Adventures In An Alternate Dimension Book 2

Chapter 65 - A Howl for Love: Jaxton and Morgan Come Out

Jaxton's POV

The aroma of Bella's world-famous spaghetti wafted through the Cullen house, a beacon calling the scattered family members home for their weekly Friday dinner usually held at Charlie's house. Today, however, the fragrant invitation held an undercurrent of nervous energy for Jaxton. Unlike previous gatherings, this time, he wasn't just dreading the usual round of werewolf-vampire jokes from his uncles. He had a secret to share, one that churned his stomach with a mix of apprehension and anticipation.

As he and Morgan rounded the corner into the living room, a cacophony of greetings erupted. Grandpa Charlie boomed a welcome from his armchair, his ever-present baseball cap askew. Grandma Sue bustled around the kitchen, her smile as warm as the oven radiating heat. Carlisle and Esme exchanged a knowing glance, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement – they always seemed to pick up on the unspoken currents in whatever house she was in.

Jaxton's siblings were a whirlwind of activity. Renesmee, ever the graceful beauty, was regaling Emmett and Jasper with tales of her latest Cesarean sections and baby deliveries. The ever-mischievous Identical twins of the Lowell triplets, Jeremy and Jason, were wrestling on the floor with a surprisingly enthusiastic Dakota, while Olivia and Lily, their golden braids bouncing, as they chased each other around the furniture. Even the youngest, Grace, was chattering excitedly, her parents, Jacob and her adopted mom Ashlynn, looking on with a mixture of amusement and exhaustion.

The only one missing was the source of Jaxton's anxiety – his dads, Edward and Sky. They were usually the last to arrive, their differing schedules often causing a delay. Stealing a glance at Morgan, Jaxton found him fiddling with a silver chain, his brow furrowed in what could be nervousness or simply concentration. He squeezed his hand reassuringly, the warmth radiating through him despite his pounding heart.

Just then, the front door creaked open, and Edward and Sky walked in, a flurry of apologies on their lips. Edward, ever the stoic one, managed a small smile as greetings were exchanged. Sky, on the other hand, his golden hair windblown, practically radiated sunshine.

"Alright everyone," Bella called from the kitchen, her voice laced with forced cheer, "Dinner's ready! Let's all wash up and gather around the table."

As the family bustled around the sink, the usual chatter filled the air. Renesmee finished her hospital stories, eliciting gasps and cheers. Hunter and Hope, ever the picture of young love, whispered sweet nothings in each other's ears. Even the usually stoic triplets exchanged playful shoves.

Jaxton, however, remained glued to Morgan's side, his hand a constant source of comfort. He knew they couldn't wait any longer. Taking a deep breath, he caught his parents' attention.

"Hey, uh, guys," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's something we, uh, Morgan and I, wanted to tell you all."

All conversation ceased. Forks clattered against the counter, and a hush fell over the room. Fourteen pairs of eyes, some curious, some knowing, stared at Jaxton and Morgan.

"We're, uh," Jaxton continued, his cheeks burning, "we're dating."

The silence stretched for a beat, then erupted in a cacophony of reactions.

"Dating?" Emmett boomed, a wide grin splitting his face. "About damn time, Jaxton! We were starting to think you were a lost cause."

Ashlynn, Emmett's wife, swatted his arm playfully, a teasing smile on her lips. "Easy there, Emmett. Let the boy speak."

Jaxton's withering look melted into a reluctant smile. He couldn't deny appreciating his uncle's zeal, however over-the-top it might be.

Ashlynn, seated opposite him, perked up in surprise. "A Necromancer? That's definitely... unexpected."