Page 63 of Daring Her Vampires

“I know many in the family distrust her, but I feel nothing but sympathy,” Serenity whispers, and Ryker wraps his arm around her. “No one knows why she had to do it.”

“You do,” I guess.

“Yes. I won’t betray her confidence.” She lifts her chin. “When Ryker turned me, I gained some witch powers. She helped me adjust. My deluded magic is nothing compared to hers. She was born with spells and always knew what she is. We got close, as close as she allowed. Since she moved, she has distanced herself.”

“We gave her your address, Sally. You are neutral ground for her. We told her you were a rabbit, and she wanted you to be present,” Ryker explains.

“That makes sense,” Sally says, leaning against my chest. “My powers are similar to some of hers.”

“Allie must be alright with her seeing her memories and all the emotions attached to those memories,” Serenity says.

“I’ll ask, but I’m sure she will be fine,” Atlas says.

“She wants him dead,” I add.

“I know all of the family would like to be here, but that’s not happening. River requested firmly to be present, and to Ava, that she not be. Ava agreed to stay away with Kerian. She knows what River went through and doesn’t want to stress him unnecessarily.” He sighs. “Micah didn’t ask politely. He informed me he would be here for his best friend, and if I resisted, he would chop my balls off.”

“Ahh…bestie,” Sally hums.

“As entertaining as our fight would be, I relented. I insisted that Laken and Bishop not attend. I’ve had enough fire in my life.” He looks at the dragons present. “Unfortunately, these dragons wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

“I’m also a best friend,” Saphira says, raising her hand. “I won’t hesitate to breathe fire if she is threatened.” She drops her hand and glares at Ryker.

Ryker rolls his eyes. “Quinn is not pleased. Stephanie had many demons because of the Games, and he doesn’t want her near Mara.”

“I understand,” Sally says.

“We will be here to greet her.” He looks at Serenity. “While she is in the area, Mara is under my protection. Anyone fucks with her for no reason, I won’t be happy. She means something to Serenity, which means she means something to me. We’ve all done numerous bad things, and we have been welcomed. Mara is trying to ask for forgiveness.”

“I’ll be good,” Saphira promises.

“Me too,” Sally swears, making a cross over her heart.

“I’ve heard that before,” Ryker mutters.

“Mom wants to be here,” Maverick says, and Serenity nods.

“No one else,” Ryker demands.

“Do you think everyone will listen?” Atlas asks, and I was thinking the same thing. This group seems like they do whatever the fuck they want.

“They will,” he says firmly. “They know I’m serious.”

“Thank you for setting it up,” I say.

“Anything for Sally,” he says as he stands. “I’ll message before we come.” He reaches for Serenity, pulling her up. “I hope we don’t discover any more bodies before she gets here.” They blur through the door, his casual threat remaining in the air as it shuts.

“Ryker, such a softie,” Sally sighs.

“That was him being soft?” I ask.

“Oh yeah.” She kisses my cheek. “You don’t want to see him mad.”

She’s right. I don’t want to go up against a pissed off Ryker, but no one has seen the beast I can become if those I love are hurt. I’m not worried about the witch. I hope the others present don’t fuck up the prospect of getting answers. They are Sally’s family and will protect her and the others coming.

But I will do the same for mine.

“Luca.” I turn from the window as Atlas stops close. “I’m going to talk to Allie. Prepare her for tomorrow.”