The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  She nodded as she took the knife from him. Brant covered her hand with his much bigger one. “Do not hesitate. If you are in danger, use the blade.” He released her.

  They walked side by side to the main living area. Stephany’s face lit up as they approached. Brant kissed her forehead and headed to the waiting men at the entrance.

  The moment the men left the manor house, at least all but Xavier and York, Stephany turned to her, her cobalt eyes blazing. “Out with it. Don’t leave out one single detail.”

  There were just too many emotions coursing through her, she didn’t know how she felt about everything that had taken place. Although Tanya needed to confide in someone, she just couldn’t right this second. “I really need a shower.”

  At first Stephany looked disappointed, then she smiled broadly “And you must be hungry?”

  She had already eaten but she nodded anyway. “Yeah, I am.” Anything to buy a bit of time alone.

  Stephany walked with her. When she tried to enter the suite that had been allocated to her, Stephany gestured towards the door that lead to Brant’s bedroom. “Your things have been moved. The King’s orders.” They walked in, Tanya deposited her bag on the bed.

  “Make yourself at home, I’ll be back in a little while with something to eat.” The female vampire smiled at Tanya as she closed the door behind her.

  She walked further into the room. Plush carpet beneath her feet, a crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling above the king sized bed, a gold guild mirror took residence on the far wall. The room was certainly fit for a king. Tanya removed her tattered sweater, and the rest of her clothes trying not to recall how they got that way. She made for the bathroom.

  After a hot shower, she opened the big dressers that lined one side of the suite. The first two were filled with men’s clothes. Brant’s things. The next two were full of women’s clothes. Hers. The ones Stephany had bought for her, except there seemed to be more now.

  What she really felt like wearing at the moment was her old worn out Harley Davidson T-shirt and sweatpants, but those were still at her old apartment. She’d have to talk to Brant about having her things brought to the manor. Then again, maybe she should wait to find out where she ended up living in the end. Back to that irritating indecision. She brought her fingers to her temple and massaged. One of the kings was going to end up losing. No heir, no future, extinction of their coven. The massive weight of her choice settled more firmly onto her. She needed to talk about it, but Stephany was far from objective since she would want Tanya to choose Brant.

  She grabbed a pair of boxers that she’d seen in Brant’s closet, one of the plain white t-shirts, and some comfortable cotton underwear. She planned on staying behind these four walls for a little while for some much needed peace. Tanya dug in her overnight bag and pulled out her cell phone.

  Her best friend answered after the first ring, “Why has it taken you so long to call?”

  “Nice hello.” Her mouth pulled into an involuntary smile and already she could feel some of the weight lift.

  “So what’s it like to shag a vampire?” Becky would have seen the whole choosing debacle on the local news station. By now everyone in Sweetwater would know, little old Tanya Milan had been one of the human females chosen. Becky had been so pissed that she wasn’t permitted to attend the ceremony. Her feisty little friend would have loved to have had a chance at one of the kings. One of her kings.

  “Confusing.”

  “What’s confusing about it? Do they do it in some other kind of way?” It felt so good to hear her friend’s voice. The stress seemed to melt away from her.

  “No.” She couldn’t help but giggle.

  “Please, oh please just tell me the sex is good.” There was an expectant pause at the other end of the line.

  Tanya couldn’t help but recall how Brant had thrust into her while Zane had toyed with her clit. She groaned, “Mind blowing.”

  Becky screamed directly into the mouthpiece so that Tanya had to hold the phone away for a few beats. “I knew it, I just knew it. Why do you sound so glum?”

  Tanya filled her in on the events of the last few days, having to hold the phone away from her ear every so often.

  “You are shitting me. They are going to bounce you between them for the next nine days? You get to have sex with both men till the new moon?”

  “Yeah.”

  Another scream.

  “Stop that, you’re giving me a headache. It’s not as great as what it sounds. I need to choose at the end of the nine days and one of them will end up with no heirs. There won’t be a future king and that coven will be doomed.” Tanya sighed.

  “I take it you like both kings?”

  Tanya paused. She had been so sure that Brant was the one and if she was forced to choose right now she would go with him, but Zane was quickly creeping under her skin. He might be a big bully and a jerk, but he had a vulnerability that brought out the protector in her.

  “Yeah, I guess I do.”

  “If they’re sharing you now, why not indefinitely? You could have both of them. Problem solved.” For a half a beat, Becky’s suggestion made complete sense. She even felt her heart pick up a beat at the prospect of not having to choose. Then reality came crashing back.

  “Weren’t you listening? They’re enemies. Up until a few years ago, they were at war. There’s still a lot I don’t know about their history but you should’ve seen them fighting this morning. I’m talking fists, blood, the whole nine yards. I don’t think it would ever work.” Surely if such a solution was even half feasible they would’ve thought of it.

  “They were actually physically fighting over you?” her voice was filled with awe.

  “It’s not as great as what you would imagine. I’m not talking love taps. If the others hadn’t been there to intervene, they may’ve ended up killing each other.”

  “Over you. How romantic.”

  Tanya laughed. Right now she wished she had some of Becky’s easy going nature. Her friend took everything in stride. It was one of the reasons they were such good friends. They helped balance one another.

  “I still say you should keep them both. Sounds like the perfect solution to me. There are worse things than being the filling in a vampire sandwich.” Becky laughed at her own joke.

  “You didn’t just say that?”

  “Yeah I did. When are you inviting me? I would love to meet your men.”

  “I don’t know Becks, humans are kind of off limits and don’t get invited…ever.” Tanya moved the phone to the other ear. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked out the window. Leather clad guards patrolled the surrounding lawns in pairs.

  “I promise to keep my hands to myself. Then again, I wouldn’t be able to resist all that muscle. Why are humans off limits?”

  “Apparently we break easily.”

  A long pause, “Are you telling me you’re in danger?”

  “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” She tried to answer immediately and to keep her answer simple, but obviously something had given her away.

  “Don’t give me that, I’m fine bullshit. Out with it.”

  “They’re big, seriously strong and drink blood, there is some risk, at least until I’m mated. Then apparently I’ll become stronger or something.”

  Her friend huffed. “Mmmm, well come on new moon I say. I’ll seriously have me some vampire steaks if anything happens to you though, and I will be coming to visit soon. They can’t keep you away from your bestie.”

  “There are other issues at the moment that would make your visiting difficult. The vampires are kind of at war with the elves and werewolves” She paused deciding not to worry her friend by telling her everything. “It’s a little unstable at the moment.”

  “No ways. You’re in danger from all sides. That’s it, I’m coming to fetch you.” Becky was being impulsive as always.

  “Calm down, I’m perfectly safe,” she lied. “Brant and Zane will protect me. I’m surrou
nded by dozens of royal guard. I’m fine.”

  “Ooooh, in that case, lucky you. Now do yourself a favor and convince your men that a vampire sandwich is the way to go.”

  Tanya laughed. She only wished it could be that simple. They said their goodbyes and Tanya promised to call Becky again soon. Next, she called her aunt who didn’t even know that Tanya had been chosen or that she was missing. Once the old lady had been filled in, she reassured her that she was safe and that everything was fine. Aunt Sally invited Tanya and her new boyfriend round for lunch on Sunday and Tanya had to carefully decline. Aunt Sally didn’t seem to fully understand that her niece was about to become a vampire bride. She said her goodbyes promising to call again soon.

  Tanya stretched herself out on the huge bed. After ten minutes, she rummaged in her overnight bag and pulled out a book. The latest release from her favorite romance author. One of her guilty pleasures, she loved to read. The problem was that she battled to concentrate on what she was reading and kept having to flip back a page or two to reread the section before. She had too much on her mind at the moment. On the verge of giving up, there was a knock at the door.

  “Come in.”

  Stephany breezed in, a silver tray in her hands covered in everything. Eggs, delicious smelling crispy bacon. There was toast and pancakes with syrup and grated cheese. A pot, of what smelled like, freshly brewed coffee and a tall glass of orange juice. Tanya’s stomach growled.

  “Sounds like I am just in time.” Stephany glanced down at Tanya’s tummy before putting the tray on the bedside table. “May I?” She gestured to the spot at the end of the bed.

  Tanya nodded and Stephany sat, the bed dipped as she did so.

  “I heard that Zane had nothing to do with his human’s death. She took her own life, that had to have been really difficult for Zane considering his past.”

  Tanya tried to stop herself from reacting, but a strangled gasp still managed to escape.

  “You didn’t know about the suicide?”

  “I knew that she had died and that Zane was not responsible, but I wasn’t sure of the exact circumstances. What happened to Zane before I mean?” Tanya suspected his hardened exterior and that vulnerable edge had something to do with it.

  “Oh no. You need to speak to him yourself. Like I said, he’s had it tough. I take it you must have gotten along well with him.” Stephany pointed at the tray, “Eat.”

  “Just because we had sex doesn’t mean we got along.” Tanya sat up tucking her legs underneath herself. She snagged some bacon.

  “Were you compatible?”

  Tanya didn’t answer, not sure what the female vamp meant. Stephany must have registered the confusion on her face because she added. “Did you enjoy the sex?”

  Tanya almost choked on the piece of bacon she was swallowing but managed to compose herself. “Sheesh, is nothing sacred around here? Why is it so important about how much I enjoyed the sex anyway?”

  “It is the first and very important test on whether you would make a good pair. I hope that you enjoyed Brant more.”

  “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 bear 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 fir
st. 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.”