A Mate for Lance (The Program Book 5) (15 page)

The male stayed where he was, he stayed positioned between himself and Amber. Motherfucker was about to get himself killed. A growl came from somewhere deep in his throat.

“Please.” The guard put up a hand. “Don’t… I can’t just leave the human. She has asked me to stay.”

Lance didn’t raise his voice. “You will go and you will fucking do so immediately.” The guard gave a jump and Lance almost felt sorry for the poor fuck. “Or so help—”

“Stop being a bully. What’s wrong with you?” Her eyes were wide. Her lip wobbled. It fucking wobbled. No…it wasn’t supposed to go down like this. “I told you I didn’t want this getting out. I asked you nicely.” She sniffed. A tear tracked down her cheek. What the fuck! No. He couldn’t stand to see her upset. Everything in him tensed.

Lance pushed the other male aside.

“Don’t touch me.” Her eyes widened. “How dare you? You had no right.” She shook her head, looking so sad. It tore at him to see her like this.

“Leave us.” He used a softer approach with the guard. “Please… I will take care of her. I will ensure that she gets to her room.”

The guard finally nodded when Amber didn’t retaliate.

He gripped her hand and rubbed his thumb over her palm. Another tear tracked down her cheek. She waited until the guard had moved away.

“Come with me.” Lance looked her in the eye.

She shook her head. “I want to go back to my room and I want to be left alone.” She sniffed. Her eyes were tear soaked. Fuck!

He spoke again, softly this time, not wanting to spook her. “We need to talk this out.”

“There is no ‘we’, Lance.” She pulled her hand out of his.

“Yes,” he said, more sternly, “there is.”

“You’re wrong. We…have sex…and that doesn’t mean anything.” She wiped her face. “Make that, we used to…have sex.”

“It’s not over, Amber. Nothing has to change.”

“Everything has changed. I didn’t ask much of you. One measly little thing and you couldn’t even do that. You told everyone that we are, that we’re…”

“Fucking.” It was so cute that she couldn’t say it. He smiled. “No one knows shit, Amber.” He looked around them. “Look, any minute the others are going to come and if they see us together…you crying, they’ll put two and two together. Come with me, please. We need to talk.”

She shook her head, her eyes on the ground.

“Please, sweetheart.” The endearment fell from him lips yet again. He needed to stop doing that. He’d never called a female by that term.

Then she huffed out a breath and looked him in the eye. He watched as everything in her softened. “Fine but I’m not having sex with you. You can forget that.” Some of the fire returned.

“Come on.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her in the direction of the gardens. They didn’t stop until they were in one of his favorite alcoves. It had both a view of the garden and was obscured enough for total privacy. It was tranquil and beautiful.

Lance took both of her hands in his but she tried to tug herself free.

“Hear me out,” he said. Lance had to smile. “Firstly, you said you only asked one thing of me but that’s not technically true. You asked me to give you orgasms and I have.”

She gasped, her stunning mouth fell open. Then she frowned. “That’s rubbish. I never asked you—”

“Your body did. Loud and fucking clear. I love how receptive you are. I delivered and will continue to deliver. Second, you asked me to go against my most important fucking rule… I agreed to be exclusive. I have been exclusive from the first time we were together. I haven’t touched another female and I don’t want to.”

“Oh.” She cleared her throat. She sucked in a breath. Amber looked shocked at his admission. “You shouldn’t have picked me though.” Her lip quivered and her voice hitched. “I don’t want everyone to know about us. I told you that. I don’t want to be just another conquest.”

“You’re not.” It just came out. “You’re not,” he said a little softer when he realized it was true. “I like you and I do care for you. It doesn’t mean I want a relationship. You’re unlike any other female I’ve been with. I can’t explain it but it’s true.”

Amber shook her head looking horrified. “We have zero in common. So it doesn’t change anything. We’re still just having dirty sex.” She shrugged. “I didn’t want anyone to know, that’s all.” A tear fell. “I don’t know why it’s so important to me but it is.”

“They don’t know anything, sweetheart.” He cupped her cheek and wiped away a tear.

“You chose me.” Her big brown eyes shimmered. Her lashes glistened. “They will know. How could they not?”

“Three of us picked you. There may have been more if I hadn’t stepped in. You’re not worried about what people think of the other males.”

“I’m not sleeping with the others.”

“Exactly! The only reason you’re freaking out about us is because we are fucking but no one knows that. Only we do.”

“They’ll know soon enough.” She wiped away another tear.

“No. They won’t know about our past. As to the future. That’s up to you. All they know is that I’m interested as fuck in you. Lots of the males are. Other than that…” He raised his brows.

“Yeah, but if we have sex…”

He nodded. “They’ll know it’s you since I’m not permitted to be with anyone else.” He put his arms around her. “I don’t want this to end just yet. You care too much about what the others think. What about what you want?”

She made a hiccup noise. “I just don’t want people to think that—”

“Fuck what they think, Amber.” Lance stroked the hair back from her face and swiped a tear from under her eye. “I picked you. That means something. We can continue to be exclusive. That means something as well. Other than that, it’s nobody’s business but our own. Think carefully about what you want. I bought us a little time. If I had stayed silent…” He shook his head, not liking the thought of having to stay away from her.

She looked thoughtful.

“Don’t answer me now but think about your options. Do you want to go home right now? Do you really want this to end now…?” Fuck no! He hoped not. “Do you want to date Brynn?” He tried to remain passive even though his fangs throbbed in his gums and his muscles bunched. “Or, you can forget about what the others think and we can continue where we left off.”

“They would know…what we were doing…before I mean.”

“Yes they would, but fuck them,” he growled. “I’m not done and neither are you. Why should we stop? We are both adults.” He kissed her. Just a quick touch of the mouth. He wanted more. So much fucking more but he needed to give her space. “I will take you back to your suite.”

She rolled her eyes and smiled. “You’re not going to even try and get into my pants?”

Lance shook his head. “If I didn’t know you better, I would say you were disappointed.”

She looked serious for just a moment. “We do have really hot sex.”

“I seriously fucking love your pussy.”

She gasped. “You didn’t just say that.”

“I did and I know for a fact that you love the hell out of my cock.”

“You’re too much…you know that don’t you?” She giggled and he found himself loving the sound.

“Yeah, I’m an arrogant asshole.” Then he took back her hand. “Just think about it and let me know when you are ready.” He dug in his pocket.

Amber nodded. “What are you doing?”

He palmed his phone. “I’ll call a guard to take you back. I’m sure you don’t want to be seen with me.”

Amber shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. Let me think about it.”

There was a part of him that had hoped she would just agree right then and there. Maybe it would be best if they did end this now. He wasn’t done but maybe he should be.

Lance nodded and dialed Titan. The male answered immediately. Within a few minutes, he watched Amber’s retreating back. Then he found himself some roses and sniffed the fuck out of them.

The next afternoon…

Why had he given Amber an ultimatum?

What the hell had he been thinking?

He’d put the ball in her court and she’d disappeared with the fucking thing. There’d been no word whatsoever. Not a one. She hadn’t been at breakfast, or at lunch. There was no way he was calling her. One thing was for sure. He was done waiting.

Done.

Waiting around was for pussies. Lance had picked her. He’d fucking picked her and she wasn’t happy about it. Either she was in or she was out. It was simple. This was the reason he didn’t do exclusive. Why he didn’t do relationships. Not that what they were in was a real relationship. Fucking was fucking.

It was humiliating and damned frustrating. No less than three females had approached him in the last twenty-four hours. He’d turned them all down flat and without having to think about it for a second. Lance hadn’t been tempted. They weren’t Amber. They lacked her fire, her spirit, her energy. He needed to touch her lush body, to feel her tighten around him, to hear her moans of pleasure. He needed it right fucking now. No more waiting.

No fucking way.

Brynn walked out of the human accommodations. The male hadn’t been at lunch. His hands were in his pockets and Lance could see that he was distracted. Deep in thought.

Lance couldn’t help but to growl at the male as he neared him. He sounded like a fucking beast. The thought of someone else touching Amber was abhorrent to him. She was his until he said otherwise.
His. Damn. It.

The male leapt to the side, his hands curled into fists and his eyes were wide.

“Stay the fuck away from her,” he growled. Shit! Amber would have his balls if she heard him now. It couldn’t be helped though.

The male took in a deep breath, his chest expanded for several seconds before he released the air. “Amber explained things to me,” he finally said.

She had?

What?

Lance nodded even though he had zero clue what Brynn was talking about. He watched as the tension eased from Brynn’s body.

“You’re really lucky that she’s giving you a chance.” He shook his head. “Please don’t hurt her. She’s special. I haven’t known her very long but she’s different. She doesn’t see herself the way that we see her. Sexy, yeah but she’s also sensitive, she gives a shit.”

Lance growled. He felt like a bastard for doing it but couldn’t help himself.

“You seem to really like her, which is good…surprising but good.” Brynn nodded his head.

Lance still didn’t say anything. He only hoped that the shock he was feeling inside wasn’t written on his face and that the years of training he had been through as a warrior would stand him in good stead. Not to mention all the poker games.

“So, you’re going to be dating… I can hardly believe it.” Brynn raised his brows. “The ultimate bachelor brought to his knees by a human female. I guess if it was going to happen, Amber would be the one to do it.”

Dating? Not a fuck.

Brought to his knees. Forget it.

Lance swallowed hard.

“Take good care of her. Just promise me that.”

Lance nodded. “I’ll take good care of her.” He wasn’t lying. He would take excellent care of the female…at least, his dick would do a good job of it.

It seemed to appease the male because he nodded once and walked away. Lance looked back at the human accommodations. He picked up his pace as he strode towards the building. Dating? Not a fuck. Just no. Exclusive fucking was one thing. Small talk, flowers and candlelit dinners was another thing entirely. It wasn’t him. It just wasn’t.

****

Amber’s hand shook as she picked up the phone. She had a solution to this little problem. It would mean that Lance would have to bend his rules a little but hey, if he wanted to keep…doing her, for lack of a better word…then he would meet her half way on this.

She should just go home, she really should. If she was smart, she’d pack her bag right now, but the thought of cutting her time here short was…it just didn’t seem right. She’d made it into the next round of this heat. Go figure!

His admission about not having been with anyone else had come as a shock. It was something at least. The thought made her feel lighter somehow. It didn’t change things. It wasn’t like she was going to actually fall for Lance. He was an ass, and a jerk, and a serious pig. It wasn’t happening. He was also seriously hot and great between the sheets so as long as he agreed to…

“Good afternoon, Amber, can I assist you with something?” It was the lady from reception. Amber recognized her voice. The one who liked Lance.

“Please can you put me through to Lance.”

There was a long pause. “Certainly.” Not quite as friendly as before.

Amber held the receiver and breathed deeply, trying to calm her nerves.

“There is no answer.” A sing-song, happy voice. “Would you like me to try his cellphone for you?” Her fake friendliness was nauseating.

“Yes, please.”

“One moment.”

After about half a minute, the receptionist was back. “I’m so sorry.” She sounded ecstatic. “He’s not answering.”

Damn.

“Thank you.” Amber hung up the phone. Oh, well. She’d try again later. He might be a bit upset that she’d made him wait. Guys like Lance weren’t used to waiting for anything. There was a good chance that he’d moved on. An even better chance that he would laugh in her face.

There was a knock at the door.

It couldn’t be. Surely not.

Lance had his hands on the top of the door frame. His arms were above his head but his elbows were still bent. They were big, these vamps. That was for sure. He smiled at her, his eyes narrowed as they landed on hers. He wore his leathers. There was a sword in a sheath on his back and a knife strapped to one thigh. It was like her throat closed a little because she struggled to get air in.

“Are you going to invite me in?” He spoke in a hushed tone. “Someone might see me.” His tone was clipped.

She nodded, moving to the side. Now that he was here, she wasn’t so sure. Maybe she was being silly. No doubt about it. She knew that she was being a bit over the top but surely if he really wanted to continue with their agreement, he could do this for her.

You can do this, Amber.

“I ran into Brynn outside.” Lance looked amused. “He said something about us dating. I’m not sure where he got his information…” He gave a half-hearted chuckled. “But there is no—”

“I told him that we are going to date,” she blurted.

“What?” His eyes seemed to darken.

“Please come inside and sit down.” They were still standing in the entrance hall.

“No. We can talk about this here.” Lance folded his arms. “I don’t date. I told you that. I meant it.”

“I told you that I don’t do this. I don’t”—she licked her lips— “sleep around.”

“You’re hardly sleeping around,” Lance pointed out, his patience running thin. “It’s exclusive fucking after a three and a half year dry spell. I don’t know how many times we need to go through this. You don’t like me, right?”

She nodded. “No. I would never normally date a guy like you.”

A look of hurt flashed in his eyes. Then he smirked. “Exactly. You wouldn’t want anyone to know. You said that yourself. You wouldn’t want to take me home to meet mommy.”

She felt her eyes widen and her heart beat faster. “God, no. My folks would probably disown me.” They didn’t think anyone was good enough for their little girl. Her dad was bad but her mom was a disaster. She would nitpick about everything.
A vampire
. One with a dirty mouth. One as arrogant and egotistical as Lance?
No way
. They would forbid it.

Lance chuckled some more. “You look horrified. That’s great. You see, you wouldn’t date a guy like me. Would hate to spend any time actually talking to me, so why start now? No…this continues as is. Nothing needs to change. So what if the others know? I don’t give a fuck and neither should you.”

“I do though. Whether you like it or not, I care.” She stood taller. “I know I shouldn’t but I do. I appreciate that you’ve already broken a few of your precious rules. All I ask is that you go on a few dates with me over the next few days. That way, no one has to know that I jumped into the sack with you so easily. A few measly dates over the next three or four days and then we can get back to…the good stuff.”

“If you’re implying that we not only need to date but that I have to keep my hands off of you for that time then I say fuck that.” He was frowning deeply.

“Okay. I understand.” Amber walked to the closet and pulled out her suitcase. “It’s probably better that we stop this insane nonsense anyway. Everybody knows that no strings doesn’t work long term. One of us is bound to get hurt.” She turned back towards him. He was still in the hallway with his arms crossed. His eyes looked haunted somehow. “This isn’t a ploy to get you to change your mind. I’m not playing games with you, I swear.” She huffed out a breath. “I’ll leave…it’s for the best, Lance. It’s for the best.” She repeated because she meant every word.

“Fuck that.” His arms dropped to his sides and he took two strides forwards. “You hate me…no one is going to get hurt.”

“I was referring to you being the one to get hurt. Not me. I think maybe you’re starting to develop feelings for me otherwise you wouldn’t be so scared to date me.”

“Not a fuck.” He looked pissed. “I’m not scared. I just don’t want to date. Not you. Not anyone.”

“You’re the one who said that you don’t mind my company. I find you difficult to be with at the best of times. If dating is going to be a hardship on anyone, it’s me. Three or four days and then we can pick up where we left off.”

“That’s a long time without rutting.” He looked so sad that she almost felt sorry for him.

“Take it or leave it.” She knew she was being hard about this but…she just didn’t want to be a notch on his belt. Even though she technically was…she didn’t want to be just another one. She couldn’t stand the thought. “I should go.” She began placing items of clothing into the bag. Amber had never been more torn about anything.

“It’s been over a year since I went any length of time without sex. Fuck!” He snarled the word. “I enjoy rutting you, Amber. It’s as simple as that. I don’t know how I feel about being around you without being able to…” He let the sentence die, raking a hand through his hair. “I might not even want sex with you after spending time with you.” Then he looked her up and down and his gaze heated up. “Okay… I probably would but I don’t want to date.”

“Do you realize that you sound like a baby?”

“More like a teenager. I’ve never had to work so hard to get into a pair of panties before. Fuck!”

“You’re welcome to go elsewhere.” She narrowed her eyes.

“That won’t work. We’re exclusive,” he growled.

“Well, now we’re unexclusive.”

“We’re fucking exclusive.” A dangerous growl.

Something he said popped back into her mind. “What happened a year ago to make you stop having sex?” Why had she asked that? It wasn’t important. It wasn’t any of her business.

His gaze moved to her, his expression dark.

“Forget I asked,” she blurted. Throwing a pile of sweaters into her suitcase.

“Stop packing for a second.”

She sighed and turned to face him.

“My mate left me for a beast.”

“A beast? Your mate?”
What?
Lance had a mate? Or at least he used to have one. Her trainer had said that vampires mated for life. What the hell!

“Yeah, I was mated. We used to have a lore that stated if a male and female drank from each other during a new moon while rutting, that they would be mated. Our people had the very occasional accidental mating. In some cases, the mated couple would make it work, or they were lucky and were true mates.” He rolled his shoulders. “In others. Cases like my mating, the couple would become estranged. It was back in a time when our two covens were divided. We were no longer in full blown war but neither were we on friendly terms.”

“You still had sex with each other though?” She could hear the shock in her voice.

“It happened from time to time. There is something enjoyable about having the forbidden.”

Amber felt a small pang inside her. She folded her arms.

“Stephany and I accidentally mated. We agreed to stay in our respective covens and not to speak of it, but according to our lores at the time, we were mated. Even after the covens were…mingling more…we kept our distance.”

“So you were only together that one time.”

Lance nodded. “Yeah. Twenty years passed. We would see each other from time to time but we remained apart. It is something that I later came to regret. The kings were both trying to win the human chosen, Tanya. It was a turbulent time and we were vulnerable. The wolves and elves formed an alliance. Their resolve was to overthrow the vampires as the species rulers. They attacked the castle intent on stealing the future queen for the alpha wolf. If they succeeded, they would cut off all future heirs for both kings, in order to weaken our species. It would’ve destroyed us.”