Page 75 of Daring Her Vampires
“Depends,” Atlas says.
“On what?” She narrows her eyes.
“If he opens his mouth,” he replies.
“Or if he says anything about you or Sally,” Luca adds.
“How about you restrain him, and then I can ask?” She crosses her arms.
“Do you think you are going with us?” Luca asks, and Allie sits straight, glaring at him.
“Don’t even,” she hisses, smacking him on the chest. “I am not a delicate flower. I’m going with you.” She turns to me. “Sally, you agree with me.” I look at her, and then Luca, and then Atlas.
“She deserves to face him and ask her questions.” Allie grins, lifting her chin. “I understand their worry, but you aren’t human. She needs closure, and you will be the best brothers to give it to her.” I pick up my cup. “I am not a delicate flower either.” I lift a brow. “Don’t even think about leaving me behind.”
“Of course not, Tricks,” Luca mumbles, and I don’t trust it. Allie jumps to my defense, but I ignore their conversation, glancing at the flower.
I shove my emotions away. The silly hope that flower gave me pisses me off. I shouldn’t want anything to do with the man. He threw me away and blamed me for things out of my control. The things I had to do to survive because of him gave me nightmares for years, and that was when I was able to sleep. I might be delusional, keeping the flowers, choosing to remember my mom and not that asshole when I looked at them. Feelings I have ignored are overflowing, demanding to be acknowledged.
Just a few more days. We have to catch Fredrick.
Then I’ll deal with my dad.
Chapter Seventeen
Atlas
Sally was quiet as she finished her meal. We volunteered to clear the table and she went to take a shower. Allie is in the other bathroom, and I finally have a moment to talk to Luca. We keep our voices to a whisper.
“My instinct is to call Shade,” he says, placing dishes in the sink. “He could find her dad.”
“But you know how angry she would be,” I say.
“Would it be worth facing it?”
“Maybe.” I sigh. “I want to protect her, yet she doesn’t want our interference.”
“Are we going to let them come when we deal with Fredrick?” he asks.
“I would like to be in the room when you tell them we aren’t going to let them,” I say dryly. “Do we want to live happily with Sally when this is done? Do we still want to have a friendly relationship with our sister?”
“Are you okay with putting them in danger?” He turns and crosses his arms.
“Fuck no,” I hiss. “I don’t want them to go. If I had my way, they would be far away from the asshole. Allie is determined. Sally wants to fight at our side.”
“I don’t like it,” he grits out.
“They’re both fighters. We will protect them while they do what they need to.” It doesn’t feel right, but I won’t stop them. “Allie works with us, you’ve seen what she can do.”
“The bond is fucking with me,” he says softly. “I know Sally is fierce. My gut is telling me to keep her safe.”
“We’ll be with her,” I remind him. “She won’t get hurt.”
“Is your demon getting impatient?” he asks, stepping close.
“Yes.” I roll my shoulders. “He wants her now. I’m hungrier than usual. Tasting her set him off.” All he wants is her blood and her body. We are one, yet his needs are amplified.
“I’ve been holding back,” he admits, dropping his arms and gripping the counter. “He has always liked violence. I’m on edge every moment, barely holding back.”
