Brant glanced up longingly at Tanya’s apartment. Shadows danced behind the partially open blinds. “Stephany and that annoying human are there now.”
“Becky is not so bad.”
Brant made a noise of irritation. “The men have started a petition to be allowed to date humans.”
Zane choked out a laugh.
Brant managed to crack a smile. “It’s not funny. I’m surprised you haven’t seen it yet since Ross is the main instigator. The human gave him the idea in the first place.”
“I’m sure once he has enough signatures he’ll bring the document my way.” Zane sighed. “Maybe we should let them have their way. Mating with humans would solve many of our current problems.”
Brant’s eyes widened. “Are you out of your mind? One human death and we would go back to being persecuted. Do you want to be burnt alive at the stake or beheaded? The humans are well aware of our aversion to silver and with their sheer numbers…” He shook his head instead of continuing.
“We are stronger than most vampire males and yet our female still lives.”
“You and I understand the ramifications of an accident, particularly when attached to a chosen human female like Tanya. I don’t think the others would have the same frame of mind that would allow them to think as clearly in the situation.”
Zane put his hands in his jeans pockets. “I take it that you are referring to bloodlust…” Something that Brant himself suffered from. “We can make a no drinking during sex rule.”
Brant laughed. “That would be like telling a red blooded male not to come during sex. The problem is that the males will not know if they have bloodlust until it strikes, which would only happen when they actually drank…it could mean disaster. At the time of the new moon, loss of control could mean many unwanted matings as well.” He shook his head.
“You are right. As much as I would like to see our covens flourish with many new births, the risk is too great.” He sighed. “I will speak with Ross”—Zane moved towards his vehicle—“I will see you later.”
“Pray that my latest attempt works and that our female comes home.”
“I will. Let me know either way,” Zane growled.
Brant nodded, turning his gaze back to the apartment window.
Chapter 29
Becky peeked through the blinds for the second time in less than a minute. “They’re definitely both out there. They are talking to each other.”
Tanya huffed, she wasn’t falling for it. It was easy to misinterpret a conversation when watching from afar. Just because Brant and Zane were talking to each other, did not mean that they were getting along or that anything had changed.
“Oh my God!” Becky squealed, her eyes focused on the road below.
“Stop it, Becks. They might think that I’m the one peeking through the blinds. It could give them false hope.” Everything in her burned to go and take one little, tiny peek. To see her males again. But they weren’t hers, not anymore so she held back. Only just.
“You have to see this, they are laughing together.”
Without thinking, Tanya rushed over and sure enough the males were both smiling as they talked in what looked like…agreement. She had been fooled before though. They had made it clear that it would never work. Instead of taking a step back, she leaned in a little closer. Zane had stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets. His t-shirt pulled tight around his large chest and biceps. Brant’s pants hugged his large thighs, and the way his golf shirt lovingly caressed his torso had her mouth watering and her heart clenching. She forced herself to take a step back and then another and another. Once she lost sight of the big vampires, walking away became easier. The ache in her heart increased though. Hopefully in time it would get easier. Somehow she doubted it would.
“They have been getting along much better lately.”
Tanya shrugged. “You see…proof that it’s better without me to complicate things.”
Stephany shook her head. “So cynical.”
“You can’t blame me. A week ago they were getting ready to beat each other to death.”
“A lot can change in seven days, Tanya.” Stephany eyed her with concern.
“I highly doubt it.”
“You are pregnant with their child. Maybe you should give them another chance.” Becky took a step towards her and Stephany. She gestured towards the window. “I just saw another truck pull up.”
Tanya groaned, covering her face with her hand. “Not more flowers or chocolates I hope.”
“They are only trying to win you back.” Stephany raised her eyebrows.
“How? By buying me ridiculous amounts of things? Yet putting no thought into it? I am not interested in things.”
“I think it’s kind of sweet.” Becky smiled.
Tanya rolled her eyes. “Fine, let’s just say I did go back. I’m willing to bet you that they would be at each other’s throats again in a matter of days.”
Stephany laughed. “Spoken like a true vampire.”
Tanya managed to crack a smile. Her friends were helping her to keep her sanity even if they were both set on trying to convince her to give Zane and Brant another chance. It was easy for them to say that though, since they wouldn’t be the ones being shuffled from one male to the other. Stuck in the middle of a pissing contest and liable to have to watch them tear into each other. An image of her males snarling and chests bashing came to mind. She knew that if they really intended to kill one another at some point, then there would be nothing she could do to stop them. The thought of being forced to stand by and watch them kill each other was just too much to bear.
A knock came at the door, thankfully stopping her current train of thought. Great. She knew that there were vampire guards posted outside her apartment day and night and that they followed her to the bookstore every day. She was also well aware that Brant and Zane often came by to see how she was doing. The fact that they came by regularly meant more than the silly things that they kept sending. Both had tried to see her, but she still refused and would continue to do so until she was much stronger. For now, she just didn’t trust herself to keep them at arm’s length.
Another insistent knock. Becky skipped to the door. “No, don’t.” Tanya held out her hand.
Becky stopped and looked over her shoulder. “They’ll keep coming back until you deal with it, so may as well be now. Besides, I really want to see what they’ve sent you this time.”
Tanya let out a sigh. “Fine, but only because I want this over with.” She turned to face Stephany. “Please tell them to stop sending me things. I’ve just about had enough of this.”
The vampire held up her hands. “Oh no, honey. You can tell them yourself. I’m not becoming the go between.”
It was wrong of her to have asked, especially when Stephany was doing so much already. “You’re right. I apologize. I’ll send them a text message or something.”
Stephany smiled warmly. “You should speak with them.”
Tanya pursed her lips.
Becky opened the door and greeted two men. After a half a minute of conversation, she turned back to Tanya. “It’s a furniture delivery from Brant for a new lounge and dining room suite as well as a new”—she waggled her eyebrows—“king size bed. Maybe they plan on visiting sometime soon.”
“Stop, Becks. It’s over between us. How many times do I need to keep saying that?”
“Whatever.” Becks moved to take the delivery note.
“Don’t you dare sign that. You can take it back,” she addressed the two men in overalls.
“Um, Tanya”—Becky put her hands on her hips—“I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you could use the help.” She gestured to the threadbare couch and rickety dining set.
“I’m happy with my old faithfuls. I’m not taking their gifts. I don’t plan on taking them back so it wouldn’t be right.”
“You are pregnant with their child, so it would be fine to accept their help,” Stephany said.
&nb
sp; “I am grateful enough for the renovations they did to The Book Corner. Business has picked up substantially. I will be able to support us now.” Without thinking, her hand slid to her belly. “I don’t need hand-outs. In time, they can help out financially with our baby.”
Tanya signed the necessary paperwork, which stated that she would not be taking delivery and closed the door. A dull headache started up, so she put her fingertips on her temples and closed her eyes for a second while leaning her back against the cool wood.
“You need to drink,” Stephany said.
“Eeew! Now? Really?” Becky wrinkled her nose.
“You are a big wussy when it comes to the whole blood thing for someone so intent on dating vampire males.” Stephany narrowed her eyes at Becky.
“Sex”—she bobbed her eyebrows—“yes, please baby, but the whole blood thing. No thank you.”
Tanya couldn’t help but to laugh. “I hate to break it to you kiddo, but for vampires sex and blood drinking go hand in hand. I don’t know why I’m arguing a moot point since it is still forbidden.”
“Not for long.” She lifted her eyebrows. “I have it on good authority that the males have started a petition, which they plan on taking to Zane and Brant. Most of the unmated males have signed.”
“How do you know that?” Stephany’s brow creased with concern.
Becky’s cheeks heated and she looked down at the tight t-shirt she was wearing and picked at some non-existent lint.
“Becks!” Tanya used the most authoritative voice she could muster.
Her best friend looked up with determined eyes. “Ross and I have been texting each other.”
Stephany gasped. “I can’t hear this. I will have to tell Brant, who in turn would need to tell Zane.”
Becky put her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the side, her chin lifted. “Tell him. We haven’t done anything wrong, or is it illegal to send a few messages?”
Stephany’s eyes softened. “No, but no good can come of it because nothing can come of it. You understand that don’t you?”
Becky took a step towards Stephany. “Once the kings see the petition, they will overturn these stupid rules. I’m sure of it.”
“These stupid rules – as you call them – are there for your safety. What if Ross were to kill you?” Stephany’s blue eyes were wide.
Becky huffed. “Please, as if.”
“What you don’t realize is that a certain number of vampires have what’s called bloodlust. They can’t control themselves when they taste human blood, it’s especially bad during rutting. If Ross has bloodlust, then he could kill you if he so much as tasted a drop of your blood.” She sighed. “You will end up dead and his life will be ruined with a good chance of him being executed for his sins as well. You are putting yourself and him at risk.”
Tanya had to school her reaction. Brant was affected by bloodlust. He’d said so himself. It hadn’t been lost on her how careful he was when it came to drinking. One of the males was always close in case he lost control and he’d never taken blood from her during sex. It was one of the things that she longed to experience during the mating. One that would never happen now. Her heart clenched painfully.
“Maybe it’s a risk that I am willing to take.”
“Stop,” Tanya said. “You can’t do this, Becks. It won’t end well.”
“You two need to chill. We’re only texting. I won’t see him.”
“Pinkie swear that you’ll stay away from him.” Tanya held out her finger.
Becky rolled her eyes, her blond curls bounced as she walked towards Tanya and clasped her little finger with Tanya’s. “I pinkie freaking swear. Are you happy now bitch?” She smirked. “You just completely ruined my sex life.”
“There are plenty of human men out there, you brat.”
Becky pouted. “You obviously turned blind, dumb and deaf since returning from Vampireville, but you are lucky that I love you anyway.” Becky threw her arms around Tanya. “We’ll have to move in together and get some cats or something since we’re going to be spinsters.”
“So freaking over dramatic.” Tanya giggled as they released each other. She tried not to feel depressed at the truth in her friend’s words.
Becky picked up her oversized Gucci purse. As a medical doctor with her own practice, she did extremely well and was often underestimated based on her fire cracker personality. The low cut tops might also have something to do with it. Truth was though, she was highly intelligent and dedicated to her field. Tanya was so proud of her friend. “You don’t have to leave,” Tanya said.
“I won’t say anything to Brant,” Stephany chimed in.
Becky lifted her eyebrows. “Looks like I’m not going to be getting any action any time soon, so I’m off to buy myself a large vibrator and an extra pack of batteries.”
Stephany’s brow knitted in confusion.
“Oh, come on already. You vampires act like you’re from the dark ages or something. A vibrator is like an extra-large penis, except as an added bonus it vibrates at different speeds.”
“They’re vampire males, Becks,” Tanya said turning to Stephany. “They are normal sized fake penises.”
“You have to be freaking kidding me?” Becky stomped her foot. “They’re sexy as sin, buffed up the whazoo and they have humungous dicks and I’m banned.” She shook her head and huffed. “I’m so buying the one that stimulates both your g spot and your clit. I can’t believe you’ve never heard of them.” Becky shook her head, a look of disbelief on her face.
“Stephany is celibate, I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear all of this.”
Stephany turned her gaze to the floor, she clasped her hands together in a tight knot on her lap.
“Sorry, Steph, I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“It fine,” she whispered but she didn’t look in the least bit fine.
“Are you sure? Is there something you want to talk about?” Tanya got the distinct feeling that her vampire friend was keeping something from her.
Stephany looked up and smiled. She looked sad. “I really am fine, thanks.”
“I’m here if you change your mind.”
Stephany licked her lips and nodded once.
“All the more reason to buy yourself a vibrator. I’ll get you one if you want,” Becky offered.
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
Becky took in a breath, intent on arguing.
“She’s good,” Tanya intervened. Becky could be a bit overbearing.
Her bestie shook her head. “Your loss.”
Becky said her goodbyes and left blowing a noisy kiss at the door before she closed it.
Stephany sank back into the couch looking relieved. Tanya had planned on bringing up what was going on with the female vamp, but decided to drop it instead. At least for now. There was definitely something different about her friend since she had been returned by the wolves.
“You need to drink.” Stephany leaned her head to the side exposing her neck. The throb in Tanya’s head increased and her teeth sharpened. Her mouth felt dry. In that moment she could hear Stephany’s heartbeat, could scent her vanilla fragrance, like freshly baked cookies yumo.
“Thank you for helping me. I hope the kings haven’t given you too much flack.” Tanya made her way to the couch and moved in next to Stephany.
“Nah, they want you both healthy and would prefer you drank from me.”
There was a burning question that kept swirling around in her mind. One she had to ask but didn’t know how.
She leaned in and sank her tiny fangs into Stephany’s neck. It was weird. She finally understood what her…the males had been trying to tell her. Drinking was not always sexual. Tanya enjoyed taking blood from Stephany just like she enjoyed licking the butter icing from one of her favorite cupcakes or sucking on a block of decadent chocolate. Although it was enjoyable, there was nothing remotely sexual about it. Once she had drunk her fill, she released Steph’s neck and carefully licked the tw
o leaking holes until they sealed. “Thank you.”
“Anytime. I’ll be back in a day or two.” Stephany rose and retrieved her purse. Either she asked now or she would have to wait for Steph to come back.
She needed to know.
“Who are Brant and Zane drinking from?” She blurted, expecting Stephany to tell her to ask them herself like she did whenever she asked a question about either of them.
Stephany smiled. “You still care.”
“You know I do.” She huffed. “I left them because I care. Although I really wish my emotions had an on/off switch, they unfortunately don’t, so I can’t switch my feelings off. Now who are they drinking from? I need to know.”
Stephany’s brow furrowed. “That’s the thing, they don’t seem to be drinking from anyone. I assure you that it would be common knowledge if they were. You don’t even want to know how many bets are flying around the castle. Who will they drink from? Who will they rut first? Will you come back? How long before they rut with someone else? How long before you come back?”
And that was the second burning question that wouldn’t leave her mind. “I take it they’re not rutting with anyone then?” She inwardly cringed.
Stephany smiled. “I should be telling you to go and speak with them yourself, but in this instance I think it is important for you to know that they are definitely not rutting with anyone. They have to be drinking from someone, but I don’t know who.”
“If you don’t know about the drinking then you may not know about the rutting.”
Stephany squeezed Tanya’s arm and shook her head. “You have never in your life seen a more sorry sight. They are devastated at your leaving. They mope around, growling and scowling at everyone that has the bad luck of crossing their paths. It’s comical. You may start getting requests from the general population to return to them. Life has become difficult at the castle.” She smiled down at Tanya warmly. “I would know if they were rutting and I am certain that they are not. They want only you, Tanya. Remember that.”
Tanya felt her eyes prick and she blinked a few times to hold back the tears. “Why did they have to be such jerks?”
The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3 Page 32