Page 113 of Daring Her Vampires
I trail my fingers through Atlas’s hair as I sit on his lap in the club. Luca caresses my bare legs that are draped over his thighs. Despite the complaints, everyone showed up at Ryker’s club. I left my father's house lighter, even though I didn’t get the answers I wished for. My life will go on, and my mates will be beside me. We went home to change clothes, and I happily put on my jean skirt and tank that showed plenty of skin. I draped several necklaces over my neck, and every time I moved, I shivered, the chains adding to my stimulated body. My mates were dressed the same as when we met, and I want to bite them. They fed me before we came, hoping to curb my craving and my habit of biting my friends.
Allie is telling a good story of their childhood, and Roxanne is sitting next to her, laughing. Allie’s smile is brighter, and some of the shadows are gone from her eyes. Killing Fredrick healed old wounds, and I hope her happily ever after will come someday. There are plenty of food and drinks. River arrived and hasn’t moved from the table, sampling everything. His mate is glued to his side as he feeds her bits of tasty treats. Kerian is looking on indulgently. The panthers are huddled together, talking quietly, their love still alive. Ryker is lounging on the couch, his legs spread wide like the king he is. Serenity’s handis on his thigh, and her laughing face is tilted toward him. All of the dragons came, and Penny is glowing. Bishop and Laken keep a close watch on her, and I smile. Saphira is sitting between her mates, talking animatedly. Lucas is joking with Las while Logan holds Breeane tight to his side. Elijah wanted to come but thought it best to go home to his mate, and I instructed him to give her and the baby kisses from me.
Quinn is grumbling about something to Kane and Cash while he holds Stephanie’s hand tightly. I’m dreading informing him of my upcoming vacation; he didn’t react well the last time I took time off. He can hardly function without me. Before taking some alone time with my mates, we are going to bury my mom in the country. I will pay my respects and put the past where it belongs.
Bash and Marie sit next to Ryker, the fierce vampire holding his mate close. He may be talking to Ryker, but he remains vigilant for any threat. Bash hasn’t revealed the state of his mate yet. Marie won’t be able to hide her pregnancy much longer.
“Congratulations, vampire,”I say, sending it directly to Bash. His face softens as he looks at Marie.
“Thank you, rabbit.”He glances at me, not surprised at my knowledge, and smiles.
I look at Micah to find him watching me. I nod, and he grins. Daisy winks at me as she steals Allie’s bracelet. The coyote has stopped taking others’ belongings as much as she used to, but the urge is always there. I’m not worried; she’ll either give it back, or Micah will buy Allie a new one.
Heath is set slightly away from everyone, more concerned about feeding and speaking to his mate than the crowd around him. His cane is close, ready to defend Juliana if needed. I know he is still adjusting to the family. I respect him, and the trust he gave to me after he mated Juliana. Rowen decided to leave before the party, and I can’t help worrying about my friend. If heneeds help moving on from his past, I will aid him in any way I can.
Bane and Hunter convinced their brother Remy to join us. They stayed close to their boss and friend, and I can tell they aren’t very comfortable around all of us at the same time. Remy is just as delicious as his brothers. I wonder what his story is? Bane has been my friend, yet still distant. I don’t know much about the jaguar shifters. They are watching everyone with curiosity, not distrust. Remy might not like it, but I’m adding him to the group messages.
These people are mine. I claimed them months ago, and they can’t shake me loose. Over time, they began to trust me and enjoy my company. The past few days have proved to me how much they care, when I had doubts before. I don’t regret my past. It led me here, to these shifters and vampires. They have given me more love in a week than my parents ever did, and that’s enough for me. I’m waiting for fire, fights, or blood. This crew is always getting into trouble, and I admit, I glory in that shit. There is never a dull moment, and I have caused or contributed to some of the incidents. Nothing has happened except laughter and good conversation.
I don’t trust it.
My gaze travels over Luca’s face. He’s watching his sister, smiling gently as she holds the room captive with her joy. I turn to Atlas, and he is staring at me. I grin and press my forehead to his neck. My mates. My loves. My reward.
Suddenly, a vision hits me. I bite my lip to hold in my gasp as heat floods my body. My mates are with me, their hands roaming over me. It’s not the act of sex we will have tonight that causes my surprise, but the baby we will make. I know she will be conceived. As quickly as the knowledge comes, it’s gone. I sit up and swing my legs down.
“Tricks?” Luca asks, frowning.
“Boyfriends, it’s time to go,” I announce, standing. Atlas narrows his eyes, and I know he felt my emotions. “I love you all. Thank you for showing up for me tonight. You will never understand how much it meant to me.” I smile and back up. My mates join me, watching me curiously. Goodbyes ring out. “Don’t burn Ryker’s club down—he gets cranky. At least not without me.” I wink at Saphira, waving over my shoulder as they start to bicker about the last time she set fire to a man in the club. I led the way down the stairs and through the bodies on the dance floor. I wait to speak until we are beside the building in the shadows. “Are you alright with going home?”
“What’s going on?” Atlas asks. I must have been successful in hiding my thoughts, or he would know.
“Do you want to come up with another word for love?” I ask.
“Sally,” Luca whispers.
“What?” I frown.
“That’s the word. We talked about it. You are everything love is supposed to be.” Luca shares a look with Atlas. “We don’t need words, we have you.” I inhale shakily.
“That’s so sweet,” I breathe, and Atlas cups my cheek, grazing his thumb over my lip.
“Did you have a vision?” he asks.
“Yes,” I admit.
“What was it?”
“Are you ready to beg?” I ask.
“You had a vision of us begging?” Luca asks.
“I have a proposition,” I offer instead of answering.
“Tell us,” Atlas demands.
“If you can catch me, I’ll beg all night,” I challenge, lifting my chin. Atlas drops his hand and narrows his eyes.
“Rules?” he asks.
