Page 21 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

“It’s alright,” I mutter to Atlas, and look Bishop in the eyes.

“We’ve been trying to come up with a plan to catch Fredrick.

This morning, we were at the office discussing it with Quinn.

For the record, he didn’t like my plan, but I feel it’s the fastest way to end it.

” I exhale harshly. “He likes to hide, threatening from afar, and I want to take the fight to him.” I glance at Laken and then River.

“I want to ask the witch to help.” River stops mid-chew.

“I know what she did was bad. I know it’s a lot to ask.

All of you went through horrible things, and I don’t want to cause you pain.

Serenity still speaks to Mara. I don’t know if she would be willing to help, but I want to ask.

” I look at Ava, and her expression is blank.

“The things Gill did to you and the other shifters are disgusting. I’m sorry for it.

I know you met Mara, and she didn’t do anything to help initially, but she did in the end.

” I clear my throat. “Logan was tortured by him too. I would have had him over as well if he had answered my message. He was messed up because of it, but I hope if you agree, I can talk to him.” Bishop pushes his plate away.

“You don’t know anything about Luca and Atlas.

Allie means everything to them, and she needs our help.

Fredrick killed that poor woman at the club, and who knows how many since.

” We have no idea the deaths he’s caused over the years.

“Fredrick thrives on chaos. I’ve met men like that.

He wants to cause pain and draw Allie out.

He knows her brothers will do anything to protect her, and I will do anything to protect them.

He’s putting our world at risk. It won't be long before someone sees something they aren’t supposed to.

” I look at my mates. “They are good men. You know what the trauma of the past does to you. They lived through some awful things and have spent years tracking Fredrick. They’ve stuck together through it all, and I don’t want them to have to go through anymore.

Not if I can help it,” I stumble to a stop.

“Tricks,” Luca says softly, palming the back of my neck. I lean into his touch, tipping my head to his. We stare at each other, and I soak up his gratefulness and concern.

“Sally,” River says gruffly, and I turn my attention to him. “You’ve been worried?”

“Worried?” I shrug. “Maybe a little.”

“Being with my uncle was the worst time of my life. He had no redeeming qualities and enjoyed the pain he caused me and many others. When I came out the other side, I’d hoped it was over, yet he found another way to get to me.

” He covers Ava’s hand with his. “It was my worst nightmare when he took my mate.” He looks at her tenderly.

His usually comical expressions are replaced with love.

“The universe gave us a strong mate, and she held it together.” He looks back at me.

“Yes, it was hell. I can’t say we didn’t have nightmares after it was over.

Gill is dead. He can’t hurt anyone again.

I’ve moved on and have dealt with my emotions with Ava and Kerian.

I hate witches. Not only because of what happened in the games, but because they freak me out.

I don’t trust anyone who can say a few words and have things appear out of thin air.

But that’s a personal problem. You’re my family.

We help family even if we disagree with certain aspects.

” He grins. “Plus, you are an amazing cook. I’m upset you haven’t invited me over for a meal before.

I will give my blessing as long as you cook for me again. ”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“I’m in,” Ava says. “I met her. I believe that she didn’t want to be there. She was treated differently, but she was still in a cage.”

“Have you talked to Saphira?” Bishop asks, and I cringe. She is my best friend and was also affected by Gill. The witch wasn’t at the first Games when she was there.

“No,” I say. I’ve avoided calling her.

“I know what she would say,” Bishop says.

“She would be the first to tell you to use the witch. You’ve protected her since she arrived.

She loves you.” He leans back. “I also don’t like witches.

I never wanted to see her again. When Penny was taken, it took a lot of courage for her to walk into a room with people who despised what she had done.

At the time, I was enraged, and so was Laken.

We didn’t want her help, but we needed it.

It pisses me off that I am now grateful to her, she found Penny for us. ”

“Bishop,” Penny scolds.

“It does.” He shrugs. “But I am thankful. We’ve all done things we aren’t proud of. I don’t know her reasons, but I know she must have had good ones. Your mates and their sister are family now, and we protect our own, however we have to do that.”

“Sally, we have found our peace,” River says, looking at Kerian and then Ava.

“Our mate gave it to us.” He leans forward, staring intently into my eyes.

“It’s your turn.” I suck in a sharp breath.

“This is your story. Write it how you want. Do whatever the fuck you have to do to protect your mates. Call the witch. Fight dirty and hard for the peace you deserve. You know I would do anything to keep my family safe. Kill. Cheat. Whatever. I. Had. To.” Shit.

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. “The fucker needs to die. If you find him, I want in on the chase.” He grins.

“I—” I press my hands to my mouth, unable to find the words.

“Thank you,” Atlas says. “I don’t understand your dynamic.

We have been alone most of our lives. We’ve never had anyone to care about us or think about our feelings.

Honestly, I didn’t know why the idea of the witch caused so much panic.

I could see Sally's emotions that she tried to hide, and it opened my eyes.” He looks around the table.

“The last time we were cooked a meal was by our mother, over three hundred years ago. Fredrick murdered her after he turned Allie.” He sighs.

“I’m telling you this so you will understand if Luca and I appear cold and distant.

I’m beginning to understand the role Sally has played in your lives, and learning about her past, I understand her need for your permission.

” He looks at me. “You are her family, and she doesn’t want to lose you.

She will do anything to keep you. I’ve realized we will do the same.

” He tucks my hair behind my ear and then looks across the table.

“I appreciate all of you giving your blessing to Sally. I agree with River. The only reason we haven’t decided to call the witch yet, was because of our mate.

I didn’t need you to say yes or no. Allie is our sister.

Sally is our mate. We will involve whoever the fuck we need to find Fredrick. ”

“Atlas,” Allie hisses, and I roll my lips.

“I can respect that,” River says, smirking. Atlas shares a nod with him.

“Now,” Luca says, standing, and I tilt my head.

“Atlas was always better with words. I always seem to piss people off when I speak. I agree with him, but I’m glad you are okay with the plan.

” He rests his palm on the back of my neck.

“Although I appreciate your presence, I need you all to get the fuck out.” Penny snorts, holding her hand over her mouth.

Ava bites her lip and bows her head. “We would like to reward Sally, and we don’t want an audience.

” My eyebrows shoot up, and my mouth drops open when everyone stands.

“But the food,” River whines, grabbing another piece of chicken.

“River,” Kerian grumbles, pushing on his back.

“Thanks for the food,” Ava says, waving over her shoulder.

“That was hot,” Penny whispers to me, leaning over the table.

“Your ass is ours when we get home,” Laken growls, circling her waist.

“You think that's a threat?” She says, wiggling her eyebrows. “You should know better.”

“Night, brothers,” Allie sings, also snagging some chicken. “This is the best. You can cook for me anytime.” She scoots past the table, waving the food in the air.

I remain sitting, watching them hustle out the door, amazed they listened to Luca. When the door slams behind them, I look up at Atlas and Luca.

“What is this about a reward?” I ask, lifting a brow, getting warm thinking about it.

They share a weird guy chin lift, and Luca scoops me out of the chair.

“Shit,” I grunt as my stomach presses on his shoulder.

“Warn a girl.” I push my hands on his back, watching Atlas lock the door. “What about the food?”

“It can wait,” Luca says, walking toward the bedroom.

“We can’t leave it out.” A palm flattens against my ass. “Did you—”

“Yes.”

“You spanked me,” I gasp as the warmth expands across my cheek, and I wiggle as he clears the bedroom door. “I think I like it. Do it again, boyfriend.” I grin at his ass when he chuckles.

“We can’t give in to all your demands,” he says, dropping me across the bed. I push my hair out of my face.

“Why not?” I smirk.

“Give and take,” Atlas says, closing the bedroom door.

“What?” I scoot to the middle of the bed, licking my lips. What a beautiful sight. My boyfriends are standing beside each other at the end of my bed.

“We take turns, giving and taking.” I stare at his chest as he slowly unbuttons his shirt, greedily soaking up the skin he reveals. “What do you want? Ready to beg?”

“No begging yet,” I whisper, switching my gaze to Luca. He shrugs out of his vest, throwing it to the floor before working on his shirt. “I get to pick?”

“It is your reward,” Atlas says, removing his cuffs. He pushes the fabric off his shoulders and down his arms before replacing the cuffs. “Our beautiful mate tied herself in knots, rushing to make an amazing dinner, hoping to convince them to do us a favor. We’re grateful.”

“Tonight, it’s your choice,” Luca rasps, removing his shirt. My mouth goes dry. I haven’t seen them both shirtless. Standing side by side, muscled and tattooed, is yummy.

“Well…” I have to clear my throat. “Lie on the bed,” I demand.

My panties get wet as they crawl on either side of me.

I tip my head back, closing my eyes, thanking the universe again for sending them to me.

I exhale harshly and then pivot on my knees, pressing my hands to my chest as I admire my boyfriends.

Luca is covered from neck to hips with ink of every color.

He’s compact, his muscles sleek. He watches me with a fire burning in his eyes.

Atlas is bigger; his skin is clear in some areas, but he still has too many tattoos to count at first glance.

I feel delicate sitting between them. My body has always been slim, but I’ve never been called delicate.

No one would dare. I’ve prided myself on being strong, never needing a man to do anything for me.

Pleasuring myself is natural to me. I have no shame in needing the release, either with a man or by my hand.

Desire is a natural part of life, and I enjoy the shit out of it.

I have never felt this level of passion for anyone.

They haven’t touched me, and I could orgasm sitting here just looking at them.

Reaching one hand to both of them, I glide it down their chests, biting my lip at the electricity from my skin to theirs.

“What is your word?” I ask.

“Black,” Atlas says.

“Nightmares,” Luca grits out.

“It’s not natural for you to give up control, is it?” I ask, looking back and forth.

“No,” they say at the same time.

“Why do it?” I ask. I don’t want to make them uncomfortable, even though I enjoy their willingness to give me the power.

“Because it’s you,” Luca says, and my heart swells.

“We want your hands on us,” Atlas rumbles. “We don’t give a fuck how it happens.”

“Well, boyfriends,” I whisper, trailing a finger on each hand over their pants and down their cocks. “We agree. I want my hands all over you.”

Damn. Where should I start? The options are endless.