Alex had grown up a loving mother and a controlling father and older sister, according to him, at least. But his close-knit family loved traditions like Christmas dinners with the entire Carmichael clan at grandma Aurora’s mansion in Austria, summer holidays in Collette’s private island in the Bahamas, and even little traditions like family lunches.
And after his quick, steamy shower with Mira, Alex was now walking to his silver Audi r8 parked in the basement, and would be on his way to his third family lunch that month.
He sighed in annoyance at the thought of another family lunch and quickly slid inside his car, put his seatbelt on, and started his car; he smiled in satisfaction when it almost looked like it flew down the road.
Alex was already a few minutes late. Unfortunately, it'd taken longer than usual to get through the early noon traffic on that particular day. He could already hear his sister’s stern voice and feel her judgmental eyes on him.
His mom enjoyed their family lunches, and sometimes breakfast if she was feeling extra cheerful. play the generous host for the weekend and no one wanted to miss this event. And though Alex wanted to stay out of his father or sister’s reach as much as he could, he would not miss a family meal time arranged by his mother, no matter how much irritated he was.
He let out a row of curses as he finally pulled up to the entrance of The Sanson Hotel, one of the four opulent hotels owned by their family. He sighed and stepped out of the vehicle, handing his keys to the valet who greeted him eagerly.
“Master Alex, nice to see you today.”
He just looked at the guy and hurried into the hotel. Classical music and an expensive scent drifted in the air. He doubled his steps and made his way to The Sanson Grand Salon.
“About damn time you showed up.”
Alex scowled at his sister’s remark as soon as he joined their table. “Good morning, mom.” He quickly gave his mother a kiss on the forehead before dragging a chair between her and his brother-in-law, avoiding sitting anywhere near his father and sister. “Good morning, everyone.” He took his napkin from his place and, unfolding it, placed it into his lap.
Then almost immediately, a server approached their table and sat down his usual starter, Black Mission Fig, and Arugula Salad, and black coffee in front of him while the rest were already halfway through their lunch.
“It’s half-past twelve,” Collette muttered sternly at him, then turned to her husband. “Could you please pass me the pepper, love?”
Her husband quickly obliged.
Alex glanced his older sister, pleased to note that she’d gained quite a bit of weight. “Then good afternoon, everyone,” he quickly addressed everyone at the table before going back at his sister. “How’s that Keto diet going, sis? It’s a great diet, I’d assume. But I not for everyone, I guess. It clearly worked the opposite for you.”
“Listen you ass―”
“Language, dear,” their mother cut Collette off.
“It’s okay, mom. Little Jack and Millie aren’t here, their perfect mother is free to open her filthy mouth,” Alex said uncaringly.
Collette cleared her throat and looked to her husband. “I’m sorry, love, my ill-mannered little brother just sometimes gets in my nerves.”
Alex raised an eyebrow, struggling to contain his laughter. “So stating a fact is being ill-mannered now?”
“Enough, Alexander.” Their father’s stern voice stopped them both from attacking each other. “
“How did your meeting go last night, dear?” Their mother asked, a soft smile washing over her face.
“I was not feeling well. I canceled it.”
Collette squinted down at him before shaking her head. “I’m pretty sure you were feeling perfectly fine last night, Alex. You canceled it because you were with one of your women, indulging in your shameless debauchery.”
Resting the glasses on her nose, their mother frowned at Alex from what she heard while Mr. Carmichael glowered at his son.
“You know me too well, my dear sister,” Alex mocked as he stabbed his fork at his salad.
“Son,” his father spoke again. “I understand what you’re doing, but what I don’t understand, though, is the fact that you haven’t done anything to find your mate yet. You’ll be twenty-eight soon. You should have settled down years ago and should be having pups by now.”
“Oh, is this what this lunch is for? To tell me what I should be doing with my life?” Alex asked, his face flushed. “I’ve already told every one of you, this is my life, and I don’t like the idea of letting some moon goddess dictate whom I should spend the rest of my life with.”
“Maybe Alex needs a little time…”
“At twenty-seven? Tell me why it doesn’t sound ridiculous to you, Kent?” Alex’s father asked his brother-in-law, who suddenly thought it was his business to defend Alex. Or whatever he was trying to do.
Collette looked over at her husband. “Just be quiet, love.”
Kent’s glanced at Alex before he concentrated on the delicious food on his plate. He was mentally kicking himself for trying to have a voice in the family of domineering lycans.
“Dad, what Alex is trying to say really is that he doesn’t want to settle down yet. He doesn’t care about his mate and he sure doesn’t want to meet her yet because he’s not ready to give up on his fabulous whoring,” Collette said meanly without looking at her younger brother.
“Well, the last time I checked, I still have the right over my life so I can do whatever the hell I want with it.”
“Your right doesn’t give you complete exemptions, Alexander,” their father bellowed. “You have an obligation in our clan.”
Alex growled and straightened himself and let out a loud sigh. “Can’t you just let me enjoy this lunch for a change? Dad, I’d really love to go on another debate with you, but I’m really hungry, and I really want to finish this salad in peace.”
Collette’s felt her flicker of irritation just went up a notch. “But, of course, your majesty, we will let you eat in peace. You pig.”
“Shut up, Collette! I’m not Kent,” Alex finally bellowed at her; a glimmer of gold suddenly appeared in his blue eyes. “You know what, screw this.” He stood up and looked down at his mother. “We’ll catch up some other time, mom.”
And before his father or sister could tell him to stop and get back on the chair, Alex was already out of the door, pissed off than ever before.