Caramel Kisses

Chapter 7: Sunday Dinner

Saturday flew by with nothing eventful happening except for Malik having the pleasure and headache of having to kick out my Saturday morning guest. She was furious, but who cares, it was just a hook-up, and I'll probably never see her again anyway.

I get ready for what I'm sure will be an eventful meal with my family, since it seems like I've been the target of everyone's interest lately. I set off hoping in my car, debating back and forth whether this was a good idea. I love seeing my family, but it definitely gets old when it's the same conversation every time. I get it they want me to choose a mate and settle down to produce an heir to secure the throne. I just want to be able to choose that path for myself. I don't just want to exist, going through the motions of a life that's been predestined. If I'm going to be subjected to that kind of life, I'd much rather share that life with my soul mate.

I made my way to Cornwall, NY. The Black Rock Forest is where our pack resides. I have a condo in the city, since I don't feel like making the drive back every day after work, I have no clue how my father does it. He just always says it's a deal he made with my mother that he'll always come back home. I arrive at the gates of my family home, I'm met by the huge double gold gate that is adorned with two lion heads on each side. I approached the guard shack, and gave the guard a quick nod as he signaled for the gate to be opened for me. I drove slowly up the long driveway. This was one of the features I liked about this home. It was a long driveway that took you deep into the property. You would be able to see anyone coming and prepare if needed. I passed a couple of homes that are on the property for the staff and the warriors who protect the compound. I drive a bit deeper and arrive at the round about that sits in front of the massive estate. I see a 911 GTS RS Porsche parked right in the front, letting me know my little brother is here as well. This is definitely going to be an entertaining dinner, I thought to myself, letting out a half laugh.

I make my way to the front door and, before I can reach the door, it is opened. I am greeted by our long-time butler Edmund.

"Good Evening, Master Callan, It's always nice to see you" he said, with a light bow.

I returned his greeting with a big smile as I pat him on the shoulder motioning him to stand, "I've already told you Edmund, Just to call me Callan, we've known each other far too long for the formalities." I stated, laughing.

"I could never, Master Callan, you are still a prince." he states, mater a factly, with a sly grin.

I rolled my eyes at his statement, since that is always his answer. "Yeah I hear ya, but still its just Callan." I stated. He follows up with his mischievous grin "If you follow me, Master Callan, the rest of the family is waiting for you to start dinner. I let out a sigh since there was no winning against this old man. He's been working for the Knoxx family for almost three generations, he was hired on as my grandpa's aide and just stayed with my father when my grandfather was killed during a war against rogues.

We made our way down the long hallway that leads to the dining area. I could hear the giggles of my little sister as we got closer to the double doors. Edmund opened the door, and before I could step all the way into the room I was hit with a small ball of energy that almost knocked me off my feet. "Calley! I've been waiting for you! What took you so long?" I looked down to see two big blue eyes that resembled pools of water piercing into my soul, waiting patiently for an answer. The contrast with her jet black hair really makes her eyes pop. She got that from our mother, we all mainly resemble my father with our black hair and gray eyes, she's the only one that got our mother's eyes. I let out a chuckle as I scooped her up, tossing her into the air as she let out a squeal from the excitement of being tossed up "Sorry Cailean, there was alot of traffic. I rushed here as fast as I could." She stops laughing as she crosses her arms and sports a pout on her face "That's not what you're supposed to call me." she states as she musters the meanest face she can. I let out a laugh. It's adorable to see her try to be mad, since she's too cute for her own good. Cailean is five years old, going on thirty. It sometimes feels by how mature she tries to act. Between her and my little brother there's an eighteen-age gape, we always say this must have been our parents' midlife crisis. But we wouldn't have it any other way, she definitely keeps us all young and on our toes. " I apologize dear Princess Cailey, I won't do it again." I stated as I bowed to her. I look up from my bow, still holding the stance. She looks over and gives me a bit of a side eye as she brainstorms whether to forgive me or not. She sighs "Fine, I'll forgive you just this once, don't let it happen again." she said, wiggling her finger in my direction. "As you command." I said, trying my hardest not to break character.

We were broken out of our back and forth by our mother "Cailean stop bothering your brother and come sit down." with a quick flick of her wrist, motioning to the chair on the side of her.

Cailean's pout returned to her face as she stomped over to her seat next to our mother. My father smothers a laugh, trying not to invoke the wrath of his little princess. From her side, my brother Conry chimes in, "How come you don't greet me like that?" with swiftness she responds with her present attitude on full display "Because you're a stinky face who keeps stealing my snacks!" The table lets out a collective laugh, not expecting the response. Conry is my twenty-three year old brother, he reminds me alot of Malik they both have that carefree air around them. He takes it easy, and he's living his bachelor lifestyle at the moment. He always states that he'll get more serious when I find a wife. I guess that's his idea of a joke, since it's been a waiting game. Conry recovers from the blow and responds back with a smirk, "It's because your snacks always taste way better." she stares daggers at him not accepting this excuse. "Doesn't mean you get to take mine, Daddy says it's always better to ask. Isn't that right Daddy?" She turns those blue eyes on to her next victim knowing, she'll get her way when it comes to the old man. She has him completely wrapped around her finger, which is hilarious. Growing up, me and my brother knew him as the big, powerful Lycan king. And now he's just paddy in his hands. "Of course princess it's the right thing to do before taking anything." he states with a bit of authority, shooting a knowing glare at my bother. Conry lets out a laugh "Okay, okay I get it, I wont do it again." he states, giving Cailean his best puppy dog eyes. She gives him a little eye roll which makes us laugh again because of how cute it was.

My mother clears her throat, drawing our attention to her," So Callan about you taking a chosen mate. I believe I have the perfect person in mind." she states with a big grin on her face. And so it begins, just when I thought this was going to be a peaceful dinner.