2#Stolen by the Alpha Wolf: Shifter Romance (Deliberate Theft) Page 8

  “No, you can stand outside the door. I need two minutes. He wouldn’t dare harm the queen.”

  “Yes, my lady.” One of the guards moved to the door and undid the lock.

  Ward could feel that much of his strength had returned. He was nowhere near full capacity though. The female was still crazy to enter his cage alone. A lessor male would definitely use it to his advantage. He should damn well use it to his advantage. It just didn’t feel right to do it. He would find a way to escape, just not like this.

  The female was smaller up close. She definitely smelled of vampire even though she was clearly human. So, the human queen was with child. The next heir to the vampire throne. He should so use her to escape. Ward inwardly sighed…all the more reason not to use the female.

  “I said to stay at the door.” The female shouted over her shoulder. The males instantly obeyed. If not for his dire situation, he would have laughed. That such a puny female had such menacing, killer vampire males by the balls astounded him and he wasn’t talking about the two at the door. Then again…his thoughts turned to Stephany, but the ache inside him was too much so he concentrated on the human instead.

  She rolled her eyes before looking down at him. “Hi, I’m Tanya. Stephany is my vampire bestie.”

  Her what?

  “I don’t have much time, so I’ll make it quick. How are you feeling? Do you think you’ll be okay to stand trial in a few hours?” For some unknown reason, she glanced at her bare wrist before closing one of her eyes suggestively at him. Ward had spent enough time with humans to know that the action was called a wink. The female was telling him a secret.

  He felt his brow knit in confusion.

  “I hope you are healing up.” She winked at him again.

  “I am much better. You shouldn’t be here.” Temptation rode him hard. He wanted to use the female to escape. “You should go. Now.” He grit his teeth.

  “Stephany is in her room. She is very upset. She’s booked in for surgery tomorrow.”

  He growled softly. “I said to go, human.”

  The vampire males were instantly at her side. His racing heart slowed as the opportunity passed. There was no way he was going to use the pregnant female to escape. No way. Even if she was the queen and his best bet right now.

  “I’m fine. Get out!” her hands flew back to her hips. “We’re having a quick chat, I’m almost done.”

  The males narrowed their eyes at him. “One wrong move and you die. Are we clear?” The larger of the two males growled. He nodded once.

  “You have one more minute, my queen, and then you will have to call Zane.”

  “I don’t like it.” The other male grumbled as they moved back to block the exit.

  The human locked eyes with Ward. “She trusts you explicitly, which means that I trust you. They will be terminating the pregnancy and sterilizing her tomorrow.”

  He had to fight back a snarl. It angered him further that he still cared so much.

  “You need to save the baby.” Her eyes burned with determination.

  “She doesn’t want it.” A low rumble.

  “You’re wrong, wolf.”

  He moved to a semi reclined position. The newly formed ugly pink scar pulled but the healing wound held. The pain was manageable. “She is mated.”

  Tanya shook her head. “It is for her to discuss with you. Use your brain, it’s not as it seems.”

  “She lied to me.”

  “Stop being such a big baby. You males are all the same.”

  Why did these females insist on saying that? Ward shook his head.

  “She is in her room. Waiting.” Another long wink. It was the last warning he got before she turned and moved backwards until she was against his chest. She was careful not to hurt him. His first reaction was to push her away, but he didn’t want to accidentally hurt her so he clamped down on the urge. The female grabbed his arm, pulling it across her chest. “Man up, wolf.” It was a weird thing to say since he wasn’t a man, but he knew that she was giving him permission to use her to escape. “There are two more at the end of the hall.”

  Ward made to stand. He didn’t have time to feel light headed because the males turned, both their faces contorted in rage.

  “Do not move,” Ward growled. “Do not even so much as breathe or the female dies.” He locked his arm around her throat, feeling like a total asshole for his actions. What choice did he have though? It was her own fault.

  “Do as he says,” Tanya pleaded. By claw she was a good actress.

  “Get into the cage.” Ward said, motioning with his eyes to the far end of the cell.

  “Don’t harm her,” the bigger male begged, hands in the air.

  “If you hurt her, the kings will hunt you down and kill every shifter. Male, female…even the children. Your species will be massacred.” The male’s hands fisted at his sides.

  “Total extinction.” The other male added, his eyes filled with hate.

  Ward didn’t doubt it for a second. “I don’t plan on hurting the female, just do as I say.” Once the males were on the far side of the cell, he exited with the human. He had her padlock the cage.

  “There are two more down the hall.” She turned to face him. He nodded once. Ward slid his arm around her neck, pretending to use her as a shield. They secured the males in the adjacent cage. Quickly and quietly, they made their way to Stephany’s room. “If I had known you were naked, I would’ve brought you some clothes.”

  “No need,” Ward whispered. His chest burned, his energy levels were depleting by the second. “I will shift soon and the clothes would just get in the way.”

  The human made a soft snorting sound. “She wasn’t lying when she said you had a big dick. Sheesh! I think you might be bigger than my males.”

  “Damn straight!” he growled softly.

  “Wait a sec. I need to say something before we go any further.” The human put a hand to his arm. It wasn’t exactly the best place for a conversation, but he would indulge her for a few seconds.

  “You will need to make it quick,” he growled under his breath.

  “Please give Stephany a chance to explain. Once you get out of here. Hear her out, please.” The human kept her eyes on him until he finally nodded. He wasn’t sure there was anything Stephany could say to him that would undo everything that had happened in the last few hours though. It was kind of fitting that the blade had cut a deep hole into his chest, across his heart. He would have scars that would run deep.

  Tanya put her finger to her lips as they neared the north wing of the castle. Stephany’s scent was strong. So was that of the kings. Part of him was tempted to leave Stephany, but he couldn’t turn his back on his child. Wouldn’t.

  The human knocked on a door. “It’s me, Steph, let me in.”

  Nothing.

  “Steph,” The female whispered. “I know you’re in there.”

  The moment the lock disengaged, he pushed through hearing Stephany gasp as he entered. Her hands were clasped over her mouth. She wore a pale blue nightgown that accentuated her eyes, her raspberry lips, her breasts…perfectly. Ward wished that he could gouge out his own eyes. He shouldn’t still find her attractive, dammit. Didn’t want to.

  The human followed in behind him closing the door.

  ****

  “Oh my god.” Stephany started to move towards him, but stopped when she caught the hard look in his eyes. She dropped her hands at her sides.

  The ugly red slash across his chest looked painful. He had to still be weak from the blood loss. The sabre may only have been silver plated, but some of that silver still had to be in his system.

  “You should be resting.” She said, immediately feeling like an idiot for saying something so stupid. “What did you do?” she turned to face Tanya.

  “What I had to do.” Her friend locked her jaw while tilting her chin.

  “Pack a bag. We’re leaving.” His eyes narrowed on her.

  “You still want me?” She couldn
’t believe that he was here. That this was happening.

  His eyes dropped to her stomach. The meaning clear. He didn’t want her, he was here for the baby.

  “Do I still get to come back if I need to?” Although he believed there was a way to save the baby, she knew it was impossible.

  “I’m not leaving without you.” He crossed his arms across his chest, wincing as the wound pulled.

  “You will be put to death.” Her heart rate picked up. “Please, Ward. Just leave, save yourself. Do it now.” She had to work to stop from shouting at him.

  “You had better pack a bag then.” His jaw locked and his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “And in answer to your question, know that if you come with me there will be no coming back.”

  “You know I can’t go with you then. You know why.” She moved over to him, grabbing his biceps. “Please, Ward, just go.”

  He flinched as she touched him so she took back her hands. “I know it will be difficult to leave your mate.” Ward said through clenched teeth.

  Stephany was desperate. She needed to get him to leave. The sooner the better. If he was found here, with Tanya, he was dead for sure. “You’re right. I can’t possibly leave Lance. Just go okay? Please.”

  “Stop talking shit. Lance means nothing to you and if this oaf of a wolf hasn’t realized that, then he needs his head examined.” Tanya whispered. Loudly. “Pack a damned bag or I’ll pack it for you.”

  “I can’t have this baby, Tanya.”

  “You said you trusted him. Pack the bag.” Tanya gestured to the closet.

  “Listen to your friend,” Ward growled softly. “You are coming with me.”

  Taking the same bag that she’d left the wolves with, Stephany grabbed whatever items of clothing that would still fit her. She pulled on sweatpants under her gown. Next, a pair of socks and sneakers. Lastly she put on a thick jacket. It was really cold in the mountains. As a final thought, she grabbed two sweaters, shoving them into the bag. It took some effort to zip it closed.

  “You stay here. I’ll lock you in the bathroom,” Ward said to Tanya. “Thank you for your assistance.”

  “Don’t worry about locking me in. Zane and Brant will know I helped, so no use trying to hide it.” She took in a deep breath. “Look after my friend, Ward, or I will be forced to come after you myself. I may look small and weak, but I would find a way to hurt you.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt.” Ward sort of smiled. “Thank you, human.”

  Tanya turned towards Stephany and they hugged. “I hope you’re not in too much trouble.” Stephany said into her hair.

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” Tanya replied just as they released each other.

  “I mean it, wolf…take care of her.” Tanya looked in Ward’s direction.

  The very big, very naked wolf nodded once. His green eyes were hard, his frame tense. “Stay close and keep quiet.” He barely glanced Stephany’s way, clenching his jaw.

  “Don’t do this, Ward.” Stephany had to try one last time.

  “Go with the wolf,” Tanya whispered. “You and I both know that you can’t go through with the procedure tomorrow. That if you do, it will destroy you.”

  Stephany took a deep breath and followed Ward, who had slung her pack across his shoulders. He grabbed her arm at the wrist. His calloused grip hard and somehow impersonal. One thing was for sure, he had pulled back from her. Didn’t look at her the same. Not that she could blame him. Maybe once she explained. By the gods, she could only hope it would all work out in the end.

  “Here take this.” Tanya held out her cell phone.

  Ward shook his head. “She won’t be needing that.”

  “Just take it, you never know when you are within signal and need a helping hand or a friendly ear.” Tanya put the device in her hand.

  Stephany nodded, closing her fingers. He released his hold long enough for her to stuff the phone in her pocket.

  “Take care.” Tanya whispered as they closed the door behind them.

  They had one incident at the perimeter fence. Ward punched the guard rendering him unconscious. Once they cleared the eight foot fence, Ward fell to one knee, panting hard. His wound was leaking blood at the edge. “You are in no shape to make this escape. To take me with you.”

  He turned his eyes on her. “I told you that I wasn’t leaving without you and I meant it. I have to shift. I’ll be stronger in wolf form. Will heal quicker.”

  “Don’t do this, please.”

  “You carry my child. Mine,” he growled. “You will come back with me and you will birth him. It is the last I will hear of it.”

  “I can’t.” She sobbed, unable to hold back the tears.

  Instead of responding, Ward narrowed his eyes. It was clear that he didn’t care. Whatever he may have felt for her before had been cut out of him when that blade had tore into his chest. He stood to his full height, his body snapping and changing as he effortlessly became the big, black wolf that she remembered.

  The beast crouched down, allowing her to climb onto his back. Stephany clasped his soft fur.

  “I can’t birth this child, Ward. It is impossible. He will suffer while he tries to be born. Our child will die a terrible death while still in my womb. You are signing our death warrants. I hope you are okay with that?”

  Ward stiffened beneath her. His fur bristled beneath her fingers. He made a low, deep growl. His whole body vibrated beneath her. Giving his head a shake, he leapt forward, making for Sweetwater River, the castle at their back.

  Part 3 Determined Theft is available on Pre Order

  Author’s Note

  Thank-you for reading the second part of Stolen by the Alpha Wolf. This serial consists of three parts which I will release every couple of weeks.

  Stephany is in a whole lot of trouble. Although I had an idea of how I would get her out of this terrifying situation, I still had a really tough time doing it in the end.

  If you want to be kept updated on new releases please sign up to my Latest Release Newsletter to ensure that you don’t miss out http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join. I promise not to spam you or divulge your email address to a third party. I send my mailing list an exclusive sneak peek prior to release. I would love to hear from you so please feel free to drop me a line mailto:charlene.hartnady@gmail.com. I live on an acre in the country with my gorgeous husband and three sons and an array of pets including a ball python.

  In my spare time you can usually find me typing frantically on the computer completely lost in worlds of my making. I believe that it is the small things that truly matter like that feeling you get when you start a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset.

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  Books by this author:

  Chosen by the Vampire Kings: BBW Serial Part 1-6

  This bestselling serial should have been read before Stolen by the Alpha Wolf. If you somehow missed out start with Part 1 Mate's Lore

  Demon Chaser Series: (No cliffhangers)

  Book 1 Omega

  Book 2 Alpha

  Book 3 Hybrid

  Book 4 Skin

  Demon Chaser Boxed Set Book 1-3

  Tall. Dark. Deadly. Sizzling paranormal stories filled to the brim with hot alpha males and the strong, feisty women that manage to tame them.

  Demon Chasers…Protectors of humanity. Sworn to uphold the peace. Oath bound to keep the existence of demons a secret.

  OMEGA

  Demon Chaser Cole rescues Katy from the claws of the Alpha of a resident demon wolf pack. Hunted by Bain and his pack, Cole must try and find out why the werewolves are willing to risk a long standing agreement with the Demon Chasers in order to have her. Bain is a cruel SOB who’s had run-ins with the Demon Control Agency before so whatever the reason, it’s sure to be depraved.

  The Chaser suspects that Katy is not as innocent as she
seems. Cole had better unravel this mystery fast because the shifters are closing in and more importantly, the longer he’s with Katy the more impossible he finds it to resist her.

  ALPHA

  Gray, a newly appointed Alpha and half blood demon wolf, can only turn during a full moon. With only three days before the next cycle, time is running out to convince the highest ranking female wolf to become his mate. Success will see him become a full blood. Failure will spell his death. It is only a matter of time before the challenges start coming in.

  Ashlyn, a hard ass Demon Chaser just happens to be human and the pack’s newest resident. She’s there on Demon Control Agency business. Her attraction for the new Alpha can’t be allowed to stand in her way, after all, Gray is already taken. More importantly, she has a serial killer to catch, and then she needs to get the heck out of wolfville.

  For both their sakes…

  HYBRID

  Ever since the experiments a few months ago, Brice has something inside of her. Something bad. It wants her to do violent, horrific things. She must fight it… has to try and stay in control.

  The thing inside her calms the moment she meets Garrett. Her relief is fleeting because Garrett is a Demon Chaser, he works for the very agency trying to exterminate her.

  Garrett must turn the hybrid in. She’s a vicious, dangerous creature that deserves to be put to death. Why then is she in such control? Why is he feeling things for her that he really shouldn’t? Surely his premonition about her must be true?

  All books are available in Kindle Unlimited at this time

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