Macon's eyes suddenly flickered to the numerous eyes that were glued to her and Chiss as she was held tightly in his arms.

This wasn't awkward. No not at all.

He steadied her and released her from his grasp.

"You should really watch where you're going." That playful tone was back.

He turned just in time to see a woman barreling towards him.

She appeared slightly older than Chiss, but judging by her reaction, maybe this tall silver haired female was his mother.

His smile was breathtaking and Macon wondered if this was the first true smile she'd seen.

"Chesstain....My son," she squealed giving Macon her answer. "You've been gone far too long."

"I'm home now." He beamed as he looked around the full table.

"Who is this lovely creature?" A slightly younger version of Chiss purred as he neared Macon.

A low growl came from Chiss, and the other male held up his hands in surrender.

"See!" An elated Anders cheered from the table.

Chiss glared at him in warning.

"That is enough boys!" Their mother's tone left no room from objections.

Looking like a scalded pup. The younger male returned to his seat.

Macon only saw two empty seats.

One was next to Anders and the other next to a gorgeous female.

If Macon had to guess she would have placed her around her own age.

Her hair was long and seemed to flow like silk down to her waist.

It was the color of the nights sky. A deep onyx.

Her eyes were the darkest blue.

Macon felt she paled in comparison and ultimately chose the sit next to Anders.

This left Chiss to take the spot next to the young female.

Macon's eyes were glued to the pair as the female's eyes seemed to dance with delight as Chiss pulled out the seat next to her.

He nodded curtly, "Vosi."

A breathtaking smile of sharp teeth took over her face at his acknowledgment.

"Chiss." She did little to hold back her excitement.

And something about this simple interaction set Macon on fire.

She hadn't realized that she'd been digging her own fingernails onto her palms until she felt the burn.

She'd nearly drawn blood.

What was wrong with her?

She cleared her throat and grabbed the fluted glass of breakfast wine.

Chiss had failed to introduce her to anyone at the table.

She caught a few stares as the guests around the table ate and made small talk.

She tried her best to watch Chiss without making it obvious.

How could he behave with this female like this?

He'd been gone for years.

Finally she allowed her eyes to trail up from her plate of food, but when she did she wished she hadn't.

Her eyes found Chiss's lavender ones, and his glare caused a shiver to run through her body.

The female she now knew as Vosi, suddenly placed a hand on Chiss's shoulder braking the connection, and he turned to look at her.

"Ouch!" Anders said mockingly.

"My brother never was one to believe in matings with human females."

Macon's eyes blazed with intensity as she turned to look at Ander's challenging glare.

"It doesn't matter what Chiss thinks about mating with human women. I'm already spoken for." Her tone was clipped and irritated.

She knew that deep down his words had stung.

She just didn't understand why.