The Mates of Monsters novel Chapter 53

We gather for dinner around the dressed dining table. David sits at the head, I take my place to his right, and Ken squeezes my shoulder reassuringly as he settles to my right. My parents sit across from Ken and me, my mother in my direct line of vision. With my mind conjuring tests, I can't help but believe this is another. The Goddess seems to entertain me when my mother is the first to speak mere seconds after everyone has gotten comfortable.

"You drink now, Brigette?" My mother questions, looking to my glass.

My mouth opens a beat before my words come out. "Yes, I do, Mom. Just wine. Just at dinner."

"Of course. By all means, dear," she waves me on. "I was only curious; you've changed so much."

My mother turns her interests to David's father, asking about his position as Alpha, but avoiding the tempting inquiries about his absent mate. She must know, then, that Anne is gone and has been for a while.

"And how long did you hold the position for?"

"About thirty years. Started when I was twenty-six and turned it over to David just two years ago," Ken answers. "I'm glad he found Brigette so soon. It's nice to have someone to come home to-to try harder for. I'm sure you understand, Dale."

My father nods. "I do. Family is everything."

I sip my wine and think about Helena's lemon meringue pie. I think about eating some right out of the dish in the middle of the night, on the counter with the lights off. I think about getting out of these clothes once everyone has left. I think about David and I taking advantage of that.

"Please, David, Brigette, tell us how you are; how you're doing."

"We're great," I say, my voice a bit raw. My eyes find his.

"Yes, we are," he says, seamless. "We've been doing well for a while now. There was some adjusting to do at first, but I think we're at a place where we are understanding each other. She has made many sacrifices for us, as I'm sure you're familiar with."

My mother smiles endearingly at David, then turns to me. "As I said, you've changed, Brigette. You've grown so much so quickly."

"He's brought it out of me."