MEL
Xander's mother smiles at me, takes my hand in hers, and presses a kiss to my cheeks. "Mel. It's so good to see you."
I let her hug me before pulling away. "It's good to see you too, Martha."
And it is. Whatever Xander and I had, whatever our past is like, Martha has always been kind to me. Six years later, there are streaks of gray in her dark hair and lines around her eyes, but it's obvious where Xander and his brothers get their charm.
"Come sit. I've had Asher make a feast. You'll like it."
She leads me to the table where a meal is spread out already. Xander pulls my chair for me before settling into his.
"Where is your father?" I ask, turning to him.
Silence greets my question, and I wonder if I've said something wrong. But how will a family alliance be forged without the m
