Rushe nodded. “That is correct and here I am.”
She held up her hands. “Wait a minute … you think that I’m her … your mate, that is?”
Although Ward had told him to take it slow, not to scare her away, things had changed. “Yes, Becky. You are my mate and here I am.” His eyes dropped to her thighs as vampire scent drifted to him.
“Oh god. How the hell did this happen?” She ran a hand through her hair. “Okay, well as you can see … smell … whatever … I fucked a vampire last night so I’m not your girl. Just for the record, I don’t normally go around falling into bed with guys. I’m sorry if I hurt you,” she let out a shaky sigh, “go, Rushe. Go and find the right woman. Someone who will make you happy. Someone who will love you forever … look after you—”
“Stop.” He couldn’t help but growl the word. The thought of any other female was unacceptable to him. “I have no claim over you. You were very clear about where we stood with one another. I hate that you rutted that male, but I do not blame you for doing it. I need to know …” He clenched his jaw for a few beats, putting a firm leash on his wolf. He had to be fully prepared for the worst. “Do you plan on taking that bloodsucker as your mate?”
She rolled her eyes. “No way.” A look crossed her face and her scent changed subtly.
Fuck.
His female may deny it but she had feelings for the vampire. “I am a grown male. I can take it. I need to know, Becky, you must be honest with me. Do you plan on mating him?”
“No way.” She folded her arms. “He is insistent that he is my mate. Ross is nuts if you ask me … Come to think of it, you are both freaking nuts! How can he claim to be my future mate when we don’t even really know one another?”
Triple cluster fuck.
He squeezed his eyes shut. His heart slowed … it felt like the world slowed for a few seconds. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. He opened his eyes, taking in his female. Her concerned face. The beautiful blue depths of her eyes. “Rushe, are you okay?” she asked, putting a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry. It was never my intention to hurt you. You’re such a sweet guy …”
He pulled himself to his full height. “I’m not a guy … or a tiger … or even a ‘wolfie’. I’m a strong male and I’m claiming you as my mate.”
Her eyes widened in shock and she shook her head.
“I know you want me, even if you don’t fully know or understand it yet. It’s something we will work on. Right now I need to enforce my claim on you.”
He put his forehead to hers. Becky clasped his upper arms. “But aren’t you angry with me? You can’t still want me.”
“You are mine, Becky.” He pulled away slightly.
“No … don’t say that. I can’t—”
“Don’t deny it,” he growled.
She pursed her lips while still clutching his arms, her little fingers digging into him. “What do you mean by ‘enforce your claim’?”
With great reluctance, he took a step back breaking their contact. “I will fight the vampire for you.”
“No!” She rushed forward, grabbing hold of him. Her eyes wide with panic. “You can’t … please.”
“I am a good fighter. I am sure I will win.” Rushe set his jaw. “I’ll be back to claim you.”
“What, Rushe, do you just plan to walk into their castle and fight Ross?” Her voice was shrill.
He nodded.
“You’ll be strung up! They will tear you to pieces,” she whispered the last.
“It’s good to know that you care.” He kissed her softly on the forehead. He would save a real kiss for when he returned.
“Don’t go, please. Don’t do it for me. I can’t mate you anyway, so it would be for nothing, please. Come inside, I’ll make you some tea.”
He smiled at her, wanting to ease her fear. “The vampires might be a bunch of dicks but they have honor. At least they used to have honor.” His mind went to Brant and what the male had done to Ward and Stephany. “I am sure they will allow me to fight,” his voice dropped to a growl and his teeth clenched, “with this Ross.”
A tear tracked down his female’s cheek, which she quickly wiped away. “You will die, Rushe. Listen to me, please … I beg you!” Another tear escaped, but she ignored it.
Rushe wiped away the moisture with his thumb. “I will be back, and you will be mine.” He turned and strode from the room.
Part III
Their Everything
Chapter 16
Ross took in his surroundings. Sentinel Point was an old miniature version of the castle. It had been refurbished with all the modern conveniences, and it sat upon a hill that had the most amazing views of the surrounding country. The mountain range to the north with its snow-tipped peaks. A thick forest to the west. He could even see the town of Sweetwater sprawled out towards the north-east.
Ross sighed heavily, his mind on his female. Maybe his required time at Sentinel Point was a good thing. It would force him to give Becky some space. He had requested to talk with Zane. His king was not a fool, he would have some idea of why there was a need for the conversation. In the meantime Ross would just have to wait patiently.
He heard Griffin sigh to the left of him. The male had spread himself out on the hammock. “At least you got to drink,” the male growled. “I’m going to be starving by the time Zane allows us to go back to the coven.” He sighed again, this time more heavily than the last. “The only problem is that I have only thoughts of drinking from that sweet human. Her scent was more delicious than any I have ever savored before. Her taste was of the sweetest honey, fresh from the comb. I want more … so much more.”
“You had better hope that I get Zane to allow me to mate my human then. Maybe that will convince them to become more lenient towards vampire and human interactions. Then maybe you might get to have the human.”
Griffin made a sound of affirmation. “You drank without a problem and were in control the whole time.”
“I have strong feelings for the human. Make no mistake, feeling her underneath me, being inside of her with her blood on my tongue almost made me lose my senses. If I had allowed the sensations to overwhelm me, heaven forbid if she had bitten me, even with her blunt little teeth, I may have forgotten myself and she could’ve died.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I will need to remain vigilant, as she will not strengthen as is in the case of the royal human females. A long-term relationship will be difficult, but she is worth it.”
Griffin remained silent for a time. “I don’t think I like the idea of always being on my guard. To never fully let loose.” He shook his head and the hammock swayed. “No, it will be difficult, but I think I should try to forget the human. I would seek her out to rut her but she told me that she is not the type who ruts without strong emotion. She was worried about becoming bonded to me. It took some convincing to allow me to ease her need.” Griffin groaned. “She was so damned receptive. So soft and tight, I wonder if all human females are like that. Oh, and,” the male chuckled, “does your female have that soft strip of fur?”
“I do not wish to discuss my female. I should gouge your eyes out just for having seen me rut her. If you had seen any of her tantalizing body then you would be blind right now.”
“I was only performing my duty. I did not wish for anything to happen to the human. I take my duties seriously.”
Ross shifted in his seat. “Yeah and I’m sure you didn’t like the idea of dying, because I would have killed you myself if anything had happened to her.”
Griffin smiled. “So, you have definitely decided to mate this female?”
Ross felt himself smile back. “Yes, I just need to convince her of that.”
Griffin chuckled, crossing his legs and putting his hands behind his neck. “I am sure you will be able to convince her in the long run. I have seen how she looks at you, it is more than just lust. She was also very jealous of that server.”
“She said she wasn’t jealous.”
�
��I know, but you didn’t believe her did you?”
Ross had to agree. “You are right.”
“I’m not saying it will be easy, she is a strong-willed female, but I am sure that her feelings for you will override her fears eventually,” Griffin paused and looked pensive, “unless …” He let the sentence die.
Ross sat up, putting his arms on his thighs as he leaned towards the other male. “Unless what?”
“Forget I said anything.” The male closed his eyes.
Not a fuck! Ross was beside the hammock in a split second, he tipped the male and watched as he sprawled on the hard ground.
“What the fuck was that for?” Griffin rose to his feet, his eyes had darkened and his jaw was tense.
“Unless what?” He took a step towards Griffin.
“Unless she really has feelings for that wolf.”
Ross growled, but only because Griffin was right. It had been clear that Becky had feelings for the wolf. How deep those feelings ran, that was the question.
“From the sounds of things, they were highly compatible.”
Ross clenched his fists to stop himself from hitting Griffin. The male didn’t deserve to become an outlet for his anger. Unfortunately, he was also right again.
Griffin must have caught something in his eyes because he quickly added, “I doubt that the beast managed to make her scream the way you did.”
“I will do whatever it takes to win my female,” he bit out through clenched teeth. “Anything.” Determination rose up in him.
A vampire fell in next to him. And then another. And another. The first one glanced his way. “I think you might be lost,” the male said while narrowing his eyes.
Rushe shook his head. “Nope. I have business at the castle.” He stopped walking and concentrated on keeping his breathing even and his body relaxed.
The same male looked him up and down. “You don’t look like the Alpha.” His nostrils flared. “You don’t smell like the Alpha. What business could a lowly wolf possibly have here?”
Rushe shook his head. “I may not be the Alpha but I definitely have business that needs tending to.”
“Take him the fuck out,” a voice from behind him snarled. “That beast has no right to be in our territory.”
“Why are you here?” It was the same male who had originally addressed him.
“It is important that I meet with one of your males. There is something we need to discuss. He will want to see me.” He forced himself to stay still instead of immediately trying to go and find the male who was attempting to claim what was his.
Becky.
His sweet female. She was afraid of being bound to one male. While she seemed to have some feelings for this vampire, there was no doubt in his mind who she belonged with.
“Speak up, wolf.”
“It is between him and me.” Although he tried hard, he couldn’t keep the growl from his voice.
Rushe staggered forward as someone shoved him hard from behind. By some miracle he managed to retain his footing, having to fight to keep himself from shifting. To keep his canines and claws from extending, even from snarling at the male who dared lay his hands on him. It wouldn’t take much provocation and these bloodsuckers would be on him.
“Stop.” The same male who questioned him looked over his shoulder, his eyes moving from left to right. “It has taken guts for this wolf to just walk into vampire territory. Straight up to the castle at that.” He smiled. “There must be a good reason why he is here, and I, for one, want to know what that is.”
“He obviously wants to die,” someone muttered from behind him. He was sure it was the male who had shoved him.
Someone else snorted in agreement.
“My name is York,” the vampire next to him said. “Talk quickly.”
“I am here to see Ross about a female. He will understand and will want to talk with me.”
“A female?” The male who had introduced himself as York looked confused.
“He has not been granted permission to enter our territory,” the same male from earlier continued, stepping up and invading Rushe’s space. “An example needs to be made.”
“Back up, Titan,” York warned, putting himself chest-to-chest with the other male. “The kings will want to know of this. It could be important.”
Titan took a small step back, his eyes narrowed as they landed on Rushe.
York pulled a cellphone from his back pocket and dialed. “Sorry to bother you, my lord, there is something you need to see. We’re outside the main front doors. It’s a wolf, sire.”
There was a pause and what sounded like a low growl on the other end of the line.
“Understood,” York said, before putting the device back in his pocket. “No one touches the wolf, by order of the king,” York raised his voice as he spoke. He widened his stance, folding his hands in front of him. “Now, please tell me, who is this female of whom you speak?”
Rushe shook his head. “Like I said, it is between Ross and me.”
York sighed, his lips twitched. “I would suggest that you get ready to talk. My king will want to know the details.”
Sure enough, as if on cue, the bastard king, Brant, strode between the large and intricately carved double doors of the stone castle. Flanked by a guard on each side. Not that he would expect anything less. The kings, especially this one, were the biggest pussies alive. He doubted they were capable of wiping their own asses.
“Why is there a wolf outside my castle?” Brant’s eyes were on Rushe but he addressed York.
“He wants a meeting with Ross to discuss some female.”
The king’s brow creased. “Who is this female?” he asked, turning to face York who shrugged.
“No idea, my lord, he refuses to disclose who she is or his real business here.”
“What the fuck is going on?” There came a low growl from the perimeter of the growing crowd of males that surrounded them.
“Ah, Zane, so nice of you to join us. It concerns one of your elite guards … Ross.”
The crowd parted and the other vampire king strode forward. His eyes were darker than sin, his nostrils flared. “What does a wolf want with one of my coven?”
Why did they insist on treating him like he wasn’t even there? Like he wasn’t capable of speech.
“He says it’s about some female,” Brant said. “I suggest you call your guard. Let them meet so that we can get this over with.”
Zane shook his head. “Ross is not available. I have assigned him and Griffin to a special duty. They will not be back for a day or two.”
“What special duty?” Brant’s frown deepened.
“It’s not important.”
“Fuck that.” Brant moved towards Zane, his eyes narrowing on the male. Rushe noticed how his fists clenched at his sides. “Our covens are one. We both rule, I have a right to know.”
Zane smiled. Rushe had faced many males in battle, yet the look on the king’s face made his blood run cold. Maybe not such pussies after all, even though they did still need their asses wiped for them.
“Fine. I will have him come back,” Zane said.
The vampire king pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed. “Get your ass back to the castle. Griffin can stay there.”
“But you said—” a male objected on the other end.
“I know what I said, plans change. Get here now!” He ended the call. “Everybody fuck off,” Zane growled, looking around him. The males started to move away immediately. There was not a grumble or a protest heard, they simply moved away.
“York and Gideon, I want you both to stay,” Zane added.
“What is this all about? Where is Ross? Does this have something to do with what Ross called about the other night? Has there been another sighting?”
Zane shook his head. “You will know soon enough. Try not to lose your temper.”
Brant folded his arms across his chest. “Tell me now.”
Zane shook his head, he also folde
d his arms across his chest. Both males glared at one another. “I think the lack of sex has shortened your fuse.”
Brant’s face actually turned red. “I will take you the fuck out.”
“You could try.” Zane’s whole stance softened. He let his hands drop to his sides. “I am working on our female.”
“I can scent that,” Brant growled.
“I understand why you are angry but try to see it from my side. I would understand if the tables were turned.”
Brant snorted and shook his head. “Like fuck you would have.”
“It would have been difficult, but I really would have understood.” Zane took in a deep breath, he cleared his throat. “She is really close to forgiving you. Remember that when Ross arrives. Don’t fuck it up.” Zane paused, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Do not let your temper get the better of you. Show her that you are capable of being fair and open-minded. Know that our female misses you.” He dropped his voice, despite the fact that all the males surrounding them could hear, and Zane would be well aware of that. “She wants it to be the three of us again …” He paused looking like he wanted to say more but didn’t.
Brant sighed. “I miss her too. I guess I miss,” his voice became barely audible, “us.”
Zane held up his hands. “I’ve told you a hundred times that I’m not touching your cock.”
“Fuck you!” Brant snarled but Rushe noticed that the male was smiling. “The only time my hands will go on your dick is when I rip it off you to make you eat it.”
Zane chuckled. It was a terrifying sight. “Keep our human in mind when Ross gets here. Take deep breaths.”
“Just tell me what the hell is going on,” Brant raged.
There was a loud revving of an engine and an SUV travelling at breakneck speed pulled up to the castle. Dirt and clumps of grass sprayed as it came to a screeching halt. Two males exited the vehicle.
Considering how fast the vehicle had arrived, it was weird how long the males took to exit the SUV. When they finally did, they made their way over in slow deliberate steps.
The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3 Page 83