“I had Fate’s sanction. They are my fated ones, and Bram is pregnant with our young. We are a family now.”
“I see. Well, come in.” Stepping back and to the side, he made room for us to enter. “Isn’t Indy the heir for his herd?”
“He is, yes.”
“Decisions will need to be made, but for now, come and have tea. I would like to talk to these males.”
We followed him into the living room and sat in a row on the long sofa. Father took his customary chair across the coffee table from us. Hard wood, upholstered, it looked uncomfortable and in fact was.
His choice.
We spoke awhile, allowing my father to get to know them a bit before he stood abruptly. “Thank you for coming. Now, I’d like to speak with my son.” Turning, he stalked off toward his office without waiting to see if I followed.
Which of course I did, after kissing both my mates and telling them to help themselves to the tea and otherrefreshments sure to be arriving any second. Even if he didn’t like my decision, even if he personally found my mates distasteful, he would have refreshments served.
In his office, Father shut the door to his office and marched to his desk. I’d been in here so many times growing up, and the flutter in my middle that I always had when waiting to hear what I’d done wrong was present.
But, to my amazement, Father said, “Congratulations, Son. I did not see this coming, but your mates seem nice enough.”
My hackles went up. Nice. Enough. But there was no sense in arguing that point.
“I’m not sure what we’ll be doing from here,” I told him, “but I am a little concerned about Bram’s pack.” I filled him in on what I had learned, and he listened. This was his sort of conversation.
“And you’re concerned that they might interfere with your relationship?”
“That they might try. He’s a good omega and he doesn’t see them for what they are. He really sees the best in people.”
“Our laws will apply, and those of Indy’s herd. The omega is no longer on their lands, and I have your back. I am certain any unicorn shimmer would.”
It helped. And he made it clear I could make a decision with my mates about where we went from here. It was shocking because he was always so insistent before. But I wasn’t going to argue. Instead, I stood, thanked him, and accepted the invitation to stay overnight before going to the other herd.
It had already been a long day.
Chapter Twenty-One
Indy
The next day, we had plans to visit my herd. I could barely control my nerves.
My mates sensed my unease. Seth came to me and put his hand in the center of my back. That always grounded me.
“You don’t need to be nervous. Your parents love you.”
“I’m not nervous about being accepted. It’s more about never wanting to let my parents down.”
“How can you be letting them down if you’re with your fated mates?”
“Dad already had three potential omegas picked out for me as perfect mates. He was firm about it. I’m sure he interviewed them and did all the background family tree research. All for nothing. I’ve wasted his time.”
“He’ll be happy for you, won’t he?” Bram asked.
“I guess. They both love me. I’m just jittery. I keep thinking they’re mad because I didn’t answer their texts for so long.”
“You’ve told them we’re coming, and they said yes. That doesn’t sound like they’re mad.” Bram put a hand on my shoulder.
“They won’t be mad. I just don’t like thinking I might let them down.” My dad was an intimidating alpha. Being around him made me revert to about age eleven. “I always wanted to please him.” My mates stared at me. “I came home from school with all As and even shifted with him to graze together at Perish Field. I hated the bitter alfalfa there, but he loved it and I never complained.”
Bram tilted his head at me. “You love him very much, don’t you?”
