Page 12 of Daring Her Vampires

“I won’t complain,” she says. I grin and press my thumb to the middle of her lip, pulling slightly before lowering my head.

“Fuck,” I growl a breath away from her lips. “Why is there a wolf at your door?”

“No,” she whispers.

“Sally,” the wolf sings. I pull her off the counter and against my chest.

“River, what the fuck?” she snarls, and I set her down. I redo her buttons. Even if he is a friend, no one except us will see her body.

“Can I kill him?” Luca asks, glaring at the door.

“No.” She stomps to the door and swings it wide. “Why are you here?” she demands.

“You haven’t answered your texts,” River says. He leans against the door frame and pulls a chip from the bag he’s holding. “I thought something drastic had happened.”

“Bullshit. You heard about my mates.” She crosses her arms. “Who told?”

“Do you want a list?” he says with a mouth full of food. He doesn’t seem to care that we are vampires. I want to push him down the stairs behind him.

“Atlas. Luca. This is River.” She rolls her eyes. “Hewasa friend.”

“Don’t be like that, sexy rabbit.” I press my hand against Luca’s chest.

“Careful, Wolf,” I hiss.

“It’s River.” He grins, and I narrow my eyes.

“You can see I’m fine,” Sally says and grabs the doorknob. “I’ll check in later.”

“Wait,” he says, pushing against the door. “You should read your texts. We’re having a night out.”

“Have fun,” she replies, trying to shut the door. I want to shove him out of the way and make him leave.

“You love parties,” he gasps.

“Not today.”

“Ryker and Bash are hosting this time. You have to come. You know how this works,” he says. “It’s tradition.”

“Damn,” she sighs, letting go of the doorknob.

“There will be dancing, food, drinking, and probably blood.” He looks at me and then at Luca. “You both look like you’ve shed some blood a time or two.”

“Do you want me to show you how we do it?” Luca threatens, and I use some of my strength to hold him back.

“Not today, thanks,” River says, eating another chip.

“Do you have a death wish?” I glare.

“No, my mate would be upset if something happened to me.” He tips his head back, emptying the chip bag. “I volunteered to come over and invite you.” He brushes the crumbs away that landed on his shirt.

“Of course you did,” Sally mutters.

“I’m harmless,” River says, holding his arms wide. “Some of the rest of the family, not so much.” He drops his arms and leans forward. “This is how it works. Someone in the group finds their mate, and as much as you want to be left alone, they don’t let you. Yes, it’s frustrating but necessary. We need to check you out. We have to approve. Sally means a lot to us, and we won’t just let anybody take her away. You have to be worthy.”

“River,” Sally says softly. I stare at my mate's face. His words mean something to her, and her scent is filled with pleasure. I make a decision that I will probably regret, but it will make her happy.

“We’ll be there,” I reply. Luca stiffens, and I look at him sharply. He grinds his jaw, but I give him a moment to think about what it means to Sally.