Dex wrapped a hand around my throat and pulled me against him for a deep kiss. “Be safe for me, trouble.”
“I will,” I promised as he let go of me reluctantly.
“You’re going to be fine,” Dex told Bram, clasping his shoulder before melting into the darkness.
“He’s right,” I assured Bram, brushing my fingers against his arm in reassurance. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
He offered me a tight smile but didn’t reply as we walked up the path.
Before we could knock, the heavy doors creaked open, revealing a butler with a precise demeanor that practically screamed nobility. He inclined his head respectfully, stepping aside to let us in. “Welcome to the Havoc residence, Bram and his fated.”
“Thank you,” we murmured in sync, stepping in.
The butler led the way, and we followed until the hall led into a dining area. The dining room was beautiful. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished mahogany table, which was set with enough silverware for four.
Slater rose from his seat as we entered, his grin wide and genuine. “Bram! You made it!” He crossed the room in a few long strides, pulling his brother into a firm hug.
Melinda, Slater’s mother, followed suit, her demeanor softer but no less welcoming. She took my hand in both of hers, and her red eyes were very kind. “Gravesend, it’s so lovely to meet you. Thank you for coming.”
“Thank you for inviting us,” I rasped, matching her warmth. “You can call me Pandora.”
“And you can, of course, call me Melinda.” She smiled softly, carefully reaching out and brushing her fingertips against my shoulder. “Your hair is so beautiful. What do you use?”
“Oh.” My cheeks heated. “I just used whatever my dad bought. It’s a caramel scent, though.”
“It’s lovely.” She smiled, and my chest eased at how kind she was.
“Thank you.”
Slater rubbed his hands together. “Food is already done. We were just waiting for you to arrive to pull it out so it wouldn’t get cold. Bram, would you mind helping Charles and I bring it out?”
Bram nodded stiffly and followed Slater and the butler toward the kitchen; he shot me a quick glance for reassurance, and I smiled.
As they disappeared, Melinda guided me to a seat.
“I’ve heard so much about you,” she began. “And about Bram. He’s…well, he’s been through so much.” Her voice softened, her empathy clear. “Slater and I…we only want to help him feel like he belongs. Like he has a family. I know Harry was a piece of work, but Harry’s father, Bram’s grandfather, was a good man. I hate that Bram has issues with both of his parents. It’s not fair to him.”
My chest ached for my mate. “I’m just glad he’s giving Slater a chance. And it’s nice to see that you care about Bram as well.”
“Of course I do,” she murmured. “I admit that I hate his mother and his father, but Bram was innocent in all of this, and he’s Slater’s brother.”
“Slater seems to really care for Bram.” My heart swelled as I thought about how hard Slater had pushed Bram to be a part of his life.
“He does.” She smiled softly, glancing toward the commotion in the kitchen. “He’s always wanted a brother. When I told him he had one, he reached out and wouldn’t give up.”
“I’m so glad he didn’t,” I told her. “You raised a good son.”
“I only wish I could’ve taken part in raising Bram,” she whispered, her eyes filling with sadness. “No kid deserves Harry Hemlock as a parent. I had hoped Harry’s mistress would’ve cared for their son. I truly thought she would’ve. If I had known…maybe I would’ve tried to stay around. If only to help Bram grow up better.”
My eyes pricked with heat as I blinked the tears away. “I know Bram would feel good about your sentiment. He’s had it rough.”
“He has, and…I know you have, too.” She met my gaze, unwavering. “I want both you and Bram to consider our home your home, too.”
My eyes widened slightly at how kind Melinda was. I’d never met such a sweet chaos demon before.
Before I could reply, our conversation was cut short as the others returned, carrying platters of food that smelled delicious.
“You all will love this,” Slater bragged. “Charles is the best fucking chef, ever, right, Mom?”
