Page 79 of Daring Her Vampires
“You have the least amount of fear for what I am,” Mara says, focusing on Sally. “Your gift has elements of mine, and I think you can understand me better than most.” She smiles slightly. “I am aware most of you in the room would like to kill me rather than understand me.” She looks at River. He is leaning against the window, his distrust evident. “I’m sorry.” River jerks. “I wish I had never met your uncle. His appearance in my life was never something I wanted. I live with the guilt of my role in the Games every day. I met your mate. She was beautiful and strong. I wanted to help her, but he threatened someone in my life. The only person in my life who is truly good and pure. I had to protect them just as all of you showed up here to stand between me and Sally.” She looks back at Sally. “Thank you for your good heart.” Mara glances at us. “You are good for her.” She clears her throat. “Allie, I will explain how my spells work.” Allie nods. “I will have to touch you. Your memories will transfer tome. You will feel nothing, but I will take in all of your pain and experiences. I will delve into your time with the man and get as much information about him as possible.”
“Can you find him that way?” Allie asks.
“Not exactly.” She licks her lips. “Afterward, I will have to do a location spell.”
“Does it hurt you?” Sally asks.
“Yes.” She stares at Sally. “It might take me a while to recover from the touch before I do the spell.”
“What do I do?” Allie asks.
“Just give me your hand.” Mara removes one of her gloves, and Ryker moves beside Serenity. “Please do not interfere. If I fall, do not touch me. It will make it worse.” Her gifts seem like a horrible curse. I feel for her. She’s brave to walk into a room full of shifters and vampires who hate the things she did. “Promise me,” she insists, meeting everyone’s eyes.
“We promise not to touch you,” River says, his body relaxing. Perhaps he has realized she is not the enemy he thought.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “Give me your hand.”
I’ve never seen a witch in action, and I should be concerned for Allie. Our sister stands determined, holding her hand out. If Mara can be trusted, she will feel all the pain Allie has experienced. The witch will take the burden. I don’t sense anything vindictive about her, and her guilt over the past is the only thing driving her to help.
“Are you sure, Mara?” Serenity whispers.
“Yes.” She breathes deeply. “I’m ready.” Mara’s hand shakes slightly as she clasps my sister's. Mara’s head drops back, and she closes her eyes. Her body shudders, and her mouth parts.
I can see the magic swirling between them, and my eyes can track the power. Mara’s anguish fills the room, and everyone shifts uncomfortably. Allie has lived a full, often painful, life. Allof it seems to flash across Mara’s face. She straightens her head, her eyes wide and staring at Allie, yet they are clouded.
“Fuck, I’m sorry,” Mara whispers, and I frown.
“Me too,” Allie replies.
I share a look with Luca. Our sister has secrets. One she hasn’t told us about.
Chapter Eighteen
Sally
Allie’s sad face remains as Mara rips her hand away and stumbles. She hits the wall beside Serenity. Her eyes are open, yet they don’t focus. She’s trapped in Allie’s past. I don’t know what she saw to cause my new sister's reaction, but I know it was bad. My mates are furious, knowing Allie didn’t tell them something important. “Allie, what does she mean?” Atlas asks.
“Later,” she says, watching Mara.
“Now,” Luca demands.
“Can I lie down somewhere?” Mara asks roughly.
“Of course.” I motion for her to follow me into my room. I meet Atlas’s eyes as we pass, hoping he will control the room while I settle her. He nods, but I don’t believe it. My boyfriend is always in control, yet he is losing his shit.
“Thank you,” Mara whispers, entering the room. I shut the door slightly. “I just need a few moments alone.” She sits on the edge of the bed before lying down.
“Take all the time you need,” I say, reaching for the light switch.
“No, please. The dark helps,” she says, and I drop my hand. I think she lives in the dark, afraid of any connection.
“I’ll check on you soon.” Voices rise on the other side of the door, and I edge back. “Don’t mind the yelling.”
“I would expect nothing less,” she says, meeting my eyes. “They wouldn’t be good brothers if they weren’t angry.”
Shit. Luca snarls, and I quickly back out of the room and shut the door. Atlas is restraining Luca while trying to remain calm, but I see the demon in his eyes. Allie is facing them, her arms crossed, as if holding herself together.
“What did he do?” Luca growls, pushing forward.
