Chapter 18
The blow-dryer drones on as I run it over my fur. Next to me, Vanessa leans over the bathroom counter. Mouth open and face mere inches from the mirror, she applies some mascara to her long lashes.
“Thanks for picking me up from work,” she says, switching to apply the black goop to her other eye.
Turning off the dryer, I smooth a hand over my hairy chest. It’s dry enough. It’ll have to do. “You know I’d pick you up anywhere… any time.”
Eyes tracking me in the mirror, color bursts across her cheeks, and she traps her bottom lip under one fang. I hold in a chuckle at how flustered I’m able to get her. Vanessa exudes confidence, but for some reason, my words catch her off guard more often than not.
Before the silence can become awkward, I add, “It was nice to see the place you’ve built. It’s beautiful, Vanessa. I can see why people love it so much. And I think bringing that same joy and relaxation to a place like Maple Ridge Hollow would be a surefire success.”
That only gets her cheeks flaming brighter, so I wrap an arm around her waist and tug her to me. Her dainty hands land on my pecs, fingers sinking into the thick fur like they belong there. Like it was meant to be. I’m starting to realize it was.
“Thank you.” Her eyes shimmer when she tips her chin up. But a wry smirk curls one corner of her lips, and her next statement turns our sweet moment into something sultry. “And thanks for the shower sex.” Winking, she spins out of my arms and grabs a tube of lip gloss from the counter.
Did I get distracted by the jiggle of her naked ass, beckoning curl of her finger, and the sinful gleam in her eyes? You bet I did.
My clothes nearly incinerated, and I was under the shower spray before I knew what was happening. Worth it. And the release calmed some of the nausea eating at the pit of my stomach over meeting her parents.
Blowing out a breath, I slide my arms into the sleeves of my shirt and shrug it onto my shoulders. My fingers tremble slightly as I do up the buttons. “Are you sure you want me to meet your parents?”
Vanessa must notice my nerves. Shooing my hands away, she takes over buttoning my shirt. Once she reaches the top, she smooths the collar and slides her hands around my neck. “Yes, Luc. This is real for me. And that means meeting my family.”
My throat ripples, but some of the anxious energy leaves my body at her declaration. “It’s real for me, too.”
The smile that lights up her face nearly takes my breath away. “Good.” She walks her slender fingers down my front before turning her wrist and cupping my cock through my jeans. “Then let’s go, before I get distracted again.”
Fucking tease.
“We’re heeeere!” Vanessa sing-songs, swinging the door to the brownstone open, revealing an immaculately decorated entryway. The black-and-white checkerboard tile gleams under the light of the luxurious glass chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Sweeping into the room like she’s floating, a woman who’s the spitting image of Vanessa approaches with her arms spread wide.
Identical white-blonde hair twisted into an elegant bun and willowy body encased in a modest red dress.
I’d swear they’re sisters if I saw them together on the street.
“Darling! You look radiant.” Pulling her daughter into her delicate arms, her ruby eyes assess me over Vanessa’s shoulder.
Her lips tip into a knowing smile that settles the turbulent storm in my stomach.
Once they separate, Vanessa grabs my hand and pulls me forward. Hopefully she doesn’t notice how sweaty my palm is.
“Mom, this is Luc… my mate.”
My heart ricochets in my chest, the thudding rhythm filling my head until it drowns out everything around me.
But a warm smile fills the older vampire’s face, and my heart rate slows. “Mate?” Her eyes widen and swing between me and her daughter. “How lovely! Both of my children are happy and mated.” She turns back to me and extends her hand. “It’s so good to meet you, Luc.”
Flustered and fumbling, I thrust the bouquet into her open hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Bielski. Vanessa said peonies are your favorite.”
She laughs, most likely at my botched first introduction, but tucks the bouquet to her chest and gives me a one-armed hug. “They are. These are beautiful. And please, call me Evie.”
“Evie,” I repeat, nerves finally lifting.
Only for them to crash back into me when Vanessa asks, “Where’s Dad?”
“Your father is in the living room. Why don’t you introduce Luc and get a drink? I’m going to get everything on the table, then we’ll eat.” Then she zips out of the room in a flash of white and red.
One down, one to go.
Vanessa threads her fingers through mine and leads me past a grand staircase, down a hallway lined with what looks to be expensive artwork. She peers over her shoulder. “Don’t be nervous. Mom loves you already. Dad can be a little prickly, but he’s working on it. Give him a chance, okay?”
Lump in my throat, I nod as the hallway opens to a cozy living room. Bookshelves line the walls on either side of the fireplace. Seated on one of the sleek, modern sofas is the vampire male who has my body in fight-or-flight mode.
His whiskey glass clinks against the coffee table when he sets it down and stands. From his perfectly styled jet-black hair to the tips of his shiny brown loafers, he exudes power and confidence.
I resist the urge to curl my shoulders and cower as we approach. Instead, I straighten my spine and give him the full effect of my stature.
The flames from the fireplace dance in his onyx eyes as they skim me from horns to hooves.
“Be nice, Dad. This is Luc. He’s my mate.” Vanessa’s words break the silence that’s blanketed the room.
“He’s not a vampire.” The elder Bielski’s voice is taut and full of judgement.
Vanessa stiffens at my side, and I grip her hand tighter. “I thought we were over this. You promised.” Her voice carries a slight whine, like a small child.
Her father shuts his eyes and shakes his head before clearing his throat. When his lids open again, his irises seem lighter, warmer. “Yes, yes. I’m sorry.” It takes everything in me not to take a step back as he approaches us. “Where are my manners? I’m Kas Bielski. It’s nice to meet you, Luc.”
When he extends a hand, I eye it with a raised eyebrow.
Ultimately, I grip his hand in mine and give a harsh shake. Who am I to judge? He clearly has some demons he’s working through. I’ve been there myself.
“Fancy a whiskey, Luc? I just opened a fresh bottle.” Kas heads to the bar cart in the corner of the room.
“Oh. Umm, whiskey sounds great,” I say as Vanessa pulls me to sit on the other couch.
Her breath tickles my ear when she leans in and whispers, “You’re doing great.”
Am I? Sure doesn’t feel like he likes me very much.
Evie peeks her head in through the other doorway. “Ness, can you help me in the kitchen?”
Worried burgundy eyes meet mine, a question lingering in them.
“I’ll be fine,” I murmur before dropping a kiss to her forehead. If our relationship is going to be a success, I need to be comfortable with her parents. No matter how intimidating her father is.
Once she’s gone, Kas hands me a glass filled with amber liquid. He settles back on the couch opposite me. “You know, you’re the first partner Vanessa has brought home to meet us.” His voice is softer than it was even a few minutes ago.
My forehead creases, eyebrows rising. “Really?”
His chin dips in a nod. “Yes. So she must really like you. Which means I want to like you, too. Vanessa is my baby, so you can understand why I’d be a little overprotective.”
I nod, imagining how I’d feel the same way about any of my future children.
“All I want is for my daughter to be with someone who makes her happy, treats her with respect, and supports her dreams. I may have been closed-minded in the past, thinking she could only find those things with another vampire. Clearly, I was wrong.”
“I would never do anything to hurt Vanessa. I— I was hurt by someone I thought loved me in the past. I’m all too familiar with that pain and devastation. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone else, especially not my mate. She’s safe with me.”
Kas’s lips split into a wide grin. “Good man. Now, tell me about yourself, Luc.”
As I launch into telling Vanessa’s father about my maple syrup business and working on the orchard, I can’t help but think this meeting-the-parents thing isn’t as bad as I’d made it out to be.