25. Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

Micah

I love you, mate.

Her words repeat in my ears as I carry her outside. My heart is steady now that she is in my arms. She fell asleep easily once she finished what she started. I look around the yard; everyone came.

Carter and Turner were easily captured. They weren’t expecting the crew who showed up at their door. They had no idea Daisy had so many friends willing to take her back in her fight. I didn’t explain my role in her life as we controlled them despite their demand to do so.

I look back once I’m outside. A fucking castle. It will be the last walls they will see.

I thought I was too late when Daisy wasn’t in sight. I questioned my assuredness of her blood. Instinctively I knew she was alive, but until I saw her with my eyes and smelled her scent, I felt fear. I don’t feel fear often. The last time was when Maddy was missing. I didn’t want to fail another woman in my life.

Carter had five men working with him. They were killed quickly, and we didn’t need everyone’s help, but the thought was nice. Saphira was eager to go with Bash to secure them in the dungeon at the club, but I should have known Daisy would have other ideas.

“Is she alright?” I look at the small woman with Daisy’s eyes.

“She will be,” I reply.

She touches Daisy’s hair. “Thank you.”

“For what? Daisy did the rescuing.”

“For loving her,” she says. “Tell her not to worry. We will have time to get to know each other later.”

“Quinn, the bear shifter, will take you to an apartment. Anything you need will be provided. Liam will be going with you.” Quinn appears behind her. “Carter will be dead soon.” Daisy’s mom deserves the truth, to be at ease that he is contained. She nods and tears up.

“I haven’t slept in a bed for years,” she whispers, dropping her hand. Years of her agony are shadows in her eyes.

“I don’t expect it to be easy to get used to again,” I whisper back. “Take it one minute at a time. You don’t have to be okay. No one expects you to.” Liam hobbles next to his mom.

“She feels guilt,” he says, nodding at Daisy. “Tell her we love her.”

“I will,” I assure him. She is going to be pissed she slept through their words. “You will be in my building. When she is ready, she will visit.”

“She was always fierce. It seems she found a mate to match,” Liam says, putting his arm around his mother and allowing Quinn and Heath to assist them to the SUV.

Liam underestimates his own fierceness. He has made it through hell, along with his mother.

“Ready, vampire,” Sally says, breaking into my thoughts.

“Ready,” I say, following her to the car she pulled close. I hold my mate tight as I sink into the passenger seat. As Sally starts the car, I nod toward the window at our friends, helping the remaining shifters into vehicles. I’m still amazed at their willingness to put themselves in danger and their dedication to the little family they formed. I suppose I am a part of the group now. I am grateful Daisy found her family, real and chosen.

“She finished it,” Sally says quietly. I’m sure she heard most of it.

“She did.”

“Your mate is a badass,” Sally says, and I look at her. Someone found her a shirt. Shifters usually aren’t shy; being naked is natural, and Sally is no exception. As a friend, I can admit she has nothing to be shy about. As a mate, I didn’t stare.

“I know.” I turn back to my window. “She said she loves me.”

“Of course she does; you're a badass, too,” she scoffs.

“I shouldn’t have wasted so much time at Lace’s,” I mumble, regret itching at my skin.

“She was in control. You should have seen her,” she says. “I didn’t see everything, but I heard her conversation. You gave her what she needed to take her power back. You let her take the lead and take care of those men. Not many shifters, and definitely not vampires, allow their mate to walk into danger.”

“You're not making me feel any better,” I say dryly, pulling Daisy deeper into my body.

“I don’t mean it like that,” she says. “Daisy has the best of both worlds. You would die for her, kill for her, protect her, yet you trust her. You allow her to show her strength. Plus, I’m sure you're bossy in the bedroom,” she smirks.

“You do know me well.” I smile.

“Such a shame we weren’t mates. We would have had a blast,” she says. “You found the perfect partner. I’m happy with being the go-to friend.”

“Thank you, Sally. Your friendship is special to me,” I say. “You remind me of my sister. I needed to remember her for the past few months. She would have loved you. I imagine I would have to get you two out of all kinds of trouble.” She’s quiet so long I frown and look at her profile.

“I’m honored,” she whispers. “I’ve always been too loud, too outspoken,” she glances over, “too honest, to be taken seriously.” She turns back. “I’ve been judged harshly for my species. Rabbits are laughed at in most of our world. Other shifters don’t think I am capable of much of anything. The trust you put in me tonight is rarely given. I would have died for Daisy. I respect the bond and am thrilled you found her. You have to promise to tell me if anything I say to you offends her. I tease, but I would never interfere with your bond.”

“I promise, but Daisy knows. You found your place here.”

“I know,” she says softly.

I notice we are almost home, and I look at the dash. “You aren’t afraid of getting pulled over,” I tease.

“I like speed.” She shrugs. “You do, too. I know you aren’t used to riding in a car.”

“We have that in common.”

“Besides, I have charmed my way out of many tickets.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

I chuckle. “I bet you have.”

I drain the glass of blood and place it on the table beside the bed. Daisy’s blood is better, but I had to regenerate while she is sleeping. Rubbing my hands over my hair, I lean back in the chair. My favorite pastime is watching her sleep. I’m amazed she sleeps so heavily. I brought her to the apartment and put her to bed without her stirring.

She jerks in her sleep, and I frown. I wonder what she is dreaming about. I am anxious for her to wake up. I need to know she is alright. Do her legs hurt? Was she scared?

The vampire, Rowen, is with Ryker. Ryker supplied him with blood and is finding out his story. We have to make sure he isn’t a danger to any of our friends or the humans. Being deprived for so long of the thing that keeps us strong and sane is torturous. Carter had to give him enough blood to supply the shifters and humans for his ridiculous experiment. I couldn’t sense his exact age, but he wasn’t a young vampire. He has to be at least a hundred years old. Ryker is a good mentor for him to have and will get the information we need.

Turner and Carter are slowly dying in their torture chamber behind a locked door. I enlisted River to secure the door and make sure no one could get to them. He was overjoyed to do it. I imagine he is eating a fucking sandwich, dancing around the castle.

“I didn’t think you were a flannel kind of guy,” Daisy says, and I look up from my contemplation of the floor. Her eyes are half open, looking at my flannel pajama pants.

“They're comfortable,” I say. I’ll wear anything, and I was hoping it would make her smile. “How are you feeling?” She presses her palms together under her cheek, turning to her side.

“Better,” she says. “Where are they?”

“In an apartment downstairs. Quinn and Heath are getting them settled. Steph is with them. Quinn thought it was smart to have a woman there and someone who had a similar experience.” I pull the chair closer to the bed. “Tell me when you are ready to see them.”

“I’m nervous,” she says softly, gliding a finger over the blanket.

“Why?”

“I know what happened. I’m so happy they are safe. I’m just not sure I’m ready to see them.” I brush her hair behind her ear. “All these memories are flooding my brain all at once, and it’s hard to adjust. I wanted to know for so long, and Carter confirmed what I remember. Imagining what she went through is horrible. It doesn’t make sense.” She lets out a rough breath.

“You are allowed to feel unsure.” I clasp my hands, my elbows on my knees. “You have spent most of your life with blank spaces, and now they are suddenly filled. The shock is unsettling.”

“My mom’s name is Iris,” she says. “She wanted to name Liam after a flower, but my dad wouldn’t allow it.”

“I’m sure Liam is grateful,” I tease.

“Probably,” she laughs. “I adored them both. We lived in a small house but it had a big yard. My mom thought it was small. I didn’t judge the size. I remember feeling so loved. We played games, went on walks, and cooked outside all the time. Dad was tall, but his face is blurry. Mom was beautiful and so pure. Carter killed my dad,” she whispers as if it’s just sinking in. I grab her hand and hold it between mine. “He told me while I had my claws at his neck, but I remember Mom being so sad. He would come over, and I didn’t like him. He made me uncomfortable, and Dad didn’t get along with him. Mom was always tense, so I suppose I picked up on her energy.

“I woke up one day, and I wasn’t in my bedroom. I couldn’t remember what happened or how I got there. It felt like days passed, and I lost something. The woman I saw in Turner’s office was my mom. Carter took me, and she forced her way in to take me back. She had already lost Dad and was screaming at Turner. As I stood in the doorway, Turner threatened us both and told me not to move, or he would kill her. Everything is still murky. My grandparent's faces are blurry, and I wouldn’t have realized who they represent if Carter hadn’t told me about them. I can’t recall every minute, and my head hurts when I try to put all the memories into the right sequence.”

“Don’t force it. Some things may be too painful,” I say gruffly. “You were young and probably won’t get all the moments back. You can make new memories with them, better ones.”

“That will be nice.” She licks her lips. “My mom is our hero. She fought for us. Can you imagine the agony she has been in? She sacrificed herself so we could live. She knew being in the pack house together would be better than with Carter. She tried to protect us.”

“She is your mother. She would have done anything for you.”

“I wish she wouldn’t have had to.”

“Me, too.” I squeeze her hand. “I killed the men at Lace’s store,” I say.

“Oh, good. How are the other shifters?”

“We have found places for them. All we can do is give them the resources to move on.” I play with her fingers while watching her face.

“Were you scared?” she asks.

“Terrified, even though I knew you could handle it,” I reply.

“I had my doubts when I saw the castle.”

“I don’t blame you.”

“Knowing you were coming eased the fear. For a second, seeing them brought into the basement, I was scared. But then I felt your body close to mine, which gave me courage. I’m glad I did it, though. I believe it happened so I can remember.”

“If you say so.” I pull her hand to my mouth. “If I lost you…” I press a kiss on her fingers.

“You didn’t. Everything was under my control, but I was grateful to see Sally in the basement. I freaked out when I saw all the chains,” she admits, and I drop her hand to my knee.

“I don’t want you ever to feel fear,” I grumble.

“You can’t control that,” she says.

“I can,” I disagree, and she smiles.

“Have you turned someone into a vampire before?” she asks.

“Yes,” I answer cautiously. I’ve only done it once, and none of my friends know about her. She was dying, and accepted the gift of vampire life. We keep in touch with texts, but we aren’t close.

“Tell me again how it works? Is it similar to shifters?”

“The concept is the same,” I start, alert and hopeful. “Shifters don’t have to take blood necessarily. The bite alone is what ties them together. Vampires secrete their venom in their mate in several places. The person being turned has to be willing and drink the vampire's blood. In either case, it usually happens while they are together sexually.”

“How long does it take?” She pushes the covers down to her hip.

“It varies with every person. Your body won’t have as much of a shock as a human’s, so it could take less time. Once my venom starts to take effect, it will be as if you are asleep.” I glide my fingers down her arm.

“What will happen when I wake?”

“You will be hungry for my blood. There are no guarantees with the effects.”

“You heard me?” she asks, and I don’t pretend not to understand.

“Yes.”

“I do. Love you,” she whispers. “You let me be whatever I need to be. You accept me and don’t even blink while I steal your friends’ things. I love your kindness, honesty, and loyalty. Plus, you're sexy as fuck.” She grins, tapping her finger on my hand. “Most of my life, I have worn a mask. I had to be tough. I couldn’t let Turner see how his abuse and carelessness affected me. I haven’t been able to be myself. Weakness was never allowed. The only time I could cry was alone, in the dark, while I was in my bed, which I could barely sleep in. Letting my guard down for one minute could have meant my death.” She curls her hand over my arm, pushing up my arm back and forth. “The pain in my legs was nothing compared to the pain in my heart. It was empty, filled only with agony. Wondering if I would ever see my brother or know where I came from.” She slides her legs out of the covers and sits on the edge of the bed. I move back to make room for her and cup the back of her knees.

“You filled me up with acceptance and passion. I suddenly had hope. I finally had someone to lean on. Someone who valued my words and trusted my worth. I know it must have been hard to see me close to the men who controlled my life. Being able to fight for my mom, my brother, and for myself gave me the justice I craved. I love seeing your willingness to fight for me, but I needed that. I craved you from the first second I saw you fly through the forest, immediately defending me. I craved the life you brought into mine and the love that was possible. I want to complete the bond. I want to be yours. Will you be mine?”

I yank her forward, and she slides easily onto my lap. “Love,” I whisper, running my hand over her hair and then cupping her neck. “I have seen the worst of humanity, but I have also seen love and kindness. The life of a vampire is very lonely. I’ve seen people die so many fucking times. I tried to remain cautious and never get too close. I decided long ago Maddy was the only friend I needed. Ryker and Bash were a surprise, but I was grateful they weren’t human. I have protected humans and have tried to be distant.” I move my palm to her chest, pressing it to her heart. “One night in the woods changed my life. I met this fierce, loyal, brave, beautiful woman. I was sitting in a tree, wondering if my life was worth living anymore.

“A delicious scent reached me, and I knew. I knew you would change everything. I didn’t expect to love you, but I fucking love you. I will give you everything you need. My world was black and white, and this woman ran through it, filling it with color. I have been blessed with three women who are my best friends. You, my mate, are the only one who will hold everything I am in the palm of your hand.”

“Micah,” she breathes.

“I want to complete the bond. Will you give me the gift of you? Be bound to me forever? I will carry you when the pain in your legs becomes too much. I will guard your heart, and anyone who dares break it will die by my hand.” I trace her lips. “Will you give yourself to me?”

“Yes,” she says.

“I will take care of you in every way. You can steal my watch whenever you want. I’ll buy more.” I grin.

“I’ll have a collection of watches.” She grins back and then sobers. “I’m a little anxious,” she admits.

“Tell me,” I encourage.

“What will I be once I’m turned?” she asks, biting her lip. I pull her lip with one hand and squeeze her thigh with the other.

“You will be Daisy. Fierce. Magnificent. Mine.” I pull her closer, eliminating any space between us.

“You will be mine, too,” she says.

“I have been yours since I smelled your scent,” I rasp.

“Micah,” she whispers.

“Are you ready, pet?” I ask, playing with the collar of her shirt.

“Yes.”

“What is your word?”

“Chains.”

“What do you call me?” I ask, my voice deep.

“Daddy.”

“Good, pet.” I stand, and she gasps, grabbing my neck. I palm her ass and pull down the sheets. “Let go,” I order, and she drops her arms. I place her on the bed and take a step back. “Gorgeous.” I drag my fingers from her feet up to her breasts, circling her nipple. “Let's play first, pet.”

I lean over her and suck her nipple through the shirt, pulling hard, and her back comes off the bed.

It’s time to claim my mate.