8. Eight
Eight
T he first thing I wanted to do when Erin walked into my parents’ backyard was laugh uncontrollably. Seeing her eyes widen so comically at us all was priceless. Can you imagine it? I’m sure Erin felt she’d just walked into a land of giants. Every member of the Loch family is close to or over six feet tall.
Even though she was shocked, Erin didn’t shrink back. If anything, she held herself a little higher. I like that in a woman. Erin is no shrinking flower. I saw it the night we met, in her fiery eyes.
The second thing I wanted to do was scoop her into my arms. That’s a new feeling to have. I like women; I love sex, and yes, I wanted to find my mate, but I’ve always been a take it or leave it kind of vampire. There has never been a woman that could invoke such feelings in me. Dana makes me horny, but that’s as far as it goes. But here, now looking at Erin, in her tight black jeans and green V-neck t-shirt, I am feeling so much more than lust. She has a softness about her, which contrasts so beautifully with her fierce streak.
Third, I want to groan out loud when a woman walks in behind Erin. I can only presume this is Erin’s girlfriend. Whoever the woman is, she doesn’t have Erin’s grace or ability to conceal her nervousness when confronted with ten tall, raven-haired Lochs.
Claire arrives seconds later, holding two bottles of wine. I am sitting at the back of the yard on the outdoor couch, my arms stretched casually across the back of it. One knee crossed over the other. My goal is to be as cool as possible. Simply because my family is going to be over the top and I need Erin to know that’s not who I am. Sure my nerves are fizzing uncomfortably in my stomach, but that’s because this barbecue feels like a turning point for how I go forward with Erin.
I have already decided that if Erin seems truly happy with the woman she has brought with her, I will step down. I know it was only last night I was talking about fighting for her, and I haven’t reneged on that. However, there is fighting for someone and then there is controlling them. Erin is a free spirited, strong woman. Who the hell am I to interfere? That’s why I will do nothing but be myself and hope she chooses me.
My family doesn’t know my intentions, and that’s how it will stay. None of my siblings or parents can see things clearly, not when my life is on the chopping block. They will do everything they can to make Erin mine. But that’s not what I want.
I want Erin to choose me and love me because we are meant to be together. That takes time and trust. We need to build a friendship and a sound foundation. That won’t happen if our relationship is built on manipulation and lies.
How I tell her we are vampires is still unknown. I mean, how the hell does a conversation like that go? What I have decided is that I will befriend her and then tell her before I make any romantic overtures. Depending on whether the woman she is with is still in the picture.
My mother is the first one to greet Erin, followed by my father, Laurence and then Marcus. Lucille hangs in the shadows, watching, which comes as little surprise. My sister will watch and size up the situation before making her move.
Aliah, Jacob, and Maria are standing by the grill chatting to each other, happy to wait their turn. Claire spots me and winks. Sipping on my martini, I calculate the best time to introduce myself. I said I wouldn’t manipulate her, but that doesn’t mean I won’t give it my best shot to be alluring.
The clothes I’m wearing highlight my best assets. Pinstripe slacks caress my ass, making it pop. The silk tank top rides low enough that my cleavage is just the right amount of sexy without being too obvious. As usual, my black hair hangs straight down my back. I’ve perfected my eye make-up, and the plum lipstick works well, too.
Once my parents have finished their initial interrogation, I see my opportunity. Erin looks over at me and that’s when I make my move. Without breaking eye contact, I uncross my legs and stand gracefully. The added sway in my hips is a success. Erin’s eyes dip to watch me walk. My heart is thudding from the heat I feel smoldering in my chest. Erin’s pupils are so large her eyes are almost black, and I know right then she wants me.
“Erin, welcome,” I purr, leaning down, brushing my lips against her cheek. Am I playing dirty? Maybe. “And this must be?”
“Mack,” she sputters. “Mackenzie North. ”
“It’s a pleasure.” It’s not, but I can’t exactly say that. Now I’ve seen the woman up close, I recognize her. She frequents Insomnia.
“Thank you for inviting us,” Mack smiles, but it’s tight. “You have a lovely home.”
“Not mine, I’m afraid. My parents‘, and, yes, they love it.”
“Oh, so you don’t live here then?”
“God no. Just here for a visit.”
“It was Amelia’s birthday last week. We had some partying to do,” Lucille adds, gliding up beside me. Mack tries to give Lucille’s body a subtle scan. Both Lucille and I notice and then I understand Lucille’s timing. She’s testing and clearly whatever her assumption was, she’s smug about being correct. “I’m Lucille Loch.” She offers Mack her hand, which is taken immediately.
“Shall we get a drink?” I offer to everyone. Lucille’s games don’t surprise me, but that doesn’t mean I’m comfortable. “Erin, why don’t you and Mack take a seat. We’ll grab something for us all.”
“Okay, thank you.” Erin has a small tinge of red on her cheeks that is adorable.
Making my way over to the bar, I pull Lucille close. “No games, Luce. Understand? I don’t want you interfering with them.”
Lucille tuts and rolls her eyes. “Come on, Amelia.”
“No.” I state. Leaving no room for argument. She huffs but doesn’t protest further. We collect a tray of champagne and head over to the seating area.
“What is it you do, Mack?” I ask, handing out flutes of champagne. More of my family have gravitated over.
“I’m a pediatrician,” she answers. Wonderful, she helps sick kids. I make money off of drunk people. Score one for Mack .
“Admirable. Thank you for everything you do,” I say, meaning every word. “It must be hard sometimes.”
“Oh, for sure, but it’s my passion. I have wanted to be a doctor since I was small. The hours are long, but the kids are worth every sleep-deprived second,” Mack laughs. Dammit, she’s a nice person too.
“At least she gets my strange hours,” Erin adds with a smile.
“Please let me know if you need to change your hours, Erin,” I say. “We want you to be happy at Insomnia.”
“I am,” she rushes to say. “I have zero complaints. I’ve always been an owl, staying awake until the early hours.”
“If you’re sure.”
“Positive. Really!” Our eyes stay locked, and I know I need to tread lightly. My body is betraying me. The pull of her is magnetic and rather distracting. Thankfully, my parents’ timing is right on point. They join us right on time to save me from doing anything stupid.
The conversation shifts, allowing me to take a breath. That’s the good thing about a large family. No one stays the center of attention for long. Jacob regales us with stories from his office. Mack still looks a little out of place. I think the sheer number of us is overwhelming for her.
Mack stands a little taller than Erin, but not by much. Compared to the Lochs she is small. Her hair is chestnut and hangs just below her shoulders. I can’t say she’s not pretty. I wish I could. It’s understandable why Erin is attracted to her.
Erin is happily talking to my family. She’s not shy. Claire is sitting on Maria’s knee again. We have enough chairs, but that seems to be their thing, I suppose. I tune back into the conversation in time to hear Erin laughing with my siblings. “… You’re all freakishly tall. Has anyone ever told you that?” she chuckles.
Every single Loch is enamored with her. This is both wonderful and awful. There is no way they are going to allow me to do this my own way. “Or you are just very short,” Aliah laughs.
“It’s true,” Erin sighs playfully. “Both my parents are small. It’s not fair.”
“Oh, I don’t know. What’s that saying? Ah yes… all good things come in small packages,” my father smiles.
“I like you, Mr. Loch,” Erin laughs, pointing at him.
“Harlan, please. No need to be so formal.”
“And you must call me Victoria. I insist.”
I see Mack discreetly pull her phone out and sigh. She leans in and whispers something into Erin’s ear. “I’m so sorry, but I have to go. A patient needs me.”
“Of course. I hope everything is okay.” I admire Mack. Erin has clearly found a good one.
“I’ll call you,” Mack says softly to Erin before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Well, that sucks,” Jacob sighs a little too dramatically. No one apart from Erin is sorry that Mack has left.
“Let’s eat,” my mother calls.
While the brood organize themselves, I hang back with Erin. Getting ten people to sit at a dining table is a tall order in this family. Bickering is a certainty, and I’d rather not get involved. Erin is standing back, chuckling at my family. I’m standing back, looking at her.
“Sorry Mack had to go. ”
“It’s fine. It’s not the first and won’t be the last time she has to leave.”
“She seems lovely.”
“It’s still new, but I like her.”
My gut twists. I’m in purgatory. Is that my cue to stop, to leave Erin to her own fate? “I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”
“What about you? Anyone in your life?” Erin asks easily.
“It’s complicated,” I say because let’s face it, this whole thing is a cluster fuck.
Erin scratches the back of her neck. Her body language is reading; uncomfortable. “Are you with that woman?”
“Which woman?”
“Um, the one you took upstairs on your birthday.”
“Dana? No, she’s married.”
“Married, but you—”
“She’s poly. But I’m not interested in a relationship with her.”
“Just a good time in the sack, huh?” I smirk and look at Erin, who has gone beet red. “I’m so sorry. That was rude. Jesus, I don’t know why I keep blurting shit out around you.”
My shoulders shake with laughter. “It’s fine. You’re quite entertaining when you blurt shit out .” I wink for effect, and it works. “Me and Dana are just a bit of fun. She’s not my soulmate.”
“You believe in soulmates?” Erin’s voice is softer, and she’s turned her body towards me. I mirror her stance.
“I do. I believe there is a person for everyone. The other half of a soul destined to love you.”
“I think a love like that would scare me,” Erin confesses, her voice even quieter. Our bodies have moved a fraction closer. Is she feeling the pull, too ?
“A love like that would be worth the fear,” I whisper.
“Burgers are up,” my father shouts, causing us both to jump. I clear my throat and hope I can inhale enough oxygen to stop me from passing out.
“Let’s eat,” I say, smiling. Erin is looking at me with confusion. I think she is struggling to understand what is happening between us.
“Oh, Erin, do you like boats?” My mother asks.
“I love boats,” she smiles.
“We’re going out this weekend. Will you join us?”
“Oh, that’s kind of you, but I’m working.”
“Kit is working this weekend,” I say. “She asked to swap shifts. I’m sorry I forgot to tell you.”
“Oh, no problem, um, I’ll need to ask Mack if she has anything planned for us.”
“Bring her along,” Lucille calls from the far end of the table.
This is not at all going according to plan.