He doesn’t; instead, he answers in all seriousness. “It’s a hearing aid. I had an accident as a child, and need it to hear better.”
Faye nods; like most kids, she isn’t judgmental at all, just genuinely curious.
“And who is the giant man?” Faye asks Flora.
Flora stands up and pulls Elden closer, slapping his arm joyfully. “That’s the alpha. And this-“ she points at Aurelia. “Is the future alpha.”
Faye nods before her eyes light up. “Oh, you need to meet Mom!”
She shuffles back to the car and, with Charlie’s help, gets Marina to climb out. As usual, Marina seems to move on autopilot. She does everything she needs to do, but without trulyreacting to anyone. The look in her eyes seems to be pinned to something far away, as if she isn’t truly here.
I make sure to take her by her arm and gently lead her to Felix’s family. The look in Elden’s eyes is different now when he looks at Marina. There is a hint of shock in his gaze, but also worry. He takes Arden’s arm and makes him take a step back with him, automatically keeping his distance.
Flora, on the other hand, carefully approaches us. The light air around her is still there, but her eyes are clouded with something I can’t quite put a finger on.
“Welcome to the pack, Marina,” she says, her tone warm and joyful like before.
As usual, Marina doesn’t answer. She doesn’t even look at anyone.
“We are happy to have you and Faye here,” Flora continues as if she is having a normal conversation.
“Isn’t Mom the prettiest?” Faye exclaims.
At this, Flora’s eyes turn sad. “Yes,” she says quietly. “Yes, sweetheart, she is beautiful.”
We only unload the pets for now, making sure they are cared for. The rest of our luggage we will fetch after having our late lunch.
Flora ushers us all inside, with Arden and Dario taking the lead to show us the private dining room of the alpha family, where we will get something to eat. Flora falls back to briefly talk with Elden and Aurelia. I am sure it’s about my whole situation, and probably Marina.
I am just so glad to have Felix here with me. I never knew how grounding and calming the presence of a mate can be, and he seems to be genuinely happy right now, making sure to show everything to me and explaining every little detail. He involvesFaye, as well. He is already like a big brother to her; it’s so sweet to watch.
When a huge regal cat pats into the living room, we all halt. “That’s Titan,” Arden explains. “Aurelia’s cat… or something like that.”
“Something like that?” I repeat.
“It’s difficult to explain,” Felix says. “But Titan is a cat or looks like a cat, but is also a demon.”
My eyes widen in surprise. “I must have misheard.”
“No, you didn’t,” Arden says. “Felix is right. Titan is a demon. One of two we know about. We are still researching how they arrived here. Flora says, demons have their own realm and shouldn’t be here.”
“I understand,” I say, though I don’t understand a thing.
“I will give you the details later,” Felix promises.
Faye dashes off to look at everything. Meanwhile, Elden, Flora, and Aurelia join us as well. “Oh, right,” Dario turns to Felix and me. “The rest of the family will visit on Sunday. I’ve briefly talked to Liam. He is super happy for both of you and can’t wait to meet you.”
Sunday is only in three days! Barely time to prepare for meeting Felix’s brothers and their mates. Goddess, this makes me nervous all over again.
“Gwendolyn,” Flora moves towards me. It looks like she is dancing when she walks. “I noticed Felix calls you Gwen. Do you prefer that?”
“I don’t mind Gwendolyn,” I reassure her. “But I am used to Gwen.”
“Then, Gwen it is,” she smiles brightly. “I hope you are hungry!”
“We are,” Felix answers.
“I know you are,” she grins. “You always are!”
