Page 11 of The Witching Hour
“Such a pretty name,” she murmured, stepping back to grin at us. “Much better than what my parents stuck me with—Talulla.”
I returned her smile. “It’s lovely to meet you, Talulla.”
“And such good manners.” She twirled around to beam up at her husband as he slid his arm around her waist.
“I’m Ren’s father, Basil.”
As I shook his hand, Ren’s brothers and cousins introduced themselves as well, including the five consorts that were with them. I learned that Callidora was the only one missing when Braeden explained, “The children are all enjoying a spooky movie while my consort watches over them. She wanted me to tell you that she’s excited to meet you soon instead of just from across your front yard.”
Amaia clapped her hands. “We should do a girls’ night out this weekend!”
I’d never been on one before, so my heart was heavy when I replied, “I would love to, but I don’t think it will be safe for me to do something like that quite so soon.”
“Not safe?” Basil echoed, his eyes narrowing.
Ren explained about the marriage my parents had arranged with Arthur, and how I didn’t think the coven would let go of me easily. Their reaction to everything we shared with them wasn’t what I expected. Instead of trying to distance themselves from the danger I brought with me, Ren’s family crowded close and offered their unwavering support.
“You two will not stand alone against your coven,” Basil assured. “The family will have your back.”
“Cian mentioned that he and the twins were thinking about coming for a visit soon. I’ll see if they can come now,” Kieran offered.
“It wouldn’t hurt to have a few more daywalkers on our side,” Jareth agreed.
I was stunned by the easy acceptance Ren’s family had shown me. There most likely was a war between them and my coven on the horizon, but they didn’t play the blame game. The risk to each of them didn’t color their opinions of me. They didn’t care that I was a witch and my kind and theirs rarely mixed.
The only thing that mattered to them was that I was Ren’s destined consort. That was enough for them to put everything onthe line to keep me safe. To ensure that nobody interfered in the future they wanted Ren and I to have together.
I owed fate a debt of gratitude for bringing Ren and the rest of the Bancrofts into my life and showing me what it truly meant to be a part of a family.
6
REN
“Okay. Family time is over,” I announced, giving my brothers and cousins a pointed look.
They just grinned and winked at Celeste, which made her blush until she was tomato red. It was adorable, but I was still pissed at the idiots for making her uncomfortable.
I turned to my parents and smiled. “See you soon.” Then I looked at my male relatives and scowled. “Get the hell out of here.” I was grateful when their consorts tugged at them and made excuses about why they should leave. One by one, they teleported out of the house.
My mother hurried over to Celeste and pulled her into a hug. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart. We are thrilled for you both. And don't you worry about a thing. We’ve got this.”
Then she hugged me and whispered, “She is perfect for you.”
“I know,” I murmured with my eyes locked on my gorgeous consort.
My father hugged my girl, then shook my hand before they popped out of the room.
Slipping an arm around Celeste’s waist, I watched her carefully as I curled her in close to my body. Her eyes were wide,and she looked shaken. “Are you alright? I know they can be a bit overwhelming?—”
Celeste cut me off, beaming up at me when she breathed, “Your family is amazing. I…I had no idea it could be like that. I mean, I’ve seen evidence of it in some human relationships, but only from afar and…you all have much tighter bonds. I guess I thought all supernatural families were like mine.”
I closed my eyes and pressed my forehead to hers, inhaling her delicious scent into every fiber of my being. “I hate that you grew up in such a stark reality, love. I’m determined to make sure that you spend eternity feeling loved and wanted.”
I wasn’t sure she was ready to hear how much I already loved her, so I kept the comment deliberately vague.
“Are you hungry?” I raised my head and cupped one of her cheeks, staring into her deep brown pools.
She giggled and placed her hand over mine. “I realize that my diet is a little different from yours—for now—but I don’t have to eat all the time. I swear, you’re always trying to feed me.”