Mated to the Vampire Kings

by Hartnady, Charlene

“Yeah. Thanks.” Her mate’s gaze moved back to her where he searched her face, his whole demeanor softened. First, he removed her headphones and then he took off his own. “Let’s get you into bed.” A soft rumble that would’ve meant something entirely different yesterday.

  Brant lifted her easily, he jumped gracefully from the chopper, bending his knees to absorb the impact. His strong arms banded around her. And even though the stench of fuel permeated the air, she could still smell his woodsy, manly scent.

  They began their climb. Two guards up front and two at the rear. Brant carried her while the other males carried their luggage. They made quick work of the rough, rocky terrain. Leaping over fallen trees and large boulders. The rocks crunched beneath their boots.

  Although she felt bad that Brant was carrying her, she didn’t try and talk him out of it. He had yet to break a sweat and his breathing was still perfectly normal. It never ceased to amaze her. Although she had grown stronger, she was nowhere near as strong as the vampires. Maybe once she had the baby. Then again, she didn’t have their natural physiques.

  Just thinking along those lines reminded her of how tall and slim the vampire females were. Which in turn made her think of Alexandra.

  Not going there.

  Her arms tightened around Brant and she buried her head into his neck. At least her belly wasn’t feeling as tight any more. Her back also felt okay. Things could be so much worse, she reminded herself.

  Even in midstride, Brant planted a kiss on top of her head. His thumb gently stroked her back. “Nearly there.”

  They moved quicker as the ground leveled out more, bringing the cabin into view. She inhaled sharply. Becky and Ross were standing on the porch. Becky’s eyes widened as she caught sight of the approaching party. Her friend lifted her hand in greeting and a smile grew on her face. Ross put his arm around his mate, he whispered something into her ear. Tanya heard the tinkling sound of her giggle drift down.

  Brant growled. “You would think they were rabbits.”

  Ross’ back stiffened and he took his arm back. Becky narrowed her eyes at Brant and flashed her teeth in a silent warning before quickly slapping a hand across her mouth. Tanya had the same problem, doing something weird like snarling, or baring her teeth like Becky had just done. It wasn’t just the enhanced senses that were different, it was their instinctual reactions and mannerisms that had changed too. Becky and Ross shared a look which ended in Becky shrugging.

  “Leave them alone, they are still newly mated,” she said looking up at her mate.

  Although Brant didn’t say anything, the tension drained out of him and Tanya let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

  “Hey you. How are you doing?” Becky said as they stepped onto the porch.

  “I seriously need to pee.” As in she was bursting…yet again. It was one of the things she definitely wouldn’t miss about pregnancy.

  Becky rolled her eyes. “I’m sure there are plenty of vases inside.”

  “Enough with the vases. Please put me down.” She looked up at Brant who shook his head.

  “Everybody stay here,” he growled. Tanya knew why he was being so cagey. There was no door on the bathroom. In fact, there were no doors in the whole cabin, barring the front and back ones.

  “Idiot male. To think I’m trusting him with the construction team.” Brant muttered, as he kicked the door shut behind them without breaking his stride.

  He put her down right next to the toilet. “I’ll go and prepare the bed.” He gave her a half smile and moved away.

  Once she was done, she flushed and pulled up her pants. Brant was at her side before she could wash her hands.

  “All set?”

  “Give me a sec.” After she washed and dried her hands, he insisted on carrying her to their bed which was now in the middle of the living room.

  Brant must have caught her confused look. “I moved it,” he said. “We can’t have you trying to negotiate those stairs.”

  She turned to the set of steep stairs that led to the loft bedroom. “You’re right.”

  He placed her gently on the bed and removed her sneakers before pulling the covers over her. Long gone were the days of heels and pretty, strappy sandals. Oh well, it would all be worth it in the end. She found herself rubbing her belly as she always did when she thought of the baby.

  Brant moved to the door and opened it. “You can come in now.”

  Becky was first through the door followed by Ross who looked distinctly uncomfortable.

  “Feeling better?” Becky asked.

  Tanya nodded as she fluffed up the pillows behind her.

  Becky moved to the foot of her bed. “I’ve brought everything we could possibly need should you go into early labor and everything for a birth if all else fails.”

  Tanya pulled her bottom lip into her mouth and sucked in a deep breath.

  “Like I said earlier, it’s only precautionary. Aside from the obvious items such as oxygen, I brought the Turbulatine. You need to call if there are any signs of labor and I’ll start you on the drugs immediately. It usually will delay the labor for several days, sometimes staving it off completely. We’ll need to monitor the baby closely should that happen.”

  “Run me through the signs of labor again.” She’d read her pregnancy and delivery book numerous times and had even highlighted the important bits but she suddenly couldn’t remember a darned thing.

  Becky threw her a reassuring smile. “The most important ones…there is a gelatinous plug that seals your cervix, this will dislodge. You will notice this quite literally as a solid plug or piece of a plug. There may be some vaginal discharge usually white, sometimes tinged with blood.” Becky cocked her head. “You look like you’re panicking.”

  Becky was right on the money. She was panicking or having a mild heart attack. Probably both.

  “You’ve already noticed something along those lines, haven’t you?” Becky raised her eyebrows. It might have been Tanya’s imagination but her friend’s voice was a little high pitched.

  Nodding, Tanya swallowed hard. “A few days ago. I didn’t think anything of it.” She clasped a hand to her chest. “There was no blood, just a discharge as you just described.”

  Becky smiled, looking too friendly and far too nice for her liking. It didn’t console her even one little bit. “Relax. It is normal for the plug to come away weeks in advance of the birth. Given that you are already so dilated, it isn’t strange at all…I promise.”

  Okay, so maybe that did calm her, but only a little bit.

  “This is all precautionary…don’t make me keep saying that.” Becky gave her a stern look. “If I really thought you or the baby were in any type of major danger I would insist that you check in to Sweetwater General Hospital.”

  Brant came down on his haunches next to her. He looked worried but quickly schooled his features. “What other signs should we look out for?” Although the question was directed at Becky, he kept his eyes locked with hers giving her the sweetest smile before grabbing ahold of her hand.

  “Crampiness and pain in your groin and lower back.”

  “I had back ache earlier and my stomach felt tight.” Tanya blurted, her words coming out in a rush.

  “It was probably Braxton Hicks contractions which are nothing to be concerned about but if the pain persists or comes and goes increasing in severity, chances are good that you are showing the first signs of labor. If in doubt call me.” She directed this last remark at Brant who nodded.

  “There are other subtle signs to look out for, like if your joints feel more loose than normal…um”—she lifted her eyes in thought and chewed her bottom lip—“diarrhea can also be a sign. Extra tiredness or a burst of sudden energy with the need to clean and organize…you might get none of these things.” She was using her hands in animated gestures.

  “Doesn’t help much then does it?” Brant shook his head.

  “Look…” Her friend’s eyes were on Brant before locking back with h
ers. “If you experience pain that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, the pain can be in your lower back and or in your lower abdomen…call me. If your water breaks or there’s any bleeding…call me immediately. If you have any doubt…call me. With the two charter helicopters on stand-by, I’m ten or fifteen minutes away.” Her eyes were solemn. “Even if it’s a false alarm…just call me. The important thing is that we try and delay the labor. Hopefully, your little one will sit tight for a bit longer all on his own.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Tanya said.

  “It’s a precaution, Tanya. Don’t make me spank you for not listening. Don’t think for one second that pregnancy would save you because I won’t freaking hesitate. It seems like you keep forgetting that.”

  She couldn’t help but to smile as her best friend waggled a finger at her. Which quickly turned into a laugh when Brant growled. Ross pushed his mate behind his back before broadening his stance.

  Way to tamp down on a girl’s humor. Especially when it was in such short supply at the moment.

  “Don’t mind Brant, he’s just feeling a little protective right now, aren’t you, babe?” Tanya knew full well that both he and Zane hated it when she called them that. They were full grown males, not babies. It was her way of telling him to cut it out.

  His jaw clenched but he nodded once before squeezing her hand. “Can I get you something to eat or drink?” He frowned, turning his head to Ross. “You did stock the fridge didn’t you?”

  The male nodded. “Yeah, enough to last a couple of days.”

  Brant turned back to her. Tanya nodded. “A juice would be great.”

  Her mate glanced at Ross and Becky. “Anything for the two of you?” His voice suddenly had a hard edge.

  Ross shook his head but Becky nodded, her curls bounced around her face. “I’ll have whatever you get for Tanya.”

  “And then we need to get going. The chopper is waiting to take us back to town,” Ross said.

  “In that case, don’t worry.” She waved her hand. “Thanks anyway. I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you.” Becky gave her an awkward hug. It must be hard to hug someone when they were lying down. Tanya couldn’t lift herself up that easily with her big belly in the way.

  “Call me if you are concerned about anything whatsoever. For the next couple of weeks, my phone and I go everywhere together.”

  “I’m sorry for the disruption in your life.” Tanya could feel the crease in her brow.

  Her friend smiled and gave a one shouldered shrug. “No worries. I’m used to it. I’m a doctor, any one of my patients could need me.”

  “But I’m your number one priority.” Tanya heard the hitch in her voice. Darned, it had meant to come out light, like a stupid joke.

  “Abso-freaking-lutely, honey, and don’t you forget it. Keep your feet up. Try and stay relaxed and above all…think happy thoughts.” Becky winked. “I love you to bits, my friend.”

  “Who are you?” Tanya pulled a face. “And, what have you done with my obnoxious, bitch of a friend.”

  “Enjoy it while it lasts, you fat cow.” Becky stuck her tongue out.

  “Hey…don’t you dare call me fat.” Tanya choked out a laugh. “I’m freaking pregnant, you skank.”

  “I always call you fat. It’s your freaking boobs, they must weigh at least half a ton”—she grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye—“each.”

  “You’re just freaking jealous.”

  “Don’t you know it?” Becky hugged her again, harder this time.

  “I love you too.” Tanya whispered trying hard not to cry.

  She watched as Ross and Becky left. Brant put a tall glass of OJ on the bedside table closest to her. “I’m afraid there’s no television. I’ll have one flown in by the end of business tomorrow. In the meantime, I have these…” he handed her three paperbacks. They were steamy romance novels judging by the hunky men on the covers. “I had Ross pick them up while he was in town.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled. “That’s really thoughtful.”

  “I aim to please, Cenwein.” His dark eyes bore into her causing a tingle to make its way up her spine. “Let me know if there is anything I can do to make this easier on you.”

  “You being here is all I need.” She tried hard to school her emotions as her mind wandered to thoughts of Zane.

  “He’ll be here tomorrow…by Friday at the latest. You should call him now though.”

  Tanya pulled in a deep breath, which she held in her lungs for a few beats. “I will, I don’t want to bombard him though. I want him to know that I trust him enough not to check up on him so soon.”

  Truth was, she was a big, fat chicken. Too afraid of what his reaction would be. Was he still mad at her? Had he fallen into bed with Alexandra?

  Argh! She wanted to smack herself for the errant thought.

  It burned her that even after all this time, her ex’s act of indiscretion still had a hold on her. His two years of belittling and demeaning her had taken its toll. Are you sure you want to eat that? Sheesh, with a plate like that, you must be really hungry. Or comments like, you have serious orange peel skin and should really think of hitting the gym. Her favorite was…your boobs are so fucking huge that they’ll be down to your knees before you hit fifty. Towards the end of their relationship they hardly ever did the dirty. Troy complained more and more about her weight saying that he struggled to get hard for her because she was too big. Then the icing on the cake was when she’d walked in on him having sex with someone he had met at the gym.

  His words to her were classic. He’d blamed her, saying that if she wasn’t so fat he wouldn’t have to go looking for it elsewhere and if she’d come to the gym with him, like he’d asked, he would never have met Selby…Colby…whatever the hell her name was. The thin chick he was banging. In short, it had nothing to do with him being a prick and everything to do with her. Although logically she knew that a guy like him would have made excuses to screw around regardless of her weight and would’ve found other problems with her, cellulite aside.

  Brant and Zane had made her feel treasured, special and like a sex kitten regardless of her size. It seemed that old habits died hard though. Maybe if it had been anyone other than Alexandra then she wouldn’t be feeling quite so insecure.

  “Just call him already.” Brant thrust his phone into her hand.

  “I will…a bit later though.”

  Chicken…bock…bock…bock!

  Chapter 10

  Rich, sweet, it filled her like nothing ever had and like nothing would ever again. His blood tasted of him, like she was ingesting a piece of his very soul.

  Devine in every sense of the word.

  Brant moaned. His hips jerked forward as she took another long pull. The taste of pure rapture filled her mouth and she swallowed it down greedily. He exhaled on a moan, this time from between clenched teeth. His hands tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. She could feel his hard cock as it twitched beneath her. The scent of their mingled arousal permeated the air.

  With reluctance, she retracted her fangs, and Brant made a noise of frustration. It mirrored how she was feeling inside. He stood in one easy move, taking her with him. Then he laid her down on the bed, even tucking her in. “Rest now.” Tension radiated off of his body, his skin was taut, his mouth a thin white line. His eyes were much lighter, glowing. They belied the extreme arousal he was feeling. Drinking between mates always had such an intense effect on them.

  She felt movement inside her belly. Soft thuds gave way to a strange feeling that she knew was the baby squirming and maybe trying to stretch inside of her. It made her smile and put her hand to the side of her abdomen.

  Brant’s eyes tracked the movement, his hand instantly followed hers. In a firm arc, he traced her skin. A light flickered in his eyes and a huge grin followed. “I can feel him. My son. Our baby.” His voice was filled with awe. “What are we going to call him?”

  They had gone over names countless times. Tanya w
anted something modern and her boys were set on a more traditional name. Sometimes three really was a crowd. There was always one that was in disagreement with the other two.

  Tanya shrugged. “I’m sure we’ll come up with something.”

  He threw her a half smile before brushing her lips with his. Grabbing his coat, he headed for the door.

  “Where are you off to?” Tanya asked.

  Turning, he ran a hand through his hair. “Just need some fresh air is all.”

  The telltale bulge in his jeans told her everything she needed to know.

  Tanya sucked in a deep breath. “I could take care of that you know. My mouth still works just fine.”

  Brant choked out a laugh. “Of that I have no doubt, Cenwein, but this is something I’ll take care of myself. The only thing you need to worry about over the next couple of weeks is resting up and growing our baby. Nothing else.” He said the last on a low growl. “Zane and I are grown males, we may not have much practice, but we’re more than capable of taking care of ourselves.” To show her he meant business, he palmed his cock through his jeans, the glowing in his eyes increased in intensity.

  Tanya nodded. “I’m really sorry that I can’t…”

  Brant was at her side so quickly that she didn’t even register that he had moved. “You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about. Not one damned thing.”

  She nodded, believing him. Her heart filled with untold joy at the thought of the baby growing inside of her. Brant was right, the little one was all that mattered right now.

  Hang in there little one. Just hang in there, please.

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Brant growled.

  “Only a few minutes?” She teased. “I thought you could last longer than that.”

  “Sweetheart, when I think about your tight, wet, little pussy and picture myself buried deep inside you, I doubt I’ll last more than 10 seconds.”

  His face pulled into a tight smile as he left. Closing the door to the dusky night sky behind him.

  In that moment, she realized what an idiot she was being. Zane was not cheating on her. Brant’s phone was still on the bedside table. She picked it up and dialed Zane. No answer.