Page 38 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

I keep the office in my mind, and we travel the same roads I do every day.

We live in a world that doesn't know we exist. As a rabbit shifter, I always knew we would get hunted if they knew, as a vampire, they would be terrified. I’m something more now.

Hybrids are rare because not many shifters cross species.

We rely on the universe to know best and pair us with the perfect person.

I’m grateful they found my boyfriends. I know for sure I would be bumping into everyone if I weren't between them.

My eyes are able to focus on our surroundings as if in slow motion.

The office is around the corner. Quinn was known for staying at the office, but since he mated, he no longer sleeps there.

He would be annoyed if he saw us. We circle the building, and the guys have to pull me to a stop.

I gasp as the world tilts, and I try to center my body.

“Holy shit,” I rasp, bending over. Pressing my hands to my knees, I breathe deeply.

“You did great, Little Bunny, even though you didn’t hear a word I said.” Atlas leans over, and I turn my head and meet his eyes.

“What?” I gasp and cough.

“Tricks,” Luca scoffs.

“Fine. I’m distracted. I did it, though,” I point out.

“Are you ready to go back?” Atlas asks.

“I can’t seem to catch my breath.” I stand straight and lift my arms. “One second.” I stretch my arms high and then twist back and forth. “I’m good.” I crack my neck.

“You sure?” Luca grins.

“Of course,” I say, lifting my chin.

“Would you like a ride?” Atlas asks.

“I would love that,” I sigh.

“Hop up,” he says, holding out his arms.

“It’s not that I can’t,” I insist, jumping on him. “I’m tired.”

“We understand.” Luca nods slowly.

“When we tell this story, I’m going to embellish,” I say, wrapping my arms around Atlas’s neck.

“Whatever you want,” Atlas says, cradling my ass. He steps, and we’re gone.

I lift my head and close my eyes. Blurring is invigorating whether I’m doing it or my mates.

I will figure out how to do it without their assistance, but I’m not complaining about being in their arms. I’m a fast learner—all I need is practice.

Their blood is calling to me again, and I wonder if I’ll ever get enough.

I smell the humans, yet I don’t crave them.

I can tell the difference between their blood and my mates.

They are safe from me because I have no desire to test out drinking from them. My sense of smell is sharper.

Opening my eyes, I notice we are almost home and realize they didn’t travel at their normal speed as I was learning.

I can see for miles behind us. They stop where we started, and Atlas slides me down his body.

I warm at the contact and am ready for the next desire on the list. They each take a hand and lead me into the building.

“Why am I tired?” I ask, as suddenly a wave of exhaustion slows my feet.

“It’s normal after the change,” Atlas says softly.

“Your body has been through a trauma,” Luca says, unlocking my door.

“Shit, I don’t want to sleep,” I complain. Luca presses his hand to the small of my back, and I melt into his hand. He practically carries me to the bedroom, and my eyes are heavy. “We have more fun to be had. I can’t go to sleep.” Atlas steps in front of us and unbuttons my jeans.

“You need to,” he says softly.

“Why?” I whine as he pulls my pants down.

“Don’t pout,” Luca says. “We have plenty of time. You need to recharge.”

“Maybe just a couple of hours.” I yawn, blinking rapidly. “Where’s my phone?”

“Beside the bed,” Atlas says while he undresses.

Luca wraps his hand around my waist, helping me to bed.

As I put a knee on the mattress, I grab my phone and hug it to my chest. Atlas leaves the room, and I hear him securing the apartment.

Luca moves away to undress, and I roll to the middle and wait for my boyfriends to join me.

Glancing at my phone, I see several messages, but I don’t have the energy to reply.

Instead, I pull up the group message and start a text.

Get ready.

There’s a new vamp in town!

Dropping my phone to my chest, I fall asleep with a smile.

“Little Bunny.” I swat at the hand on my arm. “It’s time to get up.”

“Nuh-uh,” I grumble, rolling over.

“Tricks, did you happen to send a message?” Luca asks.

“Umm…” I pry open my eyes, squinting. “I vaguely remember that.”

“I’m surprised your phone hasn’t overloaded because of all the messages rolling in,” Atlas says.

“Your family will be here soon,” Luca sighs.

“Shit.” I roll flat and stretch. My senses are coming alive, and my hunger is hitting me. “Do we have time for a morning snack?” My fangs are beginning to pulse, and my stomach clenches.

“Even if we don’t, they can fucking wait,” Luca says, sliding his arms underneath me. He picks me up and settles me on his lap. I don’t delay, sliding my fangs deep into his neck. He holds my head and groans.

He tastes even better than the first time.

I’ve never drunk blood or thought about what it would be like, even after knowing I would mate vampires.

It is a fact of being a vampire that you need it to live.

I wonder if I will need it as much as the days go by.

I’m wide awake as it flows through my body and fuels my vampire.

I ease back and seal the bite with a lick.

“Fuck, someone’s outside,” Luca mumbles.

“Can you control them while I finish feeding our mate?” Atlas asks, and Luca sighs.

“I suppose.” Luca exhales harshly and leaves the room.

“Come here, Little Bunny,” Atlas growls, and I crawl across the bed. “So fucking sexy.” I smirk and climb onto his lap. He tilts his head, and I drink.

The brothers' tastes are similar, yet slightly different. They have a flavor unique to them. I love both and couldn’t live without them.

Atlas is hard, and I roll my hips. His hands grip my hips, squeezing.

He holds me still, and I whimper against his skin.

My heat is blasting through me, and I need relief.

I drink greedily and push against his hands, but he holds firm.

Raised voices penetrate the fog of lust, and I reluctantly ease back.

“We will go somewhere to be alone when this is over,” I hiss, and back away.

“Yes,” he agrees, standing and adjusting himself. “Get dressed.” I take a step, and I’m in my closet. Shit. “Let me.” Atlas appears beside me, and I grin. I motion to a pair of shorts and he helps me into them.

“Thanks, boyfriend,” I whisper, and he grabs my hand. When he opens the door, Luca is standing guard on the other side of it.

“It’s true,” Micah growls, and I push against Luca’s back. He reluctantly allows me to step into the room, and I see my best friend's angry face. Before I can focus on who’s in the room, he holds up his phone. “What the fuck kind of message is this?”

“Well—” I blink when he interrupts me.

“Why didn’t you call before?” he asks.

“We should have been here supporting you,” Bash says, and my eyes widen.

“He was worried,” Marie says.

“You need your family around you,” River grumbles, crossing his arms.

“You look fierce,” Saphira whispers, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Definitely,” Roxanne agrees.

“It’s official,” Allie says, clapping her hands. “Sister.” She grins.

“I don’t check the texts,” Quinn says, scowling. “So, imagine my surprise when I checked the security tapes at the office. I wanted to make sure Fredrick didn’t pay us a visit. Instead, I see the three of you. Sally was blurring, her fangs showing.”

“My fangs were out?” I ask, tilting my head toward Luca.

“Yes,” he answers, his lips pressing together.

“Huh? I didn’t know.” I move my tongue around my mouth. “They aren’t now.”

“Can I see them?” Roxanne asks.

“I want to, too,” Saphira whispers to Roxanne.

“It was personal,” Atlas grits out. “Sally wanted to complete the bond. I wasn’t going to call all of you and get permission. Shade has the area protected, and your office. She made it through the transition in record time, and as you can see, she’s fine.”

“But what if she wasn’t?” Heath says softly, stepping forward. Jules grips his arm tightly, her face pinched. Bane and Hunter follow their boss, quiet but watchful.

“We would have reached out,” Luca says.

“She’s happy. Look at her.” Rowen is leaning against the counter, separate from the crowd. “Leave her the fuck alone. They didn’t want a crowd interrupting their moment. Get over it.”

“Rowen,” I sigh happily. I’m surprised he’s here. Despite his protests, I put him on the group text.

“He’s right,” Ava says. “You look beautiful.”

“Leave them alone,” Kerian says. “Most of you would have preferred being alone during the transition.”

“Are you happy?” Micah asks.

“I am.” I squeeze my boyfriends’ arms and move toward him. “I’m safe. Blurring was super fun, and I’m excellent at it.” I can feel the humor through the bond. “My mates said so,” I add. Micah glances behind me and shakes his head.

“I’d love to blur with you. Be witness to your skills,” he says, raising his brows.

“Maybe another time,” I say quickly. “Since we’re all here, we should make a plan. Fredrick needs to die today.” We all turn when the door opens, and Elijah steps through.

“Damn, I’m missing the party,” he drawls.

“Why are you here? Where’s Saylor?” I ask.

“The dragons are with her. Penny is snuggling the baby, and my brothers are guarding them,” he says, coming forward.

I lose my breath when he pushes his hat back with his hand.

A yellow flower is clenched in his fingers.

“Who’s leaving flowers by your door?” It’s the same flower, a daffodil.

Everyone looks at me. Something is going on, Dad wouldn’t leave so many flowers within a week.

“It’s not important,” I say, reaching out to snag it. “Let’s decide on the plan.”

“Sally, what’s going on?” Micah asks, narrowing his eyes. “Are you in trouble?” I bite my lip and back up. Thankfully, Atlas presses against my back, and Luca grabs my hand. I’ve kept my secrets for too long. I don’t know why I didn’t tell them.

“It’s nothing serious,” I start, clearing my throat. “They're from my dad. He’s punishing me for killing my mom.” Shocked silence follows my statement.

“Tricks, maybe you should explain,” Luca says, and I sigh. I want to go back to bed with my mates and survive on blood and sex. I have a feeling my family is going to lose it.

My day started so promisingly.