Half-Blooded | The Dark Child Prophecy Series [✔️]

Chapter 19: Whisky

It was him.

Before he even made it around the hood of the car, I knew it was Jason. He wore a long, grey wool coat and purple scarf, his dark hair disheveled just enough to make it look that way on purpose, with boots and leather gloves. It was a sophisticated and attractive change of appearance, surprising me. I'd never seen him wear anything formal beyond a button-down. As he came around the front of the car, he started to smile wide enough to show his teeth. He had a touch of stubble along his jaw as if he hadn't bothered to shave yet. A second security guard with a dark brown ponytail—Peter—got out from behind Jason's seat and followed him. From the other car, the two remaining also got out, and I recognized Canaan as one of them.

Jason hopped up the steps towards us, still grinning. "Lady Elizabeth Bartholomeu-Augustus, so nice to see you again," he greeted my mother, taking her hand for a shake. "Please, remind me again of which surname you prefer. It's awful manners to use the incorrect one."

My mother smiled despite being thrown off by him gripping her fingers and kept her composure. She bowed her head slightly, as he was royalty, but didn't curtsy or bow at the waist. "Bartholomeu will do," she answered. "I believe you have met my Second and husband, Marcus Augustus."

Jason nodded his head and Marcus mirrored him. "Master Alpha Jason."

"And I'm certain you know my daughter even better, Serenity Kay Mezdor."

Jason reached forward for my hand, squeezing my fingers lightly in his. His grin softened from political to affectionate and it made my heart jump. It was the same smile he had given me in our dream. I dipped in a slight curtsy to bring attention to my legs. I'm not going to make this easy for you. "Master Alpha," I greeted as professionally as possible. When he didn't let go of my hand, I smirked. "Are you expecting a treat, or do you know how to do both paws?"

My mother's jaw stiffened beside me.

Jason smirked, chuckling. "I missed you, too."

I smiled, refusing to break eye contact.

Mother cleared her throat and beckoned Jason to follow. "Please, come inside and get warm. I'm sure you're not completely used to our winds up here when winter hits."

"Yes, thank you. My parents are more partial to the lower elevations." Jason nodded politely, letting me go and gesturing for his men to come. He followed us into the house, Thomas right behind him. The other three exchanged their bags with four of my mother's staff to take upstairs. I glanced over my shoulder before stopping and turning at my second mark. I had done this a thousand times.

Two household staff members stepped forward, offering to take their coats. Jason shrugged out of his and pulled the scarf free from his neck. He was wearing black jeans with a hunter green button-down tucked into them, his sleeves rolled meticulously. He looked good. He always looked good. I couldn't help but give him an elevator glance from boots to his hair.

"Master Alpha Jason Hellmuth, my third- and fourth-in-command, Contessa Deloncré-Selway and Malcolm Selway. Contessa runs all of our operations and Malcolm is responsible for keeping our grounds safe with our security detail," my mother continued with her introductions.

Malcolm nodded his head deeply. "If at any time you, or your head of security, wish to speak to me, please feel free to knock on my door or you can find me in the guard barracks just off the main house."

"Thank you... Lord Selway. I'm sure Thomas—" he gestured to his personal guard, "—and yourself will have things to discuss," Jason answered, pausing to glance at me to make sure using the title of 'lord' was appropriate. I only grinned.