After they returned to Mamlak, the small family gathered a few belongings. Alairia was the most excited, whereas Dae was a reserved child. Kieran had the feeling it might take several attempts to get learn exactly how to find the hidden playfulness beneath the serious demeanor. All four of them boarded an airship headed to Adeluna. He was more than happy to chat with the young healer, gently tugging at her hair at times with affection. Despite the distraction of the children, and his mate at his side, Kieran could not help but worry.

Would his brother be present? What would happen if he is? How should he approach his mother about this magic he had discovered? Whenever Teu caught him staring at his hand, she would cover it with her own, her smile anchoring him back to reality. Once the ship docked and they disembarked, Kieran was approached by an elder looking man. He gave the noble and guests a deep bow. ”Joseph, good to see you again.” ”Likewise, Master Kieran. Your mother and father are anticipating your return. Allow me to escort you home.” Joseph took the bags that Kieran had refused to let Teu or the children carry, even if it was primarily their stuff. Kieran leaned into Teu as they followed the man to a carriage.

”That man is a stickler for protocol and traditions. Otherwise, I would have carried them myself.” Being alone for so long allowed him to further develop his sense of Independence. The carriage was not so elegant in anything but design. It marked a sign of nobility, but it was still relatively humble. Two horses drew the transport, beautiful chestnut brown coats that shone in the sun. Alairia practically bounced the entire time, watching the rolling hills of the country excitedly. Kieran let her sit in his lap, attention being stretched several ways. Dae’s careful watch, the increasing worry, Teu looking gorgeous, Alairia’s eagerness.

The carriage came to a stop, and the door was opened by Joseph. ”Your mother has arranged a feast to be held in your honor, Master Kieran. She is aware of your guests, and has prepared their rooms as you requested.” The young noble rolled his eyes at Teu. He hated when she did this, and she knew it. Kieran exited first, and assisted his mate and the children out with a light flair of elegance, much to Joseph's dismay. Behind the carriage lay a neat little village, quaint and simple. Before them stood what appeared to be a miniature castle. It had a tower on each corner, all varying in diameter. A stone arch pathway announced that the main entrance was on the second floor.

As if on cue to their arrival, the heavy wooden doors swung open. ”Kieran! Oh my boy!” The elvish woman, in a traditional Adeluna noble garment, came from the estate, practically throwing herself into Kieran's arms. He was showered with hundreds of kisses, and then she tilted his face from side to side. ”I'm fine, mother.” Kieran chuckled, gently shifting her hands to be held in his before he disengaged and wrapped an arm around Teu. ”Mother, I'd like you to meet my mate, Teu. Her children, Dae and Alairia.” As he introduced the children, his hand rested on shoulder and head respectively. Krizira was passing a critical gaze over Teu, inspecting her. Kieran held his breath.

There was little to say of the blush that had no chance to leave the pale cheeks of the healer. As the new young couple made their way back to the city of Mamlak to meet the children. Good work had been done for the small village that they had visited. Teu felt good about the supplies and the way they had been distributed. When they had made their way back to the shop, Alairia was the first to greet them with extreme enthusiasm. Her pretty blonde hair was done in a braid that emulated her mother’s traditional one. Teu hugged the girl tightly to her before looking to Dae. The young lad had a light smile on his face at the sight of his mother. He was not one to express his emotions, but Teu could read him well. ”Pack your things, my dearlings. We are going on a trip with Kieran.” Alairia let a small gasp of excitement before moving to Kieran to hug his side. ”We are to meet his family…our new family.” Dae made no remarks, but the blonde girl hugged Kieran a little tighter.

It took little effort for the small family to pack their things and make their way for the airship. Teu had never been on an airship before. It was a little overwhelming, but she made sure not to let it show upon her face. Alairia kept close to Kieran while Dae remained beside his mother in his quiet ways. The young girl chattered on from time to time to her future father figure. It was when Kieran was quiet that Teu took notice to the worry that radiated off of her mate. She gently placed her hand upon his own with a light encouraging smile. There would be much for Kieran and his family to discuss when they reached the childhood home of the dragon.

Teu was quiet when the man named Joseph greeted them with a bow. Alairia and Dae straightened their backs and watched the interaction of Kieran and the servant like man carefully. The woman turned her face towards her mate with a small laugh as he admitted to the protocols. There had been certain protocols that the healer had learned over the years while with her parents in DaeLuin. It had been quite tricky, but they were not like those of the nobles. She could only hope to do the right things. ”Please make sure I don’t make too much fool of myself or the children,” she said in a hushed tone. There was a smile though that helped make it come off as part joke. The four sat in the carriage, which overly delighted the young girl. Dae was silent as usual, but Teu could see a light in his eye at the images that went by.

When the carriage made a stop, Teu could feel a lump form in her throat. The weight of what was happening finally begun to crash down upon her. She was about to be presented to her mate’s family along with her two children. They were nobles. There was no title that went along with Teu Balatro. No one knew of her family or the prestige that came along with them since they had no idea of DaeLuin’s existence. She took a breath and was helped out of the carriage with her daughter and son following. Dae with his dark hair and gray eyes looked upon the castle and his gaze narrowed. He could sense his mother being uncomfortable and kept nearby. Alairia had calmed herself to hold herself in the light of being a well behaved young lady.

Teu smiled warmly at the sight of Kieran being fawned over by his mother. It was good to know that he had a loving family that had missed him dearly. When his arm wrapped around her, the half-elf leaned into him slightly for support. Her nerves felt shot. The children bowed respectfully upon introduction, and Teu did in kind. Emerald eyes did not shy away from the inspecting gaze of the mother. Everything inside yelled at her to break the eye lock, but Teu could not do it. ”Elen sila lumen omentilmo, Arwenamin,” Teu finally spoke in elvish {A star shall shine on the hour of our meeting, my Lady}. Her voice did not crack as she had feared it would. It was rare to have the opportunity to speak her mother tongue, but Teu wished to make the attempt with Kieran’s mother since she was elvish as well. The children could understand the language as well, though they remained silent. They both knew what this meeting meant to their mother, even if Dae cared little about it.

Kieran’s heart beat wildly at his chest. All the while, his mother's eyes widened with pleasant surprise. ”Ed’ i’ear ar’ elenea! Lle fiose amin.” [By the sea and stars! You surprised me!] Her scrutiny returned, though her gaze was somewhat softened. ”Let me see your hand, lirimaer.” Even with her pet name of "lovely one" for Teu, Kieran knew that this was the actual test. Krizira has always been careful in her consideration of those who were to join the family.

With Teu’s hand exposed, the noble woman gently ran her fingers across the palm. ”You have the hands of a diligent and dedicated worker. You, Teu, will make a fine mate to a’maelamin Kieran. Ta naa seasa omentien llie.” [It is my pleasure meeting you] Kieran gave a small sigh of relief. Zerrifa had to choose twice before finding someone who passed Krizira’s standards. He knew that she based her decisions on what she knew of both suitor and child. In Teu’s case, she knew absolutely nothing of the healer, but her youngest child was the most sensible.

Krizira turned to Kieran. ”I’ve set up the guest room across the hall for the children. Your room is as you left it. Alicia will tend to you and your family’s every need. Dinner should be ready soon. Oh, Kieran, it’s so good to see you home.” He could barely smile as he realized the complications of having Alicia tend to them. She had served him for many years, and there were many make out sessions between master and servant. Would she understand her position and not press matters? The only reason she did not join him when he left was the fact she was under his mother’s employ, not his own.

Deciding that tradition was a bit stuffy, Kieran stooped down and lifted Alairia, half tossed her in the air as he stood, then settled her on his arm. ”We’ll meet you at supper, mother.” By now, Joseph had already taken the luggage inside, without so much as a word. Kieran took Teu’s hand with a mischievous smile and began to lead his small family into the house he grew up within. Candelabras and chandeliers would light the house with a rosy glow as the world darkened with slumber, but for now, there was enough sun streaming from the windows. Rugs ran down each of the hallways, the entire exposed wooden flooring seemed polished to perfection.

There were a few oil paintings of his human ancestors hanging in places, mounted in tastefully elaborate sculpted wood painted with melted gold. No matter where one went inside the extravagant home, one could not find any mounted heads of various animals, nor would they find pelt rugs. It was as if he had never left. Everything appeared the same, from the faces of servants, the smells wafting from the kitchen, to the lack of dust inside. Once they got to the rooms, Kieran opened the door to the children’s room, immediately tensing as he saw Alicia fluffling up a pillow.

There was no telling how Kieran’s mother would react to the words spoken in old elvish. She could only hope that the woman who was the mother of her beloved would find it intriguing and soften in the slightest of ways. Teu’s hopes were met well with a responding in elvish that made her smile gently. The young fiancée could not dare to think that just from that there would be instant acceptance. Kieran was a son of a noble house, and anyone that would be brought in would need to be scrutinized carefully for the sake of the family line. She understood these things well enough since her parents had once been deities in their old life and world. Family lines were essential to their continuation. Her hand was taken carefully to be examined, and Teu knew that it would be easy to see the line of work she was within.

The face of the examined young woman remained calm as she felt the hands of a mother trace along her palm. It was a calming effect since it had been a long time since a motherly figure had been in her life. Teu could appreciate the consideration that Krizira was putting her through. ”Diola lle. Saesa omentien lle, Arwenamin,” she responded with a soft smile. ”I thank you and your family for the kind greetings. I also, thank you for opening your home to my children and myself. It is a great honor.” Teu hoped that a relationship could be open once more between Kieran in person. There had been time away from his own home due to his brother. Teu would not see that be diminished if she could help it. Cruelty of family members was not to be accepted in her eyes or heart. She would protect her love to the bitter end if any were to attempt to harm him.

Hand gently reached out for Dae as the young boy came to his mother’s side. Teu smiled brightly as she watched the joy upon her daughter’s face while in Kieran’s arms. Her little arms wrapped about his neck to hold on to him tightly. Dae remained quiet as he observed the surroundings. His gray eyes were always observant. The mother interlaced her fingers with her betrothed’s as he pulled them towards the inside of his childhood home. As they walked through the hallways she admired the light that was given off by the candles. The building was full of a warmth that could not be wholly explained. It felt as the warmth and love family illuminated the halls.

The diowolf elf hybrid could feel her eyes wonder over the paintings and intricacies of the building. The small family made their way to the set of rooms that had been designated for them. Teu’s brows flinched slightly as she felt her fiancée tense at the sight of a young woman. She unlaced her fingers with his to encourage Dae forward to their luggage. ”Good day to you,” she greeted Alicia. ”Thank you for tending to the rooms.” Teu was sure to keep her voice calm and pleasant though her instincts and observation already told her that something was askew.

”Dae, my heart, why don’t we start to unpack? I want you and Alairia to be in your nice clothing for dinner tonight with Kieran’s family. Alairia, come help your brother.” The two children moved over to their mother and began to pull out clothing from their luggage and lay them out for the wrinkles to not set in. Alairia admired her new pale blue dress that had been made for her. Dae had a lovely navy blue tunic suit that would be handsome upon the growing boy. ”Kieran I will lay out your clothing as well…though I am not sure what you wish to wear tonight.” Teu was by the bed where the children’s outfits were laid out. She had a small distance between herself and her betrothed, wanting him to settle himself with being back within the walls of his home. Something was wrong, and Teu did not want to press him.

Alicia stood and looked at the family now standing in the door with a friendly smile. The way her face brightened made Kieran want to cringe. She had been looking forward to his return far too eagerly, it seemed. ”Master Kieran, it is an honor to stand in your presence once more, and a pleasure to serve you and your guests. I trust your visit will not be short this time?” Teu, however, sensed his hesitation. While she may not fathom the reasoning behind it, she worked diligently to diffuse the situation for him. Kieran stood at the door, watching his beloved mate greet his teenage fling and childhood maid with a calm that belied everything churning underneath the surface. She was assessing, trying to figure out what would cause Kieran to hesitate by Alicia's mere presence alone.

”Alicia, you are looking well. The young man is Dae, his sister Alairia, and their mother Teu. I don't know what mother has mentioned, so allow me to state that I expect all of you to treat them with the respect due in relations of who they are to me; my mate and children.” The maid looked slightly taken aback, but gave Teu a deep bow. ”M'lady, takes a special woman to win the heart of one such as Master Kieran. May your years be merry.” Kieran's heart gave a slight squeeze. He had no intentions of hurting her, but she needed to know that childish fancies were over, and he had to move on to more serious aspects of life. ”You'll find plenty of my clothing in the closet of my room, my love. Pick what you deem best.” ”Are my services required at present?””No, Alicia. You are dismissed. Thank you.” Without another word, Kieran watched her walk out the room. A breath escaped him, one he had not realized he had held.

The noble put on a smile as he approached the children. ”Distant relations to the throne have spent time here throughout the years. I even heard that one of the Queen's great uncles once stayed in this very room.” He knew that he’d be explaining what transpired, but he refused to talked about it before the children. ”While we stay at my parent’s estate, there’s a few things to remember. You have permission to explore to your heart’s desire, however, do not go behind closed doors. Most of the rooms here are open, so this shouldn’t be a problem. If something gets broken, just let someone know. My personal favorite, should you find yourself in the kitchen, is to sneak a sweet roll from Cookie’s basket.”

Kieran gave them such a mischievous smile, only to hear a deep voice at the door behind him. ”Not getting these fine looking children into trouble, Kieran, are you?” He stood and turned toward the door, his arm instantly snaking around Teu’s waist. ”Of course not, father. I’d never have them do something I wouldn’t do.” Both men gave a hearty laugh as Aerik strode forward. ”You must be the lovely Teu that has my household in such a commotion.” Aerik took her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it gently, all the while staring intently into her eyes. They were a pale brown, glinting with a hint of the same mischievousness that Kieran held. Yet, it was obvious that the human male shared nose and jaw with his son. Aerik straightened and looked at the children with such a warm smile, it was hard to believe that the man had enemies. ”Dae and Alairia, am I correct? Tell me, do you like magicians? When Danny heard of your arrival, he insisted on putting on an after dinner show for you.”

Over the time Teu had worked as a healer and a shopkeeper had helped her learn how to keep a smile on her face even as there was a feeling of dread deep in her belly. The healer could hear the lightness in the other woman’s voice that made her inner wolf growl. Thankfully, Teu was able to hold any actual audible response from coming forth. She went about working on the luggage that had needed to be addressed. Keeping her hands busy helped her focused on something other than the tension that was in the air. She wished that Kieran would relax and ease into his childhood home. Emerald gaze lowered to the clothing in her hands to decide where to put it. As she decided, Teu tucked a few loose strands of her brunette hair behind her ear.

Her gaze lifted as Kieran spoke to the maid. A smile gently reached her lips with a light nod in response to her being introduced. There was a feeling of surprise at how sternly Kieran was stating who she and the children were. It was a rare tone to hear from her mate. His words gave slight hint to the tension between the maid and the young master of the castle. ”Thank you for your kind words, Alicia.” She could not bring herself to say much more than that. Her slender fingers lightly grasped her daughter’s shoulder to direct her to hang up the dress. Teu moved her gaze from the maid to her betrothed and nodded. He was very pointed with his term of endearment that could not be helped for her but to smile.

As the children listened intently to Kieran, despite Dae trying to not be interested he was, and that left Teu to finish with their clothing. She was rather satisfied with how organized everything turned out. The mother let out a heavy sigh just as she turned to see Dae looking quite interested at the potential for a sweet roll. The quiet boy would never admit that he had a soft side for sweets. It was his weak spot. Teu chuckled to herself before turning away to try and look at Kieran’s outfits to select from for the evenings meal. She would not admit her nerves were on end. Meeting the family and introducing her children to a family that hopefully would accept them was stressful.

The sound of a deep voice made her turn just as Kieran pulled her against him. Warmth radiating off her mate made her feel safe and comforted. Her arm reached around her mate’s waist to hold him in return. For a moment, Teu had worried the voice had belonged to the aggressive brother. Thankfully, it was not the fact. Dae and Alairia came out from around the bed in a way to present themselves to the lord of the castle. They stood quietly, but Alairia had a charming smile upon her face.

A slight blush colored her pale cheeks at the kind words of Aerik. That blush deepened as her hand was lightly kissed with a glint in the man’s eyes similar to his son’s. Teu shook her head and laughed lightly. ”I can see where Kieran gets his charm from, my lord.” She glanced up at Kieran and did her best to hold back an even larger smile. Head tilted to rest upon him as Aerik began addressing the children.

”-Yes, my lord. Alairia enjoys magicians very much.-“ Dae’s voice was formal and polite that would be expected from someone much older than he was. Teu did her best to hide her sigh, but was glad that the boy was interacting. Usually he did not want to verbally communicate with an unknown to his world. Alairia was the social one that had an uncanny ability to read others easily. The blonde girl reached out a hand to lightly tough the lord carefully, when her face burst into a smile. =”Yes, sir. We do like magicians. It would be lovely to see one!=”

Kieran could not help but watch for her reaction as his father lavished her with his most charming greeting. He liked the heated blush that rose to her cheeks, her laughter most reassuring. It was her smile, and the one she was hiding that still reached her eyes that he enjoyed the best. ”Drop the formalities in my home, dearest ones. Aerik will suffice. Kieran has the most sensible mind of my children. It’s about time he found someone to turn his head from his selfless duties. We were about to worry that he’d grow old before that happened. So your arrival is more of a blessing than anything, and you are already considered family by myself and my lovely wife.” Kieran shook his head slightly. They always had a knack for talking about him as if he wasn’t present, yet stare directly into his eyes as they did so.

”It’s settled! After dinner, we’ll gather after dinner and watch the show. We’ll talk business in the morning, Kieran.” The young noble inclined his head to his father. ”I look forward to it, father.” Aerik winked at the children, his gaze lingering on the couple before taking his leave of the room. Kieran gave a chuckle and shook his head. ”Get dressed children, before anyone else interrupts preparations for supper.”

---

When the family finally got dressed, Kieran led them toward the dining room. The room was spacious with a grand table that could seat at least two families, with enough chairs to attest the fact. On the right of the room, around the liquor cabinet was Aerik and two other men. One looked almost identical to Kieran, the other was obviously pure human and held no familial relations to the Rothslins. It was Derrick, his sister’s husband. He stood just a couple inches shorter than Aerik, with rusty hair, and a farmer’s tan. Derrick enjoyed the occasional book, spending his evenings listening to Zerrifa reading aloud. His days were filled with working with the horses at the stables.

Elwin’s eyes instantly pierced deep into Kieran’s own, the seething hatred all but pouring from him. Kieran’s grip on Teu’s hand tightened protectively. At the foot of the table sat three women. Zerrifa was tall, with equally dark hair that cascaded down her back in gentle waves. While her face was without makeup, her natural beauty shown as earthen stars scattered across the bridge of her nose and cheeks. Her eyes were of a darker blue than the twins, her face beautifully narrow, her skin lightly kissed from time spent reading outside. A book was naturally on the table before her. The other was Taryn. Small, shy, sweet Taryn, too timid to say no. Despite the fact that his parents had talked to her on many occasions, she was committed to her decision to marry Elwin. Her blond hair was pulled back in a tight bun, her large green eyes downcast at her hands which were folded neatly in her lap. The third woman was his mother, who was talking to her daughters in a hushed voice.

Sitting next Zerrifa was a girl, about six years of age, the spitting image of Zerrifa herself. Her dark blue eyes were peeking at Dae and Alayria from behind a book. Upon seeing Kieran and his family enter, Krizira’s face brightened as she stood, her arms out wide. ”Ah you’re just in time. Dinner is about to be served. Come in children, Teu. Make yourselves at home. This is my daughter in law Taryn, my daughter Zerrifa, Zerrifa’s daughter Delfine. Her father Derrick, and Kieran’s twin, Elwin. You, of course, know my husband Aerik?” Kieran’s heart squeezed with love and sympathy for his mother. Somehow, she has managed to keep Elwin and Zerrifa from being at odds with each other, and the family appearing somewhat happy.

Aerik put his glass down and approached them with a beaming smile. ”Dearest Teu, would you do me the honor of dining by me tonight? Kieran has not been kind enough to share details about you or your delightful children, save your healing shop.” ”Don’t worry,” Kieran broke eye contact with Elwin to lean into Teu’s ear. ”When it is just us, we all sit on one end of the table to reduce the space between us.”

Emerald eyes flickered for a just a moment over to Kieran as her hand remained in Aerick’s grasp. She was not used to such lavish compliments, save for the ones she heard from her beloved. Teu understood quite quickly where Kieran had got his charm from even if she had already said it aloud. A quick flashed smile came to her lips when Aerick stated that Kieran was the most sensible of his child. From what her fiancé had told her, it made a lot of sense. She was not looking forward to meeting Kieran’s twin, but her wolf was ready to protect her mate no matter what. It was beyond redeeming that a sibling had drove him away from home. ”Thank you most kindly. He was the one to truly turn my attentions towards him. Myself and the children are blessed to have your son within our lives.” Teu smiled brightly once more before looking at Kieran. Her tensions that had arisen from Alicia’s presence began to release the longer her attention was off of it all.

Alairia was full of excitement while Dae merely nodded politely at the prospect of a show after the meal to come. Teu shook her head slightly while smiling down at her growing son. He was the silent brooding sort. She wondered what kind of man he was to grow to be since there was much commotion around his being brought to existence. The mother reached out and wrapped her arms about her son to place a kiss upon his cheek. ”Come dearling; let us get ready and enjoy a meal not made by me.” Dae glanced at his mother and it was then that his facial rigidity eased. Despite his silent demeanor, he had an extreme soft spot for Teu and Alairia.

————————————-

The family had dressed well considering they were to be in the presence of a noble family. Despite Kieran attempting to reassure them to be at ease, Teu could not help but be formal in some sort of respect. Arm was linked with Kieran’s as the family walked into the large dining room. The rest of Kieran’s family had already made their way for the meal and waited upon them to arrive. Teu gave her fiance’s arm a light squeeze for reassurance. It had been a long time since using her manners for the nobility. The children remained close and as always Dae kept himself tightly next to Alairia to keep an eye on her. Teu noticed the men with Aerik and her blood almost froze within her veins. A man that looked identical to Kieran was present, but that meant something deeper for her.

Her gaze did not move from Elwin as he glared at his twin. The malice was not hidden. It was also then that Teu stared almost as hard as the offending man. Her fingers squeezed Kieran’s back to acknowledge his wishes. A single brow lifted to indicate her judgement of the other man that wished to throw hatred towards her mate. Just that glare from the twin made her hair prickle that indicated there was a potential for a shift. Teu had to pull her eyes away from the man and began to breathe steadily to bring a peace. It was the feel of Alairia’s hand on her side that helped bring the last of her anger to rest….for the moment.

Expression softened as Krizira invited them all in further for the meal that was about to begin. Teu had not admitted the hunger that had begun to pull at her stomach earlier. A hearty meal would hopefully help her anger. As they were introduced to the family the diowolf healer gave a small curtsey of greeting. ”It is a pleasure and honor to meet you all. Again, thank you for the warm welcome within your halls and family. We are grateful.” She was pleased to hear that her voice sounded sincere even if part of her words had be heard by Elwin.

It took much restraint by the woman not to bite at her lower lip at the invitation to sit with Aerik. It had been a long time since she had such a meal, and to sit with someone as important as Aerik was slightly daunting. Then she nodded and laughed. ”Yes, I would be delighted. I am an open book, so anything you would like to know…do not hesitate to ask.” Head turned slightly to lean in for Kieran’s words. His warm breath upon her ear helped warm her heart to feel that closeness. ”Of course, love.” Teu glanced up and leaned over to place a kiss upon his cheek and smiled warmly at him. They could do this together and it was going to be a lovely evening. She would not tolerate anyone attempting to spoil this for the entire family. ”Alairia. Dae. Take your seats and remember your manners while enjoying this lovely meal we are to receive.” The two opposite looking children took their seats as Teu followed Aerik to a seat he offered. Elvish features were kind as she bowed her head lightly towards the other women at the table. This will go well, she thought to herself willingly.

Kieran led the children to one side of the table while his father went the opposite direction. With Dae on one side, and Alairia on the other, Kieran sat across from Teu with a mischievous smile. Despite their surroundings, Teu was still very much the center of his attention. Everything and everyone else was a temporary adjustment. Elwin took his seat, between Teu and their niece while their brother in law sat between Dae and Elwin's wife. Almost as if that was their cue, a stream of staff filed into the room, each carrying a bowl of a creamy yellow soup that was placed before each member at the table. It was all he could do to keep from shaking his head with amusement. This had always been his favorite since he was young.

Chatter picked up between several of them. Mother asked the typical questions of the day's jobs, always overseeing the productivity of her family. ”Why, my dear, did you choose Mamlak to set up shop? How long have you and the children been alone? Tell me of your family, Teu.” His father spaced out each question between each of her answers. All the while, Kieran kept glancing at Elwin. It was no secret between the family that Elwin was not one to remain loyal to anyone but himself. Kieran would be so bold as to include bedroom affairs in that category as well. The way his wife hung her head even lower when Elwin took his seat by Teu told Kieran everything he needed to know.

The bowls were retrieved when the first course was done, replaced by plates of sliced venison, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a mixed salad. It was then that Elwin, who had been staring back at Kieran with increasing mischief, made his move. His hand slid under the table and gripped Teu's knee seductively as he leaned in. ”I would bet my title that I would be better company tonight.” Kieran stood, hands on the table as he growled a warning. ”Get your hands off my mate, Elwin.” His twin barked a laugh. ”Or what, little brother? You'll 'kick my ass’? You've~”

Without another word, Kieran lunge over the table at Elwin, startled screams coming from every woman at the table. As they clattered to the ground, Kieran put in a punch, splitting open Elwin's lip. An ice dagger formed in Kieran's hand and was held dangerous hard against his throat. He leaned in and growled his warning to his brother. ”You ever come near my family again, Elwin, I'll do more than just kick your ass. I just never had a reason to before.” ”Honestly! Stop acting like children! Get off your brother Kieran. Elwin, go tend to your son.” The way Mother said it left no room for arguments. Kieran let Elwin up, who angrily straightened his clothing before stalking out. Not caring how inappropriate it appeared, Kieran practically laid his head in Teu's lap as he wrapped his arms around her. He seriously needed to calm down, afraid that he might have killed his brother right then and there.

The half elf could not deny the nerves that had built back upon once more within her chest as she moved to the opposite side of the table than her family. Her emerald eyes stole glances over to her mate for support from a distance. Brow lifted in question to the mischievous smile upon his face, which led to her smiling at him before it turning into a small laugh. No matter what the situation was her mate had the ability to make her smile and bring her to a point of ease. Teu gave her own mischievous wink back at him before taking her seat. When the woman noticed who was to sit next to her it took her a moment to steel her nerves. Teu did not wish to share the same air as Elwin, let alone sit next to him for a meal. The healer made sure to not let her eyes travel to the man that looked identical to her beloved. Instead, she looked at her children until the food began to arrive.

Teu waited to see her children begin to eat before she began to consume her own meal. It was delicious, and far more flavorful than anything she could make. She was surprised that Kieran could go from this level of cuisine to what she served at their table. The questions began to come her way in regards to her background, which she was more than happy to answer. ”Mamlak was one of the first cities that we came across that appeared that would work for what I needed. They were extremely welcoming to us, and the guard already had been helpful to us.” Teu took another sip of her soup as she attempted to think of the next answer to be given. Her gaze glanced up at Kieran with a smile before continuing. ”We’ve been alone for a little while now. There was a disaster from our original home…and we were spared by my patron. My family was lost, but gratitude to my Lord that my children and I were spared. Dae and Alairia are being with me is the most I could ask for.”

The conversation was pleasant and moved along with the meal. She was feeling quite at home, despite the looming cloud that she felt from the man sitting beside her. There was no difficulty to notice Kieran and his leeriness of the potential problems. Either way, Teu did her best to ignore forlorn look upon Elwin’s wife’s face. Next course was served that already was making the children sit at the edge of their seats. Teu smiled softly at them as they enjoyed the food that was before them. Her happiness was cut short as her spine froze up at the feel of a hand upon her knee. There was no time for her to react before Kieran already was burning with rage. The diowolf could feel the temperature dropping around her swiftly, which made her need to breathe to come under control. What frightened her was the sight of Dae and Alairia standing from their chairs. The little blonde girl was frowning deeply with hands balled at her sides. Dae worried her the most. His pupils had widened to take over his entire eye like Teu’s had when she was overtaken with rage. The boy’s hands looked as if small shadowed claws were growing from his fingers.

Teu had little time to worry about Dae as she had to kick back her chair to get out of the way for Kieran to lunge across the table. The scent of blood lifted into the air as Elwin’s lip was split open from a landed blow. Despite the women screaming, the diowolf elf smiled at the protective nature of her fiancé. She wrapped her arms about Kieran as he leaned onto her lap to settle down. Teu gently pet his head in an effort to bring him a calmness. ”Thank you,” she whispered against his ear. Her head rested upon his. She could feel the kids join them. Both looked normal as they had calmed down in order to help the newly powered Kieran back to his senses. ”I’m safe. We all are. He won’t be able to hurt us,” she continued to reassure her mate.