The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  Stephany released him. “You should’ve told me. I can walk you know.”

  “I won’t risk the baby.” He turned cold eyes on her. “I need to lean on you,” he added while looking towards the log cabins up ahead. There was the tinkle of children’s laughter. Lazy smoke tendrils drifted from the chimneys. The scent of something sweet cooking had her stomach growling.

  “Either that pup is ready to be born or someone is hungry.”

  A hysterical sounding laugh escaped her. “I’m so sorry, Ward. So very sorry” The laugh turned into a sob. She touched the healing wound on his chest and he stiffened.

  “We’ll discuss it”—he grit his teeth—“later.”

  A female and two playing children came into sight. The children immediately tried to run towards them, but the female grabbed them both by their shirts and scolded them before sending them scuttling in the opposite direction.

  The female turned to stare at her for a few beats before turning in the same direction as the children and breaking into a jog.

  In a matter of minutes, a group of males rushed towards them.

  Ward immediately pulled himself up, not allowing her to assist him any longer. At least not openly. He still clasped her wrist, using it to stabilize himself.

  “What happened to you?” Rushe was the first to reach them.

  “What is she doing here?” The big male that she remembered as Gage bellowed. There were claws at the ends of his fingers and his face was contorted in rage. Stephany had to fight to keep from hissing.

  “Stay at my side and keep quiet,” Ward whispered to her.

  “Back the fuck off,” Ward growled as Gage neared.

  “I swear to God, if you don’t kill her, I will.” Gage narrowed his eyes at Ward. They glowed lightly in the morning sun.

  “This female is with pup. My pup,” he snarled. “That makes her mine. Do all of you understand?” His voice grew weaker. “She stays with me.” He swayed on his feet. Stephany threw her arm around his waist in an attempt to keep him up. There was nothing she could do to stop him from falling though and this time he didn’t stop at just landing on his knees. He fell forward hitting the ground. Hard.

  “Ward,” she said while turning him and lightly touching his cheek. “Ward,” she tried again, hearing the panic in her own voice. She pulled a lid open. His eyes were rolled back in his head. He was out cold.

  “What the fuck did you do to him, vampire?” Could this day get any better? It was her own personal tormenter. Hayden moved to the front of the group, violence etched in every part of his body. “I asked you a question, bloodsucker.”

  The big male, Gage, moved to intercept him. “You heard Ward. This female belongs to him.”

  “Bullshit. He would never take a filthy vampire as his mate.” Hayden growled, taking another step towards them. “He must be suffering from severe blood loss. It is affecting his ability to think rationally.”

  “The female carries our alpha’s heir. I can scent it.” Sawyer grabbed Hayden by the arm when he tried to move closer. “I will take you out if you don’t back the fuck off. I allowed this type of behavior from you the last time. It won’t happen again. Are we clear?”

  At first Hayden held the other male’s gaze, then he dropped his eyes, shaking off the other male’s hold. “If you ask me, our alpha is not thinking straight. A vampire?” He snorted in disgust, turned and stalked away.

  “Help me get him up.” Rushe said as he crouched next to Ward. Gage and a male she didn’t recognize moved in. All three males lifted Ward. Rushe grunted under the weight.

  “Follow us, female.” The unknown male addressed her.

  “Her name is Stephany,” Rushe grunted. He turned his head towards her and smiled. “It’s nice to see you again.” He added, “Congratulations on the pup. Ward has been impossible to be around these last few weeks. I think he has missed you.”

  “Hold your end and quit jabbering,” Gage growled, looking in Rushe’s direction. “What happened to him?” The male turned dark eyes on her, his voice a deep rumble. It was clear that he didn’t trust her.

  Stephany swallowed hard. She relayed how he had been injured, trying hard to avoid the why part.

  “Silver plated sabre?” Gage shook his head. “He carried you all the way back within a few hours of the incident?” The big male didn’t look like he believed her.

  “My alpha has really big balls,” Rushe beamed. “He probably stopped to rut his female on the way back too.” Rushe turned to grin at her.

  Gage growled. “Shut it. I told you to hold your end up, before I am forced to beat you.”

  Rushe paled, snapping his head back.

  From the calm manner in which these shifters were dealing with the situation, she could tell that Ward was in no imminent danger. At least she hoped that was the case. “Please tell me that he’s going to be okay.”

  “He’s fine,” the unknown male said. “Nothing a day or two of sleep won’t cure. He’ll need to eat and to rut when he wakes up though.”

  “What?’ she pursed her lips.

  “You heard me, female.” The male said as they arrived at the cabin and mounted the porch. She rushed forward to grab the door handle.

  “What the hell happened?” Stephany turned to face Luna, who walked towards them with determined strides. “What is she doing here?” the other female asked, her eyes narrowed.

  “Ward was hurt rescuing his female. The vampire carries his child and is not to be harmed.” Gage growled the last word, his eyes narrowing on Luna.

  Luna’s eyes widened and her hands flew to her hips. Stephany stood tall, squaring her shoulders.

  The female wolf’s nostrils flared, her eyes dropped to Stephany’s stomach. “I thought most vampires were infertile,” she whispered mostly to herself.

  Stephany felt her blood drain at the thought of the pending birth. She had the urge to stroke her hand over her stomach but tramped it down instead. She could only hope that whatever Ward wanted to show her would actually work.

  “A mixed species heir. I wonder if the same outcome will apply?” the female’s eyes narrowed in thought.

  “Enough,” Gage growled. “Ward weighs a ton.”

  “I’m sorry.” Stephany mumbled, quickly opening the door and moving out of the way. She couldn’t help but to wonder what outcome Luna had been referring to? Once the males had passed through the door, she turned back to ask her, but the female had already left.

  The males put Ward on the bed.

  “Stay with him.” Gage locked eyes with her. “Rushe or one of the others will stay outside the door. They’ll arrange for anything you need.”

  She nodded.

  “It would be best if you didn’t wander around alone.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “I will spread the word that Ward has claimed you, but I don’t want there to be any accidents. He needs to address the packs as a matter of urgency. Till then…” He shook his head.

  She felt her brow knit. “Packs? Did you just say packs?”

  “Your mate can explain,” Gage added.

  “Ward isn’t my mate.”

  Gage smiled, looking feral. Stephany had to work hard for a moment not to take a step back. “If you say so, female.”

  “Don’t forget to rut him once he has eaten.” The unknown male had sleek black hair and dark eyes. “He will heal much quicker.” He winked at her.

  “Okay.” Her voice shook. Ward may have openly claimed her, but she held no false hope that he had forgiven her and that they would just settle in together…one big happy family. Besides, like it or not, she was still mated to Lance.

  Rushe brought her breakfast. A honey sweetened oatmeal which just might be her new favorite food. For lunch, he brought some type of flatbread with cheese and apples. At least Stephany didn’t have to hide her need for actual food. She’d gone from eating two or three times a week to several times a day. Her need for blood had all but disappeared. A few mouthfuls once or twice a week seemed to be suffic
ient.

  Ward was under a blanket on the bed. Rushe had helped her to get a fire started and once the room was nice and warm, she’d found one of the metal cooking utensils in a cabinet. It had taken her almost half an hour to figure out how the stove worked, but she had finally managed to heat some water.

  Using the warm water and a cloth, she did her best to clean Ward. He stayed asleep the entire time, his chest rose and fell steadily. He looked peaceful.

  Stephany threw another log on the fire, wanting to keep the cabin warm. Using a new cloth, she lightly wiped water across Ward’s mouth in an effort to keep him hydrated. They’d said it would take a day or two for him to wake up. Surely he would need to eat or drink before then? She let her fingers trace his jaw, catching the stubble.

  A knock sounded.

  She moved away from the bed. “Come in.”

  Judging by the lack of light at the slits in the curtains, it was evening. In walked Rushe with a wicker basket. “Your dinner is served, my lady.”

  She felt her brow pull together. “I’m not royalty.”

  Rushe grinned. “It is a just a silly human saying. I didn’t mean anything by it.” He frowned when he saw the dishes in the sink.

  “I tried to clean them but it didn’t work out too well. The oatmeal has dried and won’t come off.”

  He smiled, looking very handsome. Stephany was sure the wolf attracted females second to none. “I hope you like steak?” he pulled out a plate of thick, bloody meat and her stomach lurched. “I’m sorry,” he said when he caught the look on her face. “I thought you ate meat.”

  “I do. Just not raw like that. I’m really sorry, I’m not a great cook. I can sort of make stew. I think.” Now that she knew how to use the gas stove, she might be able to remember what Ward had taught her.

  Rushe laughed. “I’ll show you how to cook the steak. I don’t have the right ingredients for stew. I’ll also show you how to clean up. It’s not that hard.”

  “I would really appreciate that.” She couldn’t help but to think that he must have thought of her as a complete idiot. Stephany looked down at her clasped hands.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Rushe said.

  Stephany looked up, seeing that Rushe’s face had taken on a concerned look. He took a step towards her. “Please don’t look so upset. It’s not a big deal.”

  She forced herself to smile. “I would appreciate your help. I never had to perform such duties at the castle.”

  He nodded. “I understand. It’s just that around here, you will be expected to pull your own weight, it doesn’t matter that you are Ward’s mate.”

  “I’m not Ward’s mate. Why does everyone keep saying that?”

  Rushe looked confused for a few seconds. “He claimed you and that makes you his mate.”

  “Impossible,” she said to herself. Ward knew that she was mated to another. There was no way. Aside from the issue with the lores, she didn’t think he wanted her anyways. The only reason he had said that was to protect his unborn child while he was too weak to do so himself.

  “Not only did he claim you, but he did so in front of Hunter and Gage.” Rushe made his way to the kitchenette. He grabbed a big pan and fired up the gas stove, placing the pan on the heat.

  “And that’s important because…”

  Rushe sighed, rolling his eyes like he was being made to explain himself to a child. “They are also alphas.” He took the steak and threw it into the hot pan. The meat sizzled.

  Stephany felt her mouth gape. That was why Gage had mentioned packs.

  “How do you like your steak?” He picked up a two pronged fork while looking back over his shoulder at her.

  “Cooked.”

  He laughed. “No, do you like it well done, rare?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”

  He laughed again, this time shaking his head. “Do you want it to bleed a little? Or…I wouldn’t recommend it…well done. It tends to toughen the meat if you cook it for too long.”

  “No blood.”

  “No blood, but a little pink?” He raised his eyebrows.

  She had to smile. “That’s fine. Gage and the other male are alphas?” She took a step towards Rushe as he turned the meat in the pan. It sizzled and spat, making him take a step back.

  “Gage is a bear shifter and Hunter is a panther shifter.”

  “I had no idea. Must be one of those secrets that Ward didn’t want me to know about.” She stared at a spot on the wall just behind Rushe.

  “Now that you’re mated, it’s okay that you know. There are many different types of shifters such as cougar, tiger and even dragon shifters.” His eyes widened. “I’ve never seen one of the Dragonkin, but my grandfather saw them once. They live high up in the mountains.”

  “Wow. We only ever knew about wolf shifters.”

  “Yeah, we thought it best if the kings didn’t know. Something to possibly give us the upper hand. Your food is nearly done. Now about washing up the dishes.” He grinned at her. “I can see that you didn’t use the washing liquid.” He opened a cupboard and pulled out a bottle of green liquid. “Use a pot to heat up the water and add some soap.” He shook the bottle. “Not too much though. Be sure to rinse the dishes once you have finished washing them. If you don’t figure it out, then I’ll help you in the morning.” He winked at her. “I will light the fire that heats the water tank so you can have a hot shower once you have finished eating as well.” He slid the delicious smelling steak onto a plate and handed it to her. “I hope you enjoy it.”

  “Thank you.” She touched his arm as he was moving away. “I really appreciate it.”

  “No problem.” He made towards the back door but stopped mid stride. “Um, Stephany.” He turned looking her straight on.

  “Yes?” She urged noticing that there was some hesitancy in his gaze.

  “Do you think there are any vampire females that may be interested in us male shifters?” his eyes immediately darted to his shoes and he pushed his hands into his jeans pockets.

  “I must say that I’m not sure the species are quite ready to mingle just yet, but yes I do. You’re a sweet male, Rushe.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I’m also strong and capable in battle. I have been told that I am handsome.”

  Stephany felt like laughing but managed to school her reaction. Males! They really all seemed to be the same deep down inside. “Yes, you are,” she said, eyeing his biceps and wide chest. Not because she was interested, but because she knew it would help to boost his ego.

  He smiled. “Who knows? Maybe Ward can have a talk with the kings.”

  Like hell.

  “I’ll discuss it with him.”

  Rushe’s grin widened up a whole lot. “I would appreciate that. If any of the females are half as hot as you are.” His eyes widened as he realized what he had just said. They flashed to Ward, still unconscious on the bed. “Please forget I said that.” Rushe looked pained as he continued, “He would have my left testicle.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him.” She couldn’t help but to smile. “I will talk to him, but know that the kings do not want interspecies matings. I don’t think it will be a possibility.” She watched his eyes cloud. “I’m sorry, Rushe, I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”

  He smiled. “It is not your fault. Why can’t we all just get along?” His sentiment was so simple, yet so true. His eyes glinted. “Maybe a couple of us could go steal a few vampire females of our own.”

  Stephany gasped. “Don’t you dare, Rushe. It wouldn’t be right. They would hate it.”

  “It didn’t sound like you hated it too much from where I was standing outside that door.”

  Stephany felt her mouth drop open. She crossed her arms over her chest and tried to give Rushe the sternest look that she could muster. “You didn’t just say that?”

  The male had the good grace to look sheepish before throwing her a wide grin. “Apologies. Again”—he glanced at Ward’s mot
ionless figure—“please don’t say anything to my alpha. I happen to like my sacks.” He clasped his balls for a few seconds, his expression so pained that Stephany felt like laughing. “I am sure that the vampire females would soon be quite agreeable to rutting”—he bobbed his eyebrows up and down—“us shifters are quite irresistible. There are many of us males and so few females. We would treat them like the finest treasure and we are definitely not merely looking for a good time. We need more than just bed partners. We need mates.”

  “Like I said, Rushe, please don’t get your hopes up.” She felt sorry for him.

  He nodded once. “That’s fine.” His shoulders slumped. “We’ll just stick to the original plan if it doesn’t pan out. I am thankfully high up on the list.” His smiled at her. “I will light your fire now.”

  She nodded as he disappeared through the back door. Although she was curious, it would be best if she didn’t know about this list that he was referring to.

  A few minutes later, he re-emerged. “Give it half an hour. You should eat that before it gets cold.” He glanced at the steak, which she’d set down on the table.

  “Thank you for your help.”

  “I’m right outside, let me know if you need anything.” He didn’t wait for her answer, just strode out, closing the door behind him.

  The steak was delicious, she’d been sure to take note of how to prepare it and was sure that she would be able to cook one in the future. Once she was done, she took a cooking utensil and filled it with water. Placing it on the stove to heat. This time it took only a few seconds to get the plate lit. Within five minutes the water was steaming, and following Rushe’s instructions she washed the dishes leaving the oatmeal bowl to soak as the porridge had crusted on the bowl making it almost impossible to remove even with the hot water and soap. Once she’d showered, she pulled one of Ward’s shirts over her head and slipped under the covers with him. He moaned in his sleep, his jaw locked and his brow creased.

  Stephany put a hand on his chest while being careful to avoid the red line, she worried that it might still pain him. She made soothing noises and this seemed to help, because he settled back into a deep sleep. His chest expanding and contracting rhythmically.