Brant stared at Tanya’s retreating back. Her posture was stiff, her movements jerky. She made the tiniest little sob as she yanked the car door open.

He pulled out his phone and speed dialed Xavier, who answered immediately. “Get your ass over here. I need you to drive Tanya back to the castle.” His brother tried to argue but he cut him off. “Bring Griffin. Do it now.”

Tanya exited the vehicle, obviously realizing that the key was not in the ignition. Not ten seconds after he ended the call, Xavier arrived with Griffin in tow. His brother helped Tanya into the back of the vehicle. It wasn’t lost on Brant how Xavier threw him a questioning look, he chose to ignore it.

Fisting his hands at his sides for a few beats, Brant jammed them in his pockets. Everything in him screamed for him to go after her.

Stop. Her.

Even if it meant locking Tanya in the cabin. Making her his at any cost. If his mother could read his thoughts, she would turn over in her grave. He had been raised better than that. He wasn’t some caveman that would keep a female against her will.

“This is all your fault.” Zane moved in next to him, his eyes on the retreating vehicle.

“How do you figure that?” There was no fight left in him. Numbness filled the space that used to contain his heart.

Zane cursed, pretty much summing up the whole situation, then he growled, “We really fucked up.”

“Yeah we did but it wouldn’t have worked, you know that and I know that.” Brant shook his head.

“We should’ve discussed this before the ceremony. Should’ve included our female. Tried to make her understand.” Zane cursed again, digging the toe of his boot into the dirt. “We should’ve known that she wouldn’t have agreed.”

Brant turned to the other male who still faced the area where the vehicle had disappeared from. “Humans don’t seem to understand the vampire way. It was my fault in the first place for agreeing to this whole pony show.”

Zane turned hard eyes on him. “We could sit here and cry like a bunch of pussies, but frankly I would prefer that we start planning how to get our female back.”

“You heard Tanya, she won’t allow us to fight for her. Wouldn’t take the winner as a mate anyway.”

“We need to do something though. I agree that the current setup isn’t ideal but at least we had our human. Sharing is better than nothing.”

“I refuse to share.” Brant snarled, knowing that he was being unrealistic but unable to stop himself.

Zane chuckled. Thankfully Brant’s hands were still in his pockets or he would have punched the asshole for sure.

“The way I see it, we have two choices, we share the female or we lose her. Which would you prefer?” His voice was low, his eyes dared Brant to argue.

“I would prefer for you to concede. I will rule with Tanya at my side.” The words sounded ridiculous to his own ears and he knew full well that his request would never be accepted, but he had to try anyway.

Brant was rewarded with another slow chuckle. “I didn’t realize that you were such a fucking comedian. I would ask the same but prefer not to waste my breath.”

They both stood in an uncomfortable silence.

“My only fear is that it may be too late. Even if you were to agree to go back to the pony show,” Zane threw his own words at him, “she may not accept us back.”

“Tanya said that she cares for us. I don’t believe she could turn her back and walk away. She will soon realize that she’s made a mistake.” Brant refused to believe that they had lost their precious female. Tanya would change her mind about leaving them. She had to.

“She is stronger than what we have given her credit for. Our female may care for us, but we hurt her…” Zane looked up to the dark night sky. For a second Brant swore he saw the other male’s eyes shine with what looked like unshed tears.

No way.

When Zane looked him in the eye again, the glint was gone. A hard edge had taken its place. Maybe he had imagined it? It was the most likely explanation because a bastard like Zane wasn’t capable of such strong emotions.  

“Tanya has made up her mind about leaving us and about raising the child on her own. It is going to take a team effort to sway her,” Zane continued while narrowing his eyes. “I realize that we are too dominant to ever see eye to eye but unless we can at least show a semblance of solidarity, we are screwed. We can figure it out once we have her back.”

“I don’t need you to win my female back.” Brant knew he was being a dick but there was no fucking way he would pair up with the likes of Zane. He would talk Tanya around. Talk her into accepting him - and him alone – as her mate. Even as he thought the words, he knew they would never fly but he had to try. “I’m going after her.”

“No,” Zane growled.

“You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do.” He narrowed his eyes at the other male. “If I want to go after my female, I will.”

“You would be making a mistake. Emotions are high. The pull of the new moon will make us volatile.”

“I said that I would go after her. You are not invited.” Again he knew he was being a dick.

“Our female wants us both. You are welcome to try on your own, but I can tell you right now that you will not succeed. You may even make things worse.” Zane made a noise of frustration. “Believe me, I would like nothing more than to drag her back, lock her up if I have to, but it would never work in the long run. If we say what she wants to hear and talk her into staying, then it will just end up falling apart when you and I go after each other again. We both know that future battles are inevitable.”

Brant grunted in acknowledgement. Zane, on his knees, was something he looked forward to seeing. The thought of Zane bleeding almost brought a smile to his lips. Brant cursed. “You’re right.”

“Give her time to calm down.” The male scrubbed a hand over his face. “Let’s meet at sun up. We’re about to embark on the fight of our lives.”

Brant nodded.

“The war to win our female back. Like any battle, strategy and unity is what is needed even amongst birth enemies.”

Brant locked eyes with Zane for the longest time. It wouldn’t be easy, in fact he’d go so far as to say that working together with Zane would be something akin to torture but he would do it. Brant would tramp down on his need to take action right now and focus on winning his female back no matter the sacrifice. His human was worth it.

 

****

 

Tanya cried the whole way back to the castle. Xavier threw her questioning looks in the rear-view mirror, but there was no way in hell she was going to discuss this with him or anyone else but her best friend. She just prayed that Becky hadn’t left yet. They could be taken back to Sweetwater together. Fresh tears cascaded down her cheeks. She felt it was ridiculous how much her tear ducts had been worked ever since that fateful day of the choosing.

How bizarre, in less than two weeks she’d turned into a broken hearted, single mother. Well, worse things had happened to others and she would deal. There was no way she would live out the rest of her life as a possession being shunted from one male to the other, caught between their pissing contests. Even worse, there was no way she would watch one tear the other apart.

Once back at the castle, she headed straight for her suite. “Please find out if Becky is still here.” She turned to Griffin as they were about to ascend the staircase.

The male inclined his head. “Yes, my lady.”

“Don’t call me that!” she snapped a little too harshly.

He inclined his head a second time, “Sorry, my…” He pursed his lips, nodded and turned and strode down the hall.

“Are you okay?” Xavier finally asked.

A tear tracked down her face. She shook her head. “No, I’m not.” Tanya forced her legs to carry her up the long winding staircase. Once inside her room, her first inclination was to throw herself on the bed and let the tears rip. Let all her emotions out, but there was no time. Her vampire kings would be here soon to try and talk her into staying. Quite frankly she just didn’t have the energy right now.

She was mostly worried that they just might be able to talk her into giving them a second chance. Unfortunately for her, she loved them. If they promised her that they would behave, if they said all the things she needed to hear, she might just do something stupid like actually believe them.

“Becky left already,” a familiar voice said. Tanya turned to find Stephany smiling at her from the doorway.

“Oh my God, it’s you. Oh, Stephany.” To her irritation, more tears managed to escape. At this rate she might die from dehydration. She ran to the female and threw herself into her arms. Like she’d done on previous occasions, Stephany held her while running a hand up and down her back in firm strokes. The action helped to soothe her. The tears finally stopped.

“Why are you not with Zane and Brant? You should be completing the ceremony. By sunup the new moon will be over.” Stephany released her.

Tanya took in her big blue eyes. Her short blond hair. She was the same Stephany she remembered, only there were dark rings under her eyes and her face looked sad somehow. “Are you okay? Did the wolves hurt you in any way?”

A definite look of sorrow flashed across her face. So quick that if Tanya had blinked she would’ve missed it. “What is it? Tell me right now?”

Stephany shook her head. “They were rude. I’m sure you’ve heard that our species don’t get along, but I am unharmed.” She paused before continuing, “I’m glad to be back.” The funny thing was that she looked anything but glad.

“Are you sure? I feel like there is something you aren’t telling me.” She watched closely for any sign of emotion but when Stephany smiled, it looked genuine. Maybe Tanya was just reading into things because of her own situation?

“I’m fine.” Her friend took her hand. “Let’s sit, I want you to tell me what’s going on.”

“I can’t, I need to pack.” Tanya tried to pull away, but Stephany’s grip tightened.

“Five minutes won’t matter either way.”

“They will if Zane and Brant are on their way here.” She heard her voice catch as she spoke their names.

Stephany nodded once and followed her to the closet. Grabbing a bag from the bottom shelf, Tanya rummaged through the many items trying to find the ones that she’d arrived in and finally gave up. Technically, none of this stuff was hers. She didn’t want any of it either. She turned to face Stephany and swallowed hard. All the events of earlier seemed stuck in her throat. Where did she even start?

Stephany kept silent, her eyes on Tanya. After a deep breath, she relayed the events of the last week. The blond vampire gasped and hugged Tanya when she heard the news about the pregnancy. Stephany’s eyes turned stormy though as Tanya relayed what had happened after the ceremony. She felt her own anger build inside her again as she relived the events.

“You’re right to be mad,” Stephany shook her head as she spoke. “Of all the pig headed male things to do. I can’t believe”—she took a deep breath—“You were right to leave them there and you shouldn’t complete the ceremony at this point, but I think leaving is a mistake. You belong with us, you’re one of us. You carry a vampire child. You do realize that your thirst will not diminish?”

“Shit.” How could she have been so stupid as to forget something so important? “I have to go. They made it clear that they will never be able to mate me together. They are too dominant and would eventually end up fighting. What happened was inevitable. I guess I should be happy it happened now and not after the mating, or once I had invested more of myself than I already have.” Even as she spoke the words, Tanya knew that she was already in hook, line and sinker. “I’ll make a plan when it comes to needing blood. I’m sure Becky will agree…”

“Most humans are squeamish when it comes to that sort of thing.”

“But, I let Brant and Zane drink from me—”

“You are not most humans…you are special. I still think that you should stay, move in with me for a while.” Stephany took her hand. Her skin was cool.

“I can’t. I need to cut myself off from this, from them.”

“You can still work this out.” The vampire’s eyes pleaded.

Tanya shook her head. She grit her teeth and straightened her back. “I wish that things had turned out differently, but one of them will eventually kill the other. It would break my heart.” An irritating tear tracked down her cheek. “I won’t keep the child from them. I will stay in Sweetwater. The covens will have their heir.” If the child turned out to be female, then the covens had a hundred years to resign themselves to the fact that a woman would rule them. She felt many of the sexist outdated traditions needed to change anyway.

“Please, Stephany. Try to understand.”

Her friend inclined her head for the briefest second. Her eyes clouded. “It hurts me to see your pain. I do understand why you need to do this though and know that if Becky is unable to assist with your little blood problem, I plan on visiting you often anyway.”

She gasped, feeling her lip wobble. “You would let me drink from you?”

Stephany nodded. “Of course. I would be honored.”

“Thank you.” They hugged. “Please look after Brant and maybe check in on Zane for me.” She had to purse her lips for a few seconds, clamping down on a well of emotions that threatened to make her cry. Yet again. She was done with crying though. She needed to be strong, if not for herself then for the baby. “I’m ready. Can Xavier take me home?” It was weird how she no longer thought of the little apartment that she’d lived in for the last few years as home. Home was with these people and with her two pig headed males, but that was over. She squared her shoulders and took a step towards the door.

“I will have some of the guard assembled to escort you. We need to get you packed, I will call for help.”

Tanya held up a hand. “No, none of this stuff is mine. My things are still at the apartment.”

“But these were purchased or made especially for you.”

She shook her head. “They were bought for the queen,” she paused. “I’m ready to go now.” Best she leave before her resolve slipped and she allowed herself to be convinced that staying would work out. It wouldn’t. Leaving was for the best, and she knew it.

Stephany’s crystal blue eyes softened. “I understand.”

 

****

 

“It is my turn to try and win our female back,” Brant’s voice took Zane by surprise. He had being trying so hard to make out which silhouette was Tanya’s that he hadn’t even heard the other male approach. 

“I know that. I just needed to assure myself of her safety.”

“Griffin and York are on duty if I’m not mistaken.” Brant raised his eyebrows.

Zane’s shoulders sagged. “I just…” he paused not wanting to look like a pussy. Ah hell. He found he didn’t care. “I needed to try and catch a glimpse of her or maybe to catch her scent. I needed to be close to her.” He paused again. May as well go whole hog since he’d disclosed this much already. “Truth is, I really miss our human.” Zane grit his teeth waiting for an insult or at the very least a laugh at his expense.

Instead, Brant looked down, using his boot to toe the asphalt. “I know what you mean. I snuck past yesterday for the same reasons. We really need her back.” His eyes lifted and the need that resonated in the other male’s eyes mirrored what he felt deep down. “We’ve tried everything that the humans recommended on the internet,” Brant said.

York chose that moment to approach. “My apologies my lords, I overheard you mention human courting tactics and would be interested to know what you have tried.”

“Humans are off limits,” Zane growled.

“I have no interest in humans, I am merely curious.” The big male bowed his head in a show of submission.

Zane narrowed his eyes at the male for a few beats. The request seemed innocent enough. “We had a truck load of flowers delivered, but our human sent them to that place down the road where they keep the elderly.”

“Yeah,” Brant sighed. “Sweetwater Old Age Home. I sent boxes of imported Swiss chocolates and Tanya had them sent to an orphanage.”

“We even sent a band to sing love songs, but she called the human peace keepers,” Zane added.

“Sheesh, it sounds like you have both worked hard to convince her. I’m not sure I understand the giving of plant life as a courting ritual though.” York shook his head.

“They even give baby feline and canine animals. It is very strange.” Brant’s eyes hardened. “Regardless, we will find a way to win her back.”

“We have to.” Zane ran a hand through his close cropped hair.

“Please excuse me, my lords,” York said as he headed back to his post. Zane swore he heard him mutter something about irrational human females. At the moment, he just couldn’t disagree with him.

Zane and Brant stood together in silence for a few beats. Zane was stumped and by the way Brant’s shoulders slumped, he would bet the other male felt the same.

“If my latest endeavour doesn’t pan out, we’re screwed for sure.”

“It will. By all that is blood, it has to. We will keep trying. Maybe we should do another search on the web…plan our next approach.” Zane loathed working with the other male, but what choice did they have. At least Brant had stopped being a dick, so the whole process was less unpleasant than it could have been.

Brant nodded. “I’m doubtful it will work, but we have to try.”

“Did you ask Stephany for advice on the matter?”

Brant snorted in disgust. A major frown appeared and his eyes narrowed. “She isn’t talking to me except to tell me what a fool I’ve been. She is feeding our human.”

Zane had to grit his teeth at the thought of his precious Ysnaar taking blood from another. It was difficult enough to accept that she had taken from Brant. Yet, a knot of anxiety eased. One he wasn’t even aware of until right this moment. At least she and the baby were getting the sustenance they needed. “Good,” he stated simply.

Brant glanced up longingly at Tanya’s apartment. Shadows danced behind the partially open blinds. “Stephany and that annoying human are there now.”

“Becky is not so bad.”

Brant made a noise of irritation. “The men have started a petition to be allowed to date humans.”

Zane choked out a laugh.

Brant managed to crack a smile. “It’s not funny. I’m surprised you haven’t seen it yet since Ross is the main instigator. The human gave him the idea in the first place.”

“I’m sure once he has enough signatures he’ll bring the document my way.” Zane sighed. “Maybe we should let them have their way. Mating with humans would solve many of our current problems.”

Brant’s eyes widened. “Are you out of your mind? One human death and we would go back to being persecuted. Do you want to be burnt alive at the stake or beheaded? The humans are well aware of our aversion to silver and with their sheer numbers…” He shook his head instead of continuing.

“We are stronger than most vampire males and yet our female still lives.”

“You and I understand the ramifications of an accident, particularly when attached to a chosen human female like Tanya. I don’t think the others would have the same frame of mind that would allow them to think as clearly in the situation.”

Zane put his hands in his jeans pockets. “I take it that you are referring to bloodlust…” Something that Brant himself suffered from. “We can make a no drinking during sex rule.”

Brant laughed. “That would be like telling a red blooded male not to come during sex. The problem is that the males will not know if they have bloodlust until it strikes, which would only happen when they actually drank…it could mean disaster. At the time of the new moon, loss of control could mean many unwanted matings as well.” He shook his head.

“You are right. As much as I would like to see our covens flourish with many new births, the risk is too great.” He sighed. “I will speak with Ross”—Zane moved towards his vehicle—“I will see you later.”

“Pray that my latest attempt works and that our female comes home.”

“I will. Let me know either way,” Zane growled.

Brant nodded, turning his gaze back to the apartment window.