The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  Once they were far enough away from the settlement, he’d stopped and growled up at her until she’d removed the tie. Ward was huge, even bigger as a wolf than as a man. His coat was inky black, so thick and shiny. His eyes were the only things that hadn’t changed. By the time they reached the desolate barn, she was so tired that she was afraid she would slide off his back.

  The same intelligent green gaze she’d come to know so well met hers just before his coat shivered. His body cracking and pulsing, fur retracting as he turned into the male she remembered.

  The other three wolves did the same, all the males stood naked in front of her. All completely comfortable in their own skin. She kept her eyes averted as they made their way to the barn entrance. Ward fished around under an outcrop of rocks before pulling out a key and unlocking the padlock on the door. The males pulled the large wooden doors open, the hinges squeaked, in desperate need of oil.

  A dusty SUV dominated the barn’s interior. The males made for a large trunk in the corner, pulling out a multitude of clothing. Stephany kept her eyes on the line of trees while they dressed.

  “How long are we staying in Sweetwater?” one of the males asked. Since she recognized his voice, she was sure it was Rushe.

  “Not that long,” Ward growled.

  “Don’t you want to ensure your female’s comfort before we leave?” Rushe asked.

  “My female…Stephany will be fine. Once she is checked in, we will be leaving. There will be time…for what you had in mind on another occasion. Things are too unstable at present.”

  “Stephany,” Ward called.

  She turned to face the males and her mouth went dry. Ward wore a V-neck grey sweater and black jeans. The wool and denim accentuated his muscular frame. He’d even gelled his short hair. If she didn’t know any better, she would think that she was looking at a bunch of All-American Boys. Although they were extra muscular and a little too tall to be just your run of the mill humans. He tossed her a dress, it was pink, floral and a three sizes too big. He must’ve caught the look on her face because he moved away from the trunk.

  “Let’s give the lady some room.” He gestured to the trunk while the males filed out of the barn. Ward snaked an arm around her waist and touched his lips to hers. She couldn’t help but to think that he really shouldn’t be doing things like that anymore. Instead of reprimanding him though, she kissed him back putting her hand into the jeans pocket on his ass. His eyes locked with hers as he pulled away. “Help yourself to whatever you need. Make sure you pack enough to last you a few days.” He gestured to the backpack still on her back. It contained some toiletries and one or two of his shirts. “I’ll make sure they keep their eyes.” He looked in the direction of the males that had just left.

  She frowned.

  “If they see even an inch of your skin, I’ll remove their eyeballs.” The gleam in his gaze told her that he meant every word.

  Stephany smiled. “You males are all the same.”

  “No, we’re not.” He yelled over his shoulder as he moved towards the door.

  “Are too.”

  Ward chuckled. She shook her head as she made for the trunk, quickly choosing a black dress and some sandals that looked to be about her size. There was no underwear in the trunk and her bra had never come back from being washed. The only thing she could think of was that one of the wolf females had pilfered it.

  She couldn’t go walking around Sweetwater without a bra. Human’s preferred to cover their privates. In fact, human women with their extra-large mammary glands often needed the extra support. She might draw attention if she wore a white dress without underwear. The black garment would provide the most…cover and draw the least attention while at the same time helping her to retain some of her femininity. The clothes in the trunk were washed and neatly folded. After choosing three more dresses and a sweater, she packed them neatly into the backpack. Stephany folded the floral dress and put it back in the trunk. Once the sandals were on, she made her way outside and had to suppress a smile. Ward stood, legs apart, arms crossed over his chest, at the entrance of the barn. He turned as she neared, his eyes softening as they landed on her, yet hardening up again as one of the males approached.

  Definitely all the same.

  Ward took her hand as they made for the SUV. None of the males commented. She really should push him away, but she couldn’t. They didn’t have much time left and she would wring out every last bit of togetherness that she could. Once in the vehicle, two males sat up front. Another sat in the back with them. Ward pulled her onto his lap. She rested her head on his big chest. Dreading saying goodbye.

  Stephany must have dozed off because what felt like seconds later, they pulled up to the only hotel in Sweetwater. It was more like an overgrown Bed and Breakfast rather than a hotel, but it would serve its purpose.

  “I need you to write a letter to your kings explaining that you are well and that you will be returned safely within the next few days.” Ward nodded to Rushe who handed him a pen and paper which he pressed into her hand.

  Brant and Tanya would be frantic with worry. She welcomed the chance to let them know that she was okay. Stephany penned out a letter, sticking to the basic facts. She tried not to lie. It just didn’t feel right. Hopefully they wouldn’t ask her too many questions when she returned.

  She couldn’t help the slight quiver in her hand as she handed the letter to Ward. Pulling in a deep breath, she plastered a smile on her face.

  Ward’s brow creased. “You deliver the letter Rushe.”

  “The plan was—” Rushe started.

  Ward threw up a hand. “Just do as I say. Meet me back here in thirty minutes. Send word if there’s any trouble.”

  “It isn’t safe, Ward. We discussed this—”

  “Silence…” Ward growled and goose bumps rose on her arms at the terrifying sound. Ward took a deep breath, his chest expanding against her. “Do as I say. Stick to the plan.”

  “Tyler.” Rushe addressed the male on the seat next to them at the back of the vehicle. “You stay with our alpha.”

  “No,” another deep growl. “The three of you stick together. They won’t be looking for a couple or three lone males.” He wrapped his arm more firmly around her.

  Stephany wanted to tell him to leave, that she would be perfectly fine but the words died on her tongue.

  Rushe nodded. “I don’t like it, but you’re the boss.”

  The hotel was a little old fashioned and definitely in need of a refurbishment, but it was clean and the receptionist was friendly even if she did eyeball Ward like she was starving and he had just been dipped in hot, thick chocolate.

  Ward took the key and put a hand to her back as they made for her room. They walked down a long, carpeted hallway. Ward opened the door and gestured for her to enter ahead of him. She heard him close the door and then shrug the pack from his shoulder. There was a dull thud as it landed on the carpet at his feet.

  The room was spacious. When she turned, Ward was still standing in the entrance hall. “It will be more difficult for you to lose my scent if I”—he paused—“leave it everywhere in your room.”

  This was it.

  She made her way back to him. “Are you leaving then?”

  Ward pulled her closer as soon as she was within arm’s reach. “I should.” He whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. Their lips inches apart. “I really, really should.” His words caressed her lips. “But I need to have you one last time.” Stephany leaned in, pushing herself up against his hard chest.

  “Yes.” Thank blood it came out sounding controlled instead of in a desperate sob, which would’ve matched how she was feeling inside.

  “We don’t have much time and you need to be quiet. I’m sorry but we need to stay in the entrance hall. I can’t go any further into the room. Definitely can’t go near the bed, I meant it when I said I didn’t want to get my scent all over everything.” He smiled, his eyes filled with desire as they tracked her face.<
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  Stephany smiled back. “You also need to be quiet, wolf. No growling or snarling.”

  Ward chuckled softly as he covered her mouth with his, their breath intermingled quickly turning shallow and needy. His hands slid under her dress, up her thighs, closing on her ass. He pulled her flush against him, pushing her back to the wall. His erection settled against her core, turning her blood to fire.

  Ward broke the kiss. “You need to drink from me.”

  With a quick nod, she threaded her fingers around his neck, pulling him back to her. “I planned to.” She looked up at him. His green eyes held hers, a lopsided grin had a sexy dimple appearing on his cheek.

  If she didn’t drink, she didn’t think she’d be able to hold out the two or three days it would take to get his scent off her. Besides, she craved his blood just as fiercely as she craved him.

  Ward ran his fingers through her hair. “Why do you cut it so short?”

  She shrugged.

  “Is it fashion amongst the vampires?” he asked, his brow furrowed.

  She shook her head. “Just like with all species that I know, longer hair is considered favorable on a female.”

  His brow creased. “Why then…?” His eyes narrowed. “Don’t misunderstand, I think that you are exquisite just the way you are.” His eyes danced over her face, they shone with sincerity.

  “I told you that I don’t rut. I don’t wish to…” She looked away feeling self-conscious.

  Ward clasped her chin. “You are beautiful. It’s so selfish of me, but I am glad that you do not wish to be with another.” He kissed her softly before it quickly deepened into something hot and fevered. Ward ran a hand under her dress, his fingers brushed against her mound, before circling her clit, making her catch her breath. “I love the way you feel”—using a single finger, he pushed into her—“wish I had time to taste you.”

  She groaned as he picked up speed, his thumb stroked her clit. Her breath was coming in sharp pants. Her core tightening with her pending orgasm. There was a distinct sound of a zipper. Ward pulled away slightly, his pants down to mid-thigh. He bunched her dress up around her waist. The big male picked her up easily. “Put your legs around my hips, sweetheart.” Doing as he said, he anchored her against the wall, entering her in one easy thrust that had her throwing her head back with sheer pleasure. He closed his mouth around her earlobe as he thrust a second time. Nipping at her neck as he picked up the pace.

  She moaned. Ward sought out her mouth. “Shhhh.” He said against her lips continuing to thrust into her in insistent strokes that had her mind turning to mush. She dug her fingers into his shoulders. She could hear his heart rate picking up, his blood rushing through his veins, his animalistic scent enveloping her.

  Her fangs lengthened, sharpened. Stephany buried her head into his neck, her fangs breaking skin as her orgasm hit, intensified by the taste of his blood on her tongue. So much for keeping quiet, he snarled jerking against her as he came. Stephany drank deeply knowing how much it would increase his pleasure. Wanting their last time to be something he would never forget.

  Ward bit down on her neck mid snarl. His grip on her tightened. He rutted her in hard, deep, strokes with less and less movement as his cock swelled. By now this was something that she had grown accustomed to, his extra girth seemed to touch spots within her that she never knew existed. The pleasure rolled through her, so intense that her eyes flew open. If her mouth wasn’t closed on his neck she would’ve screamed.

  It was still a couple of days away from the new moon, yet she almost felt as if they bonded in that moment. Slowly, carefully, she withdrew her fangs, licking up the last few drops of blood that leaked from the two small holes on his neck.

  His breath caught in his throat as she lifted her head. Ward didn’t let go of her like she thought he would. Instead, he buried his face against the side of hers. His nostrils flared, he took deep breaths. It was probably a wolf thing. He seemed to be scenting her. They were delaying the inevitable. Making it all the more difficult for themselves.

  “Ward.” She whispered while putting her hands against his chest. As much as she tried, she couldn’t make herself push him away.

  “Stay.” He choked the word out.

  How the heck did she respond to that? Everything in her screamed to say yes, but how could she?

  “Come back with me.” He pulled away slightly, his eyes locked with hers. They burned with fierce determination.

  “I can’t”—a mere whisper—“it would never work.” She felt her lip quiver, so she pulled it between her teeth and bit down.

  “I know it’s crazy, Stephany, but we can make it work. I know we can.” He brushed his lips against hers. “It feels like we belong together.”

  She shook her head. Pain like nothing else she’d ever felt exploded inside her. “Luna was right. I can never give you heirs. Your pack would never accept me.” She let her fingertips trace his jaw as she watched his features cloud. “You deserve more.”

  His face turned stern. “I don’t ever want to hear you put yourself down again. You are amazing…everything I could ever hope for in a female. I’m sure we could—”

  If she let him keep talking, he might just convince her. “No.” She shook her head. “It’s not possible. I am physically unable to birth young. As the alpha, you will need heirs.” The blood drained from her body as she admitted her biggest flaw.

  Understanding dawned. “It’s just, this feels so right.”

  “Don’t. Just drop it please. It’s not something I will change my mind about. You’re a wolf.”

  “Yeah, yeah and you’re a vampire.” He smiled and she was sure her heart would shatter in her chest.

  Ward pulled out of her. He took a step away, pulling up his pants. Adjusting his still hard cock until he was able to pull up the zipper.

  Stephany let her dress fall back into place. “Promise me that you’ll forget this foolish quest to start a war with my species.”

  Those green eyes of his landed on her. “If war is declared, it won’t be by my doing.”

  “After slighting the kings, they will expect you to swear allegiance.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I told you that I will not bow down before either king ever again, and I meant it.”

  Stephany took a deep breath trying to get her emotions under control. “I can’t stand by and watch you be destroyed. Make no mistake, Ward, my kings will destroy you and your pack.”

  Ward smiled. “They’ll have to catch us first.” He clasped her hands in his and kissed her forehead. “Enough about your kings. I don’t want to talk politics with you.”

  His eyes zoned in on her neck and he cursed.

  She felt her brow furrow in confusion.

  He trailed his fingers along her skin. There was a sting of pain as he made contact. “I’m sorry, I broke your skin.” Ward kissed the spot. “There, all better. It doesn’t mean anything.” His face clouded. “That’s not what I meant…I loved being inside you…it meant a lot to me…”

  Stephany smiled. “You don’t have to explain. I understand.”

  “It doesn’t mean we’re mated. You know that don’t you?” His eyes zoned in on her and for a moment she thought he wanted to add something.

  When he remained quiet, she felt the need to reassure him back. “I know.” She swallowed hard. “We’re different species.”

  “I will miss you, Stephany.” His eyes narrowed and he sighed. “Very much.” He slid his lips over hers.

  “I’ll miss you too.”

  What she didn’t realize in that instant was that he would rip out a piece of her soul, taking it with him as he left. He didn’t turn back, just closed the door behind him.

  Part II

  Deliberate Theft

  Chapter 7

  Six weeks later…

  Groans, moans, grunts, growls.

  The sound of rutting filled her ears. Loud female shrieks, resonating through the hallways in time with a clunking headboard that seemed t
o shake the very foundation of the castle. The whole dammed castle for blood’s sake…there would be cracks in the wall plaster for sure.

  Stephany took a deep soothing breath. She knew the drill and thankfully it would be over soon. She had an overwhelming need to cover her ears, but she knew it wouldn’t help. A growl. Silence for a few beats. A shrill scream. “Zane….oh, God….Brant…” Stephany squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the sounds of untold pleasure.

  She put a hand to her chest realizing how hard she was breathing, more like panting.

  Her body’s reaction wasn’t to the three upstairs, but rather to the memories that the noises evoked in her. What exactly had the alpha done to her? For years her libido had lain dormant. Buried somewhere deep inside her. Stephany hadn’t even felt the urge to touch herself in the longest time. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt the burning need to cum. Though ever since she had returned from the wolf’s clutches, she’d felt like her veins were on fire. What the hell had he done to her? What poison? What form of potent witchcraft was this?

  Poison. Witchcraft. If only the explanation was so simple. She could’ve taken an antidote or visited with the Sentinel. Found a cure somewhere, somehow. What she couldn’t do was erase her memories of the alpha. Forget she’d ever met Ward. An image of the big wolf accosted her. His broad shoulders, tight abs, that smattering of hair that ran from his belly button to…she had to suppress a groan. What haunted her the most were his eyes. So filled with emotion, so intense as they watched her. Whether it was doing something as simple as walking across the room, or zoning in on her as she talked. How their emerald depths turned almost black when he watched her cum, his own body trembling with his release.

  Ward.

  Stephany clutched at her chest. Surely the pain she felt was physical. Surely her hand would come away crimson with blood. Looking down, she dropped her clean hand in disgust. A wound of the flesh could be healed. One of the soul…not so much. It was her own damned fault for going against her own better judgement. Her body had decided differently. If only she had kept her eyes closed in the shower, none of this would have happened.