Tanya paced from one side of her spacious suite to the other. What an asshole.

Brant wanted to get to know her better, yet he expected her to turn a blind eye every time he sank his teeth into the sexy female vampire. The brunette clearly would do anything to get him into her bed if she hadn’t already.

She paced faster. Chances were good that they had been lovers. Would he remain faithful once they were mated? This wasn’t going to work for her. No freaking way. She so didn’t want a mate, but if she had to have one then he would need to be completely monogamous. Fangs and all.

“There you are.” Stephany entered her room, she smiled as she walked towards Tanya.

“Listen, I’m so sorry. I hope I didn’t dump you in the shit…”

The other woman reached out and touched her arm. “No biggie. Brant will get over it. I shouldn’t have said anything anyway.”

“No, I’m so glad you did. I still know so little about the ways of your people, of what’s expected of me.” Tanya sank down onto the edge of the bed. “I don’t know what to do. I never expected to be here. If it were up to me, I would leave.” The vampire people were not her own, yet she couldn’t just leave knowing that their future survival rested on her shoulders. It irritated her but she was also drawn to Brant in a way that scared her. It was as if their lack of knowledge of one another didn’t matter. Like they were being brought together by unseen forces. It was weird and it freaked her out just a little.

“Brant is a good man. Please give him a chance. ”

“Except he isn’t a man is he?”

“No, he isn’t but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful union.” Stephany sat next to her.

“We can’t have much of anything if he keeps seeing Alexandra. This is so messed up.”

“I’m sorry you had to see that”—she tilted her head—“It wasn’t…like that between them…you do know that don’t you?”

Tanya sighed. “Yeah, right. If it was up to Alexandra it would so be like that.” Her jealousy felt like bugs crawling over her skin. Tanya detested the feeling yet couldn’t manage to shake it. No matter how many times she mentally swatted, there were plenty more vile bugs to take the place of the dead ones.

“Don’t let her get to you. I shouldn’t tell you this, but Brant hasn’t had sex with anyone in months. That includes Alexandra.”

Great. Confirmation. So the two of them had some sort of a thing in the past. The bugs crawled faster.

Stephany must have seen or sensed her reaction because she quickly added. “It wasn’t like that. Vampires are highly sexual. Since males are not permitted to take humans it is accepted that all unattached males and females are free to fornicate at will.”

“Alrighty. I understand.” Like hell. Another thought entered her mind. “That means you…”

“I’m celibate. Brant and I have never…” She blushed. How strange. Even though Tanya was fully aware that most known facts about vampires were myths, she shouldn’t be so surprised at normal bodily functions. Vampires were not the undead. Far from it. They were just another species. Like humans or shifters. They were very much alive. As far as she knew, they could age. It was said that they lived twice as long as humans though and were tough SOBs, they could be killed but it wasn’t easy.

“What’s with the whole blood drinking thing anyway?” So far, this seemed to be the only semblance the species had with the myths that surrounded them.

“We can and do partake in food and drink. The problem is that our metabolisms are too fast to be able to consume sufficient human nutrients to survive. For whatever reason, blood slows down our metabolic rate. We need to drink every few days. Also, animal blood doesn’t work, it has to be vampire or human blood.”

“Oh, so Brant will have no choice but to go back to her?” The thought of him with the full-of-it brunette stung still. It was just so unimaginable to her how she could so quickly feel attached to him, in a way that made her feel so much animosity towards the other woman. Confused, she tossed around the idea of leaving again. After all, there had to be another way to save the vampire race. She couldn’t be the only answer for them. Maybe there was a way for Brant to choose again? The idea hurt so badly, that she knew it was pointless to continue these thoughts. Just thinking about it hurt like a paper cut to the eye ball.

“He won’t drink from you?” Stephany sounded surprised.

“No, he says it’s too risky, that I would be in danger.”

The blonde remained silent for a time. She seemed to be contemplating something.

“What?” It stung that the Stephany didn’t want to confide in her any more, although she couldn’t blame her.

She pursed her lips, turning her sea blue eyes on Tanya. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. He will have to drink from you sooner or later. Be patient and do not let Alexandra get to you. She can be a bitch.”

Tanya laughed, feeling a ton better.

“By the way, we’re going out this evening,” Stephany winked. “Brant wants his people to see the future queen. I’m sure he wants to show you off. I’ll come back later to help you get ready.”

Tanya smiled back. Even though she knew it was pointless, her mind turned back to thoughts of escape again. If they were going to town, then there might be an opportunity. The real problem was that if the time came, she wasn’t sure she could really do it.

 

****

 

Stephany’s dress glittered under the street light. “Please remember, our drinks are pretty much neat alcohol. Be sure to ask the bartender for something human.”

She gasped, “Are you telling me that we’re going to a vampire club?”

Stephany laughed, “Of course silly. Very few humans have been permitted to cross the threshold. It’s Brant’s club. Aorta does extremely well, even members of Zane’s coven sneak in on a regular basis.”

“Doesn’t it cause trouble? Fights I mean.”

“Nah. Nowadays the beef mainly exists between the kings. They seem to think the hatred between each other is just as bad between the covens. In reality, we get along just fine with more than our fair share of cross matings.” Tiny diamonds twinkled at the vampire’s ears.

“Cross mating huh? I’ll bet.” She could just imagine. “What happened to cause the original feud?”

Stephany’s eyes narrowed. “Oh no. Brant can tell you but make sure you catch him in a good mood. He hates to talk about Zane on the best of days.”

Zane, an image of the ultra sexy, extra mean vampire came to mind. Dark, haunting eyes. Broad, muscled shoulders. Meaty thighs encased in soft leather.  Her heart shouldn’t beat faster, but it did. He scared her shitless. So it was a perfectly normal reaction. Right?

A long crimson rug stretched out from an abnormally high door. There was a queue halfway down the block. Mostly comprising of skimpily dressed women. Tanya looked down at her own attire. Stephany had been quite the busy bee. While Tanya had an afternoon nap, Stephany had gone shopping on her behalf.

She’d picked up many outfits, from sundresses to cocktail gowns and everything in-between. There had even been a few sets of sexy lingerie, and in all the right sizes.

This dress must have cost more than everything in her own closet combined. The black fabric fit her like it had been tailored to her frame. Normally she would never have had the guts to attempt to pull off something so daring, but Stephany had assured her that it looked perfect. The neckline dipped low in a scoop that accentuated her breasts. The figure hugging fabric topped mid-thigh. At least she had decent legs and the dress sufficiently hid her curvy hips and thighs. High stiletto heels completed the outfit. Due to her height, Tanya had never wore heels and had to grip Stephany’s arm for support. She had to admit though that they looked really good on her. Making her legs look longer and leaner than they really were.

Large golden hoops hung from her ears. They were heavy. Tanya was beginning to suspect that they were real. She’d have to be extra careful with them. She wouldn’t have worn them if they hadn’t looked so darned good on her. 

The nostrils flared on the big…vampire at the door as they approached.

He inclined his head, “Stephany.”

“York.” They kissed cheeks.

His gaze settled firmly on Tanya and he visibly sniffed. “I take it this is her. The chosen human.” 

“Yup,” Stephany answered.

His nostrils flared again, “Sweet.” He winked at Tanya and unclipped the rope. Complaints erupted from behind them. The big guy growled a warning and they quietened down.

They moved down a long dark corridor. “Please tell me that was slang and he thinks I’m a nice human.”

Stephany laughed. “He was referring to the way you smell.”

“Thought it was a bit strange, but I’m not wearing any perfume.”

“No, silly. Your scent.”

This whole scent thing was starting to get to her.

Stephany whispered in her ear, “Mates choose each other in many ways, scent being one of them.”

Oh happy days, something she actually knew about. “Brant told me.”

“Yeah, well humans smell…good to us vampires. Like I said earlier, it is normally forbidden to mingle with your kind. You’ll be…attractive to our species.”

“What?” Tanya stumbled and Stephany caught her by the elbow. The blonde led her into a quiet corner.

“Relax. Scent is just one part of it. Granted it’s a major part.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s not like everyone will want to mate you, but they might want to sample you.”

“Sample as in…”

Stephany flashed her fangs.

Tanya felt her blood drain from her face. It was probably trying to run away, sensing the impending danger. “Well they can’t.”

Stephany laughed again, this time she threw her head back in an all-out sides heaving chuckle. The vampire finally managed to pull herself together. “They wouldn’t dare. You are the chosen. Brant would skin them alive. You are his.”

“Hardly.”

“He considers you his even if you don’t. Stay close, we still shouldn’t take any chances.”

The place was packed. Tall, lithe women and big, hard looking men being common place. There was a large glass vat behind the bar. It looked like it had been filled with tomato juice but Tanya knew better. Bloody Marys in a place like this took on a whole new meaning.

The tiles shone like polished crystal. Everything was stainless steel, glass. Big sparkling mirrors on all the walls. The whole club had been put together in clean, elegant lines. The music was a transient beat and not as loud as what would normally be expected in a club like this. Not that she’d ever been in a club quite like this one.

Tanya tried not to notice how people…vampires had started to stare, most in fascination but some in hostility. It was mostly the females whose eyes narrowed, whose fangs flashed in annoyance. Ex bed mates of their king maybe?  

Tanya tried not to think about it. She scanned the crowd seeing Brant on the far side of the room. He dominated a balcony area that overlooked the dance floor.

Hordes of giant sized bugs crawled over her skin as she spotted the woman with him.

Alexandra whispered something in his ear. Her hand clasped the bicep closest to her. She wore an impossibly small white dress that show cased her athletic body to perfection. The light stretchy fabric contrasting perfectly with her dark hair and eyes. Brant laughed and the bugs crawled faster. Damn it, she didn’t want this to affect her. She didn’t want to care. In a couple of days he would take blood from the sexy brunette again and she was helpless to stop it. She didn’t know why she even cared, seeing how she was still toying with the idea of escaping and leaving him behind.

“Let’s go get a drink.”

“Brant will be looking for you,” Stephany motioned in his direction.

“I don’t think so. If he is, he can wait.”

“Don’t let her get to you. You also need to remember that Brant has several in his circle that he considers friends. Alexandra is one.”

“Friends with benefits,” Tanya mumbled.

Alexandra whispered something, she pushed her body firmly against the impressive king. As she did this, her eyes locked with Tanya’s. They gleamed in a self-satisfied fashion, it felt like shards of glass were trying to push their way through her veins.

“Jealousy doesn’t look good on you. Men regardless of species do not like clingy, whiny women.”

“I don’t want to even be here, but based on what you’ve told me I don’t really have any choice. I’m supposed to mate and make babies soon, yet I’m also supposed to just accept that another woman is all over him like a bad rash. He can drink from her and I mustn’t show my jealousy or react in any way?”

“Are you done?”

Tanya felt her cheeks heat.

“You need to fight fire with fire as the saying goes. You are a smart human. Use your brain.” Stephany smiled deviously and linked her arm with Tanya’s. “About that drink.”

Tanya squeezed the other woman’s arm. She was grateful for the advice even though she didn’t really know what to do with it. As much as she knew she was being silly, she just couldn’t help it.

Tanya gasped. As she got closer, she noticed that the bar looked like it had been sculpted out of ice. She touched its smooth surface realizing it was glass.

Stephany ordered. The bartender went to work and within minutes he placed a pink cocktail in front of her.

“Right. Drink that and make sure you keep your cool. I expect that Brant—”

A really good looking man stepped into their personal space and interrupted, “Who’s the human?”

He spoke to Stephany but kept his crystalline, blue eyes on her. Dark hair, six o’clock shadow. Enough to have the most iron willed virgins clutching at their panties.

“Brant’s chosen so I suggest you back off.”

“Interesting,” he turned his eyes on her, nostrils flaring.

“Hi,” she croaked. Her hand going to the fluttering pulse at her neck. A normal reaction since his gaze had dropped there.

“What’s your name?” he purred.

“Get lost.” Stephany took a step towards them using her body to partially shield Tanya from him.

“It’s a reasonable question. The human will soon mate with the king of this little coven.”

“I would suggest—”

“I’m Tanya.” She put her hand out and he took it. Stephany took a step to the side. His eyes flashed for a second as their hands touched. So quick she almost thought she’d imagined it. Her arm extended as he brought her palm to his lips, lingering longer than what was necessary.

A familiar, feminine laugh snared her attention. It was Alexandra. Somewhere between them arriving at the bar and ordering their drinks, Brant had approached with the annoying vampire in tow. They had stopped ten or so feet away, huddled together in animated conversation.

Alexandra’s dress was even shorter up close. If she so much as sneezed then her girly bits would pop out. Although, with a tight body like that, they would more than likely gracefully slide into view.

The bitch.

Brant noticed her looking and threw her a half smile. He leaned back against the railing behind him and crossed his arms across his massive chest. Dressed in all black, he looked all the more dangerous, and so damned attractive.

Bastard. It irked her that he didn’t come over to greet her.

“I’m Reece.” The vampire in front of her had a deep voice, it made Tanya realize that her hand was still in his, so she snatched it away. He smiled in a way that should’ve had her legs turning to jello. Probably would’ve, if she’d never met Brant.

“Good to meet you, Tanya. I’m surprised you’re still unmated.” Reece cocked his head. “I happen to really enjoy strawberries.”

“Healthy choice.” Tanya risked a glance in Brant’s direction. Alexandra had plastered herself to his side, but his eyes were still fixed on her. The brunette whispered something in his ear but he didn’t react.

“…and cream.”

She looked back at Reece. Tanya wasn’t sure whether Brant minded her talking to another man or not. He didn’t seem to, which irritated her even more. Either way though, she needed to take Stephany’s advice and not react to Alexandra. The best way to do that would be to attempt to maintain at least the semblance of a normal conversation. “Cream is less healthy but quite delicious.”

“Sumptuous. Oh so very tempting.” He took another step towards her. So close that his body was mere inches from hers.

Tanya tried to step back but with the chunk of glass behind her there was nowhere to go.

“You are after all unmated.”

“So you keep saying.”

Stephany tried to step closer but Reece beat her to it by taking another half step which placed him almost against her. Her neck hurt as she craned to keep eye contact. This time there was no denying it, his eyes were glowing. Bright, glacier blue. They were electric, mesmerizing.

“I don’t think…” Tanya wanted to ask him to move away.

“Nonsense,” Reece said.

Was it her imagination or were his fangs way longer than they had been seconds ago? He clasped her hand.

“Please give me some space.” She had a bad feeling about this, but she didn’t want to cause a scene.

Reece pulled her hand up, his eyes landing on the blue veins on the inside of her wrist. He inhaled deeply. Tanya tried to remove her hand from his firm grasp but to no avail.

“Never had a human before. Just one little, itsy, bitsy…” his fangs flashed.

“No.” She should be screaming. Fighting. Something. Yet all she could manage to do was to whisper that one little word.

“It would be best if you crawled back to your side of the fence,” Stephany whispered. “Stop now before this gets ugly.”

Reece ignored Stephany, he pulled her hand closer turning her arm so that the underside of her wrist was more exposed.

“Let her go,” soft spoken, yet with deadly intent. “Now,” a growl.

Tanya could recognize his voice anywhere.

“She is not mated,” Reece kept his eyes on her as he spoke.

Brant laughed. The sound sent shivers of icy fear up her spine. “Are you saying you wish to fight me for her?”

Reece turned to face Brant. Tanya let out a pent up sigh.

“I…” he paused to consider his answer. In a flash, Brant was at her side, there was a god awful scream together with a cracking sound. Reece flew back several feet landing on his back.

“You touch her again and you die. Am I clear?”

Tanya gasped. Reece’s hand was at a right angle to his arm, broken below the wrist. He cradled the mangled extremity and nodded.

“I’m sure you’re feeling proud of yourself,” Alexandra hissed. “Feeling full of it.” She spoke directly into her ear. Tanya felt too shell shocked to respond. “Two big vampires fighting over a little human.”

Tanya did her best to ignore her. Even though a feeling of uneasiness weighed like a rock in the pit of her stomach.

“Well…let me bring you down a wrung or two. You interrupted us earlier.” A pause. “Brant had only just started to feed. He’ll need me again before the night is out.”

“Get out of my face.” Using one hand, Tanya shoved the brunette away.

Alexandra laughed, the sound twisted Tanya’s gut.

Brant spoke with York. He gestured at the downed vampire and then at the door when he turned to her, his eyes were blazing. Two quick strides and he was at her side. “What were you thinking?”

“It happened so quickly.”

“Until we are mated, anyone can challenge me to drink from you. To fuck you.”

The air lodged in her throat. Maybe because an icy fist had surrounded her air pipe. “What?” She managed to choke out.

“You heard me.”

“No one would, right? I mean surely…you’re the king.” She was shaking.

“You’re such a temptation.” As he spoke, his nostrils flared. Her heart rate picked up and his eyes dropped to the fluttering at the base of her neck. She so needed to buy herself a turtle neck or a scarf maybe.

“Stop that,” Brant growled.

“What?”

“Calm down. You smell fantastic and this is heightened when your heart beat speeds up. In case you didn’t notice, we’re in a room full of vampires.” His voice a low vibration.

Shit. Shit. Surprisingly, Tanya still held a mostly full cocktail. She downed the liquid in one quick motion, placing the glass on the bar. “How do we fix this?”

“The only way to fix this would be for me to mate with you.”

“Oh,” Tanya fought to keep her breathing even. “No way.”

“Look, even if you were, by some miracle, to agree I still wouldn’t mate you.” His eyes had narrowed. His dark lashes touched.

“Why not?” The words were out before she could stop them and she mentally kicked herself. Had the whole Reece thing put him off her? Surely not. It wasn’t like it was her fault or anything.

“Do you know how vampires…mate?” He ran a hand through his hair.

“Sex.”

Brant ground his teeth. Every muscle hardened. “Not just sex,” he paused. “I would need to drink from you at the same time.”

“I thought that was a myth.”

Brant shook his head. “You saw how that vampire reacted to you?”

Tanya nodded.

“He had to have known I was watching.”

“You never know, you were over there”—she gestured to where he had been standing—“and it’s busy, maybe…”

“He’s a vampire, he knew yet he came after you anyway.”

“Which means what exactly?”

He sighed. “Two things and neither are particularly pretty. Firstly, you’re too appealing to go anywhere without me. At least until we’re mated.”

“Wait just a—”

“Look, it’s up to you. Would you like to become an all you can eat buffet? If so, then be my guest.” His eyes had turned an impenetrable black.

Not trusting her voice, she shook her head.

“Good choice.”

Not really much of a choice. What Tanya really wanted was to go home, but since she knew there was no chance of that happening she kept the thought to herself.

“I also can’t mate you right now because I don’t trust myself. I’m…”

Stephany arrived with another little pink cocktail. “I thought you could use this.” She handed the drink to Tanya and a glass of the red stuff to Brant. Keeping a glass of the stuff for herself.

“Is that…?” Tanya gestured to Stephany’s glass.

Stephany nodded, “With vodka, my favorite.” She winked and took a long drink.

Tanya’s stomach lurched and she must’ve made a face.

“Just wait until you’re a mated woman. Then you’ll sing a different tune.”

“Excuse me?” She shook her head.

Stephany swayed to the beat. “Some humans develop a taste for blood after they’re mated and I’m willing to bet big money that you’re one of them.”

“Not happening.” No way in hell.

“Want to take a little bet?” She raised her eyebrows.

Tanya shrugged. She had nothing to lose since there was no way in heaven or hell she would ever drink someone’s blood. Just the thought had her feeling faint.

“Sure thing.”

Stephany held her gaze for a few moments. “I don’t know you well enough yet to discuss terms. You agree that terms are to be decided and agreed at a later stage?”

“Don’t do it,” Brant looked amused. “She always wins.”

“She won’t win this.”

He shrugged as if to say do this at your own peril.

“Fine, but we both have to agree to the terms.”

“Not so sure of yourself then? Sip?” Stephany raised her brows and held out the frosted glass to Tanya. The ice chinked.

Tanya looked down at the beverage for a few moments. “Fine. You get to decide the terms. I’m never drinking that stuff.”

Brant chuckled. “Pregnancy doesn’t count.”

“You love spoiling my fun.” Stephany mock punched Brant on the arm. “Fine,” she sighed. “Pregnancy doesn’t count. I’ll let you know the terms.”

“I feel sorry for you.” Brant looked Tanya’s way. His eyes lingered on her lips. He put his hand on the side of her arm and stroked her. “Stephany is never kind when it comes to bets.”

Her flesh heated at the contact. Shivers raced up her spine. She had to work not to lean into the touch. Her mind fogged over, yet something nagged at her. “What’s that about drinking blood during pregnancy?”

Stephany’s eyes sparkled. “All humans drink blood while they are with child. The thirst will begin even before we will be able to scent the changes to your body.”

“About that,” Tanya whispered.

Brant slid his arm around her waist and onto the small of her back. He stepped towards her, his heat and scent engulfed her. Almost making her forget what it was that she wanted to say. Almost.

“This whole mating thing, as well as the whole making babies thing. It’s not going to work for me. I need to get home.”

“Do you need to see your family?” Brant kept his arm firmly around her, his voice was filled with concern. “I would never keep you from your loved ones.”

That familiar feeling of emptiness returned like a slap across the face. “No,” she said sounding a little too sharp so she added, “Well, I would need to visit my aunt at some point but there’s no rush. There’s also my best friend, but also no rush on that one either.”

“Are you mated to another?” he asked in a low growl that had her panties turning wet and her heart pounding with fear all at once.

“No.”

“What is it then?”

“Tell Brant, I’m sure he can help you.” She’d totally forgotten that the female vampire was still with them. In some ways it felt weird that she was listening to their private conversation, yet it also felt somehow natural.

“My parents died when I was sixteen.”

Brant made a growling noise. His eyes were angry. “I’m sorry you had such a thing happen to you.” His hand stroked her arm. His eyes urged her to continue.

“I lived with my aunt until I was eighteen and have made it on my own ever since. At twenty one I received a small inheritance. I used the money to buy a book store. Every minute the store is closed I risk losing it. It hasn’t been doing so well lately.”

“Leave it with me. Don’t let it worry you.” His voice had the ability to calm her, yet she pushed away at its comforting effect.

“You don’t understand…the store is all I have—”

“Listen to Brant. He will take care of it.” Stephany’s eyebrows were raised, her beautiful blue eyes earnest.

“It’s not just that. I didn’t ask for this. I’m still not sure about this whole mating thing. I’m not ready to be a mother and I definitely don’t want to die.” It all came gushing out. This was so the wrong place, but she couldn’t help it. “Now you tell me I’m some sort of forbidden fruit to other vampires until we seal the deal. It’s damned if I do and damned if I don’t.”

“Is the thought of mating me so bad to you?”

Tanya hated that sad look that clouded his face.

“It’s not that.”

“Brant would rather die than hurt you. The coven would prefer that you start having heirs immediately, but it can wait…not too long, but it can wait.” Stephany clasped her wrist.

“I don’t think I can do it. Please just let me go home.”

“We will mate, Tanya.” His voice was soft but the words were delivered with determination. “I have given you a choice as to when it will happen, but there is no choice as to whether or not it will happen. Am I clear?” He probably didn’t realize that he had pulled her flush against his body. Her breasts flattened against his chest. Her hands were on his broad shoulders.

She nodded, not trusting her voice.

“I will have you.” His eyes burned. Hungry. Hooded with desire.

“You don’t have a choice.” Stephany’s voice seemed to make him snap out of it and he released her, turning her so that her back was against him. “Your desire to mate will grow with each passing day. You need Brant just as he needs you. Trust that you are meant to be together. Don’t think on human terms. Humans need time to court before they find their mates. It is unnecessary with vampires. Brant would’ve known the moment he laid his senses on you.”

“So I really don’t have a choice?” The silly thing was, if Brant had approached her in a club she would’ve been all over him like white on rice. Not like she was a slut or anything, but heck Brant was just so utterly male…so yummy he had her mouth watering for a taste.

“No choice,” he whispered in her ear. His hot breath doing strange things to her insides. Part of her hated the fact that he had that effect on her, while the other part reveled in it.

“I need you to take Tanya home safely. Xavier will accompany you,” Brant said to Stephany.

Her eyes narrowed. “You have such little faith in yourself. You were just a boy dammit. When are you going to forgive yourself?”

“Leave it alone. I know what I’m doing.”

Tanya twisted her head to catch a look of Brant’s face. His eyes were narrowed at Stephany. Whatever had gotten the female vamp so upset could not be good.

“I highly doubt that. I don’t blame the human for her lack of faith in you.” Stephany ran a hand through her hair.

Brant released his hold on her. “I need to have a quick chat with Stephany.” He spoke through clenched teeth, his eyes never leaving the vampire.

Before she could argue or even pull in a breath, they were on the other side of the bar in a heated argument. Stephany gestured wildly.

Another much less welcome voice whispered into her ear. “He’s staying so that he can drink from me.”

So not letting her get to me.

“I orgasm every time he sinks those perfect fangs into me,” Alexandra purred. “I just can’t help it.”

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Brant was mine before you came along. He’ll always be mine.” Her eyes blazed. “You’re nothing more than a pet to him. One he can fill with his young. A baby making pet. Once he’s had you enough times, filled you with his seed, he’ll come running back to this.” She cocked her hip and pushed out her perfect bite sized breasts.

“I’m about to become his mate which is more than you’ll ever be.” Tanya knew she shouldn’t sink to this female’s level, but she couldn’t help herself.

Alexandra put manicured nails onto her waist. Her eyes narrowed to hard slits. “Listen up human.” She spat the word like it tasted bad. “Have you looked in the mirror lately?” She pulled a face and wriggled her pert nose in disgust. “You were chosen because of your…build. Perfect for incubating heirs. Just look at those wide hips and overly large mammary glands.”

Tanya felt like sucking in her tummy even more than she already was, and unfortunately she couldn’t help but to wrap her arms across her chest. Alexandra’s eyes gleamed and a wide self-satisfied smile slowly took residence on her face.

“He will drink from me and there is nothing you can do to stop it.”

Tanya willed herself to drop her arms, to square her shoulders and to take a step towards the vampire. “I will be his mate and bear his heirs, which is better than being a blinged up sippy cup. All you are to Brant is a quick fast food meal.”

Alexandra made an incredulous sound and quick as a flash had closed the space between them, hand raised.

“Touch her and die.” Brant’s voice had ice filling her veins even though she knew the animosity wasn’t directed at her. “You no longer work for me and have until the end of the week to move out.”

“Brant, I wouldn’t have struck her. She—”

“Was simply stating the facts. You seem to have forgotten your place.”

“It won’t happen again.” Her eyes were wide…pleading.

“You’re right it won’t.” His warm hand clasped Tanya’s and they made for the exit. Xavier and York flanked them. It wasn’t easy keeping up with his long strides. She wobbled a few times on her stilettos. Brant wrapped his arm around her waist and tucked her into the crook of his arm, practically carrying her.

The moment they were in the back of his vehicle he turned his full attention on her.