Thank fuck, the guard released the female. Lazarus pulled her behind him, the urge to protect surged and for no apparent reason. It wouldn’t do to have spilled human blood. The program would be affected. Their very existence could be affected. That must be it.
“I asked what the fuck was going on? What is this human female doing on vampire territory?” He turned to the guard. “Escort her out.”
“Wait.” Lazarus growled, he even bared his fangs. The guard had the good sense to look down.
“Explain and make it quick.” Brant kept his eyes on Lazarus.
The little female tried to move out from behind him but Lazarus kept ahold of her waist, making sure she stayed put. “This female, Alexandra Stone, has an acceptance letter stating that she is one of the females permitted to take part in the first phase of the program.”
Brant frowned. “That can’t be.” Then he looked confused. “Her name is familiar though. Let me see the letter.”
“I thought you didn’t believe me,” she whispered from behind him.
Lazarus couldn’t help but to smile. “I was teasing you.”
She made a small snorting noise that he found endearing. Then she gave him a sharp smack on the arm. “Didn’t your mother ever teach you manners?”
Lazarus had to chuckle. He could hear that she was smiling. It made him grin even wider. Even the smack to his arm had been enjoyable. This female was a treat.
The paper crinkled in Brant’s hand while he read the document. His frown deepened. His king looked up at the female and then back down at the document, and then back up again. “This looks authentic.”
“She has an identity document that proves that she is Alexandra Stone. It looks legit.” The female squirmed behind him, so Lazarus released his hold on her.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you morons all along.” She gave the guard, and then Lazarus a really filthy look.
“Apologies, for whatever reason you were not informed that the program has started. We have twenty five females present, so someone must’ve been called accidentally in your place.” Brant shrugged. “I will have someone escort you out. We could even give you a lift back home.” He raised his brows.
“Excuse me?” Alexander lifted her finger and pointed it at Brant. “If you think I’m just going to turn around and walk away, you’re delusional.”
Brant frowned. “I understand that you’re upset, but there is nothing I can do. The males are about to choose who they wish to keep on seeing in the next round. There is no way that any of them would pick you at this late stage of the game. Go back home, we will call you in the next heat.”
“What the hell is the next heat?” She adjusted the big, clunky purse on her shoulder.
“Any unmated males will go into the next heat. New human females will then be introduced. I will personally make sure that you are included in that batch. My apologies for any inconvenience. I would be happy to write you out a check if it would make you feel better. Heat two will start in a few weeks time so you will not need to wait very long.”
“You can’t buy me and I’m not interested in joining the next heat.” She shook her head and her hair flew about her face. “I want to stay.”
She was a sight to behold and behold her Lazarus did. His eyes slid down to her narrow waist. Alexandra had hips made for holding and an ass that could make a grown man weep. The good news was that they would be tears of joy.
He didn’t realize that the female had turned around. “Eyes up here…big guy…stay with me. Tell, King Brant, to please let me stay.”
By the way all of them were looking at him expectantly, Lazarus realized that he had missed something. “What?” He growled.
“The only way I’m going to let this female into the first heat, at this ridiculously late stage of the game, is if someone were to guarantee that they would choose her to go into the next round.” Brant smiled, his fangs gleamed and his eyes shone. “Do you know of anyone, Lazarus?”
Lazarus swallowed hard. Fuck!
The female crossed her arms across her chest. For the first time, worry clouded her features. She licked her lips, before chewing on her bottom lip. “You’re one of them aren’t you? One of the vampires from the program?”
Lazarus nodded once.
“Surely we should have her meet with all the males.” Gideon blurted, speaking for the first time. “You never know, maybe one of them would choose her.” Fuck! This was a dilemma.
Lazarus locked gazes with Gideon, the other male’s eyes were hard. He gave the smallest shake of the head. Gideon wanted Lazarus to choose Jenna so that she could stay in the program until they figured things out.