Emily was quite on the drive over to Carter’s parents’ house, but he didn’t push her to talk. The evening air was crisper as they approached the front door. He reached down and took hold of her hand.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
She grinned at him. “Nervous as hell, but excited too. I’m looking forward to meeting the people who raised you.”
Carter hesitated for a split second before pushing the door open. “It’s a big step, introducing my mate to the family, but I know they’re going to love you.”
In fact, he was sure of it.
Inside, the ambiance was warm, with muted lights casting a golden hue. Emily noticed two figures seated in the living room and they both turned to look at her with expectant gazes.
Carter took a deep breath, “Mom, Dad, this is Emily. My mate.”
His mother, Elaine, was on her feet in an instant, her eyes shining with tears of joy. “Oh, Carter, she’s beautiful,” she whispered, moving quickly to embrace Emily. “Welcome, dear. We’ve waited so long for our boy to find his mate.”
Emily hugged her back. “Thank you, Mrs. Elliot.”
“Please, call me Elaine,” she replied, her voice thick with emotion.
Carter’s father, mirroring his wife’s sentiments, approached with open arms. “Emily,” he said, voice deep and warm. “It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. Our home is your home.”
Emily blinked back tears. “Thank you, sir. It means a lot.”
As they exchanged greetings, a mischievous voice rang out from the hallway, “Well, well, Carter! You’ve been holding out on us!”
Seb sauntered into the room, his grin infectious. “Look who’s brought someone home! And quite the catch, I must say.”
Carter rolled his eyes, but grinned in spite of himself. “Emily, this is Seb. My friend and colleague in the CIA, oh, and self-appointed comedian, of course.”
“And don’t you forget it,” Seb said with a grin.
He winked at Emily, extending his hand. “You know, in the shifter world, it’s a very big deal to be introduced to the family.”
Carter nudged him, “Alright, that’s enough. Let’s not overwhelm Emily on her first visit.”
Emily laughed, Carter had been worried about her reaction, but she appeared to be coping well with the situation. “It’s okay. I’m feeling surprisingly at ease.”
“Well of course you are!” Carter’s mother said. “You’re mates. It’s important to cherish these moments of happiness…especially at a time like this.”
“Don’t worry, Mom,” Carter said. “Megan will be back home safe and sound in no time at all.”
“I hope so,” she said. “I really do. Your sister drives me to distraction sometimes, but I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
It was Emily who stepped forward and pulled Carter’s mother into a comforting hug. “You’ll never have to find out,” she whispered into her ear.
Carter’s heart filled with love and gratitude for his mate’s kindness.
The atmosphere inside was warm, the laughter and conversations a welcome distraction from the looming threats. Yet, as the night wore on, Carter felt the need for some quiet time alone with his mate. He gestured for Emily to follow him outside.
The Colorado sky was a blanket of stars, each one shimmering with promise. Emily stared at them, mesmerized. “It’s so beautiful out here,” she whispered.
Carter nodded, taking a moment to appreciate the vastness. “It reminds me of how small and insignificant we are, no matter how complicated life gets, there’s always something bigger than us, something more important.”
Emily turned to face him, her eyes searching his. “Do you really believe you and your friends will be able to rescue your sister and the others without any trouble? I just…I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Carter nodded. “We’ve been on dozens of similar missions. You always have to expect the unexpected, of course, but I’m confident in our abilities.”
“Then I’m confident in you,” she said, taking his hand. “Holding it together while your sister is in there…I think you’re the strongest person I know.”
