Three days later, Brant still hadn’t returned. Tanya was worried. She took another bite of her third cupcake. Vanilla with strawberry butter icing. The treat made her feel at least a little better. Zane had assured her that Brant and the rest of the vampires in the hunting party were fine. They were trying to find out where the wolves were holed up at. The problem was that they were a nomadic species, and although they had their borders and territories, essentially, they could be anywhere. With miles of open country and a mountain range, there was a vast territory to cover. That had to be it.

Zane hadn’t spent much time with her. Scouts had been sent to monitor the elven territories. There was even talk of retaliation. Tanya was too afraid to ask if it was true. The thought of Zane or Brant, or both, heading up a war party had her gut twisting sharply and bile rising in her throat. He had given her regular updates on Brant, but so far the hunting party had come up empty handed at every turn.

Although Zane had slept with her every night for a few short hours, he hadn’t so much as tried to kiss her again. Charlotte’s words kept ringing in her ears. Was he getting his needs met elsewhere? She’d played their conversation over and over in her head and he’d never sworn fidelity. He’d said that he would be faithful only once they were mated which, technically, hadn’t happened yet.

She took another bite, closing her eyes as the sweet icing melted in her mouth. Nothing like cake for breakfast.

“Well?” A familiar feminine voice.

“Well what, Charlotte?” She opened her eyes wishing she’d kept them closed. The tall vampire wore a tight floral dress that barely covered her ass. Tanya could feel that she had put on a few pounds since coming to live with the vampires. It was from all the delicious food and being waited on hand and foot. Aside from making a few decisions about the up and coming mating ceremony, she hadn’t really done much of anything else. Her boobs felt tight in her bra and her jeans were just a little too snug.

“Are you craving blood yet?”

Was nothing sacred in this place? She shook her head, taking another big bite of a fourth cupcake. “I told you, chances were slim. Leave it alone please.”

“You can try again soon enough.”

“We will thanks.” Tanya tried to keep her cool, she realized that the vampire was only trying to be nice.

“For the love of blood.” Charlotte’s eyes widened and she cocked her head, listening for something.

“What is it?”

“Something is happening.”

It wasn’t long and Tanya could hear footfalls. Both kings rounded the corner with a large portion of the royal guard behind them. Brant had stubble, his hair was wind swept. He had never looked better.

She squealed and ran to him, somehow managing to forget how upset he had been with her when they had last seen each other. He smiled as she approached catching her when she launched herself into his arms. He pulled her close, kissing her like they were alone. She wrapped her legs around his hips, locking her feet at his back. She blushed when they finally broke, catching the faces of all the males behind them. York smiled and winked.

“Leave!” Zane roared. “Now!” The men filed out. Brant released his hold and she slid down his body. He kept his arm around her.

“You too,” Zane added in Charlotte’s direction. She did as he said, a frown marred her otherwise perfect features. They were now all alone in the large dining hall. Just the three of them.

Brant’s arm tightened on her. “I know it is your time with the female, but it has been three days.”

Zane’s demeanour tightened and for a second she thought that he would argue. “Fine, but she must be returned before nightfall.” Zane remained stiff. “I am sorry about your assistant.”

Stephany.

“What happened Brant?” She whispered not really wanting to know but needing to all at the same time.

Brant shrugged his broad shoulders. “I don’t have much to say. They definitely have her. We don’t know where they are or why they are keeping her. I could spend the next six months searching and would probably find nothing. We have sent a message requesting her safe return. If they comply, we will put an end to the war. United we would destroy both parties. The elves must have heard about the joining of the covens because they have already sent their apologies and are no longer in partnership with the wolves.”

“Or, so they say,” said Zane.

Brant nodded. “It is fair to say that the wolves are on the run. My hope is that they accept the olive branch and return Stephany.” His eyes hardened. “They would be fools not to.”  He hesitated for what felt like forever. “Are you…?” He looked down at her belly and she wished the ground would swallow her whole. Heat flushed her cheeks.

She shook her head. “It’s not looking good.”

“Her thirst would’ve been upon her by now.” Zane’s deep voice rumbled through her.

Brant let out a breath. He somehow seemed relieved but she thought that must just have been her imagination.

Zane growled. “At least we get to have a little more of that heat fun.” He bobbed his eyebrows.

Brant stiffened.

“Come on. Our female is scented of the heavens. Your heat made me so damned horny that I totally forgot to sample the goods.” He licked his lips throwing her a devilish grin that had her clit tingling. “I won’t forget next time.”

“Come, Cenwein. I have missed you.” Ignoring Zane, Brant pulled her into the crook of his arm and headed for the west tower. She turned her head as they walked away catching Zane’s frown.

“Nightfall,” he growled after them. “Go easy.” He added using a softer tone. And just like that, she was back to being a possession.

 

****

 

Brant craved his female with a need that scared him. He couldn’t help but to feel relieved that she wasn’t pregnant yet. Odds had favored Zane to be the father of the child this time. He didn’t look forward to going through the heat experience again though. It didn’t matter that he was turned on by watching them rut, three was a crowd in his opinion.

They marched through winding staircases and long hallways. He knew this castle like the back of his hand since it was an exact replica of the one that he had grown up in. Even though Xavier and York trailed them like shadows, Brant was tempted to stop in one of the darker side passages or to slip into one of the many chambers along the way. His desperation to be inside of his human mounted with every step. Somehow he managed to hold back. He had taken her like an animal the last time they were together and he’d be damned if he was going to do it again.

“How are you feeling?”

It was possible that she was still sore. Tanya had only just entered her heat cycle when Brant had left. Zane would have rutted with her many more times. For some strange reason his human didn’t scent like she’d been rutted recently though. Maybe Zane had hurt her and had not had her since the heat.

“I’m fine.”

He felt his brow crease. “Are you sure, Cenwein, because”—they entered his newly appointed suite and he closed the door behind them—“I really need you, but I don’t want to hurt you.” He pulled her flush against him feeling each soft curve melt into his chest.

“I swear I’m fine and I need you too.” She pulled her t-shirt over her head, her hair becoming a wild tangle about her face. She cupped his jaw and covered his lips with her hot mouth.

He moaned while pulling her over to the bed, allowing them both to fall. Brant caged her body with his own. He took in her flushed cheeks and half-mast lids. Her lips were glistening and plump from their kiss. “By the gods you are beautiful. I have missed you.” He reached for the clasp between her deep cleavage wanting a taste of her ripe nipples. With one deft move, the bra fell away. Deep curves, jutting points, soft succulent heaven. He feasted until she was clawing at the sheets, he kept up the onslaught until she was begging. The scent of her arousal surrounded them. His cock throbbed. “I need…” Brant unbuttoned his pants, tearing them down. He tried to be gentle but ended up ripping her jeans in his attempt to get them undone.

“Brant,” she chided.

“I told you to wear less. May as well get rid of them…” He ripped them off completely leaving her bared to him. “I’m not sure if it’s possible, but you are more beautiful than when I left you.”

She gaped at him. “More like chubbier from all the cupcakes.”

“I will buy you more.” He palmed her breasts and then moved between her parted thighs where he rubbed his cock against her slit. “So wet.”

“I told you that I needed you. Enough fooling around.” She ended the sentence on a groan as he nudged into her opening.

“Is this what you need?”

“Yes,” she whispered, her eyes closed as he slid the rest of the way home. Brant took his time. Concentrating on each and every thrust, he concentrated even harder on not coming. Her greedy sheath clenched his shaft in a way that had his balls pulling up.

His little human threw her head back. She dug her nails into his back and drew her knees up higher on his torso, taking him deeper into her heavenly pussy. He loved how she rocked against him, matching him thrust for thrust. Loved the sting on his back as she clutched him tighter.

He grit his teeth, fighting against the inevitable. He slid his hand between their bodies and frantically circled her clit. She came apart just as he was losing control. It felt so right to be back in her arms like this. Brant didn’t share well. Right now, just like this, was how it was meant to be between them. He wasn’t sure how they were going to make this work. Closing his eyes, he lost himself in her.

Still breathing hard, he turned onto his back and pulled her into his arms.

“I needed that,” she panted.

“Me too.” He ran a hand down her back. “Are you feeling okay?”

“Stop that. I’m fine.” He felt her stiffen for a fraction of a second.

“What?”

“Nothing.” Vampire, human, it didn’t matter, any female that answered like that was hiding something.

“Tell me.”

Tanya lifted herself off of him, leaving her chest against his and her eyes firmly on him. Her mouth was cocked to the side in thought. “Why did you push me away before you left? Why didn’t you say goodbye?” She bit her lip.

“Let’s get something very clear. It wasn’t you.” He cupped her chin. “I hurt you, yet I still wanted to have you again. If Zane hadn’t pulled me off you, I may have”—he paused having to compose himself—“I may have killed you, Cenwein.”

“You didn’t.”

“I could have. I hated watching the two of you kiss. I hate that you are getting along so well. It’s so selfish and so wrong of me.”

“It’s not.”

“You didn’t ask for this. I need to find a way to come to terms with it, but know that it is not you.”

“Okay,” her voice was timid. “You still could’ve said goodbye.”

“I wouldn’t have left. The thought of leaving you…” He took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. “I needed to at least try and find Stephany. I hope you understand. If I had so much as looked at you, I would have stayed and would not have been able to forgive myself. I still feel responsible for them taking her.”

Tanya’s lip wobbled and she bit down on it, her eyes filled with tears.

“Please don’t cry, Cenwein. Stephany will be returned. The wolves can’t run forever, we will eventually find them and make them pay.” Blood will flow.

“I hope you’re right.”

“You’ll see that I am.”

“I’m glad you’re back.” She smiled through her tears and he had to kiss her. His cock filled. This female would be the death of him.

“Up you go.”

Her face scrunched in confusion.

“I believe I owe you a long walk.”

She bit her lip. “Is it safe?”

“We’ll have to stay close to the castle and we will be surrounded by guards, but if you’re game then so am I.” He only prayed that she would agree. If they stayed in bed, he would take her again. As compatible as they were, he wanted to get to know her in other ways too.

Her face lit up. “That would be great. I’ve been stuck inside for days.”

They dressed quickly. Tanya wiggled herself into a dress that had his mouth watering. Black silk with splashes of red and royal blue. It had built in triangular cups for her luscious breasts and fell to just above her knees. He hadn’t seen her put on any underwear. It would be better if he didn’t check because, either way, they wouldn’t end up going anywhere.

They walked through the castle and out into the fresh mid-morning air. The weather in Sweetwater was mild this time of year. A warm breeze picked up tendrils of her hair, which held an auburn tinge in the sunlight. They made small talk for a few minutes while walking hand in hand before he finally asked her the question that had been on his mind.

“How did your parents die?”

“Car accident. My three year old brother Sam was also with them.” She frowned as she spoke.

“I am sorry, Cenwein.”

“I wish I could say that it was a drunk driver or that the roads were wet, but the truth was that my dad was driving way too fast. I’m sure they were fighting again.”

His chest tightened.

She squeezed his hand. “It’s okay. It wasn’t easy those first few years, but I have learned to get on with it. I have my aunt. She’s old and a bit ditsy, but she loves me in her own way.”

Brant wanted to say that she was a part of a new family now and that life would be smoother, but the words died on his tongue. He would have to try harder to make things work.

“I remember them arguing all the time. They never outright said it, but I’m sure I was an accident being that my folks were still in college when I was conceived.” She sighed. “I think my mom never forgave my dad for having to give up on her dreams of becoming a big shot lawyer. She ended up working as a legal secretary instead. He still got his medical degree though.” Her eyes darkened with the memories. “I think they were planning on divorcing when she fell pregnant with my brother. Talk about double bad luck.” She sort of smiled.

“Don’t refer to yourself as bad luck.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” She folded a piece of hair behind her ear and pulled her lip between her teeth. “It wasn’t fun living in a house with two people that didn’t get along. I didn’t realize how dysfunctional we were until I stayed over at a friend’s house and saw what a real family was all about.” She smiled. “I remember how weird it was seeing two people who actually loved each other. There were no arguments. They talked. With my folks, it was either fighting or they went their separate ways.”

They walked together in silence for a long while. Brant wasn’t sure how to comfort her. He was not about to make promises that he couldn’t keep. Their situation was difficult to say the least.

“I don’t want that for my kids. I’m afraid that it’s going to happen though.”

Brant let out a pent up sigh. “It is not going to be easy and I can only speak for myself…” He paused considering his words. “I will try.” It was the best he could do.

Tanya squeezed his hand and smiled up at him like he’d given her the best gift. He felt like a jerk, like he should be doing more but it was still all too new. Maybe in time, he thought.

His sensitive hearing picked up footfalls. Someone strode towards them with purpose. Brilliant. It was Zane. His face was a mask of determination. Brant’s first reaction was to demand why the other male had interrupted after promising he could have Tanya for the afternoon but after the conversation he had just had, he held his tongue. Brant halted. He increased his hold on his human’s hand and turned to face the approaching male trying hard to keep his emotions in check.

Zane inclined his head as he came to a halt. Brant noticed how his hard, almost black, eyes softened as they landed on the female.

Zane held out a leather pouch. “This came for you. It reeks of wolf.” He added glancing back at Tanya.

Brant could scent the heavy wolf musk. The stench offended him and he had to fight not to growl. He took the pouch. Inside was a crisp white envelope, his name in neat cursive. Brant would recognize the handwriting anywhere.

“Stephany,” he whispered tearing it open. Beneath the wolf stench, Stephany’s scent was apparent. The note was short and written in the same handwriting.

“What does it say?” Tanya stood on tippy toes trying to read over his shoulder.

“Stephany wrote this. She was taken by accident and will be released in due course. She is unharmed and we shouldn’t worry.” Emotion churned in his gut. “Why didn’t she call? I don’t trust this.” He crunched the white paper in his hand.

“It is at least something. You say she wrote it?”

He nodded once.

“They may not have cell signal if they are deep in the mountains. The pouch was left hanging on the front gate at Manor House. Our scouts found it. I think she will be released. What use is she to them anyways?”

As much as it irked him, Zane was more than likely right but he would not be able to rest easy until the female was returned. She had been his faithful assistant…and friend for many years. Tanya was fond of her. Brant grit his teeth. The alpha would kneel before him and swear allegiance or so help him and his species.  

“There is more.” Zane ran a hand over his scalp. “I received word from the elven king, Katar has requested to meet. He would like to give his apologies and wants to swear allegiance.”

“It might be a trap.”

Tanya tensed next to him, her breathing and heart rate increased and she grabbed a hold of his arm.

“I realize that. I suggested neutral ground. I will attend alone. You stay with the female.”

Although evenly delivered, it felt too much like an order for his liking. Brant felt everything in him tighten. His first reaction was to tell the other male to go to hell, but he paused instead until he had a handle on his anger. “Fine.” He tried to keep his voice neutral. “But take some of my males with you and keep me updated.”

Zane’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tensed. He nodded once. “I’ll prepare and leave within the hour. I figure the sooner I get there, the less chance they have to prepare an ambush.”

Tanya gasped. “Do you have to go?” She took a step towards Zane, her hand still in Brant’s.

Again his eyes softened as they landed on the female. The bastard was in just as deep as he was. It was at least some consolation. “I do, Ysnaar. To refuse such a request would insult the elven species. It might cause the war to flare back up.” Zane probably didn’t realize it but he had taken a small step towards Tanya as he spoke.

It took major willpower, but Brant released her hand. The moment he did, she closed the space between them and Zane and put his hands in hers.

“I will be gone for a few short hours. Back by nightfall,” Zane stated.

“Take care of yourself.”

Zane chuckled. “You are a major incentive to come back quickly and in one piece. I will be back by nightfall. Make sure you are ready for me.”

 

****

 

Zane had the sexiest voice and when it dropped as low as it was right now, it did strange, wonderful things to her insides.

“I’ll be ready.”

“When I say ready, I mean naked and in my bed.”

Tanya laughed. “What if you’re late?”

“I won’t be.”

She heard Brant shuffle behind her but then Zane leaned in and kissed her. Quick but deep and so full of promise that it had her toes curling.

Zane released her and looked back at Brant. “I’ll be in touch.” He touched at his pocket which most likely housed his cell phone.

Brant looked pissed. He swallowed hard, his Adams apple bobbing. He nodded, his jaw locking.

She watched Zane walk away. He barked orders to several of the vampire guard who picked up pace beside him. Tanya felt her eyes prick but refused to cry. He would be back soon and Stephany was safe. There was reason to celebrate. Her lip wobbled so she bit down on it.

Brant put an arm around her. “He’ll be fine.” She turned into his chest, burying her face into his shirt. A tear managed to escape. She sniffed, fighting harder to maintain control.

“I hope you cried when I left too.” His arms banded around her as he spoke.

Tanya laughed. “Like a little baby.”

“Good.” He stroked her back. Tanya could hear that he was smiling.

She laughed harder.

“Thank you for behaving. It was nice to see the two of you working together.”

“It was not easy, we are both too dominant as is our nature.”

“You could be friends.”

He chuckled. “Slow down a bit. We have to first get used to not being enemies. Like I said, it will take time and I will try.”

“Thank you.” She reached up and kissed him. He tensed up for a few beats before returning the kiss. It was soft, sweet, and comforting rather than sexual. Brant broke the kiss leaning his chin on her head. He hugged her tight.

“Can we go back to my tower now?” His voice was a low growl that she’d come to recognize as arousal.

“You can’t tell me you want sex again so soon?”

“It has been days, Cenwein.” His lids hooded.

“Okay but…” She hesitated. How did she tell him to go easy because Zane would need her later?

“You’re thinking of him. He’s had you for three days. Had you for your heat. I will take it slow.” His eyes had narrowed and she could tell that he wasn’t a happy camper.

Tanya shook her head. “Zane hasn’t touched me since you left.”

“Why the fuck not?” He took a deep breath. She could tell that he was trying to calm himself. “What game is he playing at anyway?”

“I don’t know why. He hasn’t…” It was weird talking about this with Brant. “You know, been with anyone else? I’ve been a bit worried.” 

Brant cocked an eyebrow. “Oh no, you’re not going to use me as some kind of bloodhound to keep tabs on him. You can ask him yourself.”

Brant turned and walked in the direction that they had come from. She had to work to keep up. “Wait, Brant. I’m sorry. It was wrong of me.”

“Damn straight it was wrong.” He stopped dead and she walked into his back.

“It’s just, I was talking to Charlotte earlier.”

His brow creased in confusion.

“One of the females in Zane’s coven, and she said that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with two male vampires. She even offered her services.”

He made a sound of frustration. “How many times do we need to tell you that we don’t want another female? I know I can speak for Zane on this one. We only want you. Neither of us will rut with another female. Yes we have a high sex drive but we’re mature males. If you are not available for whatever reason, we will deal. It might mean severe arm cramp but we’ll deal.”

She choked out a laugh.

“You don’t strike me as the type of female that would believe everything she hears.” He folded his arms.

“Not normally. I don’t know much about vampires though. She was really convincing.”

“I don’t want to get into it with you, but as kings we’ve had our pick of the females. We’ve had sex whenever we wanted and mostly with whomever we wanted. Don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what? Like you’re a male slut?” She couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. Tanya realized that they had a past and had come to terms with it.

“Okay fine. We were male sluts, but have since been reformed.”

Tanya slipped her hands around his waist. “Let’s go back to the tower. You have to promise not to tear my dress.”

“I can’t promise that.”

“I’m not wearing panties,” she whispered.

Brant growled dragging her in the direction of the castle, then he made a sound of frustration and picked her up throwing her over his shoulder. Tanya squealed. One hand clamped firmly on her ass, he picked up the pace and she couldn’t help but to giggle in excitement.