"Elated. Grateful to you and your kin and the hunters who came to help. I've talked to them about the two huntresses turned who want to work with you. They are eager to meet them. I talked to them about how you were feeling, and they want to meet with you as soon as you're able to. They realize that they won't be going on missions always, but it looks like they're moving out of the border town."
"Why? They haven't been ostracized by the fringe hunters, have they?" She'd been hoping they could have someone to contact in the border towns if they had trouble with the fringe hunters. But now they wouldn't. Though if it were something they truly wanted to do on their own, she would be happy for them. They deserved happiness, like she did, after all they had been through.
"They've had several hunters interested in dating them. League hunters. It's pissed off the fringe hunters."
"Oh." She hadn't expected that, but she was glad for them!
"And there are some vampires, like Colt and Renault and Basil, who are interested in dating them. So that doesn't help their status on the fringe either."
That she hadn't expected either! She smiled. "I'm glad they are seen as valuable additions to our worlds—both in yours and mine."
"Mine is yours as well."
"Are you going to tell Daemon then about what has happened?"
"No. Not until he returns home. He would most likely cut their trip short, not trusting that everything was wrapped up neatly in a bright red bow."
She sighed. She wished Atreides would just get it over with so they could deal with the repercussions, if there were any. "All right. I hope he's not too shocked by all that has happened. You know, he might not like it that a new vampire to the clan has a contract with the hunters to work within the clan."
"If it helps our people, that's all that will matter to Daemon. Oh, it's time to work on the meal."
"What are we having?"
"Grilled steaks. I've got to get them started."
"You? Grill steaks?"
"Colt taught me. It's raining, if you didn't notice, but the grill is under the large patio cover and I want to make this myself."
"Rare for me."
"Are you sure you're coming to the dinner?"
"If you don't cook a rare steak for me, I will be showing you my extended canines."
He smiled. "Rare for you and your parents and sister said medium rare for them. Your brother is coming too. He didn't want to. He was getting so much attention for his injury that he wanted to stay and enjoy it, but your father said this was a family dinner with your new mate, and a celebration for the mission we accomplished."
"Thank you for saving my life, Atreides. I can't remember if I told you that."
"You were pretty out of it, but I love you too."
She smiled. "Okay, I'm going to close my eyes for a little bit longer. But don't you dare let me sleep through dinner."
"All right." But the way he said it made her think that he would do just that if she were sleeping heavily.
She knew he would only have her best interests at heart, but she wanted to be there to celebrate her mating and see just how receptive her parents were toward Atreides. She hoped he charmed them as much as he had won her over.
Rosa said, "You look sleepy. Go to sleep and we'll wake you when everyone is here, and dinner is ready. I'll stay with you just in case you wake and need anything."
"I'll just close my eyes and rest them," Selena said, not intending anything more than that. She was going to dinner no matter what, though she might have to retire early after eating with her family and her mate.
He kissed her and she kissed him back, then closed her eyes and hoped he would wake her and if he didn't, she hoped she wouldn't be too angry with him.
As soon as Selena's family arrived for dinner, Atreides greeted Daniel and Selena’s father and mother for the first time. "How are you doing, Daniel?" Atreides asked.
Daniel smiled. "Really good." Because of the huntresses' interest in a heroic, wounded hero?
“Selena is sleeping, and Rosa is watching over her for now. I'll go check on her." Atreides would have just transported to the room to see if she was awake and wanted to join them for the meal, but her parents and Daniel decided to come with him to see how she was faring for themselves. So far, everything had been cordial between them.
Selena was sound asleep. Atreides had mixed feelings about it. He was glad her injuries weren't keeping her awake, but he knew how much she wanted to be with the family right now.
Rosa stood when they walked into the room and whispered, "She fell asleep right away after you finished talking to her, Atreides. She's worn out."
Her mother kissed Selena's forehead and then her dad kissed her cheek. Daniel squeezed her hand, but no one said anything to her, not wanting to disturb her if she could sleep through Rosa's whispered words.
"Let's eat," her dad said, definitely sounding like he was in charge of the situation.
Atreides was actually glad Selena's dad would do that so that she couldn't argue about it. At least he didn't think she would.
They left the room then and sat down at the dining room table. Atreides felt bad that he hadn't woken Selena, but her parents hadn't wanted her awakened either. But he knew Selena would be upset with him if she missed out on her dinner and attending the family gathering.
"Are you really all right?" Rosa asked Daniel, his arm bandaged up.
"Yeah." He winked at her. "Better than all right."
"So tell us how you met Selena," her dad said to Atreides.
He knew Selena had told them what had happened. Was he trying to get verification that it had all happened that way? He told them all that he had seen, but not about the dance he'd had with Selena. "I was afraid she was after a rogue vampire," he said. "I was afraid she was going to just stir up trouble."
Her dad smiled. "Yeah, that sounds like Selena. Once she has it in mind to do something, nothing will stop her."
That could be a good thing and bad, Atreides was thinking. He just hoped Daemon was as happy about him mating her as Atreides was.
"You're the right man for her," her dad said.
Atreides was relieved her father would feel that way about him. He didn't want to be the wedge between Selena and her family.
"I knew it right away when you took care of her when hunters wouldn't." Her dad gave his son a chastising look, well-deserved, Atreides thought. Her dad also cast a reprimanding look in Rosa's direction. Also deserved.
Though Selena's sister and brother had apologized to her, it still was true. Not only were they hunters who hadn't watched out for her, they were her family, which made their reactions worse.
"Dig in," Atreides said, wanting everyone to enjoy their meal before it got cold.
"I agree with my mate," her mom said.
Atreides had hoped Selena's mother would feel the same way about him as her father did, so this was good tidings.
"We can see how she feels about you. You are perfect for her. How does your brother feel about this union?" Selena’s mother asked.