Chapter Nineteen

Poe

"Wow, you look incredible," Grendel said. I loved the awe in his tone, as though he was seeing me for the first time.

"Thank you."

As usual, Hemlock stared with his mouth open. The man took a minute to respond sometimes. I thought it was adorable. "Poe, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

There it was. Better late than never.

Thank the Goddess I packed my best black dress. I had a feeling these two would want to take me out to a nice dinner. Maybe it was more of a wish.

"You two are a sight," I said, walking over to them. Earlier that day, I'd kissed them both and while I wouldn't compare, they were both incredible kissers. Hemlock was more serious, and Grendel playful, but both had me touching myself in the shower before getting dressed.

I couldn't wait until they had their hands on me.

"A good sight?" Hemlock prodded, turning this way and that, giving me a bit of a fashion show.

They both wore black—all black. Button-down shirts with slacks. Grendel had boots on, while Hemlock wore dressier shoes.

Both stole my breath.

"Very. I'm rethinking letting you two out of the house at all."

Hemlock came over and kissed my lips gently, and I caught Grendel looking at my ass. Fine by me.

"Let's go before I change my mind and you do as well."

They helped me into their big truck, the nicer one, and, on the way, I had questions. "Who is going to be there again?"

Hemlock reached one hand over the console and threaded our fingers together. "There's no reason to be nervous. I know it can't be helped but it's our families They are eager to meet you. If it gets to be too much, we can leave."

I wasn't this kind of woman but… "What if they don't like me?"

"They will first of all. What's not to like. Secondly, if they don't, then it changes nothing. We aren't the kind of males who are swayed by the opinions of others. We like you and that's the end of it." Grendel had a bit of growl in his voice. Kind of turned me on.

"Are they all demons?" I pressed.

"No. Some of their mates are human or shifter and Jessica, our cousin's mate, she's a witch."

When we arrived, I gulped. Hemlock and Grendel took turns in what they called, kissing the nervousness away.

It totally worked—until I saw the group inside.

"Oh wow."

I didn't have this much family spread out among my family tree, including the dead ones.

"You must be Poe." A woman who had Hemlock's warm eyes came forward. The other stayed back. She was dressed in bright colors and had a bohemian vibe about her.

"I am."

I was wrapped up in a hug before I could resist, which I wouldn't. Hugs were welcome at all times as far as I was concerned. Hadn't known that about myself until my demons. "I'm Hemlock's mom, Vera. We're excited to meet you."

The others came forward, introducing themselves. Some of them hugged me and some didn't, but all were friendly and wished us the best.

While we ate, there was laughter and stories about Hemlock and Grendel getting into all kinds of trouble and mischief when they were little.

I felt a hand land on my thigh from the left and Grendel smirked, pretending to pay attention to something his mom was saying. Okay. Two could play that game. I reached down and slid his hand higher. Hemlock was holding my other hand, but I wanted his in another place.

"Is that right? Gren?"

"Um, what? How did…what?" he stammered, and I giggled. I kind of loved that he had that kind of reaction to me.

Hemlock and I laughed as his mom sounded exasperated, having to repeat what she'd said. Once he appeased her, they started eating dessert that was brought around and I had a piece of chocolate lava cake put in front of me.

"Sweetheart, that was naughty. I ought to put you over my knee and teach you a lesson."

My entire body broke out in a fever. Yeah, this payback was fantastic as far as I was concerned. Bring it on. "Maybe you want to hook that leg over mine and give Hemlock and I better access?"

I shook my head, making him chuckle.

"Shame," Hemlock groaned.

"Poe, are you okay, sweetie?" Hemlock's sister asked me, making everyone turn in my direction.

"I'm fine. It's just a bit hot in here."

"I bet," she said, winking.

I slapped Grendel's arm playfully. "You are so wrong for that."

"You started it, beautiful."

I leaned back, taking in the sight in front of me. My wolf howled, approving. This family. All of them. Especially my demon mates. It was all I'd ever wanted. A big family. Laughter. Love. Fun. People who cared about you and checked on you and brought you soup when you were sick. Who babysat your kids and shared in your congratulations and failures.

Family.

The two demons on either side of me didn't know that they were sharing more than their family and their silly childhood stories.

They'd invited me into a life I never thought I'd have.

Tonight, when they brought me home, I had to tell them. I had to make them know they were mine.