Page 65 of Broken Souls

“That's great. I'm so happy for the two of you. Now as to why I'm here, I have some news for my family. Do you want to join us for dinner?” Carson says.

“I still haven't met your parents,” I say.

“Wouldn't you prefer meeting them while I'm here?” Carson raises her eyebrows.

“Actually, yes,” I agree. Having Carson there will put me more at ease.

Axe walks into the room and looks surprised to see Carson. She gives him a hug and Timothy greets him with a handshake.

“We're having dinner. How are you and our parents?” Carson asks him.

“Dad's an asshole. Nothing's changed,” Axe says simply.

***

Up until dinner I'm anxious about meeting Axe's parents but Carson assures me the attention will be on her anyway. We are sitting at the table waiting for his parents to get here. Soon enough, they arrive and sit at the table, Axe at the head and Manson at the other end, staring at him. Axe doesn't even introduce me but I don't care. We're here for Carson's news.

“Okay, why don't we eat first and then talk?” Carson suggests.

We all fill up our plates and eat in silence, the only sounds being the forks and knives clinking. I try to ignore the tension. Looking at Axe eating his food with no worry calms me. If he doesn't care, why should I?

“So Timothy and I came here because we have some news,” Carson says clearly once her plate is almost done. All attention turns to her. “I'm pregnant,” she reveals, smiling widely.

“Wow,” Axe murmurs quietly. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Carson smiles.

“We're really happy about this.” Timothy smiles, grabbing Carson's hand.

“I'm going to be a grandmother,” Axe's mother, whose name I've learnt is Mandy, says.

“Dad?” Carson looks at him, waiting for his reaction.

“You have alpha blood in your veins. My grandchild will have alpha blood in its veins, yet you're going to raise your child in some pack where you're just a regular member.” Manson frowns.

“Why do you have to be like this? Timothy is my mate and I go where he goes. I don't care about power. Timothy and my baby are the only things that are important to me.” Carson grabs her belly protectively.

“You have power in this pack. Why won't you use it?”

“What? Like boss people around and use them? I'm living a happy life and starting a family. I don't need all the extra bullshit like you always force on Axel.” Carson pushes out her chair and stands, storming off. Timothy stands immediately and goes after her.

“Manson,” Mandy says gently.

“What? Family is supposed to stick together,” he says firmly.

“You're one to preach,” Axe mutters.

“Excuse me?” Manson frowns deeply.

“You talk about family yet you don't approve of your kids' decisions. You should be proud that Carson has met her mate, built a good life for herself and is starting a family, no matter her location. And me, you don't accept my choice to be with Elora...” Axe's irritated speech is cut short.

“A wolf should only be with its mate,” Manson claims.

“Well, Alina is fucking dead, alright? Do you expect me to be alone for the rest of my life?” Axe violently pushes against the table. That's the first time I've heard him say her name. “Both of you get out of my house.”

Manson makes no choice to move. Axe glares at him and I nervously watch, as does Mandy.

“I want to talk to you alone, Axel,” Manson says.