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“It’s one of my favorite activities,” I reply with a smile.
“You and I are going to get along just fine. Just so you know, Ethan, I’m stealing her for lunch and shopping very soon. I need to get to know my new sister,” she says, smiling at me. I’m beginning to see the dynamic between the two as Ethan nods his head and rolls his eyes at her.
“So, Ethan, we should probably begin talking about planning the Luna ceremony,” Caroline says. “Since it’s customary for the Alpha’s family to handle all the preparations, I assume you’d like me to take care of the details?”
“That would be great, Mom. That’s okay with you, right, Liv?”
“Um, yeah…of course.” It doesn’t sound like I have much of a choice.
“So, when are we going to look at dresses?” Vanessa asks, eyes dazzling.
“Olivia, I have a good friend here in Pinewood who is a beautiful fashion designer. She’s even done gowns for Lunaceremonies for other packs. If you’re interested, we could set up a meeting with her.”
Okay, I guess we’re jumping right into things. “Yes, sure. I’d love that.”
“Tell us more about how you two met,” Vanessa says.
Oh, no. This is not a story I want to get into right now.
Ethan steps in, seeming to sense my discomfort. “We met at a wedding reception. Olivia was obviously unaware of who I am or anything about me, but we had an instant connection,” he says, looking at me with those steel blue eyes. “Didn’t we, baby?”
“We did,” I say with a smile, getting lost in his eyes.
“Olivia was actually attached to someone at the time, but as you can imagine, my charm eventually won her over, and the asshole didn’t stand a chance against me,” he says with a grin, never taking his eyes off me, as his family laughs. “As you know, it’s been a big adjustment for Olivia. We’ve had challenges, but our feelings for one another have only grown stronger.”
“Absolutely.” I nod with a smile, and he leans over to kiss me softly. He somehow took our dramatic and rocky beginning and turned it into a beautiful story.
“As you know, these are not the circumstances we were expecting when Ethan finally found his mate. You have some challenges ahead of you. However, we want nothing but happiness for the two of you,” Edwin says. “I’d like to propose a toast.” Everyone raises their glasses. “To Ethan and Olivia. May your love bond you as one as you build your life together, raise a family, and lead our pack. Welcome to the family, Olivia. Cheers!”
I breathe a sigh of relief as Ethan squeezes my knee under the table. I’m thankful for the overall family acceptance, but I can’t get rid of the feeling that Caroline doesn’t like me.
“Ethan, I received some information about Olivia’s transition I’d like to go over with you,” Edwin says as we finish dinner.“Could we speak in private in my office for a minute?” He stands from the table.
Ethan looks at his dad with a frown. “Okay.” I get a sinking feeling in my stomach that it isn’t good news. “I’ll be right back.” He kisses me on the cheek before following his dad.
“Olivia, why don’t we sit in the family room and have a little chat while Ethan speaks with his father,” Caroline says, standing from the table.
Here we go. A chat. I knew it was coming. “Sure.” I nod and follow Caroline and Vanessa into a large room with a giant fireplace and tall vaulted ceilings. I feel better knowing Vanessa is coming along. It can’t be that bad if she’s coming too. Right?
“Have a seat, Olivia.” Caroline gestures toward an oversized, plush chair. Vanessa sits in the chair next to mine, folding her legs under her while I focus on sitting straight and poised with my legs crossed.
Caroline sits on the couch across from us. “So, how are you really doing with all this? It’s okay to be honest, Olivia.”
I swallow the lump in my throat as I try to think of the appropriate response. The truth is it’s been the most wonderful and unforgettable week of my life so far, but it’s also been hell at times. “Let me start by saying Ethan is wonderful. I’ll be honest, though, it’s been a challenge. As you know, I didn’t handle things well when I learned the truth about what’s involved in completing the mate bond, and I’m genuinely sorry for any pain I caused. I want a life with Ethan, and I’m doing my best to cope and adapt to what’s expected of me.”
“Thank you for being honest. You do realize your actions caused my son a great deal of distress?” To be blunt, she looks pissed.
I take a deep breath, releasing it slowly. Does she not realize her son’s actions caused me a great deal of distress too? And, what about what happened to me? I was attacked and almostmarked by her deranged nephew. But, can I say this to her? No, of course not. “I do, and I’m so sorry. I was very overwhelmed in the moment.”
“Yes, I can only imagine this has been very shocking, from finding out about us to realizing we want you to become one of us.”
“Yes, it has been.”
“And Olivia, you do understand; we do want you to become one of us. It’s the only way you can be accepted to lead our pack next to Ethan.”
I have a feeling it’s the only way she’ll accept me next to Ethan.
“I do understand,” I say with a nod.
