Page 18 of Daring Her Vampires
“You don’t have to explain.” I cover Atlas’s hand with mine. “We have time for that later.” I clear my throat. “So, tonight will be chaos. Don’t worry about remembering all the names. Believe me, they can be overwhelming.” His hand relaxes, and he threads his fingers through mine.
“How did you meet them?” he asks.
“I owned a diner in another state. Saylor, a cheetah shifter, was a waitress there. I knew she was running from someone before she trusted me enough to admit it. I watched out for her, and she became like a daughter.” I exhale, knowing I will have a real child. “We became close and developed a plan if he found her. He sent his pack after her. I helped her escape and covered for her. Once she was gone, they didn’t believe it when I said I didn’t know who she was or where she went.”
“Did they hurt you?” Luca growls.
I lift a shoulder. “They tied me to a chair and burned down my diner.”
“Fuck.” Atlas tightens his hand.
“They thought I died, but I always have a backup plan. I got out before I was cooked and followed Saylor. I didn’t expect to find her in the middle of a group of shifters and vampires. Elijah is a cheetah and her mate. They didn’t expect me.”
“What happened to the man?” Atlas asks.
“He’s dead. Saylor killed him before a psycho woman vampire tried to kill Elijah. It worked out, so I stayed. I liked the idea of the family they built.” I look out the window as we arrive at the club.
“It’s unusual,” Luca murmurs.
“You don’t have a blood family?” Atlas asks.
“No.” I point to the parking spot with my name on it. “There.” I turn to face them when he shuts off the car. “These people are my family. I found them and was determined to keep them. They are loyal and would bleed for me. I would do the same. You both, and Allie, are part of that circle now. They are intrusive, but so am I. It comes from a place of love. We care what the fuck happens to the family. It’s important that you accept them, just as they will accept you. Our past doesn’t matter. All of us have demons and have done questionable things. We don’t care as long as you don’t hurt the innocent or children.”
“We have always been alone,” Atlas says in a low voice. “Since we turned, it’s been the three of us. It’s odd to have someone to depend on.”
“You aren’t alone anymore.” I smile slightly. “Many in the group have the same background.”
“You’re lucky,” Luca rumbles, opening his door. “We will try to acclimate.”
“That’s all I ask.” Atlas nods, lets go of my hand, and leaves the car. Before I can open my door, they are there. They stand tightly together and hold out their hands. I take them but look down to hide my smile. They aren’t taking any chances with my short dress.
Atlas locks the car, and they walk on either side of me. He rests his palm above my ass, and Luca holds my hand. I can’t decide if they are trying to play the game and turn me on, or if it’s natural. I nod at the bouncer as we pass. He’s seen me enough times. We enter the loud club. The dance floor is packed, as are the tables and booths surrounding it. The guys remain at my side even though moving in a single file would be easier. I don’t know if it’s the power emanating from my mates or the scowls on their faces that cause everyone to move out of the way. The humans can sense something about the vampires, but don’t know the beasts at my side.
The party is on the second floor in one of the private balcony rooms. The club has several rooms upstairs with a bar, and the rooms are large and comfortable. Ryker has also installed some soundproofing to reduce the noise. I lead the way up the stairs, and the nerves hit me again. I have attended many parties here and at the panther’s club celebrating the newest mate, but I never thought I would be the one bringing her mates. Everything I said in the car is the truth. I value my family's opinion. They have to get along with my mates. I won’t give them up no matter what, and that’s why I hope the family will like them.
“Hey, sexy rabbit,” Bane says as I round the corner. He’s leaning against the entryway to the room.
“Bane, you came.” I grin. His brother Hunter is standing behind him.
“I wouldn’t miss this,” he mutters and turns. Hunter shakes his head and steps back. As I follow, I freeze just inside.Everyonecame.
“I knew we would need more shifters to control the chaos of the night,” Heath drawls, nodding at Hunter and Bane.
“You let her leave the house in that?” River gasps, pointing at my legs.
“River,” Ava scolds, grabbing his hand.
“Jesus, River.” Kerian is the wolf Alpha and Ava’s other mate.
“She looks beautiful,” Daisy says, smiling brightly, leaning against Micah.
“There’s not enough fabric,” Micah mutters, glaring at my mates.
“She can wear whatever she wants,” Saphira snaps.
“Firefly, don’t start a fire,” Kingston says, winking at me.
“Yes, please control your fire,” Ryker says dryly. “I don’t want burn marks on the ceiling.”
