I turned to see a blond woman with a tray of food headed toward us. Amir took the tray from her when she got closer.
Sloane kissed her omega on the forehead and introduced herself. “Are you getting a goldfish?”
I peered back at the tank. “I’m trying to decide if Felix would eat it if I brought one home.”
“I’m really hoping Felix is your cat and not your roommate,” she said with a grimace.
I burst out laughing. “Yes, my cat. Well, not mine. He’s too powerful to belong to any one person. He’s Starlight Grove’s mayor.”
The two alphas stared at me, clearly trying to figure out if I was joking or not. I just smiled sweetly.
Parisa snorted. “Better not risk the goldfish’s life, especially since they represent rebirth. Might be a bad omen if Felix eats it.” She tookmy hand. “Come over here. I want to introduce you to my family.” She led me over to a picnic table, her alphas following close behind.
“Parisa, azizam, come sit down.” An older woman with curly gray hair held out her hand.
Parisa leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “I want to introduce you to my friend. Lucy, this is my grandma, my Bibi.”
Her grandma’s eyes lit up and she reached out to take my hand, pulling me down to kiss my cheeks. “It is very nice to meet you.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I murmured. This woman radiated warmth and immediately put me at ease.
“And this is my maman, Tara, and my baba, Mahmoud.”
Her mom was stunningly beautiful, with golden skin framed by curly black hair and deep brown eyes. She drew me into a firm hug. “I’ve heard so many good things about you, Lucy, from both of my children.”
My cheeks flushed. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs.Azad.”
She patted me on the cheek. “Call me Tara, please.”
Her husband stood and put his hand over his heart. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
I was surprised to realize Parisa’s family members were all betas. I knew she hadn’t grown up in a pack, but I’d assumed one of her parents was at least an alpha. It was exceptionally rare for an omega to be born to two beta parents.
Amir set the large tray of food in the middle of the table, where there were already several dishes.
“Join us, Lucy,” Tara said.
“Oh, I’ve already eaten.”
She waved off my protest. “Nonsense. You can always eat more.”
“Don’t argue with a Persian mom trying to feed you,” Amir quipped as he took a seat and pulled Parisa down beside him.
I grinned. “Well, if you insist.”
Being around this family felt like a warm hug. They were sweet and affectionate with everyone, including Parisa’s alphas. Her father asked me questions about my shop, and it wasn’t long before he’d setup an appointment to have me make a custom suit for an upcoming event.
“Where’s Leo?” Tara asked.
I forced myself to keep my expression neutral, especially when Parisa’s knowing gaze landed on me. She’d hinted heavily at how great she thought it would be if her brother and I dated, and my omega wholeheartedly agreed. But I’d experienced too much heartbreak to chase after a guy who wasn’t interested, no matter how much I wanted him.
“I texted him where we were,” Amir said. “Maybe he met up with someone.”
A shock of bitter jealousy filtered down my spine. Met up with someone? I shoved a huge bite of chicken in my mouth to hide my reaction.
Bibi tutted and patted my hand. “Do not worry, azizam.”
I raised my eyebrows, waiting for her to clarify her statement, but she just smiled.
