Page 8 of Daring Her Vampires (Embracing The Bond #12)

“No.” I point to the parking spot with my name on it.

“There.” I turn to face them when he shuts off the car.

“These people are my family. I found them and was determined to keep them. They are loyal and would bleed for me. I would do the same. You both, and Allie, are part of that circle now. They are intrusive, but so am I. It comes from a place of love. We care what the fuck happens to the family. It’s important that you accept them, just as they will accept you.

Our past doesn’t matter. All of us have demons and have done questionable things.

We don’t care as long as you don’t hurt the innocent or children. ”

“We have always been alone,” Atlas says in a low voice. “Since we turned, it’s been the three of us. It’s odd to have someone to depend on.”

“You aren’t alone anymore.” I smile slightly. “Many in the group have the same background.”

“You’re lucky,” Luca rumbles, opening his door. “We will try to acclimate.”

“That’s all I ask.” Atlas nods, lets go of my hand, and leaves the car. Before I can open my door, they are there. They stand tightly together and hold out their hands. I take them but look down to hide my smile. They aren’t taking any chances with my short dress.

Atlas locks the car, and they walk on either side of me.

He rests his palm above my ass, and Luca holds my hand.

I can’t decide if they are trying to play the game and turn me on, or if it’s natural.

I nod at the bouncer as we pass. He’s seen me enough times.

We enter the loud club. The dance floor is packed, as are the tables and booths surrounding it.

The guys remain at my side even though moving in a single file would be easier.

I don’t know if it’s the power emanating from my mates or the scowls on their faces that cause everyone to move out of the way.

The humans can sense something about the vampires, but don’t know the beasts at my side.

The party is on the second floor in one of the private balcony rooms. The club has several rooms upstairs with a bar, and the rooms are large and comfortable.

Ryker has also installed some soundproofing to reduce the noise.

I lead the way up the stairs, and the nerves hit me again.

I have attended many parties here and at the panther’s club celebrating the newest mate, but I never thought I would be the one bringing her mates.

Everything I said in the car is the truth.

I value my family's opinion. They have to get along with my mates. I won’t give them up no matter what, and that’s why I hope the family will like them.

“Hey, sexy rabbit,” Bane says as I round the corner. He’s leaning against the entryway to the room.

“Bane, you came.” I grin. His brother Hunter is standing behind him.

“I wouldn’t miss this,” he mutters and turns. Hunter shakes his head and steps back. As I follow, I freeze just inside. Everyone came.

“I knew we would need more shifters to control the chaos of the night,” Heath drawls, nodding at Hunter and Bane.

“You let her leave the house in that?” River gasps, pointing at my legs.

“River,” Ava scolds, grabbing his hand.

“Jesus, River.” Kerian is the wolf Alpha and Ava’s other mate.

“She looks beautiful,” Daisy says, smiling brightly, leaning against Micah.

“There’s not enough fabric,” Micah mutters, glaring at my mates.

“She can wear whatever she wants,” Saphira snaps.

“Firefly, don’t start a fire,” Kingston says, winking at me.

“Yes, please control your fire,” Ryker says dryly. “I don’t want burn marks on the ceiling.”

“I didn’t leave marks,” she gasps.

“You did at Bram’s bar,” Heath reminds her.

“But it wasn’t Ryker’s bar,” she pouts.

“Can we get back to the lack of clothing?” River says.

“She’s stunning. Leave her alone,” Stephanie says.

“I don’t like it,” Quinn rumbles, looking back and forth between my mates. “I don’t think they like it either.”

“Are you saying you would tell me what to wear?” Steph asks, narrowing her eyes dangerously.

“If I had to,” he answers, and my eyes widen.

“Try,” she challenges.

“Little Cub,” Quinn whispers.

“I see a red ass in the future,” Las says.

“Las,” Breeane warns. She is mated to Las, Logan, and Lucas.

“Do you want to talk about getting spanked?” Lucas asks, lifting a brow. Breeane purses her lips and glares. Logan smirks.

“Can we not talk about spankings?” Serenity asks, earning a hot look from Ryker.

“Why does every conversation we have lead back to that or fire?” Marie asks. She is mated to Bash, who hasn’t said anything. I meet his stare.

“I haven’t heard about the fires,” Rowen says. I can’t believe he came. He never participates in group gatherings.

“It’s hilarious,” River starts, taking a bite out of a taco. He opens his mouth but snaps it shut when Ryker growls. “I’ll tell you later.”

“She looks smoking hot,” Penny says, grinning. “Nobody needs to spank anyone.” She is a dragon shifter and mated to Bishop and Laken.

“Do you want to talk about that subject?” Bishop asks.

“No, thank you.” She looks down, rubbing her stomach.

“That’s what I thought,” Laken mutters.

“Seriously, we came to meet her mates,” Roxanne reminds them, glaring. She nods her head seriously when they remain silent. Turning toward me, her gaze travels over the three of us, and she grins. “Fuck, Sally. Good job. Very nice.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I laugh.

“Are we going to let her introduce them?” Jax asks. He is a panther and the Alpha. Harmony is mated to him and his two brothers. They were the first in the long line of shifters and vampires who joined the family.

“We already know who they are,” River says, licking his fingers. “Vampires who let their mate out in public with barely any clothing.”

“She looks delicious,” Cash drawls. He’s sitting beside his brother, Kane, leaning against the wall at the back of the room. A rumble from my mates fills the room.

“Don’t fuck with the vampires, brother,” Kane says, watching them carefully.

“It was a compliment.” Cash winks at me and crosses his arms. Two days ago, if he had winked at me, my panties would have been soaked.

He is super sexy. Shockingly, all I can see is my mates and how they make me feel.

The room erupts with chatter about my state of dress and who should be able to see me.

They have never complained before about the way I dress.

Even though I have mates, I won’t change my clothes.

I look around helplessly, touched instead of offended. They are defending my honor.

“Everyone, shut the fuck up,” Bash snarls, silencing the room, and I inhale sharply.

He walks toward me, his expression blank, and my mates tighten their grip.

“Saylor is at home. She wanted to come, but she thinks the baby will come soon. Elijah is with her and promised to let everyone know if she goes into labor.” My heart squeezes, hoping her birth goes smoothly.

Bash stops in front of me, and I hold my breath.

He looks at my mates, staring into their eyes for a moment before giving his attention to me. “Are they your mates?”

“Yes,” I say firmly.

“You want them?” he asks, and I nod. “Can you sense your forever with them?” I swallow harshly.

“I can,” I whisper.

“I’m happy for you,” he says, and I blink.

“Our family is loud and intrusive.” He keeps his focus on me, but is speaking to my mates.

“I didn’t understand them when I found my mate.

I do now. We protect the family and the bond of fated mates.

Your problems are ours. Sally is our center, our heart.

” I gasp and blink rapidly to clear the tears.

“She takes care of everyone. It’s her turn to be taken care of.

If for any reason you hurt her, the family will interfere more than usual.

She deserves her forever.” He smiles softly, and it’s so beautiful.

“She can wear and do whatever the fuck she wants.” He looks around the room.

“I understand we just want to protect her, but she’s strong and knows what she is doing.

Get over it.” Looking back at us, he says, “Be happy, rabbit.”

“Thank you, vampire,” I whisper. He nods and walks back to Marie. The room is blurry as I look around and recognize how lucky I am. They don’t realize what they mean to me.

“Are we going to eat?” River asks.

“Wolf, you’ve been eating since we got here,” Bash sighs, and all is as it should be.

“I’m still hungry,” he pouts.

“Why are you standing in the doorway?” Allie chirps behind us.

She squeezes beside Luca. Her gorgeous, curvy body is covered from neck to toe in a long green dress.

“Holy fuck. Now this is a party. Everyone is stunning. Sister-in-law, you didn’t tell me there was more delicious eye candy in the family.

” She puts her hand on her hip, and I laugh. “Are they our family now too?”

“Yes. Yes, they are,” I confirm as I step forward.

“Everyone, this is Atlas and Luca. They are mine. Allie is their sister.” I put my hands on my hips.

“It’s sweet that you all are so concerned about my dress, but I can wear what I want.

Saphira, please control your fire. I have a gallon of hairspray in my hair, and I don’t want it to go up in flames.

River, hon, just eat more. Cash, thank you for the compliment.

I am delicious, but now my mates are the only ones who get to talk to me like that.

” I grin. “Spankings are always an acceptable topic of conversation. Boyfriends.” I twirl around.

“Thank you for the restraint. I need a drink and wouldn’t be opposed to making out in the corner.

” Allie laughs, long and loud, and I know we are going to be best friends.

Atlas shakes his head but smiles. Luca’s lips twitch, and he affectionately hooks one of my necklaces and tugs.

I’ve never been so happy.