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The only thing that was missing was my parents.
Virginia rubbed my neck a little harder. “I’m sure your parents will be more open to our connection when the alphas approve.”
“I’m not sure, Ginny bean. They’re stubborn.”
“That makes a lot of sense about you.”
I glanced up at her with a playful grin. “Hey, easy. I might be a strong man, but I still have feelings. Don’t be mean to me or I might cry.”
“Don’t worry. I can always kiss the wounds better.”
She sealed her promise with a kiss to my nose. A chorus of adoring sounds broke out around us, inviting me to growl like an irritated guard dog. Virginia laughed. Isaiah cackled like a dang hyena, and Francine shouted something at the kids about leaving the pigs alone. Chaos would definitely be the vibe tonight—but I had a feeling that would be better than isolation.
I glanced at my phone. It had nearly been fifteen minutes. How long was a deliberation like this supposed to last? Was it better if it was longer?
Sweat coated my upper back. “Maybe I should check.”
She caught my shoulder. “No, let them talk. They probably just need to hash out the details.” She paused for a second while peering over her shoulder. “If we push, they’ll make a decision too soon, and then it might be the wrong decision.”
“Why did you vouch for Fred?”
“He’s helped us. And, well, if we still need to run, his entry into the pack covers the cost of new papers.”
I smiled warmly. “You’re just covering our asses.”
“It was originally for me and the kids, but you’re our family,” she insisted while clasping my hand between hers. “That means we’re not letting you go by yourself.”
Pride poured from my heart like blood from an open wound. Nothing else mattered to me in that moment except the fact that my mate was at my side, and she was supporting me. Even if the pack didn’t approve, even if we had to leave, we’d always have each other.
That was all I needed.
The crowd around us hushed. Behind us, I heard the sound of the cabin door creaking open and then footsteps clomping on the porch. I stood up, smoothed my hair away from my face, and looked up at my alphas. As Virginia joined my side, Troy offered everyone a smile.
He raised his hands. “Friends, I know you’ve gathered here to show your support to Slater and Virginia. It’s moved my heart to see you display such love and care for your own.”
“We thought it would be best for Virginia and Slater to stay apart,” Blake explained, “but seeing you all here makes us realize that they’re much better together.”
A smile cracked my lips.
Blake reflected that smile as he approached Virginia and took her hands. “Forgive me for being selfish and impulsive, Virginia. I shouldn’t have denied your mate bond in the beginning—and I should have done more to protect you. I promise you I won’t make the same mistake again.”
“Alpha, you already apologized,” she whispered through thick tears, “but thank you. A million times, thank you.”
He kissed her hands and held them up.
“The mate bond is approved,” he announced. “May this union bring peace!”
What a riotous sound exploded from our friends and neighbors. People clamored together to congratulate us. Somehow, the twins made it through the chaos to get to us, embracing us hard, jumping for joy about the news. Part of me wondered if Virginia had told them the truth. Did they know I was their father?
But the wonder fell away as the celebration continued. Troy tugged Virginia aside and whispered something into her ear. She tearfully wrapped him in a tight hug which he returned with a happy laugh. Blake watched on and wore a satisfied smile as he witnessed his people celebrating the mate bond’s approval.
I didn’t want to wait another second. Once I got Virginia back, I ushered her and the children into the neutral cabin where we could speak quietly. I sat the twins down and then begged Virginia to get off her damn feet. Everyone settled in despite the joyful racket beyond the door and windows.
I took a deep breath and stared at Virginia for a moment. I hadn’t exactly planned this out. But I knew she could sense my feelings, so I did my best to convey to her quietly what I was going to say.
Her eyes went wide. She covered her mouth. She looked at her kids like they were monstrous nightmares ready to sprout tentacles like in one of those games they played. Understandably, the twins stared back at their mother with matching confusion.
I chuckled nervously and pulled up a chair near the twins. “Listen, your mother and I have something we need to tell you.”
