Page 28 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

“It sounds nice, but I don’t want to snuggle with your family,” Atlas retorts, and I roll my eyes.

“No.” I laugh. “Our family. The three of us and Allie.”

“Our family,” Luca whispers tenderly.

“Yes.” I twirl and dig through my drawers. “I’m wearing pajamas. If Allie doesn’t have a matching set, she can borrow mine.” Strong arms surround me, and Atlas’s leather cuffs cross my chest.

“Thanks, Little Bunny,” he says softly.

“It won’t be the last time we do it,” I say, and he steps back.

I strip off my robe and slide the flannel pants on.

“Actually, you should be thanking me. If the extended family came, the food would be sparse, and we couldn’t sit on the couch.

River hogs all the pillows.” I grin and clasp my bra.

“Micah complains about the movie every time.”

“We appreciate not having to compete for the popcorn,” Luca says.

“Or share a couch with River,” Atlas says, shuddering.

I’ve had many men in my life, but nothing has been as satisfying as calming my vampires.

Allie insisted on watching a marathon of vampire movies.

My mates have done nothing but criticize the actors.

I got tired of explaining it’s fictional, so of course, they can’t fact-check how to be a vampire.

Neither of them has demanded that we turn it off.

We had cheeseburgers and fries for dinner.

The floor is covered with popcorn. Allie is on her stomach, lounging on a pillow as she stares at the screen.

Luca is across from me, arguing with Allie at every opportunity.

Atlas is taking up most of the couch, his head on my lap, my ankles crossed on the coffee table.

His eyes are focused on the movie as I run my fingers through his hair.

We are watching the third movie, and I couldn’t be happier. My phone vibrates against my hand on the arm of the couch. As Atlas voices his opinion, taking Luca’s side, I check my message.

Micah: I’m coming tomorrow.

You’re coming to protect me from the big, bad witch?

We don’t joke about witches.

Don’t worry.

I always do.

Are the vampires treating you like they should?

Even better

We’re watching movies.

Poor fucks.

Vampire movies?

Yep

They are complaining like you do.

I might like them.

You will.

Try to have a conversation with them.

If you are determined to keep them.

I will.

I appreciate the sacrifice.

Daisy tells me I’m overreacting.

Probably.

About what?

About the witches, and your mates.

Always listen to your mate.

Fine. She is waiting in bed. I won’t respond until tomorrow.

Have fun.

See you tomorrow.

I look up when Allie screams at the television. Someone died brutally. She’s rooting for the bad guys.

“He’s so hot,” she says.

“How can you like him?” Luca asks. “He’s a dick.”

“I just do,” she growls, throwing popcorn at him.

“He is a dick,” Atlas agrees.

“You guys know nothing.” She looks over her shoulder. “Sally, don’t you think he’s hot?”

“I think your brothers are hot,” I state, and Atlas squeezes my thigh.

“Smart,” he says, and Luca winks at me.

I haven’t survived this long without learning what not to say. They continue to discuss as my phone lights up. My eyes widen when I see Bash messaged me.

I told Ryker I would kill him if he let the witch do any magic on you. He laughed but agreed to kill her if she did.”

She won’t hurt me.

You aren’t coming?

Ryker demanded I remain at home, as if I would kill her the minute I see her. I don’t have anything against witches. As long as she keeps her magic away from you.

Don’t worry.

She’s coming to help.

Are Luca and Atlas being good to you? Do you make them text instead of talking on the phone?

Hush.

I won’t make them.

Yet.

After all this shit is done, Marie is determined to have a meal.

So fun.

If you say so. I’m done. Be good. Don’t do anything reckless.

Me?

He doesn’t answer, and I chuckle. It’s taken him months to text me. He’s definitely old school. I feel privileged that he made the sacrifice for me.

Quinn is next.

Be careful.

I don’t respond. He wouldn’t reply anyway. It’s sweet, though. Another one comes in from Saylor before I can set down my phone.

Can you ask the witch if she can remove my stretch marks?

Really?!

What marks?

I’ll show you.

I’m a little busy.

Another time.

Busy?

My mate's head is in my lap.

Damn

Clothed?

Watching movies.

That’s not as much fun.

We’ve had plenty of fun.

How’s the baby?

Sleeping like a baby. I’m heading to bed.

Love you. Call me.

I want to know if she can.

Love you

I’ll ask.

The messages keep rolling in. I’m not surprised by Roxanne's text.

Have they fucked you yet?

How come I haven’t been invited over?

I hear we’re meeting a witch.

How fun!

We’ve been busy.

They are very talented.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

You can meet the witch.

Awesome.

Are you happy?

Very

What are you doing?

On a very boring date.

Don’t tell my sons.

My lips are sealed.

Hopefully, not the ones in your pants.

Shit. He’s glaring at me.

Gotta go.

Love you.

“Everything alright?” Atlas asks.

“Perfect,” I whisper, tracing his lips. He kisses my fingers and returns his attention to Allie, now on her knees, throwing food at the screen.

“How could you not know he was going to die? He’s the bad guy,” Luca says, smiling at her anger.

“He didn’t have to,” she cries.

So perfect. My heart overflows with love. I found people who care about me. The fiercest creatures are the ones who love the hardest.

I know; I’m surrounded by them.