Page 104 of Daring Her Vampires
“What?” I whisper.
“It happens sometimes. A child can come without the bond.” My world is rocked.
“Was the man you left with your mate?” I ask.
“No. I had hoped.”
“You just wanted a way out,” I state. “Have you ever been mated?”
“No,” she answers, and her body shivers.
“Why did you come here? Did you send me the flowers?”
“I wanted to see you, but I didn’t have the courage. I left two flowers. I didn’t know how to approach you. I overheard thingsabout the bad vampires. I thought if I could help…” She trails off, sagging.
“You thought I would forgive you.”
“I wanted to make sure you were safe. I’ve looked for you for a few years, but just recently caught your scent. It was stupid to try to find them. I didn’t know what I could do. Seeing you made my heart happy for the first time since you were born. You turned into a strong, beautiful woman, who I didn’t need to save.” Her tears mix with the blood in her hair.
“I did that. I made myself strong. Beauty means nothing unless it is held up by kindness and a good soul.” I bite my lip, holding back the sobs wanting to emerge.
“Are you happy? I need you to be happy,” she says desperately, her guilt eating her. I look behind me at my mates, and then to all my family. Their solemn faces make it harder to control my emotions.
“I am happy. I found my place, and a family who will protect me.” I almost regret my words when she flinches. “I wish we had known each other. My path through life led me here, so I can’t regret anything. I found my mates here. Everything happens for a reason. We may not know what it is, but we have to trust that the universe knows.” I lift our joined hands and kiss her knuckles. “It was a brave thing you did.” I hold our hands to my heart. “Thank you for trying to make things right. You gave me life, and I’ll always appreciate that. You gave your life to keep me safe. I want you to have peace. Please know I am where I’m supposed to be.” I lean over and kiss her cheek. “I forgive you,” I whisper, and her breath rattles.
“Thank you, daughter,” she says, her words piercing my heart. I stare into her eyes as she takes her last breath. I continue to hold her hand as sobs escape. I use my other hand to close her eyes.
“Sally.” Atlas kneels behind me, cupping my shoulders.
“She needed that,” I rasp. “She needs my forgiveness, but that’s not what I feel in my heart. Why does it hurt so bad?” I let her go, and turn.
“I got you,” he whispers, gathering me in his arms.
“Luca,” I cry, reaching my hand out.
“I’m here, baby,” he says, and I cry harder as he takes my hand.
“I want to go home.” I press my face against Atlas's shirt.
“Then we will,” Luca says, and Atlas lifts me into his arms.
“We’ll take care of her,” Micah says, nodding at my mom.
I let my vampires carry me to the car. Atlas sets me on Luca’s lap in the front seat and gets in the driver's seat. I cry for the woman who knew nothing but misery, abuse, and a dream she was chasing that she never caught.
My dream of the woman who loved me but had died bursts, so I cry for the love of a mother I didn’t feel until tonight.
It was too brief to be real.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Luca
Every tear she sheds shatters my heart. I hold her tightly in her bed, and Atlas lies behind her, stroking her hair. It was shocking to see a woman who looks like my mate. Knowing she was the mother who was thought dead was unsettling. She lied bravely to her. I felt every word through the bond and knew she was torn. Sally was fierce while she killed the vampires. I was proud of her for doing so well during the battle, even though she was hurting and anxious to see her mom.
“I’m getting you wet,” she mumbles, lifting her head. She pats my shirt and smiles slightly.
“I would make a bad joke, but I don’t want to be insensitive,” I say, encouraged by her smile.
