“No,” Zane growled.
“You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do.” He narrowed his eyes at the other male. “If I want to go after my female, I will.”
“You would be making a mistake. Emotions are high. The pull of the new moon will make us volatile.”
“I said that I would go after her. You are not invited.” Again he knew he was being a dick.
“Our female wants us both. You are welcome to try on your own, but I can tell you right now that you will not succeed. You may even make things worse.” Zane made a noise of frustration. “Believe me, I would like nothing more than to drag her back, lock her up if I have to, but it would never work in the long run. If we say what she wants to hear and talk her into staying, then it will just end up falling apart when you and I go after each other again. We both know that future battles are inevitable.”
Brant grunted in acknowledgement. Zane, on his knees, was something he looked forward to seeing. The thought of Zane bleeding almost brought a smile to his lips. Brant cursed. “You’re right.”
“Give her time to calm down.” The male scrubbed a hand over his face. “Let’s meet at sun up. We’re about to embark on the fight of our lives.”
Brant nodded.
“The war to win our female back. Like any battle, strategy and unity is what is needed even amongst birth enemies.”
Brant locked eyes with Zane for the longest time. It wouldn’t be easy, in fact he’d go so far as to say that working together with Zane would be something akin to torture but he would do it. Brant would tramp down on his need to take action right now and focus on winning his female back no matter the sacrifice. His human was worth it.
****
Tanya cried the whole way back to the castle. Xavier threw her questioning looks in the rear-view mirror, but there was no way in hell she was going to discuss this with him or anyone else but her best friend. She just prayed that Becky hadn’t left yet. They could be taken back to Sweetwater together. Fresh tears cascaded down her cheeks. She felt it was ridiculous how much her tear ducts had been worked ever since that fateful day of the choosing.
How bizarre, in less than two weeks she’d turned into a broken hearted, single mother. Well, worse things had happened to others and she would deal. There was no way she would live out the rest of her life as a possession being shunted from one male to the other, caught between their pissing contests. Even worse, there was no way she would watch one tear the other apart.
Once back at the castle, she headed straight for her suite. “Please find out if Becky is still here.” She turned to Griffin as they were about to ascend the staircase.
The male inclined his head. “Yes, my lady.”
“Don’t call me that!” she snapped a little too harshly.
He inclined his head a second time, “Sorry, my…” He pursed his lips, nodded and turned and strode down the hall.
“Are you okay?” Xavier finally asked.
A tear tracked down her face. She shook her head. “No, I’m not.” Tanya forced her legs to carry her up the long winding staircase. Once inside her room, her first inclination was to throw herself on the bed and let the tears rip. Let all her emotions out, but there was no time. Her vampire kings would be here soon to try and talk her into staying. Quite frankly she just didn’t have the energy right now.
She was mostly worried that they just might be able to talk her into giving them a second chance. Unfortunately for her, she loved them. If they promised her that they would behave, if they said all the things she needed to hear, she might just do something stupid like actually believe them.
“Becky left already,” a familiar voice said. Tanya turned to find Stephany smiling at her from the doorway.
“Oh my God, it’s you. Oh, Stephany.” To her irritation, more tears managed to escape. At this rate she might die from dehydration. She ran to the female and threw herself into her arms. Like she’d done on previous occasions, Stephany held her while running a hand up and down her back in firm strokes. The action helped to soothe her. The tears finally stopped.
“Why are you not with Zane and Brant? You should be completing the ceremony. By sunup the new moon will be over.” Stephany released her.
Tanya took in her big blue eyes. Her short blond hair. She was the same Stephany she remembered, only there were dark rings under her eyes and her face looked sad somehow. “Are you okay? Did the wolves hurt you in any way?”
A definite look of sorrow flashed across her face. So quick that if Tanya had blinked she would’ve missed it. “What is it? Tell me right now?”