Page 26 of Daring Her Vampires

“How could he know?” Allie whispers.

“The body is still warm. I put it in the basement, and I want it gone.” He scowls and turns to Bash. “I need you to do what you do best.”

“Of course,” Bash nods.

“I want you to look at the video and confirm who put it there,” Ryker says, looking at Allie.

“I don’t think I need to.” She is focused on the door. “Fredrick sent someone,” she whispers. Ryker narrows his eyes and follows her gaze.

“Who?” Atlas asks sharply, his body tensing.

“Marcus.” She stands suddenly, her hands fisted.

“Fuck,” Atlas hisses. He grips my hips and pushes, guiding me up.

“Who is Marcus?” Bash asks, blurring beside me. Everyone is alert and on their feet.

“He is a vampire. Fredrick turned him. He sends him out to track me.” The confident woman she has displayed since we met is gone. Luca wraps his arm around her, his jaw flexing. Allie’s body starts to tremble.

“Where?” Micah demands.

“He’s outside the door,” she whispers. “He wants me.”

“Too fucking bad,” Atlas growls. “Luca, stay with Sally and Allie.” Luca nods. He turns to leave but stops abruptly when a man floats through the door.

The vampire has balls of steel to stroll into a room filled with powerful beings. His presence is intense. He has bright blonde hair, green eyes, and a slim build. A grin plays at his mouth, but his gaze is fixed on Allie. I have confidence in my skill as a fighter, but this guy is demented. I step back, knowing he is a different beast than the human.

“Well, well, well,” he drawls, stopping just inside the doorway. “Allie, you’re looking good. Fredrick sends his well wishes. Did you see his present?” Allie sinks into Luca’s arms. Marcus steps to the side, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms. “You found some friends.”

“Do you want to die?” Atlas grits out. Marcus focuses on him, and I see a flash of agreement in his eyes for a moment.

“Atlas, right?” he asks. “I’ve seen you, but we haven’t officially met.”

“What do you want?” Atlas steps toward him, and Bash passes in front of me and stops. He’s shielding me and working with Atlas to keep me protected.

“Fredrick misses his doll.” He grins sickly. “He wants her back.”

“He won’t get what he wants,” Atlas says, slowly moving forward.

“Unfortunately, he usually does,” he retorts, but again, I sense a reluctance in his mission. I get the feeling he’s been forced to do many things he didn’t want to do, but he’s too far gone to stop.

“He’s going to be disappointed,” Luca snarls.

All of the vampires and Heath surround Marcus. Bane and Hunter aren’t far from Heath. Las and Logan block the door, and Lucas backs Breeane against the corner furthest away from the threat. Kerian does the same with Ava. Kane and Cash stay seated but seem ready for the slightest move. Quinn grips Steph’s arms, holding her behind him. I’m surprised when Juliana steps to my side, and Serenity stops on my other side.

“Mate,” Bash growls, holding his hand out, but remains in front of me. Marie moves quickly, grabbing his hand.

Daisy is behind me, her attention fixed on Micah. The dragons are standing by Luca, watching, waiting. River comes to Bash’s other side, and I have to look between them.

“Fredrick is a complicated man,” Marcus says, surveying the stance of everyone in the room. “Give her to me and I’ll leave.”

“Fuck off,” Allie says, finding her voice, and her shaking stops.

“He misses you,” he says.

“She stays here,” Atlas states.

“He won’t stop coming for her,” Marcus says.