Page 18 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

Chapter Eleven

Sally

M y attention bounces from Atlas, Luca, Allie, and Quinn.

Atlas because he’s fine as fuck in his leather, and I enjoy the commanding way he controls the conversation.

When I look at Luca, I picture his face between my legs and the thrilling moment of him pulling blood from my body.

I felt bad after my shower. He was hard, and I did nothing to relieve him.

Poor guy must have been uncomfortable. I almost gave in and stayed in bed all day.

His story was touching, and I was glad he has begun to trust me with his secrets.

I bet with more bedtime, we both would share more.

Unfortunately, there is a madman out in the world intent on harming my sister-in-law and perhaps my mates.

I don’t like bullies, so we need to get rid of him as soon as possible.

Allie was wearing another dress. This time it’s short and yellow.

She smiled brightly when we arrived, probably smelling my blood in Luca.

Atlas studied us intently. I wasn’t sure how he would react.

They had already admitted their jealousy, and I hoped it wouldn’t hurt him.

I want them equally, yet I need time with each of them separately.

My fears were eased when Atlas smiled at me and kissed me.

His approval given, I sat at my desk and watched as they debated the situation.

Sometimes, you have to sit back and let the men make the decisions.

They think they know best. I hold in my snort, but somehow Allie senses it and looks at me and winks.

When their plan goes to shit, I’ll step in.

“That’s a ridiculous plan,” Quinn grumbles. My bear boss is annoyed. He glared when I walked in hand in hand with Luca, concentrating on our hands as if they offended him. It’s so sweet how much he cares, so I forgave him.

“Do you have a better one?” Atlas asks, crossing his arms.

I am eager to strip off his leather and lick him. He’s so serious, and I glance from his face to his arms. I wonder if he ever has a break from taking care of everyone else. We are the same in so many ways, and I want to delve into his emotions.

Twisting in my seat, I open a drawer and grab a sucker. I wonder how Saylor is doing. Pulling out my phone, which I have been neglecting, I type a message.

How’s the little one?

And the vagina?

Hurt?

I don’t have to wait long.

Saylor: Draden is adorable.

Saylor: So is my vagina.

Love that for Elijah.

Tell him to stay out of there

Give it a rest.

Saylor: Believe me, he won’t be visiting for a while.

Saylor: What are you doing?

Watching men decide shit.

My boyfriends are sexy.

Saylor: Yes, they are.

Saylor: Are you going to give your opinion?

I haven’t decided.

Saylor: You must be in love.

Saylor: You’re holding your tongue.

Shit

Definitely in lust

Time will tell.

Saylor: Is the plan shit?

Probably

You have to humor them

Their egos are fragile.

Saylor: I can’t reply.

Saylor: I will not document my opinion.

I understand.

Is the cowboy looking over your shoulder?

Saylor: No. He’s hovering over Draden.

Saylor: It’s very sweet

Saylor: But I threatened him

Saylor: If he wakes him up, he’s rocking him back to sleep.

I don’t think he’ll take that as a punishment.

Crap. Quinn is glaring.

Got to go.

Kiss the baby for me.

Saylor: I will. Love you.

Love you.

“Sally?” Quinn asks, his eyebrows lifted.

“Yes.” I smile sweetly and slowly put my phone on my desk.

“I was asking what you thought,” he says, his hands on his hips.

“Uh…about?” I can usually multitask better, but I tuned out the last part of the conversation. Luca is studying the ceiling, his lips curved. Atlas is shaking his head, and Allie is holding her hand over her mouth, failing at hiding her smile.

“Allie wants to draw him out,” he explains, scowling. “I want to continue to track him, corner him, and kill him. Atlas suggested calling him and setting a meeting. I disagree with using Allie as bait. The women in this group always volunteer that,” he grumbles. I nod seriously. “So?”

“So what?” I widen my eyes.

“I know you have an opinion,” he grits out.

“Well…” They all look at me expectantly. I never reveal my plans. Asking for forgiveness later is my game plan. “I don’t think anyone will like it.”

“Spill it, Tricks,” Luca says.

“It would be easy for Allie to call him. She could say she had a change of heart and wants to meet. Of course, he will probably be suspicious and know it’s a setup.

He would gather his forces and be ready when we arrived.

” I pop my candy in my mouth, take a suck, and then withdraw it.

“You could continue to track him. It would be the safer choice, but it could take a while. It could be the same result as Allie if Atlas called him. From what you’ve said, he doesn’t want to get caught or fight face-to-face.

He likes to instill fear and keep you guessing. ”

“What do you suggest?” Atlas asks.

“We should call a witch,” I say brightly, and then swirl the candy around with my tongue.

“Fuck no,” Quinn growls.

“I had a wild night with a shifter who thought he was magic,” Allie comments, and I want to hear the story.

“Do you know a witch?” Luca asks.

“I know someone who knows a witch,” I say, looking at Quinn.

“No. Steph went through hell because of her. The dragons will be pissed.” His jaw clenches. “River will be pissed too. What about Logan and Saphira? The Games affected so many of us. If you are determined, ask Serenity. She has witch blood.”

“Serenity isn’t as powerful, but she still talks to Mara,” I persist. His reaction is warranted, but I know it’s the fastest solution.

“She did bad things,” he says.

“Haven’t we all?” I ask. Fuck, if the family excluded you for doing bad things, the family would have no members.

“Of course, but it will stir shit up,” he says.

“I’ll send a group text,” I say, picking up my phone. “See what everyone thinks.”

“Sally, put down the phone,” Quinn warns.

“Careful, bear,” Atlas hisses, and I bite my lip.

“Can someone explain what you’re talking about?” Luca asks, walking to the desk and leaning against it.

“There was a witch who helped the bad guys,” I start, despite Quinn's grumblings.

“River’s uncle started the Games when he was young.

Gill held shifters in cages, tormented them, and chased them through the forest. Bishop and Saphira were forced to participate with River; that's how they met. Years later, Gill showed up again, restarted the Games, and kidnapped Ava. Stephanie and Logan met her because they were already there when she was taken. This time, a witch was casting a spell on the area so no one could find them. Mara was forced to help Gill. Serenity gained her witch power when she became a vampire and helped find where they were hiding, since the witch weakened her spell. After everything, Serenity spent time with Mara. She still talks to her, even though she moved away.”

“You are going to suggest we bring her back when all of them probably still have nightmares from the experience.” Quinn crosses his arms.

“Mara came back when Penny was taken,” I point out. “She helped find her.”

“We don’t have many experiences with witches,” Luca says.

“What could she do?” Atlas asks.

“Do you have anything that belonged to Fredrick?” I ask.

“I don’t think so,” Allie says.

“It was long ago. Anything we have would be disintegrated.” Atlas frowns.

“But he turned Allie,” I say softly. “I wonder if Mara could find him through that connection.”

“This is a bad idea,” Quinn says as Stephanie walks through the door.

“I’ve heard that before,” I mumble.

“What’s a bad idea?” Steph asks, stopping by Quinn.

“Sally wants to call the witch to help find Fredrick,” he growls.

Steph looks at me, I tense, but don’t look away.

I know she had severe trauma from being held in the cage.

We’ve discussed it, and Quinn has been a steady force, helping her move past what she endured.

She spoke to Mara while she was there and hated her for doing nothing to stop it. I don’t want to hurt her.

“It’s okay, mate,” she says, leaning against him. “I think she should do it.” My body relaxes.

“Little Cub,” Quinn rumbles.

“It’s been several months. I’ve worked hard to get past it. With time, I see her role differently. She didn’t enjoy what she was doing.” She cups his jaw. “I appreciate your concern. Don’t worry so much.”

“I can’t help that,” he grumbles, and I look away.

I hope the others will be just as willing.

“Do you think Mara would do it?” Luca asks.

“It wouldn’t hurt to ask.” I engage my phone. “If she can locate him, it would be easy to sneak up on him. He wouldn’t know a witch is looking for him.” I call Serenity, but she doesn’t answer, so I hit Ryker’s name.

“Sally,” he answers.

“Serenity still talks to Mara, right?” The pause is long.

“She does,” he says slowly.

“Do you think she will do us a favor?” I ask, and then rush to explain. “We may be able to find Fredrick faster if Mara uses her magic.”

“I’ll have Serenity call you,” he says and hangs up.

“That went well,” I say, and Allie’s eyebrows shoot up. “He didn’t say no.”

“If she does, be careful,” Quinn says.

“We can protect our mate,” Atlas says, and Quinn nods. “Sally will keep you informed.” He frowns as his phone rings, and he slowly pulls in out of his vest. “Yeah,” he says gruffly.

“You took away my best soldier,” a man hisses, and Allie jerks. Atlas looks at his sister, and Luca stands.

“Fredrick.” Atlas walks to the door, looking out at the street.

“I’m assuming you didn’t like my present. Is that why Marcus is missing?” Atlas turns back, staring at his brother, and Luca moves to my side. Quinn’s fingers fly over his phone.

“A dead woman isn’t my idea of a gift,” Atlas says.

“Really? I like to think it’s a very creative present.” He pauses, and then says, “Is Allie with you?”