Page 27 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

“I pretended to be a delivery service that didn’t have the address to bring the flowers.

I drove to the house that I didn’t know he had.

Standing outside the window, I saw him talking to a woman in the living room.

I lost it. Knocking on the door, I gathered all the rage I felt.

When he opened the door, I punched him and broke his nose.

The wife came running, and I informed her that I had been sleeping with her husband.

I told her everything. He was on the floor, looking at me, horrified.

” I laugh. “He told me I was crazy, and the wife that I was lying. She stared at me, and I held her gaze. I was not ashamed because he lied to me. I was a shifter, yet also a woman who wanted love and safety.”

“What did she say?”

“She thanked me. Apparently, she had her suspicions. The late nights at work, never touching her, and phone calls that he couldn’t explain.

She was waiting for the truth, and I supplied what she needed to leave him.

She had also been ignoring her instincts.

” I stare into his eyes. “That day, I swore I would never let a man, or anyone else, make me into something I’m not.

I would embrace my sexuality. I wouldn’t fear how my needs, wants, and words affect a man's ego. Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I am less.

We are expected to suck it up, and put everyone above us. I never made that mistake again.”

“Tricks.” Luca sits up, and I gasp. “I don’t want you to be anything but yourself.

I love your fire. Moaning your pleasure turns me on more.

I don’t want silence. I don’t have to guess if I’m doing what you like.

Forcing you into anything makes me nauseous.

Everything we do will always be consensual.

I never want to hurt you in any way. The human was beneath you.

He didn’t deserve your love.” He cups my face, his thumbs gliding over my cheeks.

“I don’t need to tell you how to act to feel like a man.

Playing with you is fun, and I have never felt so accepted by a woman.

I don’t want to change you. You're perfect how you are.” I wrap my arms around him.

“My fire isn’t always so well received,” I say dryly, ignoring the hard cock inside me.

“Fuck them,” he hisses, wrapping me tight. “They don’t matter. This is what matters.” He nips my jaw. “You scare them.” I jerk back.

“What?”

“They want to feel big and make you feel small. There’s something wrong with them, not you.

My Tricks is everything they aren’t.” He kisses me briefly.

“You're beautiful.” He cups the back of my neck.

“Inside and out. You're bold and courageous.” He kisses my shoulder.

“You're strong and resilient.” His hips jerk. “You’re sexy as fuck and own your desire.” I shiver, and he licks my neck.

“You are loyal and love deeply.” I blink, swallowing thickly.

“Is that what you want?” I whisper. “My love?”

“I haven’t felt deserving of love,” he admits softly. “I would be the luckiest man in the world to have yours.” My mouth parts, and my little jaded heart opens to him.

“I love my family.” I press my forehead to his.

“It’s been a very long time since I have loved a man.

What I felt then is nothing compared to what I’m feeling now.

You deserve love, and I want to give it to you.

” My honesty has gotten me into trouble in the past, but I don’t care.

My emotions are growing every minute for Luca and Atlas.

“I will protect you until I am nothing but dust,” he rumbles, and I exhale sharply.

“I never wanted a woman who I could control. I’ve dreamed of someone who would fight by my side.

Someone…” He presses his hand to my heart.

“Someone who would protect me and my family as fiercely as I do. Tricks, my hard heart is yours.”

“Shit, Luca,” I sob, dropping my face into his neck. “No one but us would have this talk while you are still inside me.”

“Like I said, fuck everyone else. We make our rules and can talk about anything, any time.” He taps my ass.

“Are you going to fuck me again?” I ask, biting his skin.

“Whatever you want, Tricks,” he says and thrusts.

“Mmm…” I sit straight. “I think we should.” I wiggle my eyebrows, and he laughs.

“Only you could make me laugh while I’m hard as fuck.”

“I have talents,” I whisper, biting my lip.

“That you do, Tricks,” he rasps, grabbing my hips. He tilts his head and frowns.

“What?” I look over my shoulder and listen. I feel Atlas near.

“Atlas. He is angry.” Instead of pulling me closer, he eases me up and to his side. “Really pissed.” I feel it, then hear the front door open. “Fuck.” Luca is pulling on his pants before I can blink. “Sorry, Tricks.”

“We have time.” I jump off the bed and grab my robe.

“Atlas needs us.” He rarely loses his cool, so I know whatever it is, it’s bad.

I barely get it belted when the bedroom door flies open and Alas blurs through.

In an instant, I am in his arms, and he buries his head in my neck.

“Atlas.” I wrap my legs and arms around him.

“Brother, what?” Luca snarls, and Atlas throws his phone to him. I watch his face as he sees what is on it. “Motherfucker.” Atlas’s body is electrified. “He’s here.”

“What is it?” I ask as Luca’s expression fills with rage.

“Show me,” I demand. His eyes lift to mine, and he turns the phone so I can see.

A man in a grainy photo is holding up a piece of paper.

I study him. He’s grinning. His eyes sparkle with satisfaction.

It takes me a moment to register what the paper says, ‘I’ve never tasted rabbit.

I think I’ll enjoy her.’ Oh fuck. It takes me longer to realize what the background is in the photo; he’s across the street from Quinn’s office.

“Did he send this to you?” Luca asks.

“Atlas,” I say firmly, pulling back as much as he allows. “Hey, I’m here. In your arms. He can’t get me.”

“I’ll kill him,” he grits out, focusing on my face.

“Yes, we will. He’s playing with you. Don’t let him,” I say.

“Explain,” Luca demands.

Atlas exhales, easing his grip slightly. “Yes, he sent it to me.” He sits on the bed, and I turn on his lap, leaving my arm around his shoulders. “Shade hasn’t been able to capture Fredrick fully, but he saw him on camera shortly after Fredrick sent it to me.”

“Fuck.” Luca grips the back of his head. “We have to protect Sally.”

“Shade is monitoring the surveillance around the apartments and Quinn’s office constantly,” Atlas says, gritting his teeth. They fall silent, fuming. I look from one brother to the other and know I need to do what I do best.

“It’s a shame,” I sigh, and they frown. “Why would the universe make such an asshole so handsome.” Atlas blinks.

Luca drops his hand, staring at me. “Rabbits are tasty. You know.” I wave my hand between them.

“Unfortunately, for him, he won’t find out.

He’s fucking with you. Do you honestly think he will get through you, to me?

If he did, he would have to fight my family.

If by some miracle, he made it past them, he would have to take me on.

I’m small but feisty. I have tricks you haven’t seen yet.

Don’t let him shake you,” I say sternly.

“The plan is still the same. We wait for the witch. When we have his location, we attack. He wants you off balance and to let your emotions control you. He’s waiting for you to make a mistake.

” I narrow my eyes. “He’s underestimating all of us.

” They stare at me, barely breathing. I wait.

And then wait some more. I glance at Atlas.

“I’m sure you can smell it, but Luca fucked me.

Neither of us had to beg, so I’m calling it a draw.

We both got what we wanted.” I smile brightly.

Atlas shakes his head, closes his eyes, and chuckles.

It vibrates through my side and settles in my heart.

“Shit, Little Bunny,” he says, opening his eyes. “You can calm my demon like no one else. Did you have fun?” He tilts his head toward Luca.

“I did. I let him boss me,” I state.

“Damn, do I get that privilege?” he asks, smirking.

“If you're a good boy.” I lift a shoulder. “It’s up to you.” His chest shakes, and his eyes crinkle. Luca crouches in front of me and drops his head. I stare at him, concerned, until his shoulders start to shake. “Are you thanking the universe for making me your mate?”

“Tricks,” he laughs, lifting his head. “We are so fucking lucky to call you ours.”

“Damn straight,” I say, nodding. “I would have to cut someone if they gave you anyone else.” He slowly straightens, kissing me lightly as he does. “Did you talk to Allie?”

“She’s fine with letting the witch in,” Atlas says.

“Good. Did she see the photo?” Luca asks.

“I got it when I was with her. She isn’t pleased.” His jaw tenses.

“That’s code for she broke something,” Luca says, and I lift a brow. “When Allie gets mad, she tends to throw things.”

“There are several pieces of furniture at Roxanne’s that we need to replace.

She wanted to come with me since he threatened her favorite sister-in-law, but I didn’t want her to storm into something she shouldn’t see,” Atlas says dryly.

“I’m pleased neither of you had to beg.” He squeezes my hip.

“I’m sure Allie isn’t far behind. She’s ready to volunteer as bait. ”

“Fuck that,” Luca growls.

“She won’t need to,” I interject. “Mara will be here tomorrow. Hopefully she can find him, the issue will be solved, and then we can get back to begging.” I hop off of Atlas.

“I know. We could have a family night.” I press my palms together.

“We can watch movies, eat popcorn, and snuggle on the couch. Have you ever had a family night like that?”