3#Awakened by the Vampire Prince (Thorn)

by Hartnady, Charlene

  He glanced her way and his eyes swirled with silver. “You are so damned beautiful that it hurts me to look at you.”

  She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, feeling her flesh dent.

  His gaze zoned in on her mouth. “I really want to kiss you right now.” His nostrils flared. “But…we had better keep walking.” He sighed like it was the biggest regret.

  Esral sucked on her bottom lip for a few beats more. “I want to do more than just kiss.” She finally blurted.

  Xavier stumbled but righted himself immediately. “One of these days very soon, I’m going to kiss you from your head right down to your toes and then back again.”

  “More kissing.” She sighed. “Boring.” She pretended to yawn in her hand.

  Xavier growled and chuckled at the same time. The deep, husky sound did strange things to her insides.

  “Once I’ve finished kissing you and have made you cum at least half a dozen times, I will ease myself into your tight…flower.”

  “Flower.” Her own voice sounded a little thick and a lot breathless. “Xavier?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I like it when you say pussy,” she said on a whisper. “It sounds really naughty and makes me feel hot inside. Like I’m burning up.”

  Xavier made a strained noise between clenched teeth. “Your sweet, little pussy. It will be like finally coming home. I will be able to show you how much you mean to me. How much I…” Thankfully he let the sentence die as his eyes turned stormy with determination.

  Her own eyes drifted shut for a half a beat and her breathing turned a little erratic.

  “As much as it will kill me, princess, the first time we make love, I will take you slowly and with infinite care until you beg me to let you cum.”

  She had to stop breathing to hear what he was saying.

  Just before they rounded the last tree that led to her walkway, he stopped walking. Neither of them looked at each other. “When I take you for the second time, I won’t be gentle or soft in any way.” He swallowed thickly, she saw his Adam’s apple bob out of the corner of her eye. “I will plow into your slick heat. It will be quick and hard. It might even hurt just a little but I will make you cum so hard that you may not be able to remember your own name. I will brand you as mine in every way possible. Every part of your body will know me.”

  Her heart sped out of control. She had to clear her throat before she could speak. “I can’t wait.” Her knees felt weak and her inner thighs were dripping wet.

  “Good, because it’s going to happen.” Xavier put his hand to her back reminding her to keep on walking. It was her turn to stumble, he grabbed ahold of her, which prevented her from falling onto her face.

  York’s stormy gaze narrowed on both of them as they turned the bend. His hard eyes moved to where Xavier still clutched her elbow. The grip on her arm tightened for several long seconds before Xavier finally released her.

  A beast of a male stood next to York, who she had always thought of as overly large. Dark, scary eyes moved her way. Other than that, the male looked indifferent.

  “Where have you been? Where is Gideon?” York growled, he pursed his lips for a few beats. Then his nostrils flared and his eyes dipped to her thighs. “I claimed this female.” York snarled, his arms bunching at his sides. “You can’t do this, Xavier.”

  The only indication Xavier gave of his anger was when his eyes darkened. They turned gunmetal gray and cold as steel. “This is Lazarus.” Xavier chose to ignore York and gestured in the direction of the giant vampire.

  The big male dipped his head. “It is a great pleasure to meet you, princess.”

  Esral nodded back having to use every last bit of her resolve to at least seem calm and unaffected. It wasn’t lost on her how York looked at Xavier, how his hands were fisted tightly at his sides.

  “Guard her with your life.” Xavier kept his eyes locked with Lazarus’ for a few beats before turning to face York. “We need to talk,” he growled.

  “I know your take on this and you know mine, there is nothing to discuss,” York bit out.

  A muscle ticked in Xavier’s jaw. “This can go one of two ways.”

  Esral swallowed thickly, feeling her heart rate quicken. “Please,” she whispered. “Don’t hurt him.” It was only then that she realized that she clasped Xavier’s arm. She released him before taking a step back. She managed to somehow drag her eyes from Xavier, they locked with York’s. “I’m so sorry.”

  Some passing elves, sensing the tension, had stopped to listen in on the conversation.

  “This discussion needs to happen.” Xavier’s eyes softened as they landed on her, and he lifted the hand closest to her before realizing what he was doing and shoving it into his pocket. Then he looked back at York. “Hear me out…please.”

  Something in her eased when she realized that Xavier was giving York a choice. He wouldn’t force the male into listening to him.

  At first the big male’s eyes seemed to harden, but then he took a deep breath before nodding once.

  “Call if you need anything.” Xavier glanced Lazarus’ way as he spoke. “The same goes for you, princess.” His eyes landed on her and her heart almost gave up beating. She nodded weakly.

  “Don’t hesitate.” York said, drawing her attention. He gave her a half smile.

  Esral nodded once. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, but thank you… for everything.”

  Xavier took a step towards her, his jaw locked. “I’ll come by later to check in on you.”

  Excitement coursed through her and she nodded. It did make her feel somewhat better knowing that York knew about her and Xavier. She only hoped he would understand the depths of their feelings for one another. York didn’t love her, that much she knew. Though it seemed that she had done a very good job of convincing him that they were a good match. Guilt still churned inside her.

  York growled. How could she blame him? She felt so bad for him. He was such a good male. She so wished that things could be different.

  “After you…” Xavier gestured to the walkway ahead. Esral could see that he was trying to go easy on York, that he too must be feeling guilty about how this was all playing out.

  She turned back to Lazarus who had an amused expression on his face. His nostrils flared but his eyes stayed on hers. The big male shook his head.

  She felt her eyes narrow and her hands automatically clasped her hips. He must’ve caught something in the look she threw him because he threw up his hands and chuckled softly. “It’s none of my business, princess.”

  Esral nodded. “It’s not the way that it looks.”

  “Actually, I think it’s exactly the way it looks. Some unsolicited advice, take care how the two of you look at each other.”

  She felt her brow crease and even began to shake her head.

  “You and Xavier, princess. It’s easy to see from about a mile away that the two of you are mad for one another. It could become a problem considering you have been publicly claimed by another…” He shook his head. “I really hope you can get it sorted out. I overstepped my mark already, I will just stand here and ensure your safety from here on out.”

  “Thank you.” She knew it sounded lame, but didn’t know what else to say. They would need to be more careful.

  Chapter 3

  “I’m really starting to tire of our long walks in the countryside.” York strode ahead of him; he glanced back over his shoulder as he spoke. The male’s muscles were bunched, Xavier could hear his heart rate and ragged breaths and it sure as hell wasn’t from the exertion.

  “You must agree that we needed to have this out with one another. It can’t carry on like this.”

  “You’re right.” York picked up the pace. “You need to stay away from her. How do you think it makes me feel to know you’re fucking around with the female I’m about to mate with? With all due respect, my lord, it needs to fucking stop.”

  “You’re right.” By now they were far enough away from Pulamor

but York kept on walking. Hell, if it made the male feel any better then so be it.

  “So why the fuck are you meeting up with her later then?” York spun around, putting his hard eyes on Xavier. “From her scent this morning and just now, it isn’t to talk with her although I’m sure you’ll use your mouths a whole hell of a damn lot.”

  “You’re right, I shouldn’t be spending time with or touching the female you’re about to mate, but, York, you need to know that I plan on stopping this. If I have anything to do with it, you won’t be mating her.”

  His face contorted with rage and for a second Xavier was sure that York would fly at him. He even braced himself. Xavier would do his best to hold off the male without actually having to hurt him. Maybe this way York could get rid of a bit of his frustration and they could actually have a real conversation.

  Instead, York snarled sounding every bit the warrior he was and punched a nearby tree. Its trunk was thick and yet Xavier still heard a crack.

  Xavier waited patiently as York pummeled the tree a second and a third time. A crack appeared as bark exploded about him.

  Finally, chest heaving, York turned to face Xavier. His hands were a bloody mess. “I claimed her.” He growled, the words barely recognizable. “She is soon to be mine.”

  “Tell me one thing, do you love her?”

  York’s jaw clenched and he mopped a bloody paw across his face leaving a streak of red.

  “Please, York, do you love Esral? Answer me honestly.”

  “What difference does it make? She is a good female. I’m attracted to her and I’m sure that we would be compatible. I will do my damndest to please her.”

  Xavier had to swallow hard as he shoved his hands into his pockets to prevent himself from hitting York. The thought of him or any other male touching his female enraged him.

  “I would treat her right. Take very good care of her and in return she would bear me young. I long to be a father.” It was strange to see the change in such a hardened male. Everything in him softened and his eyes lit up. “I hope to have several children. I want a house filled with the sound of laughter.”

  “Your main reason for wanting to mate the princess is so that you can become a father?”

  He nodded. “I told you that she put up a good argument. It’s not that I would just take any female though. I could see myself caring for the princess greatly and I would hope that she would do the same for me in return. I would do everything for my family.”

  “You have yet to say that you love her, York.” Xavier hated to state the obvious.

  “Love is fucking overrated,” York growled.

  “No, it’s not.” Xavier took a deep breath, scrubbing a hand through his hair and clasping the back of his neck. “Even just a few short days ago, I would’ve agreed with you but I was wrong, York. I was very fucking wrong. Love is everything and once you have experienced it, you will never want to let it go.”

  York shook his head. “Are you telling me that you love her? I know that you lust after her and that you care for her. Maybe even see her as a friend, but love…Xavier, really? You? I don’t believe it.”

  “Well you had better fucking believe it. I love her more than anything, more than my next breath. My life would be meaningless without her and Esral feels the same about me. Do you really want a female that is in love with another male? Don’t you want more than that? Wouldn’t you like to experience love for yourself?”

  Xavier couldn’t help but to smile as he thought of Esral. So soft, sweet and innocent, yet she had a tougher side as well. He loved the way she always put others before herself. Loved that she had no clue as to how beautiful she was. He planned on rectifying that in a big way. By his actions, in his words, and with the way he made deep, passionate love to her.

  York shrugged. “I have never experienced love. I’m not sure I want to. I’ve seen grown males turn in to pussies,” he growled.

  Xavier couldn’t help but to smile. “I’ll gladly call myself a pussy. I love her, York. She is mine and will always be mine. Don’t you want a female you can truly call your own?”

  York’s big shoulders lifted for a second before dropping. He sighed deeply. “I want my own female and I want children, but how?”

  “Look around you. This place is crawling with eligible females. From what I’ve heard, the elves do not have the fertility issues that we do.”

  York chuckled humorlessly. “The elven females may want to rut with us but they are not interested in anything long-term.”

  “What if I told you that we were working on something?” Xavier looked around them, seeing only thick tree trunks for miles around.

  York looked skeptical.

  “A program.” Xavier paused, not sure how much to disclose.

  “What type of program?” By the glint in York’s eyes, he could see that he had struck a chord.

  “What I’m about to tell you is strictly classified. Top fucking secret, so not a word to anyone.”

  York nodded his eyes.

  “This goes no further.” He narrowed his eyes at York. “We’re starting a breeding program.”

  Interest definitely flared in the big male’s eyes and he took a step closer while licking his lips.

  “With humans. I know you have always been interested in having one since I’ve heard you mention it on several occasions.”

  York licked his lips again. “What red blooded vampire male wouldn’t be? They are so sweet, are so lush yet ridiculously tight or so I’ve been told. The fact that they are capable of bearing young is a major bonus.” York looked skeptical. “Humans have always been off limits though. Why the sudden change of heart?”

  “It’s come to our attention that all human females will become stronger once they are mated to a species male. It’s not just royal mates. The wolves have been taking human mates for years with no problem. All of their mates became stronger and have given them young.”

  “Wolves are weaklings in comparison to vampires. What about bloodlust and the risks involved? Don’t get me wrong, I would love a human mate but the female could end up getting hurt or even killed.”

  “All the angles are being covered. It’s still in its early stages, but Brant and Zane are working on rolling out a breeding program where our best males will get to take human mates. We are months away from trials. Right now it’s all being discussed with our lawyers. Contracts are being drawn up, but in the very near future there will be opportunities. What if I could guarantee you a place in the program?”

  York shook his head. “As great as it sounds, it’s not a sure thing. I’ve known our kings to change their minds on a whim. Either of them could overrule you.”

  Xavier shook his head. “The program is a sure thing and I will make it happen for you. I swear it. I’ll discuss it with Brant now, upfront. If he gave you his personal word, would you agree to help Esral and I? To backing the fuck off?” He couldn’t help but to growl.

  When York hesitated, pursing his lips, Xavier felt frustration well. Having York on their side would make things much easier. The longer the male made him wait, the more he wanted to hit him but he held back. Although York had acted with his own interests in mind, there was no doubt that he had some sort of feelings for Esral and that at the end of the day he had been trying to help her. “Please, York. We love each other. She is everything to me. I would be lost without her.”

  “Stop for fucking sakes.” York made a puking noise. “You’re going to make me sick. Set it up with Brant and you have got yourself a deal. Do you want me to go and see Keto? Do I make an announcement or something?”

  Xavier shook his head. “It’s not going to be that easy. The elven folk are expecting a union between the two of you. As far as they’re concerned it’s done. No going back.” He went on to explain the effect it would have on King Katar’s health and on Esral’s reputation as well. He reminded York of how close Esral was with her father and of how she would blame herself for his death if she called off the mating. Even if she was told without a doubt that she wasn’t to blame, his princess would still blame herself.

  “So what?” York’s brow was heavily creased. “You ask me to concede and then tell me that there is pretty much no way out?”

  “I will find a way. I need you, Lazarus and Gideon to help me. I’m hoping that they find a cure for King Katar between now and then.”

  “Don’t hold your breath.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not relying on it. Would be nice to catch a break for a change though.” Xavier squeezed the back of his neck, looking up at the thick canopy above. “Fuck it. When we get back, I’m going to speak with Keto myself.”

  “You’re what?” York smiled. “You must have a death wish.”

  It was as if his blood turned to gasoline and someone had struck a match. “If that fucker so much as lifts his pinky finger, he will…” Xavier meant to say die but there was no way he could kill Esral’s brother. He shook his head before he continued, “…bleed.”

  York smiled. “So you’re just going to march in there and tell him you plan on mating his sister and in so doing, smear the royal reputation, which could end up killing his father?”

  Xavier smiled. “Something like that.” He paused, filling his lungs with air. “It would be nice to see him care for his sister for a change. To actually be on board with doing something that would make her happy. It would be really nice if we could end up seeing eye to eye on this one.”

  “Good luck with that. I think there is more of a chance of me sprouting pink wings and flip-flapping from one tree to the next.”

  “Now that, I would like to see.” Xavier chuckled.

  “Keep dreaming.” York chuckled as well, it was a scary sight. The male was just too big and mean looking to be laughing.

  “How about we get Brant on the line and seal this deal?” Xavier needed things wrapped up. Time was running out fast.

  Chapter 4

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