The Cambion's Hoard
Chapter 27-Rose

The car jiggled as we drove down my parents’ road. I’d been putting off coming out to their house since I moved. Finally, I couldn’t avoid it anymore because Linus had called my mom and torn into her after the whole dragon brawl, as he called it. It hadn’t been a brawl. It had been a one-sided ass-whooping.

My mother called me the next day and demanded I return home. I told her no. That went over well, as expected. Thatcher had convinced me to go visit, at least. But, unfortunately, I also had to bring him with me. I gripped the steering wheel, and my knuckles whitened.

Thatcher reached over and ran his hand over my cheek. “It’s going to be fine.”

I side-eyed him. “No. My parents are overprotective to the max. So is my brother. My mother is irate because I called Linus and not her. So I’m bringing you to a firing squad.”

He carefully took my hand from the steering wheel. His lips were soft against my fingers. “At least I’m with you.”

I let out a sigh and pulled into my parent’s driveway. Norman and Tony were sitting on the porch. Both had their shirts off and doing their best to look like tough guys.

“Do they always meet guests shirtless? I feel overdressed.”

I snorted. “Mom is probably inside just as shirtless as the guys. My family has never been big on clothes. Nude is part of life. Everyone has seen male and female figures before. So we don’t see a point in being shy.”

Thatcher leaned over and kissed my neck below my ear. His breath was hot. “Oh, believe me, we’ve noticed you’re not shy.”

“No one’s complained.” I pushed open my door.

“Of course not. What is to complain about? You flashed Hen the day you moved in.” He climbed out of the car.

I shrugged. “It was easier to get it over with than have him try and peek. I prefer to be in control of what happens to my body. Whether it be someone seeing me naked or having sex. It’s mine.”

Thatcher laughed. It had taken a week, but he could laugh without pain. “I prefer when you’re in control too. Not only that, but naked is much better than your baggy dresses and shirts.”

I grabbed his hand and slowed him down. We’d be talking to my family soon enough. “I wear the baggy stuff because the uniforms are so tight. I like giving my body a break. Also, I don’t have to wear undergarments if clothes are baggy.”

Thatcher wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer. He put his head close to mine. “Are you naked under this dress right now?”

“Maybe.” I could feel the heat rising off his skin.

“Damn it, Rose. Now I’m going to be thinking about sex the whole time.” He growled in my ear.

“If you keep at it, I’m locking you up.” I slipped out of his grasp and turned around. “So you better be a very good boy, Thatcher.”

He groaned. “Yes, Miss.”

“Rose.” Norman’s voice held a tone foreign to him. Warning.

“Hi, Dad.” I turned back around, and he did not look amused at all.

“Who’s this?” Tony slouched in his chair.

“Tony, slouching is bad for your posture. It also doesn’t look very menacing if that’s what you’re going for.” I held my hand out, and Thatcher took it. “This is my...my mate. Thatcher.”

They both stared. It was actually nerve-wracking. I was as new to the phrasing and situation as they were, but it was becoming more natural. Telling them was a big step, considering I’d only been moved out for a few months. It mattered if they liked Thatcher, but it wouldn’t change the overall outcome. I wasn’t going to be able to leave him, even if I wanted to.

Tony shook his head and got up. “Is this one of those punks that got into a fight? While you were in the same room? Fuck, Sis. I didn’t think you could be so stupid.”

“Now, Tony, it wasn’t her fault.” Norman stayed seated but looked as agitated as his son.

“Is Mom inside?”

“She’ll be out in a second.” He leaned back and started whittling on a wooden figure.

I chewed on my lip. They weren’t letting us inside. That was the biggest you’re not welcome I could think of coming from them. My parents had always wanted to protect me from Linus’s world. The thing was, is it was my world too. They couldn’t keep something away that was part of me.

I jumped when Thatcher wrapped an arm around my waist. He pressed his nose against my head. “Easy. Don’t go getting in that pretty head of yours. Your confidence always outshines the doubt. So don’t let it in and tarnish the shine.”

“What are you talking about?” Tony leaned against a porch post, arms crossed, once again trying to be menacing.

Thatcher kissed my temple and turned to my brother. “She’s overthinking. Your sister is extremely confident. One of her most significant assets, really. I know that whatever is happening right now is getting to her. I can feel it, so I’m comforting her. As her mate, it’s my responsibility and pleasure to take care of her.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “That’s stupid. No one can feel another person’s emotions.”

Thatcher chuckled. “Humans can read physical cues if they pay close enough attention. Others, however, can feel their mates emotions. It ensures a healthy relationship. I was also looking at how she was holding herself in this instance. When she gets nervous, she crosses her legs at the ankle and digs her toes into the ground. It is cute in some situations but not this one. She’s scared.”

“Why would my Rose be scared?” My mother was standing in the doorway with her serving pitcher in hand.

“These two are out here being all macho and implied we couldn’t go in the house.” I crossed my arms.

My mother set down the serving tray and smacked Norman on the back of the head. “Why did you do that?”

Norman overexaggerated his injury, but I recognized the glint in his eyes. “Ow, woman! Damn well know I did no such thing.”

“Norman Cormorant! You do not go picking on that girl. I’m sure she’s stressed out enough without you behaving like a child.” She turned back to me. “The power is out and smells like dead fish in the house. Someone backed into the electric pole with the tractor.”

“It was an accident, Mom!” Tony rolled his eyes and looked back at me. “You know that thing isn’t easy to drive.”

“I never had any issues, let alone hit the only electrical pole by the house.”

“That’s enough, Tony, Rose. Why don’t you introduce me to your friend here.” Mom gave us both a look. Knock it off, or I’ll knock you.

“He’s not her friend, Mom. That’s her mate.” He had to get one last niggle in.

Mom put her hands on her hips. “Mate?”

I let out a shaky breath. “Yes. My mate.”

“Your father left that out. He said nothing about mates. He only said that two dragons got into a fight, and you called him. I don’t understand why you didn’t call me.” She came down off the porch and wrapped me in her arms.

I hugged her back. “It had to do with Others. The situation was scary but delicate and complicated. He knew what to do. I love you, but you wouldn’t have been able to help.”

Pushing me back by the shoulders, she took me in. “Rose, I’m always going to be there to help you. I may not know much about Other relationships, but I know about relationships.”

“It is way more than that. Thatcher got the shit beat out of him. His nose was broken, and he was unconscious. Linus got there fast and was able to help me help Thatcher.” I wish she could understand.

Thatcher put a hand on my hip. “She eased my pain. Being a cambion, she has some interesting abilities. I’m glad she called Linus. Mind you, he’s still a bit of a dick.”

My mother laughed. Thatcher had a way with people; he could smooth things over. So while dad and Tony would never admit it, they smiled when he talked about our bond.

Mom patted Thatcher’s chest. “How about we get some tea, and you can tell me all about being my daughter’s mate.”

Thatcher grinned. “Yes, ma’am, I’d love that.”

My heart leaped. Maybe they could see that Thatcher was really, really good for me. Then, in time hopefully, they could understand the whole situation.