Chloe melted at his words, and I could see the stars in her eyes. This guy was good.
“Hey, quit jabbering and bring my new family into the house!” A beautiful redhead scolded the twins and Chloe.
That had to be Meredith.
Two big, burly guys joined her. They were both blond and reminded me of the Vikings I’d seen on several popular television shows.
Zane whispered proudly, “That’s the triple M’s.”
He hustled me to the porch, and I was engulfed in a tight hug from their mother, while their dads greeted my parents.
“I’m so glad to meet you. You’ve made my boys happy, and there is no way to repay that.” She kept an arm around me and turned to the others. “Welcome to our home. Adelaide, I can’t tell you what an honor it is to meet you and your Faction.”
She actually bowed to my mother. It was surreal to see how Aurathions felt about my parents. They were truly heroes, even though we lost the war.
“Everyone, come in. Michael has prepared an amazing lunch.” Meredith announced.
“Zane, take your friend and wash those ridiculous mustaches off your faces.” She rolled her eyes, “Boys will be boys.”
Zeke grabbed my hand, “You’re in for a treat. Poppa is almost as good a cook as I am.”
Zane and Nathan headed to the bathroom. I wished them luck with washing the marker off; it wouldn’t be easy.
“I heard that boy.” The man in question dropped back to cuff Zeke on the back of the head. “I’m the one who taught you, and I left a few things out. You’re not ready for all of my secrets.” He sniffed in disdain but ruined his haughty look by winking at me.
The house was beautiful. It was a stately, two-story, brick home. The backyard was massive with a pool and outdoor kitchen to rival the one at our condo. It was a large neighborhood with each house sitting on about a half-acre or so.
We entered through French doors that led into a cook's dream kitchen: white cabinets, granite countertops, and a large kitchen island with a butcher block top.
The kitchen was undoubtedly beautiful, but the smells emanating from it made it even more so.
“I wasn’t hungry after that wonderful breakfast Zeke made this morning, but the delicious smells coming from your kitchen have built up my appetite.” Mom rubbed her stomach.
Michael smiled then nudged Zeke with his elbow.
“Told you, kid. You still have a lot to learn.”
Zeke rolled his eyes, “Whatever, old man. I could outcook you with one hand tied behind my back.”
Mark started laughing, “We’ll have a cooking contest at a later date. Then you two can settle this argument once and for all.”
“I’ll be a judge.” Pop grinned.
Grumpy smiled, “I also volunteer as tribute.”
Everyone laughed as we entered a beautiful dining room with a massive table. The table was huge, but with the amount of food on it, I was scared it was going to collapse. There was a huge salad, corn on the cob, grilled pork chops, and a large loaf of freshly baked bread.
“Wow, this looks amazing!” Pop rubbed his hands together, ready to dig in.
“No need to wait, everyone, dig in,” Meredith said.
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” Nathan walked back into the room and started filling his plate, with Zane right behind him.
Somehow, the two had managed to get all the marker off.
Oren and Zeke better be on high alert. I wouldn’t want those two teaming up against me.
Unless they were working together in the bedroom.
