Unleashed: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Two by Betty Legend (little bear else holmelund minarik .TXT) 📗

can’t wait to meet him, but first…” She hands me the gift bag. “This is for you.”

Taking the bag, I close the door behind her. Entering the kitchen, I set the bag on the counter. Under the red tissue paper is a silver, sparkling frame with a photo of Rachel and me when we were children.

“I found this while cleaning out the guest room to make it a baby room. I made a copy for you.”

“I love it.” Holding it to my chest, I pull her in for another hug. “It’s thoughtful and brings back great memories.”

Under her similar blue eyes is an affectionate smile. She’s going to be a great mother.

My mom and Emeric enter the kitchen, and Emeric glances between Rachel and me.

“You look like sisters.”

“Rachel, this is my boyfriend, Emeric.”

Rachel rests a hand over her baby bump and gives a wave with her other hand.

“It’s nice to meet the man Selene believes is worthy to bring home. It’s rare for her to bring someone home.”

Emeric glances down at her baby bump, a smile tilting his mouth as he returns his gaze back to her face.

“Women like Selene are rare. She means a hell of a lot to me.”

“I like hearing that.”

Emeric comes around the counter and kisses my cheek as he rubs my back.

“What’s that?”

“Me and Rachel when we were kids.” Angling the frame, I show him the photo.

“Even then, you looked like sisters.”

“They heard that often growing up,” my mother tells him. “If I had them both with me, people asked if they were twins. I had to explain they were cousins.”

“Do you have siblings?” Rachel asks Emeric.

“No, only child. My parents didn’t see eye-to-eye. I was born more out of convenience.”

“That’s so sad,” Rachel’s tone fills with sympathy.

“Don’t be sad for me. My mother was a saint.”

My mother and Emeric share a look before Rachel continues.

“That’s great. Hopefully, she’ll love Selene.”

Emeric’s hand stops rubbing my back. “My mother passed away.”

“Oh.” Rachel raises her hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s all right. You didn’t know.”

Emeric looks at me, and we share an emotional exchange. I didn’t know his mother had passed away but suspected. Leaning toward him, I kiss him and run my fingers through his hair and over his back, rubbing my hand over the feathers under his shirt.

Rachel stares at Emeric’s face, her head tilting as her brows pinch together. I look at Emeric and see the red glimmering in his dark eyes.

“Your eyes are quite unusual,” Rachel says aloud, seemingly hypnotized by them.

Emeric blinks and lowers his head. When he raises his chin, the red is gone.

“They’re such a dark brown, they look black. Sometimes you can see a reddish-brown in them, depending on the light.”

Rachel’s brows are still pinched together, but she nods, accepting my explanation.

“They’re definitely unique. Gives you a badass look.”

“It’s not just the look. He is a badass.”

Emeric grins, and my mom chuckles as she pulls a casserole out of the oven.

“Did I miss something?” Rachel asks.

“Emeric does contracted security,” my mom tells her. “I think he knows how to handle himself in a fight.”

“He does,” I add.

“Very cool. My husband is an insurance agent. Not very exciting,” Rachel shares.

“He’s protecting people, right?” Emeric asks.

“Sort of. Really, he’s protecting their property.”

“Still, he’s in the business of protection. I can respect that.”

Rachel smiles at Emeric, then glances at me. I can tell she likes him.

“Need help with anything?” I ask my mom as she closes the oven and takes off her oven mitt.

“No, sweetie, just need to let it cool a bit.”

“Can I get some water?” Rachel asks.

“Of course.” My mom opens the cabinet and collects a glass. “There are raspberry tarts on the patio if you’d like a snack.”

“Yes, definitely.” Rachel scurries out of the kitchen to the patio.

“Mom, I want to tell Rachel we’re witches. I don’t like keeping this secret from her.”

Staring at us, she wrings her hands together.

“I’m with Selene on this,” Emeric tells her. “As close as they are, it’ll eat at Selene to hide what we all are.”

Emeric knows me so well. I caress his back and feathers, and he shivers with pleasure.

“All right, but we need to ease her into it. I don’t want her getting too stressed, not with her being pregnant.”

“So, don’t take off my shirt and spread my wings when she comes back in?”

My mother laughs. “No, darling. Keep them hidden, for now.”

Rachel comes back in, and we set the table together while Emeric and my mother drink and chat in the kitchen.

“He is sinfully hot. Where did you meet him?”

“It’s an interesting story. When I have more time, I’ll share it.”

Coming up next to me, she whispers. “Is he good in bed?”

“Oh, Rach, he’s crazy good in bed. He’s kinky and always horny.”

“Lucky bitch.” Laughing, she sets the last of the silverware down. “What about the other guys? Are you still dating them too?”

“Yes.”

“Does Emeric know about them?”

“Yes.”

Confusion tightens her features. “He’s okay with you dating the other guys?”

“He is. We’ve had threesomes.”

“Damn you, I’m so jealous. How the hell did you get so lucky to be dating several guys, and they’re all okay with it?”

“That’s another long story I want to share at a better time.”

“I want all the dirty details. You know I live my life vicariously through you.”

“We have so much to catch up on. I hope you’re staying the night.”

Breaking apart, we walk to the chairs across from each other.

“I am. I packed a bag for the weekend.”

Emeric carries the casserole to the table for my mom. He sits next to me while she cuts into it and places the mixture of ham, potatoes, and cheese on our plates.

“This looks delicious,” Emeric praises.

“Get ready to be fat and happy,” I tell him.

“I’m already happy,” he winks, and his sexy smile tugs the corners of my mouth up.

Rachel gently kicks my foot under the table, and we grin at each other. She knows me well enough to see I’m in love with him. Mom sits