Page 31 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

“River, stop,” I hiss, stepping forward.

“I don’t give a fuck who offers us help to find the man who wants to take my sister.

” Moving in front of Sally and Luca, I hold my arms loosely at my sides, ready for anything.

“Did you know he threatened Sally?” I ask, and the room turns cold.

“He knows she is our mate.” Micah stands, his power leaking.

Heath hisses and taps his cane. I pull out my phone and find the message.

“This is the man who threatens our mate.” I throw my phone to Micah.

“Who threatens our sister?” Micah snarls and passes the message around.

“I get that she helped the bad guy, but now she’s willing to help the good ones.

We will do whatever the fuck we need to in order to protect our family.

No one is allowed to fuck with Sally.” My fangs descend, and my breath is harsh.

“Who threatened my best friend?” Saphira snaps from the doorway. As we all turn to her, I try to calm my demon.

“Atlas, I’m here,” Sally presses to my side, wrapping her arms around my waist. I drop my head, cracking my neck.

“Brother, we’ll find him,” Luca says, stepping to my other side.

“No one threatens Sally,” River whispers, staring at the message.

“What’s happening?” Saphira stomps across the room. “Show me,” she demands, holding her hand toward River. Her eyes widen, and a puff of smoke huffs out of her nose. “No fucking way.”

“Calm, Firefly,” Kingston mutters, placing his palm on the back of her neck.

“Do not set my house on fire,” Sally says.

“Who the fuck does he think he is?” Saphira snarls.

“He’ll be dead soon,” Heath says.

“My brothers can handle it,” Allie says.

“I want a hit,” River says.

“Same,” Daisy grits out.

“I want to cut his dick off,” Saphira says.

“Saph,” Maverick says, grabbing her hand. “Calm down.”

“How can I be calm?” she asks.

“This is the reason all my furniture is broken. You wouldn’t tell me what set you off,” Roxanne says to Allie. The noise increases, and I look around at Sally’s family. She means everything to them.

“Everyone, shut the fuck up,” Luca rumbles, his hands on his hips. “I’m glad we aren’t the only bloodthirsty people in Sally’s life, but you aren’t helping. She is ours. We will take care of him. I don’t care how powerful you are—shut up and sit the fuck down.”

Wide eyes focus on Luca. Allie smirks and sits down.

Everyone stops. Micah looks at us with respect, nodding before settling Daisy on his lap.

River steps back, turns, and walks back to the window.

Heath relaxes, guiding Juliana to the far corner.

Roxanne drops into the chair behind her, waving her hand toward her face.

The dragons settle on the couch, Kingston and Maverick gently pushing Saphira.

“Damn, boyfriends,” Sally rasps, leaning against my arm. “Is it wrong to be totally turned on?” I shake my head, grinning.

“Not that I don’t enjoy a woman's desire,” Ryker says, stopping in the open door. “But now is not the time.” The tension returns quickly as he leads Serenity into the room, followed by another woman.

“This is Mara,” Serenity says. “She came to help.” She directs a pointed look at everyone in the room.

Mara is a striking woman. She has long black hair that reaches her waist and light green eyes that hold sadness and knowledge. Her body is rigid. The leather gloves she wears are odd as she is wearing a long skirt and a long-sleeved top.

“Heath, I wasn’t aware you were coming,” Ryker says, and Heath shrugs. The vampire rolls his eyes. “Allie, please come here.” Serenity shuts the door and leans against it. Allie slowly rises. “Mara, this is Allie.”

“Nice to meet you,” Allie says, stopping in front of the witch.

“You too,” she says softly, her attention bouncing around the room.

“Sally,” Ryker calls, waving his hand. “Mara would like you close.” As Sally moves toward her, we follow.

“Hello, Sally,” Mara says.

“Why do you want me involved?” Sally asks, tilting her head.

“You have the least amount of fear for what I am,” Mara says, focusing on Sally.

“Your gift has elements of mine, and I think you can understand me better than most.” She smiles slightly.

“I am aware most of you in the room would like to kill me rather than understand me.” She looks at River.

He is leaning against the window, his distrust evident.

“I’m sorry.” River jerks. “I wish I had never met your uncle. His appearance in my life was never something I wanted. I live with the guilt of my role in the Games every day. I met your mate. She was beautiful and strong. I wanted to help her, but he threatened someone in my life. The only person in my life who is truly good and pure. I had to protect them just as all of you showed up here to stand between me and Sally.” She looks back at Sally.

“Thank you for your good heart.” Mara glances at us.

“You are good for her.” She clears her throat.

“Allie, I will explain how my spells work.” Allie nods.

“I will have to touch you. Your memories will transfer to me. You will feel nothing, but I will take in all of your pain and experiences. I will delve into your time with the man and get as much information about him as possible.”

“Can you find him that way?” Allie asks.

“Not exactly.” She licks her lips. “Afterward, I will have to do a location spell.”

“Does it hurt you?” Sally asks.

“Yes.” She stares at Sally. “It might take me a while to recover from the touch before I do the spell.”

“What do I do?” Allie asks.

“Just give me your hand.” Mara removes one of her gloves, and Ryker moves beside Serenity.

“Please do not interfere. If I fall, do not touch me. It will make it worse.” Her gifts seem like a horrible curse.

I feel for her. She’s brave to walk into a room full of shifters and vampires who hate the things she did.

“Promise me,” she insists, meeting everyone’s eyes.

“We promise not to touch you,” River says, his body relaxing. Perhaps he has realized she is not the enemy he thought.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “Give me your hand.”

I’ve never seen a witch in action, and I should be concerned for Allie.

Our sister stands determined, holding her hand out.

If Mara can be trusted, she will feel all the pain Allie has experienced.

The witch will take the burden. I don’t sense anything vindictive about her, and her guilt over the past is the only thing driving her to help.

“Are you sure, Mara?” Serenity whispers.

“Yes.” She breathes deeply. “I’m ready.” Mara’s hand shakes slightly as she clasps my sister's. Mara’s head drops back, and she closes her eyes. Her body shudders, and her mouth parts.

I can see the magic swirling between them, and my eyes can track the power.

Mara’s anguish fills the room, and everyone shifts uncomfortably.

Allie has lived a full, often painful, life.

All of it seems to flash across Mara’s face.

She straightens her head, her eyes wide and staring at Allie, yet they are clouded.

“Fuck, I’m sorry,” Mara whispers, and I frown.

“Me too,” Allie replies.

I share a look with Luca. Our sister has secrets. One she hasn’t told us about.