Page 23 of Daring Her Vampires

“I’ll wait,” I say, nodding at Atlas. He drags the human away, following Ryker. Bash and Micah trail behind them.

The conversation resumes, and everyone except Allie wanders back to the room. She glides to my side, leaning beside me.

“Well,” she says, smacking her lips. “I love her.”

“I’m glad.” I shake my head. “But I’m not surprised.”

“Are you alright?” she asks, laying her head on my shoulder.

“About which part?” I scoff.

“The important part,” she answers.

“I want her. She makes me feel,” I confess softly.

“You haven’t felt much of anything for years,” she says.

“It’s an odd feeling.” I frown.

“This means you’ll have to tell her about our life.”

“I know.”

“It won’t be easy.”

“I realize that.” We haven’t shared our past with anyone.

“She’s strong and bold.” She tips her head back. “She can handle it.”

“I have no doubt,” I mutter, looking at the closed door to the office.

“I like all of them.”

I focus on her face. “It’s the family you’ve always wanted.”

“Yes. For all of us.”

“We need to kill Fredrick. Soon,” I say gruffly.

“I know,” she agrees, standing straight.

“I have to tell her everything.”

She cringes. “Be honest.”

“She won’t blame you.” Allie holds immense guilt, blaming herself for years because of Fredrick. “I thought we got past this.”

“We did, but—” The door opens beside us, and Allie’s face clears.

“No blood on the dress,” Sally announces, her eyes moving between us. “Is everything alright?” She stops at my side.

“Yes,” Allie says. “I was telling my brother how much I like you.”

“You’re sweet.” Sally grips my arm.

“I’m ready for a drink,” Allie says.

“Let’s get you one,” Roxanne says, touching Sally’s back lightly as she moves past. The others take her cue.