Page 39 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Atlas

T he power is building in the room. I watch their faces as Sally tells them about her father.

I barely hold in my grunt as Micah’s ancient power leaks through.

My brave mate shoves her feelings away, her words emotionless, but she can’t hide from the bond.

I feel everything. Bonding with her was the best thing that ever happened to me.

If I could stand between her and anything that will hurt her, I would.

I can see they love her. Normally, I would rather deal with her father without interference, yet with this crew, I doubt we will ever have any secrets.

Her blood connects us, and the bond is strong.

Having help to deal with her dad will ensure we get the time alone we crave.

Rowen stands straight as her story unfolds, and I watch him cautiously.

He is new to the group, and he feels unstable.

He’s younger, but that is not why. There is a wildness that has nothing to do with the vampire inside him.

Sally seems to care for him, so I will be careful while she is around him.

The anger swirls throughout the group, probably causing Sally to keep the details brief.

Her body is adjusting, and her mind is having a hard time concentrating.

I catch her thoughts, scattered, and retreating to blood.

I’m surprised she is taking it so well. Her home is filled with dangerous beings, but their blood will still appeal to her demon.

She isn’t showing any of the tendencies Luca and I did when we first transitioned.

I wonder if it's because of the rabbit shifter, who is still very present. We have yet to explore all her gifts. Blurring with her was entertaining, and even though she doesn’t think she was very successful, I thought she did amazingly well for a new vampire.

I want to kick everyone out and take her to bed. My demon is impatient with her family. He wants to glory in the bond, not deal with them, and those we have to kill.

“My dad is not who we have to track today,” Sally says, tilting her chin up. “I will deal with him in time. Mara gave me two locations. I think we should separate, check both, and wherever he is, someone can message the others.”

“We don’t know how many are with him, so be prepared,” I say, knowing Sally doesn’t want to talk about her dad anymore.

“Sally—” Micah starts, frowning.

“Please,” Sally whispers. “Later.” Her anxiety is dripping through the bond.

“Alright,” he replies.

“Who’s going where?” River asks, studying Sally.

“My boyfriends are with me,” she announces as she walks to the counter. “Rowen, you don’t have to come.” She gets a piece of paper and a pen.

“I’m coming,” he says softly. She breaks the pen in half and frowns.

“I’ll make a list,” she mumbles, picking up another pen gently. I look over her shoulder. Our sneaky mate arranges the list and puts Rowen at the location Fredrick most likely isn’t at. “Is Ryker coming?”

“He is,” Bash says. “I’ll let him know where to meet us.” Sally adds Ryker’s name under Rowen’s. He will be able to control the younger vampire if needed.

“Anyone else?” she asks.

“The lions are ready,” Ava says.

“The panthers are willing if needed,” Kerian says, and Sally nods, adding to the list.

“Here are your assignments.” She grins and moves out of the way. Allie is under our names, and I don’t know how to feel about it. Sally lifts a brow as she stares at me. I don’t doubt my sister's ability to fight. Her mental demons may hinder her, though.

“I know his scent,” Allie says, walking toward us. “If he’s there, we will let you know.”

Micah hums when he sees his name with ours, and I will be grateful to have him with us.

I don’t know him well enough to like him, but his ancient power will make the battle much easier.

Bash nods at Sally, satisfaction in his expression being under the column with Sally’s name.

The snakes, Heath and Juliana, are on our side.

Sally added Bane and Hunter to join their friend, Heath.

“It’s like getting picked for the gym team,” Ava mutters. “Except this time, both teams are good.”

“You’ll always be on my team, cupcake,” River says, and Sally leans toward him. “What?” he asks her.

“You smell like food,” she says.

“Is that why I’m on the opposite team? So you don’t bite me?” he asks.

“I didn’t say I wanted a taste,” she replies, wrinkling her nose.

“You say that,” he teases, and steps back when I glare at him.

“I need some ‘kicking ass’ clothes,” Sally says and disappears. “Shit. How does that happen?” Her family’s wide eyes stare at the bedroom doorway, as she peeks around the frame. “I’ll get the hang of it.”

“I’ll help her pick out clothes,” Saphira says and hurries after her.

“They’ll need a third opinion,” Roxanne decides and joins them, shutting the door.

“Wait for me,” Allie squeals, blurring to the door and through it. When it clicks shut, Micah turns to me and Luca.

“Where’s the dad?” he hisses.

“We don’t know,” I answer.

“How did he leave the flower without any of us knowing?” Juliana asks.

“Rabbits can mask their scent,” Daisy says.

“She has never seen or scented who leaves them,” Luca says.

“It could be a delivery service, but she would smell a human,” I add.

“I didn’t smell anything,” Elijah says, crossing his arms. “All I could sense was the ones in the apartment. Saylor is going to be pissed that she didn’t know.”

“It seems Sally thinks she can handle a lot of things by herself,” Bash drawls, and I ignore the jab.

“She was fine,” Luca grits out, unable to leave it alone.

“Luca—”

“Bad Sally,” Roxanne gasps. “You don’t try to bite your friend.”

“Brothers,” Allie yells, and we blur to the room. Our sister is standing between Roxanne and Sally, her arms spread wide. Our mate’s fangs are out, and Saphira’s hand is covering her mouth, her shoulders shaking.

“Fuck,” Sally moans. “I’m sorry. You sat on the bed, and I smelled my boyfriend's scent on you. My demon took over.”

“Everyone out,” I command.

“Crap, I didn’t think,” Roxanne says, walking backwards toward the door. “I’ll forgive you once your eyes aren’t black.” Sally blinks, and they leave.

“Black?” she whispers as I reach her. “I don’t want to eat my friends.”

“You won’t eat them,” Luca says, smothering a smile.

“It’s natural to be possessive,” I say, brushing her hair back. “We just completed the bond. It’s fresh, and your demon was in control.”

“I don’t think it’s going to get much better,” she mumbles, fisting my shirt. “I’m going to be very jealous.”

“I don’t mind it,” Luca mentions.

“Brother,” I sigh.

“What? Don’t tell me you don’t like it,” he drawls, and I roll my eyes.

“You can be possessive all you want,” I admit. “Do you need help?” I ask, looking down. Her pants are on the floor.

“Yes.” She follows my gaze. “Those are my absolute favorites. I would hate to ruin them.” Luca swipes them up and guides them on her.

“Are you ready for this, Little Bunny?” I ask.

“I am. Just promise to rescue my friends if I try to feed from them.” She laughs. “That’s going to be hilarious tomorrow.”

“Maybe for you.” I grin.

“Atlas, will you get my purse?” She points, and I nod, bringing it to her. She digs inside and gets her rabbit's foot. “Just in case.” She tucks it in her pocket.

“It will all be over soon,” Luca says, sliding her shirt over her head.

“I know. I can sense it,” she says softly.

“Can you sense the outcome?” I ask.

“No.” Her eyes change to their normal color, but I can see the worry in them.

Whatever happens, her safety is the most important. If I have to blur her out of the situation, I will. While I do that, Luca will tear them apart.

Taking the vehicles was necessary. Our scents are lessened, so it will be harder for Fredrick to smell us coming too soon.

He found a house in the middle of the country.

We have to leave the cars miles away so that he won’t hear the engines.

Pulling off into a clearing on the side of the road, I wait for the others to join us.

Bash refused to ride in a car and is blurring here with Marie.

He’s going to scout the area and report back.

I’m not used to working with this many people.

It’s going to be difficult to be stealthy.

The dragons have a powerful fire scent; if Fredrick is as skilled as he appears, we can’t hide our presence for long.

Sally is jittery: her fingers are twisted together in her lap, and her gaze is constantly moving.

“Sally, are you okay?” I ask, turning in my seat.

“Sure.” She bobs her head, and her smile is strained. I lift my brows, and she sighs. “I’m good. My body is on overdrive. I feel like I drank a gallon of sugar-filled coffee. In an hour.”

“We won’t let anything happen to you,” Luca says.

“I’m more worried about biting someone's head off,” she grimaces.

“If you get the urge, I’ll point you in the bad guy's direction,” Allie says, leaning between the seats. “When I turned, it helped to focus on one thing. Keep repeating that goal in your head.”

“That might help,” Sally mutters. “Thanks.”

“Anytime, Sis.” Allie grins, but her eyes are haunted.

“Are you ready for this?” I ask her.

“Brother, I want it over,” she says. “There is no way we can lose with all the family around us.”

“I suppose not,” I whisper.

“Let’s go,” Luca says, his knee bouncing. “I hate all the waiting.” When we work together, we get in and out as quickly as possible.

“We should.” Sally points out the window. “The dragons are shifting. It’s hard to miss them.”

“Shit.” I open my door, and they follow.

“That is amazing,” Allie whispers.

“Saphira is beautiful,” Sally says, and then jerks. “Umm…boyfriends.” She looks at us with wide eyes. “It seems I’ve gained a new power. Saphira responded to my compliment in my head.”

“Holy shit,” Allie gasps, grabbing Sally’s hand. “Try me, try me.” She closes her eyes, and Sally stares at her.