Page 7 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

I narrow it down to two options. One, a sparkly black dress.

The hem is extremely short, and the plunging neckline is supported by thin straps.

The other choice is red and long, but the slit on the side reaches mid-thigh.

It has a high neck and sleeves. The back makes it sexy, as it doesn’t have one.

The fabric hits right above my ass. Either will guarantee attention from my mates.

I drop my brush on the dresser. Tapping my fingers on my lips, I wiggle my fingers in front of them, back and forth.

I hold my hand in front of the red. It may be too formal for a night in the club.

Plus, it might get in the way if I have to run or hurt a woman for looking at my vampires.

I motion to the black. I can move easily, and it’s less fancy. The neckline is really low.

Red. No, black.

Fuck it. I won’t bend over in the black. A boob has been known to pop out, but I like to live dangerously. Final choice, we're going with the black. Now, for the underwear choice. It’s only logical to wear red lace since I’m going with the black.

Nodding, I gather everything up and go back to the bathroom.

I hang the dress on the back of the door and slip into my panties and bra.

I can hear the guys in the living room and wonder how bored they are.

I did warn them, but I don’t hear them talking.

A vampire has more sensitive hearing than shifters, so perhaps they are talking too low for me to hear.

I slip on the dress, tuck my breasts away, and hope they stay there.

My hair is the last step before I find some heels.

I dry it until it doesn’t sizzle with the iron.

As I curl my hair, I wonder what my mates are thinking.

Rabbit shifters have a reputation, a nutty reputation.

They say we try to make up for our small size with big personalities.

It could be true for some. For me, things that happened in my childhood shaped me, and not all in good ways.

I had to decide to live my life how I wanted, despite everything.

Our kind is gifted with some of the same attributes.

We are fast and agile, all our senses are enhanced, and we can shift in a blink.

The other traits are varied. I can see the future and past, but not all rabbits can.

Some of us can put humans, and an occasional weak shifter, into a trance.

We can command them to do whatever we want and change their memories.

Our magic is powerful, and we can choose to hold it in an object.

I think it’s funny as fuck that I chose a rabbit’s foot.

I don’t share my abilities with anyone. My friends only know the basic powers of a rabbit shifter, and I haven’t enlightened them.

My mates will be the first to learn about me.

I don’t want to hide things from them, but I won’t share everything the first night.

Some facts will be hard to put into words.

I fluff my hair, spray it so it won’t go flat, and clean off the sink.

As I step back, I twist, inspecting my body.

Not bad. Everything is in place, and my hair has just the right amount of curl.

I go back to the closet and walk down the line of shoes in the rack.

My mates are tall, so I don’t have to worry about wearing heels.

I grab the red ones and quickly walk to the bed before I change my mind.

Once they are in place, I can’t delay any longer.

I’m nervous. I usually don’t get jittery.

My past relationships have been short. No one has tempted me to stick around.

Humans are great for a night, but it would get awkward if they caught me shifting in the backyard.

I drop a mass of thin chains around my neck that caress my cleavage, and then grab my fancy little black purse.

I transfer everything from the old one and reach for the doorknob.

I take a deep breath and open the door.

“Ready, boyfriends,” I smirk, and freeze. Holy hotness. Maybe I thought their gorgeousness would diminish while I was getting ready, but I’m glad it didn’t.

“No,” Luca growls, standing in front of me in a second.

“Excuse me?” I narrow my eyes and put my hand on my hip.

“You can’t wear that,” he continues.

“Boyfriend, listen,” I start patiently, holding up my hand. “No one. I mean no one, tells me what I can or can’t wear.”

“I’m going to kill someone tonight,” Luca states.

“You don’t like it?” I ask, ignoring him.

“Of course I fucking like it,” he snarls. “Every other male there will too.”

I grin. “But they aren’t my mates.” I press my palm to his chest. “You look handsome.” He’s wearing a suit very similar to the one he wore earlier; except it’s a deep chocolate brown. He covers my hand, and my skin tingles.

“You won’t be upset if someone dies?” Luca asks.

“No, not if they touch me. But yes, if they just look.” He nods slightly, and I slide my hand away. “Atlas.” I look around Luca to see that Atlas hasn’t moved, but his stare is intense.

“Do you bend over in that dress?” he asks.

“Yes,” I say slowly.

“Let me rephrase.” He takes a deep breath. “Do not bend over in that dress. Or lean over,” he demands.

“Boyfriend, I usually don’t follow orders well.” I touch my tongue to the corner of my mouth. “But I will follow that one.”

“Thank you.” Atlas is wearing black jeans that cup him fabulously, a black dress shirt, and a leather vest. The same cuffs are around his wrists, and I want to ask him about them. “Let's go. If I come over there, we won’t leave.” Luca grabs my hand and pulls.

“Tempted?” I ask, allowing Luca to guide me.

“You haven’t won the bet yet,” he replies as he opens the door and steps out.

“Yet,” I quip, locking the door. I shut it firmly once Luca moves past, but Atlas is pressed against my back before I can turn around. He runs his nose up my neck, his scruff catching on my hair.

“Confident, mate?” he rumbles.

“Always,” I breathe.

“We’ll see.” He steps back, lacing his fingers with mine.

“Let the games begin,” I whisper, and follow meekly, for now.

Luca leads us out of the building toward their car.

I may not want a man to dictate my life or in the bedroom, but I’m not opposed to letting the right man instruct sometimes.

It’s nice not to have to do all the work.

Reasonable requests are alright, and I already decided not to bend over tonight.

Luca holds the passenger side door open for me.

“I may have to bend down.” I smile innocently, and they both shake their heads.

Atlas cups my elbow with his other hand.

“Little Bunny, we’ll let it slide this time.” He assists me into the seat, and I enjoy their gazes on my legs as I swing them in. I buckle my belt and enter the address in their navigation as they get in.

“Do you think Allie would like to come?” I ask.

“She does,” Luca answers.

“I messaged her,” Atlas says while he backs out. “She will be there.”

“How was her meeting with Quinn?” I cross my legs and turn toward Atlas.

“He agreed to help.” He slides his free hand onto my knee as he turns out of the parking lot. I stare at his hand. It’s a simple touch but intentional. I don’t like a man who plays at being commanding, but when possessiveness comes naturally, it’s hot.

“Allie is grateful,” Luca says, and I look over my shoulder.

“This vampire is determined to have her.” I don’t like anyone who forces a woman.

“Yes,” he replies.

“We didn’t want to ask for help,” Atlas says.

“But protecting her is more important than our pride,” Luca grumbles.

“He’s playing with us,” Atlas continues. “We miss him over and over. It pisses me off since our job is to find missing people. He’s a powerful vampire who enjoys the kill. No one should underestimate him or the lengths he will go to in order to get what he wants.”

“Did he turn you too?” I ask, and a shiver goes up my spine.

The atmosphere turns dark, and I know they don’t want to answer.

“It’s alright. You don’t have to talk about it.

” Atlas’s jaw is grinding. I glance at Luca, and he avoids my eyes.

I understand the need to keep some things private.

I’m not excited to talk about my past. We don’t trust each other yet.

“He didn’t turn us,” Luca answers softly, looking out the window.

“You don’t have to explain.” I cover Atlas’s hand with mine. “We have time for that later.” I clear my throat. “So, tonight will be chaos. Don’t worry about remembering all the names. Believe me, they can be overwhelming.” His hand relaxes, and he threads his fingers through mine.

“How did you meet them?” he asks.

“I owned a diner in another state. Saylor, a cheetah shifter, was a waitress there. I knew she was running from someone before she trusted me enough to admit it. I watched out for her, and she became like a daughter.” I exhale, knowing I will have a real child.

“We became close and developed a plan if he found her. He sent his pack after her. I helped her escape and covered for her. Once she was gone, they didn’t believe it when I said I didn’t know who she was or where she went. ”

“Did they hurt you?” Luca growls.

I lift a shoulder. “They tied me to a chair and burned down my diner.”

“Fuck.” Atlas tightens his hand.

“They thought I died, but I always have a backup plan. I got out before I was cooked and followed Saylor. I didn’t expect to find her in the middle of a group of shifters and vampires. Elijah is a cheetah and her mate. They didn’t expect me.”

“What happened to the man?” Atlas asks.

“He’s dead. Saylor killed him before a psycho woman vampire tried to kill Elijah. It worked out, so I stayed. I liked the idea of the family they built.” I look out the window as we arrive at the club.

“It’s unusual,” Luca murmurs.

“You don’t have a blood family?” Atlas asks.