The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  She nodded, trying to smile. Trying hard to be brave, if not for herself then for their unborn son.

  Ward slanted his mouth across hers, a gentle brush of the lips. “We’ll get through this together.” It was as if her son was agreeing with his father, because he chose that exact moment to give a squirm and a kick. She smiled as Ward pulled away while putting a hand to her belly.

  “Are you ready for me?” Becky leaned her head around the door.

  Stephany nodded. “We are.” She looked Ward in the eye, feeling a lot better.

  “Let’s get to it then.” She walked to a box on her desk and pulled out and put on a pair of latex gloves. “This will be a little uncomfortable. It shouldn’t hurt though. She reached into the paper bag and pulled out a tube, squeezing some clear gel onto her right hand. Using the other hand, she coated her fingers liberally. “A little KY for lubrication.”

  Ward frowned, he took ahold of Stephany’s hand.

  “Please open your legs for me.” Becky said while leaning in between her thighs as she splayed them. “Try and relax.” The human said as she pushed two fingers into her opening. She tried to fight her natural reaction to tense up and failed. Becky stopped, waiting a few seconds while Stephany forced herself to calm down.

  “Here goes.” Becky pushed in deeper, it even felt like part of the female’s hand was now inside her. She had to work to keep from moving away from the evasive touch. Stephany concentrated on breathing in and out instead. She could feel how Becky moved her hand from side to side. The human’s brow was creased in concentration, her eyes locked on the far wall. “Okay, take a deep breath for me.” As Stephany did as the female asked, the human gave a deep plunge with her fingers. There was a quick twinge of pain that abated almost immediately. Becky nodded, pulling her hand out. The relief was instant. “There is some ripening.” The female removed the gloves, the fingertips on the right one were smeared with blood.

  Ward squeezed her hand.

  Becky removed another tube from the bag. “Now I’m going to apply the gel that will, hopefully, further ripen your…womb opening. Let’s give that some time and I’ll attempt to break your water.”

  “I take it that the news is good?” Ward’s chest expanded and contracted, his hold on her hand becoming almost painful.

  “It’s really good. Stephany’s cervix has naturally started to soften.” She shrugged. “It’s hard to say how long it would’ve taken if left up to nature, anything from a few hours to a few days. We need to cross our fingers that the gel speeds this up.”

  “Crossing our fingers is a sign that brings luck?” Ward looked down at the hand not interlaced with hers. He crossed two of his fingers.

  “It’s not literal, Ward. All it means is that we need to stay open minded and only think positive thoughts.” Becky winked at Ward, her blond curls bouncing as she walked back to the bed.

  “I told you.” Ward turned his intense gaze on her. “Even the healer agrees that staying positive will help.”

  Stephany smiled back. “I know. I’m really happy that he was planning on coming soon on his own.”

  Becky slapped on another pair of gloves. “Not you too, Stephany. You might be pregnant with a girl. You’re starting to sound just like Tanya. I know these non-human alpha boys like their heirs, but it’s getting a bit ridiculous.”

  What Becky didn’t know was that she was definitely having a boy based on Ward’s genetics being dominant. They were different species after all. She couldn’t disclose that to Becky though. That the shifters mated with humans was not something they wanted to be common knowledge.

  “We’ll see.” Stephany shrugged. “I don’t mind either way, just as long as the baby is healthy.” And he would be. They were here risking being caught to ensure his healthy birth. Ward was right, she would only think positive thoughts from here on out.

  Becky smiled. “I really hope that Tanya has a sweet little girl and that it’s Zane’s. Then again, he would probably dote on his daughter’s every wish just like he does Tanya’s.” She sighed heavily. “My bestie is one lucky girl.”

  “Yeah, she sure has the kings wrapped around her little toe.”

  Becky giggled, ending in a snort. “I think you mean finger, honey. The saying is…wrapped around her little finger.” She squirted some more gel onto her newly gloved hand. “How is Ross doing? Has he managed to convince Zane and Brant to sign that damned petition yet?”

  Stephany opened her legs as Becky moved in at the base of the bed. “I’m not sure. I haven’t been paying much attention to the goings on at the castle, but I can tell you that they will not sign the petition. They do not want interspecies relationships.” She paused for a few beats, choosing her words carefully. “When it comes to humans and vampires, I have to agree with them.”

  Becky scrunched up her face. “It’s that whole bloodlust thing isn’t it? I told you, I wouldn’t let him drink from me. Eeww!”

  Stephany had to smile. “That’s what you say now. You will sing a different tune while he is…” She felt her cheeks heat, “Never mind.” Stephany locked eyes with the human. “Trust me, stay away from the vampire males. There is risk involved. Now on the other hand, a wolf shifter might be just what you need.”

  Becky glanced in the direction of where the back of the building would be before looking back between Stephany’s legs. “A little wider honey.” Stephany obliged. “That’s it.”

  Stephany couldn’t help but to flinch as the other female’s hand made contact with her skin. “This won’t hurt a bit.” She worked her fingers inside, going slow and pausing whenever Stephany tensed. “Mmmm…” She looked thoughtful for a few seconds, “I have to say that wolf shifters are seriously hot, but my pussy kind of had its heart set on some vampire dick.”

  Ward choked, he coughed and sputtered for a bit before managing to get himself under control again.

  “Look,” Stephany paused. “Suit yourself, but I’m telling you that it’s not going to happen between you and Ross. So you can either pine away while using your battery operated phallic symbol, or you can have a real skin and bone male.”

  “Heck, when you put it like that.” The human sighed, pulling her hand free. There was no blood this time. She removed the gloves and threw them away.

  “What is a battery operated phallic symbol?” Ward squeezed her hand, there was a mischievous glint in his eyes.

  “Um…” Stephany chewed on her lower lip for a few beats. “It’s a fake male part used to help human females when they are not able to rut.” She took a deep breath. “They have batteries inside of them and vibrate.”

  Ward shook his head while grinning. “I’m sorry I asked.”

  “Don’t you dare judge!” The little human’s hands flew to her hips. “My vibrator is always there for me and is guaranteed to please. I’ve only had a few lovers in my life and they’ve all been shitty in the sack.”

  “Shitty in the sack?” Stephany frowned.

  Ward smiled. “They were useless when it came to rutting.”

  “Oh!” Stephany nodded.

  “I would still be waiting for my first freaking orgasm if I didn’t take care of things myself.” Becky smoothed out her white coat, taking a step towards them. “Enough about my non-existent sex life. I want you to rest.” She looked Stephany in the eye. “First time labor is normally longer. You’re looking at, at least ten hours unless…” She raised her eyebrows. “Do things work differently with vampires? Is there something I should know?”

  Stephany tried to smile through the feelings of panic that rose up inside her. “We labor like any other female. Our body prepares to expel the baby, it is a long arduous process. Once our bodies have prepared, we have to push the baby out. Which is just as long and arduous as a human’s experience it seems.”

  Ward must have sensed her worry, because he cupped her jaw with his strong, lightly calloused fingers. “I will be here every step of the way.”

  “You look exhausted. Rest. If all goes w
ell, you’ll go into labor some time during the night” Becky paused, looking at the watch on her wrist. “I will try to break your water if there has been no change.”

  “Okay. I’ll try to rest.” She smiled at the human. “Thank you, Becky. I really appreciate your help.”

  Ward nodded, his whole frame was tense and he probably didn’t even realize that he was squeezing the blood out of her hand.

  “You’d better make yourself comfortable, Ward.” Becky gestured to one of the chairs at her desk. “It’s going to be a long night. You’re welcome to crash on the sofa.”

  Ward shook his head. “I’m fine, thank you.”

  “Call me immediately if anything changes.” Becky cocked her head slightly to the side. “I’ll camp out in the waiting room. Can I set something up for your men?”

  Ward shook his head. “No, they won’t sleep. By now Rushe has assessed the perimeter and has devised an escape plan, although we would probably need to take a stand if attacked. The males will stay on watch until this baby is born and we are able to leave.”

  “That could be a day or two. No man can last that long.” Becky’s eyes were wide. She was looking at Ward like he’d lost his senses.

  Ward threw the human a lopsided grin. “They aren’t men, they are shifters capable of lasting for days without food, water or sleep for that matter. Although, I would request that you keep them fed. I want them performing at top level if the need arises.”

  Becky did a fluttery thing with her eyelids and clutched a hand to her ample chest. “Oh my…not men. Shifters.” She nodded her head. “I’ll feed them, don’t you worry.” She turned and left. Stephany swore that she could scent arousal, but maybe her senses were a little wonky at the moment.

  “Get yourself a chair.” Stephany urged Ward once the human had left. “You heard Becky, this is probably going to be a long night.”

  Ward shook his head. “Scoot over.” His eyes dropped to the hospital style bed that she was lying on.

  Stephany choked out a laugh. “It’s narrow, I’m not sure there’s enough room for the three of us.” She rubbed her belly.

  Ward smiled. “We’ll cuddle.” He winked. “I don’t think I am capable of resting without you in my arms.” He glanced away for a second or two before his eyes locked back with hers. They had darkened, he stared at her, intense emotion radiated off of him. “You know that you are everything to me, don’t you?”

  She nodded. “I know.” Stephany wanted to tell him exactly how she felt about him, but the words stuck to her tongue. Instead, she moved over as much as the small bed would allow.

  “If I’m going to make you uncomfortable, I would rather sit on a chair.”

  “I will be most comfortable in your arms.”

  He nodded. “Turn over.” Stephany did as he asked and Ward slipped in behind her, pulling her against him. His hot breath was on her neck and his hand curled around her belly. His unique scent wrapped around her. “Try to sleep, sweetheart.”

  Chapter 21

  Back at the castle…

  It had been a long day. Sweat coated Lance’s body, making his shirt stick to his skin. The new recruits were starting to shape up and would be ready for graduation within the next few months. They had worked on their sword skills for the better part of the afternoon and Lance’s arms burned from the exertion.

  In order to be able to call oneself a true warrior, it was import to be able to wield a sword using both arms. So, as was customary, they would swap sword arms halfway through practice. Two of the males were showing great promise and had been earmarked as potentials for the royal guard.

  He closed the door behind him, making for the bathroom. The laptop on his desk caught his eye and he almost slowed to carry out his routine check. Hunger gnawed at his insides though, reminding him that he had little time to spare. He ignored the computer, quickly making his way to the shower instead. Sapphire would be there any minute. He sighed, the female had tried countless times to rut with him and his resolve was growing thin. She was exquisite. Long black hair the color of a raven’s wing, the bluest eyes. Her blood was just as sweet. Thinking of the female had his cock filling. He really should call one of the others, keep temptation at bay. Then again, his own mate was off rutting with a…mangy, fucking beast. His hands fisted at his sides. Lance knew that he would get Stephany back one way or another.

  There wasn’t time to schedule an appointment with someone else, but this would be the last time he would drink from this female. He glanced at his watch. She would be here any minute. He wouldn’t get to appease the pressure in his balls before she got there. Damn. Lance undressed and headed for the shower, stepping under the water even before it had a chance to heat. Once his body was wet, he lathered himself with soap and rinsed. Turning the faucet off, he stepped from the shower and grabbed a towel.

  There was a knock at the door. He dried off as quickly as he could while fastening the towel around his waist and made for the door.

  Sapphire wore a tight dress, it accentuated her light curves. Curves of any sort were considered highly attractive, especially on a vampire female. This female, with her slightly flared hips and succulent looking breasts would most likely be fertile. The thought caused his dick to stir.

  Pulling the door closed with a bang, he shut his eyes for a few beats, trying to get his hormones under control. When he opened them, the female was naked, the pink sheath on the floor at her feet. Her hair was jostled about her shoulders. His eyes were immediately drawn to her raspberry tipped breasts.

  Lance had to work to keep his breathing even. Where the fuck were his pants? He really didn’t need this type of temptation. Not right now.

  “I’m thirsty.” Sapphire threw him a feral grin, which quickly turned serious as her gaze landed on his neck. His heart raced at about a mile a minute.

  The female sauntered over to him, her stunning hips sashayed with every step. Her amazing breasts jiggled with the movement. Lance licked his lips.

  “Oh my, but you are a big boy.” Her eyes dipped down and he followed their movement to the jutting bulge at his crotch. The towel was barely holding together.

  Fuck.

  He put a hand to his middle, trying to tame the raging beast that was his lust filled cock.

  She giggled, even somehow managing to make the noise sound sexy. “Don’t be silly, we are both adults.” Grabbing him by the hand, she pulled him in the direction of the bed. He felt powerless when she turned him and made him sit, straddling him in one easy motion.

  He took a deep breath, intent on arguing that it wasn’t a good idea if…she flashed him a toothy smile and was at his neck in an instant, her fangs deep inside him. The air seized in his lungs and a strangled noise was torn from his throat.

  This female was good. So incredibly fucking good. She sucked hard, causing his eyes to roll back. He had to work hard to suppress a moan. Another hard suck had him clutching her upper arms. He should push her away, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

  Her hand closed around his cock, which she palmed with a tight squeeze. This time a deep, gravelly moan was drawn from him, even though his teeth were clenched together to a breaking point. Even her greedy little swallows turned him on.

  He glanced down between them, wishing he hadn’t. The towel gaped. Her small hand worked him like a pro. Already he could feel his balls pulling up and his skin growing tight. The sight of her pink, glistening pussy had him swallowing hard.

  Stephany was his mate, not this female. He had vowed not to take another to his bed despite her indiscretions. It would give him the upper hand when he finally found her. Had to be strong. Another deep draw in time with her hand on his dick had him almost losing his load.

  Fuck it, he thought. If Stephany could screw some fucking beast, then he could rut too. He would be true to her once she was back at his side. A male had needs. He wasn’t going to deny his for even a moment longer.

  On a loud roar, he stood taking the female with him. He spun
and in under a second she was on her hands and knees on the bed. He grabbed her soft hips and plunged into her welcoming pussy in one easy thrust.

  “Oh, yes.” Voice high pitched and laced with excitement, the female bucked against him.

  He fucked her hard, enjoying the tight confines of her body. She squealed and writhed, pushing back against him and begging him for more. Who was he to argue? Lance could feel the sweat dripping off of him as he rutted her harder. His balls were pulled up so high now that they almost sat in his throat. His skin was so tight that he thought it might just burst. Placing a knee on the bed, he crouched over her, sure to keep his hips pistoning back and forth. His dick still deep inside her velvet sheath. With something close to aggression, Lance bit into the female, his fangs sinking as deep as they would go. He sucked hard, knowing that the onslaught might hurt the female. He had a feeling that she was the type that would enjoy it rough though and he was right. She screamed as her pussy clenched around him.

  He exploded into her on the next hard draw, his hips jerking, his balls slapping. He continued to drink for the longest time, drawing out the mind blowing pleasure.

  When he finally released her, she slumped on his bed, her chest heaving, a glistening sheen on her skin. The wound on her neck had started to congeal. It was ugly and raw. Guilt welled in him.

  Her brilliant blue eyes cracked open beneath heavy lids. “By blood, that was good. I knew you would be worth the wait.”

  Her pussy glistened with his seed, her breasts seemed fuller and he palmed one, enjoying the feel of her nipple tightening beneath his touch. “You should rest for a bit, female.”

  “And why is that?” She rose to her elbows, looking lovely in the fading light.

  “I am going to rut you again soon and this time I don’t plan on going easy on you.”

  Her breath hitched, but quickly evened out. A sly smile appeared on her face. “I don’t need a break.” She opened her legs wider. “I could rut one such as you all night.”