Page 11 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

Chapter Six

Sally

D angling the cherry over my tongue while I sit on Atlas’s lap, a thrill moves through me as I feel his eyes focused on the stem. I love games. Sometimes, the old tricks work just fine. I lean further back, snuggling against his hard chest.

Kissing Luca was like nothing I’ve experienced before.

I didn’t like his need for space, but I understood it.

The family can be overwhelming, and I don’t know my mates’ background.

I wanted to ease his anxiety, and it wasn’t a sacrifice to kiss him.

My heat is in overdrive. Being in their presence is enough to make it flare hotter.

Winning the game would be fun to hold over their heads for years to come, but my goal is to get to know them.

I honestly don’t know how long I will hold out.

The human ruined the moment, and it pissed me off more than his words towards me.

I’ve had worse things said about me, but it was fun to teach him a lesson.

The guys came back from escorting him out and changed his memories.

His words weren’t severe enough to kill him.

I have gifts that I haven’t talked about or shared with my friends.

Rabbits don’t talk about everything we can do.

Heath walks with a cane, which he wields as his weapon.

He infuses it with the power of his snake, and without his power, it’s just a cane.

I can do the same. It took years to perfect it, and I chose a rabbit's foot when it came time to pick an object to hold the power. I thought it was hilarious. I can touch it to a human to change their memories and make them do anything I want. I don’t use it often, and I could have on the human, but I didn’t want to reveal it to the group.

I will share everything with my mates in time.

I swallow the cherry and drop the stem into my empty glass.

Luca seems more relaxed as he speaks with Allie and Kerian.

Everyone has broken off into little groups.

Most of us have been to many gatherings and aren’t surprised by the excitement of our nights out.

Some of them have been friends for a long time.

We don’t spend every day together, but everyone is very involved in each other's lives.

Rowen left, having had enough of the noise, but I was grateful he stayed as long as he did.

Ryker left shortly after he came back from escorting the human out, frowning as he studied his phone.

Atlas slides his hand from my knee to the middle of my thigh. He pulls and turns me sideways, my back to Luca, draping my legs over his.

Good move.

“Little Bunny, you’re quiet,” he rumbles, his voice low.

“Just thinking about cherries,” I whisper, toying with the seam of his vest.

“Me too.” His grip tightens, and the heat rises.

“Did you ask for cherries in my drink?” I ask.

“Of course.” He smirks and pulls me closer, sliding his arm around my waist.

“I’ll taste like cherries again when you kiss me.”

“When?” He lifts a brow.

I lean closer. “You know you want to,” I rasp, my lips brushing his ear.

“I do,” he admits, pressing his cheek against mine, his mouth at my ear. “I don’t want to do it in front of everyone.”

“Why?” I ask, curious.

“I’m afraid you’ll lose control.” He bites my earlobe. “I don’t want them to hear you beg.” I throw back my head and laugh. My mate is funny. He’s smirking when I straighten.

“You wish,” I tease. Gliding my hand back and forth underneath his vest, I tilt my head. “Can I ask you something?”

“You can.”

“Why do you wear leather cuffs?” I ask. He stiffens, and I stop the motion of my hand. I didn’t know the question would cause such a reaction. The teasing atmosphere is gone. “Hey, you don’t have to tell me.”

“It’s a long story,” he begins, but pauses, taking a deep breath. “I don’t want to talk about it here.”

“You can tell me when you are ready.” I press my palm flat on his chest. “We have time. I have plenty of things that will be hard to say.”

“Has it only been a day?” he asks, his face clearing.

“It seems longer,” I agree. The noise of the club falls into the background as if we are the only people here. “You didn’t want a drink?” He ate a little but didn’t order a drink.

“I don’t drink alcohol,” he says, tucking my hair behind my ear. His gaze follows the movement and settles on my ear. “Our father drank.” He meets my eyes and drops his hand. “A lot. He was an angry drunk. I decided a long time ago not to follow in his footsteps.”

“I’m sorry.” Shifters burn alcohol fast, so we have to drink several to feel a buzz, and vampires more so.

“It doesn’t affect my life.”

“Does it bother you to be around it?” I ask. It’s not something I need. The social aspects of it are what I enjoy.

“No.” He frowns. “That’s not true. I don’t care if others have it, but I have moments of tension. Everyone reacts differently to its effects.” He shakes his head. “I’m cautious around those who indulge.”

“If it makes you uncomfortable—” He shakes his head again.

“I don’t want to change you. If you like it, do it.” He squeezes my hip. “Just know I will make sure it doesn’t become a problem. I’m sensitive to the signs.”

“I understand.” I smile softly. “It’s more of a reflex after a long day or if I’m at the club. Usually, I sip one all night.”

“Little Bunny,” he whispers, and I watch his lips form the words. “Do what you want. I’ll be here to watch out for you.”

“A man has never said that to me,” I mumble, and I’m surprised how much I want his protection.

“Good.” He kisses me lightly, pulling away quickly. “You were waiting for the right men.”

“I guess so.” I want his mouth on mine, this time longer and deeper.

I’m not opposed to public displays of affection.

Even though I am very open about my needs and opinions about women and sex, there are things I want to do in private.

Months from now, making out in a room full of people won’t be a big deal, but we need time to get to know each other.

“Is this a regular thing?” he asks, motioning around the room.

“Yes.” I smile. “Especially when someone meets their mate. We have gatherings at the club, BBQs, family nights, and dinner together. Does it bother you?” He hasn’t shown his feelings like Luca has.

“It’s different. It’s been the three of us for so long, so being in such a varied group will be an adjustment. We will adjust, though.”

“I hope one day you’ll enjoy it,” I say.

“As long as you’re with us, we will.”

“Damn, that was the right answer.”

He chuckles, and I smile widely.

“Shit.” We turn toward Bash and follow his gaze to Ryker as he storms into the room.

“I found a dead human at my back door. She was bitten by a vampire. I can smell another vampire's blood on her and inside her. It seems Fredrick is playing games, and I’m pissed. We have to find him.” He glares at Atlas and Luca before looking at me.

“If your mates don’t kill him, I will, and I’ll make it hurt,” he hisses.

“Did he leave a message?” Atlas asks.

“Isn’t her death message enough?” he snarls. “I moved the body. Having it at my club, out in the open, isn’t great for business. I wasn’t looking for a message, and you know this asshole better than me.”

“He knew we were going to be here,” Luca growls.

“How could he know?” Allie whispers.

“The body is still warm. I put it in the basement, and I want it gone.” He scowls and turns to Bash. “I need you to do what you do best.”

“Of course,” Bash nods.

“I want you to look at the video and confirm who put it there,” Ryker says, looking at Allie.

“I don’t think I need to.” She is focused on the door. “Fredrick sent someone,” she whispers. Ryker narrows his eyes and follows her gaze.

“Who?” Atlas asks sharply, his body tensing.

“Marcus.” She stands suddenly, her hands fisted.

“Fuck,” Atlas hisses. He grips my hips and pushes, guiding me up.

“Who is Marcus?” Bash asks, blurring beside me. Everyone is alert and on their feet.

“He is a vampire. Fredrick turned him. He sends him out to track me.” The confident woman she has displayed since we met is gone. Luca wraps his arm around her, his jaw flexing. Allie’s body starts to tremble.

“Where?” Micah demands.

“He’s outside the door,” she whispers. “He wants me.”

“Too fucking bad,” Atlas growls. “Luca, stay with Sally and Allie.” Luca nods. He turns to leave but stops abruptly when a man floats through the door.

The vampire has balls of steel to stroll into a room filled with powerful beings.

His presence is intense. He has bright blonde hair, green eyes, and a slim build.

A grin plays at his mouth, but his gaze is fixed on Allie.

I have confidence in my skill as a fighter, but this guy is demented.

I step back, knowing he is a different beast than the human.

“Well, well, well,” he drawls, stopping just inside the doorway. “Allie, you’re looking good. Fredrick sends his well wishes. Did you see his present?” Allie sinks into Luca’s arms. Marcus steps to the side, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms. “You found some friends.”

“Do you want to die?” Atlas grits out. Marcus focuses on him, and I see a flash of agreement in his eyes for a moment.

“Atlas, right?” he asks. “I’ve seen you, but we haven’t officially met.”

“What do you want?” Atlas steps toward him, and Bash passes in front of me and stops. He’s shielding me and working with Atlas to keep me protected.

“Fredrick misses his doll.” He grins sickly. “He wants her back.”

“He won’t get what he wants,” Atlas says, slowly moving forward.

“Unfortunately, he usually does,” he retorts, but again, I sense a reluctance in his mission. I get the feeling he’s been forced to do many things he didn’t want to do, but he’s too far gone to stop.

“He’s going to be disappointed,” Luca snarls.