The Alpha’s Companion - Chapter 58

Lacey woke early the next day, ready to have breakfast with Arkin and then go home, but Arkin stopped her, meeting her when she came downstairs for breakfast.

“Good morning!” Arkin greeted her with a friendly smile, heading her off before she could go into the main dining hall with the other shifters.

“Good morning.” Lacey couldn’t believe the difference in how Arkin and his pack were treating her in comparison to the Silver Pack, the family she had grown up with, had treated her. After this visit, she hated to leave, but she was eager to see Julien. And with the impending attack from the Wildclaws, she knew he needed her.

Arkin took both of her hands and looked into her eyes. “Would you like to meet your brothers before you leave? I’ve arranged a private family brunch for you to get to know one another, if that’s all right.”

A broad smile spread across Lacey’s lips, touched by the sentiment. “How thoughtful!” she said, nodding. “I’d love to.”

Arkin offered her his arm and she took it, letting him lead her to a private, more intimate, dining hall. It reminded her of the one back at the castle, but she missed the gorgeous paintings of Julien’s that adorned the walls.

But as soon as they entered, two huge, muscular young men stood. They both had beautiful russet skin, was attractive, and gave her a friendly smile.

The taller of the two cocked his head to the side, smiling mischievous. “You must be my sister Lacey. I’m your brother Seth.” Then he walked around the table and took her by surprise when he gave her a big bear hug, lifting her off her feet, causing Lacey to wonder what was going on. Family just didn’t act this way… not any family she knew.

“Hey! Set her down! It’s my turn,” the other said, laughing. “I’m your brother Chris. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” But when Lacey offered her his hand, he lifted her off her feet in a big bear hug, too, causing her to laugh.

Oh. My. God, she thought to herself, not used to physical contact like this from people she had just met. For a moment, she wondered if this was real, or if somehow her heart’s desire had manifested into a physical delusion. It was the only explanation she could imagine. The truth was harder to believe.

Arkin hit Chris playfully on the shoulder. “Put her down! You two are going to scare her half to death!”

Lacey laughed. “No, that’s quite all right. It’s nice to know I have brothers.” Even though Lacey was a bit overwhelmed, she was enjoying being treated like family. In reality, she was their stepsister, just like with her siblings in the Silver Pack, but Seth and Chris made no distinction, treating her like full-blood family… even though they had just met.

“How long will you be staying?” Seth asked, leading her to a chair beside their father. He held it for her and waited until she was seated.

Lacey smiled. “I’ll be leaving in a little bit today. Unfortunately, I can’t leave my pack for that long.”

“But you just got here,” Chris complained. She could tell that he was the younger of the two.

Lacey nodded. “I wish I could stay, but next time, I’ll come when I can stay longer.”

Chris nodded, satisfied.

Arkin reached over and kissed her hand. “You come anytime and stay as long as you like. You’re always welcome.”

“Here, here!” Seth agreed, lifting orange juice to her. “I think this calls for some mimosas!”

“Oh, none for me, thank you.” Lacey held up her hands, laughing. “I want to be sober when I go home.” Then she became serious. She hated to have to ask, but she had to know. “I hope I’m not intruding, but where is your mother?”

Seth smiled, giving her a thoughtful look. “She passed away several years ago.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to pry.” Lacey felt like a heel for having asked, but she was curious.

Arkin reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Actually, it was before you were born. I met your mother right after my mate passed and have never married since.”

Lacey looked at both of her brothers. “Wow! Neither of you look a day over twenty-five.”

Chris shrugged. “That’s the beauty of being shifters. We have long lives.”

Seth nodded, raising an eyebrow. “Actually, we’re much older than we look.”

Lacey nodded, smiling. “I can see that.”

“Well, let’s eat while we catch up, shall we?” Arkin asked. He motioned toward the maids and they filled the table with food.

Lacey nodded, glad that she decided to stay for brunch. It was nice getting to know her brothers. In the course of one day, Lacey had gone from having a family who never wanted her, to finding out about brothers she never knew she had and them accepting her as a full sibling. In fact, they treated her like a sibling they grew up with. Although she loved it, it would take time to get used to. And truthfully, they were already more like family than the Silver Pack ever was…. and she had lived with them her whole life.