Mated to the Vampire Kings (9 page)

Somehow
she managed to make it. On a deep sigh, she sat down, the trickle was over in a
handful of seconds but the relief was awesome. After washing her hands, she
joined the others and they made for the main lounge and dining area which led
to the staircase to her wing of the castle.

“Would
you like me to carry you, my queen?” Lazarus asked as they made their way down
the long hallway. His voice was rough.

Tanya
shook her head. “I’ll manage. It isn’t all that far.” There was a small flight
of stairs at the end of the hall which would lead them up from the basement.
After the short climb, Tanya stopped dead as they exited from the healer’s
quarters and into the main area.

Tanya
sucked in a ragged breath. “Sweet mother of…No freaking way.”

Ugly.

There
was nothing in the least bit ugly about the sight that met her. Except for
maybe the thoughts that ran through her brain. Ones that included her mates
surrounded by these vampire women, straddled by them. She shook her head to
dispel the image.

Not
going there, thank you very much.

Sure,
she’d seen vampire females around the castle, had even seen a group together on
a regular basis. Tanya had always thought they were exquisite, every last one
of them but she had learned to deal. Had finally accepted that her guys found
her irresistible. Little old plain Jane her. Totally irresistible. Despite the
fact that their own kind were supermodels.

Her
eyes were drawn around the cluttered room and to the scene outside. There were
droves of dressed-to-the-nines vampire babes. A line of guards were preventing
the large gathering from entering the already overflowing castle.

It
was a sight to behold. They were so stunningly beautiful that it took her
breath away and had acid filling her veins. Their hair wasn’t merely red or
blond, it was flaming red, like the depths of a raging fire or rich honey blond
that shimmered in long, thick waves.

They
were wearing even less than normal. Dresses and skirts so short that some of them
would be very definitely flashing their girly bits, left, right and center. She
made a groaning noise when she realized that most of the outfits were see
through. With jiggly, wriggly, wiggly bits everywhere. Except vampire bodies
didn’t jiggle or wriggle…they just were…in all their glory. Their boobs were
too damned perky to jiggle and their asses far too tight to wriggle.

A
girl in shorter than short, shorts walked by. She gasped and even held a hand
to her perky chest. “My queen.” She gave a small curtsy. “I am so hoping to be
able to honor you...to be of service to your mates.” The nitwit said, eyes
shining. “If only I could find the kings. It would be great if you could point
me in the right direction.”

Her
breath froze in her lungs. How the hell did she even answer?

“Fuck
off.” Becky said in a no nonsense voice.

The
female made a confused noise and strode away, a frown marred her otherwise
flawless face. Tanya groaned again watching her perfect butt cheeks move up and
down…
no bouncing
…as she strutted away.

A
pair of red heels caught her attention next, as did toned legs that went on for
miles.
Just great!
This female wore a tight sheath dress. It was made
from delicate lace, showcasing another set of…you guessed it… perky boobs.

Tanya’s
eyes began to fill with tears. How was she supposed to compete with this? It
was impossible. Then a crazy thought hit her. Why the hell were vampire nipples
so hard? All the time? It was a wonder the men of the species didn’t get their
eyes poked out on a regular basis. When she lifted her gaze, she was met with a
cold stare that turned distinctly pompous.

Recognition
hit.

Alexandra.
Brant’s old squeeze.
Fuckity fuck
. It was not the best timing for this.
Not when she was on the verge of a complete meltdown. The last thing she needed
was a run in with bitch city and this female was a first-class, A-grade bitch
of note.

“Oh
lookie who it is.” Her nemesis arched an eyebrow before cocking a narrow hip.
“It’s the little human plaything who I like to refer to as
the incubator
.
Pregnancy has
not
been kind.” She grimaced as she sized Tanya up.

Swallowing
hard, Tanya had to work to keep her emotions under control. Right now, she felt
like curling herself up into the fetal position and crying her eyes out. She
really needed to speak with Brant and Zane. They needed to put her mind at rest.
Things had changed since she spoke with them yesterday about the lore. Changed
in a big way. She could only hope that Selina was over exaggerating on the
whole
they won’t make it
speech.

Alexandra
gave a little snort of laughter, managing to sound sexy all the same. “What?
Nothing to say? I see that you’re still timid. I wouldn’t expect anything less
from a puny human.”

That
did it
. Tanya squared her shoulders. “Oh look…it’s the
ex
sippie cup. I wouldn’t expect anything less from leftovers. Jealous much?”
Tanya was so thankful when her voice came out sounding confident.

“Of
being an incubator?” She gave a distasteful snort. “Never. I came to watch
Brant evoke the lore because I know you won’t be able to satisfy them both for
much longer.”

“If
you think you stand a chance of getting him back, then you can think again. Not
that you ever really had him.” Her voice had turned cold and hard. Brant would
have nothing to do with this woman. If nothing else, she knew this to be true. Unfortunately
though, there was a history between the two of them which burned her deep in
her gut. Tanya reminded herself that the only reason Alexandra was acting like
this was because she was jealous as all hell. She clung to that knowledge with
white knuckles.

The
vampire bitch rolled her eyes. “I came to watch you suffer. A silly human like
you will not be able to cope knowing that your mate is fucking all—”

York
bristled next to her and even released a low growl.

“Shut
it, bitch!” Becky stepped forward. “I for one have heard enough. You clearly
don’t know what the hell you are talking about. Life is too short to waste
breath on you.” She turned to Tanya. “Let’s get going.”

“I
couldn’t agree more.” Tanya said as York took ahold of her elbow and ushered
her in the direction of the stairs. Tanya shut her eyes, wishing she could shut
out Alexandra’s mocking laugh from somewhere behind her.

All
the vampire females that crossed her path gave her the same little speech about
being honored to help out during this time. In other words, they couldn’t wait
to get between two sheets with her mates.

Hers.

For
better or for worse.

This
wasn’t happening. She thought for a moment that if she had known about this
little lore, she would never have gotten pregnant. Then she felt instantly
guilty for having such a thought and put a hand to her belly. It was like she
was wishing her unborn son away.

I’m
sorry little one.

I
didn’t mean it.

“You
look like you’re going to hyperventilate,” Becky said.

“It’s
quite a lot to take in.” Tanya swallowed hard. “I cannot believe these chicks.
Throwing themselves at Zane and Brant like this. It’s sick.”

“Tell
me about it. Don’t they have any self respect?”

“Guess
not.”

A
girl in a thin satin robe came bouncing past. “I’m so washing his freaking eyes
out.” Becky mumbled as her gaze trailed the girl.

Tanya
noticed how her teeny, tiny robe rode high with every skip showing off her very
hairless…area. As the vampire moved away, Becky seemed to snap out of it.
“Don’t listen to Selina’s bullshit. Those boys of yours might be idiots at
times but they love you…very much”

Tanya
felt a lump rise in her throat. She nodded, feeling her lip quiver.

“Oh,
honey.” Becky pulled her in for a tight embrace. “Go and get into bed. I’ll be
back as soon as I can. We can talk then,” she said as she pulled away. “I know
it’s a lot to ask but try not to let this get to you.”

Tanya
nodded again.

“Let’s
go, my lady.” York squeezed her elbow.

“Drive
safe and the same goes for Ross…I doubt he’s even looking.”

Becky
rolled her eyes. “Yeah right. Not looking my ass. Hence my removing his
eyeballs when I see him later.” She smiled angelically, which was at total odds
with what she had just said.

Tanya
had to choke out a laugh. “Later,” she called to Becky’s retreating back.

 “My
lady.” Charlotte gasped as she entered her suite, her eyes were filled with
concern. “You should not have come.” Her full mouth broke into a smile. “But, I
knew you would so here I am.”

“I
will be outside if you need me.” York gave her a wink. He’d always been a
little flirty with her when Brant and Zane weren’t around. Tanya knew that he
didn’t mean anything by it. She gave him a nod and he left closing the door
behind him.

“I
came prepared.” Charlotte gestured to the table which was covered in her
favorite dishes. Pot-roast, cupcakes, thick slices of watermelon, pepperoni
pizza, her stomach gave a lurch.

“I’m
not really hungry.” She shook her head.

Charlotte
gave her a sympathetic smile. In many ways, it made her feel worse than when
she was staring at all the beautiful women vying for her mates’ attention.
Only, she wasn’t sure why. “You have to eat, Tanya.”

“I’m
really tired. Becky prescribed bed rest so I think I’ll just lie down. I would
appreciate some privacy.” She walked over to her closet and pulled out a pair
of pajamas. Draw string cotton pants and a baggy shirt. With a sigh, she
realized that she hadn’t worn them even once.

Her
friend folded her arms across her perky chest and pouted her full lips. “I’m
not going anywhere. I’m here for you.”

“Yeah
right, like all those others out there. Next, you’ll be telling me how you’ll
do me a favor and fuck my mates for me. Help me out…” Tanya knew she was being
a total bitch but couldn’t seem to stop. Right now she disliked vampire females
intensely and Charlotte just happened to be one. “That you’ll honor me. Well I
don’t need to be honored and nor do I need any help. You can help me by
leaving.” Tanya pointed to the door.

Charlotte
didn’t get angry. “You are understandably upset. I know that you don’t mean
those things you just said. I would never have sex with either of your mates. I
consider you to be my friend. I am here for you because you need me. That is
what good friends do.” She sucked in a deep breath. “Like I said before, I’m
not going anywhere and if it makes you feel better to say nasty things to me
then by all means. I can take it.”

First
her lip wobbled, then she felt her whole face crumple. Tanya covered her mouth
with her hand to stifle a sob. She moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “I
can’t believe this is happening.” Charlotte sat down next to her, she put a
hand to her back but didn’t say anything.

After
a few minutes of solid crying, she managed to pull herself together.

“Try
and understand that the vampire females, from both covens, love Brant and Zane.
They’re the kings for blood’s sake.” She rubbed a hand up and down Tanya’s back
and it was oddly soothing. “They are a lot like rock stars or movie stars of
your human world. Things changed the moment you were chosen. You never saw how
it was before. How all the females would all work at a chance to catch their
eye, vie for an opportunity to—”

Tanya
held up a hand. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. This isn’t helping you know.” Tanya
stood up while grabbing her discarded pajamas.

“After
you were chosen and mated, the females knew that they never stood a chance so
they didn’t even try. This is their window of opportunity…maybe their last.”

“Are
you sticking up for them? For this whole farce of a lore?” She pulled the
clothing against her chest like a protective shield.

Charlotte
shrugged. “It is our way.”

“It’s
disgusting and wrong. I can’t believe that vampire females put up with it. Everyone
is always so quick to point out how vampire males cherish their mates. That
babies are more precious than gold. Yet the moment a pregnant woman can’t put
out they are on to the next pussy.”

“It’s
a bodily function. It is something our males need, particularly the most
dominant ones. It isn’t something that is personal. I assure you that your
mates love only you and want only you. It will be a hardship for them to rut
with another.”

She
didn’t just freaking say that.

No
way.

Were
these women for real? Tanya grit her teeth trying to find control. “You are
right it will be a hardship. If either of them even think of fucking around, I
will cut off their dicks. Rip them off with my teeth if I have to. If those
little suckers grow back, I will rip them right off again.”

There
was a deep chuckle from behind her and strong arms enveloped her from behind.
Zane’s musky, ultra manly scent filled her nostrils. “Little suckers?” He
chuckled some more. Tanya felt his chest vibrate against her back. “More like
damned big.” His warm breath fanned her ear, making her feel both hot and cold.

She
elbowed him in the ribs, earning her a hard grunt even though she knew she hadn’t
hurt him. It had the desired effect in that Zane let her go. The chanting grew
louder.

“Your
groupies are calling.” Her voice was laced with one part bitchy and two parts
snark.

When
she turned to face him, he was frowning. “I don’t know what you mean.” The
chanting seemed to grow louder still.

She
rolled her eyes. “Don’t play dumb with me. Why are you even here?”

His
frown deepened. “I expected you to be upset and came to console you. When you
weren’t downstairs I came here. Sorry I didn’t come sooner but we are trying to
put an end to this madness.” He paused. “I see you are angry.” He folded his
arms across his chest. His dark eyes bore into her.

“And
what? I’m not allowed to be angry?”

“You
out,” he growled at Charlotte. “To answer your question,
no
,” he growled
the word even louder at her.

“Don’t
you growl at me.”

“You’re
being unreasonable and you should be in bed.” He closed the small space between
them and picked her up.

Tanya
did not want to be touched and certainly didn’t want to be lying down during
this little conversation. One in which she laid down the freaking law.
Horizontal just wasn’t the way to do it. “Put me down.” She beat on his rock
hard chest and managed to break a nail. “Dammit! Look what you did.”

Zane
held her with one arm. Humungous, very pregnant her, with just one arm. His
strength never ceased to amaze her. He peeled the covers to the side and ever
so gently began to lower her.

She
could feel how her chest was heaving. “Don’t put me in that bed and don’t you
dare tell me not to be angry.”

“I
am putting you in our bed and you will stay there.” To her irritation, he
lowered her the rest of the way and pulled the covers up. “You have no reason
to be angry or afraid.”

“I
am so not afraid. You are the one that should be afraid, Zane. Very afraid. If
you even think for one little second that you get to keep your dick if—”

Her
mate leaned in and kissed her. His hot, really soft mouth covered hers. Zane
moved back ever so slightly putting them nose to nose. “I don’t plan on giving
you any reason to remove my dick. I plan on using it often when the baby comes,
so I kind of need it.” He kissed her again. “I know that you love my cock,
sweetness. Removing it is not an option.”

Even
though she was still seething mad, his words still caused a warmth to fill her
veins.

Pulling
away further, she took in the smug look on his face. “I’m glad we agree. My
cock stays.” His voice had turned husky reminding her of all the things they
couldn’t do. Of what both Selina and Charlotte had said, and she burst into
tears. All the anger evaporated leaving only fear and hurt in their wake.

She
pushed against his chest even though she knew it was useless. The male was a
powerhouse. He didn’t so much as move an inch but stayed crouched over her,
with his hands on either side of her. “Just go. The whole lore was properly
explained to me. In great detail.” She rubbed away her falling tears but new
ones kept coming. “I’ve been warned that there is no way either of you can ever
go without sex for a longer period of time and that it would be considered
cruel to expect you to abstain.”

“Ysnaar.”
His voice was deep, yet very soft.

“Don’t
Ysnaar me.” She sniffed loudly, managing to get some sort of control over her
waterworks. “It is important that you know that you mated with a human. You
knew what you were getting into. I don’t do your crazy lores…”

Using
the pad of his thumb, Zane wiped away a tear that was tracking down her cheek.
“I am well aware that you are human. I have no desire to be with any other
female.”

A
snorting sound escaped her. “Apparently you’re not going to be able to help
yourself.”

Zane
clenched his jaw and his eyes darkened. “I am a vampire fucking king.”

“Exactly.”
Her lip wobbled. “I’ve been told that you are too dominant to be able to
abstain. That the urge will be too great. I only wish I had known before.”

If
she had thought his eyes were dark before, she was greatly mistaken. They
turned midnight, moonless black. “What then, Tanya? Would you not have mated
with us? Not carried our precious child?”

His
words mirrored her previous thoughts which made her guilt come crashing back
down on her. It made her react with more venom than what she had intended. “It’s
not like I had much of a freaking choice.” Her voice was high pitched and
cutting. This whole thing sucked and she had every right to be mad.

“You
always had a choice.” Zane sounded hurt, he pulled away from her and she was
tempted to grab hold of him. To keep him near but she clenched her hands into
fists at her sides instead. Zane stood and moved to the door. “I am a vampire
king which means that I have plenty of fucking willpower. I am not ruled by my
dick. Quite frankly I’m pissed that you would have so little faith in me…in us.
Don’t get out of that bed. The baby needs to come first.” He turned his eyes to
her belly for a second, leaving the room before she could respond.

What
the hell was that?

Was
she out of line?
No way
. The whole castle was crawling with vampire
women all wanting a piece of her guys and Zane was angry with her. Quite
frankly it irked and upset her in equal measures. Yes, she could’ve had a bit
more faith in him…in them, even after what Selina and Charlotte had said. It’s
just, all these females were so sure that her kings would evoke this bullshit
lore that she had begun to believe it herself.

Truth
was, she’d known that Zane and Brant were very different. You couldn’t get much
more different than non-human. So it stood to reason that she knew her life
would be different if she settled with them and she had still chosen to jump in
with both arms and legs anyway. There was no way she would want things to be
any other way. Tanya rubbed her belly. When Zane came back, she would explain
that to him. She would even suck it up and apologize.