The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  “I don’t want that for my kids. I’m afraid that it’s going to happen though.”

  Brant let out a pent up sigh. “It is not going to be easy and I can only speak for myself…” He paused considering his words. “I will try.” It was the best he could do.

  Tanya squeezed his hand and smiled up at him like he’d given her the best gift. He felt like a jerk, like he should be doing more but it was still all too new. Maybe in time, he thought.

  His sensitive hearing picked up footfalls. Someone strode towards them with purpose. Brilliant. It was Zane. His face was a mask of determination. Brant’s first reaction was to demand why the other male had interrupted after promising he could have Tanya for the afternoon but after the conversation he had just had, he held his tongue. Brant halted. He increased his hold on his human’s hand and turned to face the approaching male trying hard to keep his emotions in check.

  Zane inclined his head as he came to a halt. Brant noticed how his hard, almost black, eyes softened as they landed on the female.

  Zane held out a leather pouch. “This came for you. It reeks of wolf.” He added glancing back at Tanya.

  Brant could scent the heavy wolf musk. The stench offended him and he had to fight not to growl. He took the pouch. Inside was a crisp white envelope, his name in neat cursive. Brant would recognize the handwriting anywhere.

  “Stephany,” he whispered tearing it open. Beneath the wolf stench, Stephany’s scent was apparent. The note was short and written in the same handwriting.

  “What does it say?” Tanya stood on tippy toes trying to read over his shoulder.

  “Stephany wrote this. She was taken by accident and will be released in due course. She is unharmed and we shouldn’t worry.” Emotion churned in his gut. “Why didn’t she call? I don’t trust this.” He crunched the white paper in his hand.

  “It is at least something. You say she wrote it?”

  He nodded once.

  “They may not have cell signal if they are deep in the mountains. The pouch was left hanging on the front gate at Manor House. Our scouts found it. I think she will be released. What use is she to them anyways?”

  As much as it irked him, Zane was more than likely right but he would not be able to rest easy until the female was returned. She had been his faithful assistant…and friend for many years. Tanya was fond of her. Brant grit his teeth. The alpha would kneel before him and swear allegiance or so help him and his species.

  “There is more.” Zane ran a hand over his scalp. “I received word from the elven king, Katar has requested to meet. He would like to give his apologies and wants to swear allegiance.”

  “It might be a trap.”

  Tanya tensed next to him, her breathing and heart rate increased and she grabbed a hold of his arm.

  “I realize that. I suggested neutral ground. I will attend alone. You stay with the female.”

  Although evenly delivered, it felt too much like an order for his liking. Brant felt everything in him tighten. His first reaction was to tell the other male to go to hell, but he paused instead until he had a handle on his anger. “Fine.” He tried to keep his voice neutral. “But take some of my males with you and keep me updated.”

  Zane’s eyes narrowed, his jaw tensed. He nodded once. “I’ll prepare and leave within the hour. I figure the sooner I get there, the less chance they have to prepare an ambush.”

  Tanya gasped. “Do you have to go?” She took a step towards Zane, her hand still in Brant’s.

  Again his eyes softened as they landed on the female. The bastard was in just as deep as he was. It was at least some consolation. “I do, Ysnaar. To refuse such a request would insult the elven species. It might cause the war to flare back up.” Zane probably didn’t realize it but he had taken a small step towards Tanya as he spoke.

  It took major willpower, but Brant released her hand. The moment he did, she closed the space between them and Zane and put his hands in hers.

  “I will be gone for a few short hours. Back by nightfall,” Zane stated.

  “Take care of yourself.”

  Zane chuckled. “You are a major incentive to come back quickly and in one piece. I will be back by nightfall. Make sure you are ready for me.”

  Zane had the sexiest voice and when it dropped as low as it was right now, it did strange, wonderful things to her insides.

  “I’ll be ready.”

  “When I say ready, I mean naked and in my bed.”

  Tanya laughed. “What if you’re late?”

  “I won’t be.”

  She heard Brant shuffle behind her but then Zane leaned in and kissed her. Quick but deep and so full of promise that it had her toes curling.

  Zane released her and looked back at Brant. “I’ll be in touch.” He touched at his pocket which most likely housed his cell phone.

  Brant looked pissed. He swallowed hard, his Adams apple bobbing. He nodded, his jaw locking.

  She watched Zane walk away. He barked orders to several of the vampire guard who picked up pace beside him. Tanya felt her eyes prick but refused to cry. He would be back soon and Stephany was safe. There was reason to celebrate. Her lip wobbled so she bit down on it.

  Brant put an arm around her. “He’ll be fine.” She turned into his chest, burying her face into his shirt. A tear managed to escape. She sniffed, fighting harder to maintain control.

  “I hope you cried when I left too.” His arms banded around her as he spoke.

  Tanya laughed. “Like a little baby.”

  “Good.” He stroked her back. Tanya could hear that he was smiling.

  She laughed harder.

  “Thank you for behaving. It was nice to see the two of you working together.”

  “It was not easy, we are both too dominant as is our nature.”

  “You could be friends.”

  He chuckled. “Slow down a bit. We have to first get used to not being enemies. Like I said, it will take time and I will try.”

  “Thank you.” She reached up and kissed him. He tensed up for a few beats before returning the kiss. It was soft, sweet, and comforting rather than sexual. Brant broke the kiss leaning his chin on her head. He hugged her tight.

  “Can we go back to my tower now?” His voice was a low growl that she’d come to recognize as arousal.

  “You can’t tell me you want sex again so soon?”

  “It has been days, Cenwein.” His lids hooded.

  “Okay but…” She hesitated. How did she tell him to go easy because Zane would need her later?

  “You’re thinking of him. He’s had you for three days. Had you for your heat. I will take it slow.” His eyes had narrowed and she could tell that he wasn’t a happy camper.

  Tanya shook her head. “Zane hasn’t touched me since you left.”

  “Why the fuck not?” He took a deep breath. She could tell that he was trying to calm himself. “What game is he playing at anyway?”

  “I don’t know why. He hasn’t…” It was weird talking about this with Brant. “You know, been with anyone else? I’ve been a bit worried.”

  Brant cocked an eyebrow. “Oh no, you’re not going to use me as some kind of bloodhound to keep tabs on him. You can ask him yourself.”

  Brant turned and walked in the direction that they had come from. She had to work to keep up. “Wait, Brant. I’m sorry. It was wrong of me.”

  “Damn straight it was wrong.” He stopped dead and she walked into his back.

  “It’s just, I was talking to Charlotte earlier.”

  His brow creased in confusion.

  “One of the females in Zane’s coven, and she said that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with two male vampires. She even offered her services.”

  He made a sound of frustration. “How many times do we need to tell you that we don’t want another female? I know I can speak for Zane on this one. We only want you. Neither of us will rut with another female. Yes we have a high sex drive but we’re mature males. If you are not availa
ble for whatever reason, we will deal. It might mean severe arm cramp but we’ll deal.”

  She choked out a laugh.

  “You don’t strike me as the type of female that would believe everything she hears.” He folded his arms.

  “Not normally. I don’t know much about vampires though. She was really convincing.”

  “I don’t want to get into it with you, but as kings we’ve had our pick of the females. We’ve had sex whenever we wanted and mostly with whomever we wanted. Don’t look at me like that.”

  “Like what? Like you’re a male slut?” She couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. Tanya realized that they had a past and had come to terms with it.

  “Okay fine. We were male sluts, but have since been reformed.”

  Tanya slipped her hands around his waist. “Let’s go back to the tower. You have to promise not to tear my dress.”

  “I can’t promise that.”

  “I’m not wearing panties,” she whispered.

  Brant growled dragging her in the direction of the castle, then he made a sound of frustration and picked her up throwing her over his shoulder. Tanya squealed. One hand clamped firmly on her ass, he picked up the pace and she couldn’t help but to giggle in excitement.

  Chapter 22

  Zane exited the vehicle. The elves were already there. Neutral ground. Wide open space for miles. An ambush of any sort would not be easy. Especially considering that the elves favored the bow as their weapon of choice. He felt out of sorts not having Lance at his side. Another few days and the warrior should be back on his feet. He had taken over fifty arrows to the chest and back. Four of those had been direct to the heart. It was a miracle that he had even survived. Zane had to suppress a growl. It was the elves that had nearly put him in his grave. He’d bet big money that this whole plan had been Katar’s. The wolves were too dumb to have come up with it on their own.

  The elven king called a welcome in his native tongue as they approached. His long robes flowed to the ground, they swayed as he stood. Zane was shocked to see the grey at his temples and how he hunched slightly. The big male at his flank was the spitting image of his father. Katar must have looked just like this male when he was in his prime. Tall, plenty of lean muscle, hair that shone like pure spun gold. The male wore a silk robe, as was customary with the eleven species. Thank fuck he hadn’t been born a pussy. On occasions like this, he much preferred leather and the measure of protection it afforded.

  The king must’ve caught him staring. “This is my son Keto and my daughter Esral.”

  Zane felt himself relax as he turned to face the female. If Katar had brought his daughter, then he did not mean to fight. The elven princess was a tiny thing although he could see that she was a mature female. Her hair was so long that it touched her thighs. Her eyes were wide and shone a beautiful blue. Like the sky on a clear winter’s day. Although she was highly attractive, he found that she did nothing for him, unlike his little Ysnaar. His human was lush, sexy…he snapped himself out of it realizing that the princess held out her hand. He took it, trying to be gentle as she felt like she might break under his touch. Shivering, she lowered her eyes.

  “Can we offer refreshments?” Katar asked. A smaller male appeared carrying a tray of golden goblets.

  “No, thank you.”

  “Your men perhaps?” The old male raised an eyebrow.

  “No. Why have you called me?” Enough with the bullshit. He wanted answers and needed to see the old king on his knee before accepting a truce.

  “My mate has been gone six months now.” His blue eyes filled with unshed tears. “I am a fool.”

  “Father,” Keto’s eyes had narrowed.

  “Be still. I allowed myself to be swayed. An old fool.” The last he muttered more to himself. Katar shook his head. He seemed to be trying to pull himself together. Some of the elven guard shuffled in the background. “My mate was everything to me. Aside from her many attributes, she was also my most loyal and trusted advisor.” He smiled for a few beats. Managing to look the picture of sorrow. Zane found himself feeling sorry for the old king.

  “Esme was wise. She understood my people and the different species like nobody’s business. Never once gave me bad advice. I know that it is probably unwise to admit this, but under the current circumstance I feel I can be honest” He swallowed motioning to the male with the tray of goblets. Once he had taken a drink, he continued. “I am lost without my Esme. We should never have listened to those beasts. I would like to offer my apologies and if it’s not too late, my allegiance to the vampire species.”

  Zane noticed how the younger male’s lips had pulled into a thin white line. How his hands had fisted at his sides. His eyes were narrowed shooting poison tipped arrows his way. It was clear that Keto did not feel the same way as his father.

  The old man’s eyes shone with sincerity and for now Katar was the leader of the elves. The elven king lowered his gaze as a sign of submission. “As a peace offering, I would like to offer you my most valued possession.”

  “Father, please.” For the first time, Keto turned his head towards his father.

  “Be still. You have done enough.” He added, “This is my will.”

  The younger elf turned his eyes back on Zane, his jaw clenched so tight that Zane was sure he might crack some teeth.

  “Please accept as a token of peace my beloved daughter.”

  Griffin made a choking sound and many of the guard, on both sides, shuffled nervously.

  “She is a virgin and fully mature. She will make a good mate.”

  How the fuck did he respond? To outright refuse would be seen as denial of the elven allegiance. It would be taken as an insult.

  “Thank you, Katar. I will graciously accept, but know that it is unnecessary and if you wish to reconsider…” Zane hoped that he had not offended the king.

  The old man smiled. “I insist—”

  “Father, the vampire said it is unnecessary.”

  Vampire. Who the fuck was this young buck’s vampire? Surely the bastard wasn’t referring to him? Zane bristled at the younger male’s attitude. His hands itched, wanting so badly to turn to fists. He wanted to punch some respect into the insolent little prick.

  “Be still. It is the last time I will ask this of you.”

  This time Zane heard how the male ground his teeth together. Keto nodded once before staring at the floor. His knuckles turned white at his sides.

  The female said nothing. Her little hands were clasped in front of her, her eyes to the ground.

  “I would like for you to have Esral. The ultimate token of peace, of a species united.”

  Fuck.

  The covens were much stronger united. They would win a war against the elves, but at what cost? The last thing Zane wanted was another war. Why had the old man chosen such a public place to make the offer? He could’ve talked some sense into him in private. Those around them grew restless. The old man’s eyes hardened. Even the princess lifted her big orbs, they pleaded with him.

  “Thank you,” he managed to choke out. “We are honored.” Already his mind rushed at finding a way out of this.

  “I insist that she mate with royalty. She is a princess and should be treated as such. You would slight me if you were to give her to a commoner.”

  This was the king’s way of locking him in. Double cluster fuck. Tanya was going to have his nuts. There was no way he was going to mate with this female. No freaking way. Aside from not needing another female, he happened to like his nuts right where they were. He would find a way out of this. Zane would call a meeting in a few days and discuss it with the elven king in private.

  The king smiled. “Esral will make a good mate, she is stronger than what she looks…”

  For the first time the female showed some real emotion by gasping. “Father, please.”

  “Now that it is settled.” The old man moved to kneel. He held his hip as he bent.

  “Wait.” It was Zane’s turn to narrow his
eyes. “Your son will kneel on your behalf.”

  “Yes, but…” The elven king looked worried. He glanced from Zane to Keto and back.

  “I insist,” Zane growled softly. “I require your allegiance, but also that of your heir. You have given me your daughter. He can kneel.” Zane gestured in the direction of Keto, but didn’t take his eyes off the king. He could feel the animosity rolling off the elf prince.

  “Do as he says.” Keto didn’t move. “Do it,” Katar added raising himself higher and pulling his shoulders back.

  Keto dropped to his knee while inclining his head, in less than a second he was back on his feet. The youngster could not school his emotion well. A mask of anger contorted his features.

  As was customary, Zane and Katar shook hands at the wrists. The old man’s skin felt like paper beneath his grip. Katar smiled. “And so it is done.”

  “It is done,” Zane repeated holding to tradition. All gathered from both sides and repeated the phrase. Zane noticed that the elven prince didn’t utter a word. An insult, but for the good of both species he would let it slide.

  After a short goodbye, which was mainly for the benefit of the princess, Esral picked up a silk tie bag. It was small considering that it held all of her belongings. Zane took it from her. The bag weighed nothing. They climbed into one of the waiting SUVs, Esral beside him. Zane had been tempted to put the princess into one of the other vehicles but that would potentially have hurt her feelings. She seemed nice enough. They pulled off in the direction of his castle.

  “When are you going to mate me?” She pulled her golden hair behind a pointed ear.

  He was shocked by the question as she seemed like a shy little thing. “I haven’t had much time to think on it.”

  “What’s to think about?” Her blue eyes shone.

  “Well”—he paused—“shouldn’t we get to know each other a bit first?”

  Her brow knitted. “What purpose would that serve?”

  For the love of blood, his little human had turned him into a pussy. Zane had to suppress a smile. Just thinking of his female had his cock filling. “You are a virgin. We shouldn’t rush into anything.” He needed to tell her that he had no intention of ever mating her, but this didn’t seem like the right time or place. Zane also found that he again didn’t want to hurt her feelings.