A Mate for York (2 page)

York
watched from the sidelines as Lazarus punched the other male repeatedly in the
face until he fell to the ground unconscious. His friend raised his bloody
fists into the air and roared triumphantly.

“Aren’t
you glad that you don’t need to get involved in all of this?” Brant sounded
bored as he waved a hand in the direction of the fighting males. Most of the
elite guard were assembled together to fight for an opportunity to be included
in the breeding program.

The
whole place reeked of testosterone, adrenaline and blood. Didn’t get much
better.

York
could not understand how some of the males had decided not to be included. Who
would not want a mate and a chance at offspring? It was highly unfortunate that
most of the vampire females were unable to birth young. It was therefore
necessary that such a program existed.

A
human female.

His
heart rate increased and everything in him tightened. What a prize. He’d always
dreamed of an opportunity such as this. Could not wait until it became a
reality.

Something
was bothering him though. York turned to face Brant. “There is something I have
been meaning to discuss with you, my lord.”

His
king turned dark eyes on him. “Yes? Have you changed your mind about a place in
the dating program?”

He
shook his head. “Never,” he growled. “I thought it was called the breeding
program.” He felt himself frown.

“I’m
glad to hear it. My public relations team has recommended that we change the
name to dating program…” He pulled a face. “Humans are such timid creatures. We
are all driven to mate and procreate. Breeding program is a truthful and apt
description.” He sighed loudly. “Due to the bad press and fear the word
breeding evokes in humans, we have relabeled it Dating Program or The Program
for short.” His eyes darkened. “If you still want to be a part of the program, then
what is it that you want to talk to me about
?” Brant
looked mildly interested.

The
sound of meaty thuds and grunts drew his attention back to the fighting males. It
seemed that one of the younger of the elite, Griffin, was a real contender and
might just garner himself a place in the program. He had always enjoyed the
lighthearted nature of the younger male and hoped that he did in fact make the
top ten. It was certainly entertaining watching how he exchanged blows and
gracefully avoided being hit.

“I am
truly grateful to have been given a place in the trial phase of the program.”
York needed to tread carefully. Brant was known to have a short temper. York
had granted Brant’s younger brother, Xavier, a favor some time back. The
agreement was, that York would be given a position in the breeding program in
return. The only thing he needed to do was to pass the trials.

Bloodlust.

It was
a known fact that a percentage of the vampire population suffered from the affliction.
The exact percentage, however, was unknown as vampire/human relations had
always been banned. The affliction turned calm, collected vampires into blood
crazed maniacs liable to drain a human of their blood within minutes.

Brant
nodded, his jaw clenched. His king was impatient as always.

“I
think that it would be better if I fought for my place as well. I do not want
to be looked down on by my peers. The last thing I want is for them to think
that I’ve had an unfair advantage over them. That I’m not worthy to take a human
mate.”

His king’s
expression remained unreadable. “You do have an advantage and should take it
and not worry so much about what others think. You do realize that you could
lose your place should you decide to fight?”

York
had to hold back a laugh. “Highly doubtful, my lord. I am one of the top elite
warriors. There are ten spots available in the program.” He shrugged. “It’s a
no-brainer. I’m not worried.”

Brant
looked him up and down. “You’re a cocky bastard,” he growled before grinning.
“I like that.” Then he looked thoughtful for a moment. “Xavier mentioned that
you have wanted a human female and a family of your own. That this has been a
dream of yours for a very long time.” His whole expression softened, which was
strange to York. His king was never emotional or sentimental. “It’s wonderful…having
a son is better than I ever thought it would be. Are you sure that you are
willing to risk that? Human females are…” If his expression was soft before, it
was positively gooey now and York was tempted to ask his king to stop. He
looked just plain freaky with that expression on his face. “My little human is
the best. They are full of nonsense, but it will only adds to their appeal.
Their scent is out of this world. Right now, you are guaranteed a place. I
don’t think I would risk it.”

“Like
I said before, there is no risk.” Even now, York felt the adrenaline surge
through his body at the thought of a fight. He felt his muscles bunch beneath
his skin in preparation. Grinding his teeth, he slammed his fist into his open
hand.

“Be my
guest but know that should you lose, you forfeit your place.” Brant’s eyes
darkened.

“I
understand, my lord.” York dipped his head as a show of respect and thanks. He
then made his way to where the action was.

The
crowds were thick. A male fell to the left of him, his lip split open and his
eyes swollen shut, yet he still clawed his way to his feet only to be slammed
back down again. York kept on walking, his gaze fixed on the largest of the
elite males.

“I
thought you had decided that being a pussy was more your style.” Lazarus said,
his eyes glinted with humor.

“I eat
pussy.” York growled, looking down at his chest and arms. “Nope…no pussy here.”

Lazarus
grinned. “I was starting to get disappointed there for a second. My biggest
competition, sidelined by choice.”

He and
Lazarus were neck and neck for top position in the elite team. They were both
big motherfuckers with Lazarus having a few more pounds on him. Where Lazarus
beat him in bulk though, he won out on in speed and agility. It just depended on
which direction the wind blew as to which one of them would win a sparring bout
on any given day.

Sparring
was one thing, York looked forward to an actual no-holds-barred fight with his
nemesis. He removed his shirt, making his intentions clear.

Lazarus
leaned back against the wall behind him. “You would have one up on me though
since this would be my second round in less than five minutes.”

York
choked out a laugh. “Are you talking about when you punched that poor schmuck a
handful of times in the face before he fell down? It must’ve tired you out
something fierce.”

Lazarus’
lip twitched. “I’m exhausted.”

“Hang
ten while I take one of the others down. Take a little breather, old man”—York
winked at Lazarus, whose smile died—“because I’m coming for you.”

“I’m
ready for you now,” Lazarus growled.

“I
insist, wouldn’t want to say I had the unfair advantage. I have to say that you
really are looking a little tired. Should I call a healer?” Fuck, he loved this
shit. Loved the way the other male’s face clouded in anger as he charged at
York. It was another small advantage he had over the male, Lazarus had a temper
that got away from him sometimes. Made him do stupid things.

This
blind charge was one of those dumb things. York sprang out of the way at the
last moment and kneed Lazarus in the head, using the other male’s momentum
against him. The male dropped like a stone, hitting the ground with a loud
crash.

York
didn’t wait for him to recover, he kicked him hard in the midsection twice
hearing a rib crack. Now that he had the upper hand, he took a step back allowing
his opponent to get back on his feet. Every single breath would be like a stab
to the chest and his head had to hurt like a bitch.

He
noticed that Lazarus was in fact taking shallow breaths, that his face had
paled significantly. It took a little longer for bone to regenerate. Even so,
York knew he didn’t have much time.

“You’re
a dick.” Lazarus spat a mouthful of blood on the ground at his feet.

“I
told you to watch that temper of yours.” York threw him a wide grin which he
knew would piss the male off.

Lazarus’
dark eyes turned stormy as he attacked, throwing a wide right hook that missed
by a mile. With precision and focus, York landed two, tight punches to his
solar plexus. The air left Lazarus’ lungs in a
whoosh
and his eyes
widened.

It
didn’t stop him from head-butting York in the face though. Pain exploded in his
nose and his throat filled with blood. Served him right for momentarily
underestimating his opponent. It was time to end this.

York
took two steps back as he steadied himself before launching himself at Lazarus
with a double kick, first to the chest and then to the head. There was another
snap, probably the same bone re-breaking. It had the desired effect. Lazarus
grabbed ahold of his chest, groaning as he fell back. His nose was a flattened
mess.

“Stay
down,” York growled.

“Fuck
you!” Lazarus shouted as he staggered back up right.

York
kicked the male again, this time going easy on him. “Lie down. You’ll make the
program easy. I’ve won this round. You need to concede.”

He
shook his head in disbelief as Lazarus once again got back up onto unstable
legs. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” York growled under his breath. Using every
last bit of strength he had in him, he kicked the male so hard that there was a
loud crack as his neck snapped.

This
time when he fell, there was no trying to get up. Lazarus would wake up in the
morning with a bitch of a headache.

York
motioned for one of the healers to come and assist.

“Ruthless.
I like that,” a familiar voice said from behind him. When he turned, Brant was
smiling. “Think you’re right, you’ll definitely make the program on your own
steam.”

“Should’ve
stayed down.” York shook his head. Breaking his neck had been the quickest way
to put him down without doing too much damage in the process. He could’ve
pummeled his face and broken a multitude of bones in his body, thereby choosing
the path of quickest healing with the least pain. Lazarus was a fine warrior
and would understand though. He would be fighting fit in the morning and there
was no doubt in his mind that the male would pick up one of the spots.

“You
did what you had to do.” Brant could be a cruel fucker. That was for sure.
“Now, all you have to do is get through the trials. Human females taste so
sweet. They’re impossible to resist. We’re predicting that at least two of the
ten males that qualify will have bloodlust.”

There
was no fucking way that he had gotten this far only to not make the breeding
program because of bloodlust. Thing was, it really did exist. Vampires that
were affected with the affliction were a major danger to humans. Could not be
trusted anywhere near them.

The
trial period was designed in such a way that the top ten would drink from
specially selected human females. Those that were unable to stop would be forcibly
removed from the females and expelled from the program.

His
throat tightened and his muscles bunched. Then he shook off the emotion. He was
tough and had strong willpower. There was no way in hell that he had bloodlust.
He refused to believe it. In just a few short days he would prove it.

Her
back felt like it was breaking. Her arm felt like it was being stretched and
pulled out of its socket.

Although
she had one of those pulley bags, the wheels had long since seized so she had
to carry it instead of being able to drag it. This type of bag was not exactly
designed for carrying.

“I
can’t believe it’s an honest to god castle,” the woman next to her gushed.

“Crazy,
I can’t believe we’re here.” Another bounced up and down. She at least had a
tidy rucksack on her back, which made such a movement doable.

“This
way ladies.” A tall, really beautiful woman motioned for them to continue
following. She’d introduced herself as Allison. Her skin was porcelain and her
lips were so red and lush that Cassidy struggled to take her eyes off of them.
She wasn’t into women, but this woman almost had her second-guessing that
decision. They walked for several minutes until they reached what looked like a
back entrance to the castle. “Before we go any further, I just need to verbally
confirm with each of you that you attended the training and signed off on your
records.”

Everyone
nodded, acknowledging that they had.

Allison’s
mouth curved into a perfect smile. “Great stuff.” She made a note in a book
that she was carrying. “Lastly, I need to confirm that you’ve all initialed
every page and signed the contract.”

Again,
all four of them nodded their heads.

“Are
we really in that much danger?” One of the women asked, Cassidy couldn’t
remember her or any of the other ladies’ names. She’d just been far too nervous
when they had been introduced to one another not ten minutes ago. Crossing and
uncrossing her arms, she realized that she still was.

“One
of the clauses exempted the vampires from prosecution should one of us be
injured.” She chewed her gum as she spoke. “Should we be afraid? Are there
precautions we can take?”

Allison
raised her eyebrows. “Did you pay attention at the training session?”

“Yes,
I did. It just became a lot more real now that I’m actually here though.” She
looked around them for a second or two before her eyes settled back on Allison.
“Bloodlust, this whole drinking thing…quite frankly, I’m a little nervous now.”
Her eyes were wide and her brows were raised, she even stopped chewing for a
second.

Taking
a deep breath, Allison put a reassuring hand on the woman’s arm. “You are right
to be nervous. There is risk involved…”

Cassidy
felt her heart rate increase and her mouth go dry. Two of the girls gasped
loudly including the one asking all the questions.

Allison
smiled warmly, looking at each one of them in turn. “We have taken every
precaution. There are closed circuit televisions in every room and three guards
posted just outside the door. If there is any doubt at all, even the smallest
amount, they will be at your side in a second.”

This
seemed to sufficiently reassure another of the women, she looked to be the
youngest and she broke out into a wide grin. “Is it true that we might orgasm”—she
giggled, running a hand through her shoulder length hair—“while the guys drink
from us? Does it really feel that good? Surely it can’t be that good?”

Allison
picked some lint off of her jacket, smoothing down the garment when she was
done. “Yes, you will become highly aroused. All human females are greatly
affected. If you are attracted to the male that is drinking from you, it
heightens the experience.” Again, the woman turned her big doe like eyes on
each of them. “It is nothing to be ashamed of. As you know, our males are not
permitted to have sexual relations with you but they can ease you if you so
wish.”

Ease
.
What the hell did that mean? Unfortunately, she could guess.

“They
can ease us?” It was the blond woman chewing gum that spoke, she didn’t look
too impressed. “As in put their hands on us?”

Allison
nodded curtly. “It is entirely up to you. Whatever you do though, do not try
and entice them into having sex. It will get them booted from the program, and
both you and the male in a world of trouble. We have strict rules in place to
protect you. Please remember this at all times. It was in the contract that you
all have signed.”

“I’m
not interested in having sex with anyone.” Blondie popped her gum. “I doubt
I’ll become aroused. I mean really.” She huffed, tucking a loose strand of hair
behind her ear.

The
youngest woman sucked in a deep breath, her grin still firmly plastered on her
face. “I think vampires are so hunky. My dad would kill me if I ever mated one…”
She looked disappointed. “It’s why I’m here for the trials and not for the
actual breeding program. At least I will get to experience sort of being with
one. What my dad doesn’t know won’t kill him.” She looked to be in her early
twenties. “I need enough money to leave home as well. I want my own place and
waiting tables isn’t going to get me there.”

“I’m
sure you will succeed.” Allison looked pointedly at the young girl before
lifting her eyes back to the group. “It is a known fact that human females find
vampire males attractive. You will become aroused whether you like it or not.
It’s something that you will need to come to terms with before tomorrow.” The
vampire woman delivered the statement in such a matter-of-fact manner that
Cassidy believed her. Of course, she had heard this during the training but
dismissed it outright as over exaggeration. Now she wasn’t so sure. It scared
the hell out of her. The last thing she wanted was to become aroused in front
of a total stranger…
how embarrassing.
Her only consolation was that,
they had been informed that drinking would be over in less than half a minute.
Not so long.

Blondie
shook her head, popping her gum noisily. “They are not touching me and I am sure
as hell not going to become aroused in any way whatsoever and that’s final.”

Allison
nodded, clearly not buying a single word the other woman was saying. “Now, if
you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.” They walked through the door,
down the hallway and up a long flight of stairs. Then down another even longer
hallway that led to another door. It led to an outside foyer. There was a
building up ahead. It looked like a French province style boutique hotel. Her
arm was aching by the time they made it down the long path that led to the
doors. She could see big hulking figures posted just outside of it. More of said
large figures stalked around the building perimeter. They were dressed all in
black.

Cassidy’s
jaw dropped and she was at an utter loss for words for the second time in so
many days. As they drew closer, she noticed that the men were the biggest,
buffest, most badass specimens she had ever laid her eyes on.

Their
heads turned towards them as they walked up. The closest guy winked at them.
The younger woman giggled.

Allison
seemed to sniff the air.
Weird.
“Now remember, ladies, no sex for the
duration of your stay. We wouldn’t want any of our males to lose a penis.” All
of the guys’ heads snapped forward. The closest one swallowed thickly, his
Adam’s apple working overtime.

“You’re
joking right?” The woman that had remained quiet for the duration suddenly
piped in.

Allison
shook her head. “It would regenerate but it’s a painful process, wouldn’t you
agree?” Her attention was on the closest man…um…vampire.

He
looked pained for a moment, actually grabbing ahold of his package. Since he
was wearing tight leather pants, she could see that it was a mighty large
package at that. “Don’t joke around at our expense, Allison. Play nice.”

“No
jokes and you all know it. Touch one of these females and you lose your junk. I
hope I’ve made myself clear.”

“Crystal,”
the closest guy growled. An honest to god growl. Lord help them.

There
were grunts and mutterings from the other three, but they all nodded in
agreement in the end. “We won’t touch any of the females.” The guy further down
the way boomed. “Even if they beg!”

Arrogant
much
? She kept her thoughts to herself.

“As if,”
Blondie said between chews on her gum.

“Well,
if you want to keep your balls neatly attached to your body, I suggest you
listen. Regardless of the temptation.” By the look in Allison’s eyes, Cassidy
could tell that she wasn’t joking.

These
vampires didn’t mess around. She and blondie were most definitely on the same
page. She wasn’t here to make any friends or to have any kind of sexual contact
with a man…make that a vampire, either. It was her turn to swallow thickly. It
didn’t matter how phenomenally built and attractive they were. She was here to
do a job and to earn a future for herself in the form of cold hard cash.
Nothing was going to get in the way of that. Nothing. Sex was seriously
overrated anyway and was so the last thing on her mind. Scratch that, it wasn’t
on her mind at all.

****

There
was a knock at her door.

Cassidy
pulled a pillow over her head, she looked to the side and glanced at her watch.
It was still at least an hour before dinner so that couldn’t be it. The last
thing she felt like doing was having to make small talk.

Her
door was locked from the inside. With a sigh, she got up off the bed and went
to open it.

“Hey.”
It was the young girl. “I’m really excited about all of this. Do you mind if I
come in?” Her eyes were bright and shining. “I’m Deanne, my friends call me
Dee.”

“I’m
Cassidy. Come on in.” Maybe a little companionship wouldn’t be so bad after
all. The young woman seemed really sweet and her excitement was tangible.

“Do
you mind?” Dee gestured to the bed.

“Not
at all.” Cassidy couldn’t help but to smile back at her. The young lady had a
grin about a mile wide.

Dee
made herself comfortable on the bed, tucking her legs underneath her. “How
awesome is this place?” She looked around the room with wide eyes.

Cassidy
sat down on the edge of the bed. “Yeah, it sure is something.” The room was
more like a five star hotel. It was tastefully decorated with no expense spared,
from the beautiful artwork on the walls to the plush woolen carpets. There was
a silver bowl containing orchids on the corner table. Even the curtains looked
like they were made from crushed silk and the finest lace. The furniture was
made from proper wood, the heavy expensive stuff. Not the cheap plywood rubbish
that she had at home. It was only for a few days, she really didn’t want to get
too comfortable.

“My
room is just as stunning. Do you also have a corner, Jacuzzi bath as well?”

Cassidy
nodded. “Yup.”

“And
you haven’t used it yet?” Dee looked her up and down like she was smoking
something.

Cassidy
shook her head, noticing for the first time how the young woman’s brown hair
was a little damp. It had streaks of lighter chestnut when the sun caught the
strands.

Pulling
her legs more firmly underneath herself, Dee looked her in the eye. “So, I have
to say, you look a little nervous. You were really quiet during training and
again earlier today.”

“We
signed waivers giving the vampires permission to monitor our every move, the
risks were made clear. You can’t tell me you’re not a little bit scared as well.”
Cassidy put her hands on the bed behind her and stretched back.

Dee
shrugged. “I guess I am a little afraid, but it only makes it that much more
exciting. Vampires are just so intense, so gorgeous. After seeing the guys
outside, I have to say, I’m starting to feel a little upset that I didn’t go
for the actual program. I really wouldn’t mind going the whole hog. I’ve heard
that when vampires marry, it’s for life.” Her eyes twinkled before taking on a
faraway look. “It’s just so romantic.”

Cassidy
smiled, remembering what it was like before she’d met and married Sean. Before
she’d found out what a lying, conniving asshole he really was. The young woman
in front of her was pure innocence, she had yet to have her heart pulled out of
her chest and stomped on. Cassidy found herself both envying and sympathizing
with her.

Dee
played with the frayed edge of her denim shorts. “Do you think it’ll be as good
as they say? I mean…” Her cheeks turned bright, bright red. “Surely it was an
over exaggeration.” She didn’t wait for Cassidy’s response. “At least they have
vampire women monitoring the camera feeds.” She looked down at her thighs and
continued to pull on one of the frayed pieces. “Would you let them touch you? I
mean, if you really liked one of them?”

Cassidy
swallowed hard. “I guess I’ve always been a bit old-fashioned. I kind of like
to have dinner and a bit of dancing before I….actually come to think of it… I
like to date a guy for a good couple of weeks before I’ll let them touch me
like that. My only hope is that they were over exaggerating when they talked
about the attraction.” There was a definite niggle inside of her. Chances were
good that she was going to become aroused, she only hoped that it didn’t get so
bad that she’d lose control. Cassidy shook her head. “No, I definitely won’t
let anyone touch me.”

The
bed rocked as Dee repositioned herself, crossing her legs in front of her. Her
toenails were bright pink. She chewed on her bottom lip for a few beats. “I had
a boyfriend for two years, we recently broke up.”

“Oh,
I’m sorry to hear that.”
What the hell was she supposed to say to that?
It seemed that Dee was one of those women that enjoyed telling her whole life
story. Then again, maybe it was just this crazy situation that made her feel
like confiding with someone and since they weren’t allowed their cell phones
for the duration of the stay…that didn’t leave too many options.

“Don’t
be. I broke it off with him.” Dee smiled. “He was a really nice guy, I liked
him very much, but he couldn’t make me…you know. I guess we weren’t very
compatible sexually.” She scrunched up her face for a few moments, deep in
thought. “Then again, he always seemed to enjoy himself immensely. All that
grunting and groaning, the way his face would turn red and sweaty. It was
gross. I would just kind of lay there for the two or three minutes that it
lasted. Then he kind of tensed up and moaned and that would be the end of
that.”