With one last glance at the mirror—yes, he was still half-naked—Sammy embraced Dre while his mate—his mate—sliced time and space to get them to Barion.
Somehow, Sammy had hoped to have some time to calm his nerves—even though deep down he knew that would have never worked—before meeting Dre’s father, but he wasn’t that lucky. Alerion was standing right next to Barion in the hall where Sammy and Dre had materialized. Dre tightened his hold on Sammy before he dragged him toward his waiting father and brother. Barion looked as if he were about to vibrate out of his skin, yet held himself back, probably because of the imposing figure next to him. There was no doubt that Alerion was Barion and Dre’s father. Their features were so similar. Alerion did look more like a brother, not a father, though it was hard to tell his age—how did demons age, anyway?—because he was completely black with golden tattoos and a shock of white hair. Sammy was acutely aware of his near-nakedness in front of his father-in-law. To make matters worse, he felt a flush creeping up his neck, surely making him look like a tomato.
“Father, this is Sammy, my destined mate. Sammy, this is my father, Alerion, the king of all demons.”
Alerion smiled broadly and reached out with his hand. Sammy took it automatically, even though his brain had just fried. “No need to be so formal, son. Hello, Sammy, I would very much prefer it if you called me Alerion or, if you feel comfortable with it, Dad. I can’t tell you how happy I am Dre found you.”
Sammy tried to shake hands with the demon king, while his mouth went on autopilot. “I don’t even know if I’m supposed to bow, Your High…uhm, Dad. Dre, why didn’t you tell me how to greet your father properly?”
“Yes, Dre, why didn’t you tell him?” Barion needled.
“Watch it, Barion.” Dre sounded slightly annoyed.
“Quiet, both of you.” Alerion used his hold on Sammy’s hand to pull him into a hug. “I already like you, Sammy. You’re funny. For the protocol, there’s no need for you to bow. Unlike my rowdy sons and subjects, I don’t have the feeling I have to assert my dominance over you.” He stepped back and winked. Sammy grinned.
“No, Dad, most certainly not. I know how that works. Declan and Troy had a hard time restraining themselves in the beginning.”
Alerion raised a brow. “Your former lovers?”
Sammy felt his cheeks redden. “Gods, no! They’re members of my book club—and also werewolves. Alphas. Did you know that alpha and omega are originally the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet and were used in Christian mythology to describe Jesus as the beginning and the end of everything? I think it’s rather funny that it’s also used to describe the strongest and the weakest member in a wolf pack, though if you think about it, it makes sense, in a weird kind of way… I’m blabbering, aren’t I? Dre?”
“No,mo grah thu, you’re just being your adorable self. I would never accuse you of blabbering!” Dre did his best to hide his smile.
“That’s because Dre is the king of blabbering himself.” Alerion patted his son fondly on the back. “Let’s get comfortable in the dining room. I hope you didn’t cook yourself, Barion?” He shot his youngest son a hard look.
“I don’t know why everybody keeps bringing this up. It was an accident, an honest mistake. Come to think of it, it’s your fault for letting me into the kitchen unsupervised at such a young age!”
“Young age? You were over six hundred at the time! Hardly an unsuspecting youth. And you insisted!” Alerion’s jaw was set in a way Sammy knew only too well. He felt himself relaxing more and more. He enjoyed a good show, just like everybody else.
“I wanted to make something nice for you, to show my love! Geez, one little mistake…” Barion grumbled.
“It’s the thought that counts, little brother. Definitely. And I’m sure Father will never forget your show of filial appreciation.”
“No, I won’t, Barion. That memory is something unique and you have given it to me.” Alerion sounded almost sweet. Only the telltale twinkle in Dre’s and his father’s eyes told Sammy that they weren’t serious. Barion huffed.
“Tell me at least you’re on my side, Sammy. I obviously can’t count on these two.”
Sammy regarded Barion for a long moment. He felt the eyes of Dre and Alerion on him, waiting for his reaction. “I’m sorry, Barion. Until I know the full story, I can’t make an informed decision. You’ll have to tell me first.”
Barion’s eyes widened. “Forget it! You’re as bad as them. I’m going to look for a new family.”
They had reached the dining room with the stag and the green cushions. An assembly of Italian appetizers was spread out on the table and made Sammy’s mouth water.
“Can you do that after we have dinner? This looks great!”
“You’re a perfect fit for this family.” Barion brushed past him to pull out a chair for Sammy, retaining an indignant expression. Sammy grinned and sat down.
“Thank you, Barion. And I didn’t mean it, you know? You’re great, and if you want, I can ask Mavis and Maribel to give you some cooking lessons.”
Barion pretended to think about this offer. “You know, I’ll pass on the cooking lessons, but could I perhaps come to your next book club meeting?”
A snort from Dre prevented Sammy from answering. “You barely read. Why would you want to go to a book club meeting?”
Barion flipped off his brother. “I happen to be an awesome reader. I just don’t advertise. Plus, seeing you two so happy together had made me realize that I have to get out more. Humans can be tedious, as we all know. Your friends are all paranormals. That should make it easier for me to start with the whole getting-to-know-people thing.”
“I understand your reasoning. I really do.” Sammy patted Barion’s hand. “I’m just not sure if this is a good idea. My friends weren’t too happy about me hooking up with Dre.” When he saw the devastated look on Barion’s face, Sammy relented. “Of course you can come. I’ll tell them as soon as we’re home. Our next meeting is this Wednesday and we’re reading Wolfgang Hohlbein,The Witcher of Salem, and theCthulhu Cycleby H. P. Lovecraft.”
“I’m going to read them! Or at least the summary on Wikipedia. Thank you, Sammy!” Barion pressed a kiss on Sammy’s cheek before quickly dancing out of reach of Dre’s claws.
