Page 12 of The Reluctant Heir

The woman is a petite brunette with her hair pulled back into a bun. Her expression is closed off, so I can’t get a read on her. The boy standing beside her towers over her by at least a foot. He has one arm wrapped around her back. His hair is the same shade of blond as mine, which must mean that he’s Julien, my half brother. His expression is slightly less guarded, but from the way his eyes flicker to his mom, I can tell he’s worried about her.

This must be hard on her. My heart aches for the woman.

“Julien, Eden, this is my daughter, Madeline.” Dad looks at me, smiling warmly. “Madeline, this is Eden, my wife, and Julien, your brother.”

The two turn to me and my brain goes completely blank.

What am I supposed to say to these people? They’re my family, but this is the first time we’ve ever met. And I want them to like me.

I should’ve thought about this. What should be the first thing I say to them? It should be something elegant. Instead, I say, “Hi.” My voice squeaks the word.

Yep, that showed them.

Julien studies me. “You don’t look like a succubus.”

I wipe my sweaty palms on the skirt of my dress. “So I’ve been told.”

“Julien,” my father warns in a lowered tone.

I wave a hand at him to let him know it’s okay. “I know I lack the charm most succubi have. And the looks.”

“You are quite beautiful,” Eden says, taking a step forward. “I do hope that you will make yourself at home here. Feel free to make any changes to your bedroom that you like. I had my personal shopper pick out clothes for you.” Her eyes scan me. “I know you’re not used to the cold. Anything you don’t like will be donated. I didn’t know your style, so I had her pick out a variety.”

“Thank you.” My heart warms at her generosity. I wasn’t expecting it.

She clears her throat. “It was nice to meet you, Madeline.” At that, she abruptly turns and leaves the room. From the way Julien stiffens, I get the feeling that she is upset. My father pats me on the arm and then chases after her.

“I’m sorry.” I chew on my bottom lip as I look at my younger brother.

He raises an eyebrow at me. “What are you sorry for?”

I motion a hand toward where our dad and his mom disappeared. “That.”

“Don’t apologize for existing.” Julien takes a step closer. “We’ve known about you for five years now. It’s not like it’s a surprise. I think my mom was just taken back because you’re really pretty.”

My cheeks grow warm. “But you said I don’t look like a succubus.”

“Because you don’t.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “All the succubi I’ve ever met have this arrogant air around them that you lack. You seem… real. Less plastic-y and manicured.”

“Oh.” I’m not sure what to make of his words. “So… you’re Julien.”

He nods. “And you’re Madeline—the infamous love child.”

I snort at his description of me. “I’ve been called worse.”

“Can I call you Maddie?” he asks.

I shrug. “Sure. Nobody has ever called me that before.”

His grin grows. “I always wanted a sister. I bet you’re a lot nicer than Lucien.” The smile slips off his face as he mentions his—our— brother.

I want to ask him questions about Lucien, but I can see that he’s not in the mood to talk about him. I try to think of a topic to change the conversation to.

He takes a step closer, lowering his voice. “You seem nice and I know you’re my sister, but please try to stay away from my mom. She’s having a hard time with this and I don’t want you to make things more difficult for her.”

His words cause a pain to stab through my chest.

I get where he’s coming from. If I were in his position, I’d want to protect my mother too. But it still stings.

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