Chapter Eighteen
The doorbell chimes right as I finish pinning back my hair. I give myself one last glance in the mirror, smoothing down the front of my scarlet blouse. My stomach flutters with a mix of nerves and excitement as I head for the door, hearing Soot's nails clicking on the floor as he follows.
I already know it's Eunho before I open it—the mate bond hums pleasantly, growing stronger as the distance between us shrinks. The sensation is still new and strange, but unlike the resistant pull I feel with Dohwan, this connection feels warm and comforting.
When I pull the door open, Eunho's brilliant smile hits me like a ray of sunshine.
He's wearing a fitted red short-sleeve shirt that shows off his toned arms—and more importantly, displays the mate marks that wind around his forearms in stark black lines.
My breath catches at the sight. He's not hiding them or acting ashamed. He's proud of them.
“Good morning, gorgeous.” His eyes crinkle at the corners as his gaze sweeps over me appreciatively. “Ready to meet the family?”
Before I can answer, Soot squeezes past my legs in a blur of motion.
Sparks fly from his fur as he launches himself at Eunho with an excited yip.
Instead of flinching back like most people do when faced with an enthusiastic fire sprite, Eunho laughs and drops into a crouch, catching Soot as the dog plants his front paws on his chest.
“Hey, buddy!” Eunho scratches behind Soot's ears, completely unfazed by the shower of sparks raining down around them. “Miss me already?”
Soot's tail wags so hard his whole body wiggles, more sparks flying as he tries to lick Eunho's face. The sight of my normally protective sprite so completely taken with him makes my heart swell.
Eunho looks up from scratching Soot, his eyes bright. “Ready to go?”
I nod and gently shoo Soot back into the apartment. “Be good while I'm gone. If you behave, I'll bring you back some firewood to gnaw on.”
Soot lets out a short bark that I take as agreement before I close and lock the door. When I turn, Eunho's already reaching for my overnight bag.
“I still don't understand why this needs to be overnight,” I say as he takes it from me. “Your family home is what, fifteen minutes away?”
His lips curve into a devastating grin that makes my stomach flip. “Trust me, you'll understand when you meet them.”
The walk through Halfblood Hall is quiet this early, our footsteps echoing off the marble floors. My nerves start to dance as we approach the front gates, but they're quickly replaced by surprise when I spot a sleek red sports car idling at the curb, its engine purring like a satisfied cat.
“Whose car is that?”
Eunho pops the trunk and tosses my bag inside, his grin widening. “Mine.”
I scoff but can't help the amused smile that tugs at my lips as he pulls open the passenger door with a flourish. The leather seat is butter-soft as I slide in, taking in the pristine interior that probably costs more than my entire apartment.
We wind through the city districts, passing from the bustling center into the more spread-out estates of Ruby territory. The buildings get progressively larger and more ornate until we reach the very edge, where Eunho turns down a tree-lined street.
My jaw drops as we pull up to massive gates at the end.
They swing open to reveal a sprawling modern mansion, all clean lines and gleaming glass.
Red flags bearing the Kang family crest snap in the breeze atop the surrounding walls, marking this as the home of one of House Ruby 's most prominent families.
The engine's purr cuts off, but before I can reach for my door handle, a flood of servants in crimson uniforms descends from the mansion steps.
One opens my door with a deep bow while another circles to Eunho's side.
As Eunho steps out, the servant smoothly slides into the driver's seat, presumably to park the car.
My heart hammers against my ribs as I take in the grand entrance, marble steps stretching wide beneath elegant columns.
I've been in fancy fae houses before, but this is different.
This is meeting my mate's family. The one whose opinions I actually care about.
The thought sends a fresh wave of butterflies through my stomach.
Eunho appears at my side, but instead of offering his arm formally like I expect, he simply takes my hand in his, threading our fingers together with casual intimacy.
I glance up at him, catching that shameless smile I'm quickly becoming addicted to.
Shaking my head at his boldness, I let him guide me up the steps.
The massive front doors swing open to reveal an entrance hall that takes my breath away.
Two perfect lines of servants bow in unison as we enter, their ruby uniforms creating rivers of red against the cream marble floor.
My eyes dart around, trying to take in the soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and priceless artwork adorning the walls. I’m out of my depth here.
Before I can properly process the opulent surroundings, the click of heels echoes through the hall. A stunning female sweeps into view, her presence commanding attention. She's the spitting image of Eunho—same high cheekbones, same warm brown eyes, same devastating smile. She throws her arms wide.
“They're here!” Her voice rings through the hall like a bell.
Before I can react, she glides forward and pulls me into an embrace, pressing a warm kiss to my cheek. The scent of jasmine and smoke wraps around me as she pulls back, beaming.
“I'm Eunji, one of this troublemaker's older sisters. Welcome to the family, little fire starter.”
I blink, stunned by Eunji's warm welcome, but before I can even stammer out a response, more voices echo through the entrance hall. A wave of crimson floods down the stairs and through side doors as what must be the rest of Eunho's siblings descend upon us.
“Is this her?”
“Let me see!”
“Move, I want to meet her too!”
My head spins as I'm surrounded by tall, graceful figures in various shades of red. They circle like elegant birds, all talking at once, their voices overlapping in an enthusiastic chorus.
“I'm Eunsang!”
“No, me first—I'm Eunbin!”
“Don't listen to them, I'm the fun sister—Eunchae!”
Names and faces blur together as I try desperately to keep track. They all share similar features—those distinctive Kang cheekbones, warm brown eyes, glossy black hair. The family resemblance is so strong, I feel like I'm seeing Eunho reflected through different mirrors.
“You must tell us everything about yourself!”
“Where did you grow up?”
“How did you meet our baby brother?”
I catch Eunho's eye through the crowd of his siblings. He's clearly fighting back laughter at my overwhelmed expression, his shoulders shaking with poorly concealed mirth. I shoot him a pleading look—help me—but he just grins wider, the traitor.
“Children!” A melodious female voice cuts through the chaos from above. “Give her some air. The poor child looks like she might faint.”
I look up toward the grand staircase, and my breath catches.
An older couple stands at the landing, the female's hand tucked into the crook of the male's arm.
She wears a stunning red gown that flows in a silky red curtain, her sharp features breathtaking and her long black hair cascading down her back in glossy waves.
For a moment, I think she's the most beautiful fae I've ever seen.
Then my gaze shifts to the male beside her and I have to amend that assessment.
Eunho's father is easily the most striking fae I've ever laid eyes on.
He's like an older, more refined version of his son, but with stronger masculine features and neat black hair.
He wears a crisp, red silk shirt with the sleeves deliberately rolled back, proudly displaying the mate marks that wind around his forearms. Though his bearing is more dignified than Eunho's, his warm brown eyes sparkle with that same hint of mischief.
I realize I'm gaping and quickly snap my mouth shut. Eunho definitely has his mother's eye shape, but that devastating smile is all his father's.
Eunho's mother beams as she and her mate descend the grand staircase.
At the landing, she releases her mate's arm and seems to float toward me, her movements graceful and ethereal.
My heart pounds as she approaches with open arms. Before I can process what's happening, her warm hands cup my face, her eyes twinkling with joy.
“You must be Gawon,” she breathes, and then pulls me into an embrace that steals my breath.
The scent of woodsmoke and night-blooming jasmine envelops me, oddly comforting despite my shock at such an intimate greeting.
“Welcome to the family, dear one,” she murmurs against my hair, still holding me close.
When she finally steps back, my face burns hot and I can't seem to find a safe place to look. I manage a quick bow, my voice coming out softer than intended. “Thank you for accepting me.”
She pats my cheek affectionately, her smile radiant. “Of course. There was never any other option.”
As she steps aside, Eunho's father approaches. I prepare myself for another embrace, but instead he bows deeply at the waist—a gesture of profound respect that makes my breath catch. When he straightens, his eyes shine with genuine warmth.
“We are all honored,” he says, his deep voice rich and sincere. “As our youngest son's mate, you finally make our family complete.”
My throat tightens as emotion wells up unexpectedly. I try to form words but find myself fumbling, overwhelmed by their open acceptance. My eyes start to prick with threatening tears.
Just then, Eunho's warm hand slides into mine, his fingers intertwining with my own. I look up to find him giving me that gentle smile that makes my heart flutter.
“Perhaps we should move to dinner,” he suggests to his parents. “Gawon's going to need sustenance to deal with this brood all night.”