#6 Chosen by the Vampire Kings: BBW Romance (Part 6: New Moon) (2 page)

“Please,
Stephany. Try to understand.”

Her
friend inclined her head for the briefest second. Her eyes clouded. “It hurts
me to see your pain. I do understand why you need to do this though and know
that if Becky is unable to assist with your little blood problem, I plan on
visiting you often anyway.”

She
gasped, feeling her lip wobble. “You would let me drink from you?”

Stephany
nodded. “Of course. I would be honored.”

“Thank
you.” They hugged. “Please look after Brant and maybe check in on Zane for me.”
She had to purse her lips for a few seconds, clamping down on a well of emotions
that threatened to make her cry.
Yet again
. She was done with crying
though. She needed to be strong, if not for herself then for the baby. “I’m
ready. Can Xavier take me home?” It was weird how she no longer thought of the
little apartment that she’d lived in for the last few years as home. Home was
with these people and with her two pig headed males, but that was over. She
squared her shoulders and took a step towards the door.

“I
will have some of the guard assembled to escort you. We need to get you packed,
I will call for help.”

Tanya
held up a hand. “No, none of this stuff is mine. My things are still at the
apartment.”

“But
these were purchased or made especially for you.”

She
shook her head. “They were bought for the queen,” she paused. “I’m ready to go
now.” Best she leave before her resolve slipped and she allowed herself to be
convinced that staying would work out. It wouldn’t. Leaving was for the best,
and she knew it.

Stephany’s
crystal blue eyes softened. “I understand.”

****

“It
is my turn to try and win our female back,” Brant’s voice took Zane by
surprise. He had being trying so hard to make out which silhouette was Tanya’s that
he hadn’t even heard the other male approach. 

“I
know that. I just needed to assure myself of her safety.”

“Griffin
and York are on duty if I’m not mistaken.” Brant raised his eyebrows.

Zane’s
shoulders sagged. “I just…” he paused not wanting to look like a pussy.
Ah
hell
. He found he didn’t care. “I needed to try and catch a glimpse of her
or maybe to catch her scent. I needed to be close to her.” He paused again. May
as well go whole hog since he’d disclosed this much already. “Truth is, I
really miss our human.” Zane grit his teeth waiting for an insult or at the
very least a laugh at his expense.

Instead,
Brant looked down, using his boot to toe the asphalt. “I know what you mean. I
snuck past yesterday for the same reasons. We really need her back.” His eyes
lifted and the need that resonated in the other male’s eyes mirrored what he
felt deep down. “We’ve tried everything that the humans recommended on the
internet,” Brant said.

York
chose that moment to approach. “My apologies my lords, I overheard you mention
human courting tactics and would be interested to know what you have tried.”

“Humans
are off limits,” Zane growled.

“I
have no interest in humans, I am merely curious.” The big male bowed his head
in a show of submission.

Zane
narrowed his eyes at the male for a few beats. The request seemed innocent
enough. “We had a truck load of flowers delivered, but our human sent them to
that place down the road where they keep the elderly.”

“Yeah,”
Brant sighed. “Sweetwater Old Age Home. I sent boxes of imported Swiss
chocolates and Tanya had them sent to an orphanage.”

“We
even sent a band to sing love songs, but she called the human peace keepers,”
Zane added.

“Sheesh,
it sounds like you have both worked hard to convince her. I’m not sure I
understand the giving of plant life as a courting ritual though.” York shook
his head.

“They
even give baby feline and canine animals. It is very strange.” Brant’s eyes
hardened. “Regardless, we will find a way to win her back.”

“We
have to.” Zane ran a hand through his close cropped hair.

“Please
excuse me, my lords,” York said as he headed back to his post. Zane swore he
heard him mutter something about irrational human females. At the moment, he
just couldn’t disagree with him.

Zane
and Brant stood together in silence for a few beats. Zane was stumped and by
the way Brant’s shoulders slumped, he would bet the other male felt the same.

“If
my latest endeavour doesn’t pan out, we’re screwed for sure.”

“It
will. By all that is blood, it has to. We will keep trying. Maybe we should do
another search on the web…plan our next approach.” Zane loathed working with
the other male, but what choice did they have. At least Brant had stopped being
a dick, so the whole process was less unpleasant than it could have been.

Brant
nodded. “I’m doubtful it will work, but we have to try.”

“Did
you ask Stephany for advice on the matter?”

Brant
snorted in disgust. A major frown appeared and his eyes narrowed. “She isn’t
talking to me except to tell me what a fool I’ve been. She is feeding our
human.”

Zane
had to grit his teeth at the thought of his precious Ysnaar taking blood from
another. It was difficult enough to accept that she had taken from Brant. Yet,
a knot of anxiety eased. One he wasn’t even aware of until right this moment. At
least she and the baby were getting the sustenance they needed. “Good,” he
stated simply.

Brant
glanced up longingly at Tanya’s apartment. Shadows danced behind the partially
open blinds. “Stephany and that annoying human are there now.”

“Becky
is not so bad.”

Brant
made a noise of irritation. “The men have started a petition to be allowed to
date humans.”

Zane
choked out a laugh.

Brant
managed to crack a smile. “It’s not funny. I’m surprised you haven’t seen it
yet since Ross is the main instigator. The human gave him the idea in the first
place.”

“I’m
sure once he has enough signatures he’ll bring the document my way.” Zane
sighed. “Maybe we should let them have their way. Mating with humans would
solve many of our current problems.”

Brant’s
eyes widened. “Are you out of your mind? One human death and we would go back
to being persecuted. Do you want to be burnt alive at the stake or beheaded?
The humans are well aware of our aversion to silver and with their sheer
numbers…” He shook his head instead of continuing.

“We
are stronger than most vampire males and yet our female still lives.”

 “You
and I understand the ramifications of an accident, particularly when attached
to a chosen human female like Tanya. I don’t think the others would have the
same frame of mind that would allow them to think as clearly in the situation.”

Zane
put his hands in his jeans pockets. “I take it that you are referring to
bloodlust…” Something that Brant himself suffered from. “We can make a no
drinking during sex rule.”

Brant
laughed. “That would be like telling a red blooded male not to come during sex.
The problem is that the males will not know if they have bloodlust until it
strikes, which would only happen when they actually drank…it could mean
disaster. At the time of the new moon, loss of control could mean many unwanted
matings as well.” He shook his head.

“You
are right. As much as I would like to see our covens flourish with many new
births, the risk is too great.” He sighed. “I will speak with Ross”—Zane moved
towards his vehicle—“I will see you later.”

“Pray
that my latest attempt works and that our female comes home.”

“I
will. Let me know either way,” Zane growled.

Brant
nodded, turning his gaze back to the apartment window.

Becky
peeked through the blinds for the second time in less than a minute. “They’re
definitely both out there. They are talking to each other.”

Tanya
huffed, she wasn’t falling for it. It was easy to misinterpret a conversation
when watching from afar. Just because Brant and Zane were talking to each
other, did not mean that they were getting along or that anything had changed.

“Oh
my God!” Becky squealed, her eyes focused on the road below.

“Stop
it, Becks. They might think that I’m the one peeking through the blinds. It
could give them false hope.” Everything in her burned to go and take one
little, tiny peek. To see her males again. But they weren’t hers, not anymore
so she held back. Only just.

“You
have to see this, they are laughing together.”

Without
thinking, Tanya rushed over and sure enough the males were both smiling as they
talked in what looked like…agreement. She had been fooled before though. They
had made it clear that it would never work. Instead of taking a step back, she
leaned in a little closer. Zane had stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets. His
t-shirt pulled tight around his large chest and biceps. Brant’s pants hugged
his large thighs, and the way his golf shirt lovingly caressed his torso had
her mouth watering and her heart clenching. She forced herself to take a step
back and then another and another. Once she lost sight of the big vampires,
walking away became easier. The ache in her heart increased though. Hopefully
in time it would get easier. Somehow she doubted it would.

“They
have been getting along much better lately.”

Tanya
shrugged. “You see…proof that it’s better without me to complicate things.”

Stephany
shook her head. “So cynical.”

“You
can’t blame me. A week ago they were getting ready to beat each other to
death.”

“A
lot can change in seven days, Tanya.” Stephany eyed her with concern.

“I
highly doubt it.”

“You
are pregnant with their child. Maybe you should give them another chance.”
Becky took a step towards her and Stephany. She gestured towards the window. “I
just saw another truck pull up.”

Tanya
groaned, covering her face with her hand. “Not more flowers or chocolates I
hope.”

“They
are only trying to win you back.” Stephany raised her eyebrows.

 “How?
By buying me ridiculous amounts of things? Yet putting no thought into it? I am
not interested in things.”

“I
think it’s kind of sweet.” Becky smiled.

Tanya
rolled her eyes. “Fine, let’s just say I did go back. I’m willing to
bet
you
that they would be at each other’s throats again in a matter of days.”

Stephany
laughed. “Spoken like a true vampire.”

Tanya
managed to crack a smile. Her friends were helping her to keep her sanity even
if they were both set on trying to convince her to give Zane and Brant another
chance. It was easy for them to say that though, since they wouldn’t be the
ones being shuffled from one male to the other. Stuck in the middle of a
pissing contest and liable to have to watch them tear into each other. An image
of her males snarling and chests bashing came to mind. She knew that if they
really intended to kill one another at some point, then there would be nothing
she could do to stop them. The thought of being forced to stand by and watch
them kill each other was just too much to bear.

A
knock came at the door, thankfully stopping her current train of thought.
Great.
She knew that there were vampire guards posted outside her apartment day and
night and that they followed her to the bookstore every day. She was also well
aware that Brant and Zane often came by to see how she was doing. The fact that
they came by regularly meant more than the silly things that they kept sending.
Both had tried to see her, but she still refused and would continue to do so
until she was much stronger. For now, she just didn’t trust herself to keep
them at arm’s length.

Another
insistent knock. Becky skipped to the door. “No, don’t.” Tanya held out her
hand.

Becky
stopped and looked over her shoulder. “They’ll keep coming back until you deal
with it, so may as well be now. Besides, I really want to see what they’ve sent
you this time.”

Tanya
let out a sigh. “Fine, but only because I want this over with.” She turned to
face Stephany. “Please tell them to stop sending me things. I’ve just about had
enough of this.”

The
vampire held up her hands. “Oh no, honey. You can tell them yourself. I’m not
becoming the go between.”

It
was wrong of her to have asked, especially when Stephany was doing so much
already. “You’re right. I apologize. I’ll send them a text message or
something.”

Stephany
smiled warmly. “You should speak with them.”

Tanya
pursed her lips.

Becky
opened the door and greeted two men. After a half a minute of conversation, she
turned back to Tanya. “It’s a furniture delivery from Brant for a new lounge
and dining room suite as well as a new”—she waggled her eyebrows—“king size
bed. Maybe they plan on visiting sometime soon.”

“Stop,
Becks. It’s over between us. How many times do I need to keep saying that?”

“Whatever.”
Becks moved to take the delivery note.

“Don’t
you dare sign that. You can take it back,” she addressed the two men in
overalls.

“Um,
Tanya”—Becky put her hands on her hips—“I hate to be the one to tell you this,
but you could use the help.” She gestured to the threadbare couch and rickety
dining set.

“I’m
happy with my old faithfuls. I’m not taking their gifts. I don’t plan on taking
them back so it wouldn’t be right.”

“You
are pregnant with their child, so it would be fine to accept their help,”
Stephany said.

“I
am grateful enough for the renovations they did to The Book Corner. Business
has picked up substantially. I will be able to support us now.” Without
thinking, her hand slid to her belly.  “I don’t need hand-outs. In time, they
can help out financially with our baby.”

Tanya
signed the necessary paperwork, which stated that she would not be taking
delivery and closed the door. A dull headache started up, so she put her
fingertips on her temples and closed her eyes for a second while leaning her back
against the cool wood.

“You
need to drink,” Stephany said.

“Eeew!
Now? Really?” Becky wrinkled her nose.

“You
are a big wussy when it comes to the whole blood thing for someone so intent on
dating vampire males.” Stephany narrowed her eyes at Becky.

“Sex”—she
bobbed her eyebrows—“yes, please baby, but the whole blood thing. No thank
you.”

Tanya
couldn’t help but to laugh. “I hate to break it to you kiddo, but for vampires
sex and blood drinking go hand in hand. I don’t know why I’m arguing a moot
point since it is still forbidden.”

“Not
for long.” She lifted her eyebrows. “I have it on good authority that the males
have started a petition, which they plan on taking to Zane and Brant. Most of the
unmated males have signed.”

“How
do you know that?” Stephany’s brow creased with concern.

Becky’s
cheeks heated and she looked down at the tight t-shirt she was wearing and
picked at some non-existent lint.

“Becks!”
Tanya used the most authoritative voice she could muster.

Her
best friend looked up with determined eyes. “Ross and I have been texting each
other.”

Stephany
gasped. “I can’t hear this. I will have to tell Brant, who in turn would need
to tell Zane.”

Becky
put her hands on her hips and cocked her head to the side, her chin lifted.
“Tell him. We haven’t done anything wrong, or is it illegal to send a few
messages?”

Stephany’s
eyes softened. “No, but no good can come of it because nothing can come of it.
You understand that don’t you?”

Becky
took a step towards Stephany. “Once the kings see the petition, they will
overturn these stupid rules. I’m sure of it.”

“These
stupid rules – as you call them – are there for your safety. What if Ross were
to kill you?” Stephany’s blue eyes were wide.

Becky
huffed. “Please, as if.”

“What
you don’t realize is that a certain number of vampires have what’s called
bloodlust. They can’t control themselves when they taste human blood, it’s
especially bad during rutting. If Ross has bloodlust, then he could kill you if
he so much as tasted a drop of your blood.” She sighed. “You will end up dead
and his life will be ruined with a good chance of him being executed for his
sins as well. You are putting yourself and him at risk.”

Tanya
had to school her reaction. Brant was affected by bloodlust. He’d said so
himself. It hadn’t been lost on her how careful he was when it came to
drinking. One of the males was always close in case he lost control and he’d
never taken blood from her during sex. It was one of the things that she longed
to experience during the mating. One that would never happen now. Her heart
clenched painfully.

“Maybe
it’s a risk that I am willing to take.”

“Stop,”
Tanya said. “You can’t do this, Becks. It won’t end well.”

“You
two need to chill. We’re only texting. I won’t see him.”

“Pinkie
swear that you’ll stay away from him.” Tanya held out her finger.

Becky
rolled her eyes, her blond curls bounced as she walked towards Tanya and
clasped her little finger with Tanya’s. “I pinkie freaking swear. Are you happy
now bitch?” She smirked. “You just completely ruined my sex life.”

“There
are plenty of human men out there, you brat.”

Becky
pouted. “You obviously turned blind, dumb and deaf since returning from
Vampireville, but you are lucky that I love you anyway.” Becky threw her arms
around Tanya. “We’ll have to move in together and get some cats or something
since we’re going to be spinsters.”

“So
freaking over dramatic.” Tanya giggled as they released each other. She tried
not to feel depressed at the truth in her friend’s words.

Becky
picked up her oversized Gucci purse. As a medical doctor with her own practice,
she did extremely well and was often underestimated based on her fire cracker
personality. The low cut tops might also have something to do with it. Truth
was though, she was highly intelligent and dedicated to her field. Tanya was so
proud of her friend. “You don’t have to leave,” Tanya said.

“I
won’t say anything to Brant,” Stephany chimed in.

Becky
lifted her eyebrows. “Looks like I’m not going to be getting any action any
time soon, so I’m off to buy myself a large vibrator and an extra pack of
batteries.”

Stephany’s
brow knitted in confusion.

“Oh,
come on already. You vampires act like you’re from the dark ages or something.
A vibrator is like an extra-large penis, except as an added bonus it vibrates at
different speeds.”

“They’re
vampire males, Becks,” Tanya said turning to Stephany. “They are normal sized
fake penises.”

“You
have to be freaking kidding me?” Becky stomped her foot. “They’re sexy as sin,
buffed up the whazoo and they have humungous dicks and I’m banned.” She shook
her head and huffed. “I’m so buying the one that stimulates both your g spot
and your clit. I can’t believe you’ve never heard of them.” Becky shook her
head, a look of disbelief on her face.

“Stephany
is celibate, I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear all of this.”

Stephany
turned her gaze to the floor, she clasped her hands together in a tight knot on
her lap.

“Sorry,
Steph, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It
fine,” she whispered but she didn’t look in the least bit fine.

“Are
you sure? Is there something you want to talk about?” Tanya got the distinct
feeling that her vampire friend was keeping something from her.

Stephany
looked up and smiled. She looked sad. “I really am fine, thanks.”

“I’m
here if you change your mind.”

Stephany
licked her lips and nodded once.

“All
the more reason to buy yourself a vibrator. I’ll get you one if you want,”
Becky offered.

“Thanks,
but no thanks.”

Becky
took in a breath, intent on arguing.

“She’s
good,” Tanya intervened. Becky could be a bit overbearing.

Her
bestie shook her head. “Your loss.”

Becky
said her goodbyes and left blowing a noisy kiss at the door before she closed
it.

Stephany
sank back into the couch looking relieved. Tanya had planned on bringing up
what was going on with the female vamp, but decided to drop it instead. At
least for now. There was definitely something different about her friend since
she had been returned by the wolves.

“You
need to drink.” Stephany leaned her head to the side exposing her neck. The
throb in Tanya’s head increased and her teeth sharpened. Her mouth felt dry. In
that moment she could hear Stephany’s heartbeat, could scent her vanilla
fragrance, like freshly baked cookies
yumo
.