“You stupid boy! Why would we disown you!?” she cried.
My mouth opened, then shut.
“And what are you talking about, that your marriage was fake?” she continued to yell. “I can see the claiming bite right there on your shoulder!”
As she pointed aggressively, I glanced down at the mark. It was visible underneath the collar of my shirt. I assumed Lorenzo had one in the spot where I’d claimed him, too.
“It’s true, we did claim each other,” I explained. “But at the time we had our wedding, we weren’t exactly… together.”
Lorenzo put his hand on my shoulder. “If it’s not clear, we are very much together now. I love Raja, and he loves me.”
My mother’s face changed between relief, confusion and irritation. “I know that, and so does Eka. What we don’t understand is why you’re telling us all of this. Why do you keep saying it was fake?”
“Because itwasfake!” I exclaimed. “I was only marrying Lorenzo to get out of the village!”
Shock crossed their expressions, and I was afraid their opinions would quickly turn sour. But they didn’t yell at us to get out. Still, I braced myself, fearing the worst.
“It’s clear that you love each other,” my father said, gesturing to us with his cane. “And you have claimed one another. On top of that, there is my vision. I know the two of you are fated mates.”
I’d forgotten about my father’s vision - of me and a great silver beast. Lorenzo’s dragon.
“Exactly,” my mother said, nodding. “And what makes you think we would believe a poacher’s words over yours!?”
“Because there was evidence,” I said weakly.
“Evidence can be made up. You could have been joking. Anything could have happened,” my mother snapped, waving her hand. “We would never take the word of a disgusting poacher over the words of our own child!”
My cheeks flushed. Suddenly, I felt sheepish and stupid for making a big deal of what turned out to be nothing.
“So, let me get this straight,” I said. “You don’tcarethat Lorenzo and I’s marriage was fake?”
My parents exchanged a glance. Then, my mother asked, “Did you do all of this so that we would throw you another wedding ceremony?”
“What? No!” I cried.
Lorenzo laughed. I was gladhewas having fun, at least.
“All of this aside, Raja, there is still something I want to know,” my father said seriously. “Your scent is different, and it is not just from staying with Skrofa clan overnight… Tell me the truth about it.”
“Oh. That.” I glanced at Lorenzo for support. He nodded and held my hand. “Um… Well, it’s pretty big news. I’m pregnant.”
My parents gasped. My father dropped his cane.
“Raja, are you serious?” my mother asked, her voice low.
Suddenly, my anxiety returned full force. I couldn’t gauge their reactions. Were they upset? Angry?
“Yes,” I said meekly. “I am serious. And Lorenzo is the father, obviously.”
Lorenzo pulled me closer as we braced for their reply.
Suddenly my mother flew across the table and wrapped her arms around me, practically choking the life out of me with the force of her embrace. “You stupid boy! Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant earlier? I wouldn’t have hit you! I’m sorry!”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s okay, you just hit my arm.”
Soon, my father joined the hug as well. All my fears and anxieties melted away as we embraced in one big, family hug. I’d been so scared to tell my parents the entire truth, and despite all my fears, it had gonesowell. I was relieved beyond explanation.
“How far along are you?” my mother asked with tears in her excited eyes.
