I turn back to look at him. “No matter what happens in there, I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“Thanks, Slater.” I open my door and climb out.
I notice right away that Reid is standing a few feet away from the truck. I glance towards the cozy-looking house. “This is Zane’s family’s house.”
“Yeah.” He falls into step next to me but is careful not to touch me.
“It’s pretty.” He doesn’t say anything as we walk to the front door. “When do I get to meet your family, Slater?”
He glances down at me. “I’ll take you soon.”
The front door opens, and Zane’s dad steps out. “Tessa, Slater, come on in.” I walk past him and into the house. The house is already full, and I feel a little lost.
“You must be Tessa,” a beautiful woman with a kind face says. I nod. “I’m Zane’s mom.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” I put out my hand, but she reaches out and pulls me in for a hug. I tense at first, expecting pain; but there is none. She pulls back and gives me a tender look that so reminds me of my mom, it makes my throat tighten. “We are going to figure this mess out.” There’s a confidence in her voice that makes me feel like everything is going to be okay. She glances over her shoulder and smiles gently. “Slater.” I hear the affection in her voice, but she doesn’t reach out to touch him in any way. “Hang in there; we’ll get this all sorted.” She glances at me with a smile. “Your mate is beautiful.”
“She is.” His words make me feel exactly that. I glance over my shoulder and meet his eyes. There’s a connection between us that needs no words, and I find myself wanting to protect him as much as he wants to protect me. It’s a fierce feeling inside me that almost startles me with its intensity. As I continue to stare at him, his eyes lighten slightly; and I watch in fascination as they almost begin to glow. “Tess,” he says in a low growl. He takes a step forward, but Zane’s dad chooses that moment to call everybody together.
“Let’s eat, and then we’ll get to work.” My stomach suddenly growls, and I realize how hungry I am.
“You must be starving,” I say to Slater. Everybody gathers around, and I take in the occupants in the room. Zane’s parents, Joe-the enforcer, Evie and Zane, Reid, and Quint. Zane’s dad prays for the food, and everybody starts filling their plates.
“You’re having a party without me?”
I turn at the sound of the new voice and see Riley, Zane’s sister, for the first time in person. Even if I hadn’t seen Reid’s photo of her, I would know she was Zane’s sister. They look very similar. “We didn’t invite you because we didn’t want you to eat all the food,” Zane calls out good-naturedly. She just laughs and walks over and hugs him.
“Hey, Evie.” She hugs Evie as well. I look for Reid and notice him standing off to the side. He tries to act casual, but his eyes are glued to Riley. I wonder how in the world nobody else sees it; it’s as clear as day.
“You must be Tessa.” I face Riley, who’s suddenly in my face. “So, you’re the one who’s taken down the mighty Slate.” She grins. “You gotta tell me. Was it his winning personality or the fact that he talks so much?” I laugh and glance at Slater, but he doesn’t seem to mind her insults. She turns serious. “I’m happy for you, Slate.”
“Thanks, Riley.” I notice that he glances over at Reid. It’s quick, but I saw it. I wonder if maybe he does know about Reid and Riley after all.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know you better, Tessa.” She whirls around. “I’m starving.” She elbows Zane in the side. “Save some for the rest of us.” I watch her go and think to myself that Reid really is in trouble for next year. Everybody gets food and starts eating, but I can’t stomach the thought of food right now, even though my stomach is grumbling. Slater must not be able to either because he doesn’t touch the food.
“Tess, come sit,” Evie calls out, patting the seat next to her. I head over to her and take the seat on the couch. “Not able to eat?” she asks softly.
“No.”
She gives me a worried look. “We’ll get it figured out, Tess.”
“I know.”
Zane walks over towards us, but Riley zips in front of him, taking the seat on the other side of Evie. “Sorry, Big Brother; you gotta be faster next time.”
He growls at her, but she just waves him off with a laugh. He ends up sitting on the floor a few feet from the couch. I notice he’s not actually upset, even though he pretends to be. Watching Riley and Zane makes me miss my older brother; we’re a lot like them. I glance around the room for Slate and find him standing against the wall a few feet away. His dark eyes meet mine, but he doesn’t say anything. The conversation’s flowing all around me, and I take it all in. Slater leaves his post and walks over to the front door. I watch him go, wondering what’s going on. When he steps back, a man and woman come in. It doesn’t take me but an instant to figure out who they are; he looks just like a combination of both of them.Slater’s parents.
I stand and walk over to them. Slater turns to the side, and I step up next to him. “Dad and Mom, this is Tessa. Tessa, my parents.”
Three sets of gray eyes focus on me, and it’s almost uncanny. I step forward and put my hand out. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
Slater’s father frowns. “She’s human.” I freeze, my hand still extended.
“Samuel, Jeannie, welcome,” Zane’s dad says, joining us. I slowly lower my hand back to my side.
“Alpha,” Slate’s dad says gruffly and shakes Zane’s dad’s hand.
“Hi, Alpha,” Slater’s mom says quietly.
