Chapter Sixteen

Sammy was standing in front of the mirror in his bedroom, fussing with his jeans and trying not to think about the fact that he would be meeting Dre’s father half-naked. Apparently, it was customary for the mates of demons to show off their tattoos so everybody knew who they belonged to. When Dre had hinted that the tattoos on Sammy’s legs and private parts were obscured by the jeans, he had only given his mate a withering look and Dre had wisely chosen not to press the subject. They had spent Saturday and the first half of Sunday in wonderful, domestic, sexy bliss until Sammy’s friends had showed up to celebrate their mating with an extended brunch. It was Monday evening now and they were expected at Barion’s mansion to celebrate again, this time with Dre’s family.

“Don’t worry, mo grah thu. My father is more than happy for us. He can’t wait to get to know you.” Dre slung his arms around Sammy and pressed a kiss on the top of his head. “He’s going to love you.”

“I hope so. You really have to start teaching me your language. I don’t want your father to think I’m not putting in the effort.”

Dre turned him around to look him square in the eyes. “Sammy, my love, I’m thrilled you want to learn the demon tongue, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t want you to think you’re under any obligation to do so. You’re as much my mate as I am yours. This goes both ways, lover.”

Sammy sighed. “I know. I really do. It’s just…” He couldn’t bring himself to say it. He didn’t have to. Through their mate bond, Dre got it.

“This is the only family you have left, apart from your friends. I understand, mo grah thu.”

Sammy had to swallow a lump in his throat. Thinking of his parents still made him sad, though it was getting better. “I don’t want to replace them, certainly not, but I could— I could use a father who’s still there, you know?”

“Nobody thinks you’re replacing them, Sammy. And I’m sure my father will be more than happy to be there for you.”

“I hope so.” Sammy straightened. “I think we better get going before I have a nervous breakdown. I’m sure Barion is already waiting for us.”

Dre laughed. “Oh yes, he is. He’s been here twice already, asking what’s taking us so long.”

Sammy shuddered. “I guess I’m glad I took so long in the shower.”

“You bet you are. My little brother is like a kid on a sugar high.”

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 the Cthulhu Cycle by 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.

“Hands off my mate!”

They spent the rest of the evening eating and chatting happily. Alerion was even nicer than Dre had told him, and when he started telling childhood stories about his sons, Sammy had to laugh so hard that his ribs began to hurt. They parted with the promise to meet again soon, this time at Alerion’s home in Switzerland where he would treat Sammy to a traditional Switzer cheese fondue, complete with white bread and schnapps.

Back in Sammy’s apartment, they undressed and slipped under the covers after a quick stop at the bathroom.

“Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Dre pulled Sammy’s back against his broad chest, massaging his upper thigh with his big hands. Sammy couldn’t suppress a groan. Being touched by Dre was as good as touching him, and he was already addicted to both sensations. Having a true mate definitely was bliss.

“No, it was fun. I like your father.” Sammy hesitated. “I didn’t want to ask while we were at Barion’s, since I do remember that this is a sore topic, but is there a reason your oldest brother wasn’t there?”

Sammy felt Dre tensing up behind him before he sighed deeply. “You’re right. This is a difficult topic for me, and for dad and Barion as well. Quirion has always been—different. He’s very bookish, but not in a fun, nerdy way like you and me. More in a ‘once he gets caught, he doesn’t look up’ way. It’s very hard to get him out of his home, and while he is happy I found my mate, that’s still no reason for him to abandon his studies. Don’t take it personally. We have stopped doing that centuries ago. It’s just the way he is.”

“I’m sorry. It must be hard not being able to connect with your brother.”

“It was, in the beginning. I’ve made my peace with it. The way I see it, Quirion is a constant in my life, something that never changes, that always waits for me in the same place, which is good at least for me. And I think he’s happy, so why should I force my ideas of happiness on him, even when his way of living strikes me as odd, to put it mildly?”

“You’re a great brother. A great mate. I love you, Dre.”

“And I love you, Sammy. Now, are you up for some honeymoon sex? Because I’m ready to go.” To emphasize his words, Dre nudged Sammy with his huge cock. A whimper escaped Sammy. Strictly speaking, he was too tired for action. Strictly speaking. On second thought, he was more than willing to roll around with his mate.