Page 36 of Oracle
“You act like we still don't,” his brother joked before winking at me. “I’m sure you’re well aware of his antics.”
“I’m going to help set up tents,” Morgan whispered before running off, but not before I saw her pink cheeks and the shy smile she sent Reagen.
Oh lord, she was crushing on older men.
We waved at her as she disappeared and when she was out of sight, I looked at Caleb. “So, where are we needed right now?”
“Not much is needed until we get all of the tents up,” he responded, running a hand through his golden hair, “Once the main tent in the middle is set, we will get together and begin to discuss strategy. Then over the next few days as more packs arrive, we will reconvene and do a final meeting with all of the alphas.”
“Caleb! I need your help really quick,” a female shifter called out, struggling with the thick material of the tent.
He looked at me questioningly, silently wanting to know if it would bother me, to which I nodded, letting him know I didn’t mind. I loved seeing my men help others, and I was secure enough in our relationships to know they had eyes for no one else.
“Hey, Mom and Dad would love to meet you, if you’re free now?” Reagen asked, his golden eyes shining with glee. “You can come meet us after, bro.”
How could I turn down my mate’s brother when he looked so dang excited for me to meet their family?
I had never formally been introduced to any mate’s family in a manner like this, and it had nervous butterflies dancing in my stomach.
What if they didn’t approve? Would Caleb change his mind about us?
He’s your mate. He isn’t going anywhere, even if Mommy and Daddy dearest for some odd reason don’t like you.
“That sounds like a plan,” Caleb replied with a wide grin before running over to assist the woman.
My anxiety over the situation must have been clear, for Reagen grabbed my hand softly and squeezed. “They are the kindest people. You will fit right in.”
Mind made up, I grinned at him. “All right, let’s go.”
I was meeting the parents…let’s hope I didn’t fuck this up.
As long as they can’t hear my vulgar mind, you’ll be fine.
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
KIRA
The wind blew through my hair, lifting it from my shoulders to trail behind me as we walked through the camp mid-setup. Closing my eyes for a moment, I soaked up the feeling of the brisk air on my face and the sun warming me ever so slightly in the winter chill.
“I’m so glad we get to meet Caleb’s mate,” Reagen gushed, startling me slightly from my daydream. “We just wish it had been under better circumstances.”
Glancing at him out of the corner of my eye, I smiled at the fondness in his voice when he spoke of Caleb. The familial ties in their family must be so strong. My heart sped up at the idea of being a part of it. I could picture the endless laughs and love flowing through the memories we’d make.
And then my bleak reality set in, a harsh reminder I wouldn’t be a part of their family. But I found comfort in knowing that if my mates didn’t stay together as a pack, that Caleb had this strong family unit to support him.
“Me too,” I admit, playing with a strand of my hair a bit to try to hide my somber expression, knowing more than anything that I wish it had been under different circumstances.
My sullen response didn’t pull down his infectious energy, though, and as we approached the back tent, he was practically bouncing on his feet. “Mom and Dad are going to love you, Kira.”
I blushed at the praise, appreciating his faith in me in this moment. Meeting the parents of your mate was certainly intimidating. “I hope so!” I chirped before grabbing the tent flap and pulling it open to duck inside.
Plastering a huge smile on my face as I prepared to see his parents, I faltered in confusion as I glanced around the nearly empty tent. There was one bed roll laid out on the ground and a bag of clothing next to it, but that was it.
Turning back over my shoulder, I began to ask, “Where—” but was quickly cut off as a punch to my temple made me see stars and my control over my body gave out as I crumpled to the ground.
* * *
I wokeup some time later, dazed and confused over what had happened and where I was. It didn’t help that there was a black bag over my eyes when I opened them, providing me zero clues to my second question.
