Page 15 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

“Yes, the memories are painful. Remembering Mom is sad. I wish I could have met her.” I sit straight.

“I raised myself. I protected myself. I made it. He can’t do anything to ruin my accomplishments.

When the flowers come, I don’t think about him, but her.

I put them in water and keep them healthy as long as I can.

It is a way to remember a woman who didn’t get to live a life.

” I scoot forward in my seat. “I’ve worked my ass off.

I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also done wonderful things.

I opened several businesses, lived in great places, and have relied on no one.

She lives through me. I finally have a family.

” My throat closes. “They show me love, give me hugs, and give a shit about my safety.

“Do I sometimes annoy them? Yes. Sometimes, they get on my nerves. But no matter what, they love me, and I love them. My dad can never take that away. If I were in trouble, all those people you met would be here in a minute. They would drop anything to stand in front of me if Dad showed up at my door. I don’t fear him.

He should fear them.” I exhale roughly. “And me. I finally have the family I always dreamed of, and the only thing that’s been missing is a mate.

” I stand up and walk around the coffee table in front of them.

“I know it’s barely been two days, but I feel you. I know we will be happy together.”

“Little Bunny,” Atlas rumbles, and it makes me shiver. He gets to his feet, circles my waist, and pulls me to his chest. “We will give you a home.” He buries his face in my hair. I hug him back, smelling his comforting scent.

“We will plant flowers in the yard,” Luca breathes, and I stare at him. “For your mom and mine.”

My heart thuds, and I leave Atlas. “Thank you.” He picks me up easily, his mouth against my neck, and I wrap my arms around his neck.

Their arms feel right, like I have come home.

Humans don’t understand the immediate connections shifters have with their mates.

It would be odd for them to want to be with someone forever after a day.

My rabbit is in bliss, taking comfort within the arms of our boyfriends.

She is pushing to complete the bond. We have been through hell, but we’ve also lived an amazing life.

The things I have experienced led me to these two men.

I know a good thing when I see it, and I won’t let them go.

Suddenly, I jerk back, Saylor’s face flashing behind my eyes. “Sally.” It’s her voice in my head, screaming.

“Tricks,” Luca growls, setting me down.

“Sally, what is it?” Atlas asks.

“Shit,” I gasp. I see Saylor on her bed, writhing in pain. “We have to go.” I wrap my hand around my stomach. My vision is like being underwater. The guys are there, but in the background, all I can see is Saylor. “You have to get me to Saylor. She needs me. Her baby is coming.”

“Where?” Atlas asks.

“Get my phone out of my pocket,” I instruct, grabbing Luca’s shirt to balance. “Call Laken. He’ll tell you where. Shit, the vision isn’t going away.”

“Does this normally happen?” Atlas slides my phone out.

“No. They always go away. I think she’s in trouble.” All I feel is panic. Luca picks me up, and they put on my shoes. “Get me there as fast as you can.”

“Blurring will make you sick,” Luca says.

“I don’t care. She needs me now.” I hear Atlas speaking to Laken, but I can’t make out the words. I’m lifted, and pressed to Luca’s chest. He whispers words of reassurance. I hold onto his neck, hiding my face. Saylor is still screaming.

Something is wrong with the baby.

Luca glides to a stop outside Saylor and Elijah’s cottage. My eyes clear the moment he sets me down.

“Careful,” he murmurs.

“I’m alright.” Surprisingly, I am. Shifters aren’t meant to move at such a high rate of speed.

It would have been enjoyable if my mind hadn’t been consumed with fear and urgency.

I turn to the door, and Elijah flies through it.

He’s not wearing his hat. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without it. His eyes are wild.

“Sally,” he rasps. “Something’s wrong. The Doc kicked me out.

You have to tell him to let me in. I can’t lose her.

I can’t. I can’t lose the baby. You know.

” He grabs my hands, and I hold in the wince from his tight grip.

“You know I’ll be nothing without her. She’s screaming for you.

I was about to call you. Fuck.” He bows his head.

“Please, Sally. I don’t know what to do.

I can’t—” He’s too overcome with emotion to go on.

“The baby is breech.” I look at Elijah’s brother, Draden. “Saylor needs to be calm, and she feels Elijah’s emotions.”

“Nothing will calm her.” Brae is the other brother. They’ve been traveling, so I don’t know them well. “She asked for you.”

“Elijah,” I snap, and his chin jerks up. “I’m here. Nothing will happen to Saylor. Get it together.” I squeeze his hands just as fiercely. “You will have a baby. I’m hoping for a girl who will give you palpitations with the clothes I’ll give her. Saylor is strong, and she would never leave you.”

“I know. I know.” He takes a breath, and his eyes clear slightly. “I will approve every piece of clothing.”

“We’ll see.” I lift a shoulder. “I need to go to her.”

“Right, yes. I’m coming too,” he says.

“You have to stay calm,” I say firmly.

“I will.”

“I need my hands,” I mention.

“You're hurting her,” Atlas says softly.

“Fuck.” He drops my hands. “Sorry.”

“It’s an intense situation.” I smile tightly. “She’s going to be fine.” I nod, and he tilts his head. I hurry through the door, and everyone follows. I hesitate at their bedroom door, hearing the whimpers on the other side.

“Tricks,” Luca whispers, taking my hand, giving me strength.

“I’ve got this,” I say, barely moving my lips. I shove open the door. “Girl, you didn’t invite me to the party,” I scold.

“Sally,” Saylor cries.

“We were taking bets on if it’s a boy or a girl.” I pull away from Luca and walk to the side of the bed. The doctor is kneeling at the foot of the bed. He’s been around for ages and taken care of many in the group. “Hey, pretty girl.” I sit on the edge, picking up her hand.

“It hurts. I don’t know what to do,” she whimpers.

“You need to remember who the fuck you are,” I growl, leaning close.

“What?” Her eyes are wild, but she focuses on my face.

“Aren’t you the woman on the run most of her life?

You started your life over again how many times?

You killed the man who hunted you. The life you built for yourself here wasn’t easy.

You should get a medal for living with Elijah.

He’s cocky and tells the worst jokes.” Her lips twitch, and her eyes crinkle.

“Does he leave the cowboy hat on in bed? Never mind, I don’t want to know. He’s like a brother.”

“I don’t feel strong,” she whispers.

“That’s why I’m here. To remind you. It’s fate.

The bond brought you here to find Elijah.

Our friendship brought me here to find my family.

” Her eyes fill. “Without you, I wouldn’t have met them or gotten a job with Quinn.

I wouldn’t have been there yesterday when my mates walked in.

” I glance at Atlas and Luca standing against the wall.

“Boyfriends, this is Saylor. She likes to think of me as a mother figure, but I’m more like the cool aunt. ”

“Saylor,” Atlas says, and they both nod.

“Vampires, huh?” Her smile widens. “Really sexy vampires.”

“Mate,” Elijah scolds, but with a smile.

“They are pretty yummy,” I whisper, wiggling my eyebrows. I see the doctor pushing her stomach out of the corner of my eye. “One mate couldn’t handle me, the universe knew they needed to give me two.”

“I’m so happy for you,” she says. “You deserve it.”

“You deserve a baby.” I brush her damp hair off her face. “They will be so lucky to be loved by you. When we met, I knew you were destined to be so happy.”

“You did?” she asks, her panic easing.

“Of course. You know I’m never wrong.” Elijah snorts.

“Shut it, cheetah.” I laugh, and I can feel his relief when Saylor giggles.

“You are the best surprise,” I whisper, leaning closer.

“You can do anything. You beat your Alpha and fulfilled your dream. Saylor, a woman who turns into a cheetah and tamed the wild cowboy, can give birth.” She grins, and a vision hits me.

Holy shit.

“Sally,” she says. It’s just a flash, but I see her son.

“Saylor, your son is waiting to be born. He’s coming, and nothing is going to stop him.” I usually wouldn’t share a vision, but she needs to be at ease.

“A boy,” she gasps.

“Yes. You need to bring him into the world.” She nods and looks at Elijah. He jumps forward and grabs her other hand. I start to pull away, but I’m surprised by her grip.

“No. Stay. Please.”

“Okay.”

“We need to push now, Saylor,” the Doc, Estes, says. “He’s turned.”

“Do this, Saylor. I’m going to spoil him rotten,” I say fiercely. “Our family is outside. They want to meet him.” I can smell everyone in and around the house.

I have never witnessed a baby being born.

The magic of the moment swirls in the air.

Saylor bears down with conviction and determination.

I reflect on the moment we met. She came into my restaurant, hesitant, afraid, yet stubborn.

She was running from an Alpha who thought she belonged to him.

At first, she didn’t tell me anything, but I saw the signs.

I’ve been in her shoes. Scared. Alone. Her heart is huge, and I was drawn to her.

We became friends, and she finally came to trust me.

I am so grateful she needed a job. Even though my life has been challenging and lonely, I’ve always believed in the universe and its plan.

She was sent to me for a reason. We were both meant to find the family here.

“He’s coming,” Estes says, smiling. “One more, girl.”

Saylor screams as she brings her son into the world, and his cry resonates around the room. Elijah drops his head to his mate’s shoulder. A gooey, wiggly baby boy is in Estes's hands. My heart aches with want. I want one. I really hope my vision is true because I would be crushed if it isn’t.

“You did it, Kitty Cat,” Elijah whispers.

“He’s gorgeous,” she rasps.

I slowly back away as the cord is cut and Saylor holds her son for the first time.

Atlas’s arm slides over my stomach and guides me.

The day started with the story of ugly things and memories that were hard to remember and give a voice to.

The beauty of this moment erases it all.

There is a purpose in everything. I had to feel the hardship, pain, and loneliness to recognize the good.

It wasn’t my time when I was young. Now, it’s my time.

Luca glides his thumb over my cheek. I’m turning into a crying mess since we met. I lay my head on his arm while Atlas holds me against his chest.

“Can we meet the little one?” Laken asks from the doorway. Elijah was friends with him before they both moved to the area. Laken always kept to himself. The cowboy bugged him until they became friends.

“Of course,” Saylor says.

Laken endures a hug from Elijah before tenderly holding the boy.

A parade of family rotates through the room.

Everyone gets a turn, and I choke up when big, scary, Bash holds the baby with incredible care.

Finding my mates is old news when a precious baby joins the family.

It’s a blessing. The shifter community is growing.

“Sally, come here,” Saylor demands, and I pull away from my mates. “I have to ask you something.”

“I hope you're not naming him after me,” I tease. “Sal would be cruel.”

“No.” She grabs my hand. “I want you to be the godmother. I can’t imagine anyone else taking care of him when we can’t.”

“Fuck,” I swallow harshly. “I would be honored.” Elijah walks around the bed, his son in his arms. I suck in a sharp breath when he places him in mine.

“Thank you, Sally,” he whispers. “I’m grateful to you. Thank you for taking care of Saylor until she found me.”

“Damn, cowboy.” My arms are full of such beauty. “My honor,” I whisper, avoiding Elijah’s eyes.

“What are you going to name him?” Micah asks.

“Draden Brae,” Elijah answers, and his brothers jerk.

“Elijah,” Brae says.

I tune out the noise, staring at the scrunched-up face of little Draden. He will be smothered in love and passed around from aunt to uncle to aunt and uncle. He won’t ever doubt his worth or feel what it’s like to be alone. This is how it’s supposed to be.

“Are we eating?” River asks, and I smile.

“Wolf,” Bash sighs. Some things will never change.

“What? We’re all together. What do we do when we have a gathering? We eat.” River winks at me.

“They need time alone,” Ava says. Her daughter is holding her hand, staring at the baby. I think she wants a sibling.

The debate about food continues, and my mates watch in fascination. I kiss Draden’s cheek and lean over, giving Saylor her son.

“Good job, mama,” I whisper.

“Thank you.” She smiles widely, and I kiss her cheek too.

“I’ll check in,” I promise, and she nods.

“Boyfriends,” I call. “Let's go home.” Micah catches my eye, and I grin. Farewells ring out as I lead the way out of the house. “I’m hungry. I would cook for you, but I’m tired. Let’s go out to eat.”

“Whatever you want, Tricks,” Luca says.

“Do you want to borrow a car?” Atlas asks, glancing at all the vehicles around the house.

“Nope. I want to fly.” I grin.

“Hop on, Little Bunny,” Atlas says, holding his arms out.

I run and jump into his arms with a squeal. Wrapping around him, I prop my chin on his shoulder, excited to fully experience flying.

Atlas takes a step, and the world blurs around us. Freedom. I’m finally free.

Holding my arms in the air, I tip my head back and yell my joy.

I’m going on a date with my boyfriends.