Page 40 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

“You told me I’m a sexy vampire,” Sally says.

“That is freaking amazing,” Allie whispers fiercely.

“What’s going on?” Heath asks, getting out of his car. Bane and Hunter walk behind him.

“Sally can direct her words into Allie and the dragons’ heads,” Luca explains. “And she can hear their response.”

“Interesting,” he mutters. His eyes widen. “Did you just tell me to shift?”

“I am going to have some fun with this power,” Sally says. Bane cracks a smile, but directs it at his brother. They don’t say much, and they don’t have to. Their presence is powerful.

“Tricks, I’m thrilled you have a cool power. If we stand here any longer, Fredrick is going to sense us,” Luca says.

“The dragons are lifting off,” Allie whispers, her eyes wide as she watches.

“Can you smell his scent?” Sally asks her.

“Not yet,” she says.

“He shouldn’t be able to smell us yet, then.” Sally bounces on her toes. “When you do, tell me, and I can use my power of walking into others' minds. I’ll tell them to haul ass this way.”

“Walking into others' minds?” Micah asks as he strolls over.

“I just named it. Don’t pretend you didn’t hear everything,” she says, and he grins. “I’m ready.” She punches the air, and I laugh.

“Shouldn’t we take this more seriously?” Luca asks, frowning.

“Probably,” I say softly. “Spread out. Keep your steps quiet and fast.” I grab Sally’s hand, and Luca steps to her other side as we glide across the ground.

Allie blurs next to me, keeping pace. Sally is having a conversation with her, and it’s coming through the bond clearly.

I share a look with Luca. They are going to be trouble.

My sister is using the gift as a distraction.

I know all her moods. She has never been shy about sharing her feelings, except for her fear of being hurt.

We travel a mile in seconds, and soon I can see the house in the distance.

It’s roughly three miles away, but my vision cuts through the trees.

The house is large and is surrounded by bushes.

There is a barn across from it, and several cars are parked outside.

Allie falters, and I know she caught his scent.

Sally reads her mind and sends a message to Quinn.

Her gift is amazing. She's using it as if she had had it for years. I believe it’s easier to send it to Quinn at such a great distance because she works with him daily.

He takes the information without many questions, getting past his shock in record time.

I can hear his responses to her, trickling through our bond.

We gain speed, knowing Fredrick must smell us.

They aren’t in the barn. As we reach the yard, men run out of the house.

The dragons are above us, but I keep my focus on the ones meeting us.

I count twenty-five bodies, and they are surrounding the man we came for.

All of them are vampires. I expect an attack, but they don’t move.

We slow down and come to a stop yards away.

The snakes and jaguars are to our left, and Micah is with Daisy on our right.

I don’t sense Bash and Marie but don’t look for them.

“Allie, my girl. You came back to me,” Fredrick says, staring at her. “You brought friends.” He meets my eyes and smirks. “You finally found me.” He doesn’t show any fear, only satisfaction.

“Why?” Allie asks, stepping forward, and I barely restrain myself from grabbing her.

“Why, what, sweets?” He tilts his head.

“Why now? What do you want?” She stands straight, her chin up.

He shrugs. “I was bored.” I narrow my eyes. “You were a delicious treat, and when I smelled your unforgettable scent, I thought it would be fun to reunite.”

“Watch your mouth,” Luca growls.

“The violent one,” Fredrick murmurs, looking at him. “I heard of the many fights.” Luca bares his teeth.

“Do you want me to show you how violent I can be?” Luca asks, taking a step. For the first time, I see caution in Fredricks's face.

“So barbaric,” he replies. “Remember how much older I am.”

“Are we comparing age and power?” Micah asks, holding his hand out as he walks closer. One of the vampires closest to him falls to his knees, his nose bleeding. “Let’s not fuck around.” He grins, and the vampire gurgles, falling on his face. Fredrick grinds his teeth and takes a step back.

“Give her the answers she deserves,” I command, reluctantly impressed with Micah.

“That’s all you want? Answers?” he snaps.

“Boss,” one of his vampires mumbles. His gaze moves from Micah to the dragons in the sky.

“Shut up.” Fredrick is standing his ground, but his friends are tense. I’m sure they didn’t expect what we are capable of. “The world is getting too soft. We are forced into the shadows, and we have to play nice with the humans. I’m sick of hiding what I am.”

“What does that have to do with my sister?” I ask, holding Sally’s hand tightly. Her need to hurt him is humming through her body.

“It was a happy coincidence,” he laughs as he looks at her.

“I forgot about her. Our time was brief, and it didn’t hurt to leave her.

I was a young vampire, and my urges took me elsewhere.

When I smelled her scent after the first time you didn’t catch me, it took me back to a simpler time.

I wanted it back. She would be a beautiful addition to my collection.

” Five of the vampires are women, and they shift uneasily.

“Fuck you,” Allie snarls, and Luca vibrates with rage.

“Such fire,” he rasps, licking his lips. I clench my hand, ready to take his head off. “I want to build a world for our species. We need to take back the power. The humans are weak, but they can be made stronger. You’ve been fucking up my progress.”

“You call killing them progress?” I hiss.

“There have been some casualties. Nothing is perfect. They were too weak to complete the change. As you can see, many others have. We work together, bringing the truth. You have been in my way, and I want you gone. Allie is a bonus.” He looks around.

“I wasn’t expecting your friends. It’s unusual.

Dragons with shifters and vampires.” He stares at Heath.

“What are you? I’ve never smelled anything like you.

” Heath sighs, gripping his cane and his mate tightly.

“It never gets old,” he whispers, tipping his head back. “Would you like me to show you?” Heath stands straight and lifts a brow.

“I think he does,” Luca says, grinning. “Any more questions?” he asks Allie.

“No,” she whispers.

“Can we kill them now?” Luca asks me.

“Wait,” Fredrick says quickly. “Can I propose a trade?” He grins. There is a reason he has been calm. “Bring her out.” He studies Sally, and my neck prickles.

Someone emerges from the house, a body over his shoulder. I pull Sally closer. Her frame is frozen. The body is thrown at Fredricks's feet. I’m shocked as the woman's hair falls away from her bloody face. She looks exactly like Sally.

“No,” Sally whispers, moving forward. “Mom?”

Fuck. Her vision was true.