Page 52 of What the Hex
“Uh, are my sisters allowed to be in here?”
“It’s fine. They just can’t enter the bar area.”
Satisfied with the answer, he hurried across the room to meet his family. He hugged his dad first, a big, crushing embrace that looked kind of painful. Then he welcomed his mother by lifting her off her feet and spinning her in a circle before giving her a smacking kiss on the cheek. Finally, he turned to his sisters, threw one over each shoulder, and carried them to the sitting area.
It was the most insane reunion King had ever witnessed. Was this how normal families treated each other? He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d hugged his mother.
“Everyone,” Storm announced as he dropped the giggling twins to their feet. “I want you to meet my mate, Kingston. Darlin’, this is the fam.”
As if summoned to a roll call, they all lined up and introduced themselves one by one.
“I’m Robert.” He stepped forward and grabbed King’s hand in a firm grasp. “It’s nice to meet you, son.”
Son? “Likewise.”
“And I’m Shelby.” Storm’s mother wasn’t a hand-shaker. She was a hugger, and she held onto him like he might fall apart without her support. “Welcome to the family.”
Okay, this wasn’t so bad. A little overwhelming, but…nice.
“Bridget.” The first twin gave him an exaggerated wave.
“And Bailey!” The second tucked one leg behind the other and lowered into a deep courtesy. “You are way too good—”
“For our brother. We saw you—”
“Online. OMG! It was a—”
“Total vibe!”
Heat rushed to King’s cheeks and crept up to the tips of his ears. “Are they always like this?”
Storm chuckled and kissed the top of his head. “Yeah, but you’ll get used to it.”
“Oh, oh, are you doing—”
“The telepathic thing? That is highkey—”
“So cute!”
“Okay, girls, let the boy breathe,” Robert admonished gently. “Let’s sit.”
King settled onto the back loveseat with Storm, while Robert and Shelby took the other, leaving the twins to curl up in the armchairs.
“So, Kingston, what is it you do?” Shelby asked.
“Please, call me King, and I work here at the hotel.” He held his breath and waited for the fallout.
“This is such an interesting place. I bet you’re never bored.”
“No ma’am. Never a dull moment.”
“Are you a concierge?” Bridget asked.
“Actually, I work in housekeeping.” Great. Way to make an impression. “I like cleaning,” he added lamely.
“It’s so relaxing, isn’t it?” Shelby laughed and snuggled close to her husband’s side. “I bet you’ve met a lot of interesting people.”
That was it? No judgment? No questions about when he was going to find a “real” job?