She stands tall in a forest-green pantsuit, paired with a pastel-green corset that resembles armor. The shiny material is etched with gold patterns, giving it an otherworldly gleam.
“Now that we all look amazing, let’s leave before Maa shows up and drags me home by my ear,” Seiji says, picking up August, adorned in his velvet suit.
I can tell my little werewolf likes the soft fabric. He can’t stop running his hands along his sleeves.
Since everyone was going to dress to impress, Grace made sure Monkey’s outfit was both fancy and comfortable.
Seiji insists on holding August, grumbling that Angel is always hogging the little guy. August, on the other hand, has zero complaints as long as no one makes him walk.
If these people think I’m lazy, my son absolutely outranks me.
I zone out of the conversation when the crowd around us starts murmuring—not very quietly—about the missing Horsemen finally returning. I force a tight smile as people start bowing as I pass, their tears of joy making my skin crawl.
“Can you tell them to stop?” I whisper to Angel.
“Stop what?”
“Bowing. It’s so fucking awkward, Angel. What am I supposed to do? Bow back? Smile? Pretend I don’t see them? But that would be rude, right?”
A few chuckles ripple around me, and that’s when I realize I’ve been ranting loud enough for more than just my mate to hear.
“You’re just like your father.” Angel shakes his head with a soft smile, and thankfully, the bowing comes to a stop.Everyone switches to waving instead, which is much better.
If they were expecting a “typicalprincess,”they’re in for a lifetime of disappointment.
23. Delusional mothers
Nevaeh
The first thing I notice as I enter the elegant dining room is the enormous dining table. It’s easily big enough to seat twenty people. The second is the mouth-watering aroma that wraps around me like a warm hug.
Whatever Seiji’s parents had their cooks prepare makes my stomach growl so loudly that even I’m shocked by the sound.
Angel grabs my hand and leads us further into the room. I’m surprised to see two people playfully shoving each other while they cook. I don’t even have to guess who they are. The resemblance between the older man and Seiji is uncanny.
Seiji once said they’re in their mid-fifties in human years, but neither looks a day over thirty-five.
I wonder if they asked Fates to return their immortality in exchange for Seiji.
The couple senses our presence and abandons their cooking to rush over, beaming with bright smiles.
Harvey, walking ahead with Grace on his arm, is the first to be smothered in hugs and compliments about how handsome he’s grown up to be.
Ugh,that’ll definitely go to his head.
“Your parents would’ve been so proud,” Seiji’s mother whispers.
Something about the emotions pouring out of the woman makes Harvey clear his throat and excuse himself. He turns a corner and disappears behind the front gate, Grace following close behind.
I know Harvey misses his parents, but why is the dumbass acting like he didn’t sneak off to see them last night after ourtour?
The older couple greets August with the same overflowing affection they gave Harvey and Grace. When it’s Hazel’s turn, there are no hugs, just polite nods and warm smiles.
Now that only Angel and I are left, I know I can’t keep hiding behind my mate and pretending to be invisible.
Seiji’s parents take two steps forward to greet me, and I do the thing I hate most about myself. I instinctively take two steps back, immediately halting their approach. To their credit, my reluctance doesn’t waver their teary smiles.
I turn to Angel, hoping he’ll say I don’t have to leave the safety of his arms. Instead, my mate kisses the crown of my head, promises he’s right behind me, and lightly nudges me forward, sending me off to fight my own battle.
