Page 51 of Daring Her Vampires

“Damn, boyfriend. You make me weak in the knees,” I breathe. The kiss was short but powerful. He flexes his fingers, kisses my nose, and moves back.

“Prepare for your knees to give out,” Luca says, stalking toward me. “I’ll catch you, though.” He slides his hand over my stomach and pulls. My side hits his chest, and he dips his head. He cups the back of my neck, holding me where he wants me.

I grasp his shirt, leaning into him. My body is vibrating with need for my mates. We haven’t had much time alone to explore our connection. Hearing their stories about their family dynamics was entertaining. I want to kill the woman who played them. They don’t seem to be harboring negative emotions toward each other for it, and I’m grateful. Our situation could bring up insecurities if they did.

I leave my eyes closed for a moment as he ends the kiss. The heat of the mating bond is working through me, urging me to keep going.

“Tricks,” Luca chuckles.

“One minute,” I whisper, and open my eyes. “I’m savoring.”

“We won’t be savoring anything if you don’t turn the chicken. Both of us are shit cooks,” he says, and I jump.

“Crap.” I grab the tongs. “You're distracting me,” I scold, hurrying to flip the breasts.

“We can say the same,” Atlas says, resuming his seat. “I don’t remember the last time we had a home-cooked meal or fried chicken.”

“That is a crime. Fried chicken is everything,” I say.

“We never learned to cook,” Luca says.

“I tried a few times, but it ended in disaster.” Atlas grins.

“Thank you for reminding us,” Luca says softly.

I tilt my head. “Of what?”

“Of what being a family feels like,” he says, and I want to burst into tears.

Chapter Twelve

Sally

“You’re welcome.” I swallow harshly. “I want to give you that.”

“You are,” Atlas says.

“You have,” Luca whispers. “We have always had each other. Even through the fights, we never left for long, but we’ve never had a place to call home. The world has changed, and we’ve never gotten used to our role in it. Others like us have come and gone from our lives. We haven’t loved anyone enough to bring them with us.” The timer goes off, but I ignore it. “We’ve survived on our love as siblings, blood, and takeout.”

“This dinner may be to convince your friends to help us,” Atlas says. “But it’s the first family dinner, a true dinner, we have had together since our parents died. It means something to us.” Hestares into my eyes, his gaze intense and unwavering. “Thanks, Little Bunny.” I blink a few times to clear my vision.

“It won’t be the last,” I promise, and he nods. The grease pops, and I jerk. “Shit. It’s almost done.” I wave the towel toward my face as I move them around. “Luca, take the potatoes out. You’re going to help now that you have me turned on and made me weepy at the same time.” He doesn’t say anything as he follows directions. “Atlas, come here.”

“What do you need?” He walks around the counter and stands beside me.

“That’s a loaded question,” I tease, bumping him with my hip. “Grab that pan. I’m going to show you how to make smashed potatoes.”

“I’m yours to command,” he says.

“Boyfriend, you shouldn’t have said that.” I turn down the chicken, grab butter and a bowl. “It is potatoes, butter, and parmesan. You will want it every night after you taste it.”

“I’m sure we will,” Luca says, passing me the potatoes.

“Now, watch what I do,” I instruct, and demonstrate the procedure of making delicious smashed potatoes. I move out of the way and motion them forward. “Press with the cup and cover them with melted butter and the cheese.” I’m turning into an emotional mess. The heat must be messing with me. I’m a hard woman. I can be soft when I need to be or when the women in the family need my support, but this is getting ridiculous.

Warmth spreads through my chest as I watch my two vampire mates cook.

“You aren’t doing it right,” Atlas says.