Page 29 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

Chapter Sixteen

Sally

I snuggle my ass close to the body behind me.

My eyes refuse to open, and I don’t try very hard.

The movies continued through the early morning.

I stumbled to bed at two and was halfway asleep when my mates joined me.

Most people would find it odd that when we have a killer after us, we take time out to have fun.

I’ve learned that if you don’t enjoy life despite the bad times, you never will.

Allie had a blast and crashed in the spare bedroom.

The guys loved it even though they disagreed with the movie selections.

In my sleepy state last night, I heard them discussing the merits of the action scenes while climbing into bed.

“If you wiggle one more time…” Atlas rumbles.

“What will happen?” I mumble, barely restraining myself from doing it again.

“I’m going to fuck you.” His arm tightens around my waist.

“Is that supposed to deter me?” I ask, opening one eye. “Where are Allie and Luca?”

“They left to get food.”

I squint at the clock.

“It’s eleven,” I state.

“Breakfast is good anytime.”

“When did they leave?” I open the other eye.

“Twenty minutes ago.”

“Hmm…” I don’t want to get interrupted again. If it were just Luca, I wouldn’t care.

“Getting ideas?” He slides his thigh between mine. I remember stripping everything except my underwear before dropping into bed.

“I always have ideas,” I smirk, wiggling closer.

“What do you have in mind?” he asks, pressing his hand against my stomach.

“Fuck me,” I whisper. “Just like this.” I move my leg back, opening further over his.

“No begging needed.” His palm trails down my stomach, to my hip, tracing the edge of my underwear. I press my head back and my hips forward. “Are you wet?”

“Probably,” I breathe as his fingers slip under the fabric.

“We have a time limit,” he reminds me.

“We better hurry then.” I hook the top of my foot over his straight leg.

“Open further,” he demands, and I don’t argue. We want the same thing. “Good, Little Bunny.” He bites my ear and cups me. “Lean forward.” Again, I don’t argue, even though I’ll be further away from his mouth. “Safe word.”

“Rabbit's foot.” He removes his hand, and I’m about to protest until he rips the side of my underwear. He leans on his elbow and pushes the bedding away. His fingers tangle in the back of my hair, pushing me forward more, and he slides his finger inside me.

“Yes,” I groan. He drags in and out. My body is ready to be taken by him.

“You are drenched,” he hisses, swirling with every retreat. “Are you ready for my cock?”

“Fuck yeah,” I moan, pushing down, eager for more. I love foreplay, but I need him inside me, easing the burning in my gut. The heat has been overwhelming, yet I have tried to ignore it as much as possible. Getting to know them has been more important.

“Hold on, Little Bunny,” he growls and then thrusts. My mouth drops open as he fills me. He curls his arm under my knee, holding me wide as he pumps his hips.

Gripping the sheets in my fists, I close my eyes, feeling every inch of his possession.

My chest slides against the bed with every motion, the friction rubbing my nipples, adding to my desire.

The hand in my hair pulls, and I shiver, loving it.

I’ve always loved having my hair pulled, and my vampires fill every want.

“More,” I demand, and he goes faster. I don’t have to move as he uses his vampire skill to speed up.

I lose track of the rhythm, lost in my pleasure.

The pull begins, and I reach for it. It’s never taken me long to orgasm, especially with my hand, but this is ridiculous.

My mates know how to work my body to new heights.

“You’re squeezing the fuck out of me,” he hisses, slowly slightly. “Are you going to come?”

“Yes,” I moan, nearly there. I slide my hand over my breast, cupping myself.

“Fuck.” Atlas nips my arm, and he curls his hand over my thigh. I gasp as he stretches, pressing on my clit.

“Atlas,” I cry, and the pressure expands. “I’m coming.” I drop my head forward, my mouth parted against the sheets. The pleasant tingle spreads across my scalp, and my pussy clamps down on his cock. “Yes, Atlas.” I bite the sheet as my orgasm radiates through my body.

“Fuck, yes,” Atlas growls, slamming deep.

He holds still, coming inside me. I feel it coating me, relieving the heat from the bond.

He releases my hair and curls over me, slipping out of me slightly.

“Mouth.” I turn my head, and he kisses me.

Slow and deep, and delicious. He covers my hand that is still on my breast, flexing our fingers.

My leg drops, my knee hitting the bed as I turn to chase his lips.

His other arm bends over my pillow as I move closer.

The kiss turns gentle as he eases away, but comes back briefly.

“Yummy,” I hum, licking my lips, and he grins.

“You are stunning,” he whispers, his gaze traveling over my face. “I love being inside you.”

“You're welcome anytime.” I smile and drop my head. “My body is numb.” I could close my eyes and sleep.

“Unfortunately, they should be back soon.” He trails his hand down my side, gripping my hip.

“Today is a big day,” I mutter, thinking about greeting a witch later.

“It is. I want it done.” He rubs his face over my hair.

“Allie needs to live in peace.” I tilt my head. “You do too.”

“He’s been a looming pain in the ass for too long,” he grumbles, easing away and dropping to his back. I roll and use his bent arm as a pillow. “I would have made myself a target if I thought he would come out of hiding.”

“Of course you would,” I say, pressing my hand to his chest. “That’s what you do. Protect.”

“I don’t know how he knew about you,” he says, frowning. “He must have spies everywhere.”

“We aren’t the only shifters and vampires in town. He could have friends in the area, or could be paying someone to keep track of you. Someone else could have been at the club. We haven’t hidden our connection.” I lift a shoulder. “He won’t be a threat much longer.”

“Your confidence amazes me.” He tucks my hair behind my ear. “I want to believe it.”

“Trust it. This always happens to every couple or group. They meet, and trouble isn’t far behind. It works out in the end. We just have to stick together,” I say.

“I won’t leave your side,” he whispers. “Ever.”

“I don’t want you to.” I press against his side. “We are a team. You don’t always have to take care of everyone else. Let me bear some of the burden.”

“It’s difficult to allow that,” he admits.

“You already do it,” I inform him. “You let me calm you last night.”

“No one has been able to do it quite like you.”

“I’m the only me,” I state, kissing his chest. “Remember, you’ve been through worse than this. Fredrick is hiding because he knows he can’t face us.”

“We don’t know who else is with him. I’m sure he’s surrounded by vampires under his control.” He slides his arm around my back.

“But we are surrounded by family,” I remind him.

“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to being part of it,” he whispers.

“You will. It hasn’t been long. They grow on you, no matter how reluctant you are,” I snort.

“Were you reluctant?”

“Fuck no,” I say. “They were meant to be in my life. I wanted a family for so long, I didn’t fight the pull to be here, to be around them.”

“That was one of my fears when I became a vampire,” he starts, rolling. He stares at my face. “I thought my chances for a family were over. I was grateful to have Luca and Allie, yet I wished for more. Having Allie turn us was the reassurance I needed that at least we would always have each other.”

“You don’t have to wish anymore,” I say softly, and he glides his knuckles across my jaw.

“Last night meant something to me.” He drops his hand between us. “I haven’t seen them so relaxed. We’ve never called anywhere home, but this feels like home.”

“It is your home.” I kiss him briefly. “Wherever I am is home. Where Allie and Luca are, that’s home. It’s not the building you're in but the people surrounding you. You’ve always had it. The three of you have looked out for each other. Loved each other. Coming here, you’ve expanded your family.”

“Coming here, we found our center, the force that will keep us together,” he rasps, and I want to cry.

“Damn straight,” I say roughly.

“Luca is outside,” he says, looking at the bedroom door. The open door.

“I love Allie already, but she’s not ready to see me leaking and naked,” I announce, rolling off the side of the bed. Atlas laughs as I swipe clothes off the floor on the way to the bathroom.

After peeing, I brush my teeth while I struggle into jeans.

Being with Luca and now Atlas just reinforces our growing bond and my belief that they are meant to be mine.

Even though I told Atlas that he has always had a home, I searched for a long time to find my place.

I was alone for many years without anyone to rely on, and I was grateful to land among the people here.

I’ve had my doubts that they need me. My mates and Allie do need me.

Atlas is too serious, and Luca too doubtful.

The universe knew they needed my attitude.

I clasp my bra and yank on a shirt. Debating whether I should brush my hair, I decide to leave it alone. It looks like I just had sex, and I like it. There is time before Mara arrives, so I’ll take a shower later.

When I walk into the living room, a spread of food is on the table. Allie is reliving the movie while stuffing bacon in her mouth. Luca catches my gaze. He’s dressed as he was when we met, his suit pristine. Atlas gets up and pulls out the chair at the head of the table.

“Tricks, I thought the flowers came once a week.” Luca holds up a single yellow flower, and I pause, my ass suspended over the chair.

“That’s right.” He waves it, and I notice it’s different from the rest. “That’s never happened,” I whisper.

“What does it mean?” Allie asks. Luca explains, and I don’t follow his words.

I sit heavily, unable to look away from it.

What could it mean? Dad has never sent more than one a week.

Months would go by when I assumed he had lost track of me, but once he found me, they resumed.

Once a week. Always on Monday; today is Thursday.

I get a nasty feeling in my gut. It’s not right.

“Sally?” Atlas covers my fist. “I don’t like it. He’s fucking with you more than usual. We need to do something about it.”

I swallow harshly. “One psycho at a time,” I mutter.

“It’s not a carnation,” Allie says softly.

“No. I don’t know what it is.” It’s pretty and delicate.

Why would he change? Does he know that I met my mates?

“Give it to me.” Allie passes it over, and I hold it with a shaky hand.

I slowly bring it close, smelling the petals.

All I smell is a light scent. I thought maybe my dad’s scent would be attached.

Sometimes, I swear I smell him on the carnations.

“It’s a daffodil,” Allie announces, and I lift my gaze.

“What does it mean? They all have a meaning.” My heart pounds as she scrolls through her phone.

“It means new beginnings, joy, and renewal.” She reads more. “It can mean forgiveness,” she finishes softly, setting her phone down.

“It can’t be,” I whisper.

“Baby, don’t assume,” Atlas says.

“We need to find him,” Luca rumbles. “He’s messed with your head for too long.”

“I agree.” I place the flower next to my plate. “We can worry about it later. Everything looks amazing.” I smile at Allie. “I’m starving.”

“Tricks,” Luca says, his eyes filled with rage.

“It’s okay.” I shake my head and relax my hands. Atlas caresses my fingers. “I can’t think about it now. He can’t control me, and I can’t control his actions. Let’s get through the day.” He nods slowly.

“Eat,” Atlas orders, and I ignore the worried looks aimed my way.

“Are you ready for the witch?” I ask Allie as I fill my plate.

“Yes. I’m hopeful she can find him. I’m tired of thinking of the man.” She sits back, sipping her coffee. “I want answers. Why is he obsessed now? He seemed to forget about me. When did he find me?”

“I’m afraid he’s the only one who can answer that,” I say, crunching on a piece of bacon. “Perhaps Mara can answer some.”

“Can my brothers leave him alive long enough when we find him, so I can ask?” She lifts a brow. Luca shrugs and takes a bite.

“That’s a no from Luca,” Atlas says.

“Guys,” she growls.

“I want him dead,” Luca says.

“I know, but can you hold off for a few minutes?” she asks.

“Depends,” Atlas says.

“On what?” She narrows her eyes.

“If he opens his mouth,” he replies.

“Or if he says anything about you or Sally,” Luca adds.

“How about you restrain him, and then I can ask?” She crosses her arms.

“Do you think you are going with us?” Luca asks, and Allie sits straight, glaring at him.

“Don’t even,” she hisses, smacking him on the chest. “I am not a delicate flower. I’m going with you.” She turns to me. “Sally, you agree with me.” I look at her, and then Luca, and then Atlas.

“She deserves to face him and ask her questions.” Allie grins, lifting her chin.

“I understand their worry, but you aren’t human.

She needs closure, and you will be the best brothers to give it to her.

” I pick up my cup. “I am not a delicate flower either.” I lift a brow.

“Don’t even think about leaving me behind. ”

“Of course not, Tricks,” Luca mumbles, and I don’t trust it. Allie jumps to my defense, but I ignore their conversation, glancing at the flower.

I shove my emotions away. The silly hope that flower gave me pisses me off.

I shouldn’t want anything to do with the man.

He threw me away and blamed me for things out of my control.

The things I had to do to survive because of him gave me nightmares for years, and that was when I was able to sleep.

I might be delusional, keeping the flowers, choosing to remember my mom and not that asshole when I looked at them.

Feelings I have ignored are overflowing, demanding to be acknowledged.

Just a few more days. We have to catch Fredrick.

Then I’ll deal with my dad.