2#Awakened by the Vampire Prince (Flower)
Read 2#Awakened by the Vampire Prince (Flower) Online
Authors: Charlene Hartnady
Flower
Awakened by the Vampire Prince
Part 2
By
Charlene Hartnady
Copyright © June 2015, Charlene Hartnady
Cover Art by Melody Simmons
Copy Edited by Kimberly Reichmann
Produced in South Africa
Published by Charlene Hartnady
PO BOX 456, Melrose Arch,
Johannesburg, South Africa, 2176
‘Flower’ is a work of fiction and
characters, events and dialogue found within are of the author’s imagination
and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or
persons, either living or deceased, is purely coincidental.
With the exception of quotes used in
reviews no part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to digital copying,
file sharing, audio recording, email and printing without prior consent in
writing from the author
Part
2
Xavier
shut the chamber door behind him. He took a deep breath before making his way
across the bridge that led in the direction of the eating hall. His hands shook
so he clasped them into fists at his sides.
He
had never wanted a female more in his life. Her scent was intoxicating. It
drove him to distraction. She smelled of light, of laughter, like he was
standing in the middle of a field of wildflowers on a perfect summer’s day.
Xavier found himself wanting more. Wanting everything. Touching her had almost
driven him to the point of insanity. Seeing how receptive she was fueled the
fires inside him to the point where he couldn’t think clearly anymore.
He
had watched as her eyes widened and her mouth went slack. Delighted as her
breath turned into fast, little pants. Then the beautiful blues of her eyes had
grown darker as they’d widened even further. He would never forget her shocked
expression just before her eyes rolled back in her skull. She had made the most
amazing little noises that told him she had greatly enjoyed her first taste of
rapture. Xavier became lost in the moment, wanting to give her so much more.
Thankfully he caught himself in time. His hand had been on the clasp of his
leathers ready to rip them open and to spread her soft, creamy thighs. The only
thought at that point had been to plunge into her warm, welcoming heat, to give
her what he knew they both wanted.
The
problem was that he would never forgive himself if he did such a thing. At this
point he knew without a doubt that he had feelings for the princess. What he
felt for her ran way deeper than just lust. He had been kidding himself before
when he told himself it was only his desire to rut her.
The
thought of her with another male enraged him, yet something still held him
back. He suspected it was fear. How could he claim his female without testing compatibility
first? Logically he knew that the chances were good that they would make a good
couple, but how could he be sure? Then there was that ever nagging reality that
she may never drink from him. Could he resign himself to being with a female
where the sharing of blood was not a possibility? Vampires needed this close
bond to be truly mated. He had seen firsthand the distance this same problem
had caused between his parents even though they loved each other deeply. His
father suffered greatly having to take blood from others. It was not the
vampire way.
Yet,
deep down inside he knew that Esral was the female for him. She had to be. He
had never felt this type of connection with anyone before. Never been so
consumed by another. It scared him, but it also excited him at the same time. Xavier
needed to clear his head, spend some time away from the princess. Once he
managed to gain some control and some much-needed willpower, he would seek her
out and they would have a long discussion.
Gideon
was still in the eating hall where he had left him. The male frowned when he
saw him. “Where is Princess Esral?”
“She
is in her chambers. Go to her now and don’t leave her side.” Xavier didn’t feel
the need to remind the male about the rules; Esral was his by her own
admission. Now that he had seen the need and the longing glowing in her eyes,
he knew that she would not accept the advances of another. Both pride and
happiness swelled within him.
Although
Gideon still had a confused look, he nodded. “Right away,” he growled as he
strode from the hall.
After
returning to his chamber for a quick shower and a change of clothes, he headed
for the elven prince’s chamber. It was the last thing he felt like doing right
now but a meeting with the male was long overdue.
Prince
Keto growled as he opened his door. Without bothering to greet Xavier, the male
turned and strode back inside going through a door to the left. Xavier was
forced to follow.
The
other male was in the process of rolling up what looked like a large map. This
closed off part of his chamber was designed as an office with book lined
shelves. “Shouldn’t you be guarding my sister or something?”
“I’m
not one of the males assigned to guard duty.” He was starting to feel
irritated. The elven prince had yet to look his way.
“Well,”
he sighed. “Why are you here then?” Keto finally lifted his eyes. Hard, icy,
he’d even go so far as to say that the male hated him. Zane had not been over
exaggerating in his assessment of the elven prince.
“I
needed to deliver some of our healers. Though my main purpose for being here is
to try and see if I can find some common ground with you, Keto.”
The
male gave a humorless chuckle which ended on a snort.
“We
are both princes. There is no reason why vampires and elves can’t live in
peace.” It irked him to have to bow down to the other male like this. The
vampires greatly outnumbered the elves and were therefore the superior species.
It wouldn’t take much to wipe out the pointy eared motherfuckers. But that
wasn’t something that the kings wanted, and it certainly wasn’t something that
Xavier wanted. A picture of Esral rose up in his mind.
“You
have slighted the elven people, my own royal tree.” The elf beat his chest with
a tight fist. Then his lips pulled into a feral grin. “As far as I’m concerned,
it’s a personal slight.” His eyes narrowed. His whole body radiated tension.
“My father gave the vampire royal house a great gift. Why did you take her if
you never planned on mating her?” He began pacing the chamber while using animated
gestures. His head jerked from side to side, blond hair flying. “Esral comes
from good stock. From royal blood. Unlike many of your vampire females, she
would be capable of bearing young.” He stopped moving for a second, his face
looking puzzled. “I don’t understand why none of your males seem to want her. Is
she not considered fair to your species? Is it because she has acted without
honor?”
Xavier
felt his blood heat just listening to the other male. He spoke of his own flesh
and blood like she was livestock. A beast that had not fetched a high enough
price at the market.
“It
is clear that she is definitely defective. I have it on good authority that
Esral has allowed at least one and possibly even many of your males to dishonor
her, to dishonor our royal oak—” He spat, his face contorted in rage. “My
father should never have sent her to the vampires. You are all a bunch of sex
crazed, bloodsuckers who will rut anything with a flower regardless of
consequence. She should have known better. This is going to fucking kill my
father if he hears of it. He already blames himself for the mere disgrace of
her still being unmated.”
Xavier
ground his teeth until he tasted blood. The muscles in his neck corded and his
arms bunched. His hands were clenched so tight that they physically hurt. He
was using resolve he never even thought he had to prevent himself from flying
at the male. The only thing that really held him back was the concern he saw in
the male’s eyes at the mention of his father, King Katar.
Keto
continued to pace. “I have already told her that I will find the male
responsible for breaking her thorn. Go back to your kings, inform them that I
will make this male mate my sister. I will insist on a blossoming ceremony in
front of the entire elven community or the male will die.” He growled. “I will
deliver the death blow myself. I don’t particularly care if this causes a war.
As far as I’m concerned, you and those bastard kings are responsible. You
should have protected my sister better.” Keto was pacing once again. His face
was red, his hair clung to his sweaty brow. As he said his last, he swung back
to face Xavier, the other male’s icy glare was firmly on him.
Muscles
bunched tight, Xavier’s arms shook from the exertion. Sweat dripped off of his
own brow in an effort to remain calm. He had seen firsthand what the elven folk
thought of the princess. How they mocked and ridiculed her. The things that
male, Zafar, had said to Esral were a reflection of what everyone in Pulamor
thought about her.
Yet
Xavier had not expected this from Keto. The male was a colossal dick but he was
also Esral’s brother. Surely he should see things differently and stand up for his
sister, his own flesh and blood. He should want to stand by her and to protect
her from the terrible rumors that were making their rounds. In a sick twisted way,
it did seem that the male was trying to make this right. It was a great pity
that he was going about it all wrong though.
“I’m
not sure where you got your information from but I assure you that your sister
was well taken care of.”
Keto
choked out a laugh that made Xavier want to pummel him. “There’s no doubt in my
mind that she was taken care of.” He smirked. “But a vampire’s idea of taking
care of a female and mine are very different.”
“No
one laid a hand on her. I can personally attest to that.”
“You?”
The arrogant motherfucker dared look him up and down. “Why would I take your
word? Who the fuck are you to her anyway? If you are the male that spent so
much time with her, then it was probably
you
that broke her thorn.”
Xavier
stepped forward. “Why would you take my word?” He couldn’t help but to growl. “Because
if your father dies, and let’s face it, at this point it’s a definite reality.
I am possibly the only male that stands between you and an army of vampires. I
can clearly see that you are not the type to think things through though, are
you? You are irrational and make dumb decisions. Who the fuck do
you
think you are? When you end up making one dumb fucking decision too many and a
shit storm rains down on you and your people, I am the male that will flatten
you. I will make it my personal aim to bring you down myself. Unless we somehow
find common ground while I am here. It would also be in your best interest to
remember your place, elf.” Xavier paused, never taking his eyes off of the
male.
Zane
and Brant had given this male far too much slack. First because they felt
guilty about Esral and then later because of Katar’s failing health. They
didn’t want a war but this level of insolence was fucking unacceptable. It was
the male’s treatment of his own sister that angered him the most. “I’m telling
you that Princess Esral was well guarded and well protected and that none of
which you are talking about is true. I highly respect Esral. She has stuck true
to your elven ways and has not put a foot wrong.”
The
male was taken aback. He visibly paled. It took several long minutes before he
finally spoke. “I apologize for any disrespect shown.” His neck was corded and
his eyes narrowed. It was funny because, although the male had shown fear, he
didn’t look like he felt one bit of remorse. “With my father ill and Esral…” He
let the sentence die. “I do not wish to argue with you. The last thing I want
for my people is a war. It is not one we could win.”
Why
did it feel like he was leaving the words
right now
out in that
sentence?
“I
have it on good authority that my sister was rutted without being claimed.
Regardless of whether that is true or not, she is seen as defective. None of
the elven males will have her now.”
“The
vampires will keep her,” Xavier growled. He wanted to claim her right now but
knew that it would be for the wrong reasons. If Esral ever suspected that he
had claimed her for any reason other than love it might always hang over them.
“It’s
not enough. I’m worried about my father and what word of my sister’s ill reputation
would do to him if he were to find out. He will blame himself.” He shook his
head. His shoulders slumped and for a second fear flashed in his eyes. Then he
set his jaw. “Please try and understand the reasons for my acting the way I
have. I want this rectified as a matter of extreme urgency. I don’t want a war
between our species.” Only because he knew that he would lose. “The time for
patience has come and gone. One of you bloodsu—” Keto seemed to think better of
the word that he was about to use. “One of you vampires must mate her and
soon.”
In
the interest of doing his duty, namely to strengthen the relationship between
vampires and elves, Xavier nodded. It had nothing to do with the realization
that he would never allow another male to take the princess.
“As
much as I care about my people and don’t want a war, Esral is my sister and if
no one claims her soon then I will pick a male. She will mate him whether she
wants to or not. I hope that we understand each other.” Keto seemed to have
already forgotten their earlier conversation. The male looked at him with
contempt.
Xavier
wanted to tell him where he could shove it. That he had zero jurisdiction over
the vampires or even over Esral for that matter. She had been given to the
vampires fair and square. “I’m not sure what the hell us vampires ever did to
make you hate us, but I would suggest that you find a way to get over it. One
of these days, probably sooner rather than later, you are going to take the
leadership role. You act too much based on emotion. On what is important to
you
.
The time has come for you to put aside your own desires. You need to keep the
interest of your elven species in the forefront of your mind at all times. Get
over the beef you have with us.”
The
male’s gaze narrowed, his eyes even flashed red. Clearly a sign of anger.
Although rage was probably more an apt description. Finally, he nodded once. His
teeth clenched so tight that Xavier was sure that he had heard something crack.