His Last
Unlikely Mates
Part 2
By
Charlene Hartnady
Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright ©April 2015, Charlene Hartnady
Cover Art by Melody Simmons
Copy Edited by Kimberly Reichmann
Produced in South Africa
Published by Charlene Hartnady
PO BOX 456, Melrose Arch,
Johannesburg, South Africa, 2176
[email protected]
His Last is a work of fiction and characters, events and dialogue found within are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, either living or deceased, is purely coincidental.
With the exception of quotes used in reviews no part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to digital copying, file sharing, audio recording, email and printing without prior consent in writing from the author
Dedication:
To my wonderful, amazing readers. For picking up my books, for your words of encouragement. From the bottom of my heart…thank you.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Author’s Note
Books by this author:
Recommended Reading
Part 2
Chapter 1
King Zane wrapped his arms around his human, splaying his large hands on her slightly distended abdomen. The male rubbed her belly, moving his hands in lazy strokes.
Ross expected Tanya to slap his hands away as she had done every day for the past week, but the female instead sighed while leaning back. She even closed her eyes.
Ross halted, not wanting to intrude on the royal couple. The burning need to meet with Zane kept him from moving away as he normally would.
His king whispered something into the human’s ear and she giggled. Next, Zane slid his hands up cupping her large mammary glands while continuing to whisper into her ear. The giggle turned into a moan and despite the fact that they were outside, the scent of arousal drifted across to him.
Ross had to work not to back up. Instead, he averted his eyes by watching a pair of majestic swans swimming across the large lake. He had read somewhere that swans mated for life and his mind wandered to Becky.
He still found it strange that he already considered her to be his mate even though they had never even tested compatibility.
Now that he knew it to be true though, he couldn’t believe that he hadn’t reached the conclusion sooner, no matter the odds against it. He had stopped rutting with other females some time back. None had been able to stir his blood. At the time, it felt like he had been afflicted with a curse. Unable to fathom why he couldn’t become aroused. It had driven him to the point of insanity. Fortunately, he at last had been able to put the pieces together.
Just hearing Becky’s voice the day that she had helped Stephany birth her babies had given him a throbbing hard on. It was so inappropriate considering the circumstances. Her sweet voice had drifted over to him along with her delicious scent and suddenly his pants were too tight. His concentration, all but gone. He recalled how she’d put Brant into his place, even kicking him in the shin. Not many vampires dared to stand up against the male, let alone a delicate human. Being it that he was a vampire king, the male exuded authority and a fierceness that could turn even the most fearless warrior into a blubbering coward. Her act of defiance against Brant had brought a smile to his lips and had heated his blood. Just being near her did things to him that no other female had been able to do for some time. When it hit him, it came with a sense of clarity. Becky was the only one for him. How had something so simple eluded him for so long?
When she’d told him not to bother pursuing the petition to date vampires any further, he actually felt his heart squeeze and for the first time in his life he had felt real pain.
Nothing held joy or happiness. Even the taking of blood had become a chore. And now, since hearing about how she’d rutted with a shifter, it was slowly destroying him. Eating him up inside. He’d been unable to drink, unable to sleep. Based on the telephone conversation he had overheard, it sounded like Becky had feelings for the male as well.
His eyes burned for a second and he squeezed them shut. The sun was bright this time of day.
Ross desperately needed to see his human. Needed to hold her. Needed to make her understand that she was his.
His.
Ross fisted his hands at his sides. He planned on doing everything in his power to eradicate the memory of that wolf from her mind.
“Since when did the wildlife irritate you so badly? You look like you want to rip those swans limb from limb.” His king’s deep voice invaded his thoughts.
Ross forced himself to smile. “It isn’t aimed at the swans.”
“I didn’t think so,” Zane said.
“Where is your female?” He asked, suddenly noticing that Tanya was nowhere in sight.
“We started back, then I realized that my guard wasn’t behind us. Lance has escorted the queen back to our tower. I can tell that something is bothering you, Ross.” Zane’s dark eyes regarded him. “I consider you to be more than just a part of this coven and my royal most elite guard, I consider you to be a friend. What is going on?”
“I’m glad you sought me out.” Ross paused, “I had planned on speaking with you.”
Zane nodded. “I am here, but know that I do not have very long as my female plans on starting without me.”
“Starting what?” He asked, regretting the words immediately.
Zane’s eyes heated with what was clearly desire.
“Never mind.” Ross held up his hands. He got to listen to the royal couple rut on many occasions. That was enough without having to actually talk about it with his king.
Zane sort of smiled. “I am desperate to get to her. She has withheld sex for over a week.” The smile became a pained expression.
“She was upset with the two of you for what happened with Stephany.” Ross said, having to suppress a smile. It had been nice and peaceful in the north tower this last week since Tanya wasn’t talking to or rutting with either male. The kings had even been forced to drink from each other for the first time since before the three of them had mated. It was only the closest of the royal guard that were even aware that this had ever even happened. All of them had been sworn to secrecy.
Zane pulled a face. “You don’t want to even know the shit storm that came down on us when my little Ysnaar found out about how Brant treated Stephany. That he put her wolf in the dungeon while she was in labor.” Zane sighed and then took a deep breath. “I was in trouble because I stood by and didn’t intervene.”
Again Ross had to suppress a smile. “Well, it sounds like she has forgiven you.”
Zane shook his head. “Call it a truce of sorts, my Ysnaar will let me rut her and maybe drink from her but she is nowhere close to forgiving me. Brant may never get to find pleasure with our sweet human ever again.”
“Are humans that unforgiving or is it just your human?” Ross couldn’t help but to ask, hoping that Becky would forgive him. Not that he had actually done anything wrong though. His only crime was that of being a vampire and of following the orders of his king.
“I think that it is a general human thing, although Tanya is particularly bad at staying mad for prolonged periods. Do not tell her I s
aid that, because she is very sensitive.”
Ross nodded.
“What did you need to talk about?”
“I am going to see that human, Becky. I wanted you to know that—”
“No,” Zane growled. “You are attracted to her. One thing could lead to another.”
Ross kept his eyes locked with Zane’s. “I do plan on rutting the female, but I will not drink from her.”
Zane cursed. “What is your fascination with this human?”
“What is your fascination with your human, my lord?” He quickly added the last when he saw Zane’s jaw lock.
“Careful…” Zane growled. “Watch how you speak to me. You may be my friend but I am your king first.”
This wasn’t going to work. “Forget I said anything.”
“You are going to go to her anyway.”
Ross nodded. “I am sure that the female is meant to be my mate.”
“You have hardly said two words to her, how can you say such a thing? She isn’t even one of our own. You should be asha…” Zane pursed his lips.
“What were you going to say…ashamed maybe? Followed by embarrassed maybe?”
Zane grit his teeth.
“Are you ashamed of your human female?”
Zane had him by the throat in a move Ross could have avoided but chose not to. He knew it would be better to let his king blow off some steam. “For the record, I am not ashamed of my human.” Zane squeezed tighter and Ross had to work hard to keep from making choking noises. Then his king eased up on the pressure to a more manageable level. “You plan on going to her whether I like it or not?”
Ross tried to nod.
Zane cursed again. “What the fuck am I going to do with you?” His king released him.
Ross coughed twice, feeling the blood flow resume. Gulps of air filled his lungs but all the while he maintained eye contact with the male in front of him. “No, I don’t know her very well yet, but I still consider her to be mine.”
“I’ll tell you what I told Lance. I think it’s bullshit. What you are feeling is a simple case of lust for this female. You want her because you can’t have her. I also believe that once you have rutted with her, that you will be able to move on and forget about her.”
“There is only one way to find out if that is true.”
“Brant will not approve.” Zane kept his voice even.
“Since when have we had to run everything by Brant?” Ross couldn’t help the outburst. It seemed that Zane had been so close to agreeing before bringing up the other male.
Zane turned hard eyes on him. “He is your king and best you don’t forget it.”
Ross clenched his teeth to avoid speaking his mind.
“I should just forbid it and cut your dick off when you disobey me, but I am worried that you might end up killing the female and bringing a ton of shit on our covens and between Tanya and I. Becky is my female’s BFF.”
Ross felt his brow crease. “My lord…BF…what?”
“Best friend forever.” He pulled a pained face. “My Ysnaar would have my balls if you hurt Becky in any way, both physically or emotionally, so think long and hard before you go down this road.”
“I want the female.” Ross said without so much as a hint of hesitation.
“Griffin will go with you.”
Ross made a sound of irritation.
“Take it or leave it. I’m not sending you out to rut a human”—Zane dropped his voice looking around them—“without backup. You are not permitted to drink from her. Get your fill of the female because I want you back tomorrow. No one is to know about this…send Griffin to me in…” Zane looked at the watch strapped on his wrist. “Half an hour…make that forty five minutes. I will brief him myself. If Brant finds out about this, you are on your own. Are we clear?”
“Thank you.”
Zane held up a hand, his eyes narrowed. “Don’t, it’s not like you left me with a choice.” Then he sighed. “Go and have your female.”
Even though Zane acted like he wasn’t doing him any favors and that this was his only choice, Ross knew better. His friend was granting him a favor, one he would gladly take.
Chapter 2
Becky moved the stethoscope a little to the right. “Another deep breath for me please, Mr. Bradford.”
The elderly gentleman did as she asked. After several repeats, Becky did the same on his upper back, listening each time. “Good news, Mr. Bradford, your lungs are sounding clear so it looks like the antibiotics have done the trick.” Her patient had been in a week earlier with a nasty chest infection. If left untreated, he would most likely have ended up in the hospital. Thankfully she caught it in time.
“Good to know. I’m hardly even coughing anymore.” It was as if he suddenly remembered to do just that, because he had a little coughing bout while putting his hand over his mouth.
Once he finished, Becky added, “I’m just going to do a routine check of your blood pressure and then we’re done. Please pull up your sleeve.”
Today was her first day back at work and it felt good. She loved being a doctor. She enjoyed the interaction with her patients, that one to one connection. She even made house calls when the situation warranted. There was no doubt in her mind that she would have done great as a surgeon, like her parents wanted, but this was more her scene. Surgeons needed to be more reserved, holding their patients at arm’s length. Also, unconscious people couldn’t talk back. No, the thought of having to play God just didn’t sit right with her.
Her father was a neurosurgeon who specialized in neuro-oncology and her mother was a congenital heart surgeon who specialized in operating on children and infants with heart disease. Becky had been made to feel like a failure for settling on just being a plain general practitioner. She wasn’t specialized, let alone a surgeon. Her parents were both so disappointed in their only child. She sighed, wrapping the cuff around Mr. Bradford’s arm and forcing herself to smile at him.
“Why so glum?”
She shook her head. “I was just thinking that there is no pleasing some people.” She shrugged. “No matter how hard you try.”
“Young lady, there is only one person in this world that you need to worry about pleasing and that’s yourself. I’m not saying that you should do this at the expense of others.”
She pushed the bladder rapidly, inflating the cuff.
“What I am saying is”—his watery eyes stayed on her—“if you are happy, those that truly love you will be happy for you no matter what path you choose. You will never please everyone in this world and you shouldn’t take that responsibility onto yourself anyways.”
“Wise words.” She nodded. “Your blood pressure is good.” She smiled, feeling much better. “Thanks. I needed to hear that. I just sometimes worry that I made some wrong decisions along the way. I second guess myself even though I shouldn’t.”
The old man chuckled. “That’s normal, though I’m sure you did go wrong sometimes. Making mistakes is normal too. It’s how we learn. Thing is not to make them a second time. Keep looking forward, you’re going to fall on your ass if you don’t keep your eyes on the path ahead of you.”
“You’re right, Mr. Bradford.” Becky removed the cuff and lightly touched his arm. “We’re all done.”
He smiled warmly as he rolled his sleeve back down. “Thank you.”
“Oh no…thank you.” They both walked to the door which Mr. Bradford insisted on holding open for her.
“No charge, Elisabeth.” Becky inclined her head to her receptionist. She knew he lived off of a small pension.
“Oh, that’s very kind. Thank you, doc.” Mr. Bradford smiled.
“Is it my turn now?” A familiar gravelly voice sounded to the right of her.
Her breathing turned slightly choppy and her back turned rigid. She kept her eyes on her receptionist, not able to face him just yet. She heard the door click as Mr. Bradford left her clinic.
“No, sir.” Sarah stood from behind the recept
ion desk. “You haven’t filled in the forms I gave you and as I mentioned earlier, it is Dr. Shaw’s lunch break. She then has two scheduled patients and will be able to see you at”—Sarah glanced at her watch—“one o’clock.”
Becky’s heart raced as she turned, taking in all six and a half delicious feet of him. Damn, damn and damn again. He was even more delicious than she remembered. Short styled hair, thick and black. Perfect for clutching. She was sure it would be soft and silky to the touch. He was really big, possibly bigger even than Rushe. Jeans and a T-shirt had never looked better on a man…male. She swallowed hard.
Ross crumpled the forms using one giant hand. His dark eyes never leaving her. “I will see her…you now.” His voice was a low growl that had goose bumps forming all over her body. “Please.” He added, his eyes locked with hers.
“Sir, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask—”
“It’s okay, Elisabeth. I’ll see him.” Becky said while watching how her receptionist’s mouth dropped open.
“I will stand outside the door.” A second huge male stepped forward. “Hello, sweet human.” The male addressed Elisabeth who gasped into her hand, her skin turning a lighter shade of pale.
“Are these…?” she whispered. “They must be…?” she muttered.
“This is Griffin,” Ross said. “We are vampires.” For the first time, his eyes turned away from her to glance briefly at Elisabeth who looked like she might faint at any moment.
“You might want to sit down, Elisabeth,” Becky said.
“We are vampires but we will not harm you.” The other male smiled at her receptionist.
Elisabeth slid down into her chair, her mouth was a thin white line. She made a tiny noise which spoke of fear and panic even though she almost seemed calm.
“They’re good. Don’t worry. Remember, I told you that my best friend married the vamp kings? Well that’s how I know Ross, we have been friends for a while now.”
Elisabeth swallowed thickly and nodded slowly.
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