Chapter 10

"She's here!" A feminine voice shouted as the front door flew open, and Bel's oldest sister Briar lunged for her. Bel grunted as the woman wrapped her in a suffocating hug, and within seconds, the hallway boomed with rushing footsteps.

"Come in, come in!" Briar yanked Bel into the house as the rest of her sisters descended upon them. For minutes, it was a flurry of arms and shrieks and laughs and barks as the siblings reunited until a masculine voice broke through the chaos.

"Let your poor sister take her coat off." Reese squeezed through his girls to pull Bel into a hug. "How are you, sweetheart? Was the traffic bad?"

"A little, but I wasn't driving, so what do I care?" Bel laughed.

"Eamon, so glad you could join us." Her father released her and extended a hand to the towering man hovering in the doorway.

"Thank you for having me," Eamon answered, and Bel's sisters fell deathly quiet as his voice dragged over their skin. He had a way of hiding in the shadows, of remaining unseen when he wished to be invisible. He'd held back to allow Bel to greet her family, but there was no hiding his presence now.

"Guys, this is Eamon," Bel said, unhooking Cerberus' leash. The dog bolted straight for the sounds of kids playing, and she smirked at his excitement as she hung her coat on the hanger. "And these are my sisters. From oldest to youngest, this is Briar, Odette, Rose, Luna, and Giselle."

"Briar, Odette, Rose, Luna, Giselle, and Isobel," Eamon repeated, looking down at Bel with softness in his black eyes as he spoke hers. "Lovely names for lovely women."

Bel blushed at the expression. If he aimed to make an impression on her family, he'd certainly started strong. It was hard to dislike a man who gazed at her like she was his sole reason for existing.

Confident in her sisters' acceptance of him, Bel turned to face them, but their expressions halted her movements. All five stared at Eamon as if the devil had entered the home. Bel was well acquainted with Eamon's first impression. She was safe in his presence, but she'd never forget her initial fear. Evil pulsed thick and hungry about him, and it seemed her sisters needed to experience the terror before they could recognize the man hiding behind the monster.

"Eamon, wine or whiskey?" Reese called from where he'd disappeared down the hall, and Bel threw him a silent ‘thank you' for coming to her rescue.

"Whiskey," Eamon said as his palm slipped against Bel's back.

"I'll grab you some. Come on and meet the guys." Her father beckoned him to join them, but the millionaire didn't move. His hand slid down her spine as he leaned forward, the look on his face asking permission to leave. Bel smiled, and he kissed her forehead before removing himself from the group. He'd make the husbands nervous, but unlike her sisters, they wouldn't treat him as a hostile witness.

"Ladies." He nodded as he left them, and Bel didn't miss the way Giselle's mouth gaped slightly at his size as he brushed past her.

"Kitchen, now." The second Eamon disappeared into the living room, Briar grabbed Bel by the biceps and tugged her into the warm and fragrant room. "I thought you were dating a millionaire," she whispered when all six women had tucked themselves away from prying eyes. "I was expecting you to show up with some suit-clad businessman. The golf-playing, polo shirt-wearing, talks about stocks and cars type, but he…" she trailed off. "Is thatreallyyour boyfriend?"

"No, I brought a stranger I picked up on the highway to dinner." Bel winked as she hopped onto the counter like she did as a kid.

"Isobel," Briar warned

"Wow, my full name." Bel swiped a carrot off the cutting board and popped it into her mouth. "Of course, that's him. And honestly, did youreallythink a golf player would be my type? There's nothing wrong with guys like that, but they aren't for me."

"We don't know your type," Odette said. "You never talk about men. When Dad told us you were dating this millionaire, we figured you were looking to settle down with a rich guy since Bajka's Police Department isn't rolling in cash."

"Wow, I guess I need to call more," Bel laughed good-naturedly. "I amdefinitelynot with him because I want to settle down with his money."

"So, he's just a fling?" Luna asked. "You're a little old to do the whole ‘date a bad boy your dad will hate' , though."

"Except Dad loves Eamon," Bel said.

"He does seem to like him," Rose said diplomatically. As one of the two middle children, she was the perpetual peacekeeper. "Dad has good senses. He would never invite some guy over for Thanksgiving if he hated him."

"True," Giselle agreed.

"But him?" Briar said, ever the mother hen. "He's hot, don't get me wrong."

"Oh my god, he's so hot," Giselle sighed.

"You're married," Bel jokingly reminded her.

"And I love Erik with all my heart. I am just stating the obvious. I can see why you snatched him up."

"Handsome or not, he's intimidating." Briar reclaimed control of the conversation. "He walked through the door, and the air shifted. I would be an awful sister if Iweren'tconcerned."

"I warned him you guys would interrogate him," Bel said. "I didn't expect I would be the one getting grilled."

"Oh, he's next," Odette said. "But we wanted to check on you first. We know your life has been rough lately, but we don't want you dating someone dangerous just because you're suffering." She moved closer and captured Bel's hands. "Dad talks to you more than we do. I feel bad. We should chat more, but work and kidsmake the days blurtogether. Regardless of that, you're our Isobel. Our baby sister. We'll go to war for you if you need it."

"I would hate to see my enemies when you're done with them." Bel wrapped her arms around her second oldest sister, and before she realized it, they were all joined in a cluster of limbs and love. "I understand how Eamon comes off. Trust me, I do. He's… different. But please do me a favor and get to know him before you judge. He might surprise you."

"But is this a fling?" Luna repeated her question as the women pulled apart.

"Eamon a fling?" Bel threw her head back and laughed until her stomach hurt, and when she wiped the tears from her eyes, she noticed a shape move into her line of sight. She met Eamon's gaze where he stood in the living room with her brothers-in-law, and she suspected he was as eager to hear her answer as her sisters were. "No, he's not a fling. He never was and never will be. He's…" Her voice turned somber as she slid off the counter to hide her lips from him. "He's the last man I'll ever date because there's no one after him." She paused when she realized five gaping mouths stared at her.

"Who are you and when have you done with Isobel?" Odette asked.

"Stop." Bel playfully shoved her sister. "Isn't dinner ready? I'm hungry."

"We were waiting on you," Briar said, turning to the stove. "But are you sure you're our sister? You never talk like this."

"It's because I hadn't met him yet."

"I like this version of Bel." Rose hugged her from behind. "I worry about you, and I was afraid that after your kidnap… your thing, you would be different, but you're glowing. You have a pretty tan too. If this very tall,very handsome, and veryintimidating man is to thank, I'll give him a shot. He'sclearlybeen good for you."

"It's okay, Rose, you can say kidnapping." Bel patted her sister's arm. "I'm in therapy for it, and it doesn't help to pretend it didn't happen. It did, but I lived. Dad, Cerberus, and Eamon came for me, and I'm still here."

"Eamon was there?" Luna asked.

"Yes. He's protected me from more than you'll ever know."

"Wow… you really like him," Luna said.

"Which is whyI want you guys to ignore the gruff exterior."

"Do you promise he's good to you?" Briar asked.

"Would Dad like a man who wasn't?"

"Fair point. Okay, we'll keep an open mind. Sorry, I was just taken aback when I saw him. He was not what I was expecting. I had no idea you were dating a Greek god." Briar laughed as she pulled the turkey out of the oven. "What do they feed Bajka men? He's giant."

"You should see him with her dog," a feminine voice interrupted, and Bel barely had time to brace herself before Wendy, John, and Michael Darling attacked her. "That pitbull looks like a yorkie in that man's arms. It's the funniest thing, but it's also super cute. He's obsessed with Cerberus…. And this one." Wendy cupped Bel's jaw in emphasis. "I missed you, but look at this tan. I'm jealous."

"Thanks." Bel ruffled the brothers' hair as her sisters began plating the food. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Us too," Michael said. "Nanna is here. Your dad said we could bring her. Can we play football with her and Cerberus?"

"After dinner, Mister," Wendy said. "That's all he's been able to talk about. Playing football with Nanna, Cerberus, and Eamon."

"Eamon will love that," Bell said.

"Flynn will too." Briar volunteered her husband. "I'm sure all the guys will, but now we eat! Bel, can you grab the cranberries?"

"Sure." She grabbed the bowl, squeezing Wendy's hand as she passed.

"Can I help?"Wendy asked, her eagerness to be involvedsounlike the woman Bel first met.The heiress had been hostile and snobbish, but now she fluttered about the kitchenas if she werethe seventh Emerson sister. And in a way, she was. She had no parents, and her marriage had been annulled after her husband hired Peter Pann to kill her and her brothers.Bel and Eamon were the closestthingtoafamily the siblings had.

"Dinner!" Briar called as all seven women set the meal on the table. John and Michael joined the grandchildren at the small table, and the Emerson daughters settled beside their husbands as Reese cleared his throat.

"I'll be brief because everyone's hungry and the kids are dying to play a football game later, but I want to raise my glass to this family," he said. "I'm so thankful for my beautiful daughters. I love you all so much. I'm also incredibly thankful for my sons-in-law who feel like my own flesh and blood and for my gorgeous grandkids, including mygrandpup." He winked at Bel as he mentioned Cerberus, and she couldn't stop the tears.

"I am thankful for the Darling family, who I hope feels like they're one of us," Reese continued as he toasted Wendy. "And last but not least, I'm thankful for the newest addition to our table." He nodded at the stoic Eamon. "I am a man blessed beyond measure, and I love you all."

"Oh, Dad." Bel slipped out of her seat and threw her arms around her father. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." He opened his arms as the rest of his daughters swarmed him, and there was not a dry eye at the table save Eamon's. He didn't cry at the affection, but his black eyes softened almost angelically.

"All right, all right, let's eat before you make your old man cry," Reese teased. "I've been dreaming of this turkey all day." He picked up the carving knives, the sisters returning to their seats, and as Bel slid beside Eamon, he leaned over and buried his nose in her hair.

"I never had a family," he admitted, breathing in her scent as he spoke. "I was born for…" he paused. "Love had no part in my making."

"Well, I'm glad you're here." She rubbed his back, tucking his painful admission away for later when they had the privacy to discuss it. "Mine is happy to have you… how much of our kitchen conversation did you hear?"

"All of it," he chuckled, and she groaned as she lowered her forehead to his shoulder. "Don't worry." He kissed her hair as if he couldn't stop himself. "I was expecting a far more severe response. Your sisters relented quickly."

"Because Dad likes you. He's good at reading people… too good sometimes. Trust me, if he didn't like us together, you wouldn't be sitting here. My sisters know that if he accepted you, you are family."

"I like your father." Eamon draped an arm around her shoulders as Reese started plating the turkey. "But I love you."

Bel beamed at him, temporarily forgetting they had an audience. "Why is it you terrify people when you meet them?" She kissed his shoulder before resting her head against it, whispering so only he could hear her below the chatter.

"You bring out my humanity, but I'm not human," he answered. "I drink blood to survive, and while I'm civil about my consumption now, I wasn't always. An ancient evil created my kind, and I spent the first ages as a soulless monster. Humans can always sense when a beast enters their midst. Fear is their only defense against us. It forces them to run. The people who cared for me throughout the years softened my edges. Meeting you, though, changed me to my core, but it'll never undo my DNA. Mortals will never truly be safe around me."

"Will you ever tell me your story?" Bel asked.

"If you're sure you want it."

"I do… just not at Thanksgiving dinner. I feel your history will be rough to hear."

"It will be, but you're worth it." He trailed his finger over her jaw. "I'll give you the world if only you ask." He gripped her chin and pulled her lips toward his, but at that exact moment, the table fell silent as the last plate had been served.

"None of that," Briar ordered, and Bel blushed as she jerked upright, but Eamon didn't remove his arm from her shoulders.

"No kissing my baby sister until we've had the chance to question you," Briar continued good-naturedly, and Eamon smirked as everyone picked up their forks.

"Ahh… the interrogation Isobel warned me about," he said with a playful wink. "Do you mind if I ask for a refill before you treat me as a hostile witness?" He lifted his glass, and Briar's husband Flynn poured him another finger of whiskey.

"Thank you." Eamon took a sip, and when he was done, he met Briar's gaze with what Bel assumed was an attempt to appear non-threatening. "Do you worst. I am ready and willing."

"What are your intentions with our sister?" Briar started, the table watching as if this were dinner and a show.

"She's not throwing any punches, I see," Reese mumbled, and Bel and her sisters smirked until Briar threw them a look.

"She's assured us that this isn't a fling, but I want to hear it from you," her oldest sister continued. "What do you want with our Bel?"

"What do I want with Isobel?" Eamon repeated. "I haven't told her that yet, soI won't be announcing it here."

"What haven't you told me?" Bel asked.

"Let's concentrate on you moving in with me before we go there."

Bel stared at him for a second before scanning the table. Allofher siblings sat beside their husbands, their bodies connected… just as Eamon's body was cemented against hers, and she realized what he meant. She gave a tiny cough as she speared a piece of turkey and popped it into her mouth to stop her fromblurtingsomething incoherent. She wasn't ready for those words yet, especially not in front of her family. When the time came, she wanted that confession to be for her ears alone.

"All right, let's not make your sister too uncomfortable," Reese interrupted. "I don't want her to choke on her food."

"I'm not going to choke!" Bel laughed. "Besides, it's him you're supposed to be questioning, but my sisters seem to be off their game. They haven't made him nervous once."

"We are not off our game," Odette argued. "It's a holiday. We're being nice."

"You don't have to be." Eamon waggled his eyebrows at the women, and Odette's teenage twin daughters giggled at how charming he could be when he tried. "I have my very own detective, who often interrogates me at the police station. I've been questioned by the best, so I'm eager to see the masters she learned from at work."

"Oh, he's good," Luna said, and Bel and her father exchanged a look as they realized Eamon had unleashed the beast. If he'd been any other man, this line of questioning would terrify her, but she was immensely grateful he was willing to play along. Her sisters were already warming towards him, and instead of worrying about an uncomfortable dinner, Bel readied to laugh as her siblings desperately tried to make an immortal nervous.

"Have you told her you love her yet?" Giselle asked.

"Yes, and often." Eamon pointed at Rose. "Next."

"Has she said she loves you back?" Rose obliged him with a wink at Bel.

"No," Eamon answered. "I'm not worried, though. Your sister is smart and knows her mind. I'll wait until she's ready."

"Why did you say Bel had interviewed you at the station?" Odette asked.

"I was the murder suspect on her first case in Bajka," he answered, and the entire table stopped eating save Reese and Wendy, who already knew. "I wasobviouslyinnocent of the crime, but your sister was so convinced I was the killer that she broke into my house. She made sure I was well aware of her hostility."

"He was your suspect?" Briar asked. "Ofcoursethat's how you two met." She shook her head. "I worried that being a detective would hinder your chances of finding love, but it seems the universe found a way. Mom must have seen you refusing to date and sent you someone you couldn't ignore."

"She could only take so much of Bel being alone, so sheliterallydropped a man in her lap," Odette laughed. "Mom was like ‘ignore this' ."

"She certainly made him hard to ignore, didn't she?" Bel looked teasingly up at Eamon. He could disappear if he wanted to, but he'd stepped out of the mansion's shadow all those months ago, and a part of her had belonged to him ever since.

"Your mother created you, and you are impossible to ignore," Eamon whispered for only her ears. "Any other questions for me?" His voice returned to normal.

"I'll save you from the interrogation," Flynn said. "What do you do for work?"

"You might be saving me, but you're condemning the table to boredom," Eamon chuckled. "The simple answer is finance."

He launched into a quick explanation of his role in financing companies, which turned into the men animatedly talking about business and then sports and then topics Bel stopped paying attention to as the women caught up. Voices shouted over each other in chaos and affection,and itwas pure magic. It was the most joyous Thanksgiving they'd enjoyed together, and when everyone needed a break from eating before they even attempted to taste the desserts, the guys took the kids and dogs outside. They played such an epic football game that Bel knew she'd never attend another family event without Eamon. She'd been nervous about bringing him. Would her sisters like him? Would their husbands? Was he someone who could integrate with her family? She could never love a man her family hated, and she'd been almost sick worrying the Emerson clan wouldn't see past his darkness. This dinner would determine if he was worth forgiving for his crimes, for the teeth that used to haunt her, but ashe carried Cerberus into the house in one arm, Michael Darling in the other, and two of Rose's four boys on his back for pumpkin pie, Bel knew forgiving him for his sins had been the right choice.

A ringing phone pierced the silence, and Bel jerked awake with a groan. Something warm and solid rested below her cheek. Her neck ached from the angle, and she realized she was sleeping sideways on the guest bed, her face plastered on Eamon's bare chest where he lay half-naked and tangled in the sheets. Cerberus was snoring somewhere in the room, but her fuzzy brain couldn't focus on the sound well enough to pinpoint her dog's location.

"Sorry, I forgot to silence it," Eamon grunted as he cradled her head to protect her neck before he reached for the screaming phone. She wasn't sure if immortals could get hangovers, but she certainly felt that last glass of wine. She hadn't gotten drunk, but she'd indulged since they were spending the weekend at her father's, and it was too early for the phone to be that loud.

"It's not mine." Eamon dropped his cell back on the bedside table and pulled her body into a more comfortable position. "It's yours." He kissed her forehead, and she grudgingly snatched her phone with exhausted movements.

"Hello," she grumbled as he tucked her comfortably against his side.

"Emerson, I'm sorry for calling so early," Sheriff Griffin said, and Bel jerked to a seat so fast she thought her brain might dislodge from her skull and fly across the room to slap the wall.

"What happened?" she asked out of habit because she already knew. There was only one reason her boss would call her at the crack of dawn on Black Friday.

"There's a body."