This was it, the moment every girl dreamed about.

Her big day.

The strange thing was that a sense of calm had descended upon her as she stepped onto the red carpet. Tanya had never pictured that she’d ever have her ceremony in the open. Though it was a magnificent setting, with the stone castle as a backdrop and rolling lawns that were swallowed by a dense forest. The lawns were covered in chairs as vampires from both covens were present.

Becky waved from the front. Tanya felt a pang at the thought that her father wasn’t there to walk her down the aisle. That her mom couldn’t be here to see this. She could just imagine how her eyes would’ve filled with tears. Her mom could be emotional like that.

Then there was a momentary feeling of guilt that flooded her for not having invited her elderly aunt, but this wasn’t the right…situation to let her know which path she had taken. It was probably better if the old woman was kept in the dark for now. Little by little she could get her used to the whole vampire threesome thing.

She took a deep breath and clasped Xavier’s arm.

“Ready?” His silvery grey eyes met hers and she nodded once, not trusting her voice. He looked straight ahead and tensed. Tanya followed his line of vision. There stood Esral wearing the floral number that Charlotte had picked out for her. In the end Esral had decided between the various options herself. The result was astounding, the princess was petite with  serious curves in all the right places. Several sets of male eyes were focused on the little elf. Tanya was sure she spotted drool on the lips of more than one. Xavier must have noticed too because his eyes narrowed and his jaw locked.

“Are you okay?” Tanya whispered.

He nodded once while taking a slow step forward.

There were certain human things that she’d requested, like an escort down the aisle and a wedding ring. Otherwise she’d followed vampire traditions. Charlotte had prepared her for what was to come. At least she hoped the slightly ditsy blonde had told her everything without either leaving something out or embellishing on anything.

Allowing her gaze to travel to the end of the red carpet for the first time, she caught Zane’s intense stare. He gave her a quick half smile as she locked eyes with him.

Managing to pull her eyes from the magnificent sight of him, she sought out Brant. His eyes smoldered for a second before he too smiled. Maybe she’d been wrong to worry. She willed herself to smile back, but her lip trembled so she bit down on it instead.

Brant wore a grey suit that fit his body like a second skin. Beneath the jacket was a white dress shirt and tie. Her breathing hitched because they both looked so unbelievably handsome. Zane was all in black. His big body encased in a fitting suit. His tie and dress shirt were both dark, as were his eyes as they tracked the contours of her body.

Tanya took a deep breath as she continued her walk. Each of her soon to be mates were standing at the end on either side of the aisle. Before she knew it, she was taking up position between the two males.

Her males.

She never thought she’d ever be saying those words.

“Welcome,” a voice sounded. Tanya had been so focused on Brant and Zane that she hadn’t noticed the male at the foot of the aisle. It took some effort to school her reaction because he had grey hair, hunched shoulders and lined skin. A long red velvet robe adorned his tall, bony form, the hem sweeping the ground at his feet. “Yes, child…” he said. “We do eventually age.”

Tanya bowed her head in respect, feeling bad for her reaction to the old vampire.

The start of the ceremony was very similar to that of a normal wedding, the priest welcomed everyone and all present were asked if they objected to the union.

Tanya held her breath, thankful when no one stepped forward. Brant shifted next to her, he slid his hand in hers and gave her a small squeeze. She turned her head to him and he winked. On the other side, Zane moved in a bit closer, putting his hand around her middle. There was a collective sigh from the crowd behind them. For all accounts and purposes, no matter how unorthodox, this was the royal wedding.

“I need you all to repeat after me in unison. When you speak, it will be each to one and the other...” The priest bowed his head, his eyes shut. “Let us begin,” he paused. “To you, I give of myself.”

They all repeated the words.

“My vein is your vein.”

Again they repeated.

“My blood is your blood.” Brant squeezed her hand as he spoke.

Zane leaned in so that his deep, smoky voice washed over her as he said the meaningful words.

“Together as one in this life as well as the next.”

They repeated the priest’s words and her eyes pricked. Tanya turned her head from side to side so that she could look at Brant and Zane. Both sets of eyes were dark and intense. Brant’s adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

“It is time for the ceremony.” The old vampire removed a dagger from a sheath at his side. It was a rose tinged gold, bejewelled with rubies. Both men released her. “This will sting.” The old priest directed the statement to her.

Great, the part she’d been dreading. All three of them held a hand out to the old man. The priest moved to her first. “Once I slice Brant’s hand, you need to act quick as the wound will seal.”

It didn’t feel right that this would happen one at a time. If she wanted the three of them together in this then it needed to start with her first, so she held out both her hands.

The old man seemed taken back for a beat, but then he nodded in understanding. Closing her eyes, she tried to think happy thoughts but still gasped when the sharp blade sliced through her skin. It was difficult not to react when all she wanted to do was to pull her hand away as pain flared. The priest moved to her other hand and it took everything in her not to blanch or to tell him to stop.

“Wait,” Brant said, his brow creased. “You don’t have to do this.”

She looked down at the hand that had already been cut. It welled with blood and did more than just sting a little bit. It hurt like a bitch, but she had to do this. “We’re in this together, all three of us,” she added with emphasis. Brant’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t try and talk her out of it. She reached her hand further towards the priest. Both males put their hands on her back meeting somewhere in the middle. Both stiffened and snapped their arms away.

The knife sliced a second time hurting more than the first, if that was even possible.

 

****

 

Not reacting to his female’s pain was one of the most difficult things that he had ever had to endure. There was nothing he could do to help her through this. If only there was some magical way in which he could carry her pain. Zane knew he would if he could.

Her mouth was set in a firm, white line. Determination and pain warred with her delicate features.

“Congratulations”—the Sentinel lifted his watery eyes—“finally a human female fit to be queen.” He bowed low to Tanya in the ultimate show of respect even though she was not yet queen. “Now to complete the ceremony.” He gestured to both Zane and Brant and they held their hands out to the priest palms up. Almost in one swift motion, he sliced both of their palms. The tiniest sting, a minor irritation. Then again, he had almost died many times and had healed from so many wounds inflicted in so many places. Not to feel pain in this moment was not something to celebrate. Brant didn’t flinch either.

Using the same quick movement the Sentinel had used moments earlier, both he and Brant reached for their female. Already he could feel his flesh knit.

“My blood is your blood,” they announced in unison.

His female repeated after them.

“With the rising of the new sun, Tanya Milan shall be queen.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” She looked at the Sentinel and then to each of them.

Brant smiled and his eyes flared with understanding. “I have it here, Cenwein.” He reached into his jacket pocket at his chest and removed a small blue velvet box.

The rings.

Zane reached into his pants pocket while glancing over at Brant who carefully slipped a band onto Tanya’s finger. It comprised of a large diamond surrounded by smaller rubies on either side. It was an alien emotion for him, but for just a second he felt uncertain. What if he’d made the wrong decision? What if she didn’t like it? Maybe he should’ve chosen something new. Something with less ghosts attached to it.

His female turned to him and his throat constricted. She had left her hair down and it swirled around her face on an unexpected breeze. A beautiful smile adorned her face. Holding out her hand, she took a small step towards him.

Pushing down the uncertainty, he squeezed his hand over the ring. It had been in his family for centuries and consisted of a large oval ruby in a simple setting. All of the queens of the past had worn it and it was only fitting that his queen would do the same. Careful not to hurt her, he slipped the ring into place. Her smile widened and her eyes sparkled.

“Good.” The Sentinel folded his hands in front of him. “Now”—he paused—“with fang and body it shall be done.”

The coven all stood and everyone clapped.

“Kiss her. Kiss her.” A tiny human female bounced just to the left of them. Tanya’s best friend continued to shout for them to kiss.

Zane couldn’t wait to finally mark his female. As dusk approached, he could feel the new moon calling. His dick twitched. Turning, he watched Brant claim her lips first. Possessiveness struck, the emotion welled until he could be denied no longer. He clasped his female’s waist and gave a small pull forcing them apart. Brant’s eyes narrowed in…hate. Pure and simple, what the other male felt for him went beyond simple dislike. Brant hated him.

Well tough. Brant would have to deal. Zane was done trying to appease the other male where Tanya was concerned. Sick to death of trying to keep Brant’s feelings in mind, or of offering to share their female during his time with her.

That punch to the face two days ago had been the last straw. Brant and Tanya had come back from their field trip to Sweetwater. The first thing Brant had done was seek him out and flatten his nose. Why? Because according to Brant, Zane had tried to steal his moment when all Zane had wanted was to please their female. Inviting Tanya’s friend had been about making Tanya happy. It had sweet fuck all to do with Brant. The other male could get knotted for all he cared.

Zane tugged her towards him. Her soft body fit perfectly against his. Dipping his head, he captured her lips deepening the kiss as his hands clasped her tighter. His gums tingled as his fangs tried to descend. A low growl sounded behind them. Brant’s eyes were glowing. Instead of stopping, he wrapped his arms more firmly around his female while still keeping his eyes on Brant.

Mine.

Zane broke the kiss just as Brant took a step towards them. The muscles at his neck roped, his hands were in fists at his side. For a moment he was tempted to take back her sweet lips just to prove a point, but the whole thing would end up blowing up if he did. His soon to be mate would not appreciate a public fight so he held back.

“Let’s go,” he whispered. Tanya turned her gaze to Brant as Zane ushered her in the direction of the waiting vehicles.

“Sheesh, Charlotte wasn’t exaggerating when she said we would leave immediately. Do you feel the call of the new moon?”

Zane couldn’t help but to chuckle. “Yeah, Ysnaar. I can’t wait to be inside you in all ways. To hear you scream as I make you mine.” Her lashes fused and her nostrils flared. The scent of arousal clouded the air around them as Brant stepped up latching a hand around her waist.

Zane had to fight a snarl. With difficulty, he pulled his eyes from the other male’s direction.

“I thought it had to be dark?” she asked.

“It will be by the time we get to my cabin.”

His female gasped, “Is it safe?”

“The wolves are no longer a threat and will swear allegiance once Stephany is back.”  Brant smiled down at their female as he spoke. “There will be guards posted. We thought we could use the privacy.”

“We wanted to get away. The new moon can be just as hectic as the heat,” Zane added. With what they had in mind, being away from the castle would be best. A fight was long overdue. He had been wrong to try and keep things amicable. It was not the vampire way.

Their little human sat between them in the back of the SUV. Neither male dared touch her. As dark descended, Zane felt his resolve slip. His gums ached. His dick was hard as steel. His nail beds tingled, his claws barely contained beneath the surface. The need to fuck rode him hard.

Brant’s scent offended him, as did the vicious stares thrown his way. His enemy’s eyes blazed, his lips pulled back in a silent snarl. Zane noted that Brant’s fangs were extended. Tanya seemed oblivious to the brewing storm. That or she chose to ignore it.

His female made small talk about those that had attended the ceremony. Inconsequential things. He struggled to stay focussed on what she was saying and gave the occasional nod or comment. The ten minute trip seemed to last a lifetime. Brant leapt from the vehicle the moment they slid to a stop. He immediately started issuing orders to the guards that emerged from the three vehicles that flanked them.

“Set up a one hundred fifty meter perimeter radius. Xavier, you are in charge.”

Not a fuck. “Ross, you are in charge,” Zane barked. There was no way he was allowing his men to take orders from Brant’s second.

Brant threw him a dirty look. 

“We’ll share the responsibility,” Xavier said, his voice even. Pity Brant’s younger brother wasn’t king, Zane felt that he was the more reasonable one. Maybe this arrangement would’ve worked with someone like him.

Ross nodded in agreement. “You heard the kings.” They all moved out.

“Fine.” Brant turned and made for the cabin. “Stay at your posts. Do not bother us unless you are summoned.”

Zane hauled Tanya into his arms, making sure that she was flush against his chest. She squealed, tucking her head into the crook of his neck.

Brant moved ahead of them. The guards would secure the perimeter, Brant would secure the cabin interior and he would make sure that their female wasn’t harmed in any way. Although the wolves had released Stephany, she wasn’t back within coven territory yet. The wolves had promised to swear their allegiance, but until it happened neither he nor Brant were letting their guard down. Zane halted outside the front door. When Brant emerged, he allowed Tanya to slide to her feet.

The other male removed his shirt. Zane tore his own suit shirt from his body not bothering with the buttons. Their eyes locked for long seconds, neither backing down.

“Let’s do this then,” Brant growled.

“What, out here?” Tanya asked, her beautiful features pulled in confusion.

“You go inside, Ysnaar,” he said not taking his eyes off Brant.

Brant rolled his shoulders. “No weapons.”

“No. Are you sure you don’t want to concede?”

The other male made a sound that told him he was full of it. “I was about to ask you the same.” They took a step towards one another.

“Will one of you please be so kind as to tell me what the hell is going on?”

“We discussed the mating and agreed that it’s not going to work. Vampire males…especially royalty are too strong. There will be one male to rule the covens. One male will be your mate. There can be only one.” Brant said, his eyes softening as they landed on Tanya.

His female’s body tensed as she folded her arms. Her cheeks reddened. She chewed on her lip seemingly too angry to talk.

“Go inside female. Close the door. This is between him and I.” Zane widened his stance. He was ready for the bastard and by the look Brant gave him, he was feeling just as ready. If only Tanya would remove herself from the direct line of fire then he’d be happy.

Her cheeks reddened even more. Her breaths coming out in short puffs. She put her hands on her hips. Her chestnut eyes looked like they were on fire.

“Do as Zane says. Go inside. I will be with you shortly.”

Zane chuckled. “I will be with you shortly, Ysnaar. Get undressed and wait for me.”

 

****

 

That did it.

“So the two of you have finally agreed on something at last? When you were talking earlier…” She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm when all she wanted to do was to launch herself at the arrogant assholes. “Did you actually sit down and discuss it?” Of course they did. Today on the lawn when she had caught them finally agreeing on something. She was such a freaking fool.

Brant dropped his eyes to his feet.

Zane nodded. “Yeah. We had to. This whole sharing thing, although a sweet sentiment and a great idea in theory, is never going to work. Brant has made that clear from the start.”

Tanya ground her teeth so hard that she was sure she’d need dental work as a result. “So, let me guess, you decided you would fight each other and what? The winner gets me.”

“It will be for the best, Cenwein.” Brant’s dark eyes pleaded with her.

“Says who? The two of you?” Tanya folded her arms. Maybe if they were locked around her middle she wouldn’t use them to beat some sense into these two morons. Before either of them could answer, she continued. “And the loser. Is this a fight to the death? When I say goodbye to one of you”—her throat tightened and she stumbled on the last few words—“will it be for good?” Her eyes pricked, but she refused to give in. There was no way she was going to cry. She was too damned angry.

“Cenwein…” Brant took a step towards her.

“Don’t come near me and don’t you dare call me that.” Thankfully her voice was stronger this time. “So, are you fighting to the death?”

“We will fight until one concedes.” Zane turned hard eyes on Brant.

“Neither of you will concede, so one of you will die. You both allowed me to go through with the mating ceremony knowing that you were going to fight. You also both allowed me to think that I had a say in this matter. I meant every word I said back there. All the while the two of you knew that this is how it would end.” A tear tracked down her cheek. It irritated her. She wiped it away with the back of her hand and took a deep breath. “I’m wearing both of your rings damn it.” She stomped her foot.

“The mating is not complete until fully consummated with body and fang.”

“You don’t get it.” She shook her head. “I didn’t ask for you to choose me.” She locked eyes with Brant. “I didn’t ask you to invoke Mate’s Lore.” She turned her gaze to Zane. “I didn’t ask for any of this. I have feelings for both of you. As far as I am concerned, I mated both of you. One of you is the father of this baby.” She let her hand trace the contour of her belly. Another blasted tear escaped. “I refuse to stand by and watch one of you beat the other to death. I won’t do it.” She started towards the closest SUV. “I care too damned much,” she whispered the last, wishing she didn’t.

“Where are you going?” Brant asked his voice a little unstable.

“I’m leaving. By that I mean”—she took a deep breath not turning back—“I’m going back to Sweetwater.”

“You can’t,” Zane growled.

“Watch me.”

“What of the child?” Zane asked. His voice so soft that she barely heard him.

Tanya turned back, neither male followed her. “I hate to break it to you, but human females are capable of standing on their own two feet. They single-handedly raise children all the time.”

“Tanya, please.” Brant took a small step towards her.

She swallowed hard. “You’ve both made it clear that the three of us won’t work out. Vampire males of royal descent are too dominant to share. This way you won’t have to.” She squared her shoulders and walked towards the vehicles. Tears streamed down her face. She refused to look back. It was done, she had made up her mind. So much for this being the happiest day of her life.