Page 92 of Renascence

“What about you?”

I glance back at Emily, whose anxious gaze is trained on us. “She thinks she wants that, but I don’t think she’s ready. Let’s just focus on her.”

“Got it.”

I load up two plates before making my way through the crowd back to Emily. She takes hers, balancing it on her lap as she turns to me.

“What did she say?”

“It’s all good, darlin’. She’s looking forward to it.”

“Really?”

“Really, Em. Stop worrying.”

“Okay.”

She starts eating, but we’re interrupted not long after by Nita. She hands us some drinks, stopping to talk to Emily.

“Hi. Didn’t get a chance to talk to you the other night. I’m Nita, Gage and Ellen’s aunt.”

“Emily. Nice to meet you, Nita.”

“This one treating you okay?” She jerks her chin in my direction, placing both hands on her generous hips. She may be Gage’s blood, but she treats all of us like family. She’s kind of our de facto den mother.

“Yes, better than okay.”

“Good. You need anything, you let me know, honey.”

“I will. Thanks.” As she walks away, Emily adds, “She seems nice.”

“She is. Eat up.”

“Anxious much?” She grins, poking me in the side.

“What do you think? It’s been days, Emily.Days.”

“Oh, bless your heart. To have to go days without sex. You must be scarred for life,” she mocks me.

“I hope you’re enjoying sitting down. You won’t be doing much of it after tonight.”

I can almost hear the gulp as she swallows. She opens her mouth to speak, but before she can, Raven leans over and interrupts.

“Hey, Emily. Wanna go shopping with me for baby stuff? Chrissy’s heading back to school soon and Ellen’s really busy with work. I’d take Gage, but he’d buy four of everything we don’t need.”

“Of course. I’d love to.”

“Thanks!”

For the next two hours, I’m subjected to more holiday shit. Mingling, nog drinking, and gift exchanges. Usually I’m all for it, but right now I only want to take Emily back to my room. Having her by my side is the only thing keeping me sane. Strange, since she’s the reason I’m losing my mind in the first place.

“Who wants dessert?” Nita shouts, answered by whistles and hollers. “This year, we have Millie’s apple pie, and this gorgeous gingerbread cookie cake Venom’s lady, Emily, made for us.”

Emily blushes, burying her face in my chest. Nita’s right. The cake is beautiful, decorated with little gingerbread men on the side. There are also a few on top that look like they’re playing in the snow. Judging by her muffins, I bet it’s delicious. Of course, I make sure I get the first piece. And I was right. Fucking delicious. She declines a slice, saying she’s already broken her diet with dinner.

“This is incredible, darlin’. Taste, presentation… all top-notch.”

“Thanks,” she replies in a timid voice.