The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

So unbelievably arrogant. Ward was right, they assumed that the wolves would fall to their knees. “And if they don’t?”

  “They will.” He sighed, sounding bored with the conversation.

  Stephany blew out a puff of air in frustration. “If they don’t?”

  Xavier shrugged. “Although we don’t particularly want to exterminate the beasts. We would be forced into war. By the time we’re done with them, the alpha will beg to be allowed to kneel before us. They will swear allegiance though, so don’t concern yourself with the whole thing.”

  The sheer arrogance of her kings, of the vampire species in general, was allowing the wolves a modicum of leeway but not for too much longer. Stephany worried for Ward. She only hoped that he had heeded her warning.

  “I’m sure he’ll respond to the latest correspondence. Like I told you, although I have no idea where they are hiding out, I do know that they don’t have cell phone signal.” She prayed Ward would put his pride aside and swear allegiance. Though the thought of the strong male having to go down on one knee still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

  Xavier smiled. “I’m sure once they receive our summons, they will come running in order to do what needs to be done…” He shrugged, “Or face the consequences.”

  Stephany had to suppress a shiver. Once she felt that her emotions were sufficiently under control, she said her goodbyes and left.

  Brant had insisted that she take the day off. Isla had been informed of the termination, and she was booked to have the procedure first thing in the morning. As much as she’d argued with Brant about not wanting the time off, he’d insisted. It left her with plenty of time to think. To worry. To wallow in her sorrow.

  It sucked.

  Right now, her whole life pretty much sucked.

  Instead of going to her room, she headed outside and made for the forest. Cool, green, surrounded by nature. Ever since being with the wolves, she craved the outdoors. The wind in her hair, the ground beneath her feet. It was strange considering she’d been holed up in Ward’s cabin the entire time that she’d been there.

  Yet, she felt a modicum of calm descend as the canopy above thickened and the scent of pine filled her nostrils. Stephany picked up a brisk pace, trying to concentrate on each footfall and not on her racing mind. The temptation that seized her was so self-centred.

  Selfish, selfish, selfish.

  It taunted. Everything in her wanted to call Ward. Not because she felt he should know. Not for any other reason than needing him to hold her hand when they extracted the life from her womb. The small, innocent, little life that was a symbol of their time together. Just like her and Ward, it was a life that could never be. She told herself for the millionth time that the baby would have no chance, yet she still felt untold guilt. The odds were just so bad on the child surviving, otherwise she would’ve gladly given her own life. If only there was a way. She would grab it with both hands.

  Stephany forced herself to walk faster, almost jogging until finally, exhausted, she allowed herself a small break before heading back to the castle. The canopy of trees was thick and a deep green color that allowed dapples of light through to dance around her. Putting her back against a particularly large oak, she enjoyed the sounds of nature. The feeling of calm and tranquillity.

  One small thump.

  Imagined. Most likely. Her mind playing tricks on her. It had to be since she was only two months along. It took at least four and a half months to feel…another tiny thump. This time undeniable. Stephany put her hand to her stomach in the vicinity of the movement, she held her breath. Even the birds and insects seemed to quieten in anticipation. Two more little knocks. Softer this time.

  A sob escaped as she slid down the side of the tree. It was too soon to feel movement. Too soon. The baby was half wolf though, she reminded herself.

  Ward.

  Stephany was panting. Overwhelmed. Even more distraught than before. Not just a clump of cells after all.

  How could she go through with this?

  How?

  Stephany pulled her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Ward’s number from memory. He’d insisted that she memorize it, just in case. It went straight to voicemail. Her eyes burned as she listened to his voice request that she leave a message. Stephany pushed the red button before the beep. Squeezing her eyes shut, she fought the tears until her throat hurt and her eyes stung. She made herself stand and forced herself to move in the direction of the castle, walking much slower this time around.

  Once she made it clear of the trees, she noticed that the new recruits to the royal guard were practicing their line formations. Stephany knew the drill. From here they would go on to hand to hand combat, followed by knife skills or archery. All she wanted right now was the sanctuary of her room.

  “Hey, beautiful,” a familiar voice sounded from behind her.

  Stephany scrunched her eyes shut, wanting to run away. Instead she turned, slowly.

  Lance smiled broadly. “If you wanted a romantic walk in the forest, all you had to do was ask.”

  “I didn’t, so I didn’t.” She hated that she sounded so mean, but she couldn’t help it. When was he going to catch the hint?

  His smile lessened. “Can I walk with you?”

  “If you’re not back in five, we’ll know what you’re up to.” A shout from one of the males in formation, followed by a snort and a chuckle.

  Lance rolled his eyes. “Callum, you can drop and give me two hundred.”

  “It wasn’t me.”

  “You can punish the offender once you’re done.” Lance growled, while still not taking his eyes off of her.

  “But—”

  “Three hundred,” Lance said. “I can keep adding, it’s entirely up to you.”

  A disgruntled growl sounded as one of the males dropped to the ground and began doing push-ups.

  “Please,” Lance whispered, his eyes pleading. “Just a walk.”

  She nodded, not wanting him to look bad in front of his recruits. This was the last thing she needed right now. The very last thing. Stephany sighed as she continued on with Lance at her side.

  They walked through the main entrance to the castle and into the main communal area, which was thankfully quiet at this time of day. Neither of them said anything until they were headed up the main stairs, taking the branch to the north tower.

  “I wish you would agree to at least date me. I know I let you down. I can’t tell you how I wish I could take back the years, do things differently.” He glanced her way.

  Stephany took in a deep breath. “Things happened the way they happened. It won’t do any good wishing differently.”

  They entered the long hallway that led to her suite. Lance moved a few steps ahead, he turned, walking backwards so that he could face her. “One date. One last chance. Please.” He reached for her, but she stopped so he missed.

  “It won’t change anything.” How could she make him understand?

  He stopped, and then took a step towards her.

  “You can’t deny that there was something between us. You are my mate.” His eyes narrowed at hers. “Your denial won’t change anything. Lores are Lores.”

  Just because they were technically mates, didn’t change anything. For years he had chosen to ignore that fact. She didn’t want Lance. Would never want him. Stephany felt her heart rate pick up. Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “It was sex…nothing more, nothing less. I bit you and it happened to be a new moon.” She took a step towards him. “Our mating was an accident. The sooner you get that through your thick headed skull the better. I’m done with this whole back and forth. You’re interest was flattering at first, but it’s become a huge irritation.” Stephany lifted her finger, poking him in the chest. “Leave. Me. Alone.” Poke. Poke. Poke.

  “Not happening, Steph.” He grit his teeth. “You are mine and I will make you see that, whether you like it or not. You. Are. Mine.” He growled.

  Stephany growled back, watching his brows f
urrow in confusion. Before he could say anything about her strange behavior, she put her hands on her hips. “I’m done with this, Lance. We may be mates according to the Lores, but there is no you and me. There never was, never will be.”

  “There was a ‘you and me’. Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you looked at me at gatherings.” He paused, “We didn’t see each other very often over the years, but you wanted me. Something has changed. Damned if I can put my finger on it though.”

  “I guess you must’ve rutted with one female too many. You even bedded females from my coven. Do you think I enjoyed overhearing all about your conquests? How you made Lucinda’s toes curl with your tongue skills and how your dick is so big that Penelope swears she could feel you all the way in her throat when you rutted her. Do you think I enjoyed hearing all about it? Although, I’ve never felt that way about you.” Frustration welled in her. “We have never had real feelings for one another, yet hearing those things still made me feel like the village idiot. We may be mated, but I don’t want to be with you.”

  He at least had the good grace to look sheepish. “I’ve apologized and will keep apologizing. I’ll go down on my knees if I have to. You know I haven’t rutted anyone since you were taken. I refuse to take another female as long as I live. I don’t care if my hand gets cramps or my balls explode. I don’t care if it takes years. I will make it up to you even if it kills me.”

  “Do yourself a favor, Lance. Find a nice female, settle down. Forget about me. I am sure that there is someone out there who will accept that you cannot take her as a mate.”

  His face took on a pained look. “I want you…only you. You are my mate.”

  “Trust me, you don’t want me.”

  His eyes filled with tenderness. “I do…more than you know.”

  “No!” She said a little too harshly. “I’m broken, Lance.” Or at least she would be. When this baby was removed, what was left of her heart would go with it. Stephany pushed past Lance and thankfully he didn’t try and follow.

  Stephany dialed Ward again the moment her door closed behind her. She was weak. Desperate. It went to voicemail.

  It was for the best. Her selfish need to have him with her would only cause him unnecessary pain. She wished that she could be strong and leave him out of it, instead she dialed again even though she knew it would go straight to voicemail this time as well.

  Chapter 10

  Tanya entered her suite. The human smiled softly. She wore her hair in a ponytail at the back of her head. Loose strands framed her face.

  “Stop,” Stephany said.

  Tanya’s brow creased. “Stop what?” She smoothed a hand over the long figure hugging dress she wore. It accentuated the human’s voluptuous mammary glands and her wide hips.

  “Stop treating me like I’m dying or something.” Stephany felt her eyes roll, trying hard not to be too hard on the other female. Trying hard to fight the jealousy clawing at her. Tanya was her friend, she was trying to help.

  Tanya cocked her head, looking like a school mistress. “I care. You’re going through a tough time. I want to help you through it. That’s all.” Tanya’s eyes softened up again. “Please let me.”

  “Treat me normally…please. It’s bad enough without you looking at me like that.” Something inside Stephany eased.

  “Fine,” Tanya huffed. “News is in that you let Lance walk you to your room earlier.”

  “You’re going to talk to me about Lance at a time like this?”

  Tanya narrowed her eyes. “You asked me to treat you normally, so I’m treating you normally. Out with it, sister.” Her friend put her hands on her hips and cocked her chin.

  “I let him walk me—”

  “Does that mean that you’re going to give him a chance?” Tanya interrupted, her hands still firmly on her hips.

  “Absolutely not.” Stephany shook her head for good measure. “He asked me in front of the recruits and I didn’t have the heart to turn him down in front of his subordinates.” Stephany let out a sigh. “Either this coven is too small or gossip travels altogether too fast. I’m not sure which it is.”

  Tanya smiled. “Probably a bit of both. How are you holding up?”

  Stephany sank down into the nearest chair. “I’ve felt better. I would rather not talk about it though. Tell me about your day.”

  Tanya shook her head. “I heard that Isla came to see you today. Brant mentioned that she had to determine whether or not the…procedure was necessary. I heard it wasn’t good news.”

  “No.” Stephany bit on her bottom lip for a few beats. “Not only has my pelvis been deemed too small, but”—she swallowed hard, her eyes burning with unshed tears—“there is no hope. I don’t want to talk about it.” Isla had measured her stomach and had declared that the baby would be huge based on the circumference of her belly this early on. The old female had tsked and shook her head as she went about her work. Although Stephany knew what the outcome would be, there was a small part of her that had still hoped and prayed that they had been wrong before.

  “Oh, hun…” Tanya pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so sorry.”

  “What’s happening with you?” Stephany was desperate for anything that would take her mind off of tomorrow.

  Tanya smiled. “I still haven’t let the boys rut with me, so they’re not in great moods.”

  “Too much information.”

  Her friend clapped her hands with excitement. “On the flip side, I interviewed someone who would be perfect to manage the Book Corner for me. She’s in her early thirties, single, so she lives for work and is really sweet. Did I mention well organized?”

  Stephany forced herself to smile.

  “She’s totally overqualified since she owned her own store for that last five years. Not sure why she would leave a thriving business, but who am I to ask?” Tanya raised her eyebrows. “Anyway, she starts tomorrow so I can finally relax.”

  Tanya had used her inheritance money to purchase a little book store. Ever since the shop had been refurbished, it had gone on to do really well. Brant and Zane didn’t want their pregnant mate to keep working though, so they’d finally all agreed that Tanya could hire someone to take care of the day to day stuff. It had taken a month to find a suitable manager. “That’s great news. I’m so happy for you.”

  “I can concentrate on growing a healthy heir…” She let the words die, she bit her lip and took in a sharp breath. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

  “Don’t be silly, I don’t mind.” She lied, refusing to put a damper on Tanya’s pregnancy.

  “No, I promise to be more careful.”

  “There you go again.” Stephany huffed. “Stop! You can talk about the pregnancy. It’s important to you.”

  Tanya smiled and nodded, her eyes filled with pity.

  “Can you do me a favor though?” If she had any shot of getting Tanya to agree, it was right now.

  “Sure. Anything.” Tanya reached out and touched her arm.

  “Go and rut with your mates. Do it now.”

  Her brow creased. “Why?” Her frown grew. “What is this about?”

  “I’ve been trying to get ahold of Ward.”

  Tanya clasped a hand over her mouth.

  “Look, I doubt I’ll succeed but on the off chance that I do…” Stephany made sure that she locked eyes with Tanya before she continued, “I need him here.” She felt her lip tremble and so she bit down on it.

  Tanya rubbed her arm. “Oh, honey…they already said that he could come.”

  Stephany took ahold of Tanya’s hand. “They’re not to ask anything of him. No terms and conditions, no compensations, no fealty. If I…by some miracle…manage to get the message to him, he will come for me…for the termination and nothing else…Am I clear?”

  Tanya nodded. “Yes, of course. They already said that.”

  “Once it’s over, he must be allowed to walk away.” She squeezed Tanya’s hand. “I need their promise.”

  “
Yes, of course. You have my word. I will go and tell them now.” Tanya smiled.

  “First, you must rut them. Remember what I said…”

  Tanya laughed. “Yeah, yeah. I will give them a ride they won’t easily forget”—she winked—“and then I’ll ask. Wait a minute, make that”—she cocked her head—“then I’ll inform them.”

  “Thank you.” A nervous tension inside her eased a tiny fraction.

  “If you need anything, and I mean anything, you let me know.” Tanya held her gaze for a few seconds until Stephany nodded. “Good,” Tanya said.

  “I will let the kings know if Ward is coming. I will make sure I have their permission.”

  Her friend gave Stephany a hug before turning. The human fished a cell phone out of her pocket as she walked to the door.

  “Brant, honey…I’m ready to take care of your blue balls now…”

  There was a low growl on the other end.

  “Oh yeah… dripping wet…” She turned and winked at Stephany as she opened the door. “Please let Zane know.”

  Another growl on the other end.

  “Honey bun…you know my latest favorite saying…two cocks are better than one.” A pause, “What if I told you that you get to go first?” Tanya shut the door. “Or, I could suck you off while Zane ruts me?”

  Sometimes Stephany hated her enhanced hearing.

  “I know you like my little fangs on your dick.” Tanya giggled.

  Oh by the Gods, Stephany wished she could pull out her eardrums. Tanya’s voice faded as she walked away. “One minute, you’ll be here as quick as that? I’ll be waiting…yes naked…” Far enough away now that she could only just make out what the human was saying, “…I’m going to start fingering myself as soon as I’m on the bed, so make sure you don’t miss the party. You know how I cum really easily and…” Stephany let out a pent up sigh. Thank blood her friend was finally far enough away that she couldn’t hear any more of that awful conversation.

  Her phone rang.

  She recognized the number instantly. It had her heart racing so hard that she could hear the rush of her blood in her ears.