Page 30 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

Chapter Seventeen

Atlas

S ally was quiet as she finished her meal. We volunteered to clear the table and she went to take a shower. Allie is in the other bathroom, and I finally have a moment to talk to Luca. We keep our voices to a whisper.

“My instinct is to call Shade,” he says, placing dishes in the sink. “He could find her dad.”

“But you know how angry she would be,” I say.

“Would it be worth facing it?”

“Maybe.” I sigh. “I want to protect her, yet she doesn’t want our interference.”

“Are we going to let them come when we deal with Fredrick?” he asks.

“I would like to be in the room when you tell them we aren’t going to let them,” I say dryly. “Do we want to live happily with Sally when this is done? Do we still want to have a friendly relationship with our sister?”

“Are you okay with putting them in danger?” He turns and crosses his arms.

“Fuck no,” I hiss. “I don’t want them to go. If I had my way, they would be far away from the asshole. Allie is determined. Sally wants to fight at our side.”

“I don’t like it,” he grits out.

“They’re both fighters. We will protect them while they do what they need to.” It doesn’t feel right, but I won’t stop them. “Allie works with us, you’ve seen what she can do.”

“The bond is fucking with me,” he says softly. “I know Sally is fierce. My gut is telling me to keep her safe.”

“We’ll be with her,” I remind him. “She won’t get hurt.”

“Is your demon getting impatient?” he asks, stepping close.

“Yes.” I roll my shoulders. “He wants her now. I’m hungrier than usual. Tasting her set him off.” All he wants is her blood and her body. We are one, yet his needs are amplified.

“I’ve been holding back,” he admits, dropping his arms and gripping the counter. “He has always liked violence. I’m on edge every moment, barely holding back.”

“We can’t rush her,” I mumble. “It has to be on her terms. Her family would kill us if we demanded anything of her. I want her to choose it, to choose us.”

“She will,” he says firmly. “We have to play nice.”

“I’m better at that.” I laugh shortly. “Follow my lead.”

“I don’t like being around them, all at once,” he says.

“We’ll adjust. As long as we get Sally, we can get used to anything.” We share a grin.

“If you say so,” he says, looking at Sally’s door. “I can’t live without her.”

“I know,” I whisper, gripping his shoulder. “We won’t have to. Fredrick is the reason we came here.”

“Should we thank him?” He lifts a brow.

“Let’s not go that far.” The universe or creator knew what they were doing. I don’t believe in coincidence. There is always a greater plan.

“Are you happy, brother?” he asks, tilting his head.

“I am.” Squeezing my hand and moving away. “It’s not as difficult as I thought. Sharing her.”

“I’m surprised. I thought I would want to hurt you for touching her. Our demons decided to be nice, at least to each other.” He grins. “Everyone else is fair game.”

“I’ve always wanted you to find peace.” I hear the shower turn off.

“You needed someone to bring that to you,” he says, and I nod. “I needed someone to match my intensity. Our mate certainly does all of that.”

“We are lucky.” Power surges through the air. “The ancient is here.” Micah is the oldest vampire we have encountered. I would hate to be on the receiving end of his fury.

“An ancient that knocks,” Luca mumbles. My brother isn’t scared of much, so he opens the door to show his lack of fear. Micah must appreciate the fearlessness and smirks.

“Luca,” he says. He nods and glides past him. “Atlas. If Daisy steals anything, don’t say anything. I won’t be happy.” Daisy rolls her eyes, but doesn’t disagree. Luca shuts the door and leans against it. “Are you settling in?”

“Yes.” I tilt my head. “Are you going to ask about our intentions?” I can appreciate and respect his age and power. But no one can keep us away from Sally.

“I expect that they are good. You wouldn’t still be here if they weren’t,” he says, sitting on the arm of the couch. Daisy perches on his leg, her lips twitching.

“You would make us leave,” Luca says.

“No. I wouldn’t have to. Sally would.” He lifts a shoulder. “I would help. We are best friends.”

“We won’t do anything to hurt her,” Luca growls.

“I believe you,” he says, tilting his head at Luca. “You would kill for her. I feel the violence in your demon.” Luca narrows his eyes, and Micah looks at me. “You hide your beast behind civility.”

“He lets it out when it counts,” Sally drawls, sauntering from the bedroom.

“Hey, bestie.” She winks at him as she walks to Luca, grabs his hand, and pulls him.

She stops next to me and leans close. “Let’s all play nice.

” She made a statement. They are her family, but her loyalty is with us now.

Allie leaves the spare bedroom, stopping as she sees the vampire.

“Damn, the tension is thick,” she hums and continues forward. “Sister, are they being bad?” Allie also makes a statement with her words and stands beside Luca.

“Not yet,” Sally says. “I don’t know if I should be upset by the testosterone floating around me.”

“Don’t worry, Tricks,” Luca says, kissing the side of her head. “He cares about you. We respect it.”

“You should worry about Daisy. She fights dirty,” Sally says, walking toward her.

“What? Me?” Daisy chuckles, standing and hugs her. “You should let them think Micah is the threat.” Micah smacks her ass and she squeals. She releases Sally and whirls around, rubbing her ass. He grins and lifts his chin.

“When is the witch getting here?” Micah asks, pulling his mate back on his lap.

“Anytime,” Sally says. She pushes between us and hops onto the counter. I have a flashback of the first day we met. I wanted her then, but a few days have increased my need more than I thought possible. “They didn’t tell me exactly.”

“You invited the wolf?” Micah asks, lifting a brow and looking at the door.

“I heard that,” River grumbles through the door. He doesn’t knock, swinging it wide. “I invited myself.” Every time I’ve seen him, his face is relaxed, and his eyes are filled with humor. Today, he’s tense, caution etched on his face.

“Out of the way,” Roxanne says, sliding beside him. “Damn, they're still delicious.” She smiles, her eyes wicked as she moves into Sally’s arms. “You are a lucky rabbit. I want two vampires.”

“You can have any vampires you want,” Sally says, pulling back. “Just not mine.”

“Such a bummer,” Roxanne sighs, and Sally growls low. “I wasn’t asking for yours.” She backs away, holding up her hands, and I shake my head. I love Sally’s possessiveness.

“Sorry, I’m feeling a bit touchy.” Sally rubs her chest.

“Understandable.” Roxanne squeezes her hand. “I would be too.”

“Where’s the witch?” River sneers, shutting the door and moving to the window.

“Not here yet,” I say, watching him. He doesn’t want to be here, but his need to protect Sally overrides his emotions.“River, you can go,” Sally says softly.

“No.” He turns to stare outside.

I smell fire and know the dragons are coming.

Sally hops down and walks to the door before they knock, letting them enter.

Greetings are exchanged, and I look around the room.

They all came for Sally, not us. We are unknown to them, but they trust Sally and her judgment.

I remain at the counter as Sally passes out drinks.

Luca stays at my side, and his presence calms me.

Allie chats with everyone, not afraid to fall into their little family.

I won’t be able to relax until after we catch Fredrick, and I’m not sure when I will feel like I’m part of them.

Luca is anxious. His body is wired, and I doubt he will trust the world we were thrust into.

“They are close,” Sally announces, looking at her phone. The room seems to inhale, and the conversation is cut off. “Everyone will take it easy.” Someone is coming to the door, but it’s not the witch.

“The snake,” Luca mutters, and Sally goes to the door.

It takes every ounce of restraint to let her welcome him.

He smiles at her, and I swallow my growl.

Heath’s eyes glow as he steps inside, his mate's hand in his. I glance at the cane he holds tightly in his fist. It is an extension of his power, and I don’t underestimate him or it.

“You were invited?” River asks.

“Did I need to be?” he replies, lifting his brow. I get the feeling he does whatever the fuck he wants.

“You’re always welcome,” Sally says, and I grind my teeth.

“To you I am,” he says, staring at me. Sally looks at me and then at Luca, whose jaw is ticking.

“He won’t hurt me,” she says softly, and I nod shortly. “Have a seat. They’ll be here soon.” She walks toward us and stops close. “Are you worried?” She places her palm on my chest and tangles her other hand in Luca’s shirt.

“We’re dealing,” I say, covering her hand.

“Luca?” She tilts her head.

“I want it done,” he says low.

“Nothing bad will happen,” she says.

“We’re inviting a witch over,” River drawls, looking over his shoulder.

“Anything could happen.” Luca growls.

“Easy, River,” Sally says as she turns. “I will understand if you need to leave.” She squeezes between us and wraps her hands around our arms.

“I’m good,” he sighs.

“You don’t sound good,” Luca rumbles.

“Would you be?” River steps away from the window, staring at Luca. “She worked for the man who tortured me for years. She helped hide the place that confined shifters for fun.”

“I sympathize.” Luca crosses his arms. “We were told she was protecting someone she loves.”

“All of those shifters were loved by someone,” River replies harshly, walking slowly toward us.