Craving Her Vampire: Embracing The Bond, page 9
“He was going to order something soon,” Daisy says, frowning. “We’ve been busy.”
“No need now,” Saph says as she unloads the food on the table. “You bought furniture.”
“It was time.” I narrow my eyes when Heath moves to Saphira. “I didn’t expect anyone
else to be using it.”
“Don’t pout,” Saph says, earning a deadly look from Daisy. “We are happy for you and wanted to help.” She sets out five plates. I reluctantly pull out the chair at the head of the table, pulling Daisy with me. Instead of sitting, my mate walks around Heath and Saph, grabs a plate, and then returns to my chair. I would have missed her swiping Saphira’s bracelet if I hadn't been watching my mate so intensely.
Hiding a grin, I sit and am surprised when Daisy takes her place on my lap.
I’ll buy Saph another one.
“Why are there five plates?” I ask, wrapping my arm around Daisy.
“I was in the group text, and only one other person was brave enough to come,” she says, opening the gravy lid. “Why is everyone so scared of you?” She licks gravy from her finger.
“Because they’re smart,” Daisy replies. Heath snorts and sits to my right.
Saphira laughs. “I like you.”
“I don’t like you yet,” Daisy says.
“That’s alright, we have time.” She smiles at my mate's cautious face. “Can you guess who’s coming?”
“Yes.” I grab some chicken and put it on my mate's plate. “Ryker, Bash, Quinn, and your brothers aren’t scared of me, but they know what it’s like to have a mate. Besides you and Heath, Sally is the only one I’m close to who doesn’t have a mate.”
“I hate it when you are right,” Saph grumbles.
“She also is the queen of the group text,” I say. I rub Daisy’s back as she digs into the food. “Get the door, Saph.”
“It’s not fair your smell is that good,” she complains as she walks to the door.
“You aren’t gaining any points with me,” Daisy mumbles.
“It’s alright, love. She’s joking.” Secretly, I love her need to defend me. Saph swings the door open.
“Vampire,” Sally calls as she strolls in. Saph follows and continues to fill a plate. “Oh…” She surveys Heath. “You are still yummy. Good to see you in the light without a bunch of demented shifters around us; the whole package is eye candy.” She waves her fingers in a circle toward his body and brings them into a fist.
Heath smirks. “Same. You are lovely.”
“Lovely,” Sally says with a silly smile. “Did you hear that vampire?” She pulls out a chair to my left.
“I did,” I answer.
“Damn,” Sally whispers, looking at Daisy. “You are sexy.” She drops an elbow to the table, her chin hitting her palm, leaning toward Daisy. “Micah is a lucky vampire. I’m Sally.”
“Hi, Sally.” Daisy smiles. “I love rabbit shifters. I knew one years ago. We were friends, but she disappeared.”
“That’s a shame,” Sally says seriously. Saph jerks the chair back beside Sally, frowning. “What’s your problem?” Sally twists around.
“She likes you.” Saph gestures at Daisy.
“Of course she does. Who doesn’t?” Sally helps herself to the food.
“Daisy doesn’t like how Saph teases me,” I explain.
“Ah…” Sally bites in the drumstick. She chews slowly, looking between the women. “Daisy, you have to know Micah doesn’t think of Saph in that way. Saphira, you should ease up. Daisy just met her mate and will be on edge until they are fully bonded.”
“It won’t stop then,” Daisy says, reaching for the mashed potatoes.
“I’m sorry,” Saph offers. “I do love Micah, but as a dad figure.”
Daisy snarls. “Don’t use that term,” I advise.
“Why?” Saph asks, and Sally smothers her laugh with a spoonful of potatoes. “What am I missing?”
“Oh, girl,” Sally says, her mouth full.
“I know,” Heath says, raising a chicken breast, and I smack him.
I open my mouth to explain tactfully, but Daisy beats me to it. “Because he may have raised you, but isn’t your Dad. He’s mine. When all of you leave, and he fucks me, I will be the one calling him Daddy.” She pays no attention to the shocked silence at the table, closing her eyes as she eats some potatoes smothered in gravy. “Mate, I love potatoes in any form.”
“Noted,” I grin.
“Oh my,” Saph whispers. “Shit, I wasn't thinking.” I feel sorry for her. Saphira isn’t the most experienced with men. When she was younger, she was almost raped in the Games. A bunch of humans kidnapped shifters, held them in cages, and hunted them. One of the Hunters tried to rape her and would have succeeded if River, a wolf shifter, hadn’t have helped Bishop kill him.
“I get it,” Daisy tells her, but her eyes are on me. My perceptive mate can already read me well. “We will start again.” In a show of forgiveness, Daisy leans back, reaches into her pocket, and holds out Saphira’s bracelet. “Sorry, it’s a habit.” Saph looks from Daisy’s palm to her bare wrist, her fingers circling it.
“How did you do that?”
Daisy shrugs. “Practice.”
“Will you teach me?” Saph asks, grabbing the beads and sliding them back on her wrist.
“Sure.” The tension dissipates, and my mate bends over her plate.
“Darn,” Sally pouts, looking at her wrist, which has no fewer than ten bracelets. I shake my head and take my first bite. The food would normally be appetizing, but now I only want my mate’s blood.
“Quinn told me about the bodies in the woods,” Heath says. “Do you need help?”
Daisy stiffens. “Not at the moment,” I say. I don’t think she is comfortable involving everyone.
“Daisy,” Sally says and holds her eyes when they connect. “It may seem odd to you, but the shifters here depend on each other. It was weird for me at first, too. When one of them is in trouble, all of them do whatever they can to eliminate the problem. I have witnessed many occasions of this. We have no motivation other than to make you safe. We take the bond seriously. Micah would die if something happened to you. I am partial to the vampire. He became my friend despite my species and personality. He’s loyal, and I am loyal to him. Just think about sharing. We won’t judge.” Sally squeezes Daisy’s hand. “I know you will be a force once you are bonded. Micah is going to help you through the transition.”
“Is it true rabbits can see the future?” Daisy asks softly.
“Sometimes,” Sally says, letting go of her hand.
“It’s difficult to trust,” Daisy says.
“Yes, it is. Especially when you haven’t had a lot to trust in the past,” Sally says, her experience evident in her voice.
“The Alpha of my pack is trying to find me,” Daisy whispers. “I have something he wants, and he has something I want.”
“What does he have?” Saph asks, leaning forward.
“My brother.” Saph gasps. “We’ve been fighting for years, and neither of us wants to give in.”
“Family is everything. We will do anything to help find him,” Saph swears and shares a meaningful look with Daisy.
“Thank you.” Daisy slides her hand to my thigh. “My emotions are pulling me in different directions, but I have to find my brother.”
“With all of us working together, we will,” Sally offers.
“What does he want from you?” Saph asks, and when we say nothing, she looks around the table. “What? You said you both have something the other wants.”
“I took something he stole, and he wants it back,” Daisy says, clearly not ready to reveal everything to the people she just met.
“Who are the three men in Ryker’s dungeon?” Heath asks, and I don’t bother to ask how he knows of them.
“Part of the pack. They tried to kill me,” Daisy says.
“Assholes,” Sally spits.
“It wasn’t the first time.” Daisy pushes her plate away and leans back on my chest.
“That just sucks,” Saph snarls. “I thought the pack was supposed to protect each other.”
“Not mine,” Daisy mutters.
“What’s the next move?” Sally asks, and silence descends. My phone rings on cue.
“Fuck.” I pull it out of my pocket and see Bash’s name. “Bash,” I answer.
“The three men in the basement are starting to stink,” he informs me. “The one is almost dead, so he is probably the source. Ryker would like the stench not to reach the club.”
“We’ll be there soon,” I assure him, and Daisy leans over her plate.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I heard I wasn’t the first one,” he says dryly.
“No.” I look around the table.
“Do you need us to meet you there?”
“No, not this time.” I glance at Heath. “I have someone else in mind.”
“I’m here,” Bash offers.
“I know, thanks.” I ended the call. “Do you want to go to the dungeon?”
“It’s been a while since we worked together.” Heath’s lips quirk.
“Can I go?” Saph bounces in her seat.
“If she goes, I can, too,” Sally says eagerly.
“You all are bloodthirsty,” I say, smirking.
“I’ve learned from the best,” Saph says. I don’t think her brothers are going to find it funny.
“I am dying to see Heath in action.” Sally wipes her mouth and throws down the napkin.
I shake my head. “Are you ready, love?” I ask, squeezing her waist.
She scoops the last of her potatoes. “I am.” She licks her spoon clean. “Although, I would rather be in bed with you, Daddy.”
Sally’s laughter bursts out. Saph’s eyes widen.
“Lucky fucker,” Heath whispers.
Yes, I am. My mate is certainly going to keep shocking me. I have a feeling I have barely scratched the surface of my mate.
Fuck, I’m looking forward to every minute.
Chapter Eleven
Daisy
Iwant to be fucked by my mate. Instead, we are back at the club, standing in front of my three packmates. I was pissed when we were interrupted, but it was hard to hang onto my anger when I met Sally. I like her. Saphira has been watching me cautiously. It’s hard to reason with my emotions. All my coyote heard was her flirting with Micah. Logically, I know she didn’t mean anything by it, and I’m trying to get my possessive animal to realize that.
Saphira is beautiful, with long dark auburn hair with lighter golden streaks. Her gorgeous golden-brown eyes seem to change from one moment to the next, the shade lightening with her expressions. She has an aura of kindness, but I smell the pain in her scent. I have to control myself. When I get to know her better, we could be friends.
“You bitch,” Henry snarls. “Let him shift and heal.” Colby is hanging limply, and his heart is very slow. Miles is quiet; his attention is focused on Heath.
“You do have a death wish,” Micah says but restrains himself. I appreciate his willingness to let me decide how to proceed.
“Why don’t you tell us what we want to know?” I ask.
“Will you let us go if I do?” he asks snottily. He slides to the right as Sally circles him. “Associating with rabbits now?” He wrinkles his nose, and Sally lunges toward him, and he jerks. She laughs.
“It’s a step up from who she has been around,” Sally whispers in his ear, and he pulls away as much as he can.
“All I see is death,” Sally says and moves away, leaning on the wall across from him.
“What are you?” Miles asks Heath.
Heath shakes his head and straightens. “I agree with you.” He nods at Sally. “I see death. I see the death of thousands of people at your pack's hands.” He turns to me. “May I?” He gestures to Colby.
“Yes,” I say without knowing what he is going to do. He has black hair and the brightest blue eyes I’ve seen. His body is slim, but muscled like a swimmer. He moves fluidly, and does not need the cane for the purpose it is made for. I have no idea what Heath is. I haven't smelled anything like him before, but Micah trusts him. Colby will die soon, so he can’t do any damage. His cane taps as he moves to stand in front of him.
Heath opens Colby’s eye with his fingers. “He was trained the same way you were,” Heath whispers. I frown and glance at Micah.
“Trust in his power,” Micah says softly, taking my hand.
Saphira and I crane our heads, trying to see Heath’s face without being obvious, and almost crack our heads together. We share a sheepish smile.
“Henry stole him from his family when he was young. He was afraid for years, but the fear was brainwashed out,” Heath continued. Seriously, what is he? What kind of being can pull answers from a nearly dead man? “He doesn’t know where your brother is. Turner tells him nothing important.” He pulls away and turns to face us. “Can I put him out of his misery now?”
“Yes.”
He doesn’t move anything but his hand. With a flick of his wrist, his cane turns into a whip, flashing over his shoulder and taking off Colby’s head. My mouth drops open as I watch the head roll. Saphira makes a noise between a laugh and a squeal, gaining everyone's attention.
She clears her throat and says, “Sorry.”
“Holy fuck,” Henry screams. Miles gasps.
“Show off,” Micah says. Heath shrugs and resumes his spot by my mate.
“I can’t believe this,” Miles whispers.
“What? You knew she would be the downfall of our pack,” Henry grits out. “Turner is going to find out.”
“Turner is going to run away,” Miles disagrees. “He’s going to save himself.”
“Fuck you.” Henry shakes his head frantically. “He’s looking for us now. He would never leave us.”
“Bullshit,” Miles growls. “Turner has always been out for himself. You think you are friends, but he uses you just as much as the rest of us. The rest of the pack will scatter.”
“Shut up,” Henry snarls.
“Turner always goes on mysterious trips,” Miles says, his gaze bouncing between me and Micah.
“Shut up,” Henry repeats.
“He meets with someone. I don’t know who, but he’s happy as shit when he comes back. He brags to us that he will be set for life soon,” Miles continues, ignoring Henry.
“I’m going to kill you,” Henry threatens.
Miles rolls his eyes. “Sure, Henry. We are the ones in chains. Do you think they are going to let us live?” Henry clenches his jaw. “At least if I tell them what I know, maybe they’ll kill me cleanly. Will you?”
“Perhaps,” Micah says.
“I saw what you can do. You fucked with their minds.” Miles shudders.
“I did,” Micah says with a tilt of his head. “What else?”
“I’ve heard him mention your brother's name,” Miles says, and I step forward.
“When?” I growl.
“Off and on for years. The most recent time was two weeks ago.” He licks his dry lips when I fly at him, my face an inch from his. “He said he didn’t get nearly enough money for him, and he’s renegotiating.”
“What does that mean?” I snap. “Is he still working with the man he sold him to?”
“I think so. He was nervous. I think he’s scared of this person, but they have leverage on him. I heard him talking to Henry; he’s sold others.”
“You little fucker,” Henry whispers.
“So this is an organized operation,” Micah guesses, moving close to my back.
“Yes,” Miles confirms.
“Where?” I demand. “Where is my brother?”
“I don’t know,” Miles says.
“Anything else?” I ask roughly. “Do you know if he is alive? Close?”
“I don’t know,” he repeats softly.
“Fuck.” I lean back, hitting Micah’s chest. I want more answers, but I honestly don’t think he knows anything else.
“Do you want to say anything else?” Micah asks.
“I’m sorry, Daisy. I wish it would have been different.” Miles drops his head, resigned to his fate.
“I do, too.” I look up at Micah. “Quickly.” He nods and reaches out, snapping Miles neck with enough force it severs from his body.
“No.” Henry thrashes. “No, no, no,” he chants, his eyes locked on Miles. “I told Turner to get rid of you sooner,” he says ruthlessly. “I begged him to let me kill you.” Micah blurs and his hand is quickly around Henry’s neck.
“Love, tell me I can kill him. Once I delve into his mind, he won’t last.”
“I thought he was too strong.” I watch as Micah’s teeth drop.
“I wasn’t as motivated. You wanted him alive at the time,” he reminds me.
“Do it.” It’s fascinating to see him in this state. The night we met, I was overwhelmed by meeting him, and I didn’t pay attention to what he did to the others.
“Please,” Henry begs as Micah locks eyes with him.
“I bet my mate begged you to stop the torture many times,” Micah rasps. “Let’s see if you know anything.” Sally walks further away and closer to Heath, leaning against the wall. I’m startled when Saphira steps close to me, her shoulder touching mine.
Henry stills, his eyes glazing. “No.”
“Let me in,” Micah demands. I focus on my mate’s face, and his concentration is fierce. “He is strong but he can’t compare to my power.” Silence descends, and we wait. “He doesn’t regret anything. He’s killed many, tortured many, and did desire your death for years. He didn’t understand why Turner wanted you alive.” Watching Micah, I find myself even more attracted to him. Right or wrong, I am drawn in by his power. “He doesn’t know where Liam was taken.” My shoulders droop. Henry’s eyes start to bleed, and I feel no sympathy. “He’s tried numerous times to get more information from Turner, but he wasn’t as trusted as he thought.”
“Damn,” I whisper. I hoped we would get something useful.
“He tried to get into your room,” Micah snarls. “Turner stopped him. He wanted to kill you. He was pissed Turner seem to care for you.”
