I eyeball the dishes on the counter. “I take it you’re driving over.”
“Yes; it’s easier than trying to carry everything.” I’m just about to offer to drive her when the front door opens. “There he is.” My father comes into the kitchen a moment later. “What took you so long?” my mom asks.
My father, always good-natured, smiles. “Hello to you too, Love.” She softens, and he hugs and kisses her. I look away, waiting for them to finish.
My father turns to me next. “Hey, Son.”
“Hey, Dad.”
“Help me carry all this food out?”
I nod and pick up a few dishes, and he picks up the remaining two. We carry them outside and load them into their car. Once we’re done, my father folds his hands on the roof of the car. “So, tonight.”
I look across the roof of the car at him. “Tonight.”
He studies me. “I kind of thought you’d already be over there.”
I nod, unsurprised. “I want to be, but I’m trying to give her this time.” Time to shift for the first time, time to run with the pack, time to get used to her wolf...all without having a mate nearby. I know as soon as I show up, everything is going to change.
My father gives me an approving look. “I’m proud of you, Son. Most men wouldn’t be able to do what you’ve done the past three years.”
“And three months,” I add.
He laughs. “Yes, three years and three months. Seriously, I mean that. I don’t think I could have done it; you’re a stronger man than I. I’m glad it’s all finally over, and you don’t have to hide anymore who you are to your mate.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“When will you go over?”
“After the pack run and after she’s had time to party with everyone.”
He takes that in. “There’s only one flaw in your plan.”
“What?”
“If her wolf smells you on your mom or me.”
“Shoot. I didn’t think of that.” I look back at the house. “Do you think you can talk mom into waiting?”
“And live to tell the tale? No. Two things. Your mom hates being late, and she hates not being dependable. She won’t be late, and there’s no way she’s not taking that food.” I run a hand through my hair. “Relax. We’ll keep our distance from Riley. I’ll make sure your mom doesn’t get too close to her. There will be so many people and scents there. Thankfully, she hasn’t clocked yours yet as her mate, so there’s that too.” I take a breath, the panic easing slightly in my chest. It won’t ease completely until I get to the party and lay eyes on Riley and make sure she’s safe.I can’t wait to see her wolf; I’ve been looking forward to this day for years. “All I know is if her wolf starts sniffing all over me, we’re going to have a problem. Your mom is the jealous sort.” He snorts out a laugh, and I just shake my head.
“I think Riley will be able to control her to keep her from doing that,” I say dryly.
My mom comes outside a moment later. “Ready?”
“Yes, my Love,” my dad says, stepping away from the car. He looks up at the sky. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Dear,” my mom says. “Come on; let’s go before we’re late.”
“It’s a beautiful night for change, isn’t it?” My mom stops walking and looks over at him and then over at me. I offer a look of confusion, and she walks over to the car and gets in. My father winks at me over the roof of the car and gives a final wave before climbing in.
I take a step away from the car, but before they can leave, my mom rolls her window down.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“In a little bit. I’m going to walk over.”
She frowns but accepts it. “Okay, don’t be too long.”
