Page 46 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

Chapter Twenty-Six

Atlas

“ W hy are we here? Where’s Sally?” Micah asks, narrowing his eyes. I lean against the desk in Quinn’s office beside Luca, my arms crossed.

“We know where her dad is,” I say, and watch their bodies tense.

We decided to invite several of the family to join us here.

Sally stayed at the apartment and doesn’t know about our plan.

I enlisted Allie to keep her busy. She should be worn out after the marathon fucking yesterday, but she’s full of energy.

My sister swore she would keep Sally from biting the rest of the women in the family, since she had invited them all.

“Sally wants to see him,” Luca says.

“Does she know you are telling us this?” Heath asks.

“To an extent,” I say softly.

“Is this why our mates suddenly had plans today?” Bash grumbles.

“Yes. They're at the apartment.” Luca’s hands clench the edge of the desk. I look around the room at the deadliest predators in the world. They may be dangerous, but I know they are on the side of good.

“I was wondering why Saylor was taking the baby out of the house for the first time,” Elijah drawls.

“Is she alright?” Bane asks. He is standing close to Heath, his brother Hunter beside him.

“She’s fine. I know she’s nervous but determined,” I say.

“Stubborn,” Bash grits out.

“Where is he? Does he know she’s coming?” Ryker asks.

“He doesn’t know.” I pause, sharing a look with Luca. “I’m not going to tell you where he is yet.”

“Why?” River asks.

“He thinks we’ll kill him,” Rowen says.

“I did think about it,” Quinn rumbles, crossing his arms.

“We wouldn’t kill him without Sally’s permission,” Jax says, his brother James smirks. Blue doesn’t say anything, but his eyes show his anger.

“Unless he continues to hurt her,” Maverick adds.

“It wouldn't take much to make him a memory,” Kingston growls.

“Do not set my office on fire,” Quinn says.

“Fire is the least of our worries,” Logan says, looking at me. “Once she finds out you’re planning shit behind her back.” His brothers Luca and Las nod.

“I don’t think that’s what they're doing,” Kerian says, tilting his head.

“Let them talk. We don’t know what they want,” Kane says, leaning against the wall beside his brother. I don’t believe I’ve said anything to either of them, but I’m grateful for their logic.

“I wanted to thank you,” I start, and everyone freezes. “We know how much you have helped Sally. She loves you and considers you her family. Her family was broken apart, and her dad threw her away.”

“Most of her childhood was spent by herself in the woods,” Luca adds, and the room goes haywire.

“What the fuck?” Hunter snarls.

“She has been there for many of you without asking for anything but love and respect,” I continue.

“We didn’t understand the family dynamic, and our past has affected our trust. No matter what her dad’s reaction to her appearance, we will be there to make sure he doesn’t make a move toward her.

She needs answers, and even if I have high doubts that they will be the ones she wants. I want to help her get them.”

“She’s family. You don’t have to thank us for being there for her,” Bash rumbles.

“What do you need from us?” Heath asks.

“If you won’t tell us where he is, why are we here?” Micah demands, his power slipping out, and I cringe slightly.

“Rein it in,” I hiss, and he nods tersely.

I can’t imagine the control it takes to contain his gifts.

“She thinks she can handle anything, and in most cases, she can. Our mate is strong and resilient. None of you understand everything she has been through. All of you have been fortunate to be considered her family, and she loves you. If she is willing, maybe she will tell you more because you don’t know anything. ”

“Her humor hides a depth of pain you can’t imagine,” Luca grits out.

“We are fortunate to call her mate. I love her. Atlas loves her. Nothing can discourage us from living the rest of time with her. You can fill the room with your power, and I will withstand every bit of it.” He glares at Micah.

“I’m grateful she had you, but she has us now.

We will take care of her even when she doesn’t need it.

” He looks around the room. “We don’t need your help with her father. ”

“But we would like your support,” I add.

“What kind of support?” Rowen asks.

“If he tries anything, I’ll kill him,” I state.

“If he doesn’t get to him first, I will,” Luca says.

“I’m sure Sally will deal with him before we need to do that,” I say, dropping my arms. “What I’m asking is for you to show up?

” I meet each man’s eyes briefly before continuing.

“For reasons I won’t explain, I think Sally would like a show of support, even if you don’t do anything but stand there. ”

“She deserves the respect, and to show her father who her family is,” Luca says softly.

“I have not been enthusiastic about joining the family.” Many grins and raised eyebrows appear.

Luca smiles slightly. “But Sally enlightened me as to why. Our parents were killed by vampires. My mother was the best person in my life. I have craved a family. Atlas and Allie were the only people I’ve had in my life.

I love them and don’t want them to ever get hurt.

It will take time, but I think I may start to like some of you. ” His grin widens. “We’ll see.”

“So touching,” Micah says, his hand over his heart. “I understand. I have hope that I may be one of the members you like.” He shares a grin with my brother, and I roll my eyes.

“I’m glad you're bonding,” I say dryly.

“I’m okay with not being one of the members,” Bash states, but he smiles slightly.

“This could go on forever,” Heath sighs, shaking his head.

“Once you agree to a show of support, Quinn will give you the address.” I glance at Quinn.

“He knows everything and can organize the masses. We will be leaving in an hour to go to her dad's house. I doubt he has an army of vampires and shifters, so a battle isn’t imminent.” I exhale harshly.

“I have never met another person who deserves happiness and love more than Sally. The bond has shown me her soul, and we hope to repair the bruises upon it.”

“Fuck,” River groans, twirling a fork full of spaghetti. Everyone turns to him, and they must be used to his eating habits. “How can we not like them? They love her. They dress like 1950s gangsters and are good fighters.” He lifts his fork and takes a bite.

“Wolf,” Bash sighs.

“What?” he says, his mouth full.

“Eloquent as always,” Ryker says, smiling.

“He has a point,” Rowan says.

“Agreed,” Cash says, waving his hand toward us. “I love the suits.”

“I would look amazing in a suit,” River continues.

“I would love to see it,” Kerian says.

“The wolf can’t pull that off,” James snorts.

“Hey, could to,” River pouts.

“Why are we talking about this?” Heath asks, lifting a brow.

“Because River can start a conversation about anything,” Bash says.

“Very true,” Blue mutters.

“One more question.” River holds up his palm. “Are you going to stop the group text?”

“Sally can do whatever the fuck she wants,” Luca growls.

Even though they are annoyed with the messages, it must have been the right answer as smiles emerge, and laughter rings out.

I watch Sally fidget for the millionth time during the two-hour drive.

She sits in the passenger seat beside me.

Luca lounges in the back, pretending to be at ease, but I see his trepidation.

He’s not worried about confronting a rabbit, but how our mate is going to deal with the outcome.

Her dad lives on a small farm in the middle of nowhere.

He’s been close enough that it would only take a couple hours to come see her, yet he sends her flowers, perpetuating his hatred.

I can’t imagine a reason he could give to get me to think anything of him but disgust. Luca feels the same.

We’ll do anything to give Sally what she wants.

When we arrived at the apartment full of women, it was trashed.

Allie explained since our scent was mixed with Sally’s all over the place, our mate had a difficult time allowing her friends to sit anywhere.

She’s extremely possessive. We’ll have to buy a house since we’ve fucked her everywhere in her place.

I’m not sure anyone will be able to visit her again if she doesn’t get it under control.

They were finally able to gather around the island since the smell wasn’t as strong.

The woman found it hilarious instead of frightening.

“Maybe he won’t be home,” Sally whispers.

“We don’t have to do this,” Luca says.

“Yes, I do,” she responds.

“I can turn around. We can come back,” I offer.

“I haven’t seen the man for years. He tried to kill me the last time, so it’s a bit uncomfortable,” she says, shifting in her seat.

“He won’t hurt you,” Luca growls.

“I know. You guys would kill him before he laid a finger on me. I’m worried about the pain that isn’t physical.” She rolls down the window. “Are we almost there?”

“Yes.” I place my hand on her thigh. “He’ll smell you coming.”

“Good,” she says softly. “I want him to be afraid. He’ll sense you with me.”

“So we can’t kill him on sight?” Luca asks.

“No,” she laughs. “If any killing needs to be done, I’ll do it.”

“Fuck, your violence turns me on too,” he says.

“Good. You might see plenty of it today,” she mumbles as a small house comes into view. It’s worn down, and the lawn is full of weeds. If I didn’t know better, I would think it was abandoned. A man opens the door as we park. He squints, his face filled with anger.

“Tricks,” Luca hisses.

“It’s okay,” she whispers, trailing her hand down her dress. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful,” I say softly, emotion thickening the words. I don’t know if she did it on purpose, but the long yellow dress she wears looks exactly like the flowers. She nods and opens her door. We follow and are at her side before she steps out. Her father descends the rickety steps.

“Why are you here? I don’t want to talk to you.” As the spiteful words leave his lips, I rush him. My hand is around his throat as I slam him into the side of the deck.

“The least you can do is listen to the daughter you tried to kill,” I snarl, my fangs visible and ready to bite. My demon is ready to tear him into pieces.

“Boyfriend,” Sally says, her hand pressing against my back. “I thought it would be Luca who threatened him. Let him go, please. He’ll listen.” He nods shakily, and I push away.

I’ve never felt such rage. If he makes a move toward her, I’ll kill him.