Jamie
“Knock knock. Anyone home?” I walked into my parents’ house, pulling Charlie inside behind me. “I told you I was bringing my mate home today. If you guys aren’t home, I guess we will just leave.”
“Don’t you dare.” My mother came out from the kitchen, oven mitt still on hand. “If you make me wait any longer to meet my son-in-law, I will hunt you down and make you clean my gutters for a year.”
“I already do that.” I shrugged. “So that threat won’t work.”
“Oh, just be quiet and let me meet your mate.” Mom came straight to Charlie and engulfed him in a hug. I knew from experience that those arms offered the warmest, tightest hugs. I was partly jealous that he got one first. “Charlie, right? Jamie hasn’t said much about you besides the basics. You know, that you are the most amazing person he’s ever met, and he can’t believe he’s the goddess’ favored child. But he must be since he’s been bestowed with a mate like you.”
“Mom.” I felt my face heat with embarrassment, but I’d play into the bit with her. After all, she was speaking facts. “Can you stop telling my mate that I totally fan-boyed over him to you? I need to keep my mask up as a big, strong alpha.”
“Too late,” Charlie piped up from the middle of my mother’s never-ending embrace. “You already fan-boyed directly to me the other night. I now see your true identity as a devoted alpha to a fabulous omega. Since I’m the omega in question, I find it acceptable behavior.”
“I like you.” Mom finally let go of Charlie and held him at arm’s length for a proper inspection. “You are exactly the type of mate I always envisioned for my Jamie.”
“Thanks.” Charlie blushed. “I am pretty glad he’s my mate, too.”
“And I always did tell you your mate would be a fox shifter.” Mom lifted her chin in my direction. “We can tell your brothers that I do know right after all, and they should start listening to me about where I think they will find their mates.”
“Okay, psychic mom, let’s get settled in for a visit before we bring those guys into the conversation.” Jamie pointed down at our feet. “We haven’t even taken our shoes off yet.”
“Sorry. I got excited.” Mom shrugged and formally introduced herself to my mate. “My name is Elanore, but you will call me Mom, okay? Take off your shoes and get comfortable on the couch. I will be right back with some snacks and drinks.”
“Is Dad home?” I looked out the window and saw the car parked in the driveway. “The car is here.”
“Yeah, I’ll go tell him to come on out. He’s working on his latest passion project. A new bookcase for the guest bedroom. He wants to make it into an office for me.” Mom walked toward the hallway, the direction of Dad’s workshop in the attached garage. “And your brothers are on their way. They should be here within the hour.”
A loud engine disturbed the silence of the neighborhood, and I shook my head. “Or sooner.”
“I’ll go get your father and the snacks.” Mom continued her way down the hall. “Let your brothers in, will ya?”
“Don’t they have their own keys?” I shouted, but Mom had already entered the garage and ignored my question.
“Ready to meet everyone?” I asked Charlie as he stood looking out the window at the three knuckleheads who were fooling around out on the front lawn. “I promise they only look like idiots; they are successful and kind guys. Until they are all in the same room, they all just act like three college boys doing stupid college boy things.”
“I get it. They are still young. Being several years younger than you, they are still in that playful stage when they get together. You are the oldest and relatively more mature. No judgment from me.” Charlie opened the door and shouted. “You guys gonna play around all day, or are you gonna come meet your new brother-in-law properly? I mean, I’m fine either way, but if you are gonna continue to play around, I might grab a football to throw around too.”
I knew my mate would fit it. I just didn’t know how well until now.
“Yo, bro.” My youngest brother, Daryl, came running up to us. “You finally found someone who doesn’t have a stick stuck up their ass. Nice.”
“Yeah.” The second youngest, Nate, followed. “And he’s a pretty one, too. Much better than any omegas I’ve met. You sure you’re mated?”
“Positive.” I playfully growled. I knew he was just messing with me.
“If my brother ever gives you any trouble, tell us,” the second oldest, Jeremy, offered. “We’ll beat the sense back into him.”
“Thanks for the offer.” Charlie beamed, and I could see my brothers all get trapped under his charm. “Your mom promised snacks. Let’s head on in.”
“Fuck yeah,” Nate hollered and followed my mate inside. “Mom’s cooking is the best. You’ve gotta try it.”
“Congratulations, bro.” Jeremy slapped me on the back. “Looks like you won the lottery with that one.”
“I did, man. I really did.” I followed everyone into the living room, where Mom had displayed a large selection of goodies. There were mini sandwiches, personal pies, sauced-up meatballs, jalapeño jelly spread with crackers, and many others of my favorites waiting for the horde to devour.
“Nice to meet you, Charlie.” My dad greeted my mate as he entered the room. “Welcome to the family.”
As we sat around chatting and finished every single crumb of my mom’s cooking, one thing became clear to me. Charlie was meant to be part of my family.He fits perfectly.
