Chapter 35

"I was super clear with my Mom about not being early, but there's no promises there." I call to Sebastian, laying out the place mats on the dining table.

I'd recently moved my things to Sebastian's house. We were living here temporarily while we figured out where our forever home would be. Neither one of us really wanted to move out of our own places, but we did want to live together.

I mean, we were essentially even more serious than marriage. The mating bond being pretty much unbreakable.

Our compromise was to get a new place altogether. It made more sense for me to move in with Sebastian at first. Firstly, because my neighbors would have lost their shit if he moved in with me. Also, Sebastian could barely fit in my tiny apartment.

He was currently making pretty good use of the massive kitchen in this house, cooking up a storm for our dinner party. I was relegated to setting the table and making drinks. We both knew that having me in the kitchen would be a disaster. And we wanted to impress this evening.

I still hadn't met Sebastian's family, and the same for him with mine. So we decided to rip the band aid off all at once. Sebastian and I had yet to properly throw a party to celebrate our mating. We wanted to keep things private, so a home cooked meal sounded like the right move. We had a mix of family and our closest friends joining us this evening. Neither Sebastian or I have any siblings, but we were close enough with our friends that we wanted them to be there.

I finish my work in the dining room, heading back into the kitchen to pester Sebastian. Surprisingly, his parents were much more supportive than he thought they would be. They were initially furious when we were ‘dating', but it turns out that our song was well received in their home. Once they realized that Sebastian wasn't about to make them social pariahs, they were more receptive. But when Sebastian told them that we were mated, his parents were thrilled. He had to hold them off on wanting to meet me properly until this evening. Mating bonds really were sacred with Shifters.

My parents have always been so supportive of me. Although my Mom freaked a little when she found out that I essentially married someone she hadn't even met.

Sebastian is making an array of different dishes, the kitchen counters covered with lots of different bowls and ingredients. He sat down yesterday with a notebook and properly planned out the timings for everything. It was adorable.

"Hey there," I wrap my arms around him from behind, snuggling into his back. "I've done all my things…"

My hands sneak under his apron, palming his cock through his trousers. I was insatiable when it came to my mate.

"Flora…" he warns.

When I don't let go, he sets his spoon down on the counter, turning to face me. His hand grips my throat as I continue to rub him.

"You know I have everything timed out perfectly. Now be a good girl and sit at the counter."

He had me there, I did want to do as I was told, after all. I let him kiss me softly and then take my spot, watching him move about the kitchen.

Dinner went better than I could have expected.

Sebastian's Mother is elegant and poised, but she wrapped me in her arms as soon as she saw me, welcoming me to their family. His Father was a bit more reserved, but still gave me a warm smile.

My Dad was currently out in the garden with him, discussing politics over cigars and brandy. It turns out that all Dads are the same at their core, Monster or Human.

My Mom, on the other hand, doted on Sebastian. She did scold him pretty quickly on marrying her daughter before meeting her, but then softened when he told her that he would spend his life making me happy.

My current favorite dynamic was between Rosie and Sebastian. She teased him mercilessly, her sarcastic wit finally meeting a worthy opponent. Other than me, of course.

The rest of our friends were getting along. Daisy and Alex currently chatting with Addison, and Cleo hitting it off with both Nereus and Maddox. I had met Maddox, the third member of Sebastian's band, for the first time this evening. The giant Minotaur made even Sebastian look small, but he seemed like an absolute softie.

I watch our friends chatting, our Mothers gossiping, and our Fathers in the garden. It validates everything for me. Back when I wasn't sure about whether or not to do the shoot with Noma, I had no idea that this would be in the cards.

Sebastian wraps his arms around my waist, holding a drink out for me. I take a sip, leaning back against him. Monsters and Humans really could get along. I hope that we can keep showing people that.

Waving goodbye to Rosie, our last straggler of the evening, I jokingly pat myself on the back.

"A job well done, I would say." I tell Sebastian, running my hands down his chest. We share a joyful moment, both relieved that the evening was a success.

He leans down, nuzzling my neck.

"Don't think I've forgotten that you misbehaved earlier…" he says into my ear. "You better find somewhere creative to hide this time."

I squeal as he smacks my ass, running away to be chased by my mate.