Page 52 of Daring Her Vampires
“Fuck, I am too,” Luca growls.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect.” I squeeze in between them. “There is no right way. All the ingredients are the same. It doesn’t matter what it looks like.” We fill the pan and I slip it into the oven. “We already cooked the potatoes, so we just need towarm them up and melt the cheese. Luca, grab me a large tray.” I point to the cupboard. It’s nice to have tall mates so I don’t have to climb on the counter to get it. “You get the plates.” I glance at Atlas.
“Allie is here,” Luca says right before she knocks on the door.
“Come in,” I call.
“Holy shit,” she gasps as she enters. “It smells amazing in here.”
“We helped cook,” Luca says.
“Nuh-uh,” she says, her eyes wide.
“They did.” I look at them tenderly. In any relationship, you have to know when to give them a win. “Hope you’re hungry.”
“Starving.” She bounces over. “So, who’s coming?” She asks, leaning over the counter.
“Bishop, a dragon shifter, and River, the wolf.”
“They were the first ones in the Games, right?” she asks.
“Yes. I understand why they don’t like witches,” I say, grabbing silverware.
“Why did the witch do it? Why help the bad guys?” she asks.
“Serenity told me that she was forced to. Gill was threatening someone she loved. I don’t know who.” Atlas takes the plates to the table, and I set out the utensils behind him. I’m assuming they will bring their mates.
“Do you know much about witches?” Luca asks.
“Some. Their powers are different from shifters. Our power comes from the animal inside us. Witches are born with the ability to do magic, and they develop their skills as they age. They don’t like attention and don’t advertise their gifts. They are more human than any of us. Without their magic, they would age and die as a human. You definitely don’t want to be on their bad side,” I warn, pointing a fork at Allie. “With just an intention in their words, they can wield magic.”
“Have they used magic on you?” Allie asks, grinning.
“That is a story for another time,” I mumble, refusing to share. Talking about being with another man in front of my boyfriends is a big no-no. I smell the dragons, and thankfully I’m saved by the knock on the door. Hustling across the room, I swing it wide. “Penny.” I pull her as close as her rounded belly will allow. “How’s the baby?”
“Kicking the shit out of me,” she complains, and I step back. “Go ahead. I know you want to feel,” she sighs.
“I do.” I rub my hands together before lightly touching her stomach.
“I demanded to come with,” Penny says as I drop my hand. “I’m sick of being stuck in the house.”
“You’re always welcome.” I wave my arm at the couch. “Have a seat. The food is almost ready.” Bishop and Laken follow her. “River is coming too,” I mention, closing the door.
“Is everyone coming?” Bishop asks.
“No.” He tilts his head, and I rush on. “You remember Allie.”
“Of course.” Penny smiles.
“Atlas and Luca helped cook,” I say, avoiding Laken’s suspicious gaze. The men nod at each other silently. As much as I love my family, I’ve never invited them over for a meal. We always end up going out. I know they are waiting for my reason for inviting them.
“Sexy rabbit,” River yells as he’s walking up the stairs. Atlas growls low and watches me as I go to the door.
“Really?” I glare as I let them in.
“Yes, really.” River grins, and I melt. I can’t ever stay annoyed with the wolf for long.
“I came to control River so your vampires don’t hurt him,” Kerian says.
