Bombshell

Your mother sat in silence, her expression hard to read.

Lexi had gone pale.

Morgana had a mischievous smile, while Lisbeth sat in stoic observation.

“After having a conversation between the three of us, Morgana, Lisbeth, and I have decided that we would like to add Lexi to the family officially. I thought it would be a good idea to run that information by you instead of just having you find out from someone else. What better time than while we are all gathered here in person to celebrate.”

Your mother looked at Lexi coldly before looking into your blue eyes with concern.

“What does she have over you?” Your mother’s voice was ice, and you caught Lexi flinching beside you.

“Nothing really. I mean I did make a deal with her in order to get help sponsoring Morgana.”

Compared to your mother’s voice, yours was calm and jovial as if telling your mother you were going to be with your aunt romantically was no big deal.

“I warned you, James.” Your mother’s voice was grave. “I told you not to let her lead you by the nose and to be careful. She may be a family friend, but you know what she is. If she’s trapped you in a contract, I can help. I know a good lawyer who could tear it to shreds.”

You put an arm around your small aunt’s shoulders, comforting her as she seemed to shrink more and more.

“That’s not necessary. I agreed to consider Lexi as a potential partner in exchange for her help. Compared to, say, a mother promising her son to a devil, it’s pretty tame if you ask me.”

Now it was your turn to shoot daggers into your mother. You hadn’t intended to lord what you knew over her, but you felt defensive of Lexi. She looked tense and taken aback. It was a face you had not often seen on her before.

“I-I’m sorry, James. I should have told you. At the time, I was ****. Your dad had just left, and we were about to be homeless. When Lexi offered help, I just took it.”

Your mother looked crestfallen.

“These cheeky devils sure do know how to capitalize on desperation, don’t they.” You let out a laugh while squeezing Lexi tighter.

“I’m not upset, Mom. I mean, I was when I first found out. Lexi explained everything to me before I agreed to anything. She even was honest about her motives. It was a bit of a shock. At first, I agreed for Morgana’s sake, but I actually have developed feelings for Lexi. She’s a good woman, a bit underhanded and bratty at times, but that's part of her charms.”

You rubbed Lexi’s head playfully, causing her to blush.

“The truth is that I’m not mad at either of you anymore. If you hadn’t made a deal with Lexi, I would never have met her. I wouldn’t have had all these great memories with her or been able to find my happiness after Stephanie. Honestly, that deal you made all those years ago is the only reason I’m still alive today.”

Tears began to fall down your mother’s face. Lisbeth was quick to hand her a napkin.

You turned to Lexi. She looked up at you with big misty eyes.

“Lexi looked out for me. When I was lonely as a kid, she played with me. When I needed help with a job after my divorce, she helped get me one. When I found Morgana and Lisbeth, Lexi helped me get out of trouble and sponsor them. Regardless of her original motivations, I know that she loves me. I love her too.”

You lifted Lexi’s chin to look right into her eyes.

“I love you, Lexi. Not as my aunt. I love you as the woman you are. I know that sponsoring you means that I’ll be able to have one of my biggest and most loving supporters at my side for the rest of my life.”

You turned to face your mother again.

“That’s why I want your blessing, mom. I want to make sure that you’re going to be okay with it. Lexi did not **** me to do anything. She means a lot to us to the point that Morgana and Lisbeth asked me to let her join first.”

Your mother looked around the table. All eyes were on her except for Lexi’s. Morgana and Lisbeth nodded to your mother, confirming what you said. Lexi was fixated on you as tears poured down her cheeks.

Your mother sighed.

“I guess I knew this could be inevitable.”

She looked at Lexi.

“Lex. You promise me that you’ll be good to him. He’s not some tool for you to use for your schemes. If you can do that, I’ll give my blessing. You’re my friend, but James is always going to be my priority.”

Lexi looked at your mother in bewilderment until resolve finally washed over her face.

“I promise. No matter what this started as, I really do love him.”

The two friends regarded each other for a bit, coming to some unspoken understanding.

“Okay, this is starting to get on my nerves. Can you two kiss already before I change my mind?”

This time it was Morgana who chimed in with a bit of jealousy in her faux annoyance.

You turned again to your aunt…no…to your new partner.

“Lexi, will you let me sponsor you?”

“Yes!”

With that, Lexi practically catapulted her slender body onto you while planting a deep passionate kiss. Her forked tail, arms, and legs all wrapped around you in a tight embrace. The kiss lasted until you both were out of breath.

“That’s going to take some getting used to.” Your mom chuckled awkwardly.