The Reluctant Queen

Considering the vampire king was almost six centuries past when most of his kind found their mate, it was shocking to hear that he was finally claiming his and that she lived in Gardena. Gardena was barely on the map, only notable for having cheap living accommodations still within walking distance to the city center. It was widely accepted that when he did find his mate, she would be from Harpsmore or one of the provinces that were governed by a titled member of the gentry. “So any thoughts on who she could be?” Janus asked once we were at the bistro. She was bouncing in her seat from excitement. “Who is she?” her boyfriend, Kyle, asked, leaning over to try and plant a kiss on her cheek. He finally grabbed her face with both hands and kissed her forehead. “She is the vampire king’s mate!” Janus squealed excitedly and Kyle and I exchanged a look. It wasn’t like Janus to be this excited over something that didn’t involve skulls or rituals. Often confused for a vampire mate, she wore

"No." "What do you mean no?" "No means no. I'm not going to kiss you. I don't even know you." "I just told you we are mates." He said it so matter of fact.  "I can't help it if you're delusional." "Excuse me?" Trick's eyes narrowed at me and my pulse quickened.  "Listen, there is no way someone like you is mated to someone like me. I mean, you get that right?" He folded his arms across his chest.  "No I don't get it. What's wrong with being my mate?" "Oh good grief,

All of the blood in my body rushed to my sex. Sex. He was talking about doing THAT with me. My body flushed and I pulled the throw pillow tighter to me. “Uh don’t we need to be married first?” “Why? Are you a virgin?” Trick leaned on the back of the couch, his cheek on his hand. “No, I just thought…”“No? Who was he?” he interrupted. “Who was who?”“The guy who took your virginity.”“Why?”“I have to kill him.” “What? No, you can’t do that.” I shook my head, standing up. “Fine, I’ll just maim him.” He pushed off the couch. “No!”“I’ll leave the important parts intact in case he wants to take someone else’s virginity.”“Are you a virgin?” I asked, hands on my hips. Trick blinked a few times. “Well?”“How can…how can you…do you not know who I am?”“Exactly. The expectation that I would be one when you’re not is ridiculous.” “You’re right,” he admitted. “I’m just not thrilled with the thought of you and another man.”“Yeah I can’t imagine what that must feel like,” I snapped back,

“Pardon me, Milady, but Master Bishop thought you might need some assistance,” a tiny blonde in a light blue dress said with a curtsy. She was half my size, with porcelain skin and the palest blue eyes. They were practically colorless. “Oh no, I’m fine. I made my choice for tonight and was just letting Bishop, er Master Bishop, know,” I explained, trying not to stare at the minute person in front of me. I am a fairly hefty girl, at least twenty pounds heavier than most women my height. My curves have curves and I buy pants that take minimal effort to get over my butt. No one uses words like delicate, attractive, or banging body to describe me. Common adjectives include solid, thick, or built like a linebacker. On a good day I feel like a pudgy troll. Next to this itty bitty creature, I was easily a giant pudgy troll. “Would you like me to iron your selection?” she asked, miniature translucent wings unfurling. They fluttered rapidly as she lifted off the ground and flew right in front

Bishop led the way into the main salon. Trick stood with three men, one of them a human. There were also three women, one of them a vampire. All of them held champagne glasses and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one too. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at Trick. He wore a suit similar to Lord Hail. The suit jacket stretched across his wide shoulders and he stood comfortably, with his right hand in his pants pocket. His dark hair hung just over his eyes that were such a rich brown they resembled freshly tilled earth. When he caught me gawking at him, he smirked. He set down his glass and walked over to me. “Hi,” he said, stopping just in front of me. “Hi,” I said back, all of a sudden feeling very shy. “Were you able to talk to your parents?” “Briefly.” I didn’t want to tell him about the conversation with my mom. Something told me he wouldn’t find it amusing. “Well, I’ve arranged to have them come to our engagement party at the end of the week. You’ll have plenty of time to