The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  A bald faced lie.

  Them ending up in bed together had been inevitable. It would’ve been like fighting the need to breathe or to take blood. Trying to stop her heart from beating would’ve been easier than not rutting with her alpha. No, dammit…not hers.

  She willed her legs to walk faster as she neared her suite. A hot shower and some time alone was just what she needed. Stephany was sick of faking it. She didn’t have many close friends, and the few in her close circle had picked up on the fact that things weren’t the same since she had returned. That she’d changed somehow.

  Stephany rounded the corner and almost walked into Lance. The male leaned against the wall next to the door to her room. The moment his eyes caught hers, he pulled himself upright and sucked in a breath.

  For blood’s sake.

  This was the last thing she needed. Stephany tried to side step the male, but he moved in front of her door cutting off her escape.

  His ice blue eyes narrowed on her. “Why do you insist on avoiding me?” he sighed, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets. “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “That’s not how I planned on starting this conversation.”

  “I’m really tired, Lance. It’s been a long day and we’ve been through this. I haven’t changed my mind.”

  Almost as tall and built as Ward, though that was where the similarities ended. Lance had blond hair and he was breathtakingly beautiful like a movie star. Ward was the epitome of male. All hard angles, so rugged and raw, so…perfect.

  Lance’s nostrils flared and he took a step towards her. Stephany had to fight the urge to move away.

  “You don’t scent like you’re tired. In fact”—his nostrils flared a second time—“if I didn’t know better, I would swear that you were aroused.” His voice dropped to a husky rumble. “I could help you with that.”

  “You’re mistaken.” It came out sounding too sharp, too high pitched. “It’s this whole wing, the newly mated three rut so often that this whole tower smells of sex, arousal and other things I don’t wish to comment on.”

  His eyebrows raised. “What other things?”

  “I told you that I don’t wish to speak of them. Becky had a package delivered for”—she gestured in the direction that she had just come from—“them.”

  He looked confused.

  “It was a sex pack with items to be used during rutting.”

  His brow creased even further. Stephany completely understood his confusion. It had taken Becky at least ten minutes to explain what the pack was for before Stephany had agreed to have it sent to the royal suite.

  “Flavored lubricant, chocolate body paint, edible underwear…” She wrinkled her nose in distaste.

  “Why would anyone want to eat underwear? Why is underwear even in a pack for use during rutting?”

  She couldn’t agree more. Shrugging, she continued, “The female wears the underwear and the male eats it off of her.”

  The crease remained for a few beats before realization dawned. “Oh,” he nodded. “The male probably eats both the underwear and her pussy. I get it…well sort of…why not just eat her pussy in the first place instead of wasting time?”

  She shrugged again, “No idea.”

  “What is lubricant?” Lance lifted his eyes in deep thought.

  “It makes a female’s…um…you know…wet. Ready for rutting. Look, I’m really tired…”

  The male frowned. “Why would they need a lubricant? Do human females not get wet enough to rut?”

  Stephany sighed, irritated with the line of conversation. “Yes they do, but human males are not as good at rutting as our males are. They don’t always manage to get a female wet enough to rut them, so sometimes they have to resort to using a lotion.”

  Lance made a sound of disgust, “They don’t manage to get their female wet enough…” He shook his head, muttering more to himself than to her. “A finger to the clit. Even better, suck that little nub until she creams. I don’t understand the problem.” He looked her in the eyes, shaking his head while looking completely stumped. “It’s easy to make a female scream with pleasure.”

  “Like I said, humans can be very strange.” Best she steer away from this conversation. “Now if you will excuse me, I really am tired.”

  “Please, Stephany. Let me come in for five minutes. We can talk”—he held up his hands—“I won’t try anything. I promise.”

  Stephany had been relieved to hear that Lance had survived the attack on the castle. He’d still been bed ridden when she’d first returned. Her relief didn’t last long though. Not once he’d started pursuing her with a dogged determination.

  She shook her head. “It won’t do any good.”

  “I’m your mate,” he growled.

  “Our mating was a mistake. It happened twenty long years ago.” She paused for a few beats, “Why are you doing this? Just leave it alone.”

  He clenched his jaw, looking at a spot just over her shoulder. “Not happening. I want you…us…this…” He stepped in, so close that she could feel the heat rolling off his body.

  Stephany tried to step away, but he grabbed her wrists. “Let go,” she said. “You rutted anything in a dress for years and suddenly you wake up and decide that you want me and what?” She paused, “I should just fall to my knees and thank you for finally seeing me? For finally claiming me? It’s not freaking happening.” The last was evenly delivered and sounded just like something her human friend Tanya, the royal mate, would say. Stephany had to suppress a smile when Lance’s lips thinned. Good, message delivered loud and clear.

  “You know as well as I do that the kingdoms were at war. Our union would never have been accepted.”

  He released her arms and she took a step back.

  His eyes pleaded. “I have needs. I rarely rutted the same female more than twice to ensure that they didn’t form a bond.”

  “How thoughtful.” She cocked her chin. “Are we done?”

  “I wouldn’t have minded if you had rutted with other males.”

  She sighed heavily.

  “How do I make it up to you? Name it, I’ll do anything.”

  She almost felt sorry for him. Stephany knew that the male meant well. What she couldn’t divulge though was that her heart now belonged to another. There was no going back. Some things could never be undone.

  He must’ve seen something in her expression because his whole stance softened a second before he moved from her path.

  “Thank you,” she muttered as she walked past him. Stephany leaned back against the unforgiving door as soon as she closed it. A single tear tracked down her cheek. She rubbed it away with the back of her hand while making her way to the bathroom.

  Chapter 8

  Two weeks later…

  There was something seriously wrong with her.

  At first she’d attributed the strange happenings to missing Ward so much. But this…this was just too much. She was being punished. Wolves and vampires were not meant to rut. It was unnatural. Stephany put a hand to her brow expecting to feel fevered. Nothing. She wasn’t foolish enough to relax though. Lack of a fever didn’t mean anything.

  She had to see Tanya. Her friend would understand, wouldn’t judge her. At the very least her royal queen and friend would be able to assist her with informing the kings of her ailments, if the need arose. Brant would be horrified when he learned of her broken celibacy, particularly when he found out who Stephany had rutted with. She really, really needed Tanya.

  The problem was that it was too late to bother her. The sounds of rutting had died down at least an hour ago. That meant that the royal threesome would be asleep. She really should wait until morning.

  Her heart raced.

  She just had to find out what the hell was wrong with her?

  It couldn’t wait. Maybe she was completely overreacting and just needed a calm voice of reason. She changed out of her pajamas and headed down the hall. Once up the winding staircase that led to the northern tower, she s
topped at a large oak door that lead to the master suite and lifted her fisted hand, intent on knocking.

  “Stop. What are you doing here?” One of the royal guards, Ross, stepped forward as she approached. His hands were clasped casually in front of him.

  “I need to see the queen.” She was sure to look him straight in the eye. Let him try and stop her.

  “They have turned in for the night. It’s very—”

  “It’s important information that the queen will want to know.” She narrowed her eyes.

  “Tomorrow—”

  “No!” She stomped her foot and Ross’ eyebrows shot up. Oops, this little show of emotion was something else that she seemed to have learned from her human friend.

  “You’re worrying me…Can I help you with anything, Steph?” His brow creased with concern.

  She locked eyes with the male, trying to drive home the importance of her request. “It’s nothing to concern yourself with, I just really need to see Tanya.”

  “The kings won’t like it.” Ross shook his head.

  “I will handle the kings. I told you that she will want to see me.” Without waiting for a reply, she knocked on the door. Hard.

  A loud growl. A bang. “What the fuck…?” Another growl. “Ross, this had better be important…”

  “I need to speak with Tanya,” Stephany said in the most authoritative voice that she could muster. “Please,” she added when she distinctly heard another low growl from behind the hard wood.

  Zane pulled the door open. He was naked. The male frowned down at her, making no attempt to cover himself. If he wasn’t a king, Stephany would give the male a piece of her mind. Instead, she bit her tongue for a few beats, making sure to keep her eyes averted.

  “It’s late,” the big male growled.

  “It’s fine, Zane.” Tanya stepped in behind him and Zane’s eyes instantly softened as they landed on the human.

  “Come in.” He barked, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Stephany.

  “No, I’ll go to Stephany’s suite. Won’t be long. I actually totally forgot I was meant to have some girl time with my favorite female vamp this evening. I’m so sorry I forgot, Steph, please forgive me.”

  “Of course.” Stephany nodded.

  Zane’s brow creased. “Okay,” he kissed her quickly on the lips before continuing, “and, sweetness”—his voice had turned husky—“feel free to mount me when you return...even if I’m sleeping.”

  Tanya giggled. “Zane, we have guests.” She narrowed her eyes at the big male, but Stephany could smell the arousal wafting off her human friend.

  Tanya looked down at her thin, silky robe. “I just need to change. It won’t take long”—she stopped and then shrugged—“to hell with it. I’m right behind you, Steph.”

  There was a growl from somewhere in the room. “You’re practically naked.” Stephany could recognize Brant’s voice anywhere.

  “I thought you liked me practically naked.” Tanya glanced over her shoulder.

  Brant made a sound of denial. “I like you naked, Cenwein, but for our eyes only. Practically naked is good, but only if one of us is with you.”

  “What rubbish,” Tanya huffed. “No one will try anything. I’m the freaking queen. Besides, vampire females walk around half naked all the time.”

  “You’re not a vampire.” Another growl from Brant.

  “I sort of am. I’m carrying a vampire child and I have both of your essences running through my veins since mating you. I’m still growing stronger by the day. Oh and my ass is tighter and my skin is glowing…so quit worrying and go back to bed.”

  “Don’t talk about your ass, Cewein, or I won’t let you go.”

  Tanya giggled.

  “Fine.” A low growl. “Only if you mount me first when you get back.” Brant’s voice had turned smoky and seductive.

  “Hey”—Zane put his hands on his hips—“My female will mount me first. Stand in line.”

  “I am in line,” Brant threw back, “…I’m in the front.”

  Tanya rolled her eyes. “Let’s get out of here.” She stepped around Zane, who had turned to face Brant.

  “Like fuck! And make sure you stay on your side of the bed.” Zane said as Tanya closed the door. “Don’t you dare try and spoon me like last time.” Stephany heard Zane bellow as they moved down the hall.

  “You fucking tried to spoon me.” Brant snarled.

  “I don’t give a fuck who tried to spoon who, it can’t happen again. Are we clear?”

  Stephany sighed, moving down the stairs as quickly as she could. The sooner she was out of hearing range of those two the better. They could be royal pains in the ass. She smiled at her own joke. Her smile quickly turning to a frown as her breasts jiggled, reminding her of one of the symptoms of her illness. The whole reason she was out of her suite at this late hour.

  Thankfully, Tanya didn’t say anything as they made their way back to her quarters.

  Unfortunately, the moment the door closed she turned narrowing her eyes on Stephany. “I was wondering when you would finally let me in on whatever is going on with you. Now out with it.”

  “Let’s sit first.” They made their way to the cozy love seat in the corner. It overlooked the beautiful gardens. “Can I order you something to drink?”

  Tanya shook her head. “I just had a double order of all I could drink blood with sex on the side.”

  Her friend must have seen something in her expression because she added, “I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “I know you don’t want to hear about…never mind.” Tanya folded her hands on her lap, leaned forward slightly, her eyes focussed on Stephany.

  “Um…something to eat maybe?” Stephany really hated to have to talk about this.

  “Quit stalling and spit it out already,” Tanya said.

  “Fine.” Stephany threaded her fingers together. “It would probably be better if I showed you. I’m a little freaked out. I need you to promise to keep this between us.”

  “Of course. You know you can trust me right?” Her eyes widened and her brows lifted.

  “I know.” Stephany nodded once. What choice did she have? Stephany undid the catch on her jacket, pulling it off her shoulders. Next, she unbuttoned her blouse while glancing in Tanya’s direction. Her friend’s brow had pulled into a deep frown. One quick flick and the clasp on her bra unsnapped. She’d taken to wearing the human contraptions on occasion before. Ever since the wolf, Sawyer, had tried to…do stuff with her though, she’d taken to wearing them all the time. That bra had saved her humility big time.

  “Sheesh”—Tanya’s eyes bugged out—“you have really big boobs…for a vampire.”

  Stephany cupped her breasts, as she had done several times already that day. They definitely felt fuller, almost too big for her hands. Her bra had been digging into her lately in the most uncomfortable way.

  “Okay, so you have really great breasts. Why you needed to show them to me is a little peculiar though.” She sighed, “What’s really going on?”

  Stephany took a deep breath. “What is your take on this?” Stephany gave her nipple a squeeze and the same white stuff from earlier oozed out. “I think they might be infected.”

  “No way… You aren’t… Don’t kid around at a time like this,” Tanya clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide in her head. “Are you?”

  Stephany didn’t know what to say, could only frown back at her friend.

  Tanya shrieked. “Oh my god! You are, aren’t you?”

  “I am what?” What the heck was wrong with Tanya? She narrowed her eyes at the human, who seemed to have gone quite mad.

  Tanya shook her head, looking amused. “Have you had sex?”

  Although posed as a question, Tanya had been stating a fact. It was just as she had thought, there was something terribly wrong with her. Thank the Gods that Tanya knew what that problem was. Her friend could hopefully help her now. “What’s wrong with me?” she whispered. Her voice shook almost as badly as
her hands. “Why are you acting so weird? It’s bad isn’t it?”

  Tanya burst out laughing, stopping almost as soon as she had started. Her so called friend cleared her throat and visibly pulled herself together. “Nothing is wrong with you. I really thought you had been avoiding Lance. You must’ve had sex with him soon after you came back though. Like the very same freaking day. How could you not have confided in me?” Tanya smiled, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. “You’re pregnant honey. Leaking breasts is a sign of pregnancy. I can’t believe you didn’t know that.”

  Stephany felt the blood rush from her body. “No…I can’t be. I never went into heat. No…”

  “Have you noticed any other changes? Are you struggling to fit into your clothes?”

  “Now that you mention it, but I thought it was because I’ve been eating a lot more than usual.”

  “I don’t blame you. Blood has become my new fave…can’t get enough of it.”

  Stephany was talking about solid food, but she wasn’t about to tell Tanya that. She suddenly had a craving for bread and jam…

  Craving!

  Oh gods. No. No way! It wasn’t possible. She hadn’t gone into heat for so many years that she was sure her body wasn’t capable anymore. Yet, if she looked at all the facts…tight clothes, over emotional—which she’d blamed on her broken heart—leaking mammary glands. Bigger mammary glands. Wait a minute.

  “I still don’t understand why my breasts are leaking white stuff. What is it?” Stephany squeezed her nipple again and more of the white stuff beaded.

  Tanya looked at her, her face a mask of confusion. “Why would you ask that?” Then she nodded in a knowing fashion as if she had figured something out. “You may not know this, Steph, but you will feed your baby with your breasts once you’ve given birth?” Then she frowned. “Surely vampires breastfeed?” She muttered almost to herself.