After driving about a half hour, which took them deeper into the country, they arrived at the area in question. Male vampires were everywhere. More piled out of vehicles both in front of and behind them. The big vampire, Ross, approached them as they pulled up. Zane grabbed her hand as she slid from the vehicle. “Stay close.”

“I take it the area is secured,” Zane spoke softly.

Ross seemed surprised to see Tanya but quickly composed himself. The big vampire cleared his throat. “Yeah. I sent scout parties out over a two mile radius. All is clear.”

“I take it they chose this spot because it’s furthest from the castle.”

“That would be my guess. They were good to keep the prints to their side of the fence. It was pure luck that one of the guards spotted the area at all. If you’ll follow me.” Ross walked in the direction of the fence, crouching at a specific area. He gestured to the barrier. “If you take a really good look, you’ll notice how the wire has been welded back together.”

Tanya gasped, sure enough, there was a definite thickening where the wire had been re-joined. The line was half a meter in a line perpendicular to the ground.  It wasn’t something you would see unless you were specifically looking for it.

“Take a look around.” He pointed at the dirt on either side of them.” Red dust with patches of grass. Nothing unusual.

Zane let out a pent up breath as he rose taking her up with him, their hands were still clasped. “Damn. The bastards were here.” His eyes followed the dirt to the grass beyond.

“I don’t see anything.” She knew she should keep quiet.

“That’s the problem. This ground was swept. It’s too smooth.” He walked her a few feet up the side of the fence. The ground had a very different look. Nowhere near as smooth.

“Oh, wow.”

“That’s not the worst of it,” Ross’s expression was grave as he spoke.

“I was afraid of that.” Zane angled her back to where they had been standing, he used a hand on her lower back.

Ross clasped the fence, his eyes solidly on the ground on the other side. “What do you make of that?”  

Zane dropped her hand and mimicked Ross. Tanya did the same. There were definite prints on the other side. Zane gave a sharp intake of breath. “Not a fuck.” Tanya felt tension radiate from his body. His hands were white knuckled on the wire. Tanya turned back to the churned up earth, not sure of what it was she was supposed to be seeing. Over to the right was a definite indent of a huge paw.

“An animal?”

“Not bad, human,” Ross said. “Try shifter. Too big for a regular wolf.”

Now that he had highlighted the fact, she realized that he was right. She could most likely fit both her splayed hands inside the print.

“Motherfuckers were here together,” Lance’s voice boomed from behind them.

Tanya shrieked, grabbing at her heart. Stupid vampires and their ability to sneak up on a person. All three men looked at her. Zane slid his hand around her waist. The show of…affection…more like possessiveness shouldn’t be endearing, yet, it was. She got the feeling Zane didn’t normally touch women in public, at least not very often. If ever. Silly man had never even kissed before.

“Are you sure they were here together and not on separate occasions?”

Lance raised his eyebrows. “You’re seriously asking me that?”

“I’m being hopeful. Besides, it’s never good to assume.” Zane narrowed his eyes at the other vampire.

Lance inclined his head slightly. “I had our best tracker take a look and Griffin was one hundred percent sure. Wolves and elves. They seem to have joined forces.”

Zane shut his eyes while using his free hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.

“There are more tracks once you get into the cover of the forest, they go on for a few hundred feet,” Lance paused as Zane turned to look at him.

“Go on,” Zane growled.

“I’m not sure of the reason for the breach, but I would suspect they chose this fence because it’s furthest away from the castle. It’s also the part of our perimeter closest to the forest. I suspect that they entered our territory to check if they could get away with it. With the intention to scout our land in order to plan an attack.” Lance lowered his voice, his eyes darting around the clearing. “They would have been watching for us, but they are long gone by now.”

“I think you may be right, Lance. This changes things. Let’s follow their tracks, I want to know what they were up to.”

“I assure you there isn’t much to see. They entered, walked for a few hundred feet under cover of the trees, turned and made their way back. Exiting through the same cut in the fence.” Lance gestured to a long belt of thick forest that wound its way as far as the eye could see.

It wasn’t lost on her that the forest was the very same one that she had looked on earlier from Zane’s tower at the castle. The werewolves and elves would be able to hide in the thick foliage. Were they really planning an attack? Tanya shivered not liking the answer that formed in her head. Surely they couldn’t be doing this over little old her. Then again, if what Zane said was true, by taking her out of the picture it would mean the end of the vampire line. It would be a very good reason to remove her from the picture. Tanya couldn’t help it, she suddenly felt vulnerable, exposed out in the open like this. She stepped in closer to Zane who instantly put an arm around her, pulling her in to his side. He and Lance were discussing ways to fortify both the castle and the perimeter. Zane put his hand up to Lance midsentence, silencing the tall vampire. He turned his dark, concerned eyes on her. “Are you okay? Cold maybe? You’re shivering.”

“I’m a little cold. I’m not as thick skinned as a vampire.” The sun was setting, streaks of pink lined the horizon. Even with the sun disappearing, the weather was mild. A warm breeze tickled her skin. She wasn’t cold, rather she was scared shitless of becoming a werewolf snack. Or possibly a new pair of pixie boots.

Zane removed his coat and slung it over her shoulders. He wore a black t-shirt and had an array of weapons attached to his body. Even in this setting, and in this moment, he was a sight to behold.

“You stay in the vehicle. Ross and the others will protect you in my absence.”

The thought of leaving his side sucked. She shook her head. He must have seen or sensed her panic because he added. “My men will protect you with their lives.”  

Tanya looked down. A thin summer dress and sandals, hardly correct attire for traipsing off into the forest. When they got back, she would be having a little chat with him about what she did and didn’t wear. Panty-less with little summer dresses was fine for the castle, but she had to draw the line at outdoor adventure.

“I won’t be long.” He wrapped both his arms around her and squeezed. Tanya nodded.

Zane took the time to tuck her back into the vehicle before setting off with Lance and three others. The rest remained with her. Ross sat at the driver’s seat with two men flanking each side of the vehicle. The rest spaced themselves at regular intervals in the clearing.

“Why are the other species doing this?”

“Power,” was Ross’s only response.

“What does wiping out the vampires gain them?”

Ross shrugged his big shoulders. “The various species have always been at war. This would be a simple way of gaining the upper hand.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his politically correct answer. “And by this, you mean my death.”

“Or worse, young human.” He turned to look at her, his expression grave. “You will need to speak to Zane about such things. I am not at liberty to discuss such matters.”

“Why not?”

“Zane is your mate and king, besides, I like my tongue where it is.” Ross smiled.

“You’re joking right?”

The smile turned into a wide grin and he shook his head. “Couple of days, a week maybe, it would grow back. Although we regenerate from most wounds, we still hurt.”

Would Zane really do such a thing? She remembered how he’d had the dead elves put up on spikes in order to send a message. Unfortunately, the answer was a resounding yes. Zane was ruthless. He seemed cold hearted at times, yet there was a definite…vulnerability about him as well.

The sun dipped a bit more, skirting the horizon. Zane and the others had been gone for ten or so minutes. Ross and the rest of the men surrounding her were a bundle of fun. She sighed, crossed her arms on the seat in front of her, and rested her head against her arms. She lay like this for a few minutes.

Movement. On the other side of the fence. Their side. Tanya leaned forward trying to discern what it was. With the light fading fast, shadows could be playing tricks. Another definite shift in the foliage. There was something out there and none of the vampires seemed to have picked up on it. They seemed more focussed on her and the direct surrounds. At least half were facing in the direction Zane and Lance had left in. Tanya was about to say something when the shifting shadows took shape. It was a man astride a giant wolf. No, not a man, an elf. The elf had a bow at his back. The beast was a charcoal smudge of color that blended perfectly with the shadows. Now that she could see him more clearly, the hairs on her neck stood on end. She knew she should scream but it was if the air had evaporated from her lungs. The creature had massive jaws. It was muscled and fierce looking. It was five times the size of a normal wolf. Anyone with any knowledge of folklore would be able to tell that the creature was no normal wolf. It was just too darned big. She’d bet money that its eyes would have a human quality.

They stopped their approach. As much as she wanted to believe that it was her imagination, both species had their eyes trained on her. The wolf crouched and the elf pulled his bow free. Finally, she managed to drag a much needed breath into her lungs. Neither the beast nor the elf moved, with just their presence they seemed to be issuing a warning.

At long last, one of the vampires noticed the intruders and sounded the alarm. The beast did a one eighty. The elf absorbed the move with ease staying astride the powerful creature as it leapt back into the foliage, disappearing from sight in less than a second or two.

She realized that she was panting. One of her hands clutched at her neck. Tanya had never been this afraid before. She was alerted of movement by the sound of vehicle doors slamming as vampires piled into the waiting SUVs. A vampire shoved in next to Ross. The remaining males ducked into the other vehicles.

“Buckle up.” It was the only warning she got as Ross pushed his foot flat on the gas as he followed the first vehicle as it took off in a spray of sand and gravel.

Tanya scrambled for her belt and clicked it in. “What about Zane?”

“He’s a grown ass vamp,” was the only answer she got from Ross.

“We can’t just leave him.”

He glanced back, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. “Just following orders my lady. Keep your head down.”

Tanya had only just ducked her head below the line of the window when the SUV screeched to a halt. The belt dug into her. Adrenaline surged.

“Tanya!” Zane bellowed her name. The door opened. She barely had a chance to turn her head, Zane ripped the belt, tearing it like paper between his fingers. “Tanya,” he breathed out her name on a sigh of relief.  His chest heaved against her ear as he yanked her into his arms after ducking in next to her. He buried his head into the crook of her neck and squeezed her hard. The vehicle took off but Zane held her in place.

She couldn’t help but moan after a few beats. “You’re cracking my ribs.”

He eased his hold and she slid down, her head on his chest. “I thought I’d lost you. Ten lashes for all of you when we return.”

Tanya gasped, “No it wasn’t—”

“Yes, sire.”

“Please don’t do this, they—”

Zane cut her off, “You could’ve died. They fucked up. They will be punished.”

“We will take twenty sire.”

Zane’s muscles relaxed somewhat even though his mouth was a thin white line. “I would make it fifty but I need you all on duty. Ten cuts.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Ross kept his eyes on the dirt track ahead. Dusk quickly turning inky black in the wilderness.

Tanya realized with a start that their lights weren’t on even though they travelled at a neck breaking speed.

“What is it? Did you spot something?”

Zane glanced out each window in turn like he could actually see into the encroaching dark. “You’re a vampire,” she stated in awe.

Zane’s brow creased.

“The whole no headlight thing was concerning but I forgot you can see in the dark.”

Ross coughed, clearly trying to mask a laugh. Zane locked his jaw and turned hard eyes on the rear-view mirror. Ross got the message and zipped it.

His arms tightened and he pulled her closer to him. “Next time you will remain at the castle,” he sighed. “No, that won’t do.” A long pause. “I can’t trust your safety with anyone else, you will stay at my side at all times.”

She could feel Zane’s heart beat beneath her ear. Fast and strong.  Tanya felt she needed to remind herself that the big warrior was worried because his potential future heirs were at stake. This had nothing to do with any feelings he may have developed for her. This was a good thing though. Tanya might not choose Zane in the end and the thought of hurting him on top of the impact to his coven didn’t sit right with her.

Damn, she took a few mental steps back. Since when had mating one of the vampire kings become a choice? When had her feelings changed? The thought of turning Zane down and taking Brant didn’t seem as clear cut anymore. She buried her head deeper into his chest. Her head hurt thinking about it. Right now was not the time to make a decision so important though. Not after her near miss, and for a second time today. Using the ostrich head in sand approach was convenient right now and she’d use it damn it. It didn’t help that Zane smelled so darned good.

They drove back much quicker than the journey earlier. Must have been traveling even faster than she realized. The castle was pretty jacked, with all the modern necessities. Three large garage doors opened in unison, they lead into an underground parking area housing at least twenty vehicles. The doors clanged shut behind them. Tanya tried to pull away but his arms tightened around her, holding her in place.

“Everybody out,” he spoke softly.

“Yes, sire,” Ross answered. “Move out!” He yelled to the guards as they exited the SUVs.

“Secure the perimeter. Nobody enters unless instructed.” Zane’s deep voice so commanding that she felt the need to obey even though he hadn’t directed the orders at her.

“What’s going on?” Shit. Was she in trouble? Maybe he was upset with her too. Maybe he was about to dish out his version of ten lashings on her. Like hell. She’d done nothing that would warrant it.

As the door closed, leaving behind an eerie silence, his hands bracketed her waist. Zane pulled her up and against him.

“Straddle me,” that same low commanding voice. “Do it now.”

She did as he said. Her naked pussy hit hard cock encased in soft leather. His eyes were locked on hers. Dark, fathomless. They burned her up from the inside.

“I nearly lost you,” a low growl that had her insides turning to jello. He leaned forward, his mouth a mere inch from hers, his eyes roamed her face landing on her mouth.

Do it.

Everything in her begged. Screamed. Thank God he obliged, slanting his lips across hers. The barest brush. Firm, yielding, delicious. The brief touch doing things to her that she never thought possible.

Brant.

She couldn’t possibly…needed to tell him that this was a bad idea…the hands at her waist loosened their grip, they fisted the material at her hips instead. One sharp pull and her breasts sprang free from the tight elasticated confines.

His eyes darkened, narrowed slightly, willing her almost to defy him. She took a deep breath to do just that when his graze dropped to her chest.

Zane made a noise, something between a strangled moan and a growl. For long seconds he just stared. His cock twitched against her core. When he moved, it was quick, her nipple was in his hot mouth before she had a chance to blink. Sucking softly, he used his tongue to swirl around her tight nub. Her clit throbbed. She ran her fingers across the close cropped hair on his scalp. The plan was to push him away. It really, really was.

Zane suckled her a second time, this time almost to the point of pain, raking his teeth across her sensitive flesh as he pulled away. Her fingers dug in, not wanting him to stop. Zane administered the same treatment to her other breast. When his thumb rubbed across her clit, she cried out in both surprise and pleasure.

“I don’t think—”

His lips covered hers as he sank a finger into her pussy. Again the kiss lasted all of a second. His thumb stayed on her clit in a delicate slip and slide motion that had her arching her back. All of her well thought out reasons for not having sex with him left her. Sanity became a thing of the past as she palmed his impressive cock through his pants.

Zane hissed, inserting two fingers into her slick folds. She could feel how wet she had grown. Her sense of urgency rising to levels way into the red zone. He shifted her in his lap and removed his hand from her cleft. Zane yanked his pants open. What started as a moan of frustration ended in a groan of pleasure as his cock breached her opening.

His eyes locked with hers. “You are mine,” a low growl as he thrust into her from below. Taking her to the hilt in one easy motion that left her panting with both ecstasy and pain as her body fought to accommodate his size.

“Mine,” he growled again as he plunged back into her. His eyes burned with hunger as he continued to plough into her. His hands solidly on her hips as he kept her firmly in place while he fucked her with savage determination. She screamed as each thrust hit her sweet spot. The muscles in his neck stood on end and his mouth was a tight line. Her orgasm hit seconds later, causing her eyes to pretty much roll back in her skull with the intenseness of the sensations that racked through her body. Intensified by the fact that he kept up the tireless thrusting and the brutal pace. Her back bowed and her head fell back as a second even more powerful wave took her. This time he roared as jets of heat filled her.

When he finally slowed, she sagged against him, both of them were breathing heavily. “I’m not letting you go back.” Zane’s chest heaved.

Part of her wanted to breathe out a sigh of relief as the choice had been taken from her, but a bigger part forced her to pull away from him. Brant would be waiting for her. Tanya’s next thought was how angry and hurt he would be at her indiscretion.

“What about Brant?”

His lips pulled back in a silent snarl at the mention of his birth enemy. “After today, it is safe to say that we are at war.” His hands squeezed her waist. It wasn’t lost on her that his still mostly erect shaft was still inside her. “Brant cannot protect you. The continuity of our race is at stake.”

A loud crack sounded, followed by another and another. Between the harsh noises…eerie silence. Zane’s punishment was being carried out. At the next loud crack of the whip she started, pulling in a deep anxious breath. Zane pulled her closer. “It’s not your fault.”

Tanya shut her eyes trying to keep the tears inside. It was all her fault. Whichever way she turned, it could only end in disaster.