Page 90 of Daring Her Vampires
“He’ll get over it,” he says.
“Not likely.”
“What matters is how we are with Sally. He’ll see our love, eventually.”
“All of the vampires here are powerful,” I mention lightly.
“We are too.” He grins, and I shake my head. “How do you feel about them? Will you ever feel like you belong?”
“Maybe.” I wasn’t expecting anything that’s happened. I’ve barely had time to breathe. “They love her, so I can try to blend in.”
“You? Blend?”
“Weirder things have happened.” I laugh shortly. “I’m sharing a mate with my vampire brother.”
“True. Who would have predicted that?”
“It feels right. Being here and sharing with you. It will take time to enjoy being around all of them. We’ve only had to worry about each other. What about work? Have you thought about whether we will continue to work for Shade?” I ask.
“Why not? We don’t report to the office. Working remotely is normal. We’ve lived all over the world.”
“What about Tricks? She’ll want to work with us.” I can’t imagine she will sit home and wait for our return.
“She would be an asset,” he says, picking up her hand. “Her skills are many and will only grow as a hybrid.”
“Shade would be thrilled,” I say.
“Yes, he will welcome her.”
“Asshole has too much interest in our mate.”
“He’s involved with the family. More than any of them know,” he says, frowning. “His secrets are getting annoying.”
“He can’t hide in the shadows forever.” He’s always been a mystery, and I’ve respected his privacy.
“It will take a momentous occasion to force him into the light,” he says.
“Perhaps a mate is in his future,” I muse.
“I would like to see how he deals with that,” he chuckles.
“He is the one who has to control everyone and everything. I bet he falls hard and fast.” Shade sits behind his computers, relying on his technology to keep him connected to the outside world. “He must have many secrets. How can a shifter that not many people have seen run a business and employ so many?”
“He’s talented. His words hold weight.” Atlas sits up and rubs his face.
“How long has it been?” I ask.
“Three hours,” he replies, standing. “Take my place. I need to move.”
I move to the side of the bed and lie beside Sally as Atlas leaves the room. I misjudged his pain. He has always hidden his emotions, whereas I have shown every moment of anger. The mask he wears cracked a little while speaking about Sally, yet there is much more going on behind the facade. Meeting our mate has given him another family member to worry about, but it has also allowed him to let go. Sally is perfect for him. Not for a second did I think of letting her go so he could have her to himself. I’m selfish enough to want it all.
Atlas is the best brother anyone could have. We have fought many times over the years, but we have always worked it out. Living with your siblings for hundreds of years, it would be odd not to disagree. Allie is the most ferocious when she wants something. Working in the bar was tame compared to all thetrouble she got into. We rarely needed to rescue her; we usually had to clean up the damage she did to those who hurt her. I wonder if Fredrick is the reason she sought out excitement as she tried to bury the feelings from his behavior.
Sliding down further in the bed, I roll and cocoon Sally. I curl my arm over her head and press against her side. The bond is knitting together inside me, tying me to her. When it’s complete, I’ll be able to feel every emotion she has and locate her anywhere in the world. If she is in trouble, I will know. I close my eyes and touch my forehead to her temple. I feel her love, but I have from the beginning. It’s pure and beautiful.
The flowers disturb me. She brushes it off and shoves the feelings it evokes deep down. I know it hurts her. She hides as Atlas does. When she is done with the transition, she won’t be able to lie about it anymore. We have to do something about her dad. I won’t allow him to torture her anymore. I concentrate on her breathing. It could take all night. I’m not enthused about informing her family if we don’t show up at the office in the morning. We will have them at the front door, demanding her presence.
“Your blood smells yummy, boyfriend.”
