A Mate for Lance (The Program Book 5) (3 page)

“It’s worrying. Are they as large as legends tell? Do they breathe fire?”

Zane laughed. “They’re not as big as legends say. Maybe three to four times the size of a male when shifted. Bigger than a wolf-shifter but not overly so. They don’t breathe fire…at least… I don’t think they do. They have enormous wings of at least twenty-feet in diameter. As a boy, I was fearful of them.”

“And as a grown male?” Lance raised his brows.

“I would not make the mistake of underestimating them and I would rather ensure that we are on our guard.”

“We will be ready,” Lance growled. “Besides, there has been no indication that they plan on making an appearance any time soon.”

Zane remained silent, his frown deepened.

“What is it?” Something was weighing on Zane. “Spit it out already…my lord.”

Zane gave him a hard look. “I said to stop with the
my lord
bullshit. We are friends. I need a select few to be able to give it to me straight. You are still one of those few even if you fell off the rails for a while there. Did I mention that it’s good to have you back?”

“I believe you did.” He had to smile.

“What did it? What brought about the change?” Zane’s eyes narrowed in on him.

Lance shrugged. “I’m still as fucked up as ever. I’ve just learned to deal with it better.”

Zane snorted. “Like fuck! There is more to it.”

“Don’t change the subject, what’s got you rattled? Why did you bring up the dragons?”

“There was a sighting.” Zane’s voice was low. Concern marred his features. “A human male in Canada spotted two dragons while walking his dogs. No one is taking him seriously because it was dusk and the light was bad. He had also been consuming alcohol. The male is adamant about what he saw though.” His king paused. “The human started a website for dragon spotters. He is a laughing stock but still persists that he is telling the truth.”

Lance had known this male a long time. Zane was easy to read. “You believe him,” he finally said. “Why?”

“One of his dogs ran away. The male claims it was so afraid that it broke free.”

Lance nodded. He waited patiently for his king to continue.

Zane looked him head-on. He finally nodded. “The male mentioned that the dragons had strange coloring. He said that the one had a silver belly, and that the other a golden underside. The gold one looked like it had dipped its chest in liquid gold. It was as spectacular as it was fearsome.”

“I take it that the information is accurate.”

Zane’s quiet expression said it all. “The majority of the dragon species have silver underbellies.”

“Was he wrong about the gold?”

His king shook his head. “Dragons with royal blood have golden scales. What I would love to know is, what the fuck is a royal dragon doing in Canada? What are they doing in human territory period?”

“Is Brant aware of the situation?”

“Yeah,” he answered. “I am calling a meeting between my heads of department. I want you to be there.”

Lance was taken aback. He didn’t head up any of the departments. Not anymore. York had taken his place as leader of the Elite and Royal guard. Gideon oversaw the rest of the guards. Hell, he wasn’t even a second in command. Lazarus and Titan held those honors.

“Your skills are invaluable. You’ve served me for many years and you were at my side when we were still in diapers.” Zane choked out a laugh. “I need you involved in this. The others won’t dare question my authority or my decision.”

Lance gave a nod. “Just tell me when and where and I’ll be there.”

“Good,” Zane said, with some relief evident in his voice. As his king was about to turn away, Lance stopped him. “Yes?”

“Thanks again for asking me to be Sam’s godfather,” Lance said, appreciating the gesture. “I won’t let you down.”

“You’d better fucking not.” His friend smiled.

Amber smoothed down her dress. So she’d broken down in the end, and had gone up to her suite to change. You couldn’t blame a girl. Besides, she was worried they were going to go straight to dinner from the meet and greet. The itinerary had shown a half hour gap between the two events, which wasn’t very long to freshen up.

Her dress was simple. It fell to just above the knee, was black with a gathering to one side. It had small sleeves and a V neckline which showcased a hint of cleavage. Issy often joked that a hint of Amber’s cleavage was more than all of most women’s cleavages. A simple string of pearls and her gold studs were the only jewelry she put on. She finished off the outfit with a plain black, low, open toed heel.

As she arrived for the meet-and-greet, she was glad she’d taken the initiative and had changed. The others had gone all out. Hair, make-up, nails. You name it and it was poofed, primped and preened. There were more labels on these women than on the red carpet at the Oscars.

They were in one of the halls in the castle. It was immaculate. All crystal chandeliers and gleaming marble floors. The rugs looked like they were real Persian. No expense had been spared. Bethany pulled her shoulders back and was just about to reapply her lipstick when the main double doors opened and the vampires filed in.

They were just as dressed up as the women. Collared shirts and slacks, designer jeans and cashmere sweaters.

Amber had to force her mouth closed and hoped to god she wasn’t drooling. It was a struggle not to wipe her mouth, just in case.

Wow!

Just…
wow!

There were massive chests, narrow hips and thick biceps everywhere. They were all tall. Ridiculously so. A hush fell over the room. That, or her hearing had failed her, which was quite possible considering the eye candy.

Amber swallowed thickly as her eyes landed on one of the men at the back. He was in a pair of faded jeans and a plain, light blue t-shirt. The only one that wasn’t dressed up. He had his arms folded over his chest and a bored expression on his face.

And, oh what a face it was. His eyes were the brightest blue she had ever seen. His hair was so blonde it was almost white. His skin was honey kissed. He was tall and may not have been quite as heavy set as one or two of the others. It still made him bigger than any human man she had ever seen. And boy did he know how to draw the eye of every woman in the room with his sheer presence. That, and a decent set of broad shoulders. He radiated danger and raw sex appeal like nothing she had ever experienced before.

“That’s Lance,” Bethany said, her voice breathy. “The most eligible bachelor. He is the only vampire left from the first heat. This is his last opportunity to find a mate.”

As hard as Amber tried, she couldn’t tear her eyes from the sexy man across the room. He was speaking to the guy next to him. He had yet to take any notice of the women in the room. “He doesn’t look like he’s in the least bit interested.”

Bethany shook her head. “Didn’t you read the paper? He’s openly stated that he doesn’t want a mate.”

“Why is he here then?” Amber felt oddly deflated. He was, by far, the most attractive guy in the room. Although looks were not the most important thing, a mutual attraction was one of the ingredients to a successful relationship.

Bethany sighed. “I don’t know; he said something about not being a quitter. Makes me wish I’d been in the first heat. He’s even more attractive in person. Shit… I could stare into those eyes all damn day.” Her voice had gone back to sounding all breathy.

“What happened in the first heat?” Amber watched as Lance continued to talk with the guy next to him. The guy he was talking to, looked in her direction and, pretty much, stared right at her.
At her
. She had to stop herself from shuffling her feet. From looking away. The other guy winked. At her?
No! Surely not
. There was probably someone behind her. She wasn’t turning around. She wanted to check but she wasn’t going to actually do it. Instead, staying as casual as possible, she turned her attention back to Bethany, who was still eyeballing the hell out of the bored guy with the stunning eyes.

“Lance apparently had sex with most of the human women in the first heat. He didn’t so much as touch a single one in the second heat and it looks as if he plans to continue his dry spell for this one.” She sighed. “Such a pity. Oh well! It looks like there are plenty of others. The one next to Lance is also pretty cute. I like the gruff look.”

Amber glanced over just as the guy next to Lance turned his attention back to her. He had a five o’clock shadow and a cleft in his chin. He was very good looking. The guy smiled. At her. There was no doubting it this time.

“Got one already interested in you,” Bethany whispered. “Lucky girl.” She gave another, long sigh.

Lance stopped talking and followed his friend’s line of sight. His gaze landed on her, eyes darkening and his jaw…tightened. In short, he looked pissed. Then he rolled his eyes and marched to the bar.

“Oh my god, he’s coming over.” Bethany sounded excited. “I’m going to mingle… I’ll leave you to it.”

Amber wanted to answer with “
No he’s not
” as she watched Lance’s retreating back. Then she realized what Bethany had just said and turned to stare at her retreating back as well. She suddenly felt very alone and very vulnerable.

“Hi.” A very masculine voice sounded right next to her and she had to stop herself from running away. She was here to meet people, meet a vampire, so she squared her shoulders and made eye contact.

The big guy with the five o’clock shadow stood directly in front of her, his eyes on her. “Hello,” she mumbled.

“Your dress is beautiful” he said, as his stare drifted down, not moving further than her boobs, where it lingered a while.

Amber had to bite back a giggle. She was used to people staring at her chest. In your face as Issy liked to say. She also giggled a lot when she was really nervous. His gaze slowly lifted, meeting with hers. “Your eyes are very lovely also. Very pretty.” He gave her a goofy smile. “I like brown eyes.”

Amber giggled. He seemed really sweet. “I’m Amber.” She held out her hand.

“Brynn.” He took her hand in his much bigger one. “It is really nice to meet you. Please tell me something about yourself.”

“Um…okay…” She looked down at where their hands were still joined.

“Oh.” The big guy gave her a wide grin. “Sorry.” He released his hold. “Forgive me, I was enjoying the contact.”

“No worries.” She giggled. Again, and wished she could stop but Brynn didn’t seem to mind.

He raised his brows. “You were just about to tell me about yourself.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Anything.”

“I’m twenty-seven. I’ve never been married. I…”
Work for my parents and live at home.
Maybe she would skip saying that. “I…love the color purple.”

“Mmmmm,” he said. “Tell me everything that there is to know about you.”

“Okay.” She could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

“Don’t leave anything out. I want to get to know you well…will you go on a date with me?”

A loud chuckle sounded from somewhere over her shoulder. It was a really built, dark haired guy. He shook his head. “You’re coming on too strong, Brynn. Take a deep breath for fu…blood’s sake, give the female some space.”

Brynn frowned. He moved away from her a little. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to…”

“Don’t worry about it.” She touched him lightly on the arm. “I don’t mind.”

His grin came back. “You see.” Brynn narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. “The female…Amber, likes me.”

“She’s just being polite.” The dark haired stranger gave her a wink. “Let her mingle a bit.”

“Not a fuck. Have you seen how hot she is?” There was a sharp edge to Brynn’s voice.

“I have eyes, so yes, I have.” The dark haired guy said. His voice had also deepened.

Shit! They were talking about her. Sort of arguing over her. No way. Just…no.

“Back the fuck off Kai. I saw her first.” Brynn gave Kai a shove.

They totally were arguing over her. Her mouth fell open in an all-out gape.

Kai shoved Brynn back. “Touch me again and I’ll—”

“No fighting.” It came out sounding like a low growl. The breath froze in her lungs. It was Lance. His eyes were blazing. A bright blue that made her feel a little faint.

“Kai is trying to move in on my—”

“The female is not yours.” Lance glanced at her. His stare was enough to weaken her knees. To send blood fleeing from her brain. She whimpered and bit down on her lip like a total idiot.
Control yourself Amber
.

Kai smirked. “She’s not yours you motherf—”

“Fuck you!” Brynn’s face was red, his whole body tense.

“What did you say to me?” Kai stepped forward, putting the two guys chest to chest.

Lance interjected by pushing himself between the two and physically pulling them apart. Amber couldn’t help but to notice how his biceps corded. He looked even better up close and personal. All she could think of doing was wrapping herself around him and licking that strong jaw. Kissing his lips. Running her hands over his chest or maybe his abs, or maybe both. Yes, both. Definitely both.

“Back the fuck off,” Lance snapped, flashing two long fangs. Fangs! It should have scared her but it didn’t. He released his hold on the two guys. “It’s the testosterone. Fucking reeks of the stuff.” He muttered and pulled a face. “No fighting. The females will get hurt.”

This seemed to sober them. Kai pulled his shoulders back. “Just so long as he remembers that the female is not—”

“Shut the fuck up.” One look from Lance and the dark haired guy bit back the rest of what he was about to say. “Brynn spoke with the female first. Back off and next time maybe get off your ass quicker.” He turned back to Brynn. “She is not yours. At least not yet.” He gave Brynn a tight smile. “And for the record, Kai’s right, you need to ease up a bit. Creepy stalker is not a good look on you.”

It was weird that they were talking about her, yet Lance hadn’t even acknowledged her presence. When he finally turned his head toward her, she held her breath, stomach fluttering, skin warming and heart beating a little faster. His gaze swept over her with such indifference. It was as though he saw right through her. Like she wasn’t even standing there right in front of him. He was definitely arrogant and a touch rude. Not her type at all, even if he was really good looking.

Lance stalked off in the opposite direction.
Stalked.
It was not a word she had ever used before and yet, where Lance was concerned, it fit perfectly. He moved with ease and grace, yet with confidence and purpose. A man used to getting what he wanted and not having to lift a finger in the process. She pursed her lips, deciding that it was a good thing that Lance was out of the running. He was bad news.

Brynn cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“A glass of merlot would be great.” More than great. A cold shower would also be good as well but her reaction to Lance was lingering, something she forced herself to tamp down. He was nothing, not even interested. She wouldn’t think of him again. Her gaze drifted around the room. Kai had moved away and was standing alone. He lifted his beer and winked at her when he caught her stare. Heat infused her cheeks. Amber smiled. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention. From two really gorgeous guys. She was tempted to pinch herself. Tempted. She did pinch herself, beyond happy when it hurt. This was real. It was happening.

Kai was still staring at her. She could feel his eyes on her so she dropped her gaze. She didn’t want them fighting again and she suspected that if Brynn caught Kai winking at her, all hell might just break loose. That’s when she saw it, an envelope, it was laying on the floor at her feet. There was something scrawled across it. She picked it up. It was good paper. Not the mass produced kind. The envelope felt heavy in her hand considering it was made from paper. It was off white. The word
Lance
was written in neat, cursive handwriting.

“What’s that?” Brynn asked as he moved in next to her.

She didn’t know why she did it but she shook her head. “Nothing.” She smiled, as she pushed the envelope into her purse. Then she took the glass from Brynn. “Thanks.”

He frowned. “I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I’m not sure how to act around human women.”

“You should just be yourself.” She shrugged. “Do what you would normally do.”

His face remained passive. “I’d take you back to my suite and rut you.”

Amber choked on the wine as she swallowed. She closed a hand over her mouth, feeling her eyes fill with tears. Thankfully none of the wine came out of her nose. She coughed a few more times before taking a deep breath.

“Are you okay?” Brynn shook his head. “See, we’re very different. It’s my understanding that human females like to talk and to get to know a male before allowing sexual contact.”

What the hell did she say to that? “Um…well…”