Page 80 of Revenge is a Witch

And with that, I know we’re back to normal. Well, as normal as things can get with me, a vampire, and a wolf shifter tangled up in whatever this is. But hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The door creaks open further, and I’m met with the familiar faces of Derek’s parents. His mom, Karen Lowell, a warm woman with the kind of smile that makes you feel instantly at home, and his dad, Richard Lowell, a tall, sturdy man with the same sharp features as Derek. His father works with my dad at the nearby vineyard, so we’ve crossed paths plenty of times.

“Well, if it isn’t Zaria!” Karen exclaims, stepping forward to pull me into a hug. “What a lovely surprise. What brings you by, sweetheart?”

I hug her back, trying not to laugh. It’s impossible not to feel loved when Derek’s mom is around. “I was worried about Derek,” I say, glancing over at him. “I hadn’t heard from him all day, and I thought maybe he’d been grounded for life.”

Karen sighs, her expression softening. “We did hear about the, uh... incident. Not exactly thrilled to hear he shifted in the middle of class, but,” she gives me a knowing look, “I have to admit, it’s somewhat comforting that it was over your honor.”

Richard, crossing his arms, grunts. “Still, shifting in a classroom is reckless. We don't need anyone poking their noses in our business.”

Derek, standing awkwardly next to me, rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, well... Miles deserved it.”

“Oh, I’m sure he did,” Karen says, giving him a pat on the shoulder. “We’re just happy you and Zaria are such good friends.”

I shoot Derek a quick look.Friends, huh? So he hasn’t told them about our mate bond. I raise an eyebrow, silently asking him what the hell he’s thinking. And clearly, he hasn’t mentioned Sebastian either.

Richard’s attention shifts to Sebastian, who’s still leaning against the doorframe like he’d rather be anywhere else. With the practiced scrutiny of an experienced wolf shifter, Richard narrows his eyes slightly and asks, “And who’s this?”

Sebastian steps forward, offering a polite smile that’s somehow still sharp at the edges. “Sebastian. I’m a... friend of Derek’s.” His tone is smooth, but there’s an undercurrent that’s both a compliment and an insult rolled into one.

Richard raises an eyebrow, clearly unsure of this new development. “A friend, huh? And what brings you to our home?”

Sebastian, never one to back down from a challenge, smirks. “Wanted to make sure he was alright. After all, we’ve... somehow become friends. Strange as it sounds.” He shrugs, looking unfazed.

Karen eyes me with a curious smile, clearly sensing there’s more going on here than we’re letting on. “Well, any friend of Derek’s is welcome here.”

Sebastian gives a small nod. “Appreciate it.”

I can feel the tension between the two boys, though it’s a playful kind of tension. Richard, ever the protector, doesn’t seem entirely convinced but nods nonetheless. “Alright then. If you’re a friend of Zaria’s too, I suppose you’re good in our books.”

“Dad,” Derek mutters under his breath, “you’re not helping.”

Karen chuckles, clearly more than happy to tease her son. “Oh, don’t be so serious. I’m just happy to see Zaria again. You two have been thick as thieves since you were kids.”

I smile, trying to keep things from getting awkward. “It’s always nice seeing you, Mrs. Lowell. You know how much I love your cooking.”

Karen beams, squeezing my hand a bit tighter than necessary. “Well, it’s dinnertime now, sweetheart, so you two are staying.No arguments! We’ve got more than enough, and I’d hate to send you off hungry. Derek, set two more plates.”

Sebastian’s eyes widen in mild panic, and he shoots me a look likeWhat have you gotten me into?“Uh… we wouldn’t want to impose—”

“Oh, nonsense!” Karen cuts him off, smiling sweetly but with a tone that leaves no room for debate. “It’s no imposition at all. We’re eating in ten minutes, and you’ll stay for it. Right, Richard?”

Richard nods, grinning. “You can’t say no to Karen’s cooking, son. Trust me, I’ve tried.”

Sebastian opens his mouth, but I quickly interject, smirking. “We’d love to stay. Thanks so much, Mrs. Lowell. Sebastian’s been dying to try your famous pot roast.”

Sebastian clears his throat, casting me a betrayed look, then forces a polite smile. “Yeah... been looking forward to it.”

Karen pats his shoulder, oblivious to his internal struggle. “That’s the spirit! Now, make yourselves comfortable. Dinner’s almost ready.”

As Karen bustles off to the kitchen, I lean in toward Sebastian, barely containing my laughter. “Guess we’re staying for dinner now.”

He sighs, shaking his head. “Of course we are.”

I can feel the amusement bubbling up inside me, the whole situation too surreal not to be funny. “So, Derek,” I say, crossing my arms and smirking, “friends, huh?”

Derek groans, shooting a quick glare at Sebastian, who just chuckles. “Yeah, yeah, I was going to tell them. Eventually.”

“Sure you were,” I tease, nudging him with my elbow. “But now you’ve got some explaining to do.”

---