“I’ll be sure to do that.” I cleared my throat. “And maybe you can work on Father while they’re here. It might be good for them to have a change of scenery soon.”
Rainier made a noise, then chuckled. “I’ll be sure to mention it to Alistair. He’s better at things like that than I am.”
“Thanks, Rainier. Enjoy your weekend.”
“You as well.”
We ended the call, and I looked over at Camden again. “How did you know?” It was obvious that he was shocked. “That was maybe two minutes.”
I nodded. “Yes. I know Papochka, and Father is going to do whatever he can to make him happy. Also, it’s been about a year since they’ve visited. We’re not antisocial, but we don’t have to be right down the road from one another either.”
Camden winced. “I’m not ready to call her. I know she’s trying to contact me, but I’m just not ready.”
I tugged Camden over onto my lap and wrapped my arms around his waist. “You don’t have to be. We can let them know after the baby is born, or next year. It’s your call, because she’s your mother.” I kissed my One before running my finger along his cheek. “She’s been talked to. I know that the council sent a pair of enforcers to have a discussion with her and your father. What does that mean for them? Not much. They’re not in trouble, but they were warned that she needed to stop asking for permission to visit Treasure Ridge.”
Camden took a deep breath and let it out slowly before nodding. “I don’t mind seeing her, but I don’t want her staying up here. I know Ma. I love her, but I just don’t want her here. She adds stress. She doesn’t accept my choices, and for the first time in a long time, I’m enjoying life.”
“Then she won’t be here,” I said. “It’s that simple.” And it was. I had inquired about Camden’s parents because as someone in the council’s employ, he was issued a new phone and number. Of course, he could keep his old one if he wished, but Camden had been too happy to leave it off and forget about it. He’d talked to his parents once since he’d arrived, and not since we’d been mated.
There was a knock on the door, and I chuckled. “Are you ready to meet my fathers?” I asked.
“Oh my gosh, you weren’t kidding. Seriously?”
“Father is a warlock. He was able to simply poof them here once they had permission to come to Treasure Ridge. They’ll have made arrangements in Timber Valley, and they’ll visit, but they won’t intrude,” I told him. I stood, taking Camden with me and gently placing him on his feet. I laced our fingers together and pulled him along with me. I winked at my One before I opened the door. Sure enough, there they were. “Hmm,” I said, leaning against the door. “I thought you said tomorrow?”
“Really, Maxwell. Did you honestly think I could wait to meet your One?” Papochka said as he walked into the house. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders but squeaked and quickly let go, abandoning me for Camden once he saw he was standing next to me, just behind the door. “Oh, Maxwell, you two look so stunning together,” Papochka said.
“Hi,” Camden said quietly. I stepped back, letting Father enter, and pulled Camden close to my side. “Camden, my love, these are my fathers, Winston and Lukyan.”
“Och, so formal,” Papochka said.
I shook my head. “I’m only introducing him.”
Papochka reached for Camden but quickly pulled his arms back. “I don’t want to overstep,” he said. “I’m simply excited.”
Camden smiled and pulled from my embrace. “Hugs are good,” he said. That was the end of it, then, because he was quickly wrapped up in Papochka’s arms. He swayed back and forth a few times before he held Camden at arm’s length and looked at him. “You are truly gorgeous,” he said. “Are you enjoying Montana? Maxwell’s been good to you,” he said. “That is no doubt because we raised a gentleman, and he knows how to treat someone.”
Camden laughed. “Yes. He’s amazing. You and your mate did a very good job.”
I glanced at Father as Camden and Papochka walked off toward the back room. I could only watch them go, but I knewthat Camden didn’t feel any sort of stress or pressure. Papochka had that way about him. I was sure it was an omega thing because Camden did the same, as did Owen. And Castiel had mentioned more than once that Garin was able to get patients to open up when he and Pierce couldn’t.
“You’re mated now,” Father said.
I looked over at him and nodded slowly. “It appears so, yes.”
“Most people aren’t ever truly ready for their mate when they appear. I know I wasn’t expecting Lukyan. He was a complete surprise.”
“I was ready for my One, but I wasn’t expecting Camden. His arrival was delayed twice, but he’s finally here, and neither of us could be happier.”
“That’s good to hear,” Father said. “Should we go rescue your One, or do you think he’s all right with Lukyan?”
“Camden can hold his own, and he’ll reach out if he’s uncomfortable,” I said. “But I’d still like to join them. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the two of you.”
Father nodded. “It has. We have been doing quite a bit of traveling lately. Lukyan is getting to where he’d rather spend more time away than at home, which tells me it’s time to look for a new place to spend our retirement.”
I stopped and stared at Father for a moment before nodding. Maybe they would be open to moving closer to the area than I actually thought. Sure, I’d told Rainier to work on Father while they were here, but I hadn’t been completely serious. They were retired, and both seemed to be enjoying it to its fullest. I could understand that. They’d spent a long time doing what the coven needed from them. They’d earned a relaxing retirement.
“So tell me about you,” I heard Papochka say as we joined them. I sat next to Camden and wrapped my arm around his shoulders.
