2#Unlikely Mates: BBW Shifter/Vampire Romance

by Charlene Hartnady

  The server smiled. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

  “Hey.” Becky tried to pull out of his arms but Ross tightened his grip. “He so freaking will n—”

  “I will not change my mind. Becky is the only one for me.” He interrupted his female, but knew she would understand.

  The server frowned. “Pity.” Then she turned to his human. “You’re one lucky girl.”

  Becky relaxed. “I’m hungry.” It was his female’s way of ignoring the server. She turned away from the human, who sighed and walked away. “The nerve of that woman,” Becky muttered under her breath.

  “You care,” Ross said.

  “I thought it was rude.” Becky put some food in her mouth and chewed. “That’s it.”

  “You were jealous.” Ross said, feeling really good all of a sudden. Becky may have told him that she didn’t want them to meet, but her whole demeanor told him differently.

  “I was so not.” She picked up a piece of chicken and popped it into her mouth and then licked her fingers.

  Ross could feel that he was grinning, but he just didn’t care. “You were jealous.”

  “I so was freaking not. Go and get her number if you want. See if I care.”

  “Fine.” He made to stand.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Becky glared at him, an adorable look of rage graced her beautiful face.

  “Stretching my legs. I would never go after that female or any other, not with you at my side.” He sat back down and pulled her against him.

  “That was really funny.” She made a mock laughing noise for some reason. “I meant it, you can so get her number.” She was trying hard to make it sound like she didn’t care, but he knew differently.

  Ross fought to suppress a smile. His female didn’t want to share him and it made him feel overjoyed. “I want to go back to your place now. Please, can we get the food to go?” Ross didn’t mind the staring but he was afraid his female wouldn’t feel the same, besides he really wanted to be alone with her.

  “Why?” Becky looked up from her meal and noticed that all the female patrons were openly staring at their table. There were also a couple of aggressive stares from the males. This was why they generally stayed clear of Sweetwater.

  “Did I forget to mention that although Zane gave his blessing, Brant knows nothing about my being here?” Ross raised his eyebrows. “Maybe we shouldn’t draw attention.”

  “Bit late for that.” Becky put up her hand motioning to their server. “Can we get these to go and the check please?”

  The server nodded while not taking her eyes off of him. Ross nuzzled into Becky’s neck to make it clear to all that she was the one he wanted. Besides, he greatly enjoyed her delicious scent.

  When the server walked away with the plates, he added. “I still wish to continue our conversation. You need to tell me why you have a problem with my being a vampire.”

  She sucked in a breath but he covered her lips with his index finger. “You can fill me in on the details once we get to your place.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Her soft, succulent lips moved against his finger sending shivers down his spine. He removed his hand and covered her mouth with his. Ross nipped at her lower lip. When Becky moaned softly, he used the opportunity to invade her mouth with a quick swipe of his tongue against hers. He felt her shiver in his arms. It gave him untold joy to know that he had this effect on her, regardless of how much she tried to push him away and to pretend that she didn’t care. Ross allowed her to withdraw. Her lips glistened and her eyes were hooded. A collective sigh sounded around the room, including from across the table.

  “Do you like to kiss, female?” Griffin asked Elisabeth.

  The dark haired human turned so red, he was made to think of the soft succulent fruits that the human’s liked to eat. “Um”—she licked her lips—“I guess so.” It also made him think of blood, and his eyes dropped to the porcelain skin on his female’s neck.

  It looked like he needed to have a little chat with Griffin. The male was here to ensure that Becky did not come to any harm. If he was too busy rutting this female then he might not notice that Ross had gone into a bloodlust frenzy. As much as he wanted to, Ross did not plan on taking from his delectable human but mistakes happened. He would never be able to forgive himself if a mistake cost his female her life. There was also the extra factor that such an occurrence would cause major trouble with the humans as well. All non-humans could end up being badly affected.

  The problem was that her scent was just so utterly intoxicating. When he had been buried deep inside her hot pussy, his fangs had extended to the point of pain. A driving force had ridden him hard to drink from her. It would be all too easy to just forget himself.

  “I would like very much to kiss you,” Griffin whispered into the human’s ear and she giggled. He had better talk fast, at this rate, his second would be of no use to him.

  The server brought the packed food and the check, which he took from her.

  “I will pay for that.” Becky tried to take the paper from him but he held it out of her reach. He grabbed some money out of his pocket and handed it to the server.

  Becky pulled a face at him. “I am a capable self sufficient woman.”

  “Of that I have no doubt.” He tugged her against him as they exited the eating establishment. The other human and Griffin trailed behind.

  ****

  Griffin drove the SUV with Elisabeth up front, while he and Becky sat in the back. He pulled the lush female onto his lap.

  “Hey, I need to buckle up. Accidents happen you know.” She gave him a light slap on his arm.

  “I’ve got you.” He used the opportunity to pull her closer while banding his arms around her soft, succulent body. Loving the feeling of her ass in his lap and her luscious mammary glands partially plastered against his chest. He so longed to have her straddle him so that he could have all of her completely pushed up against him.

  “Yeah right, I’m so dead if we’re in a serious accident.” The hand that had slapped him before curled around his shoulder now.

  He had to chuckle and he shook his head. “I assure you that you are much safer in my arms than in any human contraption. I will shield you and die before I allow anything to happen to you.”

  She held his gaze for a few seconds and he could swear that he saw her eyes glisten, then she looked away. “Fine,” she huffed, trying to sound irritated but failing. Her other little hand curled around the bicep on his other arm.

  Zane was going to be pissed when he told his king that his feelings for this female had grown instead of diminishing. After all the months of texting, he felt like he knew her. Her ignoring him since the birth of Stephany’s babies had been hell. Now that compatibility had been proven, he would not be deterred.

  “I didn’t get a chance to thank you for all you did for Stephany even knowing that it might bring trouble to your door.” He spoke into the soft shell of her ear.

  She shrugged. “It’s what friends do. I’m just glad that asshole king had the good sense to fix the damages to my clinic.” She threw him a smile. “The place actually looks much better after the revamp, but please don’t tell him that. The last thing that one needs is a boost to his already over-freaking-flowing ego.”

  Ross had to chuckle. “Zane is even more egocentric but he is a little more even tempered.”

  “I don’t know how Tanya puts up with those two. The way Brant treated Ward and Stephany was just appalling. Please tell me that they are treating my friend well. I mean, she seems happy.”

  Ross smiled. “They treat your friend like she is the finest gold but at the same time like a delicate flower. She is everything to them.” He had to chuckle. “Just be thankful that you were not at the castle when they returned from Stephany’s birthing and she found out what had gone down. It was like a great tornado blew its way through the north tower.”

  Becky cracked a smile. “I can ju
st picture it. The foot stomping and yelling must have been a sight to see.”

  “For a delicate little flower…” Ross shook his head. “They were forced to carefully restrain the queen because she was hurting herself.”

  His female’s eyes widened and her whole body tensed. “Hurting herself how?”

  “You misunderstand. She was using her little fists against the kings and hurting herself in the process. Her little feet were bruised for days afterwards from kicking Brant.”

  Becky seemed to like this because she burst out laughing. “Go Tan go…oh, I so wish I could’ve been there to see that.”

  “Your…how do you say it…BBF is still not speaking to Brant.”

  Becky made a little snorting noise. “I think you mean BFF which stands for best friends forever.”

  “My bad, I am still learning all the human slang. BFF and slut are my new words for the day.” Ross smiled while glancing out the window of the moving vehicle.

  No way. It couldn’t be.

  His hands instinctively clasped Becky tighter. “Make a left at that slipway.”

  “Why? What are—” Griffin said.

  “Just do it!” he snapped back.

  Griffin did as he said.

  “Pull over.” He instructed as soon as they turned into the side lane.

  Griffin turned back with a quizzical look on his face. “I’m all for making out in a side alley, but don’t you think that four would be a crowd?” The human next to Griffin blushed. It was like she had an on and off switch.

  Ross ignored them both. “I’m pretty sure I spotted three elves outside of that one store. They were dressed like humans, but that long blond hair and those pointed ears were a dead giveaway.”

  Griffin frowned. “You had to have been mistaken. Elves stay clear of humans.”

  “I’m almost positive,” Ross answered.

  “It’s getting dark. How could you possibly…” Becky paused, taking a plump lip between her teeth. “You have heightened senses and I’m going to take a leap and say that it includes improved sight.”

  Ross nodded. “We don’t need light to see. Just like I can sniff you out anywhere.”

  “That’s so cool.” The human upfront gushed. “What else can you do?” She directed the question at Griffin who kept his eyes focused on Ross.

  “He will tell you all about it, human. Griffin, you stay here with the females. I want to check it out.”

  “Are you sure?” Griffin’s frown deepened. “There are three of them.”

  Ross narrowed his eyes and grinned broadly. “Come on, they’re a bunch of elf pussies. I don’t plan on confronting them. I just want to find out what they’re up to.”

  He gently placed Becky on the seat next to him. She clung to his arm for a second. “Be careful.”

  It warmed his heart to know that she cared. “Don’t worry female, I’ll be back in no time. I’m glad that you are worried about me though.”

  “More like worried about the kings tearing me a new one if anything were to happen. You are in this town because of me.” Becky rolled her eyes.

  “They would not blame you. Just admit that you care.”

  She shook her head and made a negative noise.

  “I don’t believe you.” He didn’t have time to argue so he kissed her to shut her up.

  “I’m hoping elves are tiny, spindly creatures,” Elisabeth said.

  “Hardly.” Griffin snorted, which resulted in Becky giving him a worried look as he released her.

  “They wear silk robes and pointed shoes for fuck sakes, I will be fine.” He crushed his lips with hers in a second searing kiss that had his dick hardening despite the circumstances. “Besides…” Both their breathing had turned a little choppy when he released her moments later. “I still plan on spending the night with you, in your bed, buried deep inside of you. Nothing could keep me away.” He pecked her lips before turning back to Griffin. “If I’m not back in fifteen minutes, call Zane and inform him of the situation then get your asses to Becky’s place.”

  “But—” Becky tried to grab his arm but he slid from the SUV. Ross was out of time, if he didn’t act now he might miss the opportunity to do so. Skulking around in the shadows at night, dressed like humans, whatever it was that they were up to, it had to be devious.

  Ross took off in a slow jog in the direction that he had spotted the elves, the street was clear. Stores lined either side of the quiet road. Though they were all long since closed. What could they possibly want in Sweetwater? He moved quickly and quietly, soon picking up their distinct scent up ahead. They smelled of the earth and fresh pine. The females of the species tended to scent more of freshly cut grass mixed with floral undertones. Not that he had met with many elven females in his life. Esral was the only elven female he had ever spoken to and even those conversations had been brief since Xavier threw him looks that could kill. Didn’t the male realize that he wasn’t interested in making a move on the princess, not when a delectable human female had already caught his attention?

  Shaking his head, he focused on the scent instead which led him to one of the stores. He carefully edged his way to the window and glanced in.

  A human male handed one of the elves a single wrapped package. Ross could scent blood and raw meat that was typical to a human butchery. An array of different meat types were on display behind the counter and numerous whole carcasses hung behind a glass window to the back of the store.

  What the fuck?

  Ross could not scent anything other than the iron tang of blood. That must be what was inside the package. Unless something with very little scent was wrapped inside the meat in order to disguise its scent. The package was small, there wouldn’t be space to hide much. Something was off, that much was clear. They couldn’t be here for something as simple as meat. Money changed hands.

  Ross had seen enough, he jogged up the sidewalk and slipped into a side alley where he would be able to observe any further movement. During this time, several vehicles passed. He pulled out his cellphone and dialed Griffin. “Hold tight. I want to watch them a bit longer. We need to extend the fifteen minute timeframe to twenty five.”

  “What are—” Griffin started to ask.

  “We’ll talk later.” Ross ended the call.

  He dialed again. Xavier answered after the second ring. “Yeah?”

  “It’s Ross. I need some information. If memory serves, Esral is a vegetarian. Is that true of all of her species?”

  After a long pause. “What is this about?”

  “I spotted three elves in Sweetwater at the local butchery. It looks like they were buying meat.”

  Another long pause. “The elves normally stay clear of town.” He sounded confused. “They stay far away from the humans.”

  “I know, that’s why I decided to follow them. There is something wrong with this picture.”

  “Yeah. They are all vegetarians that only eat what is given freely by the earth.” Xavier made it sound like being a vegetarian was a load of bullshit. Ross didn’t comment on his definite dislike for the life choice.

  “Well, either they’ve decided they actually quite like a bit of meat with their veg or there is something more serious going on here.” Ross watched as the elves left the store and walked in the opposite direction of where he was hiding. The elf in the middle carried the package in one of his hands.

  Xavier growled lightly. “I highly doubt that they plan on barbequing anything other than veggie burgers for the foreseeable future. So why the need for meat?”

  There was a low rumble far up ahead as a sleek black Bugatti pulled out from a side road. “There must be more to it. They are leaving and I want to tail them. I’ll inform Zane when I get a chance. Chat later.” He disconnected the call and ran back to the waiting SUV as fast as his legs would carry him. Thankfully, being a vampire, that was less than four seconds. The elves didn’t have much of a head start.

  Elisabeth shrieked as he jumped in the vehicle. “Where the
hell did you come from?” She squeaked.

  Ignoring her, he turned to Griffin. “They are headed in that direction.” He pointed. “Floor it but keep a safe distance.” He pulled Becky onto his lap. “I want to know if they make any other stops before leaving.”

  Griffin pulled out fast. Becky grabbed ahold of him and white knuckled. Elisabeth gripped the sides of her seat. “Oh my gosh…is this really necessary?”

  “Yes.” Ross tried not to growl. He didn’t want to scare the human any further.

  Griffin floored it and Elisabeth whimpered. The male put his hand on her leg and squeezed. “Fear not, I am an advanced driver. You are safe.” He glanced her way and winked.

  “Eyes on the fucking road.” This time he all out growled. The Bugatti was up ahead. “Slow down.” He added, less harshly this time.

  “Is that their car?” Elisabeth asked, sounding impressed.

  “Elves seem to like flashy cars. Ferraris, Porches…Lamborfuckingghinis…” Griffin made a sound of disgust. “They must have small man syndrome or something.”

  “I thought you said that they are not small and spindly.” Becky stated.

  “I was not talking about their height.” Griffin glanced in the rearview mirror. “Fucking pussies,” he added.

  “You sound jealous,” Becky said.

  “As if. Why would I be jealous of pixie boots and silk?”

  “Just saying,” Becky added.

  Griffin snorted. “I could so have a Bugatti if I wanted…I don’t. I don’t need one.” He put a hand between his legs suggestively.

  “Hands on the wheel. Stop your shit, Griffin.”

  The male met his eyes in the rearview mirror for a second before dropping his gaze. Keeping a safe following distance, they followed the elves until the outskirts of town. At that point the elves gunned it, disappearing in the direction of their territory. “Don’t follow them.” Ross said even though he could feel that Griffin had eased off the gas and was preparing to make a U-turn. “Wait until they are out of sight before you turn back.”