i apologize that the last chapter was a little short, but i didn't want to throw too much in one chapter, and it wasn't flowing right, so i left it as is, and this chapter will be a lot longer. I'm going to try to make my chapters longer from now on but they're will be some updates that might be a little shorter! just all depends on what im writing and how it flows plus my schedules a little crazy as you can tell by my random upload schedule😂

thea's pov

To say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. Today was a whirlwind of events I hadn't expected;

Alessandra and Alexei are mates.

Sebastian and I got into our first fight, and we kind of made up from it.

To make this already crazy day even more daunting, my mate's parents are here.

Having still not quite settled after the massive panic attack I had earlier after I fought with Sebastian, I was more than a little off-kilter. I always was after a major panic attack. Being with Sebastian helped a lot though. He had mentioned a while ago that his parents wanted to meet me, but I had kinda put it out of my mind. So many things had been happening in the short time I'd been rescued. I'd been recovering from my wounds, trying to get my weight back to a healthy number, and getting to know my mate. The last thing on my mind was "meeting the in-laws"

I could feel Sebastian tense at his parent's presence. I know he was still feeling guilty about our fight earlier. And, as upset as I was at Sebastian's actions  I know he hadn't intended to hurt me. We all have our faults, and Sebastian's just happens to be that he's overprotective. It's in his genetics, but with my not so great health and malnourishment, his instincts are in overdrive. It's not easy for a mate to see their other half struggling so much. He takes care of the people in his life, and it was one of the many things I was falling in love with about him. He was a good man, plain and simple.

I was still wrapped around Sebastian, his hands rubbing soothing circles on my back. I think he could tell that I was afraid to turn around, afraid to face his parents. But, I had to face those fears sometimes, and it wasn't really polite to stay wrapped around their son like some freak koala. I wiggled out of Sebastian's hold and turned towards his parents. His Mom was tall, with a lean frame. Her eyes were green like Sebastian, and her hair and complexion were fair. His father, on the other hand, had an olive skin tone, and dark brown eyes and hair. They both wore friendly smiles on their faces, seemingly trying to put me at ease with the situation. Good luck with that.

"H-H-hello Alpha. Luna. I-it-t's nice to m-meet you. I ap-pologize it's taken so long." I cursed myself once again at my stuttering voice, wishing I could speak normally to more people than just Sebastian.

"Oh please, call us Mom and Dad if you're comfortable with it. I'm so excited to have a daughter!" His Mother moved only a bit closer to me, visibly restraining herself from hugging me.

"No need to worry sweetheart, you've had other things to focus on. You look quite familiar though, what's your name again?" Sebastian tensed at his Father's question.

"Dad..." He began to warn his Father.

"It's O-o-K Sebastian, he's just curious." I reassured my protective mate, and returned my glance to his Father, "My name is A-Anthea Brehon, b-but I go by Thea. Sebastian m-m-mentioned you knew of my F-father?" I tried to keep my tone even, not wanting to break down for the second time that day.

His parents both gasped, his Mom's filling with tears. I squirmed, suddenly uncomfortable with all of the attention, and Sebastian being the superman he is, swept in.

"Mom, Dad. I know you'd like to ask Thea a dozen questions, but she hasn't eaten dinner yet, and she can't afford to miss meals right now." That snapped them out of their daze, and his Mom immediately jumped into action.

"My Lord, Sebastian, have I taught you nothing? For gosh sakes, feed your mate! Come on dear, let's go see what's in the kitchen. You must be starving." I blushed at her concern, Sebastian sighing at his Mother's scolding.

Before we got to the kitchen Sebastian pulled me aside, waving his parents on. "Little One, how are you feeling? I know this is a lot to handle right now, and I'm sorry. Are you OK? You seem OK, but I know you're anxious." His eyes were worried, and my heart melted once again. This man was a gem.

"I-I'm... I don't r-really know. Y-your parents seem very n-ice, it's just a-alot to h-handle. Don't worry though. I'm alright." He smiled, kissing me on the forehead, and I followed him into the kitchen.

*

Getting to know Sebastian's parents were fun. His Mother, Bethany was a bit hot-headed, while his Father, Kade was a quiet soul with a sharp wit. They were polar opposites, but they fit together perfectly. You could see the love and devotion in their eyes when they looked at each other, and the love and affection they had for their son. Even my parents weren't as open with their emotions when I was a child. They were loving, yes, but not as openly affectionate. As daunting as it was, I liked seeing the familial affection and how comfortable they were showing it.

I learned that Kade had relinquished his Alpha position to Sebastian two years ago around his eighteenth birthday, Kade and Bethany were on the older side of werewolves having lived a hundred or so years before having their child, though in appearance they looked around forty. Kade has felt like Sebastian had shown more maturity than most males his age, and that God had given him the ability to lead this pack, and he couldn't see why he should do anything to stop that. Most packs don't change Alpha's unless the former dies. I could see the pride in his parent's eyes, and how fondly they spoke of him. I could feel the respect Sebastian held for them, and the pride he felt by "showing me off" to his parents. It was nice to sit back and watch the Knight's family dynamic and get to know these people who are now my family. They didn't seem to mind my quiet disposition or find it rude that I was more apt to listen. I knew that Al had said that she stayed with Sebastian and his parents a lot when she was younger, so the Alpha pair must understand my idiosyncrasies. Or at least an idea of it. I felt comfortable with them. I still had that slight outsider feeling, but that's to be expected meeting new people. I had never felt so accepted before. I'd always felt like I was completely on the outside in any "group" I had tried to be a part of. My own family was quite distant. My parents worked a lot, and I was an independent child. So seeing this kind of comfortable teasing, and affection was new for me.

The whole time we talked Sebastian kept me in his lap, with his arms rubbing circles on my hips. At first, I was embarrassed to show affection in front of his parents, but I was quickly realizing it was the norm, his parents simply smiled at there sons PDA. They themselves weren't shy in showing their affection for each other, Kade's arms were wrapped around his mate's waist and he often brushed kisses against her cheek. Bethany leaning into him, into his affection.

Sebastian never left my side, constantly checking on me making sure I was OK. I could feel his nerves, he had become well aware of my social anxiety over the weeks, and I knew it worried him. I think the guilt over your partner's worry is something most people with mental illnesses deal with. No one wants to be responsible for their partner's stress. You don't want to feel like a burden, but if the other is willing to take on being with you it shouldn't be an issue for them. They love you, and they can't help but worry for you. It's something  Al and I talked about in the bookstore a couple of weeks ago. I just hope she remembers that now with Alexei and their relationship. It's easy to give advice to others, but it's different when you're thinking about yourself. It's human nature to expect more from yourself, to be harder on yourself. We are often our own worst enemy. Why should we not expect our partners to show concern for us? Regardless of anxiety or mental illnesses. I worry about Sebastian, he runs himself ragged with all the work he takes on. It's just what being in a relationship is like. You worry for one another and care for one another.

I could tell his parents were holding back on their questions, obviously curious about my connection to the slaughtered pack of my Father. Gladly they didn't ask any probing questions. After the day I'd had I don't know if I could handle talking about my family and my kidnapping. There's only so much a girl can handle in one day, ya know?

They left around eleven, only after promising to be back the next day. Bethany was giddy with excitement, constantly squealing about finally having a daughter. Sebastian kept rolling his eyes and feigning offense. After they reluctantly said their goodbyes, Sebastian and I were left alone.

*

After they left, a sort of awkward silence fell over us. Neither of us seemed to know quite what to say. In all the time I'd known Sebastian I'd never seen him as awkward and nervous as he was right now. It was kind of cute.

"I can sleep on the couch if you'd like." I could tell it pained him to ask, and I tried not to melt at the puppy dog look in his eyes. He was being so sweet and considerate, and I know the last thing he wants is to sleep on the couch, he's always wrapped around me with his face in my neck. He was like a literal teddy bear. His pout was adorable.

"I'll let you sleep in our bed..." I smirked at him, "if you'll shift into your wolf." I have no problems sleeping next to him, but I wanted to tease him. Plus, his wolf form was very soft and comforting. Maybe it was the sense of protection he brought, in his wolf form he was even stronger, even more, able to fight off attackers.

He stared completely wide-eyed, shocked that I had made a joke. The longer I stayed with him, and his pack the more comfortable and confident I became. "Little One... I'd do anything to be given the honor of sleeping next to you. Shifting into my wolf, protecting you in my most vicious form? I don't have even a moment of hesitation. For you, I'd do anything. I am a slave to your whims." He smirked at the end, and I knew he was trying to downplay the seriousness of his words. He was a poet, my Sebastian, and he had the power to slay me with them.

"Then chop-chop w-wolfie." I faltered a little, but I managed to keep my confident tone, and he smiled widely at me, laughter dancing in his eyes.

"Won't you shift as well, baby?" I hesitated for a moment. I had only shifted a handful of times, and I wasn't anything to look at. I was white and scrawny. I wanted Sebastian to be proud to stand next to me, to be his Luna. He continued to stand silently, letting me think, and then I realized. I pushed away my insecurities and thought about Sebastian. He knew I was a runt. He knew I was weaker, but he found me beautiful not only in spite of but loved me more for it. I have no reason to hide any part of myself from this man.

"O-O-ok." I kept my eyes focused on his adoring glance, and I tried to calm my breathing as I shifted.

*

I heard Sebastian's grasp, and I whimpered.

"Little One...." His voice seemed listless, and he reached down picking me up in his arms. I was the perfect size for him to hold, being I was on the smaller end of the runt spectrum, "You're... There are no words to describe your wolf's beauty. I sometimes think there's no way you can find another way to surprise me, and then you'll do just that."

I nudged his hand with a whine, and he chuckled in understanding. Setting me down, he quickly shifted into his wolf. Picking me up by my scruff, he casually walked into our room, hopping up onto the bed me in tow.

Since we weren't able to use mindlink since we hadn't yet marked each other, we moved in comfortable silence. Sebastian plopping down carelessly onto the bed, nudging me to settle against him. I took my time, finding the most comfortable spot, and he just wolfishly grinned at me and licked my fur once I settled.

As male wolves were apt to do with their mates, his wolf let out a distinct rumble. The rumble was meant to soothe and comfort a mate, while also giving them warmth. I snuggled closer at his affection and drifted off into a dreamless sleep. I was drained from the craziness of the day, and I was quickly being lulled to sleep by my mate's soothing embrace.

*

I awoke to the soft murmurs of my mate;

"Little One..." He gently shook me, "Time to get up sweetheart. My Mom and Dad are here, and Mom made breakfast..." I let out a weak growl, and he laughed heartily "Come on baby. Time to wake up."

Grumpily I complied, opening my eyes. Sebastian had obviously shifted back, now dressed in joggers and a henley that molded to his awe-worthy abs. Lord, it isn't fair how good that man looks.

He walked away laughing at my grumpy face, leaving me to change. I quickly put on the creme sweater and knit leggings he had picked out for me at the store, and after making sure my hair and face were presentable I walked into the kitchen.

I was surprised to see not only Kade and Bethany, but Jace, Acacia, Alexei, and Al. I stopped short, a little overwhelmed, yet again, and Sebastian quickly came and wrapped me in his strong arms. Kissing me softly behind the ear, not saying a word, just giving me encouragement. I tried to pull myself together as best I could and went to greet the gaggle of people in front of me.

"M-M-morning every-yone." Everyone turned at my greeting, and Bethany walked over to me a bright smile on her face. She stopped short in front of me, again seeming like she was restraining herself from hugging me. I felt bad, but I was still overwhelmed, and I wasn't used to the casual way Seb's pack was about touching each other. I appreciated her unspoken understanding.

"Morning Thea! How are you doing? I'm so sorry we barged in on you guys like that, I shouldn't have been so thoughtless of you're feeling about it." Kade walked over as Bethany spoke kissing her on the ear, much like Sebastian had just done to me, and I watched in fascination as Bethany's face lost a little of its tension.

"I-I'm doing O-OK B-Bethany, t-thank you for ask-king. You d-don't need to be sorry. It's a-alright." She smiled softly at me, the pain still in her eyes, but before I could say more she ushered me over the table where everyone was gathered.

"Good Morning Thea." Acacia smiled at me with her sweet smile. She was a lot like me in her manner of speaking. She was just more stilted in the way she talked. The little I'd come to know about her I liked. She felt like a kindred spirit to me. She and Alessandra both.

"M-Morning Ac-cacia. How have you b-been?" Sebastian sat down in the seat next to me and abruptly pulled me onto his lap. I turned to him glaring.

"What?!" He looked at me chagrined, "Jace and Alexei are doing the same thing!" I scoffed at his childishness, noticing for the first time the ever-doting Alpha males holding their mates. It was funny how used to there possessive ways I was becoming.

I ignore him turning to Al and Acacia after greeting Jace, "M-Morning you t-two." I spoke in a bit of a sing-song voice, smirking at Al. Alexei just grinned wolfishly as usual, while Al blushed.

"Good morning little Luna, did you have a restful sleep last night? I know I did." All of the males in the room glared at him, Sebastian letting out a growl. He just haughtily rolled his eyes. All of the girls and I laughing at his antics.

"I don't know about y-you Thea, but my mate snores louder than anything I've ever heard before." Alexei's grin dropped at his mate's quiet lilt, and the look on his face was absolutely comical. Al turned to her mate with a sheepish smile, kissing him below his ear, whispering to him softly.

"It's always the quiet ones." Jace drawled as he let out a laugh, in turn making everyone at the table laugh including Alexei.

Everyone settled down after that, everyone chatting with each other as we ate. Alexei had announced that he was moving in with Alessandra, while Jace was discussing with Sebastian how they could renovate the other half of the Alpha suite to better suit him and Acacia. I sat quietly listening to everyone's conversations and answering the onslaught of questions from Bethany and Kade. I knew they were careful not to ask anything serious, just asking simple get-to-know-you questions.

*

As everyone finished up eating, I turned to Sebastian;

"I want to talk to your Dad about my Father."

*

Duhn. Duhn. Duhn. time to get some plot development in here my friends. what do you think of seb's parents? about there wolves, and all that? about really the book in general lol? any thoughts? thank you all so much for reading and i love you all for the support you've given me! I never thought my book would go this far or reach so many people! I started in November and already by February I've hit 90,000 reads! I can't thank you all enough!

thanks,

-ej