-tied.

  “We can change the subject but please don’t talk about the weather.” He smiled. “It’s a sure sign that a female is not enjoying herself. I wanted to try and understand human females better…” His eyes narrowed in on hers. “I wanted to understand you better.”

  She nodded. “Fair enough.” She took a big, fortifying glug of her wine. “I’m definitely the kind of woman who likes to get to know a guy first. I dated my last boyfriend for two months before we…you know.”

  His eyes bugged right out of his skull and his mouth dropped open. Then he made a strange groaning noise. “You have got to be kidding me?” He scratched the back of his head. “Zane wasn’t bullshitting,” he mumbled to himself.

  Amber had to laugh at his reaction. “I’m not kidding. I don’t like to rush into things. I would never just jump into bed with someone.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry if that disappoints you and I would understand if you decided to go and speak with one of the other women.”

  He nodded. “Thank you for being honest with me. I appreciate it.”

  This was the part where he would say his goodbyes. Amber decided to make it easier for him. “Look, not all women feel the same way as I do. We’re in liberated times. There are many women that have sex for the fun of it. They wouldn’t think twice about sleeping with someone because they are attracted to them. No strings attached, as the saying goes.”

  Brynn sighed. “I think I might like you though, Amber. I would like to get to know you better. I’m hoping you will consider a date with me. We can get to know one anothe

r and then maybe…” His eyes darkened. “No rush, of course.”

  Okay, unexpected. She raised her brows, not sure what to say. He was cute and sweet. What harm could it do? “Let’s have dinner together this evening and then we’ll see about a date.” Amber couldn’t help but look around the room. The letter in her purse seemed to sing at her, Lance, Lance. She couldn’t get it out of her head but there was no sign of him. Where was he? She was going to be polite even though he hadn’t been. The letter looked important and personal. It wouldn’t be right to hand the letter to one of the others. She needed to give it back to him herself. She forced her attention back to the man in front of her.

  Brynn grinned at her. “That sounds like a plan.”

  “Okay then.” She smiled back.

  Just then, Kai walked past. “Lucky fuck!” He glowered at Brynn for a second before throwing her a half smile. “I’ll be seeing you tomorrow.”

  Had she died then reincarnated in an alternate universe? Men didn’t normally find her attractive. Sure, they sometimes struggled to look her in the eyes, but that’s where it ended. She had shoulder length brown hair and brown eyes, she was quite plain looking. She had a bit of a roman nose, was pasty white and even though her hair was dark, her eyelashes were blond. In short, she didn’t leave the house without mascara.

  To make matters worse, Amber was a bit on the chubby side. She had cellulite and curves. Abundant curves, even though she’d lost a few pounds over the last few weeks. It did bug her at times. She was a woman after all and one that wanted to be desired. She agreed with what her mom had always told her, a guy needed to want her for her. Curves and all.

  Brynn tensed. “Asshole.” He looked really angry. Amber sucked in a deep breath. This was surreal.

  “You’re smiling.” Brynn snorted. “Go figure! You like that two males are vying for your attention.”

  “It’s just…it’s a novelty. I’ve never had guys fight over me before. Not when there are so many other really beautiful women in the same room. Who am I kidding? Even when it’s just me in the room.”

  Brynn looked her deep in the eye. “As far as I’m concerned, there is only one beautiful female in this room. I’m glad you’re enjoying watching us go at each other because I suspect that things are going to get more heated in the coming days. Blood might spill.” He looked across the room at Kai who cocked his head, his eyes dark.

  “You don’t even know me,” she whispered.

  “I know enough.” He gestured to the door. “Let’s go to the dining hall; dinner will be served shortly. There are many things I wish to know about you.”

  Chapter 5

  Fuck it!

  Lance wolfed down the last mouthful of his fillet mignon, he threw his napkin on the table and made for the exit. That was enough of a pony fucking show for one day. He briefly contemplated hooking up with one of the vampire females but quickly dismissed the idea. Tomorrow was another day, just as long as he drank and fucked before practice tomorrow, he would be just fine.

  Lance made it to his suite in no time, after a quick shower, he pulled on a pair of boxers. Fuck, now that he was home, he felt the walls closing in on him. Maybe forgoing his regular evening activities had not been the best idea.

  He felt listless. Lance lay down on his bed but quickly stood up again. Shit! A walk in the gardens. He needed to do something, anything. It was like a fist had closed itself around his heart. Adrenaline surged. His breathing picked up and sweat beaded on his forehead. Lance yanked his closet door open and was just pulling out a pair of sweats when a knock sounded.

  Perfect. Just fucking perfect. An uninvited guest. The fun and games were about to start. It was only the first night. Why couldn’t they leave him alone? If he wanted a female, he would crook his finger at her.

  Shaking his head, he walked to the door and opened it, not bothering to dress first. He caught the amused look of one of the guards nearby.

  This evening kept on getting better and better.

  Just as suspected, it was one of the human females. She was tall with long braids that fell all the way down her back. The female had beautiful, glowing skin and a sultry smile on her pretty face. “Thought you could use some company.” She let a finger slide between her breasts which were incased in a low cut top.

  Sure to keep his eyes on hers, he shook his head. “Well, you thought wrong.” He slammed the door in her face, grinding his teeth at the soft chuckle on the other side of the door. The guards found the whole thing so fucking hilarious.

  He had asked them to stop bringing the females night after fucking night but no one listened. At least this female left gracefully. He often had to listen to hurled insults and his door usually took a beating. The first week of the new heat would be the worst, after that, males picked females and the harassments died down.

  The edginess that he had been feeling moments earlier was back now and with a fucking vengeance. His muscles tensed and his jaw clenched. He moved to his window and let his eyes rove across the rolling lawns. The stars were amazing, as was the half-moon that hung low in the sky. He felt a modicum of normality return but it didn’t last long. Lance moved back to his closet and yanked on the sweats. He was just reaching for a shirt when another knock sounded.

  Fucking hell!

  He almost yelled for whomever it was to leave him the fuck alone but chances were they would just knock harder. For just a second, he thought of jumping out his window. Two floors was nothing for a vampire in his prime but he wasn’t a coward. The sooner that word got out that he wasn’t available, the better.

  Lance sucked in a deep breath and opened the door. Titan lurked in the shadows. What the fuck! So far, Titan had been the only male that had honored his wishes about keeping the humans away from him. Lance felt himself frown. The frown only deepened as it landed on the female in front of him.

  She licked her lips and her breathing hitched. She threw him a nervous smile. “Sorry to disturb you.”

  Like fuck she was. He folded his arms, eyes raking over her. Christ but she was a stunner. All tits and ass. The conservative dress and the string of pearls only heightened her appeal, as did her nervous shuffling from one heel to the other. He’d noticed her at the meet-and-greet but had tried to pretend she didn’t even exist. That was best to discourage these females. Apparently, it hadn’t worked.

  Not so long ago, he would’ve had her out of that dress and on his cock in under a minute. Her pearls and the heels could stay. For just a second he was tempted to take her up on the offer that was soon to come. It would be quite something to watch this female unravel underneath him. Pity it wasn’t going to happen.

  His cock responded, which irritated the fuck out of him. This female, just like all the others, would want more than just an hour or two of fun. She would attach emotion to the act. Then he’d have to put up with tantrums and tears and in some cases, borderline stalker behavior. Not a fuck!

  She licked her lips. “I’m here because…”

  He clenched his jaw. “I know why you’re here…” He didn’t give her a chance to talk before continuing. “You were hoping for a fuck.”

  She inhaled sharply. Her eyes widened, mouth parting in shock. “What?” she whispered, looking offended. She was one of the more conservative ones. The ones that fooled themselves into thinking that they wanted to chat. Not one of the females that had knocked on his door ever ultimately wanted to chat. Not one.

  Damn…she had a really sexy as fuck mouth. All glossed up. He watched as her mouth closed and her lips thinned. Her cheeks had flushed and her eyes were blazing. She was pissed. Even her little fists were balled at her sides. He was fucked if his dick didn’t harden up a whole lot more. Lance fisted his scrunched up shirt in front of his dick. He did not want to give this female any ideas. A hard dick didn’t mean she was getting her way.

  “You can turn your sexy little ass around and walk away,” he barked, not mincing his words and hoping to scare her into leaving him alone, “because you and me ain’t going to happen.”

  ****

  In that moment, the only thing she could think of was how sexy he was and how much she disliked him. It sucked to admit, even to herself, that shirtless had never looked so good before. Wide shoulders, tight abs and thick biceps. The tattoo that wound itself around his left arm only added to his sex appeal. Asshole!

  “I’m not here to…for…” she sputtered, unable to get the word out.

  The intense…almost angry glare turned…amused. No, it became more than just amused, it turned mocking. “Fuck. The word you are trying to say is fuck.”

  He was crude, trying to offend and goad her at the same time. But her mouth dried and her womanly parts reacted as he said the word. Damn them but they did. Her nipples tightened as did other things. They didn’t agree with her brain…with the rational side of her that refused to look at the V thing that was going on at the top of his sweats. Oh good lord, his pants rode low on his asshole hips.

  She felt her cheeks heat. “I’m not here for that.”

  “Like fuck you’re not.” He sniffed the air. His nostrils flared and his eyelids drifted closed. “I can scent it on you.” He chuckled. “You may have some other excuse that you cooked up to make yourself feel better about it but you are here for this.” He removed the balled up shirt and curled his hand around his…his…

  He didn’t just do that. He did not. She swallowed thickly, unable to take her eyes off of his erection. Shit! “Um…” she sputtered. “It’s not like that…” She finally managed to drag her eyes back up to meet his. A bright, unbelievably beautiful blue. Damn him! “You are very rude.” It came out in a hoarse whisper.

  Those eyes, those eyes. They were also hard and emotionless. No, that wasn’t true. There was pain in their depths. Then it was gone and the mocking humor returned. “I must admit that I’m tempted.”

  “Well I’m not interested in you.” A soft squeak. She half expected him to ogle her but his eyes stayed locked with hers. “No…” She finally managed to get out, sounding every bit as flustered as she was. “I brought you—”

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