Page 82 of Blood & Betrayals

Connor chuckles. “Two hundred years ago, Mom went on a date with the headmaster before Dad could muster up the courage to ask her out.”

“Mom was the first non-archangel in the program. It was a big deal at the time,” Rafe adds. Everyone looks at him, a little surprised he decided to contribute to the discussion.

“He’s also mad because the headmaster so easily beat him at everything,” Connor says, pulling the attention from Rafe.

Uriel points at Connor. “Not true.” He looks at Farrah, holding his hand out for her. “And anyway, I got the most coveted prize.”

“Can we eat?” Zach groans.

Farrah puts a bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes down, and Zach and Zane practically lunge for them.

“Mom is a fantastic cook, as you can tell by the feral twins,” Connor says, stroking my shoulder with his thumb.

Farrah swats at Zach’s hand. “My darling, manners.” She lays out more plates full of food and pours wine into everyone’s glasses as we help ourselves. Connor spoons various dishes onto my plate, explaining what the delicacies from Eden are.

I take a bite of chicken. The flavor explodes in my mouth, and I moan. It is perfectly cooked and seasoned, with a slight heat to it.

“This is delicious, Mrs. Morningstar.”

“Please, call me Farrah. Or Mom!” She smiles at me and then watches her boys lovingly.

Connor flushes a little. “Mom…”

“What? I didn’t mention the binder!”

He groans. “We’re not official yet.”

Uriel smiles, pulling Farrah’s chair closer to his. “Your mom just wants you both to be happy.”

I slide my hand under the table and squeeze Connor’s thigh. I can tell he’s working hard to make sure I’m comfortable, to make sure I’m not about to freak out and bolt, but I’m just so fucking endeared by him and his family.

Connor covers my hand with his. “I want to take it slow because she matters.”

Everyone goes silent, all attention on Connor. Zach breaks the quiet with a retching sound. “Do you practice these lines?”

Connor smiles at Zach, looking perfectly at ease. “So, Mom. Has Zach told you about his sneaky link?”

Zach narrows his eyes. “Dick.”

Farrah throws a stern look at Zach. “Zachariah.”

He blushes in response. “Mom, not the full name.”

Farrah narrows her eyes. “Apologize. Now.”

Zach mumbles a barely coherent apology.

“Zach.”

“Sorry,” Zach grumbles.

Farrah smiles, reaching over and pinching his cheek. “There’s my darling boy.”

Uriel lifts his glass. “To family, both old and new.” We all lift our glasses and clink them together before sipping our wine. I smile up at Connor, and he smiles back.

“So, Uriel.” I look at the archangel and catch him watching Rafe with more than a little concern in his eyes. He quickly turns his attention to me. “Tell me about being the most badass archangel.”

Zach snorts. “You’d have to ask Uncle Michael that question.”

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