Free #3 Chosen by the Vampire Kings: BBW Romance (Part 3: Love & War) by Charlene Hartnady

levelled off onto what felt like flat
ground and Brant let her slide down beside him. She kept her arms around him,
afraid to take even the smallest step on her own.
    “Zane was right, we have been compromised.
They will know about this cellar,” Xavier said. There were some clicking noises
and another sliding sound from above. “That should take care of the study
entrance.”
    “Good thing I ordered for the passage way
from the fountain to be sealed. That only leaves the forest entrance,” Brant’s
chest rumbled as he spoke.
    “I have our elite troops surrounding the
entrance and archers on the perimeter. Rest assured, I will head there myself
and will protect our king and queen with my life.” This was the first time that
she had been referred to as the queen and it felt good. “Your human did well
today. She is worthy of our people and will give you strong heirs.”
    Tanya wished she could see facial
expressions, but it was just too dark.
    Brant moved forward a step and then she
could feel the warmth of Xavier and the brush of fingers across her arm at
Brant’s back. They were embracing. Brant grunted.
    “Have your female look at that.”
    “I will be fine. You stay with Tanya, I
will—”
    “No brother. You are the king. Without you
or the human female, our coven would crumble.”
    Brant laughed. “Hardly. You would step in
to take my place.”
    Tanya sobbed. “I know it’s selfish, but
please don’t leave me.”
    Brant tightened his arm around her.
    “You have a nose my lord. You need to stay
with her,” Xavier sounded stern. What did having a nose have to do with it? Could
Brant scent something?
    “What is it?” she asked.
    Both men ignored her. “Fine, but take care
of yourself brother. Our queen needs a guard,” said Brant.
    “Nothing like a bit of target practice,”
Xavier chuckled. Retreating foot falls were her only indication that he was
leaving.
     “Right, there is a first aid kit around
here somewhere.” Brant moved and she stayed at his side as if glued.
    “Um, Brant. Please tell me there’s a light
in here.”
    A low chuckle caused another vibration
through Brant’s chest. “I’m sorry, I forgot that you can’t see in the dark.
There must be one somewhere, as humans designed this place.” He tucked her in
closer and moved in one direction and then the other. He reached and there was
a clicking noise as the room lit up. Although not all that bright, the sudden
blast of light caused her to scrunch her eyes shut while they adjusted. The
room was small with a double bed to the side and a free standing toilet in the
corner. Oh God, she prayed she wouldn’t need to go any time soon. Her cheeks
heated just thinking about it.
    Brant released her and pulled a first aid
kit from the shelf. The walls were lined with shelves filled with blankets,
clothes and cans of food. There were vents in the ceiling and various other
items that one would expect to find on a camping expedition or during a siege.
    Siege.
    Panic rose up in her but she shoved it down.
They hopefully wouldn’t be trapped in here for long. Brant seemed tense, his
eyes had a worried look, they kept darting upwards. Maybe he could hear
something that she couldn’t.
    “Is everything okay?”
    “I should be with my men. There will be
casualties” His jaw worked.
    She cast her eyes downwards, guilt burned
in her gut.
    “No, Cenwein, this is not your fault.” He
brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “Xavier was right, my place is at your
side.”
    “Give me that. Sit on the bed.” She took
the first aid kit and followed him, taking a seat next to him. Tanya opened the
latch and rummaged through the kits contents until she found a bottle of neat
alcohol and a pack of swabs. She opened the bottle and poured some of the
contents onto the swab using it to clean the wounds on his chest. The cotton
pad quickly soaked through with blood so she repeated the process several
times. Either the chest wounds weren’t as bad as