Page 60 of Daring Her Vampires
“I didn’t feel anything when I discovered my dad. Allie thought we would condemn her for taking his life. It was a shock, but he got what he deserved. She did the thing we were unable to do as humans. He was a miserable man who hated his kids and told us so at every opportunity. Luca had it worse. They fought all the time. Dad punished him by belittling him. Fuck,” I whisper, my jaw clenching. “I hated him. I hated everything about him. My role in the family was to get between Dad and my siblings. I was bigger and older than Luca. He was always quiet and reflective. He didn’t like confrontation, but Luca claims it was because he was weak. That wasn’t the reason. He had a rage deep inside, and if he let it out, no one was safe.”
“Luca told me about the bullying,” she says softly.
“I didn’t know. He tried to hide it and I was so pissed when he told me. I was the protector, and I failed him. His scars may have healed, but plenty remain inside. They took away his innocence and confidence. It was bad whether he was home getting it from Dad or leaving the house. Those kids were cruel. He probablydidn’t tell you everything, but give him time. He hides behind a mask. I see him opening up to you, and I’m grateful.”
“What about you? Do you hide?”
“Of course. I’ve never had to open up to anyone. Each of us has our place in the family; mine is to always be in control and know what to do. I don’t blame them. I easily slid into that role and haven’t tried to leave. That’s why I find your family so fascinating. I’ve barely spoken to any of them, yet I see the love and respect they have for each other. Everyone works together to solve the problem, and you care about the others' opinions. I suppose I’m used to making decisions, so having their permission about the witch didn’t matter to me. Only after you needed it did I care. “Fredrick took away Allie’s childhood, her innocence, and her humanity. Your family knows nothing about her, yet they are willing to look past the pain they suffered to help us. I’m grateful, but uncomfortable. I want to be the one who makes it all better. She’s my sister and my maker. I don’t mind the scars on my wrists because they’re a statement of my devotion to her. Becoming a vampire was the ultimate sacrifice. It was worth it to remain in the world with her and Luca. I couldn’t bear living a short life. Allie would be left alone. With every day that passes, I try to make up for a father who didn’t love us. I want to be everything he wasn’t,” I confess. Sally cups my cheek.
“Atlas, you are.” I try to look away. “Boyfriend, you are a good man.” I want to lower my eyes. My shame shows through them. “I may not know everything about you, Luca, or Allie, but I see the love and respect. I’ve made a game out of observing people. You can tell a lot about someone just by watching them. They love you and look at you with devotion. You did your job. You protected them the best you could. It’s okay to have moments of weakness, but it doesn’t mean you are any less strong. You can be sad about your mom, yet wish for something more. She wasflawed. We all are. I’m sure she felt just as trapped in her role as you did. She loved you; I know it.”
“Shit, Little Bunny,” I whisper, sliding my hand up her back and tangling it in her hair. “Thank you. When you told us your story, I couldn’t believe how strong you have been. Your light shines so bright, with your family and with us. I admire you.”
“I have been brought low many times. My life hasn’t been perfect. I make excuses for my dad and put a positive spin on a horrible situation. Sometimes, I still want his approval. I wish he would send a note with the flowers, forgiving me, although I don’t need it. My mom's death wasn’t my fault, yet I’ve dreamed of his apology. I’m not perfect. I have doubts and fears.” She drops her head, resuming her study of the city. “I never thought I would have a mate, now I have two. I thought I would die alone, childless. Meeting the family gave me hope that I wouldn’t. They became the loves of my life. I still wouldn’t have children of my own, but I would have the ones they had to play with. I couldn’t wait to spoil them and drive their parents crazy by teaching them to test the limits of life. I didn’t expect you,” she whispers. “But I won’t give you up.”
“We wouldn’t let you,” I rumble, kissing the top of her head. “I want to give you children.” She tenses. “Do you want that?” Her words and body seem to be at odds with each other.
“I have a confession,” she mumbles. “But I think I should wait and tell you both.”
“Tell me now, and Luca tomorrow.” I frown.
“I had a vision the day we met.” She looks up. “We will have a daughter.”
“Wait…what?” Something is wrong with my heart. It fills with wonder and hope.
“I just know. I saw her in the vision, running.” She bites her lip. “I hope you're ready because she looks like a wild one. I’m sure she takes after me. She’ll be into everything and won’tlisten.” She pulls back slightly. “Boyfriend, now's the time to say something.” I pick her up and wrap my arms around her, tucking my face into her neck.
“Mate, that is the best news I’ve ever heard,” I rasp. “That was the last thing I thought you would say.” She circles my shoulders.
“I didn’t know if I should say anything. My visions aren’t reliable, but I know it’s true. It was clear, and I felt an overwhelming amount of love for her.” She runs her hands up my scalp. “Will Luca be angry?”
“He’ll be pissed at me that I demanded to know before he did,” I say.
“I’ll make it a special moment for him,” she promises.
“You make all our moments special.”
“I have to,” she whispers. “You never know when your last moment is.”
“Fuck, we are lucky. You will be a wonderful mom.” I never thought I would be a dad.
“I am quite the catch,” she drawls, pulling back, and I throw my head back, laughing.
“Little Bunny,” I chuckle. “I couldn’t imagine a better catch.”
I carry my mate to the bedroom, my mind at ease, and bundle her between Luca and me. She falls asleep quickly, but I lie awake, grateful to the universe that sent her to us. Sally is right. Our daughter will be a hellion.
I can’t fucking wait.
Chapter Fourteen
Luca
“Luca, are you alright?” Sally asks, but all I can do is stare.
I woke to my sexy mate delivering me breakfast in bed. The plate was filled with pancakes, bacon, hash browns, and sausage. She wore a silky little nightgown that skims the tops of her thighs. I was torn between eating the food and eating her. Begging was on the tip of my tongue. She has burrowed under my skin, and I want nothing but her.
What I didn’t expect was the announcement of a baby in our family, and I wondered if my dirty thoughts had somehow impregnated her. My dad left a sour taste in my mind, and I never thought I would be a father. He was a shit role model. After becoming a vampire, it was the last thing on my mind.Finding Sally brought life to our lives, yet I still didn’t imagine having children. Picturing a little girl with blonde hair and Sally’s beautiful green eyes makes my heart race.
