Page 3

I shrug. “I would’ve liked more than six months, but I have no doubts that Damek will be a very good husband. I think the two of us will be happy together.”

At least, I hope so.

In succubi culture, it’s normal to wait many years before marriage. Engagements are always long and even then half of the engaged couples split before the actual wedding. Since supernaturals don’t have divorce, we tend to be picky. Vampires, on the other hand, don’t have the same outlook as succubi. Most couples get married within a few months of dating.

“Six months,” Grandpa scoffs. “Your grandma and I met three days before our wedding.”

Yes, I’ve heard the story many, many times.

My grandparents had an arranged marriage. At the time, there were two ruling families among the succubi and incubi community. Their marriage brought the two opposing alliances together and we all united under one ruler. It was a big deal at the time, as we were on the verge of civil war.

“And you were going to argue for love.” Mom snorts. “And you wonder why I got myself knocked up and refused to marry an incubus.”

Dad shifts in his seat, uncomfortable by the current conversation. I, on the other hand, am used to the drama. My family lives for it and I’ve gotten good at blocking it out.

“Mom, Grandpa, can you two not fight in front of Dad?” I ask. “Or Damek—I don’t want you two scaring him away.”

Grandpa chuckles. “If your Prince Damek can’t handle a little bickering, he won’t last two seconds in our family.”

True, but I’d rather not scare him away this quickly.

“Who will we be meeting today?” Mom asks, turning slightly in her seat so she can look at me.

“Damek, of course. And Julien, he’s my younger brother. You will love him.” I grin, thinking about Julien’s confidence—he willfit right in with my succubi and incubi family. The grin slips from my face as I clear my throat. “Also, you will meet Eden. She’s Dad’s wife, my stepmom, and she’s really nice. I think you’ll like her.”

Mom looks away, suddenly interested in the view out the window. I don’t blame her as I’m sure meeting Eden will be very uncomfortable for her.

Grandpa, however, has no qualms about the uncomfortable situation. He looks at my father. “Well, that will be uncomfortable for you, I’m sure.”

Dad lets out a breath but he doesn’t say anything.

Truthfully, it will be uncomfortable for all of us, most of all Eden. But I know Eden and I know she thrives at doing things that others consider difficult. While meeting me was hard for her, she took to me right away and treated me like I was her own child.

Still… it will be different with my mother. Part of me wishes I could shield Eden from this, but I know I can’t. I can’t just abandon my other family. I want my mom to be there for my wedding and I want her help with planning. The next few months are going to be crazy and I want as much family at my side as I can.

“Madeline, tell me about this prince of yours,” Grandpa says. “I want to know everything about him.”

For the rest of the car ride, I settle in and tell Mom and Grandpa as much as I can about Damek.

2

A NATURAL BEAUTY

When we eventually arrive at the estate, my stomach is in knots and my heart races faster.

What if my grandfather doesn’t like Damek? Would he do something to stop the wedding? A few weeks ago, I might’ve been okay with any political marriage being sabotaged, but now I don’t know how I feel.

Dad leads us inside and through a maze of hallways that I used to find confusing. Eventually, we end up in the formal sitting room—a room I’ve only seen a handful of times during my stay. Damek and Julien are both standing by a window, talking about some car that they both like. And Eden is sitting on a chair, ringing her fingers together. When they hear the nose, all three look our way.

Damek smiles widely, making his way over toward us. Julien looks at his mom who is looking at my mom.

Yikes, this is going to be more uncomfortable than I imagined.

When Damek gets over to me, I decide to introduce him to my family. Maybe I can cut some of the tension.

“Grandpa, Mom, this is Damek,” I say to them, then turn to Damek. “This is my mom, Sasha, and my grandfather, King Bennett.”

Damek bows to Grandpa. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, King Bennett.”