Page 61 of Daring Her Vampires

“Boyfriend,” she snaps, her hands on her hips. “You and Atlas need to know when to speak the fuck up.” She is braced beside the bed, and I look up from the food.

“I’m probably going to be a bad influence,” I rasp, placing the tray on the other side of the bed. “I’m going to encourage her to be violent.” I wrap my arms around Sally’s waist, turn her, and yank her onto my lap. “She’s going to learn every way to kill a man. I won’t let her date until she’s twenty-five. She is not allowed to be away from us until then. I will protect her, and the man who the universe picks for her better be careful.” Sally grins, and I kiss her lightly. “You will give her your strength and humor. Atlas will show her how to track, and she can join the business.”

“First off, I doubt she will let you dictate who and when she can date,” she says, sliding her arm across my shoulders. “I agree with the rest. She will be a force.”

“Could you tell when she will come?” I ask.

“No, but it didn’t feel like it would be too long. She will never arrive if you guys don’t start begging,” she teases.

“I’ll beg right fucking now.” I grin and smack her ass.

“Big talk. When are you going to back it up?” She touches the tip of her tongue to the corner of her mouth.

“Tricks, I’m ready when you are,” I drawl, rubbing her ass.

“Sexy as fuck,” she whispers, leaning close, her breasts grazing my chest.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Atlas says from the doorway.

“He was happy,” Sally says, smiling at him.

“I knew he would be. Your phone hasn’t stopped making noises since you came in here, and I sense vampires, anddragons closing in.” He shakes his head. “I know you love your family, but when Fredrick is dead, we are going on a trip. Alone.”

“I love to travel, but I also love guests.” She bounces off my lap, skipping toward the door.

“Tricks,” I call, and she twirls. “I don’t care if you walk around naked in front of us. Actually, I would prefer it, but no one else gets to see your body.”

“Oh,” she whispers, looking down at herself. “Right.” She hurries to the closet. “We definitely should implement a naked day.” Her head pops out, and she grins. “We would make lots of babies if we did.” She wiggles her eyebrows and disappears.

“Fuck, she’s two handfuls of wild,” I say, sharing a grateful grin with Atlas.

“Put a shirt on,” she orders, and I stand.

“Works both ways,” Atlas says before shutting the door.

I drop to my haunches beside my suitcase and pull out some pants and a shirt. Casual clothes aren’t my usual attire, but I go with jeans and a long-sleeved shirt.

“I haven’t seen you in jeans,” Sally says, walking out fully dressed.

“You won’t see it often.” I dress quickly, and she watches. “You look delicious in everything.” She’s wearing tight jeans and a baggy sweatshirt.

“Thanks, boyfriend.” She bends over and flips her hair forward. I watch her in fascination as she wiggles back and forth. She stands and pats her hair. She notices my attention and says, “It’s the best way to get body in your hair quickly.”

“If you say so.” I have to admit, her hair looks good.

“Where is she?” We both look at the door.

“Uh-oh,” she mutters, and I meet her gaze. “Saphira’s annoyed.” She sprints to the door, and I follow.

“Why didn’t you call?” Saphira asks as Sally saunters into the room.

“I’ve been busy?” Sally smiles brightly and moves toward her.

“I mean,” Saphira waves her hand toward Atlas and me. “I get it, but you’ve been ignoring your phone. I thought something horrible happened. I had to learn from Serenity what was going on.” She looks over her shoulder at the vampire. “They thought I knew.”

Ryker is standing with his mate. I’ve been cautious around the vampire. He’s very old and lethal looking. The knives strapped to his chest look well-used. I know I am dangerous in a fight, but I’m also smart. I’d heard whispers about the king of vampires. He’s not to be fucked with.

“I’m sorry,” Sally says, grabbing Saphira’s hands. “I didn’t know how to tell you.”