Page 53 of Daring Her Vampires
“I came because you are an amazing cook,” Ava says.
“Come in.” Shutting the door after them, I see Allie and my boyfriends standing at the counter, tensely watching. “Where’sRevel?” The wolves adopted a little girl since Ava is unable to have biological children.
“She wanted to see the baby, so Serenity took her to Elijah and Saylor’s,” Ava says.
“Serenity? You talked to her?” I ask, smiling tightly.
“Of course,” she replies with a tilt of her head. “Why?”
“No reason,” I say quickly. “How is she?”
“Good.” She shares a look with Kerian.
“Are we going to eat?” River asks. I took my attention off the wolf. He’s sitting at the table, holding his utensils, looking around expectantly.
“Yes,” I laugh. I’m grateful he broke some of the tension. “Everyone, take a seat.” Hurrying to the kitchen, I turn off the stove and grab a potholder. I’m startled as Atlas presses his hand to my back. I sigh when he kisses my temple, leaving his lips against my skin, helping me calm down. I’ve been the one reassuring them about our guest's reactions. I didn’t realize my emotions were mixed, guessing what they would say. “Thanks,” I whisper.
“I’m always here for you,” he whispers against my skin before pulling back. “Let me get it.” He takes the mitt out of my hand and pushes on my stomach. I turn and notice Luca and Laken are watching us, and everyone else is talking. Luca is smiling slightly, and Laken holds my eyes for a moment before looking away.
The chatter continues as everyone settles around the table, and we place the food in the middle. Plates are filled, and River entertains everyone with a story while the first bites are taken. Atlas and Luca sit on either side of me, and Allie sits directly across from us. Penny engages her in conversation, and the room fills with laughter. I don’t pay attention to any of the words. The nerves in my stomach increase. These people mean everything to me, and even though involving the witch was myidea, I’m having second thoughts. I don’t ever want to cause my family any pain. Life has been difficult enough for all of us, and we finally found our home, which has given us peace. Bishop and Laken were torn apart for years because of the death of their family, and Laken’s need for vengeance. When Bishop was taken by Gill, his pride was severely damaged, and finding his way back to his brother and meeting Penny healed him. The brothers can share their emotions and memories with each other. After they reunited, Laken saw and felt the torture Bishop endured.
River is wild, funny, and quirky. He’s been hiding his pain from his past behind a big smile and a sense of humor. When he came back to town to help Kerian, his uncle started the Games again, bringing the nightmares of the past to the present. Ava had to endure what River lived for years, and I know it devastated the wolf. They finally found their peace with their mate and daughter.
I don’t want to fuck it up. We could find another way. If Fredrick comes here, he won’t get Allie with all of us protecting her. I think he knows that. He hides because if he came into the light, we would kill him.
“Sally.” I blink and realize I’ve been staring at my food without taking a bite.
“Yeah?” I focus on Laken, and everyone quiets. Luca cups my knee and gives me a squeeze.
“What’s going on? I know this isn’t just about having a meal. You would have invited everyone,” Laken says. I lick my lips and try to find the words.
“We need a favor,” Atlas says, sweetly attempting to help me.
“A favor?” Bishop asks.
“It’s alright,” I mutter to Atlas, and look Bishop in the eyes. “We’ve been trying to come up with a plan to catch Fredrick. This morning, we were at the office discussing it with Quinn. For the record, he didn’t like my plan, but I feel it’s the fastest way toend it.” I exhale harshly. “He likes to hide, threatening from afar, and I want to take the fight to him.” I glance at Laken and then River. “I want to ask the witch to help.” River stops mid-chew. “I know what she did was bad. I know it’s a lot to ask. All of you went through horrible things, and I don’t want to cause you pain. Serenity still speaks to Mara. I don’t know if she would be willing to help, but I want to ask.” I look at Ava, and her expression is blank. “The things Gill did to you and the other shifters are disgusting. I’m sorry for it. I know you met Mara, and she didn’t do anything to help initially, but she did in the end.” I clear my throat. “Logan was tortured by him too. I would have had him over as well if he had answered my message. He was messed up because of it, but I hope if you agree, I can talk to him.” Bishop pushes his plate away. “You don’t know anything about Luca and Atlas. Allie means everything to them, and she needs our help. Fredrick killed that poor woman at the club, and who knows how many since.” We have no idea the deaths he’s caused over the years.
“Fredrick thrives on chaos. I’ve met men like that. He wants to cause pain and draw Allie out. He knows her brothers will do anything to protect her, and I will do anything to protect them. He’s putting our world at risk. It won't be long before someone sees something they aren’t supposed to.” I look at my mates. “They are good men. You know what the trauma of the past does to you. They lived through some awful things and have spent years tracking Fredrick. They’ve stuck together through it all, and I don’t want them to have to go through anymore. Not if I can help it,” I stumble to a stop.
“Tricks,” Luca says softly, palming the back of my neck. I lean into his touch, tipping my head to his. We stare at each other, and I soak up his gratefulness and concern.
“Sally,” River says gruffly, and I turn my attention to him. “You’ve been worried?”
“Worried?” I shrug. “Maybe a little.”
“Being with my uncle was the worst time of my life. He had no redeeming qualities and enjoyed the pain he caused me and many others. When I came out the other side, I’d hoped it was over, yet he found another way to get to me.” He covers Ava’s hand with his. “It was my worst nightmare when he took my mate.” He looks at her tenderly. His usually comical expressions are replaced with love. “The universe gave us a strong mate, and she held it together.” He looks back at me. “Yes, it was hell. I can’t say we didn’t have nightmares after it was over. Gill is dead. He can’t hurt anyone again. I’ve moved on and have dealt with my emotions with Ava and Kerian. I hate witches. Not only because of what happened in the games, but because they freak me out. I don’t trust anyone who can say a few words and have things appear out of thin air. But that’s a personal problem. You’re my family. We help family even if we disagree with certain aspects.” He grins. “Plus, you are an amazing cook. I’m upset you haven’t invited me over for a meal before. I will give my blessing as long as you cook for me again.”
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“I’m in,” Ava says. “I met her. I believe that she didn’t want to be there. She was treated differently, but she was still in a cage.”
“Have you talked to Saphira?” Bishop asks, and I cringe. She is my best friend and was also affected by Gill. The witch wasn’t at the first Games when she was there.
“No,” I say. I’ve avoided calling her.
“I know what she would say,” Bishop says. “She would be the first to tell you to use the witch. You’ve protected her since she arrived. She loves you.” He leans back. “I also don’t like witches. I never wanted to see her again. When Penny was taken, it took a lot of courage for her to walk into a room with people who despised what she had done. At the time, I was enraged, and sowas Laken. We didn’t want her help, but we needed it. It pisses me off that I am now grateful to her, she found Penny for us.”
“Bishop,” Penny scolds.
