Brant looked him up and down. “You’re a cocky bastard,” he growled before grinning. “I like that.” Then he looked thoughtful for a moment. “Xavier mentioned that you have wanted a human female and a family of your own. That this has been a dream of yours for a very long time.” His whole expression softened, which was strange to York. His king was never emotional or sentimental. “It’s wonderful…having a son is better than I ever thought it would be. Are you sure that you are willing to risk that? Human females are…” If his expression was soft before, it was positively gooey now and York was tempted to ask his king to stop. He looked just plain freaky with that expression on his face. “My little human is the best. They are full of nonsense, but it will only adds to their appeal. Their scent is out of this world. Right now, you are guaranteed a place. I don’t think I would risk it.”
“Like I said before, there is no risk.” Even now, York felt the adrenaline surge through his body at the thought of a fight. He felt his muscles bunch beneath his skin in preparation. Grinding his teeth, he slammed his fist into his open hand.
“Be my guest but know that should you lose, you forfeit your place.” Brant’s eyes darkened.
“I understand, my lord.” York dipped his head as a show of respect and thanks. He then made his way to where the action was.
The crowds were thick. A male fell to the left of him, his lip split open and his eyes swollen shut, yet he still clawed his way to his feet only to be slammed back down again. York kept on walking, his gaze fixed on the largest of the elite males.
“I thought you had decided that being a pussy was more your style.” Lazarus said, his eyes glinted with humor.
“I eat pussy.” York growled, looking down at his chest and arms. “Nope…no pussy here.”
Lazarus grinned. “I was starting to get disappointed there for a second. My biggest competition, sidelined by choice.”
He and Lazarus were neck and neck for top position in the elite team. They were both big motherfuckers with Lazarus having a few more pounds on him. Where Lazarus beat him in bulk though, he won out on in speed and agility. It just depended on which direction the wind blew as to which one of them would win a sparring bout on any given day.
Sparring was one thing, York looked forward to an actual no-holds-barred fight with his nemesis. He removed his shirt, making his intentions clear.
Lazarus leaned back against the wall behind him. “You would have one up on me though since this would be my second round in less than five minutes.”
York choked out a laugh. “Are you talking about when you punched that poor schmuck a handful of times in the face before he fell down? It must’ve tired you out something fierce.”
Lazarus’ lip twitched. “I’m exhausted.”
“Hang ten while I take one of the others down. Take a little breather, old man”—York winked at Lazarus, whose smile died—“because I’m coming for you.”
“I’m ready for you now,” Lazarus growled.
“I insist, wouldn’t want to say I had the unfair advantage. I have to say that you really are looking a little tired. Should I call a healer?” Fuck, he loved this shit. Loved the way the other male’s face clouded in anger as he charged at York. It was another small advantage he had over the male, Lazarus had a temper that got away from him sometimes. Made him do stupid things.
This blind charge was one of those dumb things. York sprang out of the way at the last moment and kneed Lazarus in the head, using the other male’s momentum against him. The male dropped like a stone, hitting the ground with a loud crash.
York didn’t wait for him to recover, he kicked him hard in the midsection twice hearing a rib crack. Now that he had the upper hand, he took a step back allowing his opponent to get back on his feet. Every single breath would be like a stab to the chest and his head had to hurt like a bitch.
He noticed that Lazarus was in fact taking shallow breaths, that his face had paled significantly. It took a little longer for bone to regenerate. Even so, York knew he didn’t have much time.
“You’re a dick.” Lazarus spat a mouthful of blood on the ground at his feet.
“I told you to watch that temper of yours.” York threw him a wide grin which he knew would piss the male off.
Lazarus’ dark eyes turned stormy as he attacked, throwing a wide right hook that missed by a mile. With precision and focus, York landed two, tight punches to his solar plexus. The air left Lazarus’ lungs in a whoosh and his eyes widened.
It didn’t stop him from head-butting York in the face though. Pain exploded in his nose and his throat filled with blood. Served him right for momentarily underestimating his opponent. It was time to end this.
York took two steps back as he steadied himself before launching himself at Lazarus with a double kick, first to the chest and then to the head. There was another snap, probably the same bone re-breaking. It had the desired effect. Lazarus grabbed ahold of his chest, groaning as he fell back. His nose was a flattened mess.
“Stay down,” York growled.
“Fuck you!” Lazarus shouted as he staggered back up right.
York kicked the male again, this time going easy on him. “Lie down. You’ll make the program easy. I’ve won this round. You need to concede.”
He shook his head in disbelief as Lazarus once again got back up onto unstable legs. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” York growled under his breath. Using every last bit of strength he had in him, he kicked the male so hard that there was a loud crack as his neck snapped.
This time when he fell, there was no trying to get up. Lazarus would wake up in the morning with a bitch of a headache.
York motioned for one of the healers to come and assist.
“Ruthless. I like that,” a familiar voice said from behind him. When he turned, Brant was smiling. “Think you’re right, you’ll definitely make the program on your own steam.”
“Should’ve stayed down.” York shook his head. Breaking his neck had been the quickest way to put him down without doing too much damage in the process. He could’ve pummeled his face and broken a multitude of bones in his body, thereby choosing the path of quickest healing with the least pain. Lazarus was a fine warrior and would understand though. He would be fighting fit in the morning and there was no doubt in his mind that the male would pick up one of the spots.
“You did what you had to do.” Brant could be a cruel fucker. That was for sure. “Now, all you have to do is get through the trials. Human females taste so sweet. They’re impossible to resist. We’re predicting that at least two of the ten males that qualify will have bloodlust.”
There was no fucking way that he had gotten this far only to not make the breeding program because of bloodlust. Thing was, it really did exist. Vampires that were affected with the affliction were a major danger to humans. Could not be trusted anywhere near them.
The trial period was designed in such a way that the top ten would drink from specially selected human females. Those that were unable to stop would be forcibly removed from the females and expelled from the program.
His throat tightened and his muscles bunched. Then he shook off the emotion. He was tough and had strong willpower. There was no way in hell that he had bloodlust. He refused to believe it. In just a few short days he would prove it.
Chapter 3
Her back felt like it was breaking. Her arm felt like it was being stretched and pulled out of its socket.
Although she had one of those pulley bags, the wheels had long since seized so she had to carry it instead of being able to drag it. This type of bag was not exactly designed for carrying.
“I can’t believe it’s an honest to god castle,” the woman next to her gushed.
“Crazy, I can’t believe we’re here.” Another bounced up and down. She at least had a tidy rucksack on her back, which made such a movement doable.
“This way ladies.” A tall, really beautiful woman motioned for them to continue following. She’d introduced he
rself as Allison. Her skin was porcelain and her lips were so red and lush that Cassidy struggled to take her eyes off of them. She wasn’t into women, but this woman almost had her second-guessing that decision. They walked for several minutes until they reached what looked like a back entrance to the castle. “Before we go any further, I just need to verbally confirm with each of you that you attended the training and signed off on your records.”
Everyone nodded, acknowledging that they had.
Allison’s mouth curved into a perfect smile. “Great stuff.” She made a note in a book that she was carrying. “Lastly, I need to confirm that you’ve all initialed every page and signed the contract.”
Again, all four of them nodded their heads.
“Are we really in that much danger?” One of the women asked, Cassidy couldn’t remember her or any of the other ladies’ names. She’d just been far too nervous when they had been introduced to one another not ten minutes ago. Crossing and uncrossing her arms, she realized that she still was.
“One of the clauses exempted the vampires from prosecution should one of us be injured.” She chewed her gum as she spoke. “Should we be afraid? Are there precautions we can take?”
Allison raised her eyebrows. “Did you pay attention at the training session?”
“Yes, I did. It just became a lot more real now that I’m actually here though.” She looked around them for a second or two before her eyes settled back on Allison. “Bloodlust, this whole drinking thing…quite frankly, I’m a little nervous now.” Her eyes were wide and her brows were raised, she even stopped chewing for a second.
Taking a deep breath, Allison put a reassuring hand on the woman’s arm. “You are right to be nervous. There is risk involved…”
Cassidy felt her heart rate increase and her mouth go dry. Two of the girls gasped loudly including the one asking all the questions.
Allison smiled warmly, looking at each one of them in turn. “We have taken every precaution. There are closed circuit televisions in every room and three guards posted just outside the door. If there is any doubt at all, even the smallest amount, they will be at your side in a second.”
This seemed to sufficiently reassure another of the women, she looked to be the youngest and she broke out into a wide grin. “Is it true that we might orgasm”—she giggled, running a hand through her shoulder length hair—“while the guys drink from us? Does it really feel that good? Surely it can’t be that good?”
Allison picked some lint off of her jacket, smoothing down the garment when she was done. “Yes, you will become highly aroused. All human females are greatly affected. If you are attracted to the male that is drinking from you, it heightens the experience.” Again, the woman turned her big doe like eyes on each of them. “It is nothing to be ashamed of. As you know, our males are not permitted to have sexual relations with you but they can ease you if you so wish.”
Ease. What the hell did that mean? Unfortunately, she could guess.
“They can ease us?” It was the blond woman chewing gum that spoke, she didn’t look too impressed. “As in put their hands on us?”
Allison nodded curtly. “It is entirely up to you. Whatever you do though, do not try and entice them into having sex. It will get them booted from the program, and both you and the male in a world of trouble. We have strict rules in place to protect you. Please remember this at all times. It was in the contract that you all have signed.”
“I’m not interested in having sex with anyone.” Blondie popped her gum. “I doubt I’ll become aroused. I mean really.” She huffed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
The youngest woman sucked in a deep breath, her grin still firmly plastered on her face. “I think vampires are so hunky. My dad would kill me if I ever mated one…” She looked disappointed. “It’s why I’m here for the trials and not for the actual breeding program. At least I will get to experience sort of being with one. What my dad doesn’t know won’t kill him.” She looked to be in her early twenties. “I need enough money to leave home as well. I want my own place and waiting tables isn’t going to get me there.”
“I’m sure you will succeed.” Allison looked pointedly at the young girl before lifting her eyes back to the group. “It is a known fact that human females find vampire males attractive. You will become aroused whether you like it or not. It’s something that you will need to come to terms with before tomorrow.” The vampire woman delivered the statement in such a matter-of-fact manner that Cassidy believed her. Of course, she had heard this during the training but dismissed it outright as over exaggeration. Now she wasn’t so sure. It scared the hell out of her. The last thing she wanted was to become aroused in front of a total stranger…how embarrassing. Her only consolation was that, they had been informed that drinking would be over in less than half a minute. Not so long.
Blondie shook her head, popping her gum noisily. “They are not touching me and I am sure as hell not going to become aroused in any way whatsoever and that’s final.”
Allison nodded, clearly not buying a single word the other woman was saying. “Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.” They walked through the door, down the hallway and up a long flight of stairs. Then down another even longer hallway that led to another door. It led to an outside foyer. There was a building up ahead. It looked like a French province style boutique hotel. Her arm was aching by the time they made it down the long path that led to the doors. She could see big hulking figures posted just outside of it. More of said large figures stalked around the building perimeter. They were dressed all in black.
Cassidy’s jaw dropped and she was at an utter loss for words for the second time in so many days. As they drew closer, she noticed that the men were the biggest, buffest, most badass specimens she had ever laid her eyes on.
Their heads turned towards them as they walked up. The closest guy winked at them. The younger woman giggled.
Allison seemed to sniff the air. Weird. “Now remember, ladies, no sex for the duration of your stay. We wouldn’t want any of our males to lose a penis.” All of the guys’ heads snapped forward. The closest one swallowed thickly, his Adam’s apple working overtime.
“You’re joking right?” The woman that had remained quiet for the duration suddenly piped in.
Allison shook her head. “It would regenerate but it’s a painful process, wouldn’t you agree?” Her attention was on the closest man…um…vampire.
He looked pained for a moment, actually grabbing ahold of his package. Since he was wearing tight leather pants, she could see that it was a mighty large package at that. “Don’t joke around at our expense, Allison. Play nice.”
“No jokes and you all know it. Touch one of these females and you lose your junk. I hope I’ve made myself clear.”
“Crystal,” the closest guy growled. An honest to god growl. Lord help them.
There were grunts and mutterings from the other three, but they all nodded in agreement in the end. “We won’t touch any of the females.” The guy further down the way boomed. “Even if they beg!”
Arrogant much? She kept her thoughts to herself.
“As if,” Blondie said between chews on her gum.
“Well, if you want to keep your balls neatly attached to your body, I suggest you listen. Regardless of the temptation.” By the look in Allison’s eyes, Cassidy could tell that she wasn’t joking.
These vampires didn’t mess around. She and blondie were most definitely on the same page. She wasn’t here to make any friends or to have any kind of sexual contact with a man…make that a vampire, either. It was her turn to swallow thickly. It didn’t matter how phenomenally built and attractive they were. She was here to do a job and to earn a future for herself in the form of cold hard cash. Nothing was going to get in the way of that. Nothing. Sex was seriously overrated anyway and was so the last thing on her mind. Scratch that, it wasn’t on her mind at all.
****
There was a knock a
t her door.
Cassidy pulled a pillow over her head, she looked to the side and glanced at her watch. It was still at least an hour before dinner so that couldn’t be it. The last thing she felt like doing was having to make small talk.
Her door was locked from the inside. With a sigh, she got up off the bed and went to open it.
“Hey.” It was the young girl. “I’m really excited about all of this. Do you mind if I come in?” Her eyes were bright and shining. “I’m Deanne, my friends call me Dee.”
“I’m Cassidy. Come on in.” Maybe a little companionship wouldn’t be so bad after all. The young woman seemed really sweet and her excitement was tangible.
“Do you mind?” Dee gestured to the bed.
“Not at all.” Cassidy couldn’t help but to smile back at her. The young lady had a grin about a mile wide.
Dee made herself comfortable on the bed, tucking her legs underneath her. “How awesome is this place?” She looked around the room with wide eyes.
Cassidy sat down on the edge of the bed. “Yeah, it sure is something.” The room was more like a five star hotel. It was tastefully decorated with no expense spared, from the beautiful artwork on the walls to the plush woolen carpets. There was a silver bowl containing orchids on the corner table. Even the curtains looked like they were made from crushed silk and the finest lace. The furniture was made from proper wood, the heavy expensive stuff. Not the cheap plywood rubbish that she had at home. It was only for a few days, she really didn’t want to get too comfortable.
“My room is just as stunning. Do you also have a corner, Jacuzzi bath as well?”
Cassidy nodded. “Yup.”
“And you haven’t used it yet?” Dee looked her up and down like she was smoking something.
Cassidy shook her head, noticing for the first time how the young woman’s brown hair was a little damp. It had streaks of lighter chestnut when the sun caught the strands.
A Mate for York (The Program Book 1) Page 2
