The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  “More like worried about the kings tearing me a new one if anything was to happen. You are in this town because of me.” Becky rolled her eyes.

  “They would not blame you. Just admit that you care.”

  She shook her head and made a negative noise.

  “I don’t believe you.” He didn’t have time to argue so he kissed her to shut her up.

  “I’m hoping elves are tiny, spindly creatures,” Elisabeth said.

  “Hardly,” Griffin snorted, which resulted in Becky giving him a worried look as he released her.

  “They wear silk robes and pointed shoes, for fuck sakes, I will be fine.” He crushed his lips against hers in a second searing kiss that had his dick hardening despite the circumstances. “Besides,” both their breathing had turned a little choppy when he released her moments later, “I still plan on spending the night with you, in your bed, buried deep inside of you. Nothing could keep me away.” He pecked her lips before turning back to Griffin. “If I’m not back in fifteen minutes, call Zane and inform him of the situation then get your asses to Becky’s place.”

  “But—” Becky tried to grab his arm but he slid from the SUV. Ross was out of time, if he didn’t act now he might miss the opportunity to do so. Skulking around in the shadows at night, dressed like humans, whatever it was that they were up to, it had to be devious.

  Ross took off at a slow jog in the direction that he had spotted the elves, the street was clear. Stores lined either side of the quiet road. Though they were all long since closed. What could they possibly want in Sweetwater? He moved quickly and quietly, soon picking up their distinct scent up ahead. They smelled of the earth and fresh pine. The females of the species tended to scent more of freshly cut grass mixed with floral undertones. Not that he had met with many elven females in his life. Esral was the only elven female he had ever spoken to and even those conversations had been brief since Xavier threw him looks that could kill. Didn’t the male realize that he wasn’t interested in making a move on the princess, not when a delectable human female had already caught his attention?

  Shaking his head, he focused on the scent instead, which led him to one of the stores. He carefully edged his way to the window and glanced in.

  A human male handed one of the elves a single wrapped package. Ross could scent blood and raw meat that was typical to a human butchery. An array of different meat types were on display behind the counter and numerous whole carcasses hung behind a glass window at the back of the store.

  What the fuck?

  Ross could not scent anything other than the iron tang of blood. That must be what was inside the package. Unless something with very little scent was wrapped inside the meat in order to disguise its scent. The package was small, there wouldn’t be space to hide much. Something was off, that much was clear. They couldn’t be here for something as simple as meat. Money changed hands.

  Ross had seen enough. He jogged up the sidewalk and slipped into a side alley where he would be able to observe any further movement. During this time, several vehicles passed. He pulled out his cellphone and dialed Griffin. “Hold tight. I want to watch them a bit longer. We need to extend the fifteen-minute timeframe to twenty-five.”

  “What are—” Griffin started to ask.

  “We’ll talk later.” Ross ended the call.

  He dialed again. Xavier answered after the second ring. “Yeah?”

  “It’s Ross. I need some information. If memory serves, Esral is a vegetarian. Is that true of all of her species?”

  After a long pause. “What is this about?”

  “I spotted three elves in Sweetwater at the local butchery. It looks like they were buying meat.”

  Another long pause. “The elves normally stay clear of town.” He sounded confused. “They stay far away from the humans.”

  “I know, that’s why I decided to follow them. There is something wrong with this picture.”

  “Yeah. They are all vegetarians who only eat what is given freely by the earth.” Xavier made it sound like being a vegetarian was a load of bullshit. Ross didn’t comment on his definite dislike for the life choice.

  “Well, either they’ve decided they actually quite like a bit of meat with their veg or there is something more serious going on here.” Ross watched as the elves left the store and walked in the opposite direction of where he was hiding. The elf in the middle carried the package in one of his hands.

  Xavier growled lightly. “I highly doubt that they plan on barbequing anything other than veggie burgers for the foreseeable future. So why the need for meat?”

  There was a low rumble far up ahead as a sleek black Bugatti pulled out from a side road. “There must be more to it. They are leaving and I want to tail them. I’ll inform Zane when I get a chance. Chat later.” He disconnected the call and ran back to the waiting SUV as fast as his legs would carry him. Thankfully, being a vampire, that was less than four seconds. The elves didn’t have much of a head start.

  Elisabeth shrieked as he jumped into the vehicle. “Where the hell did you come from?” she squeaked.

  Ignoring her, he turned to Griffin. “They are headed in that direction.” He pointed. “Floor it but keep a safe distance.” He pulled Becky onto his lap. “I want to know if they make any other stops before leaving.”

  Griffin pulled out fast. Becky grabbed hold of him, white-knuckled. Elisabeth gripped the sides of her seat. “Oh my gosh … is this really necessary?”

  “Yes,” Ross tried not to growl. He didn’t want to scare the human any further.

  Griffin floored it and Elisabeth whimpered. The male put his hand on her leg and squeezed. “Fear not, I am an advanced driver. You are safe.” He glanced her way and winked.

  “Eyes on the fucking road.” This time he all out growled. The Bugatti was up ahead. “Slow down,” he added, less harshly this time.

  “Is that their car?” Elisabeth asked, sounding impressed.

  “Elves seem to like flashy cars. Ferraris, Porsches … Lambor-fucking-ghinis …” Griffin made a sound of disgust. “They must have small man syndrome or something.”

  “I thought you said that they are not small and spindly,” Becky stated.

  “I was not talking about their height.” Griffin glanced in the rearview mirror. “Fucking pussies,” he added.

  “You sound jealous,” Becky said.

  “As if. Why would I be jealous of pixie boots and silk?”

  “Just saying,” Becky added.

  Griffin snorted. “I could have a Bugatti if I wanted … I don’t. I don’t need one.” He put a hand between his legs suggestively.

  “Hands on the wheel. Stop your shit, Griffin.”

  The male met his eyes in the rearview mirror for a second before dropping his gaze. Keeping a safe following distance, they followed the elves to the outskirts of town. At that point the elves gunned it, disappearing in the direction of their territory. “Don’t follow them,” Ross barked, even though he could feel that Griffin had eased off the gas and was preparing to make a U-turn. “Wait until they are out of sight before you turn back.”

  Griffin nodded.

  Ross pulled out his cell and dialed Zane, relaying the events of the last half hour to his king.

  “It’s strange but might not mean anything,” Zane said.

  “Do you really believe that?” Ross asked.

  “Fuck no! I’ll put a couple more eyes on the ground in Sweetwater just in case.” Zane paused. “Don’t come back to the castle tomorrow. Go to Sentinel Point for a couple of days.”

  “Why would I do that? No one has kept watch at Sentinel Point for many years.”

  “You’ll stink of human pussy. Just do as I say,” Zane growled. “No one is to find out about this.”

  “Hey!” a familiar female interrupted, sounding irritated. “I thought you liked the scent of my pussy and I’m a human.”

  A hand muffled the phone, but unfortunately he could still hear just fine. “I love the scent of y
our pussy and could lick it all day and night, Ysnaar, I don’t want anyone scenting that Ross spent the night with Becky. Do not be mad, as I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “What did you just say?” Tanya shrieked, sounding overly excited. “Ross and Becky?” Another shriek.

  “We will speak later.” Zane ended the call.

  Griffin’s shoulders shook, he had obviously heard the entire conversation.

  It wasn’t twenty seconds later and Becky’s phone rang. “This is a bad time,” his female said as she answered.

  He felt his brow crease when he heard Tanya call Becky a slut.

  “Am not.”

  “Are too,” his queen threw back. “I just heard that Ross is spending the night. O.M.G! Zane finally gave permission.”

  “I can’t really talk.” Becky smiled at Ross, oblivious to the fact that he could hear everything Tanya was saying. Tanya obviously was having one of her pregnant brain moments. The female had been around vampires long enough to know better. Surely she knew he and Griffin would be able to hear the whole conversation. He clenched his jaw and shook his head. The queen was the mischievous type and could just be causing shit for giggles.

  “Okay. I was very worried at first but Zane assured me that Griffin is with you guys and that he will make sure that nothing happens to you. After all your whining and moaning about wanting vampire dick, I really hope you don’t go all prim and proper on me. This might be just what you need to forget that wolf. So,” she sighed, “are you going to let him fuck you?”

  Becky rolled her eyes. “I kind of already have.”

  “Kind of? Or, have already let him fuck you?”

  Becky squeezed her eyes shut. “Have.” She chewed on her lip.

  When Tanya shrieked on the other end of the line, Ross nearly had to cover his ears. Griffin and Ross locked eyes in the rearview mirror and the other male was actually wincing.

  “On a score of one to ten, how was he?”

  “Can’t do this now,” Becky said between clenched teeth.

  “Come on, just say a number.”

  “Fine,” Becky huffed.

  It was his turn to wince. Maybe he should inform his female that they could hear exactly what Tanya was saying. “Um … about a nine.”

  Griffin erupted into a coughing fit that Ross knew was actually laughing. The male was laughing at him because his score had been less than full marks.

  Ross stared daggers into the rearview mirror but the other male refused to look up.

  “Oh, wow really? So, not as good as the wolf then?” Tanya asked.

  His hands tightened on Becky and he had to really work to make himself ease off. This time when Griffin’s questioning gaze tried to catch his, he ignored it.

  “I’m sure he can do better. Is round two on the cards?”

  His female cleared her throat. “Maybe.”

  Griffin broke out into another coughing fit. Tears rolled down his cheeks and his shoulders shook.

  “Are you okay?” Elisabeth asked, looking concerned. “Maybe you’re coming down with something.”

  Griffin shook his head. “I’m fine,” he finally responded, “just went down the wrong way.”

  “What did?” Elisabeth asked, totally oblivious.

  Griffin shrugged, his face turning red as he tried hard not to laugh.

  Ross clenched his jaw, fighting for control. A fucking nine. A nine! Even though he had only had a few minutes, anything less than a ten for his Becky was still unacceptable to him. Especially considering a mangy beast had done better. Ross would do everything in his power to prove to her that he was a worthy mate, fully capable of pleasing her in all ways.

  “I need to go now,” Becky said.

  “You had better tell me all about it,” Tanya put on a threatening voice.

  “We’ll see,” Becky blustered.

  “Oh, yes we will—” It sounded like the queen started to say something else, but Becky ended the call.

  Ross resisted the urge to put his hand between her legs, from making her writhe in pleasure right here and right now whether they had an audience or not. He needed to show her that he was capable of pleasing her. Ross pulled her closer, running a hand up and down her outer thigh instead. He knew that she would not appreciate being touched so intimately with Elisabeth and Griffin sitting in front of them. Particularly since Griffin could see in the dark and Becky was highly vocal so the others would soon know. Thankfully they were close to her apartment. ‘Soon,’ he told himself.

  “Oh.” Elisabeth put a hand to her mouth. “I should probably go back to my place.”

  Ross noticed how disappointed she looked.

  Griffin took her hand. “Come up for a little while. We can take you home later.”

  He winked and she giggled before recovering quickly and turning to face Becky. “Would you mind?”

  His female paused for a second, then she smiled. “Yes, you must definitely come over. We still need to finish our meal.”

  “You’re sure?” Elisabeth asked.

  “Yes,” both Griffin and Becky answered. The male put his hand on the human’s leg as he said it.

  They parked out back and made their way to the elevator. No one said anything on the ride up or on the short walk down the hallway.

  His female’s apartment was small but comfortable. Little feminine touches were everywhere. From the tie-backs on the drapes to the cushions on the sofas and even the very live and thriving plants.

  Becky locked the door after they were all inside. Sweet, considering no one would dare try anything with him and Griffin there. Although, he did like that she put safety first. He longed for the day ‒ soon ‒ when he would be able to protect her at all times.

  Becky walked towards one of the doors before stopping and turning back to the three of them. “Can I get anyone anything to drink? I might have a bottle of wine somewhere.”

  “No wine.” Ross tried to keep his voice even, but it came out in a low growl nonetheless.

  “Um … coffee maybe?”

  “No.” He shook his head. “I need to be inside you now, then we can talk and you can drink wine if you wish.”

  The dark-haired female made a choking noise, she clasped a hand over her mouth. Griffin whispered something in her ear about them having some alone time. The female … Elisabeth made a sound of acknowledgment. He kept on forgetting that humans, especially the females of the species, were not very vocal about sex. For some strange reason it made them uncomfortable.

  Griffin put his arm around the female and whispered something else that made her giggle again. His hackles rose.

  “I need to talk to you, Griffin.” He narrowed his eyes at the male. “Becky, please will you wait for me in your bedroom? Preferably naked, I don’t wish to tear any more of your clothes and I would be forced to do so otherwise.”

  “I think we should talk first, besides we have guests. We can’t just go and have sex. It wouldn’t be right.”

  “Firstly,” Elisabeth, addressed him, “that outfit is mine,” she pointed at Becky’s clothes, “and secondly,” she turned to face Becky, “feel free to go with Ross.” She widened her eyes suggestively at Becky, evidently trying to secretly communicate something to her. Becky threw Elisabeth a dirty look.

  “Your friend doesn’t mind, and all the more reason to remove your clothes.” He needed her more than his next breath. That nine would soon be a twelve. Minimum. He shook his head. “We’ll rut first and talk later. Make no mistake, we have much to discuss.”

  She shook her head harder, her blonde curls bounced. “Talk first and that’s that.”

  Ross clenched his teeth. “One very quick conversation but we’ll do it naked.”

  “We can’t talk while we’re naked.”

  “Want to bet? We could even talk while I’m rutting you. I like that idea even more. That way we could talk for hours … all night if you want.”

  Her hands flew to her ample hips and her large breasts thrust forward. He cou
ld see how her nipples had pebbled against the fabric. His female wanted him even if she wouldn’t admit it. “No freaking way. We will first set the ground rules and then I’ll decide whether or not you get to stay.”

  “I’m staying.” He smiled at her. “Of that you can be certain.”

  “We’ll see,” she huffed.

  When he looked back at Griffin, the male had an amused look on his face. Ross made for the kitchen area, ensuring that he brushed past Becky. As their bodies made contact, her breathing hitched and her heart-rate picked up speed.

  She was afraid and he planned on finding out why. It would be difficult, but he would rein in the need to rut her until she screamed with pleasure. It was important that she be happy. That way she would be able to relax. He planned on making her scream, long and hard.

  As soon as the door closed behind them, and before Griffin had turned to face him, he blurted, “You are not to rut that female.”

  Griffin swung around looking at first crestfallen and then angry. “Why the hell not? I am highly attracted to her and she feels the same about me. I can scent her arousal. If I were to slip my hand into her panties, I’m sure she would be—”

  He held up a hand. “Enough. I have received special permission to rut this human on the condition that you are ready to save her should the need arise.”

  “You said you don’t plan on drinking from her.”

  “Plans have changed.” He narrowed his eyes.

  “You are not permitted to take from her.” Griffin narrowed his eyes back.

  “Mistakes happen.”

  “Bull-fucking-shit. You plan on taking from her. ‘Mistake’ my ass,” Griffin chuckled. “It would be the perfect way to ensure that you receive a ten next time round.”

  Ross snorted. “A ten … when I sink my fangs into her she won’t remember how to fucking count.”

  “You’re serious? I don’t think you should—”

  “Enough!” Ross snapped. More harshly than he intended. “You do not have permission to rut the human. The only reason you are here is to ensure my human’s safety. Do your duty with the knowledge that I plan on taking from her. Am I clear?”