Chapter 19
Caspian can likely feel my anxiety through the bond, and I don’t want to worry him, but it’s impossible to keep my heart from racing when it comes to dinner with my parents.
Maybe I should look up some new calming techniques, because my normal ones aren’t working.
I wonder if there’s any research on the best ways to tell your parents you accidentally bonded someone—who happens to be a merman.
That actually gets a manic little giggle from me as I swipe on another layer of lipstick.
Doubt there are any studies about that. But I bet there are studies about accidental bondings.
What causes them, what situations they’re more likely to occur under, the psychological effects on both parties.
I’ll have to look that up later. Maybe Evie knows something about it.
Thinking of research makes me feel marginally calmer, and I’m able to put my eyeliner on without shaking.
At least Caspian’s been sweet about it all. He hasn’t pushed or prodded. He’s given me space to get ready like I asked. I don’t want him to think I’m rejecting him, I just need to get my head on straight before dinner.
My parents aren’t bad people, they just have standards they expect everyone around them to uphold.
Standards I don’t meet. And when they find out I’ve bonded an alpha they’ve never met, with bright blue hair, tattoos, and no job?
Oh, and he’s sort of, kind of, half fish?
! I mean, I won’t tell them that part, but I can’t stop thinking about what they’ll say if they find out.
“Ugh, this is going to be a disaster.” I groan as I finish my makeup.
My mate comes into the bedroom, no longer able to resist wrapping his arms around me and purring to soothe my nerves. It works. Kinda.
When my shoulders relax, he kisses my temple sweetly. “It will be okay, starfish. I promise.”
He means well, but unfortunately he has no idea what kind of inferno we’re walking into.
Gently tugging from his hold, I grab my dress for tonight.
A modern style with an asymmetrical hem in a classic navy.
Nothing to grab attention or embarrass my father.
When I drop my robe to change, I can feel the heat of Caspian’s desire.
His scent blooms with his arousal, and I thank whoever invented slick-absorbent panties.
It was bad enough seeing him dressed up in a navy button down and slacks, his hair pulled back into the cutest man-bun and his sleeves rolled up his corded forearms. Add in his attraction flooding the room and the bond? Good lord.
“One more thing, and I’ll be ready.” I move to the dresser, away from temptation.
My jewelry box is understated, simple cherry wood with an M carved into the top, but the pieces inside are anything but.
Nearly every item came from one of my Aunt April’s excursions.
Rubies from East Tethema, pearls from Ausland—but what I’m after tonight is my favorite.
I pick up a wide gold cuff, admiring the engravings along the entire surface.
It’s so thick it looks as if the maker had to merge two pieces together, the bottom half made of obsidian.
Wearing jewelry my aunt gave me is my silent rebellion against my parents. It annoys them every time, but isn’t egregious enough for them to say something about it.
Opting for a rideshare seems best in case my mother’s attitude drives me to drink, so with one last check in the mirror, I pull out my phone to call for the car.
The ride to the restaurant is pretty quiet—me, lost in my thoughts, and Caspian a steady force next to me. When we arrive, I thank the driver and get out, then grasp my mate's hand as we walk up to the ma?tre d’.
“I’m… We’re here to meet someone. The reservation should be under Grant?” I give the beta my sweetest smile.
After a brief moment of searching, he responds.
“It says they were only expecting one guest.” He looks Caspian up and down with obvious disdain, and I nearly growl.
The ma?tre d’ startles, and I realize I must have actually growled.
Oops. “But I’m sure we can accommodate your… partner. Please, follow me.”
We follow, never breaking our hold on each other. When we arrive at my parent’s table, surprise flares in my mother’s eyes, but she quickly gathers her composure and schools her expression.
“Hello. I’m Robert.” My father stands, reaching a hand out to my mate, who just stares at it. Fuck, there’s so much I didn’t even think to tell Caspian. I should have given him the run down in the car, but it isn’t like I can give him Etiquette 101 at this point.
My father’s eyes narrow as he slowly drops his arm and looks at me. “Madison. Nice of you to join us. And this is?” His eyes flick to Caspian.
“Hi, Daddy.” I give him the expected kiss on the cheek.
“This is…” Fuck. Even though I’ve been stressing about it all afternoon, I still don’t know how much I should tell them.
Do I tell them everything? Well, obviously not the merman situation.
You know what? Ripping the band aid off is probably best.
“This is Caspian. My mate.”
Spluttering comes from the table where my mother is choking on the water she was sipping. My father goes to her aid, patting her back and soothing her before glaring up at me. Is it hot in here all of a sudden? Jeez.
Once he’s sure my mother will live, he addresses us again.
“Sit. Clearly we have some very important things to discuss.”