“I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline on that one.” Ross’ voice had turned deep and gravelly. Goose-bumps popped up on her arms. His hands were clenched and white-knuckled on the chains that still bound him.
“While you are in my castle and on my fucking territory you will do as I say,” Brant snarled. “Humans and vampires clearly do not mix. Titan is an example of what could happen.”
“Titan is a dickhead. He should never have put his hands on that human. Never,” Ross growled. “I agree with Becky. No means no, regardless of the species.” He took a deep breath.
“Titan will be punished for his actions, but the fact remains that we are too different to ever be able to mix,” Zane said.
“You’re such hypocrites. Your mate is a human. Is she in danger?” Ross looked ready to kill something or someone.
“It’s different with Tanya. It is the royal bond that has made her stronger. The bond has made her capable of dealing with two vampire males in their prime. It would not be the same with this female.” He waved his hand in her direction. “You would not be able to live with yourself if you maimed or killed her.” Zane looked truly concerned. “Think rationally about this. What if you got her with child. Would her body be able to cope with a non-human pregnancy?”
“I can’t believe I’m about to say this …” Rushe mumbled beside her, drawing the attention of all of the vampires in the room to him. “Royalty has nothing to do with it. If a human female mated with any of your males she would become stronger due to the bond. She would take on some of the characteristics of the male. It is the bond that has made your human stronger not your royal blood.”
“Bullshit, wolf. Stay out of this.” Brant didn’t take his eyes off of Ross.
“How do you know this to be true, wolf?” Zane asked, his voice low.
“I’d rather not say.” Rushe kept his eyes locked with Zane.
“Your statement holds no weight unless you can back it up now with fact. I will repeat, how do you know this to be true, wolf?” Zane growled.
“Forget it,” Rushe growled back, his voice lower, almost raw in comparison to the vampires.
“So, you wolves have been mixing with humans?” Zane smiled, it was a scary sight to behold.
Becky worked hard to keep her face neutral. She didn’t want to give anything away. Zane’s eyes flicked to her for a second before he thankfully let his gaze settle on Rushe.
“Quite frankly, I don’t care what you wolves do or how many humans you fuck, just as long as it doesn’t affect us.” Zane kicked his toe in the dirt. “Your indication that the royal blood does not affect things suggests that your kind have taken at least one human female as a mate and she has become stronger due to the bond. Am I right?”
Rushe’s mouth was a thin white line, he shook his head.
“I’m going to call a meeting with the Alpha to discuss this.” Zane put a hand through his short-cropped hair.
“Fine,” Rushe finally responded. “A regular wolf mated with a regular human and she is stronger because of it. There is no royal blood required. Any human female will become stronger if mated to a non-human.” It was Rushe’s turn to run his hand through his hair and he did so several times while looking agitated. “I can’t believe I just said that. I’m actually helping you here.” His eyes landed on Ross. “I must be seriously crazy,” he mumbled to himself.
Brant shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Our Lores are clear, it wouldn’t work the same between vampires and humans.” Brant actually look bored. What a complete jerk-off.
“Actually, your union with the human is proof that it would work just fine,” Rushe said.
The silence that followed was deafening.
“Don’t talk about my mate,” Brant snarled at Rushe, making Becky flinch and grab hold of him. “I don’t want you going near this female again, Ross.” Brant gestured to Becky. “Are we clear?”
“This female, as you insist on calling her, is my mate. Whether she believes it or not. Whether I end up getting her or not.” Ross gave a hard yank on the chains. His muscles bulged. Fresh blood flowed.
Becky swore that she could smell its tangy, iron scent, which must just have been her imagination.
“Unlock me,” Ross bit out.
“You’ll go straight to her.” Zane actually looked sorry. “This is something that has to be debated long and hard. You can’t just go after this female. I gave you permission to have one night with her. That night has come and gone. Move the fuck on.”
“Didn’t you hear what I just said?” His colossal chest heaved. “That female is my mate. She is mine.” Ross kept his eyes on her as he spoke.
“It looks to me like she’s with the wolf,” Zane said. Although he seemed completely calm, she noticed that his back was stiff. Even his neck muscles were corded. “This male is also claiming that she is his mate. I think that you should leave him to it.” Zane’s eyes dropped to his feet for a few beats. When he looked back up, she could see that his resolve had hardened. “It’s over. Leave it alone. Let them go.” Zane motioned to her and Rushe. Rushe’s arm tightened around her, he pulled her flush against his hard body. She felt the cold, silver-infused chains as they knocked against the back of her calves every so often.
“I want what is mine. Becky is mine and I refuse to give her up,” he snarled, his eyes firmly on both kings. She couldn’t help but notice how they then moved to Rushe. She was wrong to think that a wolf and a vampire had formed a truce. Right now, she just wanted out of there. Home in her own bed with a slab of chocolate and a good book, buried deep under her covers.
The bastard king scowled, making her forget her longing. For a second, she was tempted to pull a tongue at Brant and to tell him that Ross could do whatever he damn well pleased. She didn’t want to give Ross false hope though. She had to try to defuse this.
Ross was fighting for a lost cause. Namely her. “I told you both that I don’t want a mate. That goes for you too. I haven’t changed my mind.” She looked up at Rushe but didn’t try to move away from him. “Listen to your kings, Ross.” She looked Brant’s way. “Promise me that you won’t hurt Rushe or Ross and I’ll be on my way.”
“Ross has been sufficiently punished. As for the beast, I agreed to send him back to his pack. He’ll leave as soon as he is able. By the looks of things, that’ll be soon. Ward is waiting.”
“Fine,” she huffed. “I’ll be on my way then.” She tried to move away from Rushe but his hold on her tightened.
“This is not over.” Ross’ dark eyes bore into her. She couldn’t stand to see the longing and the need in them so she turned away.
“You will stay away from her or you will bleed,” Brant spoke softly.
“You said that while in this castle and on your territory that I have to follow your rules.” Ross locked his jaw for a few beats. “I will not rest until she is mine. I will pack my things.”
Zane cursed. When he had himself under control he spoke through clenched teeth. “Let’s talk about this. Don’t make any rash decisions.”
“There is nothing to say, nothing to talk about,” Ross said, sounding calm and very much decided.
“There is everything to talk about. This is your home. Where do you plan on going? You can’t possibly live amongst the humans,” Zane said.
“I would prefer to stay here and have your blessing, but if that is not possible then I must leave. This female means everything to me. I will forsake everything. I’ll lie, steal and fight if I have to. She will be mine.”
Becky felt her jaw drop, her heart was slamming so hard in her chest that she could hear it in her ears. What was this idiot doing? She didn’t want a mate. She didn’t freaking need one. How many times did she need to tell him this?
“Don’t do it,” she begged.
“Get your shit together, wolf. You’re leaving,” Brant growled. “As far as I’m concerned, Ross can go too. Think very carefully though,” his eyes narrowed as they locked with Ross’, “i
f you decide to leave, then there will be no coming back.”
“Let’s discuss this first, Ross. Don’t do something rash. Not after what just happened. You’re rattled … not thinking straight, for fuck sake,” Zane snarled.
“I know what I want. I don’t need to discuss or think about anything.” His teeth gnashed together.
Oh shit! He clearly wasn’t listening and she was done trying to convince him. If Ross wanted to be an idiot, then so freaking be it.
“I’m not going anywhere without the human,” Rushe said, looking down at her. She rolled her eyes. So many idiots and so little time.
“I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “As long as no big, horny vampires are involved that is.”
Rushe chuckled. “Well then, Ross needs to stay here.”
Ross growled. It wasn’t the fear-evoking kind of growl though.
Becky shook her head, she couldn’t help but smile. “Okay, let’s narrow that down. Horny vampires who don’t understand the meaning of the word ‘no’.” Just thinking of that asshole, Titan, made her feel nauseous.
“I know you can take care of yourself on any normal day. Today is not a normal day, I’m going with you.” Rushe threw her a half-smile that even in these circumstances made her belly quiver. The way he had fought tooth and nail for her ‒ literally tooth and freaking nail ‒ did strange things to her insides. It should make her afraid. Should make her want to run in the opposite direction. In truth, it made her want him all the more.
“I’m leaving too.” Ross yanked hard at his chains. There was a loud crack followed by a thundering crash as a big chunk of wall collapsed behind him, freeing Ross. With effort, he dragged the whole mass with him, putting his hand in Becky’s. She knew she should pull away but couldn’t. He squeezed. Something inside her clenched as she looked up at Rushe. The feeling only amplified as she turned her gaze on Ross. What the hell was she going to do with them?
Chapter 21
Leaving the castle, Rushe scooped her up into his arms, insisting that he carry her to the vehicle even though she was quite capable of walking herself. It felt really nice wrapped up in his strong embrace so she didn’t fight it. Ross strode up ahead, keys in hand. He made quick work of unlocking her car and opening up the back door.
“Put her in,” Ross glanced at Rushe, “carefully,” he cautioned. The big male leaned over, somehow managing to get himself into the vehicle so that he could carefully position her onto the back seat.
When she tried to sit up, Rushe growled softly. “No, you’ve been through a terrifying ordeal. Please lie down.”
“Listen to the wolf.” Ross leaned in from the front, somehow squeezing his wide shoulders between the seats. “You need to relax, lie down, we will take care of you.”
Becky had never thought of her family sedan as small and cramped before. She’d never had two of the biggest non-humans taking up all the room in it before either. From her vantage point at the back, all she could see was both males taking up the entire front in what looked like a solid wall of muscle. After a short argument, Ross had taken the driver’s seat. Rushe sat next to him on the passenger side. Good thing she was lying down because they pushed the seats so far back that there was no leg room. Their necks were craned at the ceiling. They look cramped and uncomfortable. If it wasn’t for the situation, she would be laughing out loud right now. However, after what that brute, Titan, had put her through, she was sure it would come out sounding hysterical. Her maniacal laughter would then soon turn to sobs, so she bit down on her bottom lip instead.
Also, she had to worry about the situation with Ross. He was soon going to be an outcast and all because of her. What the hell was she going to do about these two?
Ross backed up carefully, easing onto the dirt road.
Rushe turned concerned eyes on her. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m perfectly fine,” she lied. “How many times do I have to keep telling you guys that I’m quite capable of looking after myself?” She was talking too fast but couldn’t slow down. “You didn’t have to come with me. It’s not too late you know, Ross, you can still go back.” The last thing she wanted was for him to be kicked out of his coven for her.
Why weren’t they listening? She had told them many times now that she didn’t want a mate. She couldn’t do the whole forever thing. Nothing had changed. The more time she spent with the two of them, the more she felt herself slip in way over her head.
All she wanted was to be able to go back to her apartment, all on her own. After a nice long bath and her comfy, warm bed, she would feel like herself again in no time. In a better frame of mind to put this whole thing behind her. A nagging voice inside her told her that she was lying and that was why she wasn’t fighting this more. Putting her damn foot down like she normally would. She needed the company. Maybe having two strong non-humans at her side, just for today, was really what she needed.
This was only a short-term thing, if they expected to stay indefinitely, they would be sadly mistaken. She hadn’t changed her mind about anything. She didn’t want either and even if she did, how the hell would she choose? It was impossible.
Ross drove carefully, taking it really slow and easy. He kept glancing at her in the rearview mirror; his eyes were filled with concern. He growled at Rushe every so often for taking up all the space and kept on telling him to keep his fat knee and elbow on his own side of the vehicle. She couldn’t help but smile at the two of them. Although they pretended not to get along, she noticed that they did seem to have a begrudging respect for one another. She might even go so far as to say that given a chance, the two of them could be friends. It was weird and she wasn’t sure she liked it. Then again, the alternative was a fight and she liked the idea of that even less.
“It won’t be long now, we will hit the paved road soon. The ride will be smoother and we’ll be back at your place in no time.” Ross glanced back, throwing her a lopsided grin.
“I’m perfectly fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“It’s my job to worry,” his voice a rasp as he glanced back again.
“No, it isn’t,” she snorted, narrowing her eyes at the rearview mirror.
“He’s right you know.” Rushe glanced back at her. Irritating her even more. “Except it isn’t his job, it’s both of our jobs, at least until you pick one of us.”
“Rubbish,” she said. “I’m so not freaking picking.”
“Let’s not argue about this now,” Ross said. “We’re both staying with you tonight and that’s non-negotiable.”
“It’s my apartment, so I definitely have a say.” She tried to get up. This wasn’t a conversation to have while lying sprawled out on the back seat of a moving vehicle.
Somehow Rushe managed to squeeze himself around and between the front seats and gently pushed her down. “Lie still. I agree with Ross, you’ve been through a terrible experience. We are to blame. The least we can do is to watch over you, make sure that your every need is met. We promise not to fight.”
“So this is another thing that you guys have discussed and agreed on without consulting me first?” She went up onto her elbows, looking into the rearview mirror while catching each of their gazes in turn. Bright, glowing blue and dark, intense brown. Her heart actually flip-flopped. She was probably still having a panic attack after her whole ordeal.
“It wasn’t something we needed to discuss, it is just how it is,” Ross replied, his voice had a gravelly edge. “You have been through a lot. The wolf and I will set aside our differences,” Ross glanced at Rushe, “for now. Neither of us would concede to the other the right to stay at your side to help you through this tough time. Therefore it would be better if both of us were with you. This way we would prevent a fight.” Ross sighed. “As much as I would love to keep the honor for myself, you would not like us fighting right now so we will have to deal.”
She chewed on her lip, not liking the logic in his statement.
&nb
sp; “What Ross said is true, I would fight to be with you. It would be better if you allowed both of us to stay at your side. Just for tonight.” Rushe turned towards her, his eyes were pleading.
“I will find somewhere else to stay in the morning. I am sure Rushe would not approve of me living under your roof.”
Rushe growled and Ross chuckled.
“Fine …” she exhaled heavily. “But only for one night. After that, you’re both out.”
“I have to go back to my pack, Ward will be expecting me. I should actually go back today but I won’t leave you.” He turned to face her, putting a big hand on her thigh, he squeezed. Shivers raced up and down her entire body as the warmth from his hand seeped into her flesh. “I have to leave tomorrow,” he looked at Ross, “but know that I will be back very soon.”
Ross smiled as they pulled up at her apartment. “You had better be, wolf. The more time I spend with Becky, the more chance I have of winning her.”
Becky rolled her eyes, moving to a sitting position. Grateful when neither of them pushed her back down. It was short-lived because Ross got out, then opened the door and reached in so that he could pick her up. A woman jogger almost ran into a garbage container gawking at the big non-humans. The jogger turned to stare, a look of longing mixed with awe on her face as Ross pulled Becky closer, nuzzling into her neck for a few beats.
“I can walk, you know,” Becky said as she circled his neck with her hands. “You’re just lucky I don’t feel like it right now.”
He made a low growl that had her insides turning to jello.
Rushe carried her purse, he walked ahead of them. He moved in big, graceful strides and seemed to be checking that the path ahead was clear, stopping every so often to scent their surroundings. When they reached her door, he rummaged through her purse and pulled out the keys and quickly let them into the apartment.
She felt her cheeks heat as she looked around, taking in the chaos. After Rushe had left earlier, she had been in a state of panic. There were clothes strewn everywhere. Her half-eaten salad was still on the dining-room table from the night before.
The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3 Page 88