“And pancakes don’t taste good at three a.m.?” He grinned.
“I am kind of hungry…” I admitted.
“Then come help, Princess.”
I got up, forgetting how little I was wearing.
“Nice shirt.” He pulled out a griddle and turned it on. “Funny, I thought Levi was wearing it earlier.”
“At least I’m wearing more than underwear.”
“It’s my kitchen. I can wear what I want.”
I glanced at Hailey. She’d joined us in the kitchen. “And you wonder why I won’t move in?”
“Didn’t Levi ask you about the houses?”
“Houses?”
“No, I didn’t have the chance yet.” Levi walked out of his room, still looking half asleep. He was also in nothing but boxers, and he put an arm around me. “You look really good in that.”
“Yeah? I figured you wouldn’t mind me borrowing it.”
“It looks much better on you than on me.” He took a seat on one of the stools at the counter, and pulled me onto his lap.
Hailey groaned. “Okay there is entirely too much naked maleness in here. Can you guys please put on clothes?”
“I hope you say that about every half naked guy.” Owen strutted out. He, at least, had a shirt on.
“Can you grab the milk?” Jared asked.
“Sure.” I started to move.
Levi pulled me back against him. “Owen will get it.”
Jared grinned. “I guess I lost my assistant.”
Levi leaned his chin against the top of my head. “Yes, you did.”
“So what were you supposed to tell me about houses?”
“Anytime you’re ready, we can start house hunting.”
I turned on his lap. “House hunting? We’re not ready for that.”
“Do you think we’re going to live here after the wedding?” he asked casually.
“Wedding?” I steadied myself on his shoulder. “We’re still supposed to be doing that?”
“How did I find myself the one girl who doesn’t want to get married?”
“That’s not true. I want to, but it’s just so soon.” I never planned on getting married young, especially not before graduating from college.
“We have months, don’t worry about it.”
With everything else going on, I decided to drop it. My stomach grumbled.
“Throw some blueberries in, would you?” Levi remembered how much I loved blueberry pancakes—he’d earned himself some extra points.
Chapter Four
“Am I in trouble?” Levi stood in the doorway of his room with his car keys dangling from his fingers.
“Why would you be in trouble?” I tapped my foot impatiently. I was already ten minutes late, thanks to my inability to resist Levi.
“What other reason would you have to spend the day with my mom? You’re obviously upset and want to get her to take your side or something.”
I laughed. I couldn’t help it. “Is it impossible to believe I just want to get to know my future mother-in-law?” It was weird using that term, but I had accepted we were going to be married eventually.
Levi didn’t miss the importance of me using the title either. “Mother-in-law, huh? Just for that, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.”
I moved to push past him but he caught me and spun me around to look at him. “Are you absolutely sure you don’t want me to hang out with you both?”
“Levi?” I laced my fingers with his.
“Yes?”
“I’m spending the afternoon with your mother. You are not invited, and nothing you can say will change that.”
“Funny thing to say to your ride.”
“Do you want me to get someone else to drive me? I’d take my own car, but wait—I’m not allowed.”
“I thought you agreed it’s for the best right now?”
I let go of his hands. “I do agree, but don’t get all annoying about driving me places.”
He smiled. “You ready, my lady?”
“Yes. I’m ready.”
***
“Allie, honey. I’m so glad you called.” Helen opened the door to welcome us in. I’d been over to the Laurent house more times in the last week than I’d ever been before. I’m pretty sure Robert thought interrogating his future daughter-in-law at his house was more acceptable than dragging me down to his office at the hotel. He kept asking me questions about Toby. I don’t think any of my answers were what he was looking for.
“I’m sorry we’re late.” I wasn’t necessarily an early bird, but I hated keeping people waiting—well, except for Levi. It was fun to annoy him sometimes by taking a while to get ready.
Levi moved past me into the entryway. “It’s my fault. She’s a hard girl to say goodbye to.”
Helen raised an eyebrow. “I’ll pretend you aren’t eluding to what I know you are. Have a nice afternoon, Levi.”
A look of shock crossed Levi’s face. “Are you kicking me out?”
“Of course not. You’re welcome to go up to your room or to visit your father’s study. We’ll be in my sitting room.” Helen took my arm and led me away. I glanced over my shoulder and blew Levi a kiss.
He pretended to catch it. “Call me when you’re done excluding me. Preferably before dinner.”
Helen’s sitting room was done in different shades of beige and pink. It screamed woman’s space, and I liked it. It was in sharp contrast to the colder, more formal rooms of the main living space. After gesturing for me to take a seat on a comfortable looking love seat, she closed the door and poured two glasses from a pitcher. “I made mimosas.”
I accepted my glass. “Oh, great. Thanks.” It wasn’t even three o’clock, but I knew a drink would make the conversation easier.
“How are you holding up? I know your friend’s situation is upsetting, and finding out about your high school boyfriend must have been quite a shock.” She smiled sympathetically.
“I’m doing all right. I just feel guilty. Here I am living my life like nothing’s wrong while Jess is being held against her will.”
“Living your life like nothing’s wrong? You don’t honestly believe that, do you?” She smoothed out a non-existent wrinkle in her blue dress.
“Maybe I’m just used to it.”
“That’s not entirely a bad thing, you know.”
“I know.”
Helen sipped her drink. “So what brought you here today? Not that you ever need a reason to visit with me.”
I let out a deep breath. “I’m hoping you can help me with something.”
She placed her glass on the side table next to her. “I’m listening.”
I decided to just lay it out there. “Is it really a coincidence that the only two guys I’ve been with are both Pterons?”
“By been with, I assume you mean slept with.”
I’m sure I blushed. It was weird talking about sex with Levi’s mom. “Yes.”
“It probably is. It might also be that you’re attracted to men with Pteron attributes. They tend to be strong, virile, adventurous.”
“Toby isn’t adventurous. He’s the opposite.”
She crossed her legs and leaned forward slightly. “Are you sure that wasn’t just because he thought you wanted it that way?”
I pondered the idea. “Maybe…I don’t know.”
“And under the same theory, Pteron men would be attracted to the same kind of woman. Strong, confident, sexy, attractive.”
“A lot of girls fit that description.”
She nodded. “Something tells me that wasn’t the answer you were looking for.”
“Is there another answer?”
“Maybe. I wish I could tell you more, but I honestly don’t know. There may be one person that does.” She leaned back.
“Who?”
“Robert’s mother.” By the look on Helen’s face, she didn’t have a great relationship with Levi’s grandmother.
“Do you think she’d talk to me?”
“Not
without some persuasion.”
“Persuasion?” I took another sip of my mimosa.
“I can take care of that part.” Helen tried to hide a smile.
“Where does she live? When can we see her?”
“She lives out on a plantation about a hundred miles from here. I’ll see if I can set something up for next week.”
“Should I be nervous?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks for the honesty.”
“She’s not the easiest woman to get along with.” Helen picked up her glass but didn’t drink from it.
“I really appreciate your willingness to do this for me, then.”
“Considering everything you’ve done for this family, I’d say you deserve it. Besides, I want to know as much as you do.”
I doubted she wanted to know quite as much, but I appreciated the sentiment.
“Thank you.” I set my empty glass aside.
“Not to change the topic suddenly, but I was going to invite you over soon anyway. Has anyone talked to you about the ball?”
“Hailey mentioned it once.”
“Did she explain its significance?”
“No. She really just mentioned it briefly.”
“The annual ball is thrown by our family every winter. The guest list is tight, only the most elite members of the community, supernatural or otherwise, are invited. It’s a chance to celebrate the year and bring the different groups together. This year will be extra special though.” Helen became animated as she talked.
“Why?”
“It will be the first time the crown prince will be bringing his mate.”
“How is this different from the party last summer?”
“That was an engagement party so to speak. This is more formal, more public.” She sat forward again, like she was eager to get up. “I don’t mean to worry you, but you’ll be on display. Invitations are always in high demand, but we’ve reached record highs.”
My stomach turned nervously. “They just want to meet me?”
“Yes. You’re their future queen.” She said queen with admiration. She unquestionably respected her position.
“Crazy.”
“There are fun parts about the ball.”
Anything fun sounded good. “Like?”
“Your dress. Would you like to see it? I’m not quite done, but I’m getting close.”
“You’re not quite done? Does that mean you’re making it yourself?”
“In another life I would have been a designer. At least I get to make dresses for both of us now.” She stood up. “I have it waiting in my sewing room next door.”
Helen pushed open another door. It opened into a similarly decorated room, except this room had a sewing station, dress mannequins, and fabric swatches all over. I’d barely walked into the room when my eyes immediately went to a floor-length red gown. I moved toward it. “Is this my dress?”
“Yes. What do you think?” Helen asked apprehensively.
“It’s gorgeous.” It was. Made of satin, with a long train and a ruby embellished bodice, I’d never seen anything like it. “I can’t believe you made this.”
“Would you like to try it on? I’d like to do a fitting.”
“I’d love to.”
Helen carefully removed the dress from the mannequin. I looked around for a place to change, but realized quickly she expected me to do it in front of her.
I undressed self-consciously. “Should I leave my bra on?”
“The dress is backless, so I went ahead and sewed in cups. We’ll see if you need to adjust them at all.”
Helen helped me into the dress. The satin felt cold against my skin, but any complaints were lost when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. “Wow.”
“You may give Levi a heart attack.”
“I may give myself one. This looks incredible.” I ran my fingers over the delicate straps.
“I am so glad you like it.” Helen beamed. “It’s tradition that the queen and princess each have a lady in waiting as well as maids. The lady in waiting must be a Pteron. My lady in waiting is my sister-in-law. Is it safe to assume that you’d like Hailey to take the position?”
“Of course. Anyway I can have Hailey involved would be great, but what would she be doing exactly?”
“Her job is to help you in any way possible.”
“It sounds like Hailey would just be doing what she always does.”
“It’s an honor as well as a duty.”
“Then I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”
“I assumed you’d select Hailey, so I’ve started on her dress. I didn’t know her exact measurements, but I think I’m close.” Helen pointed out a black gown. It had a red sash and a border of rubies around the neckline. “It’s tradition that the lady in waiting also wear the family stone.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“I think so too.” She smiled. “Are you ready to change? I think I heard the boys come in.”
“Levi and his father?”
“You can call him Robert. If it was up to him, you’d call him Dad.”
“But why? It’s not like he likes me.”
Helen looked at me seriously. “Of course he does. He’s thrilled with Levi’s choice. Don’t let his hard exterior fool you. The way he sees it, Levi settled down and he got a daughter. He always wanted a daughter. It just didn’t work out that way.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to say to that. I wasn’t sure that I believed her. Robert didn’t seem like the president of my fan club, and I certainly wasn’t the president of his.
Helen helped me out of my dress, and I got back into my black skirt and sweater while she put it up. “Let’s do another fitting next week. Maybe you can bring Hailey with you and any maids that you’d like.”
I wanted to ask her about the rules relating to the selection of maids when we were interrupted by a knock on the door. “If it isn’t my two favorite women in the world.” Levi pulled me into a hug.
“What happened to waiting for my call?”
“It’s been a few hours. I can only wait so long. Besides, my dad told me to show up for dinner.”
“Oh, we’re all having dinner tonight?” I was extra glad I’d opted for a skirt instead of jeans. The Laurents dressed formally.
Levi tightened his arms around me and whispered in my ear. “I already got him to promise to be on good behavior. This will not be like the last time.”
“I hope not.” The last Laurent family dinner I attended ended with Levi and I in a heated fight after his father suggested my education take a backseat to travel with Levi. It wasn’t what Robert said as much as how he said it. He acted like my opinion didn’t matter at all.
I followed Levi out into the hall.
“Looking lovely as usual, Allison.” Robert still insisted on calling me Allison. I usually let it go, but I was feeling daring.
“I’d prefer if you’d call me Allie, Dad.”
Levi burst out laughing. I guess I should have warned him.
Robert smiled. “Since you’ve dropped my full name, I suppose I can drop yours.” From the twinkle in his eye, I had a feeling that’s all he was waiting for.
“Great.”
“Is everyone ready for dinner?” Helen asked. I couldn’t believe she could keep a straight face.
“Definitely.” I followed her into the dining room, afraid that if I looked at Levi I’d start laughing.
Levi pulled out my chair before sitting down next to me. Robert poured us all a glass of wine.
“What do you think?” Robert watched as I took a sip of my wine.
“It’s nice. Velvety.”
“Do you know wine, Allie?”
What was this, a test? “Not incredibly well.”
“We’ll have to work on that, but this is actually one of our own.”
“Your estate in France still produces wine?” I knew they had a vineyard, but I guess I assumed it was no longer running.
“Yes, it’
s still producing wine.” He smiled. “Maybe Levi can take you for a visit sometime soon. I took Helen right before our coronation. She enjoyed it.”
“How did you two meet?” This was the first time I’d heard Robert mention his early years with Helen.
Helen smiled at Robert over the table. “I was a freshman in college. Robert was in graduate school, and he swept me off my feet.”
“So it was a whirlwind romance?” I sipped my wine.
Robert laughed. “Not as whirlwind as I wanted it to be. It took a few months to convince her I was the one.” There was something so soft and vulnerable in the way he said it.
I unfolded my napkin and placed it on my lap. “It was worth the chase though, wasn’t it? It probably made it better.”
Levi squeezed my hand under the table. “A chase isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
The remainder of the dinner was uneventful. Helen made a delicious chicken and rice dish. I guess she’d done most of the work before I arrived. I liked it enough that I planned to get the recipe. I thought we were home free when Robert smiled at us. “Before you kids go, I have a surprise for you.”
I glanced at Levi. His face was blank.
“I’m sure you two are growing tired of sharing walls with Jared and Owen. I thought it was about time I gave you your engagement present.”
“Engagement present?” Levi asked.
Robert pulled a set of keys out of his pocket. “It’s the one on Audubon you were looking at with your mother. You know houses like that don’t stay on the market long.”
My sip of wine went done the wrong tube. I coughed.
“You okay?” Levi put a hand on my back.
I held up a finger to tell Levi to wait. After another moment, I was ready to talk. “You bought us a house?”
“Yes. It’s currently in Levi’s name. When you publicly take his name this summer, you can add yours as well.” If I had any doubts before, I now knew for sure it was a bribe to get me to go along with the wedding.
Levi glanced at me one more time before returning his attention to Robert. “That was generous, Dad.”
“It’s nothing. You two deserve a proper home. After all, you’ll be starting a family before you know it.”
It’s lucky I hadn’t taken another sip. “Not anytime in the near future.”
“Not until after the wedding, of course.” Robert refilled his wine glass.
Found (The Crescent Chronicles #3) Page 3