“I…” Guilt has me hanging my head. “I just needed a little time to figure things out first.”
Dad grips his forehead. “Unbelievable.”
“Where are they?” Pops’s eyes narrow. “We need to meet them.” Before I can respond, both Pops and Dad push by me. I scramble past them, creating a human shield to prevent them from going any farther.
“I want you to meet them, but first, can you just take a beat?” I extend my hands and arms as far as they will go, blocking their path. “Maybe shake yourself off, chill out? Take a breath?”
“Don’t you dare tell me to chill out, Sabrina.” Mom’s cheeks flush. Although she’s obviously not acknowledging it now, and she has mellowed over the years, I get my ‘act first, ask questions later’ attitude from her. “Bonding isn’t a casual thing. It’s a lifelong commitment.”
“The guys are already nervous enough about meeting you without the four of you charging in like wild animals,” I plead, sick at the thought of what could happen.
“And they damn well should be,” Dad snarls. “They bonded our little girl in what I can only presume was an accident, since you didn’t even tell us you were courting.”
“This is exactly why I didn’t tell you sooner!” I gnash my teeth together. “Regardless of how it happened, they are my pack now. That’s all that matters.”
“And you really think they’re your scent matches?” Pops’s forehead wrinkles. “You’re not just saying that to make us feel better about this?”
“I promise, I’m not.” Frustrated, I grip the back of my neck. “I won’t lie and say it hasn’t been a challenge.” I look down atmy feet. “After we bonded, I got bonding sickness pretty bad because I ran away and freaked out?—”
“You ran…?” Looking completely shocked, Mom puts her hand over her mouth. “Oh, baby.” Her disapproval swiftly turns to care as she draws me in for a hug. “You should have called.” She strokes my hair. “Even when we may not agree with your decisions, you should know that we’ll always be there for you. You didn’t have to go through all of this alone.”
I fight back tears. There’s nothing like a mother’s hug when you’re feeling like shit, and hugging her makes everything feel better as I relax into her arms.
“I know, but I didn’t want you to think I was stupid.” I snivel. “I had to work this out on my own, but I did have the Stellas to help me.”
Mom pulls away from me, cradling my cheek while smiling at me with watery eyes. “I know where you get your independence from.”
Dad still looks unimpressed, worry set in his features. “So Laz knew about this, I assume?”
“Not at first.” I struggle to meet his gaze, ashamed of all the drama I’ve caused. “I forced Faye to keep it from him, but he found out eventually.”
“And he’s met them?” Bug asks. “And they’re still standing?”
“He went mad at first.” I shiver at the memory. “Super mad, but he’s come around, and I think he actually likes them. I hope all of you will too.”
“They have to be pretty special to have caught your eye,” Pops gives me a wink.
“Let us meet them.” Mom wipes her eyes and rolls her shoulders. “You can’t keep us away forever.”
“This way.”
Pulse thundering, I lead them into the kitchen. We haven’t been quiet, so the guys have obviously heard everything. Adler’snerves are practically bubbling over, his hands shaking as he fiddles with his shirt buttons.
However, it’s not Adler or any of the original Strike Pack, that my parents’ attention is drawn to first.
“Drax?” Mom’s eyes fall to my inked Hulk-sized alpha. “What’re you doing here?”
“Hey, Mrs. Maverick.” Drax waves, wearing a sheepish smile. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Oh, and there’s one more thing I forgot to tell you.” I swallow the thorns lining my throat. “Drax presented as an alpha and joined the Strike Pack, so we’re… kinda together now.”
“A late presentation.” Pops scratches his chin. “Now that is unusual. Your father didn’t mention anything to me when I spoke to him on the golf course a few weeks ago.”
“Uh…” Drax scrubs his face. “I may not have gotten around to telling him yet.”
“It seems like not telling parents is what’s in fashion these days,” Dad grumbles.
“Oh, Drax!” Mom dives at him before he can say anymore, giving him a huge hug. “I’m so pleased! You know I’ve always thought of you like another member of the family.” Her eyes mist over. “I always hoped you and Sabs would get together. Everyone saw how you looked at her.”
