Introduction

Introduction
Evie Pov

I had never seen him before he had to be between the ages of 20-25,  he was what one would consider to be conventional handsome. He has dark brown hair with eyes almost the exact shade, he's about as tall as Damon but not quite as muscular as my mate is. I am about to ask who he is, when he looks my way and I can't explain it but something about him rubs me the wrong way. I reach for Damons hand under the table and he grabs it giving me a quick squeeze before looking around the room. Daniel and his friend quickly standing going to the greet the stranger, I wonder who he is? Daniel clears his throat and makes a formal introduction "Everyone this is Cole, he is Lucas's brother the one who brought about the idea of this visit in the first place." Daniel says smiling at Cole who is embracing Lucas Daniel's friend from school. It was a good time to learn both of their names I think as a wave of guilt hits me, we didn't even bother to introduce ourselves to Daniel's friend before we sat down. I decide we are going to change that I stand pulling Damon with me and despite that strange feeling I get from Cole I put on a smile and walk over to introduce myself " Hello I'm Evie, Damon's mate it is nice to meet you both." I say reaching out to shake both of their hands. "And I am Damon, Daniel's older brother." Damon reaches his hand out and it about to shake Cole's hand when I notice he pulls his hand away from Damon who looks confused, but then I see the King approaching out of the corner of my eye he must have spooked Cole. The King walks over clasping both of his  son shoulders and giving them a little shake before reaching his own hand out to Cole "I guess you are the man to thank in regards to bringing my youngest son home." Cole gives him a tight polite smile “yes your majesty that would be me. It was my pleasure to help unite your family again. I missed my brother deeply and was over joyed to hear our reunion sparked another one.” The Kings smiles and calls a servant over he whispers to the man who scurries into the kitchen, quickly returning with glasses of brown liquor. The King nods to Cole “A toast In your honor, thank you for what you have done for me.” We all accept a glass and raise it in Cole’s honor. I try to hold in my gag at the smell and then again at the taste. I lightly tap Damon and swap my full glass for his empty one. That stuff is disgusting I hope that’s our last toast of the evening or that I can drink something different next time. The King returns to his seat and we all follow suit, returning to our seats and appetizers. Everything is going smoothly and it is crazy for me to think that our first dinner here went so poorly, I think even Damon see’s that The King seems to be a completely different man seeing both of his sons home and happy. I feel for him I can’t imagine how miserable and lonely he must have been waiting for his sons to come visit him, whom seemed to have no interest in doing so. I know they have all had a strained relationship since the passing of their mother but I’m hoping the time spent together now can change that. Dessert is coming out of the kitchen and the smell of chocolate begins attacking my nose, I can feel my mouth practically watering when Cole speaks for the first since sitting down. “ So Evie, Damon how did you two meet? Have you been mated for a while or is it fairly new?” He asks as I take my first bite of the triple chocolate cake in front of me and almost choke on it from surprise. Damon chuckles then says “We are recently mated we just discovered each other close to two months ago. We met at Blackwood University actually. But sadly due to a rouge problem we had to leave school and return to Moonstone. I’m happy to show Evie around my home, but I’m sad I had to take away the freedom we were both exploring.” Damon says and grabs my hand on the table giving it a quick squeeze and sending me a smile that makes my knees shake. I nod and smile happily back at him. “I miss Blackwood but I am so excited to explore Moonstone and learn all about the havoc these boys used to get up to here.” I say with a little laugh pointing in Damon, Carter, and Daniel’s direction. The King laughs and says “well then you’ll be busy for quite some time Evie!” I laugh and am about to respond when Cole speaks up again “ Interesting I would have thought with how sure you two seem you would have been mated longer.” The way he says it is almost dismissive and I wonder if we have done something to offend him. “What do you mean?” I ask “We knew the second we met each other catching the others scents that we were mated. Have you met your mate?” Cole smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes and seems forced more than anything else I must have offended him earlier there’s just something off there. “ I have met my mate but she didn’t recognize me, so sadly I have been waiting for the chance to try again, I would wait for ever she is lovely. Maybe that’s why I feel skeptical about the mating bond now, it always amazes me I see a couple so sure of themselves.” Then I can’t help but feeling self centered here I am thinking it’s all about me, when he is just sad that his mate didn’t recognize him and give him the spark we all deserve to feel the first time we meet one another. Even though Damon and I got off to a rocky start I remember the rush when I first caught his scent. Poor Cole to have missed out on that. “ I am so sorry to hear that, you seem so kind I hope that she soon realizes and you guys get to feel the happiness you find in your true mate. The connection is indescribable everyone deserves to experience it.” I say sincerely. A very smile almost unnoticeable smile appears and I think it’s the first genuine one of the evening as Cole says “Thank you Evie.” Then he raises his class in my direction I do the same and take a sip of my champagne. With that the conversation returns to normal and the rest of the meal passes with ease and enjoyable conversation. I can’t help but feeling reassured in my new home as we say our goodbyes and make the retreat to our room. I think maybe I can grow to like it here.