Austin glanced toward the door through which Jess had disappeared. Her emotions were still unsettled, but her anger and frustration were completely gone. She was no longer in danger of losing her cool from that challenge.
Austin took a seat at the island. “Is she ready for her own pack?”
“If she were like most budding alphas, yes. A small one to cut her teeth on. But that wild streak of hers is always pushing for more. Bigger. She’s not destructive like you were—usually—but she’s restless. She’s not content to wait for me to hand over the reins like I did with Mom. She needs guidance.”
“That you can’t give her?”
Kingsley shook his head slowly. “No, not anymore. I don’t have that wild streak. I was always the calm, patient—”
“Balanced one, I know. What do you plan to do?”
Kingsley looked away. “I don’t know. Watch her around you and Jessie to make sure she doesn’t accidentally get herself killed?”
Austin stood to get himself a glass of wine, but then just took Jess’s for now. It was easier. “I’d say she won’t, but gargoyles aren’t known for their soft temperament.”
A smile touched Kingsley’s lips and his eyes sparkled. “That was something, though, huh? I didn’t even know what was happening until I couldn’t move. Jessie has come a long way. I remember when she didn’t have any control. Now she’s strong enough to stop herself from protecting her mate and re-staking her claim.”
“The Jane in her wars with the primal needs of the gargoyle, that’s why.”
“Whatever the reason, it’s created a great mix, though Mom probably won’t think so. You two will be banned from dinner parties.”
Austin laughed. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“Though I will say, throwing around a bunch of magic and freaking everyone out is a lot more exciting than arguing about a fridge hole.”
“That sounds awfully dirty, Dad,” Mac called from the couch.
“Mac, I forgot you were there,” Kingsley said before taking a sip of his wine.
“Story of my life,” Mac replied, going back to his phone. “Pretty sweet magic, though, I have to say.”
“Did you crap your pants like your mom and sister did?” Kingsley asked.
“Nope.” Mac stood and came around the couch to the island, placing his phone down before he sat.
“Put it away,” Kingsley warned.
Mac rolled his eyes, but he grabbed up the phone again and stuffed it into his pocket. “When her magic kicked off, I just enjoyed the ride. It was a rush. I liked the feel of it. It’s spicy, kinda, don’t you think?” He was met with blank stares. “Well, it’s cool, at any rate.” He looked around the empty counters. “No snacks?”
“Mom got distracted by Grandma Mimi,” Kingsley answered.
Mimi walked into the kitchen a moment later, catching Mac digging into a bag of chips.
“You’re going to spoil your dinner!” she accused him.
He tilted the opening of the bag her way, and she reached in to grab a few for herself.
“Speaking of dinner,” Austin ventured. “Is that something we might start preparing, or are we hoping this night will last forever?”
“Mac, go get your mom and Granny,” Kingsley said. “I think the introductions are about done.”
Mac grinned, dropping the bag onto the counter and walking from the kitchen.
“Where’s Jessie?” Mimi asked with a crease in her brow. “You didn’t chase her away, did you?”
“She’s outside with that enormous gargoyle,” Kingsley said, then looked at Austin. “Where do you find these creatures…”
“Yeah, he’s something, isn’t he?” Austin replied. “Just wait until you see his other form.”
“Okay.” Earnessa came bustling in like nothing had happened. She tapped the counter in front of Austin and looked around the kitchen, ignoring Mimi. “Where’s Jessie?”
Austin’s mom walked in gracefully a moment later, her gaze lingering on Austin for a moment before shifting behind the island. Kingsley grinned at Austin, both of them knowing their mom was thinking about the potentially dangerous mate Austin had found. She wouldn’t be wondering if Jess could handle him anymore.
The patio door opened and Jess stepped back in, her face a little flushed from the cold and a large shape behind her disappearing into the night.
“All good?” Austin asked her, standing again as Mac re-entered.