Sofia just looked around and he couldn't smell any hint of distress from her. Victoria was at ease and Doc felt fairly normal. He had been on edge for several months and that hadn't really changed.
After a little while, Doc exited off the interstate and headed back into neighborhoods.
Victoria gave him directions and before long he parked in front of a largeish two story tan brick and wood house.
Everyone climbed out and Victoria led them up to the door. She knocked once before opening it and letting them all in.
The door opened into a comfortable looking living area. The two couches were overstuffed and Ed made a mental note to see if they could get something like that for the new cabin. Books lined shelves and a gas fireplace burned near an armchair.
David, Victoria's boyfriend, looked up from the other armchair and grinned. He waved at everyone else, and got up to pull Victoria into an enthusiastic hug. "Hope you don't mind that I came by."
"Of course not, silly." Victoria melted into his arms. "I would have told you if I didn't want you to come by."
Victoria's parents, Jasmine and Xavier, came out of what was probably the kitchen based on the smell of food, big smiles on their faces.
"Hello, everyone," Jasmine said. "Please, come in." She looked at Nikolai. "I don't believe we've met yet. I'm Jasmine, and this is Xavier."
"Nikolai." He took her hand and bowed slightly before shaking Xavier's with the same bowing motion. That charmed her parents.
They all kicked off their shoes and hung coats on the small rack before following Victoria into the kitchen.
"I made lunch for everyone. Donna Schafer and Adriana Sciarra will be here in an hour or so."
Doc twitched at the second name. Ed only noticed because he was watching, but both Sofia and Nikolai glanced at him.
"Someone you know?" Nikolai inquired.
Doc sighed and nodded.
"Is that a problem?"
Doc ran a hand through his hair and cleared his throat. "Pretty sure she thinks I'm dead. It's a long story." He shrugged. "Should be interesting at least."
"Well, who's hungry then?" Jasmine broke the awkward silence. She glanced at him and Allan and smiled. "I don't think I've met a young man who wasn't hungry all the time. Victoria told me none of you really had food restrictions so I hope these are okay?" She gestured to a plate full of roast beef sandwiches.
Allan blushed and nodded. Ed grinned.
Victoria and David grabbed a couple of sandwiches and everyone else but Doc did the same. Nikolai handed Doc his plate as if they were going to share, and they all found places to perch.
"How are you, Sofia? Victoria says you're doing okay, but going through something like that has to be traumatic," Jasmine asked.
Sofia sighed. "Mostly I'm just really pissed off."
Jasmine nodded. "That's understandable. I hope Donna and Adriana can help."
Sofia nodded. "We just want them to leave us alone."
He noted that she left Ash out of it for now, but they all knew that even if the Andersons were willing to back off now that their plan had failed, Sofia and their pack wouldn't until Ash was free.
Sofia wanted him free because she hated to see someone controlled like that. The rest of them had actually started to like the grumpy demon. He tried as hard as he could to help them even though he belonged to the Andersons.
"How is school going, Victoria?" Xavier changed the subject to something easier to talk about.
"It's fine, Dad. I like classes still. Love Sunnyglade. Well, except for the Andersons. They suck. My roommate is pretty cool." She winked at Sofia. "And I like her friends, too. So, I can't really complain."
"David?" Xavier glanced at her boyfriend.
"If my program at UD wasn't one of the best, I'd consider transferring up to Sunnyglade. Classes are going fine, though."
Xavier glanced at Sofia and she shrugged. "Playing catch up, but it's going okay."
"Ed, Allan?" Jasmine encouraged them to join the conversation.
"It's a great school. Still no idea what I'm doing with my life, but I'm definitely learning a lot," He answered.
"Yeah," Allan agreed. "It's been an interesting semester."
Sofia laughed and shook her head at that. "That's one way to put it."
Before they could continue talking about school, the doorbell rang.
Ed jolted, not used to doorbells.
Doc had a hand on Nikolai's arm. He had probably sensed whoever it was approaching the house. The mage had probably never heard a doorbell before.
Jasmine, either pretending she didn't notice, or ignoring the pack's reaction to the doorbell, got up and went into the other room to answer.
David glanced at Victoria. "Take you out to a movie?"
She glanced at Sofia.
"Yeah, go. We'll be fine. Thanks, Victoria."
David held out his hand and pulled Victoria to her feet.
"See you all later," David said. Victoria waved, and they headed out the side door.
He listened to Jasmine talk with Donna and Adriana, though she didn't do much more than greet them before leading them into the kitchen.
He glanced at Doc. The vampire's shoulders were tight and his jaw clenched, though he smelled more resigned than worried. Sofia had retreated to stand between Nikolai and Allan. She glanced at him and Doc, eyes shifting around, clearly upset.
Nikolai looked more curious than anything and Allan had his arm around Sofia but didn't seem too concerned. Ed wasn't quite sure how he felt either. He didn't want people to know he was a werewolf, but at the same time, he didn't think it would be the end of the world, either. He was more worried for Sofia and Doc.
Jasmine entered followed
