The car's tires crunched over the snow-covered driveway as we approached the grand estate. Tall, ancient trees lined the path, their branches heavy with snow, casting long shadows on the ground.
We stepped out of the car, our breaths visible in the cold air. The front door opened, and there she stood-his grandma. Her presence was commanding, her silver hair pulled back into a tight bun, and her eyes were sharp and assessing like the retired warrior she was.
"Welcome," she said in a firm voice. "I've been expecting you."
Kai stared at her for a moment longer before she grabbed him and pulled him close, pressing him tightly against her body with their cheeks colliding. She then let go of him and pulled his cheeks very hard.
A chuckle escaped my lips, and I covered my mouth with my hand to stifle my laughter.
"Please stop," Kai said softly, but his granny wouldn't stop teasing him until she had successfully dwindled his ego. Then she beckoned to some servants to take our belongings.
"Granny, this is Bella," Kai said, and his grandma pulled me into a brief hug with a smile on her face. "She is my mate. Finn and I, the prophecy was real," he added, and she raised a brow.
"Rune pack princess," she said flatly, and then she turned around. "Settle in and come down for dinner. The family awaits you," she said, and I wondered what she meant by that.
The foyer was grand, with high ceilings and a crystal chandelier that cast a soft glow over the polished wooden floors. Antique furniture, rich with history, lined the walls-a mahogany console table adorned with an ornate mirror, and a grandfather clock ticking softly in the corner.
"Thank you," I said, and Kai grabbed the entire plate, presenting it to me. I took one and stuffed it into my mouth, letting the rich taste waft through my tongue and down my throat.
My heart jumped into my throat as I turned around to see a woman dressed in black with grey hair, staring at me with a straight face. She had an uncanny resemblance to the lady in the frame, who looked like Hazel.
"Sorry... I... I got lost, and I..." I stammered.
"There you are, Bella," Kai said, and the lady moved aside, revealing his worried face. "How did you even get lost?" he asked, and I shrugged.