Page 25 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)
“As entertaining as our fight would be, I relented. I insisted that Laken and Bishop not attend. I’ve had enough fire in my life.” He looks at the dragons present. “Unfortunately, these dragons wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“I’m also a best friend,” Saphira says, raising her hand. “I won’t hesitate to breathe fire if she is threatened.” She drops her hand and glares at Ryker.
Ryker rolls his eyes. “Quinn is not pleased. Stephanie had many demons because of the Games, and he doesn’t want her near Mara.”
“I understand,” Sally says.
“We will be here to greet her.” He looks at Serenity.
“While she is in the area, Mara is under my protection. Anyone fucks with her for no reason, I won’t be happy.
She means something to Serenity, which means she means something to me.
We’ve all done numerous bad things, and we have been welcomed. Mara is trying to ask for forgiveness.”
“I’ll be good,” Saphira promises.
“Me too,” Sally swears, making a cross over her heart.
“I’ve heard that before,” Ryker mutters.
“Mom wants to be here,” Maverick says, and Serenity nods.
“No one else,” Ryker demands.
“Do you think everyone will listen?” Atlas asks, and I was thinking the same thing. This group seems like they do whatever the fuck they want.
“They will,” he says firmly. “They know I’m serious.”
“Thank you for setting it up,” I say.
“Anything for Sally,” he says as he stands. “I’ll message before we come.” He reaches for Serenity, pulling her up. “I hope we don’t discover any more bodies before she gets here.” They blur through the door, his casual threat remaining in the air as it shuts.
“Ryker, such a softie,” Sally sighs.
“That was him being soft?” I ask.
“Oh yeah.” She kisses my cheek. “You don’t want to see him mad.”
She’s right. I don’t want to go up against a pissed off Ryker, but no one has seen the beast I can become if those I love are hurt.
I’m not worried about the witch. I hope the others present don’t fuck up the prospect of getting answers.
They are Sally’s family and will protect her and the others coming.
But I will do the same for mine.
“Luca.” I turn from the window as Atlas stops close. “I’m going to talk to Allie. Prepare her for tomorrow.”
“She’ll be fine,” I assure him, knowing he worries about her.
“I know,” he says.
“Do what you need to.”
“Tomorrow we will do the same,” he says firmly. “Our priority is Sally and Allie.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Sally was in the shower, so hopefully she can’t hear us clearly. “We need answers. I’m pissed that we can’t track him. Did Shade find anything?”
“No. He’s not happy.”
“He hates being outsmarted.” He hides a lot of things, but not that.
“He’ll keep looking and call if he finds anything.”
“Good. Either way, Fredrick will be dead soon.” I’ll use every resource I have to find him. We would still be tracking if not for finding Sally. She comes above everything. “Do you think he knows about her?”
“I hope not,” he whispers. “We have to find him before he does.”
“I’ll take care of Sally while you're gone.”
“I’m sure you will.” He smiles, slaps me on the back, and leaves.
I’m anxious, but not because of the witch.
Sally’s scent is in my blood. My demon is pushing to be released and take what he wants.
Picturing her in the shower isn’t helping my control.
I didn’t get to eat the breakfast she cooked me, but food isn’t what I’m hungry for.
The first night after meeting our mate, Atlas and I spoke about sharing her.
We agreed that there wouldn’t be any rules.
Being with her at the same time is great, yet we don’t both have to be present.
We are a unit, a team. Our relationship with her will be different for each of us.
I need time with her without my brother, just as he does.
For this to work for us, that is how it needs to be.
We are not as comfortable sharing as shifters.
I’m thankful to have Atlas; he can care for her when I can’t.
I wouldn’t be able to share with anyone else.
“Luca.” I blink and turn to Sally. She is standing in the bedroom doorway, in nothing but a towel, her hand fisted in front of her, holding it closed. Her hair is dripping on her skin, and I want to lick it off. “Did Atlas leave?”
“He went to see Allie.” I don’t move, knowing she will be underneath me if I do.
“Do you want to play a game?” she asks, tilting her head.
“What kind of game?” I narrow my eyes.
“If you catch me, you can have me.” The last word is barely out of her mouth before she is flat on her back on the bed. “Wow,” she gasps. I hover over her, caging her in.
“What is your word?” I ask.
“Rabbit's foot,” she says, her hand flexing on the towel.
“I won’t hold back. Neither of us has to beg.
” I bend my arms and drag my nose across the skin above her hand.
“I won’t turn you, but I want your blood.
When you are ready, Atlas will be with us.
Tell me to stop or use your word if I do anything you don’t like.
I can’t be gentle or slow. This is my take.
You took last time.” I raise my head and look into her eyes. “Do you agree?”
“I don’t want gentle.” She lifts her chin. “I dare you to make me come.” She opens her towel and raises her hands above her head.
“Do not move,” I order and back off the bed.
Taking off my shirt, I enjoy the heat in her eyes as she devours the skin I reveal.
My mate is gorgeous. She’s delicately curved.
Her strength shows in her toned legs, and I can’t wait to have them wrapped around me.
I push off my pants and smile when she licks her lips.
“Not this time, Tricks.” I slowly crawl up the bed, caging her once more.
Balancing on one hand, I cup her neck, forcing her head back.
My fangs emerge. “This time, I want your neck,” I hiss.
“Do it,” she groans.
Fuck. She’s perfect.