The Chosen Series Box Set: Books 1 - 3

by Charlene Hartnady

  For months she’d tried hard to get him to notice her, but nothing seemed to help. She grew tired of watching him treat her like a burden. Of scenting other females on his skin. It was maddening. Right now, her father was her top priority. It would be best if she wasn’t distracted by the vampire. Esral would do everything in her power to ease her father’s pain. To see him healed. She knew that he worried greatly about her. If she found someone, a mate, he would be able to relax and concentrate on becoming better. It was time to face up to the fact that Xavier would never be that male.

  “I agree,” she looked Brant in the eye as she spoke, “my brother can be very difficult. The best way to appease him would be if I chose a male I am interested in to accompany me back to my home.” She paused, sure for just a second that Xavier had made a noise, but she must’ve been mistaken because she was greeted with his even breathing and rhythmic heart. He clearly didn’t care. It angered her even more. Somewhere, somehow, she realized that she’d still been holding onto hope.

  “I would like York to accompany me. I can see myself with the male and would like to get to know him better,” she blurted. York was sweet enough. She didn’t want him, but at least he seemed like a decent enough male. One she could trust.

  Brant nodded, he smiled, which was just plain scary. Zane scowled, which strangely enough reassured her.

  “I will arrange it right away. I am sure you and York will be very happy together,” Brant said, nodding as he spoke.

  “The male is not permitted to touch you unless he plans on mating you.” Xavier’s voice was low and deadly, it had the ability to send shivers up and down her spine, which irritated her. It wasn’t right that he had this effect on her.

  “I am sure that he is an honorable male,” she replied, keeping her eyes on Brant. “Anyway, my focus will be on my father.”

  She was convinced that she heard him mutter something to the opposite tune about York, using a choice swear word that made her inwardly cringe.

  “I will have a talk with the male to make sure that he understands the rules. You are a princess after all and not just some easy fuck.” Xavier’s silver eyes bore into her. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

  Doing his duty until the end. How respectable. Esral inwardly sighed. “I wish you didn’t use such profanities.”

  “I wish for a lot of things, but we can’t always get what we want.” His eyes dipped to her lips and she held her breath. Then they flicked to Brant and disappointment hit hard. She immediately felt guilty about feeling sorry for herself when her father could be dying. She straightened her shoulders.

  “I request permission to leave,” Xavier growled.

  Her heart sank like a dead weight. She so wished Xavier could be at her side as a partner during this tough time. Esral and her father had always had such a strong relationship. She didn’t know if she would survive his death. She’d never felt more alone. Once again, she fought the tears that welled.

  Awakened by the Vampire Prince is available now

  About the Author

  Charlene Hartnady is a USA Today Bestselling author. She loves to write about all things paranormal, including vampires, elves and shifters of all kinds. She lives on a couple of acres in the country with her husband and three sons. They have an array of pets including horses and a gecko named Pickle.

  She is lucky enough to be able to write full time, so most days you can find her at her computer writing like mad. Charlene believes that it is the small things that truly matter, like that feeling you get when you start a new book, or when you look at a particularly beautiful sunset.

  If you want to be kept updated on new releases please sign up to my Latest Release Newsletter to ensure that you don’t miss out http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join. I promise not to spam you or divulge your email address to a third party. I send my mailing list an exclusive sneak peek prior to every release, as well as info on sales and freebies. You can unsubscribe at any time.

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  www.charlenehartnady.com

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  Also by Charlene Hartnady

  The Chosen Series:

  1# Chosen by the Vampire Kings

  2# Stolen by the Alpha Wolf

  3# Unlikely Mates

  4# Awakened by the Vampire Prince

  5#Mated to the Vampire Kings (Short Novel)

  6#Wolf Whisperer (Novella)

  7# Wanted by the Elven King

  The Program Series (Vampire Novels):

  Book 1: A Mate for York

  Book 2: A Mate for Gideon

  Book 3: A Mate for Lazarus

  Book 4: A Mate for Griffin

  Book 5: A Mate for Lance

  Book 6: A Mate for Kai

  Book 7: A Mate for Titan

  The Bride Hunt Series (Dragon Shifter Novels):

  Book 1: Royal Dragon

  Book 2: Water Dragon

  Book 3: Dragon King

  Book 4: Lightning Dragon

  Book 5: Forbidden Dragon

  Book 6: Dragon Prince

  Water Dragons (Spin-off to The Bride Hunt):

  Book 1: Dragon Hunt

  Book 2: Captured Dragon

  Book 3: Blood Dragon

  Book 4: Dragon Betrayal

  Earth Dragons :

  Book 1: Dragon Guard

  Book 2: Savage Dragon

  Book 3: Dragon Whelps

  Book 4: Slave Dragon

  Book 5: Feral Dragon

  Book 6: Doctor Dragon

  The Shifter Night Series:

  1# Untethered

  2# Unbound

  3# Unchained

  Complete Box Set Books 1 - 3

  The Feral Series:

  Book 1: Hunger Awakened

  Book 2: Power Awakened

  Book 3: Hate Awakened (Menage)

  Demon Chaser Series (No cliffhangers):

  Book 1 Omega

  Book 2 Alpha

  Book 3 Hybrid

  Book 4 Skin

  Demon Chaser Boxed Set Book 1-3

  Excerpt

  Chapter 1

  Lord help him. Xavier sighed. At this rate he would die of a heart attack. Since he was a non-human that was saying something. Even though she was at least a foot shorter than him, Xavier had to pick up his pace to keep up with the elven princess. Her long golden tresses flew about her face as she purposefully strode across the field in the direction of the forest.

  Why she insisted on wearing those blasted silken robes was beyond him? The fabric clung to her enticing curves, the hem rode high on her creamy thighs. Then again, he didn’t like it when she wore dresses or shorts either. He sighed again. She could probably wear a hessian sack and still draw the eye of those around her.

  They passed by various groups of males who were busy with their training sessions. As they caught sight of her, they stopped what they were doing so that they could stare, open mouthed, as she walked past. Some stopped mid fight, allowing their opponents to hit them, while others fumbled and even dropped their weapons. None of them dared to say anything or to approach her. At least his regularly swollen, bleeding knuckles had not been for nothing. Xavier narrowed his eyes at those who dared look his way and was content when they dropped their gazes in a show of submission.

  By the time they made it to the edge of the forest, Xavier realized that the princess planned on entering the thick undergrowth and he ground to a halt. “This is far enough, princess.”

  Esral turned on her heel, putting her hands on her hips. She had to look up to maintain eye contact with him. “How many times do I need to tell you that I’m an elf? We need to be out in the open. To be one with nature.”

  “It is my duty to protect you.” Xavier tried to keep himself from growling.

  “Well then, you’d better follow me.” Like a leaf in the wind, she turned back to the forest
and was gone in what felt like an instant.

  Xavier had to run to catch up with her. He gripped her lightly by the elbow and spun her back to face him, keeping his hand on her arm. Her cheeks were pink. Her large blue eyes wide. “I don’t like to stray too far from the castle, princess. If anything should happen…”

  “I’m sure that you’re more than capable of ensuring my safety, especially considering you take your duty so seriously.” She chewed on her lower lip for a few beats. “Please, Xavier. The walls are closing in on me. I need to spend a little time out here.” She opened her arms forcing him to release his light grip on her. The nimble elf spun around in circles and when Esral laughed it eased something inside of him. She lifted her eyes to the thick canopy overhead, a radiant smile graced her beautiful face.

  He shook his head and sighed heavily. “We really shouldn’t.” How the hell could he deny her?

  When her eyes locked with his once again, he knew that it would be hopeless to try and dissuade her. Besides, he didn’t really want to. “Fine. One short walk and then we have to go back”

  He didn’t think it possible but her smile widened and her blue eyes sparkled brightly even in the shadows. “Let’s go then.” Using long graceful strides, she skipped and danced her way through the thick undergrowth, leaving him cursing as he stumbled behind her. It was impossibly thick in this part of the woods. Thankfully he was in his leathers because the thick branches would’ve cut his arms and snagged regular fabric. How in the name of blood did she move so quickly? The only thing that kept him sane was listening to her odd peal of laughter. At least someone was having fun.

  “Slow down, princess,” he called after her. Insects buzzed around his neck and face. The undergrowth crunched beneath his boots. Sweat trickled from his brow. He shook his head, the little elf was wearing a silk robe, and no shoes. By now she should be scratched up and bleeding. The garment torn from her body. He almost groaned aloud at the thought of her exposed feminine curves. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to look upon her naked flesh or all bets would be off. His willpower was at an all time low as it was. He made out a blue flash in the distance and then another. His view mostly obscured by bushes and branches.

  Xavier moved forward, he cursed as a thorny branch sliced across his wrist. It healed almost instantly. Using the back of his hand, he wiped his brow and continued to pick his way through the dense undergrowth. He cursed again when his boot got snagged on a gnarled root. A seasoned warrior, one of the elite, a vampire fucking prince yet he failed to keep up with the petite, elven beauty and almost fell flat onto his ass as he stumbled into a clearing.

  The air seized in his lungs as he took in the view. A waterfall fed into a crystal pool which was surrounded by scattered pebbles. Water lilies floated gently across the rippling surface. Though the only thought that passed through his mind at the moment was that Esral had the sexiest ass he had ever seen in his life. When she turned towards him, he all out cursed.

  “Stop that.” Her eyes narrowed at him. “Why do you have to be so vulgar?”

  “You’ve taken off your clothes.” Xavier had to work hard to keep his eyes on hers.

  “I’m going for a swim.” She gestured to the water behind her. “For the record, I’m wearing a swimsuit.”

  Against his will and better judgment, his eyes dropped to the two scraps of tight fabric she wore. The bottom part barely covered her pussy. For fuck sakes! It would be so easy to sweep aside the material and gain access. He already knew that her ass was exposed for all to admire. Heart shaped, perfect for holding while plowing into her…Lord give him strength. He lifted his eyes to the second scrap of fabric. One sneeze and her ripe for sucking tits would spill right out. Fuck! He had to hold in the expletive. Xavier felt his jaw lock and his eyes narrow as he noticed how her nipples pushed against the fabric. Why had she even bothered to put anything on? He felt his dick twitch and anger churned in his gut.

  “Get dressed right now.” His eyes locked with hers.

  She narrowed hers, gritting her teeth for a few beats before shaking her head. “I’m swimming.”

  “You are putting your robe back on and we’re going back to the castle.”

  She folded her arms, causing her breasts to plump up and her cleavage to deepen. It was one of the most enticing things he had ever seen in his whole entire existence. His anger increased.

  “Right now, princess. I mean it.” This time he couldn’t help but to growl at her. His voice came out sounding husky, belying how much he wanted this female. He hoped she wouldn’t notice.

  “Why?” Her face turned pleading. Her plump bottom lip puffed out in a semi pout.

  “Anyone could arrive. Do you really want males to see you naked?”

  “I’m not naked.” She raised her voice at him, not taking her eyes off of him for a second.

  “You might as well be. You are a princess and a virgin. It’s not right to go around flaunting yourself.” He knew he sounded petty but he really needed her to get dressed before he did something stupid like peel off the bikini and ravage her. Rutting the princess would be the same as agreeing to mate her. The two went hand in hand. As much as he would like to do many things to her, things that didn’t even necessarily involve his dick inside her pussy, he had to hold back. This female was different. She was sweet, sensitive, caring. She was an innocent and deserved more than what a male like him had to offer. She was saving herself for that one special someone. Esral had told him so and he believed her, could see it in the way her eyes had that far away look as she spoke of that special male. He had to suppress a growl just thinking of who he might be.

  She gasped. “How dare you? I’m not flaunting anything. There is no one here. Who would come out here?”

  He had to agree with her on that one but he wasn’t about to admit it. Xavier needed her clothed. The sooner the better. “You never know, princess. What if those young males decide to come for a swim? I need to keep you safe. You are making my job difficult. Get dressed.”

  She shook her head. “You are being a bit over dramatic. No one will venture out here. I could’ve had my swim by now.” She turned, putting a toe into the water. “You should join me.”

  His cock hardened up to the point of pain. Thankfully his leather body armor covered the bulge. He’d taken to wearing it at all times for this very reason. He made a snorting sound. “I need to secure the perimeter. I don’t have time for frolicking. Besides, I don’t have a swimsuit,” he added the last because he was sure that it would scare her off.

  A seriously naughty smile took hold of her full raspberry lips. “You could do a much better job from in there.” She pointed to the middle of the steaming water. “I’ll frolic and you can watch…the perimeter that is.” The sweet innocent princess looked down at his crotch. “As to the swimsuit issue”—she lifted her eyes and smiled sweetly—“I wouldn’t look. I promise.”

  Keeping his eyes averted, he shifted his weight. He could picture her frolicking…only too fucking well. “Get dressed. Do it now, princess.”

  Esral turned, giving him the perfect silhouette of her body. “One quick little dip.” She chewed on her bottom lip.

  Xavier could just picture what she would look like all wet. That blood red swimsuit would mold even further to her every curve. Her nipples would pebble. The picture she painted was damn near perfection but only because she wasn’t completely naked. He had to swallow hard to keep himself from drooling. “No,” a low growl so full of pent up sexual aggression that he was sure even a virgin could pick up on it. “Get dressed before I make you and trust me, princess, you don’t want me coming over there.” If he put so much as a finger on her, there would be no stopping him.

  “Fine.” She huffed, bending over to pick up her robe. “I don’t know what your problem is but for the record”—she pulled the garment on—“it irritates me big time. I’m going to request that I be assigned another guard.” She knotted the tie in elaborate angry jerks.

  He shook his hea
d. “No other male can be trusted with you.”

  Her face scrunched up in confusion. The little elf really had no idea how attractive she was. The princess was petite with flared hips and full mammary glands, she was delicate and so beautiful it sometimes took his breath away. In short, she was every male’s wet dream and he was sure that none would be able to resist her allure. They didn’t respect her like he did.

  “I’m not just going to let some big oaf rut with me. I’ve waited this long.” She sighed. “I told you that I will wait until I meet my mate, I don’t plan on breaking my thorn on just anyone.”

  He felt his brow crease. “Breaking your what?”

  Her cheeks turned crimson. “My thorn. Forget I said anything. I won’t rut with just anyone. You can trust me on that one.”

  “It has nothing to do with trust, vampire males can be persuasive. We know what to say and where to touch. A few kisses and you would be putty. You would beg to be fucked.”

  Her eyes flared a brighter blue for just a split second. “I’ll have you know that I’ve been kissed before and I didn’t beg for…anything.”

  “I wasn’t talking about kissing your pretty lips, princess, at least not the ones on your face.”

  She gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.

  “Don’t you want to be safe, princess? With me, you have nothing to fear. I will make sure that any suitors are sincere. That none of them try to touch you inappropriately. I will ensure your safety at all times.”

  “You wouldn’t try anything yourself?” She leaned forward, her eyebrows were raised.

  “No,” he growled. “Never.” The poor female was probably fearful after his sexual comments. He hoped his answer would put her at ease.

  “The problem is that you won’t let any of the males even talk to me. How will I ever find a mate?”

  The thought of the other males anywhere near this female had his blood igniting in his veins. “I’m sorry, princess, it’s just that I know how the male mind works. I know that they would like nothing better than to get under that robe of” —he cleared his throat. “I will be more allowing in the future. I might let…certain individual’s converse with you.”