The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  “Rude, smood. You know it’s straight down the line with me. I thought Zane would be here as well. He has such an amazing voice.” Her big blue eyes were wide.

  “I thought…” Tanya turned to him. “Didn’t you call Becky?”

  He held up his hands. “The store was me…your friend…Becky must have been—”

  “Zane called,” Becky bounced as she said his name. This little human had to be on something although he didn’t scent any drugs or alcohol. “He told me you would be here and to pop by if I wanted to see you.”

  The bastard.

  Trust that son of a bitch to hijack his surprise. Brant tried not to react, he didn’t want to upset Tanya in any way.

  “How sweet.”

  “This place looks amazing. You seriously lucked out. Are all vamps this sweet, caring…I happened to notice the guys at the door…are they all this freaking hot?”

  It was almost as if on cue that York entered the store removing his sunglasses as he did. “Apologies for the interruption, my lord. The two of us together are drawing a bit of attention. Permission to wait inside.”

  “Permission granted.”

  Xavier’s second in command threw the little human a wink and she smiled broadly while thrusting her chest out in a suggestive manner. York’s eyes almost bugged out of his skull. Brant could almost hear the thoughts running through the other vampire’s head. Ones in which he and the blonde would be naked and sweaty.

  “Face the exit.” He addressed York ensuring his voice was laced with authority.

  York inclined his head and turned around. Becky made a show of checking out York’s ass. If he hadn’t already agreed to this female attending the mating ceremony, he would never go along with it now. He would have a hard time keeping his men in line with her around. Brant would have to figure something out. Becky would need to be kept safe while in their territory and would need to be escorted back to Sweetwater immediately afterward. There were a number of mated males on his team that he trusted to perform the task.

  “Relationships between vampires and humans are illegal,” he addressed Becky.

  “No one said anything about a relationship. Just some good old fashioned sex would do me just fine.”

  York made a groaning sound, he tried to cover it up by pretending to clear his throat. The human didn’t scent nearly as delicious as his own female, but he could understand why York was reacting so heavily to her. Her scent was of candied apples. A refreshing combination of slightly sour and shockingly sweet.

  Brant cleared his throat. “Sex between our races is not permitted.”

  “No problem, it’s amazing what my mouth can do.”

  York fidgeted, Brant realized he was adjusting his pants, to accommodate a raging hard on no doubt.

  “Not allowed,” he growled, still facing York.

  When he turned to face the human, she was pouting. “Heavy petting? You have to at least allow that.”

  “Not happening.”

  “Behave,” Tanya whispered in the human’s direction.

  “Tanya cares for you and wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.” He tried to soften his voice.

  “For the record, I think that Becky is fully capable of looking after herself.” He could feel his female’s eyes on him and turned to her. “But, Becks those are the rules and I would appreciate it if you would respect them. I want you at the ceremony, but at this rate you’re going to get yourself banned.” His female looked at him with pleading eyes and he felt himself soften. She could probably ask anything of him and he’d agree, well, almost anything.

  “I’m only kidding…” Becky giggled ending in a snort. “Okay, you got me, I’m so not kidding.” She turned serious. “Look, I have to say that it won’t be easy, but I’d do anything for you…you’ll still owe me though.” Becky narrowed her eyes, and her lips went straight back into pout mode the second she finished the sentence.

  “Whatever. You still owe me from the last time.”

  “I washed your sheets, no harm no foul.”

  “You had sex in my bed while I was in the house. You freaking owe me.” Tanya put her hands on her hips, mimicking Becky. “I had to sleep on the sofa and listen to the two of you”— she made a sound of disgust—“You’ll behave or I won’t invite you again.”

  Becky huffed, her curls bounced. “We both know how that ended. My broken heart should’ve been a leveller.”

  His female cocked her head not buying it.

  “Fine, but this will make us even Stevens.” Becky sighed.

  His human smiled. Both females giggled loudly and fell back into each other’s arms. The whole thing was baffling, but it felt good to see Tanya so light-hearted.

  “I’m going out front, we need to get going soon. I’ll give you two sometime alone. I’m sure you have…female things to discuss.”

  His female smiled up at him and he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. “We’ll be right outside if you need me.”

  Tanya reached up and kissed his lips.

  “York.” He grunted as he passed the other male. The guard grudgingly followed him outside.

  As soon as they were outside and the door had closed, Griffin turned excited eyes on York. “And…does she scent just as good up close?”

  “Better. My cock is still hard. Her breasts are so—”

  “Stop,” Brant growled. “She is a human - you will keep your hands off her. Is that understood?”

  “We were only looking.” Griffin’s brow furrowed.

  Brant snarled causing a group of passers-by to shriek and run in the other direction. “Look what you made me do. I don’t want you smelling or even looking at her. I don’t want you so much as glancing in her direction. The human is off limits. Am I clear?”

  Both vampires’ lips thinned, York’s jaw locked but they both nodded.

  “Good.” The problem was, he knew that both of them would jump if the human so much as crooked a finger in their direction. Mated vampire males would need to watch her every move once she was in their territory. He could only hope it would be enough to keep the female safe.

  “Oh my God, you are so lucky,” Becks gushed. “He is so hot and he has that whole brooding thing going on.”

  “They both have it down pat.”

  “Tell oh tell, what’s a vampire sandwich like?” Becky’s eyes were wide and shining. “Sex must be off the charts. Two men, I can’t even imagine.” She clutched her hand to her chest and did a mock swoon.

  Tanya took a deep breath. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

  “Bull freaking shit, if you can’t tell your bestie then life may as well end. Why the glum look?” Becky took her by the hand and led her towards a table. “Let’s sit.” Once they had both taken a seat, Becky said, “Spill, tell me everything.”

  “I’m pregnant,” she blurted. The thought of a baby made her feel warm and fuzzy and so excited that she could burst. The only downside was having to wait a whole twelve months. On the upside though, it would give them a chance to get to know each other. To sort things out between them.

  Becky’s mouth dropped open. She opened and closed it a few times, which was comical since Becky was never at a loss for words. “Wow,” she finally sputtered. “Surely that’s not what you’re upset about?”

  “No. I’m thrilled. It’s only been a day, but since finding out I’m expecting I just can’t help but to feel excited and happy. I love the idea of becoming a mom, of giving my vampire kings a baby.”

  “Who’s the father?” Her friend blurted in true Becky style.

  Tanya shrugged.

  She gasped. “You don’t know.”

  Tanya shook her head.

  “Is that why you’re upset?”

  She shook her head a second time.

  “Didn’t think so. If you’re happy about the baby, then what’s up? They are taking care of you I hope?” Her face turned stern.

  Tanya found herself laughing at the mental image of Becky giving her vam
pire men a piece of her mind. Her bestie wouldn’t hesitate if she thought they were treating her badly. “Relax, they’re treating me great. It’s just that they’re still not getting along and I hate being shuffled between the two of them.”

  “Honey, it’s one of those things I’m afraid. You said they were enemies before, are they still fist fighting over you?”

  Shaking her head, Tanya tucked a loose strand behind her ear. “No, but there is still major animosity between them. I had hoped that they would become friends. That, I don’t know”—she felt herself blush—“I want that vampire sandwich, but I also want friendship, love, happiness. All the things a girl would want out of a normal relationship. I want them to lead the vampires together.”

  “Hang on a second. You need to understand that it won’t happen overnight. Realistically, it may never happen.” Her face was solemn. “It sounds like there has been major progress though. Try to be patient.”

  Tanya nodded. She was a patient person, well normally anyway. It hurt to watch Brant walk away, to watch his features cloud. It hurt that Zane wasn’t here. The mating ceremony, especially the actual mating that would follow, should be something that she could get excited about, yet there was this knot of fear inside her about how the night would go. Would her vamps end up fighting?

  “Am I selfish to want us to get along? All three of us? Right now it’s only two of us at a time, and either I’m with Zane or Brant and the other is left out. It’s not healthy. They are doing their best, but it’s only a matter of time before things come to a head. I can just feel it.”

  “As long as they are trying, you need to be patient. Do your best to keep them both happy.”

  “It’s difficult when I am destined to make one of them unhappy just by being with the other. Do you get what I’m saying?”

  Becky squealed and giggled. “Oh my God, you love them both don’t you? This has gone beyond caring or lust.”

  Tanya smiled, sighed and smiled some more. “Yeah I do, very much. I want them both happy and fulfilled. Right now that’s not the case though. Zane is much more relaxed about the whole thing, but I’m not entirely sure how he really feels about me. He’s definitely sexually attracted to me, but—”

  The door opened and Brant stuck his head around the jamb. “Five more minutes. It might not be safe to stay much longer.”

  “Safe?” Becky asked as the door closed.

  “Yeah, the wolves still have to swear allegiance and until then we are still officially at war.”

  Becky’s eyes widened.

  “It’s fine. I wouldn’t be here if there was any real threat. It’s just a precaution.”

  “You were saying how attracted to you Zane is.”

  “Right, I don’t know if he loves me though. Brant is the more difficult one, but I know that it is because he does love me and doesn’t want to share me.” She sighed. “It’s so complicated.”

  “It’s more than just an attraction for Zane. He took the time to call and to organize for me to be here. It was an extremely thoughtful thing to do. If it was just about the sex then he would’ve bought you lingerie or edible undies or something.” They both laughed.

  Insecurity, her old friend reared its ugly head. “The problem is that he didn’t choose me at the ceremony, Becks. I was never his first choice. It was convenient to call Mate’s Lore. It’s the only reason anything ever happened between us.”

  Becky’s brow furrowed. “Mate’s Lore?”

  “Yeah, the whole give me an opportunity to choose between the two kings thing after his true chosen died.”

  Her friend nodded. “Oh yeah, that. I wouldn’t worry too much, he cares. I could hear it when he called, and Brant loves you. Those little looks he gives you are something between wanting to eat you alive and wanting to hug you to death.”

  “Don’t joke, he could do both literally.” They both laughed again.

  Brant opened the door once more. “Come on, Cenwein, we need to hit the road.”

  “On our way.” She made to stand as the door closed.

  “What does Cenwein mean?” Becky asked while pushing her chair back.

  “Delicate, beautiful flower. Oh and rare.” She smiled broadly.

  “Like fuck. You’re tall for a woman and—”

  “You’re supposed to be my friend bitch…a little reminder of how big those guys are. I am small to them.”

  “If you say so.” Becky grinned.

  “I’ll have you know that hips, ass and breasts are considered major assets in the vampire society.”

  “You’re kidding me.”

  Tanya nodded. “Curvy women like you and I are considered seriously beautiful.”

  Becky’s face scrunched up in a scowl. “Great! They’re also off limits.”

  “Yeah. Please behave when you come out on Friday.”

  Becky sighed like she was conceding to the most difficult thing in the world. “Fine.” She smiled. “Hang in there kiddo. Your boys care. Just be patient, don’t try and force the situation.”

  This time when Brant opened the door, Tanya walked towards him. “At least I’ll see you soon,” Tanya said over her shoulder.

  “I can’t wait.” Becky gushed as they walked out onto the sidewalk. “Congrats on the pregnancy.”

  York stumbled, his head whipped in her direction.

  “Thank you,” Brant mumbled.

  They had planned on not saying anything yet. It normally took a week or two for a woman’s scent to change. That would be a more natural way of going about it rather than making a big announcement so early on.

  “You’re with child?” York’s eyes were wide and gleaming with excitement. Tanya nodded. The big, burly guard was at her side in a flash, he lifted her off her feet in a bear hug that had her gasping for air.

  “York!” Brant barked. The large vamp released her immediately. “Don’t do that again,” Brant added.

  York grinned. “Such good news. I apologize.”

  Brant smiled. “We are excited.”

  “Congratulations, my lord, my lady.” Griffin said inclining his head to each of them in turn.

  “Let’s go,” Brant growled. Although he sounded angry, the corners of his lips were pulled into a semi smile and his eyes twinkled.

  They said their goodbyes. It was reassuring to know that she would see Becky again soon.

  Chapter 26

  Between spending time with Brant and Zane, both in bed and out, and planning the ceremony, Friday arrived before she knew it.

  By now, both covens knew she was pregnant. The vampires treated her like she was made of pure gold. They smiled, bowed, gushed. It irritated her how everyone felt it was appropriate to sniff her though. It seemed that even though she was definitely pregnant, it was only deemed official once a person’s scent changed.

  “Oooh ,you’re a hot one.” A familiar voice sounded outside her bedroom door. Tanya smiled to herself, so much for Becky behaving.

  There was a knock.

  “Come on in,” she said while walking towards the door. It swung open. Hand on the knob, Becky was eyeballing Ross something fierce. The vampire looked like he appreciated the attention, even taking a step towards her.

  “Don’t even think about it,” said an unknown vampire male who stood to the right of the door.

  “Someone needs to start a petition against these outdated rules.” Ross’ eyes tracked the length of Becky’s body. “I swear I’d be very careful.”

  “Not too careful I hope.” Becky winked suggestively.

  Her friend wore a dress just shy of the knee, but the neckline plunged to the point of indecency. Tanya had to suppress a smile. “Get in here.” She grabbed Becky by the hand and pulled her into her room, closing the door behind her.

  Becky giggled. “I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m not used to so much attention by such seriously hot men. I even have my own guards. Brant was worried it seems.”

  “Vampires, Becks, they aren’t normal men and Brant was right to
give you guards.”

  “I’m not scared of a few vampires.” Her friend cocked her head.

  “Rules are rules and they must’ve been made for a reason.”

  “And, normally I would try and break them but this is your special day so I promise to behave. Please promise to try and see what you can do for future reference though.”

  Tanya laughed. “Sure thing and as to you behaving, I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  “Pinkie swear. From now on I’ll be extra good.” Becky threw her arms around Tanya and hugged her tight. “I’m so happy I’m here. I have to see your dress! Where is it?” She did a three sixty around the room.

  “I’m waiting for it to be brought up. It’s customary for the groom to choose the gown. I’m not sure how my men went about that. There haven’t been any major fights that I know of, so maybe they agreed on something for once.”

  “The man gets to choose…?” Becky made a sound of disgust. “That’s just plain wrong.”

  There was another knock at the door and Charlotte entered a second later. Her eyes were wide and she looked a little pale. “We have an issue.”

  “This is my best friend Becky.”

  “Hi there.” Charlotte briefly turned her stormy blue eyes on Becky. “Normally I love meeting new people. Especially humans – not that I’ve had many opportunities - but we are in the middle of a major crisis.”

  “What’s the problem?” Nervousness caused her stomach to clench and her heart to race. She tried to maintain her composure though.

  Charlotte put a large plastic suit bag on the bed. She unzipped it and pulled out a stunning red dress. It had a corset top and ran in an A-line style cut to the floor. The corset was a silk fabric with tiny diamonds sewn into the bodice.

  Both she and Becks gasped in unison. “It’s amazing,” Becks said on a sigh.

  “I have to say, Brant has amazing taste.” Charlotte hung the dress on the door and went back to the bag where she pulled out a second garment. A black gown. It had a tight fitting spaghetti strap top with twisted chiffon across the breasts. The lower half was more gown like with more chiffon layers. If it weren’t for being pitch black, it would’ve reminded her of a modern fairy-tale wedding dress.