An Evening in Italy

DELLA

“We’re in Italy. I thought you might enjoy a little adventure,” he says, his voice laced with a playful tone.

I’m too stunned to respond, my gaze fixed on the breathtaking view before me.

The mirror we’ve just stepped through is tucked away in a vine-covered alleyway. The air is thick and warm, a stark contrast to the chill back home. Below us, a town is nestled into the side of a cliff, its buildings glowing in the soft light of countless candles.

“I… I… How?” I stutter, lost for words. He pulls me into his arms, my back resting against his chest.

“Let’s go, we have a reservation,” he whispers into my ear, offering his arm. I take it without a second thought, and we begin our journey through the cobblestone streets.

As we walk, he points out various landmarks, speaking in fluent Italian. I don’t understand a word, but I’m captivated nonetheless.

We arrive at a quaint stucco building with a red clay roof. The aroma wafting from the restaurant is heavenly. We’re led to a table overlooking the water.

“Look up,” Tenn instructs. I do, and I’m greeted by a pergola adorned with lemons. Real, ripe lemons. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen, even on Pinterest.

“Wha—” I manage to utter, my eyes wide with awe.

“We make our own limoncello,” he says, pulling out my chair. That certainly grabs my attention.

“We?” I question.

“My family. This is our restaurant. We also own a vineyard just outside of town,” he explains, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. I’d be annoyed if he weren’t so adorable.

“Gavin! My boy!” A plump woman with bright green eyes and a warm smile rushes over, enveloping him in a tight hug. “Why have you not been here?!” Her aura radiates hues of white, yellow, and blue.

“I’m sorry, Mama, work has been hectic. But… Mama?

“Always working!” she exclaims. “Working! Working! You never have time for us! Or finding a wife! You are twenty-eight! I want grandbabies! You never even bring home a girl!” she rants, and I struggle to contain my laughter. Gavin looks mortified, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

“Mama,” he pleads. “I want you to meet Della.” He turns to me, a mischievous glint in his eye. Uh oh. I’m now in Mama Tenn’s crosshairs.

“A girl!” she bellows, drawing the attention of the entire restaurant. I stand up and am immediately engulfed in a hug that’s as warm as it is bone-crushing. She steps back, examining me from head to toe. I’ve never met anyone’s parents before, and Mama Tenn’s gaze feels like it can see ~everything~.

“Hello, ma’am,” I greet her, my smile tinged with nervousness.

“Yes, you are perfect for my boy. Good work, son,” she says, beaming. Relief washes over me at her words. “Sit down, my dear. I will get you both food and Gavin’s father,” she decides, leaving us alone.

“You could have warned me I would be meeting your parents!” I whisper across the table.

“Nah, this was too much fun,” he says with a chuckle. “Besides, Mama would have known if you knew. She wouldn’t get a full measure of you.”

“What does that mean?” I ask, my anxiety spiking.

“Don’t worry. Mama always said to surprise a partner with parents so they’re never on their best behavior. They’re just themselves.” He shrugs. It’s not a bad idea, I suppose.

“Okay, that’s fair. I just wish I knew more about them,” I confess.

“Well, it’s just me and my parents. Well…and my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Chances are that they will all know about you by the end of dinner. We’ll be lucky to escape.” His face is relaxed and happy. It’s obvious that this is his home. I’ve never had that, but I’m glad he does.

Mama Tenn returns with two heaping plates of pasta and a tall, thin older man with gray hair and wearing a black apron. He’s carrying wine and bread. The aroma is intoxicating.

“Papa, this is Della,” Gavin introduces me.

I stand up and extend my hand, but he bypasses it, pulling me into a hug and kissing both my cheeks.

“A demon, too, huh?” he inquires.

“Yes, sir,” I respond, smiling.

He nods. “What kind?” he probes.

I feel Gavin tense up beside me, but there’s a pull in my mind.

~Family~.

“I’m a Sin-Eater,” I reveal.

Both Mama and Papa Tenn freeze. Did I say something wrong?

“A Scion? Who is the… divino?” Mama Tenn asks, her voice a strained whisper.

“La Morte,” Gavin answers, a proud smile on his face.

“My boy is protecting you?” Papa Tenn questions.

“Yes, sir,” I reply, smiling warmly at Gavin. He’s done so much for me. Despite our arguments, I now know he’s mine.

“You love my boy. Good. Even if there are others.” Mama Tenn grins in approval.

“Mama!” Gavin protests, his face turning red.

“Yes, ma’am, I do,” I confirm, meeting Gavin’s gaze.

His aura is swirling with shades of pink, white, and yellow, and his eyes are filled with a heat that makes his father cough. I’m guessing he’s a lust demon.

“Good!” Mama Tenn beams. “Now, eat. And you!”—she points at Gavin—“You bring Della and the others to the vineyard soon so everyone can meet them.”

“Yes, Mama,” he agrees.

“Good.” She nods, leaving with Papa Tenn.

We sit back down and start eating. The food is divine. I hum in delight, earning a chuckle from Gavin.

“Quiet, String Bean. Eat,” I scold, not bothering to look up from my plate.

“Mama is going to be thrilled that you’re eating like that.”

“Like what?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious.

“Like you’ve never eaten before,” he teases.

“I may not have. Nothing I’ve eaten before has ever tasted this good,” I admit. “Keep in mind I was homeless for seven years. You don’t get food like this at soup kitchens.” I see red swirling in his aura. “Gavin, it’s okay. I’m fine. There’s nothing that can be done about it now anyway,” I reassure him, reaching for his hand.

He strokes my knuckles with his thumb. “I’m sorry, I just hate that you went through that,” he murmurs.

I shrug. “I’m not a big fan either.” I give him a lopsided smile. “But then you wouldn’t have this ravishing creature in front of you.” I bat my eyelashes at him, making him chuckle, though I can tell he’s still bothered.

“So, did you grow up in Italy?” I ask.

“We moved here when I was ten. Before that, it was a vineyard in BC,” he shares.

“A farm boy in a suit,” I muse, making him laugh.

“I guess so. Yeah.” He chuckles.

“So, what exactly is your doctorate in?” I inquire.

“Anthropology.”

“Very impressive, Doctor Tenn,” I compliment him, his aura bursting with pink and yellow.

“Thank you,” he mumbles into his wine. “So, what did you do before we found you?”

“Odd jobs mostly. I worked at a pub for cash, and I cleaned a gym for lessons. I had a stint as a line cook once, but I got fired because I stole food from the kitchen.” I shrug.

“Lessons for what?”

“Self-defense—and weapons training,” I confess.

“So…wait. Did you actually take Kade down?” he asks, his eyes going wide. “I thought that was just a rumor.”

“Yeah…but honestly, I lost control in that fight. I wasn’t in the right headspace. I regret that I hurt him.”

“I don’t think he holds it against you, hun,” he says with a smirk.

“No, he’s such a softie,” I murmur, a wave of affection washing over me.

“He is with you… I don’t like bringing it up but how are you feeling now?” he asks timidly.

“I’m okay. Honestly, I understand what happened with Isaac. My PTSD made it worse, but I don’t think he meant anything bad,” I explain.

“I’m going to have a talk with him.” He scowls.

“I think he feels bad enough. He’s also going to help me with Scion stuff. His grandma was a consort,” I inform him.

“At least he’s making it up to you. I still don’t like it.” Is he actually pouting? That’s way too cute.

“Well, thanks to him I made it here, and we know that the cupid Raziel is working with ~is~ Caleb.”

“I guess.”

I reach across the table and grip his hand in mine. I need to reassure him. He has absolutely nothing to worry about regarding me and Isaac or his position as one of my consorts. He gently squeezes my fingers back and smiles sweetly at me as we finish our meal.

“You’re going to have to roll me home. That was so good.” I sigh, patting my belly as he laughs.

“Gavin!” a woman calls out.

“Oh, God.” He sighs, but I see his smile widen. “Hey, Vi.”

“Aunt Maria said you brought a girl home, and I said no way! I have to see this for myself!” she chatters. Vi is a tall, thin woman who looks a bit older than me. Her long, dark hair cascades around her shoulders, making her bright blue eyes stand out.

“Della, this is my cousin Violet,” he introduces. She turns to me with a radiant grin and I’m wrapped in another warm hug.

“Ciao, come stai,” she greets me in Italian.

“Hello, it’s really nice to meet you,” I respond.

“What my dear cousin failed to mention is that I’m his favorite cousin. So we’ll be best friends. I can feel it!” She grins. “Also, I love your hair!”

“Okay, Vi, we’re on a date, so go away. We already promised to come by the vineyard another day for a family dinner,” he promises.

“Fine.” She sighs, turning to me. “Remember. Besties,” she says, gesturing between herself and me.

“You got it. See you soon.” I smile.

“Oh, I like her a lot!” she exclaims as she walks away.

“That was my best friend and cousin,” he says with a chuckle as Mama and Papa Tenn return.

“A girl with an appetite! Even better!” Mama Tenn exclaims, her smile wide.

Gavin leaves some money on the table, and we say our goodbyes to his family before heading out.

We stroll through the streets, and he shows me his old school and the places where he and Violet used to get into mischief. Before I know it, we’re back at the mirror.

“Thank you for tonight,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss.

“I’m glad you had a good time,” he replies, returning my kiss with a gentle one of his own. “Did you mean it?” he asks. Seeing my confusion, he clarifies, “What you told my mom?”

“That I love you? I mean… I know it’s soon and we haven’t really—” I start, but he cuts me off with a passionate kiss that leaves me breathless.

“Me too,” he says, resting his forehead against mine. I look into his clear green eyes. “Let’s go home,” he suggests, offering his arm.

“We should probably grab a pizza or something for the others,” I propose.

“Oh, don’t worry. They already had plans. I think it was movies and tacos,” he dismisses as we step through the mirror and back into the asylum.

“You complete dick! That is not how you eat a taco!” I hear Micha shout from the kitchen, making me chuckle.

“It’s my taco! I’ll eat it how I want to!” Sorin retorts. How did I know?

“I can’t keep saying ‘phrasing’ every time you guys talk!” Kade laughs.

“Good to be back?” Tenn asks.

“It is. But we’re not done here.” I smirk, leading him to the chapel. I don’t think I showed them this one on our grand tour.