2#Stolen by the Alpha Wolf: Shifter Romance (Deliberate Theft) (4 page)

Stephany
swallowed another small mouthful, using the opportunity to retract her fangs. “I
am fine. I’ve never enjoyed drinking much. You know that.”  She pulled away
from his exposed wrist, watching as the two holes on his arm closed.

Glancing
back at Xavier, she caught his frown. “You can’t be finished already?”

Stephany
shrugged. “You are right. I’m not feeling quite myself. I have an appointment
with a healer in the morning.” Not entirely a lie since she did have an
appointment with Isla. “I’m sure I’ll be back to normal within a few days.”
Once the termination procedure had been performed. Her heart clenched and she
looked away while standing. She hoped he wouldn’t notice how emotional she had
become.

“Sorry
to hear that. Hope you get better really soon. If you need anything, you let me
know.” Xavier’s grey eyes tracked her as she walked towards the door.

“Thanks,
I will.”

“Something
to mention to the healer.”

This
stopped Stephany in her tracks, she slowly turned, not really wanting to hear
what he had to say.

His
brow creased. “It’s probably nothing, but your scent has changed. It’s so
subtle that I doubt anyone else has noticed. I can’t really put my finger on
it, I’m sure if I drank from you then I would know exactly what it is that I am
scenting. It is familiar somehow.” His nostrils flared as he drew air into his
lungs.

Do
not panic
, she told herself.

“No
need.” It surprised her how even her voice remained. “The healer will taste my
blood. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Xavier
shrugged. “Suit yourself. Like I said, if I can help in any way.” He smiled at
her as he picked up his discarded shirt, showing her the wide expanse of his
back. The lower half was covered in inky black lines as were both of his
biceps. Females swooned for Xavier. Many were highly jealous of their
relationship, even though they were just friends. Maybe that was it. Xavier
sometimes brought a female to his bed, but she was the only one he had
befriended. Then again, she had never warmed his bed.

She
forced a smile. “You will be the first to know if I need anything. How are
things with Esral?”

“Fine.
I’m not sure why I’m still assigned to her safety. Must be the queen’s
instruction, she’s still hoping for another royal mating.” He rolled his eyes.

“I
don’t know why you don’t just ask her out already, I know you like the elven
princess.”

“I
have, several times and she has turned me down each and every time.” He sighed,
“Go figure. She asked for permission to choose her own mate and to be permitted
to date and has yet to agree to dating anyone.” His eyes turned stormy.

“Others
have asked?”

His
silvery eyes turned cobalt. “Only half of all the unmated males. I have heard
them talk”—he let out a tense breath—“since they have never had a female from
another species before, they are fighting over who will take her first.” He
growled, gritting his teeth. “At least she’s turned all those bastards down.”

This
time Stephany smiled in earnest. “Males! Keep trying. She might change her
mind.” Stephany could see that the big male had a thing for the elven princess.

Xavier
shook his head. “Nah, I don’t date anyway so it’s probably for the best.”

“Suit
yourself.” She couldn’t help but to smile. Why were vampire males so pig
headed? “Don’t come crying to me when she accepts one of the other males’
offers though.”

“You
forget.” He threw her a feral grin. “I am her main guard and therefore will
chaperone. Should a male so much as look at her wrong, let alone lay a single
finger on her, they will bleed.”

“If
I didn’t know any better, I would say that you were jealous.”

A
look of surprise crossed his handsome features. “Never.” He chuckled. “Are you
serious?” He chuckled some more, shaking his head. “I have been told to protect
her virtue and will do so with my life.”

“Not
because you want her for yourself?”

The
feral gleam from earlier turned all out predatory. “I want her”—his nostrils
flared—“I have never met a female who puts fire in my veins like the little
princess does.” He squeezed his eyes shut for a few beats before opening them
again. “I have yet to decide whether I prefer her in that little silk robe or
her figure hugging clothes though.”

“Well
then?”

Xavier
shook his head. “One problem, I have come to my senses about dating her and I
certainly don’t wish to mate her. Getting under Esral’s robe would mean having
to do both those things, so it isn’t going to happen.”

“You
should see how disappointed you look.”

The
male shrugged. “There are plenty of willing females. Esral deserves more than
just a quick rut. I will make sure that she is honored and adored before I
allow a male anywhere near her.” His eyes narrowed and his fists clenched.

Xavier
was completely smitten, even if he didn’t realize it himself. Hopefully he
would soon, before it was too late.

Feeling
comfortable in the discussion, Stephany thought back on what had been bothering
her since her return. She hadn’t been able to speak up about it with Brant, but
Xavier was a different story. “Before I go, your opinion please. I befriended
one or two of the wolves while I was in their care.”

“My
opinion?” Xavier shook his head for a few beats before raising his eyebrows,
looking concerned. “You made friends with a wolf?” He sighed.

“Well
sort of. They aren’t that bad.”

Xavier
raised his eyebrows again. “If you say so, Steph.” He clearly didn’t believe
her.

She
took a deep breath. “Are there still plans to wage a war against them?” She
tried to sound as indifferent as possible.

“Why
would we?” Xavier shrugged his big shoulders, pulling his shirt over his head.

Stephany
paused, not wanting to seem too eager. “They attacked us. They tried to take
Tanya and ended up kidnapping me. Lance was nearly killed. There’s a long list
against them.”

“It
was a misunderstanding. There will be consequences, which will be discussed
when the alpha swears fealty to our kings. The longer it takes for the male to
get his ass here, the more difficult they will make it for him. But an all-out
war?” He shook his head. “We have no desire to annihilate the beasts.” He raked
his hand through his hair and shrugged. “Besides, I am sure it is just a matter
of time before the alpha swears his allegiance.”

So
unbelievably arrogant. Ward was right, they assumed that the wolves would fall
to their knees. “And if they don’t?”

“They
will.” He sighed, sounding bored with the conversation.

Stephany
blew out a puff of air in frustration. “If they don’t?”

Xavier
shrugged. “Although we don’t particularly want to exterminate the beasts. We
would be forced into war. By the time we’re done with them, the alpha will beg
to be allowed to kneel before us. They will swear allegiance though, so don’t
concern yourself with the whole thing.”

The
sheer arrogance of her kings, of the vampire species in general, was allowing
the wolves a modicum of leeway but not for too much longer. Stephany worried
for Ward. She only hoped that he had heeded her warning.

 “I’m
sure he’ll respond to the latest correspondence. Like I told you, although I
have no idea where they are hiding out, I do know that they don’t have cell
phone signal.” She prayed Ward would put his pride aside and swear allegiance.
Though the thought of the strong male having to go down on one knee still left
a bitter taste in her mouth.

Xavier
smiled. “I’m sure once they receive our summons, they will come running in
order to do what needs to be done…” He shrugged, “Or face the consequences.”

Stephany
had to suppress a shiver. Once she felt that her emotions were sufficiently
under control, she said her goodbyes and left.

Brant
had insisted that she take the day off. Isla had been informed of the
termination, and she was booked to have the procedure first thing in the
morning. As much as she’d argued with Brant about not wanting the time off,
he’d insisted. It left her with plenty of time to think. To worry. To wallow in
her sorrow.

It
sucked.

Right
now, her whole life pretty much sucked.

Instead
of going to her room, she headed outside and made for the forest. Cool, green,
surrounded by nature. Ever since being with the wolves, she craved the
outdoors. The wind in her hair, the ground beneath her feet. It was strange
considering she’d been holed up in Ward’s cabin the entire time that she’d been
there.

Yet,
she felt a modicum of calm descend as the canopy above thickened and the scent
of pine filled her nostrils. Stephany picked up a brisk pace, trying to
concentrate on each footfall and not on her racing mind. The temptation that
seized her was so self-centred.

Selfish,
selfish, selfish.

It
taunted. Everything in her wanted to call Ward. Not because she felt he should
know. Not for any other reason than needing him to hold her hand when they
extracted the life from her womb. The small, innocent, little life that was a
symbol of their time together. Just like her and Ward, it was a life that could
never be. She told herself for the millionth time that the baby would have no
chance, yet she still felt untold guilt. The odds were just so bad on the child
surviving, otherwise she would’ve gladly given her own life. If only there was
a way. She would grab it with both hands.

Stephany
forced herself to walk faster, almost jogging until finally, exhausted, she
allowed herself a small break before heading back to the castle. The canopy of
trees was thick and a deep green color that allowed dapples of light through to
dance around her. Putting her back against a particularly large oak, she
enjoyed the sounds of nature. The feeling of calm and tranquillity.

One
small thump.

Imagined.
Most likely. Her mind playing tricks on her. It had to be since she was only
two months along. It took at least four and a half months to feel…another
tiny
thump
. This time undeniable. Stephany put her hand to her stomach in the
vicinity of the movement, she held her breath. Even the birds and insects
seemed to quieten in anticipation. Two more little knocks. Softer this time.

A
sob escaped as she slid down the side of the tree. It was too soon to feel
movement.
Too soon
. The baby was half wolf though, she reminded herself.

Ward.

Stephany
was panting. Overwhelmed. Even more distraught than before. Not just a clump of
cells after all.

How
could she go through with this?

How?

Stephany
pulled her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Ward’s number from memory.
He’d insisted that she memorize it, just in case. It went straight to
voicemail. Her eyes burned as she listened to his voice request that she leave
a message. Stephany pushed the red button before the beep. Squeezing her eyes
shut, she fought the tears until her throat hurt and her eyes stung. She made
herself stand and forced herself to move in the direction of the castle,
walking much slower this time around.

Once
she made it clear of the trees, she noticed that the new recruits to the royal
guard were practicing their line formations. Stephany knew the drill. From here
they would go on to hand to hand combat, followed by knife skills or archery.
All she wanted right now was the sanctuary of her room.

“Hey,
beautiful,” a familiar voice sounded from behind her.

Stephany
scrunched her eyes shut, wanting to run away. Instead she turned, slowly.

Lance
smiled broadly. “If you wanted a romantic walk in the forest, all you had to do
was ask.”

“I
didn’t, so I didn’t.” She hated that she sounded so mean, but she couldn’t help
it. When was he going to catch the hint?

His
smile lessened. “Can I walk with you?”

“If
you’re not back in five, we’ll know what you’re up to.” A shout from one of the
males in formation, followed by a snort and a chuckle.

Lance
rolled his eyes. “Callum, you can drop and give me two hundred.”

“It
wasn’t me.”

“You
can punish the offender once you’re done.” Lance growled, while still not
taking his eyes off of her.

“But—”

“Three
hundred,” Lance said. “I can keep adding, it’s entirely up to you.”

A
disgruntled growl sounded as one of the males dropped to the ground and began
doing push-ups.

“Please,”
Lance whispered, his eyes pleading. “Just a walk.”

She
nodded, not wanting him to look bad in front of his recruits. This was the last
thing she needed right now. The very last thing. Stephany sighed as she
continued on with Lance at her side.

They
walked through the main entrance to the castle and into the main communal area,
which was thankfully quiet at this time of day.  Neither of them said anything
until they were headed up the main stairs, taking the branch to the north tower.