Tanya’s heart pounded in her chest. “Where is he?” That vampire king needed a piece of her mind. She turned and strode out of the restroom, through the bedroom and into the hall.

“You need your rest. Brant is…busy. He wouldn’t want to be disturbed.”

“Well tough luck for him.” She kept moving, glancing into each of the rooms as she passed them. Decadence personified, but she would not allow herself to get drawn in by all of this. She wasn’t some kind of baby making machine and neither was she a pin cushion. If he thought that she would just agree then he was mad.

None of the rooms were occupied so she made for the stairs. The reception, living area and kitchen were all empty. Maybe the second wing.  To the right was the twin, marble staircase.

“Please don’t. He’ll be mad.”

Great. She was getting warmer. Tanya made quick work of the stairs and strode down the hall. There was a definite noise, just ahead, to the left.

Not just a noise, it had been a gasp. Distinctly female.

Tanya rounded the corner. There were two people on the bed. Tanya clasped the doorjamb when she realized that the man was Brant. His big stature, broad back, dark hair. Definitely him. His shirt was off. The woman beneath him was in jeans and a bra, her breasts heaved. His face was at her neck. The woman moaned.

Her first instinct was to creep back out. To walk away. But hell…he had brought her here. Had chosen her as his future mate, yet here he was…drinking from another woman. The woman in question moaned again. It sounded like she was halfway to an orgasm. Her slender fingers slid around his neck as her hand tightened on his bicep.

“No fucking way.” Tanya was grateful that her voice sounded just as angry as she felt. His head spun. His dark eyes widened as they landed on her. In one graceful motion, he leapt, coming to a crouching halt in front of her. Blood on his lips, fangs extended. Brant pulled himself to his full height.

His massive chest had a smattering of hair. His biceps bulged as his hands pulled into fists. If it weren’t for the half naked woman on the bed behind him, she’d have found him attractive. Much to her irritation her body reacted to him even though he was a grade A asshole.

“Leave,” his voice sent fearful shivers rushing through her.

She took a tentative step back.

“Not you.”

There was a distinct sound of rustling as the woman got up and gathered her top. Instead of leaving, she stepped in next to Brant. Blood dripped from the two holes on her neck. Leaving no room for error on what they had been doing, or more precisely what he had been doing to her. Although Tanya had no rights over this man, she burned with anger. Jealous over a stranger. Frustrated because he held all the cards.

The vampire female was tall. So far that seemed a prerequisite. She was slim with perky breasts. Perfectly straight shoulder length hair encased a startlingly attractive face. The woman slid her eyes down the length of Tanya’s body. A smirk quickly took residence on her face.

“I see you chose a robust specimen.”

Brant growled. Tanya seethed inside. Just her luck to be chosen by a species where all the women were toned and athletic. A few extra pounds was hardly something to be concerned with. Her doctor had assured her that she was perfectly within a healthy range.

“Leave now.” His voice was a low rumble that brought goose bumps to her flesh. She took a small step back again even though she hadn’t meant to.

“Robust, but timid.”

“Out.”

The leggy brunette made for the door, turning just before leaving. “Let me know when you need me again.”

Tanya had to bite her lip to keep from telling the smug bitch what she could do with herself. By God, if Brant tried to kiss her, she’d kick the shit out of his family jewels. She didn’t want to carry his heirs anyway so it would be no loss to her.

“Asshole.”

“Fair enough.”

“Is that all you have to say to me?” Why did she even care so much? It wasn’t like she was staying or anything.

His eyes softened. “Please come with me.”

“We need to talk. I’m not going anywhere with you.”

He shrugged. “This is Alexandra’s quarters. If you would prefer to stay…”

“Alexandra as in the…the woman that just left…”

Brant raised his brows and nodded once.

Tanya looked around the spacious suite. The fabrics were done in soft lavender and peach, the four post bed was a glaring reminder of what had just taken place. She narrowed her eyes at him in what she hoped was a dirty look. “Let’s go.”

Brant pulled on his shirt and moved to take her hand. “I don’t think so.” She put both arms behind her back and prayed that the look she was giving him had daggers attached.

He held her gaze for a few beats before striding from the room. Tanya had to work to keep up even though she got the distinct impression that he was moving slower than usual. They made their way through the house back to the opposite wing, entering the room directly after hers. Brant closed the door behind her. He removed the shirt and unsnapped his jeans.

“What are you doing?”

“I need to take a shower.”

“Like hell, we need to talk. You’re not showering while I’m in here,” she sounded panicked.

“You are my female, I don’t understand the problem.” He pulled his jeans off. She thanked God that he left his boxers on. Brant turned and made for the bathroom. Her eyes lowered as he walked away. It happened without her permission. They refused to listen because holy hell he looked fantastic. The silk material accentuated glutes made of steel.

“I refuse to mate with you. Find another human if you’re looking for a baby making factory.” He tensed, then stopped and turned his head to the side.

Tanya recalled how the female vampire had moaned while he drank from her and her own blood turned to acid all over again. “Why don’t you just use a surrogate? That way you and your…little friend can carry on with whatever the hell it was that you were doing.”

“It wasn’t sexual.” He carried on walking.

Had Brant and that hussy been having sex, maybe not, but was there something sexual about him drinking from her, hell yeah.

There was a sound of water running and a door closed. Tanya inched her way to the bathroom entrance. To hell with it. She walked in. His back was turned. Lord, oh lord his ass had been sculpted by the gods. It almost physically hurt to turn away.

“I don’t think that us mating is a good idea. Besides all the other impossible factors of the situations, I hadn’t planned on having children any time soon. This just isn’t going to work for me.”

The water stopped and the door creaked open. She hardly dared to breathe.

“You can turn around.”

“I’d rather not.”

“I’m decent.”

She turned.  More like totally indecent even though everything was sort of covered. The big vampire had a white towel wrapped low around his hips. Moisture still dripped down his magnificent chest. He leaned back on the vanity and crossed his arms.

“We will mate. That is not negotiable.”

“So you are going to force yourself on me?”

His eyes darkened, “I told you that force would not be necessary.”

So freaking full of himself. “Not happening bucko, so it would be force.”

He ground his teeth. “I do understand why you’re so mad.”

“Really? I highly doubt it.”

“You think that there is something between Alexandra and myself. Well let me assure you there isn’t. I already told you it wasn’t sexual.”

“Whatever.” It may not have been sexual for him, but it sure had been for the female vampire. Her moan had been in sheer pleasure.

“We will mate and that is final.”

“Listen up asshole—”

His mouth twitched.

“—you chose me. It wasn’t the other way round. There were a whole lot of willing ladies that I’m sure would’ve been thrilled to be your…um…queen. I didn’t ask to be here.” She wagged her finger at him. Tanya knew she was being a bit childish, but couldn’t seem to help herself. “Then I find out that not only do I stand a very definite chance of not surviving the mating…” she paused and his eyes first widened then narrowed and his brow furrowed. “I’m also expected to give you heirs…as in yesterday? I don’t want to be damaged during the mating. I kind of like living and I’m not ready to be a mother.”

Brant shook his head in disgust. “Stephany. She normally would never betray me like this.”

“Look…” Now she was worried about the lady vamp. “Please don’t punish her for this.” She’d never once stopped to consider how this would affect the other woman.

He raised his brows. “You must think I’m some sort of monster.”

He said it.

“I made her tell me.”

Brant smiled. Out popped those sexy dimples. As much as she hated to admit it, he looked edible, in a gourmet five star restaurant kind of a way. Good thing she was on a strict diet.

“You made her tell?” He shook his head in disbelief. His face turned serious. “The only reason I took blood from Alexandra was so I would be more in control with you.” He pulled himself upright into his full magnificent glory. By human standards, Tanya was considered tall for a woman, yet she had to look up as he took a step towards her.

“Don’t you dare come near me.”

For a second his face clouded with…hurt. No way. The emotion was gone before she could be sure.

“I will be patient. We can take this slow. Let’s get to know each other.” His eyes became hooded as his gaze dropped to her lips.

“When you say get to know each other, you’re referring to conversations and…I don’t know…long walks through the forest or the beach maybe?”

His eyes glittered and he readjusted the towel at his hips. She looked down at the smattering of hairs that started at his navel and disappeared under the material. Her mouth went dry. Damn him, she didn’t want to be this attracted to the big vampire.

Brant threw her a lazy smile. “Yes, I most definitely want to learn a lot more about you. We’ll take long walks, but…we’ll also do other things.”

Tanya struggled to keep her breathing under control. “What other things?”

“I want to get to know your body better too.”

“My”—she swallowed hard—“body?”

His eyes burned. Her pussy clenched. The thought of having sex with this man was not nearly as offensive as it should’ve been. Hell, according to her body it was all systems go.

“No,” she whispered.

His eyes softened. “I told you we wouldn’t do anything until you were ready. All I’m asking is that you give us a chance.”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Yes. You have my word that nothing will happen without your permission.”

 

****

 

Had he completely lost his mind?

The survival of his people depended on them mating successfully and, more importantly, of them raising potential heirs to the throne. It was his duty as king.

His race had been divided for one hundred years. A bloody war had already claimed so many, making them vulnerable to attack from other species.

Having no future heir would bring chaos and further division. This would lead to the desecration of his coven and potentially of Zane’s as well. Although he cared nothing for his birth enemy, the knowledge still burned in his gut. The last thing he wanted was for his race to become extinct.

Yet, knowing all this, he still couldn’t force this female to mate with him. Although ‘force’ was not the right word. With one kiss, one touch, he knew he could take her easily, but he didn’t want to leave her with regrets.

Brant wanted a willing mate, he wanted more than a relationship. He wanted a partnership, a family. Deep down he knew he could have that with a female like Tanya. If that meant patience, he would deal.

“You have my word Tanya. No mating until we get to know each other and you get to decide how fast or slow we take this.”

“Fine, but there will be no…” Her cheeks turned fiery hot.  “Alexandra or any other women for that matter if we’re going to get to know each other.”

He should’ve seen this coming. It was the one thing he couldn’t give her. “Cenwein, for your own good, I can’t agree to that.”

Her brow creased, “Why?”

“Blood lust would make me dangerous to you, especially during sex. I would never forgive myself if…” He stepped towards her and brushed a wayward strand from her face. She shivered. So sensitive. So pure. He could easily lose himself with her.

Her eyes narrowed and her mouth tensed. “No sex then which suits me fine since we don’t know each other well enough anyway.”

“We will have sex.”

“You just gave me your word that I get to decide and I say no sex as long as you are drinking from that hussy. She has feelings for you. It may not be sexual to you, but it is to her.” Her eyes blazed. “You can’t deny that the act is intimate.”

Brant couldn’t deny it. He wanted to. The lie was on the tip of his tongue. He ground his teeth instead of releasing it.

“Drink from me or there will be no sex. The choice is yours.” Her eyes widened like she was shocked at having offered her blood to him. He knew better though, neither of them would be able to deny the attraction. Even though he had offered her time, he knew it wouldn’t take long. They had been made for one another.

Brant raked a frustrated hand through his hair and strode towards his dresser. Agreeing would place her in danger, there was no choice to be made. “I can’t.”

Brant turned to watch her enter the room after him. Tanya closed her eyes. The disappointment was easy to read on her face.

“Fine by me.”

He cursed. “You would taste too good. I don’t know if I would have enough willpower to hold back.” Just the thought of tasting her blood made excitement rush through his veins.

“Excuses, excuses.” She made a noise of exasperation and walked out of his quarters. Brant heard her door slam.

As tempted as he was, he couldn’t do it. Her life meant everything to both him and his coven.