I followed Ethan and Kieran into the dining room, noting the difference from Sebastian’s house. Ethan and Kieran’s home was equally grand but felt lived-in and warm, reflecting a lifetime of memories. The dining room, bright and cheerful, was large enough for a big group. Kieran pulled out a chair for me at the end of the table, and I blushed as I sat between them, with their Dad across from Ethan and their Mom bringing out the platters from the kitchen.
As she uncovered the food, my stomach growled at the sight of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, an array of vegetables, and steaming rolls. Despite the amount, I recalled how werewolves ate more than humans, especially ones Ethan and Kieran’s size. Kieran quickly grabbed a roll, earning a snort and an eye roll from his mom. Ethan, grinning, piled food onto my plate before his own.
“You’d think I never feed them,” their Mom chuckled, watching Kieran devour the roll. “I was thrilled when I found out I was having twins. I just didn’t know how much food I’d need to make.”
“We’re not that bad,” Ethan smirked, loading his plate.
“You say that, but you made Sophia’s plate first,” their Mom teased, eyeing her husband’s heaping plate.
“They’re still growing,” their Dad shrugged, taking another roll.
“What’s your excuse?” she laughed, amused by his plate.
“Werewolves don’t stop growing until they’re fifty-four,” he said confidently, a smile playing on his lips.
This light-hearted banter was what a family should be like, I thought, watching them. Their close-knit dynamic made me feel oddly at ease.
‘This will be our family too,’ Silver, my inner wolf, nodded. ‘Someday, they’ll be our children’s grandparents.’
‘Alright, too personal,’ I shook my head. ‘My relationship with Ethan and Kieran isn’t there yet.’
‘It’ll happen regardless,’ Silver scoffed, ‘They were made for us.’
‘They were, but I don’t want to discuss future children,’ I replied, shaking my head.
Ethan noticed my blush and gave me a curious look, but I smiled reassuringly. Kieran’s hand grazed my knee, sending sparks up my leg. Their parents noticed every interaction.
“So, you’re Sebastian’s kid. You’ve got his eyes,” their Dad remarked. “Are you older than Krystal?”
“I am,” I nodded, swallowing my nerves. “He wants me to take over his pack.”
“And how do you feel about that?” he asked. “Especially since you’ve lived as a human.”
Their Mom gently smacked her husband’s shoulder, who gave an apologetic grin. Their bond was evident in their interactions, a deep connection I wondered if I could have with Ethan and Kieran someday.
“We haven’t even introduced ourselves,” their Mom said, turning to me. “You can call me Cassie.”
“Seth,” their Dad added. He waited for my answer.
“I wanted nothing to do with it at first,” I grimaced. “Things have changed, but I won’t be manipulated by him. If I take over, it’ll be on my terms.”
“Spoken like a true Luna,” Seth nodded, some tension leaving his eyes. “And you understand that someday our packs will mix?”
“I understand,” I nodded, feeling Ethan’s pride and Kieran’s surprise.
Seth was about to say more when a knock sounded at the front door. Seth left, and I heard Sebastian’s low, familiar voice insisting on being let in. My stomach dropped as Sebastian walked into the dining room, looking surprised.
“You left,” he noted, his eyebrows furrowed.
“You noticed,” I replied, unable to hide the sarcasm. “I guess we’re both full of surprises, Sebastian.”
Sebastian’s eyes hardened. “You had me and your mother worried.”
“Lauren?” I scoffed. “Since when has she ever been worried about anyone but herself?”
Sebastian sighed, “Your mother cares in her own way.”
“Lauren’s never cared,” I shook my head. “We’ll finish this at home.”
Sebastian almost looked concerned. But I felt no guilt for leaving. Unlike his cold house, Ethan and Kieran’s home radiated warmth and love.
“I’m not living with you, Sebastian,” I said, meeting Ethan’s reassuring gaze. “One of my conditions was deciding where I want to live.”
“You let her have conditions?” Sebastian grimaced at Ethan and Kieran, his eyes darkening.
“What did you expect them to do?” I snapped. “Unlike you, they respect my choices.”
“Where will you live, Sophia?” Sebastian asked darkly.
Under the table, Kieran squeezed my leg. Cassie’s eyes, filled with concern and interest, turned to Sebastian and hardened.
“Sophia is welcome to live with us,” Cassie said firmly. Seth nodded in agreement.
“I’ll get my things tomorrow,” I told Sebastian.
“We’ll talk then,” he replied, thanking Seth and leaving.
As the door closed, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. I hadn’t realized how much it had been dragging me down until it was gone. Despite our conversation being far from over, I felt things were looking up.