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

Chapter 27: Romeo & Juliet

Two days later, I found myself hanging over the railing on the third floor to look down into the grand hall and foyer. I sighed softly as I rocked back and forth on my heels. After receiving a phone call at dawn the night before, Luce had told me the news. My father's family was coming together to celebrate his return after delaying due to the nasty storms; but I didn't want to be separated from the wolves while they were still visiting.

Jason had suggested they stay two more nights in order to make a good impression on the rest of my extended family. However, the wolves had agreed to lie low at my suggestion until the family was back together again without a foreign party distraction. I bit my bottom lip before replacing it with my thumbnail.

"Bad habit," Marcus teased as he came up to watch the household staff in their scurry to ready the coven. Even though my mother was technically no longer a Mezdor, she was still considered part of the family and coven leadership. And she always went above and beyond for her in-laws. My stepfather squeezed my shoulder gently. "Your mother used to do that when she was nervous. It'll be fine."

I nodded and released my thumb. "I'm just not sure how Grandfather will take it, to see them here after what he went through to get me released," I answered just as quietly, meaning Jason and the others. "I know Papa wishes they had left already."

He shrugged and checked the clipboard in his hand, comparing it to the changing seating arrangements before lowering it back to his side. "It's not up to him. It's up to your mother. If she thinks it would do us good to let the master alpha and his packmates stay, then I'm not going to kick them out. I think we owe 'em at least another warm night after losing the heat for nearly two days straight."

"That's true," I giggled, leaning my weight forward onto my elbows as I watched over the balcony. I didn't care if it was bad form; I was stressed. "With the Wolves, my father, and the rest of the family all in one room, it makes me feel like the middleman. Then I'm going to get it on both sides."

"You owe no loyalty to the wolves. Don't worry about their opinions of the family. And if the family can't be civil, then I'm sure your mother will work something out as a compromise," Marcus advised. "I doubt there's anything to really worry about. Are you nervous about the family's opinions of them?"

I nodded slightly. "I spent time with them. I got to know them... And now, I feel as though I have to stick up for both sides in the debate."

Marcus reached over and touched my shoulder again. "Seren, it's perfectly natural to place some trust in them. Jason obviously respects you, as do his men. You've been a loyal person since you were a little girl. If you chose someone to be worthy of your trust and your time, then you would defend them no matter the fault. Unless that fault had been to betray your convictions. You get it honest from your mother, and your father. You have never been afraid to go your own way if it felt right. If the family says something tonight that doesn't sit well with you, I have no doubt you will speak your mind or do what you wish. You wouldn't be Serenity if you didn't."

"Thank you," I whispered, looking up at him. "But... I can't go against the family, can I?"

He smiled. "If it feels right, then I won't blame you. And if the wolves cross the line, then dole out the punishment you think pertinent on the master alpha," he answered me, winking.

I giggled and turned to watch as the last of the candelabras were lit around the room to match the dim lighting from the electric chandeliers. I could smell dinner being prepared in the kitchens. "I promise not to ask for your help if it means I cause my own social suicide," I laughed softly. "We both know I do better digging myself out of whatever holes I'm in."

"Seren, they're your family, too. I know it's been tough on you, growing up without him and feeling like you didn't quite fit, but you do. You're not the black sheepdog you think you are," he reassured me, his smile warm.