How could she tell Brant that the sex had been explosive, that they had taken what they needed from each other like animals? Rutting was the right word to describe their coming together.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Good.” He strode away from her towards the door. “I need to meet with my guard. We must prepare…” He paused at her sharp intake of breath. His eyes softened. “As a precaution only. I would rather that we be over prepared than be taken by surprise.”

She nodded trying not to shudder as she recalled how the wolf had looked at her. At the time she had thought that he was sizing her up to make a meal out of her. After hearing Zane’s views, maybe he was looking at her with a different kind of hunger. Tanya tucked the thought firmly into the back of her mind. It wouldn’t help if she worried about something she could do nothing about, she trusted Brant to keep her safe.

“I have doubled the guard within the manor walls and have men doing perimeter patrols. You can spend some time with Stephany. Xavier must accompany you though.” Brant pulled a sheathed knife from a drawer in the large mahogany desk. It was small. With one easy motion he slid the blade clear. It looked sharp. “A silver dagger, the hilt is made from bone. Silver is deadly to non-humans. Make sure that you go for the throat.” Brant’s words made her feel a little faint, but after her ordeals the previous day she made sure that she took note. “It may be necessary to stab into the abdomen to bring down the enemy first. The throat is where you need to aim if you are forced to kill though. Another kill zone, but I would avoid this one, is the heart. It can be difficult to get to because of the ribs. You would need to stab from below angling your blade like this.” He demonstrated bringing the knife up in an arc. “The blade is small but do not be fooled, it is capable of doing major damage. I need you to promise me that you will keep it close at all times and that you will use it if need be.”

She nodded as she took the knife from him. Brant covered her hand with his much bigger one. “Do not hesitate. If you are in danger, use the blade.” He released her.

They walked side by side to the main living area. Stephany’s face lit up as they approached. Brant kissed her forehead and headed to the waiting men at the entrance.

The moment the men left the manor house, at least all but Xavier and York, Stephany turned to her, her cobalt eyes blazing. “Out with it. Don’t leave out one single detail.”

There were just too many emotions coursing through her, she didn’t know how she felt about everything that had taken place. Although Tanya needed to confide in someone, she just couldn’t right this second. “I really need a shower.”

At first Stephany looked disappointed, then she smiled broadly “And you must be hungry?”

She had already eaten but she nodded anyway. “Yeah, I am.” Anything to buy a bit of time alone.

Stephany walked with her. When she tried to enter the suite that had been allocated to her, Stephany gestured towards the door that lead to Brant’s bedroom. “Your things have been moved. The King’s orders.” They walked in, Tanya deposited her bag on the bed.

“Make yourself at home, I’ll be back in a little while with something to eat.” The female vampire smiled at Tanya as she closed the door behind her.

She walked further into the room. Plush carpet beneath her feet, a crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling above the king sized bed, a gold guild mirror took residence on the far wall. The room was certainly fit for a king. Tanya removed her tattered sweater, and the rest of her clothes trying not to recall how they got that way. She made for the bathroom.

After a hot shower, she opened the big dressers that lined one side of the suite. The first two were filled with men’s clothes. Brant’s things. The next two were full of women’s clothes. Hers. The ones Stephany had bought for her, except there seemed to be more now.

What she really felt like wearing at the moment was her old worn out Harley Davidson T-shirt and sweatpants, but those were still at her old apartment. She’d have to talk to Brant about having her things brought to the manor. Then again, maybe she should wait to find out where she ended up living in the end. Back to that irritating indecision. She brought her fingers to her temple and massaged. One of the kings was going to end up losing. No heir, no future, extinction of their coven. The massive weight of her choice settled more firmly onto her. She needed to talk about it, but Stephany was far from objective since she would want Tanya to choose Brant.

She grabbed a pair of boxers that she’d seen in Brant’s closet, one of the plain white t-shirts, and some comfortable cotton underwear. She planned on staying behind these four walls for a little while for some much needed peace. Tanya dug in her overnight bag and pulled out her cell phone.

Her best friend answered after the first ring, “Why has it taken you so long to call?”

“Nice hello.” Her mouth pulled into an involuntary smile and already she could feel some of the weight lift.

“So what’s it like to shag a vampire?” Becky would have seen the whole choosing debacle on the local news station. By now everyone in Sweetwater would know, little old Tanya Milan had been one of the human females chosen. Becky had been so pissed that she wasn’t permitted to attend the ceremony. Her feisty little friend would have loved to have had a chance at one of the kings. One of her kings.

“Confusing.”

“What’s confusing about it? Do they do it in some other kind of way?” It felt so good to hear her friend’s voice. The stress seemed to melt away from her.

“No.” She couldn’t help but giggle.

“Please, oh please just tell me the sex is good.” There was an expectant pause at the other end of the line.

Tanya couldn’t help but recall how Brant had thrust into her while Zane had toyed with her clit. She groaned, “Mind blowing.”

Becky screamed directly into the mouthpiece so that Tanya had to hold the phone away for a few beats. “I knew it, I just knew it. Why do you sound so glum?”

Tanya filled her in on the events of the last few days, having to hold the phone away from her ear every so often.

“You are shitting me. They are going to bounce you between them for the next nine days? You get to have sex with both men till the new moon?”

“Yeah.”

Another scream.

“Stop that, you’re giving me a headache. It’s not as great as what it sounds. I need to choose at the end of the nine days and one of them will end up with no heirs. There won’t be a future king and that coven will be doomed.” Tanya sighed.

“I take it you like both kings?”

Tanya paused. She had been so sure that Brant was the one and if she was forced to choose right now she would go with him, but Zane was quickly creeping under her skin. He might be a big bully and a jerk, but he had a vulnerability that brought out the protector in her.

“Yeah, I guess I do.”

“If they’re sharing you now, why not indefinitely? You could have both of them. Problem solved.” For a half a beat, Becky’s suggestion made complete sense. She even felt her heart pick up a beat at the prospect of not having to choose. Then reality came crashing back.

“Weren’t you listening? They’re enemies. Up until a few years ago, they were at war. There’s still a lot I don’t know about their history but you should’ve seen them fighting this morning. I’m talking fists, blood, the whole nine yards. I don’t think it would ever work.” Surely if such a solution was even half feasible they would’ve thought of it.

“They were actually physically fighting over you?” her voice was filled with awe.

“It’s not as great as what you would imagine. I’m not talking love taps. If the others hadn’t been there to intervene, they may’ve ended up killing each other.”

“Over you. How romantic.”

Tanya laughed. Right now she wished she had some of Becky’s easy going nature. Her friend took everything in stride. It was one of the reasons they were such good friends. They helped balance one another.

“I still say you should keep them both. Sounds like the perfect solution to me. There are worse things than being the filling in a vampire sandwich.” Becky laughed at her own joke.

“You didn’t just say that?”

“Yeah I did. When are you inviting me? I would love to meet your men.”

“I don’t know Becks, humans are kind of off limits and don’t get invited…ever.” Tanya moved the phone to the other ear. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked out the window. Leather clad guards patrolled the surrounding lawns in pairs.

“I promise to keep my hands to myself. Then again, I wouldn’t be able to resist all that muscle. Why are humans off limits?”

“Apparently we break easily.”

A long pause, “Are you telling me you’re in danger?”

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” She tried to answer immediately and to keep her answer simple, but obviously something had given her away.

“Don’t give me that, I’m fine bullshit. Out with it.”

“They’re big, seriously strong and drink blood, there is some risk, at least until I’m mated. Then apparently I’ll become stronger or something.”

Her friend huffed. “Mmmm, well come on new moon I say. I’ll seriously have me some vampire steaks if anything happens to you though, and I will be coming to visit soon. They can’t keep you away from your bestie.”

“There are other issues at the moment that would make your visiting difficult. The vampires are kind of at war with the elves and werewolves” She paused deciding not to worry her friend by telling her everything. “It’s a little unstable at the moment.”

“No ways. You’re in danger from all sides. That’s it, I’m coming to fetch you.” Becky was being impulsive as always.

“Calm down, I’m perfectly safe,” she lied. “Brant and Zane will protect me. I’m surrounded by dozens of royal guard. I’m fine.”

“Ooooh, in that case, lucky you. Now do yourself a favor and convince your men that a vampire sandwich is the way to go.”

Tanya laughed. She only wished it could be that simple. They said their goodbyes and Tanya promised to call Becky again soon. Next, she called her aunt who didn’t even know that Tanya had been chosen or that she was missing. Once the old lady had been filled in, she reassured her that she was safe and that everything was fine. Aunt Sally invited Tanya and her new boyfriend round for lunch on Sunday and Tanya had to carefully decline. Aunt Sally didn’t seem to fully understand that her niece was about to become a vampire bride. She said her goodbyes promising to call again soon.

Tanya stretched herself out on the huge bed. After ten minutes, she rummaged in her overnight bag and pulled out a book. The latest release from her favorite romance author. One of her guilty pleasures, she loved to read. The problem was that she battled to concentrate on what she was reading and kept having to flip back a page or two to reread the section before. She had too much on her mind at the moment.  On the verge of giving up, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

Stephany breezed in, a silver tray in her hands covered in everything. Eggs, delicious smelling crispy bacon. There was toast and pancakes with syrup and grated cheese. A pot, of what smelled like, freshly brewed coffee and a tall glass of orange juice. Tanya’s stomach growled.

“Sounds like I am just in time.” Stephany glanced down at Tanya’s tummy before putting the tray on the bedside table. “May I?” She gestured to the spot at the end of the bed.

Tanya nodded and Stephany sat, the bed dipped as she did so.

“I heard that Zane had nothing to do with his human’s death. She took her own life, that had to have been really difficult for Zane considering his past.”

Tanya tried to stop herself from reacting, but a strangled gasp still managed to escape.

“You didn’t know about the suicide?”

“I knew that she had died and that Zane was not responsible, but I wasn’t sure of the exact circumstances. What happened to Zane before I mean?” Tanya suspected his hardened exterior and that vulnerable edge had something to do with it.

“Oh no. You need to speak to him yourself. Like I said, he’s had it tough. I take it you must have gotten along well with him.” Stephany pointed at the tray, “Eat.”

“Just because we had sex doesn’t mean we got along.” Tanya sat up tucking her legs underneath herself. She snagged some bacon.

“Were you compatible?”

Tanya didn’t answer, not sure what the female vamp meant. Stephany must have registered the confusion on her face because she added. “Did you enjoy the sex?”

Tanya almost choked on the piece of bacon she was swallowing but managed to compose herself. “Sheesh, is nothing sacred around here? Why is it so important about how much I enjoyed the sex anyway?”

“It is the first and very important test on whether you would make a good pair. I hope that you enjoyed Brant more.”

“Oh God…” She let her head drop into her hands.

“Oh no, does that mean you didn’t? I had heard that Brant is an attentive lover, that he—”

Tanya made a sound of disgust and put her hand up to stop the vampire. “No stop. I don’t want to hear about Brant with other women.”

“Does it make you feel jealous?” Stephany had perked up significantly.

“You know it does. Remember Alexandra?” Oh shit. She’d forgotten all about the female. “Please tell me Brant didn’t drink from her while I was away?”

Stephany smiled broadly and shook her head. “No, Alexandra has moved out and is no longer in Brant’s service. He was very angry that she nearly struck you and that she used the fact that he drank from her to goad you.”

The news improved her mood somewhat, yet the nagging thought that Zane was probably with one of the other female vampires of his coven ate her up from the inside. She knew she had no right to ask for his fidelity. She doubted very much that he would give it to her anyways. Knowing Zane, he would go out of his way to sleep with someone while she was gone just out of principle. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered how intently he had watched Brant fuck her. Zane was so going to have sex with someone else.

“Why the glum face? Alexandra leaving is good news.” Stephany cocked her head, her eyes brimming with concern.

“It’s Zane,” she mumbled.

“What of Zane?”

“Brant has sworn to be faithful, but…” She couldn’t bring herself to finish the sentence.

Stephany chuckled. “Don’t be so worried. Zane might rut with others in your absence, but he wants you.”

“No, he needs me. There’s a big difference.” It irked her that Stephany was so indifferent about Zane’s promiscuity.

Stephany looked thoughtful. “I haven’t had much interaction with Brant’s birth enemy but for what it’s worth, I’ve never seen him act out like he did. I think that he does have feelings for you. The sex must have been good.”

“It’s not all about sex.”

“No, but he is a male so it is very important especially early on. Zane is as red blooded as they come. I am certain he will bed another female, but I can also assure you without a doubt that he would prefer to have you.”

It didn’t make her feel any better. She was going to give him a big piece of her mind when she saw him again. If he thought she was going to end up choosing a cheating son of a bitch, he had another thing coming. If he had so much as put a finger on another female, she would tell him what to do with himself.

The memory of finding her ex in bed with another woman still stung. The wound was just too fresh. Troy still had the audacity to blame her. She had put on too much weight, she was too flabby. He had needs that she wasn’t fulfilling and he was forced to look elsewhere. If she lost some weight, toned up a bit then he wouldn’t have to look at other women. He’d even talked about her getting a breast reduction and some lipo. No freaking way. She wasn’t changing and she would demand fidelity. She hadn’t asked for any of this.

“I see that the thought does not make you happy.”

“I don’t want either of them drinking or having sex with other women. I don’t want to have to choose either,” she whispered the last sentence.

“I am sure you will make the right choice when the time comes. I am afraid that they will fight regardless of the outcome.”

“They said they would only fight if I didn’t choose.” She felt her panic levels rise.

“There is too much at stake. Neither will walk away.”

“Why can’t I just have both? I’ll have heirs for both covens and there will be no need for anyone to lose.” She felt a tickle on her cheek and her hand came away wet when she wiped at it. Damn, she was crying and couldn’t seem to stop. “Surely we could make it work somehow. I can’t choose between them and I don’t want to see either man die by the hand of the other.”

“Oh my God, you love them both.”

“It’s too soon for that. I care for both of them and for both covens.”

Stephany laughed, she scooted towards Tanya and grabbed her into a rib cracking hug. “You are a genius. Brant and Zane are kings first, their alliance to their covens. All decisions must be in the best interest of their people. They would have to make it work.” The female vampire finally released her and she took in a big lungful of air.  Stephany continued really excited. “This could work. Oh by the gods, this could be the answer. You must speak with Brant when he returns.”

“You saw them this morning. How they were tearing into each other. I can’t see how it—”

“We’ll work something out. You would need to bear both of their heirs.” She clasped her hand. “It wouldn’t be easy but if you are willing then”—she smiled warmly—“I know this could work.” She squeezed. “Now, eat your breakfast and then let’s get you ready. My suggestion would be to rut with him first. Men are always more agreeable after their needs have been met.”

Tanya gasped.

“Don’t act all coy, you know I am right. Brant will be the more difficult of the two to convince. If he agrees, then I am sure Zane will too.”

“What makes you think that?” Her heart sped up. Maybe this could work after all.

“Am I right in saying that Zane watched Brant rut with you?”

“How do you know that?”

Stephany touched her nose.

“You freaking vamps and your damned sense of smell.” The vamp would’ve smelled that she and Brant had sex.

“The three of you were in the room together and unless Brant knocked Zane out, it means he would have watched the two of you…”

Tanya slid a hand over her eyes and wished she could block her ears as well. It felt weird talking about this.

“I am right about him watching?”

Tanya shrugged.

“Yes or no?” Stephany’s voice took on that commanding edge that vampires could do so well.

Tanya shrugged, she narrowed her eyes at the vamp not wanting to answer but she needed Stephany’s help. No one knew Brant like she did. “He held Brant down because he was freaking out so much. Brant could smell Zane on me. Zane touched me during…you know.”

“Brant let him?”

“He wasn’t happy about it, but yeah he did.”

“This could work. Brant already considers you to be his mate, his queen. We’ll find a way to convince him. For the sake of our species we have to.”

Within an hour, Tanya had eaten a good deal of the tray of food. There were at least a half a dozen dresses strewn over the bed.

“For the love of blood, this is it.” Stephany removed a red number from the closet. It had long sleeves and a high neck with a single pearl button that would clasp at the back of her head. Judging from the length, it would fall mid-thigh.

“Um, it’s stunning but more for going out at night.”

“Who cares? I know Brant won’t. Take off the bra.”

Tanya looked down at her underwear and her cheeks heated. “I’d rather not.”

“Why so shy? Nothing I haven’t seen before and anyway I assure you I’m not into females.”

“I didn’t realize vampires swung both ways.”

Stephany arched her eyebrows. “We may be non-humans, but we’re similar in a lot more ways than you would think. Time is a wasting, off with the bra already.”

“Fine.” She reached behind her and unhooked the clasps letting the cups fall away from her breasts. She had a whole drawer full of stunning underwear she might never get to wear at this rate. Tanya picked up the red dress marvelling at the sensual feel of the fine fabric between her fingertips. This wasn’t an off the rack item, that was for sure. She caught Stephany gawking at her breasts as she approached the mirror. For a second she felt the urge to cover up.

“All I can say is, you had better have twins with a rack like that.” She whistled under her breath. “No wonder the boys are fighting for your attention.”

To think Tanya had actually considered a breast reduction for a half a second after she dumped Troy’s ass. “Yeah, yeah, I’m perfect baby making and feeding material.”

“You are perfect. Those boys won’t be able to think straight with you anywhere near them. Our rules be damned, all of our males will be rushing to town to seek human females for themselves.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, have you seen yourself? You vampire females are stunning.”

Stephany’s face clouded. “My hips are too narrow. I could never carry a child to term. I have been advised to be permanently sterilized, but since I don’t rut I’ve decided not to bother. I would have loved children.” She looked wistful for a second before snapping out of it. “Put the dress on already.”

Tanya pulled the garment over her head. Stephany did the button up for her. She swallowed hard when she saw herself in the mirror. The dress hugged all of her better areas like the swell of her breasts and the narrowness at her waist. The length hid her upper thighs and showcased her great lower leg. Silver heels completed the ensemble and Tanya had to admit she’d never felt sexier.

“You chose this for me, didn’t you?”

Stephany nodded, “I knew it would work perfectly on you.”

“You know so much about me, yet I feel like I know nothing about you. Why have you chosen to be celibate?” 

Stephany narrowed her eyes as she put her hands on her hips. “Nosey human.” She laughed. “It’s quite a boring reason actually.” She paused seeming to gather her thoughts. “I accidentally mated with someone twenty one years ago. We couldn’t be together. End of story.”

Tanya felt her eyes widen. “Boring my ass. Why couldn’t you be together?”

“Let’s just say he was from the wrong side of the tracks.”

“He was a human wasn’t he?” her voice had turned high pitched with excitement.

Stephany smiled down at her like a mother would to her insolent child. “No. Let’s leave it at that shall we?”

“No way. You get to know all about my…difficult situation. Tell me who he is.” The infuriating vampire pursed her lips. “Tell me or you’re in the dark from now on.”

“Fine. It was another vampire. Someone from Zane’s coven.”

“Lance.” Suddenly it all made sense.

“How do you know?” Stephany cocked her head.

“I saw the two of you this morning. You reacted to him like I’ve never seen you react to anyone before. Normally you’re so cool and collected. I noticed how he got to you.”

“Really?” She ran a hand through her short platinum hair. “I’ll have to work at schooling my emotion more.”

“Do you love him?”

Stephany choked out a negative sound while shaking her head. “Hardly. I don’t even know him. It was a one night stand gone bad.”

She racked her brain for a moment trying to recall how the whole mating thing went. Realization dawned. “He drank from you during…”

The female vampire looked sheepish. A blush crept up from under her collar.

“Oh my God”—Tanya held her hands over her mouth—“you drank from him.”

“It was a complete accident. I don’t know what came over me.” Her hand went through her hair. “The war had only just ended, things were still very strained between the covens. There was no way either king would’ve accepted the union. Both of us have high level positions within the royal staff.”

“So what? You just went your separate ways and that was that?”

“Pretty much.”

“My word, that’s so romantic.” Tanya clutched at her chest. “Let me guess, you have never been able to find another male that does it for you, and you are both pining for one another?”

Stephany rolled her eyes. “Please! I did a ridiculously stupid thing. I can’t trust myself to be with a man and technically I am a mated woman. I prefer to stay away. Much less complicated.” Her eyes narrowed and hardened up. “As to Lance pining after me. If rutting with anything in a skirt counts as pining then sure thing.”

Tanya rubbed Stephany’s arm. “I’m so sorry. What a jerk. That sucks. You need to get laid girlfriend. I doubt you would make the same silly mistake twice.”

Stephany threw her a look that told her she was full of it. “Not happening sister.”

“I think you’re still hung up on a certain vampire and that’s why you’re staying away from all males.”

Stephany’s eyes widened. “Wrong. Let’s move on. I don’t want to continue this conversation.”

“Fine.” She huffed wanting to goad Stephany some more, but the female had confided in her. Which was something she didn’t think the other woman did very often. She wanted to be Stephany’s friend, wanted for them to be able to confide in each other.

“Let’s do your hair and make-up although I have to confess, I don’t have much experience in either.”

“No, the dress is over the top already. I’ll run a brush through my hair and put on the basics.” Tanya made her way to the mirror and picked up the hair brush. Once she was done, she put on some concealer, lip gloss and mascara. Simple, almost as if she wasn’t wearing any. She remembered Zane’s dislike for make-up and wondered if Brant felt the same. Female vampires, with their porcelain skin and dark, thick lashes didn’t need artificial help.

They went on to play several games of chess. Stephany had never played before so she taught her, Tanya won the first round. Once the female vamp got the hang of it, Tanya lost the remaining games. At four games to one, Tanya called it quits.

Lunch was salad and turkey sandwiches with plenty of juice to wash it all down. She shouldn’t be hungry after such a big breakfast but she still managed to eat a good deal of food. Card games next, Stephany beat her hands down at poker, but Tanya was the clear winner at black jack.

Stephany kept reassuring her that Brant would be back soon, but there was no sign of him or his closest royal guard.

Dinner was the most delicious pot roast Tanya had ever had the pleasure of tasting. It was served with crisp vegetables. Stephany enjoyed the meal with her, reminding her that vampires did partake in human food and drink from time to time. They did not follow a strictly liquid diet. After the meal, she brushed her teeth and reapplied her make-up.

“I’m sure he’ll be here any minute. I’m sure we have a game of monopoly around here somewhere.” Stephany plastered a smile on her face.

“No please, I’m all gamed out. I think I’ll read a bit. I’m sure you’re right, he’ll be here any minute.” She tried to plaster the same fake smile onto her own face, but truth was she was worried. Was Brant safe? Why was he staying away so long? Had the events of this morning shaken him so much that he was feigning being busy so that he didn’t have to see her? “Have you heard anything?”

Stephany shook her head. “I tried calling, but his phone keeps going to voice mail. I wouldn’t worry, the estate is huge so they have a ton of ground to cover.”

Tanya nodded.

“Well, have a good evening and call me if you need me. I’m just down the hall.”

“I will. Please let me know if you hear anything.”

Stephany nodded.

Her book was still on the bedside table where she’d left it earlier. She was going to read the romance novel and get into it even if it killed her.