Chapter Seven: Dinner with his family

Shaking my head, I calm my racing heart and glance down at my hands to see myself gripping something tightly.

My phone.

I must have been too engrossed in his spell to have noticed. There's a way he makes me feel that I've never felt around anyone before. It's like when I'm around him, I lose my senses to think properly.

“It's the mate bond.“ Rex cooed softly.

I sigh and turn on the phone to see twelve missed calls and five inbox messages, all from Danny.

After reading the texts, I groaned and dropped the phone on the bed. I couldn't read them all, but it said he was concerned that I hadn't arrived at work and wasn't answering the phone.

I'll have to contact him back later and explain everything that has happened around me during the last several days.

I wonder how he'd respond.

I looked around for some clothing and worried when I couldn't find my baggage.

Why hadn't they been placed in the room, and how was I supposed to prepare for the event without my belongings?

I noticed a walk-in closet around the corner and nervously approached it. I entered the little room and gasped at what I saw. It was stocked with the latest and most popular fashion clothing and shoes. I opened a drawer and discovered several varieties of jewelry and bracelets, including gold, silver, and diamonds. The amounts were more than sufficient to purchase me and my whole fortune. I could send myself to school, purchase an apartment and a vehicle, and have enough money for years.

It resolved my financial concerns.

I shook my head.

There's no way I'm going to wear everything. I'll feel distant from them.

I search for simpler, less expensive-looking outfits to wear. I saw a pair of dark blue pants and a white, V-necked, short-sleeved shirt with white sneakers. I took them and walked out of the closet, content with my decision. I move the towels away from my body and walk to the door to lock it. Then I shrugged my new clothes on and was amazed by how well they fit around me. The top was pretty feminine; it wasn't too tiny, and the sleeves reached my elbows a little farther. The pants gripped my buttocks well, and I immediately ran a hand through my damp blonde hair, freeing the knots before tying it up loosely.

I put on my shoes and stood up from the bed, peering at the door.

I nibbled on my lips as I looked toward the door. It was growing dark outside, and I had no idea what was there or what to anticipate.

Regardless, I must leave this room. I was feeling weak from a lack of food, and my stomach was beginning to growl with hunger. My muscles strain with movement, and moving my legs requires all of my effort.

I moved it to the door and unlocked it. I opened the door and was astonished to find Ava standing there.

I noticed she was going to knock on it.

"Oh," she giggled nervously and lowered her hand. "I'm happy you're prepared; I was sent to get you. Dinner is done, and everyone is already waiting."

I frown. "I apologize for taking so long."

"Oh no, that's alright. Come. I'll lead the way." I nodded hesitantly and followed her as she lead the way through many vast halls.

Gold and crystal accents adorned the edges of the staircases as we approached them. spacious frame photographs of men and women were posted on the walls leading down to the spacious living area. A massive hanging crystal chandelier was put in the center of the room, and the entire home was larger than I had imagined. She led me downstairs, and I heard voices before seeing them.

I took a few big breaths as we arrived in the huge sitting area. I halted when I spotted the gathering, and I felt overwhelmed.

Everyone turned to stare at me, and I moved on my legs.

"Oh my, is that Amelia? Come here, sweetheart. Do not be terrified."

A older, dark-haired woman approaches me and says something. She was wearing a long, silky burgundy robe that covered her shoes. Necklaces, bracelets, and rings embellished her neck, wrist, and fingertips. Her huge smile was brilliant, showing a flawless set of teeth. She approached me with grace, and I recognized her as the mother.

"You are very beautiful." She murmured with a southern accent.

"Thank you." I flushed uncomfortably and looked down at my feet.

"Mum, you are overwhelming her; please stop."

A young, beautiful man approaches us. I observed a resemblance in his look to the younger version of my mate, but with blue eyes. He also appeared less buff and lean than his sibling.

"I'm Colton. Stark's brother, and here is Lorena, my mother."

I flushed again. "Nice to meet you."

These people were beautiful. He took me farther into the room.

"This is my aunt, Aunt Stella, and my cousin Ivy." He gestured to a blonde woman dressed in a white v-neckline jumpsuit that displayed a lot of breasts and black, expensive shoes. She had her arms around each other, looking down at me. Standing next to her was a little girl who bore a strong resemblance. I squeezed my lips together in a tight grin for her. The woman did not reciprocate the grin, instead turning her face to the left.

"It's nice meeting you, Amelia," says the blond-haired girl next to her in a beautiful voice. She appeared young, possibly still in high school. "Don't mind, Mum; we were caught up in terrible traffic on our way here, and the stress is probably getting to her."

Her mother sneered, and she giggled. "It was nice meeting you too, Ivy."

I look around the room. Where was he?

Lorena clasped my hands and smiled, as if she had seen my query. "My husband and son just stepped out to attend to some business but will be back very soon."

"Oh."

"Come, let's go to the dinner table. We don't want the food to become cold."

She brought me to a huge table and instructed me to seat on the left side before moving around to sit across from me.

The others followed following and took their respective places, and I noted that the head of the table and the seat next to me were unoccupied. I imagined those were Stark's and his father's chairs. As soon as the food arrived, I jumped on them.

The garlic mashed potatoes and steak with tomato sauce were so delicious that I moaned with pleasure. My taste sensations were virtually dancing within my lips. Lorena broke the silence first.

"I am delighted you enjoy it. Ava has always been a great chef on whatever the occasion. We made the right decision by hiring her." She complemented Ava's food, and I couldn't agree more. They tasted wonderful. Ava flushed slightly as she sat down to finish her supper. I had no idea what her role was in the family, but now that I know, I'm glad. A loud voice from the sitting room drew our attention, and we turned to see an elderly guy who looked quite similar to Stark come in.

His aura screamed authority and power. His gaze briefly focused on me before going to Lorena, who jumped up from her chair and walked up to him.

He grinned and placed his arms around her, then kissed her. They looked gorgeous together, completely in love even in their elderly age. This is how I would have liked things to be between me and my future hubby. A marriage full of love and affection. She drew her mate towards me, and I rose from my seat, disappointed that I had abandoned my dinner.

"Amelia, please meet my mate and husband, William. Honey, this is our son's mate. Isn't she beautiful?"

"It's nice to meet you, Amelia. We're all happy to have you here." He grinned at me, and we all heard a loud scoff behind him.

We shifted our focus to see Stark enter the dining room, and I took a deep inhale as his earthy aroma combined with cologne reached my nose, making my entire body tingle.

My wolf Rex danced in my brain at his sight. His deep hazel eyes caught mine briefly before shifting to his mother, who was already pulling him into a tight hug. His black, long hair was neatly tucked into a macho bun. He'd changed into a plain, tight-fitting shirt. The shirt snugly hugged his prominent muscles and strong chest, creating a seamless fit. His jeans clung to his muscular thighs as I unintentionally bit my bottom lip.

I could practically feel my trousers becoming moist.

He frowned and backed away from his mother's tightening grasp, and I took a long breath to settle my anxiety; his presence was making me uneasy. I sucked on my bottom lip, recalling our previous rendezvous in the room, and my core tensed again.

"Oh, Darling. Come meet my lovely daughter-in-law. Lorena gushes, drawing my attention to herself."

She brought Stark to me, who appeared irritated as he approached me.

"She's so pretty and perfect for you." She adds, and I feel my cheeks warming for the third time this evening.

I am quite sure I looked like a tomato right now.

His gaze flickered to me briefly before returning to his mother. "Mom. I've already met her. I brought her here, remember?" He mumbles, and a shudder runs down my spine at the deep tone. I dipped my head to play with the hem of my shirt.

It's bothersome and aggravating because I react to everything he does. This family was already making me insane. I'm wondering whether this 'mate bond' only affects me.

I mentally sneer. Who am I kidding? He probably doesn't feel anything for me. I'm clearly the only one losing my sanity, and I can't disguise it. I blame it on the so-called 'mate bond.' It makes me very vulnerable.

"Oh, I'm just so happy you finally found your mate after so many years." Lorena's voice speaks, taking me away from my clouded thoughts.

"Come, honey, your meal is getting cold." William hurriedly escorted his girlfriend to the table and set her in her chair, leaving me alone with Stark.

I moved nervously on my foot when I realized he was already gazing at me.

Am I supposed to say anything?

"Hi." I swore myself at myself when my voice became hoarse.

I clear my throat and continued, "Uhm... about this after—"

I instantly stopped talking when he walked by my side and softly brushed my shoulders with his to the dining table.

I scowled and turned around, glaring at him.

Rude.

He took the empty seat next to mine, and I took a deep breath before pulling myself over to sit alongside him.

Their meals were served, and I attempted to concentrate on mine, which was tough. He was too near, and his scent was quite appealing. The family started conversing, and I zoomed out.

If someone had told me a month ago that I was a werewolf and would be sitting among these folks today, I would have laughed and called them insane, yet here I am. A werewolf, now living with the popular Grayson family. Mated with a man who was said to be brutal and cruel, with no conscience.

When did my life change so dramatically?

'Don't worry. You'll get used to it quite quickly.' Lux mumbled in my mind, and I sighed.

"So tell us, Amelia, which family are you from?" Lorena inquired, and I turned to face her, smiling warmly.

"Uhm..." I breathed. "My parents were Jackson and Ivan Lucas. They died years ago." I slurred the final sentence.

"Oh, I'm so sorry about that, my dear." Lorena replies, extending out a hand across the table to grab mine. I respond with a tiny smile.

I am delighted Stark's mother is so nice. I didn't know how I would have dealt with a troublesome one.

"So how was life in the human world?" Colton, Stark's brother, inquired. He was seated on my left side. I turn my head to look at him. He was practically identical to his brother, but Stark was more handsome.

I shrugged. "It was really simple. A humble girl who avoided problems and strove to stay in her home. Nothing really interesting." He chuckled.

"Hah, I heard you freaked out when you first saw my cousin and heard you were getting married to him." It was Ivy this time. She was really upbeat and lively. She had not stopped chatting since she sat down. Her source was incorrect, but I was not going to correct her. "I would too if I found out I was getting married to someone I didn't love. I really want to marry someone I adore, someone who would always appreciate me." She glanced up and placed her arms around her shoulders dreamily.

I chuckled. I had also desired to marry someone who loves me, but what choice do I have now? I've mysteriously become a werewolf and mated with a fellow werewolf who couldn't care less about me.

Colton casually pushes his shoulders into mine, and I gape at him. "If my brother refuses to come around or fall for your charm sooner." He murmurs near my ear. "I'll definitely do; you can come to me."

I laughed quietly. Is he flirting with me now?

I jumped in my seat as I heard a deep growl from someone on my right side, prompting me to turn to face the person. Stark's eyes had darkened as he stared at Colton behind me.

His gazed... Angry? His eating hand grasped his fork forcefully, causing it to snap in half.

"Ah!" I shrieked out with surprise. "W-why why did you do that?"

When he didn't respond, I looked at Colton, who simply shrugged.

While his brother appeared to be upset about something, he could not stop smiling.

"Stark." His mother calls from her seat, amused.

When I restored my attention to Stark, I noticed him push his chair back and rise up before leaving the dining room. Rex didn't care; she was whinnying at the sight of his back and the form of his gorgeous ass, which was enveloped in his tight denim trousers as he moved away.