Chosen by the Vampire Kings 6(3)

Stephany shook her head. “They were rude. I’m sure you’ve heard that our species don’t get along, but I am unharmed.” She paused before continuing, “I’m glad to be back.” The funny thing was that she looked anything but glad.

“Are you sure? I feel like there is something you aren’t telling me.” She watched closely for any sign of emotion but when Stephany smiled, it looked genuine. Maybe Tanya was just reading into things because of her own situation?

“I’m fine.” Her friend took her hand. “Let’s sit, I want you to tell me what’s going on.”

“I can’t, I need to pack.” Tanya tried to pull away, but Stephany’s grip tightened.

“Five minutes won’t matter either way.”

“They will if Zane and Brant are on their way here.” She heard her voice catch as she spoke their names.

Stephany nodded once and followed her to the closet. Grabbing a bag from the bottom shelf, Tanya rummaged through the many items trying to find the ones that she’d arrived in and finally gave up. Technically, none of this stuff was hers. She didn’t want any of it either. She turned to face Stephany and swallowed hard. All the events of earlier seemed stuck in her throat. Where did she even start?

Stephany kept silent, her eyes on Tanya. After a deep breath, she relayed the events of the last week. The blond vampire gasped and hugged Tanya when she heard the news about the pregnancy. Stephany’s eyes turned stormy though as Tanya relayed what had happened after the ceremony. She felt her own anger build inside her again as she relived the events.

“You’re right to be mad,” Stephany shook her head as she spoke. “Of all the pig headed male things to do. I can’t believe”—she took a deep breath—“You were right to leave them there and you shouldn’t complete the ceremony at this point, but I think leaving is a mistake. You belong with us, you’re one of us. You carry a vampire child. You do realize that your thirst will not diminish?”

“Shit.” How could she have been so stupid as to forget something so important? “I have to go. They made it clear that they will never be able to mate me together. They are too dominant and would eventually end up fighting. What happened was inevitable. I guess I should be happy it happened now and not after the mating, or once I had invested more of myself than I already have.” Even as she spoke the words, Tanya knew that she was already in hook, line and sinker. “I’ll make a plan when it comes to needing blood. I’m sure Becky will agree…”

“Most humans are squeamish when it comes to that sort of thing.”

“But, I let Brant and Zane drink from me—”

“You are not most humans…you are special. I still think that you should stay, move in with me for a while.” Stephany took her hand. Her skin was cool.

“I can’t. I need to cut myself off from this, from them.”

“You can still work this out.” The vampire’s eyes pleaded.

Tanya shook her head. She grit her teeth and straightened her back. “I wish that things had turned out differently, but one of them will eventually kill the other. It would break my heart.” An irritating tear tracked down her cheek. “I won’t keep the child from them. I will stay in Sweetwater. The covens will have their heir.” If the child turned out to be female, then the covens had a hundred years to resign themselves to the fact that a woman would rule them. She felt many of the sexist outdated traditions needed to change anyway.

“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.”