Page 21 of Daring Her Vampires
“I don’t like you either,” he says, lips twitching.
“But you are here for Sally.” I should reserve judgment, but he’s a powerful, rare shifter who my demon thinks is a threat.
“Yes. She is family.” He smiles briefly. “I didn’t think I would get used to being in the group. It’s still odd, but I’m adjusting.”
“How?”
“Slowly,” he replies, and I can’t stop my grin. “You want her?”
“Of course,” I growl, my smile disappearing. “I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
“So suck it up,” he says.
“I want to hit you,” I drawl, fisting my hands.
“It will pass,” he sighs.
“Maybe.” I unclench my fingers and move the plate from my leg.
“Trust me.”
“Trust doesn’t come easily.” Instead of hitting him, I put my hand over Sally’s. Allie is entertaining her, their laughter filling the room.
“It never does,” he mutters as he watches his mate speaking with the female wolf. “If you want the life Sally will give you, get over it. The family is a package deal.” His gaze connects with mine. “Don’t fuck it up.”
“Brilliant advice,” I say dryly, and he shrugs.
“I’m blunt, and I think you are too.” He drains his glass. “Treat her right and get out of your own way.” He nods, and I tilt my head slightly as he leaves his seat. I watch his mate’s face light up as he walks to her.
We never settled anywhere long, so meeting other shifters was pointless when we would move a week later. The lifestyle fits us. As did hunting Fredrick. I liked traveling and seeing the world. The idea of having a mate didn’t occur to me. Finding her wasn’t something I imagined, and certainly sharing one withAtlas didn’t cross my mind. I respect and love my brother. He’s a good man, a loyal brother, friend, and partner. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about the bond and the facts of our vampire heritage. It’s rare, but it is possible for vampires to share a mate. I heard about it and met a couple who did, but that was the extent of it.
I look down as Sally moves her fingers over my knee and crosses her legs toward me. When I look up, she keeps her attention on Allie and the coyote who joined them. My sister has enough personality for all three of us. She can make friends with anyone, and they can’t help loving her. I love her, but I don’t know how she does it. How does she have so much to say? She shocks me every day with her love for the life that was forced on her. It was rough when she was turned.
“Brother,” Atlas says softly, and I look at him as he leans behind Sally. “You good?”
“Yeah,” I reply, and he shakes his head. “Okay, no, but I will be.” Atlas hides his real feelings. He can put on the best show, but I know there is a storm building inside. I hide, but not for long. I can’t help showing my madness. “You?”
“Of course.” He grins, but it’s strained.
“Right,” I say wryly. Our instinct is to take Sally home and never let her leave. We don’t like all the males in the building being so close to her. Even though most of the men in this room are mated, it makes us twitchy.
“Do you want a drink?” he asks.
“I’ll get it. Stay with Sally.” He nods and sits on the arm of the couch. I move her hand, and her head jerks toward me. “I’ll be right back,” I explain when she opens her mouth, gliding my thumb over her bottom lip. Watching her lick the space where my finger was, I tip my lip up and leave the room.
Instead of turning right to the bar at the end of the balcony, I turn left, needing a moment alone. I escape down the hallwayacross from the stairs, where there is a closed door at the end. Leaning against the wall, I close my eyes and drop my head back. I’m glad Atlas is with Sally; at least since we share her, he will be there when I can’t. I know they are her friends, but leaving her alone isn’t an option. I despised being a room away from her at her apartment. Knowing she was naked in the shower was torture, and it took restraint to give her space. I’ve wanted women before, but it’s been superficial. We fuck and then I move on. I’ve never loved anyone or needed to be in their life for more than a night or two. The pull I feel toward Sally should be disturbing in its intensity, but it feels right. I knew fated mates existed, but understanding why two people were drawn to each other seemed odd.
I smell her before she comes around the corner. She stops in front of me but doesn’t say anything. I can feel the heat of her gaze. Dropping my head, I open my eyes and slide my arms behind me, pressing my palms to the wall.
“I needed a minute,” I say roughly, pressing back tightly against my arms when I want to grab her and never let her go.
“I understand,” she says, tilting her head. “Do you want me to leave?”
“No.”
“Do you want me to get you a drink?”
“No.”
