by Kasey Belle
“Ours,” her cat echoed.
She shook her head. “Thank you, mate. I’m okay now. I don’t want to leave. I really do want to get to know the people who raised such a wonderful son. I just want them to like me.” Callie’s own parents didn’t like her. They didn’t approve of her. It was what it was. She could and did deal with it. But, she didn’t think she could handle it if Matt’s parents felt the same way.
“They will like you. I promise.” His tone and expression were full of confidence. “Wait here.”
Matt walked around the front of the car and opened her door. He held out his hand to her. “Come on.”
Callie took a deep breath and took his hand.
Matt held her hand as they walked up the sidewalk and climbed the porch steps. Flower beds lined the porch on either side of the steps. They were bare except for a few small bushes, but Callie imagined they were full of flowers come springtime. An iron porch swing hung from the ceiling off to the right near the railing. A comfortable sitting area with large cushioned rocking chair and little tables were to the left.
An evergreen wreath decorated with a bright red and silver bow hung from the front door. Her mother wouldn’t be caught dead with such a simple yet inviting holiday decoration. This was clearly more than a house to display one’s wealth, it was home.
Matt opened the door and walked right on in. Callie wasn’t too proud to admit she hesitated. He noticed and gripped her hand tighter before pulling her along behind him.
“Mom? Dad? We’re here!” Matt called out as he escorted her into the living room.
“My baby!” A woman yelled from somewhere deep inside the house.
Moments later, Matt’s parents came rushing into the room. They each wore a friendly, excited smile.
Matt’s mom was of average height. In other words, about six inches taller than Callie. She had shoulder length honey-brown hair and grey eyes. Matt was a younger slightly shorter version of his father. Stephan Stone was a tall imposing man. He exuded a confidence Callie associated with alphas. You could tell he and Koda were brothers. His hair was dark and eyes blue. Callie figured those were Stone traits as all the men seemed to have them. Stephan smiled at her, tiny lines creased the corners of his eyes. So that was what Matt would look like in thirty years. The universe would get no complaints from her.
“Mom. Dad. This is Calypso Caldwell, my mate. Callie, my parents, Stephan and Diedre Stone.”
“Please don’t hold my real name against me,” Or anything else, she thought. She smiled shyly and felt her cheeks turn pink. Her embarrassment had Matt grinning from ear to ear. Without thinking, Callie punched him in the arm.
Diedre Stone barked a laugh. “Oh, I like you.” The next thing Callie knew she was engulfed in a motherly hug. She stiffened at first, then melted into the older woman’s embrace. As if sensing she hadn’t experienced many of them in her lifetime, Matt’s mom held on a little longer.
Matt winked at Callie when his mother finally let her go.
Stephan Stone stepped forward. Callie thrust out her hand expecting him to shake it, but he batted it away. “I hug daughters.”
She found herself fighting tears as the man wrapped his arms around her. In the blink of an eye she went from stranger to one of them. Callie often wondered what it would have been like to be raised in a loving environment, one full of acceptance and understanding, instead of the judgmental pretentious stifling hell hole she grew up in.
“Come into the kitchen. I just pulled the roast out of the oven.” Diedre laced her arm through Callie’s and led her down the hallway. The delicious smells coming from the kitchen made her stomach growl.
“You have a lovely home,” she said.
“Thank you, sweetheart. I’ll give you the nickel tour after dinner.”
“I would like that. Thank you.”
“Have a seat.” Diedre motioned to the four-person table occupying the breakfast nook in the kitchen. “We don’t usually break out the formal dining room unless we have a large gathering. I prefer something cozy when it’s just our family.”
“Sounds wonderful.” Nobody missed her wistful sigh. They watched her with concern. “Sorry. I just… I didn’t expect you to accept me so easily. You know because of the, um, kids. And I’m a cat.”
“Matty sit with your mate. Give us a minute to get the food on the table then we’ll address that foolish statement you just made, Callie.”
Callie couldn’t help but grin at Diedre’s no-nonsense tone. She had a direct take-no-prisoners attitude that Callie respected.
Matt pulled out her chair and made sure she was seated before taking the one beside her. Matt’s father placed a tossed salad and a bowl of roasted potatoes on the table. Matt’s mother set the roast beside the two dishes. Diedre and Stephan took the chairs across from her and Matt.
“Go ahead and load your plates. You’ll find we don’t stand on ceremony around here, Callie.” Stephan stated. “Your grandparents wanted to come over, but we told them to hold off.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Diedre reached over and patted Callie’s hand. “Don’t worry. Thorne and Maggie are wonderful people. They will love you. It’s just they can be a little overwhelming.
“Gram is all in your face with the affection and hugs.” Matt said with a smile.
“And that’s different from everyone else I’ve met in your family, how?” Callie quipped.
Stephan snickered. “It’s not. We figured their status would make nervous.”
“You’re not wrong.” She shrugged. No use in lying.
“Which leads us back to your earlier statement.”
Callie looked at Matt when he groaned. “Mom’s like a dog with a bone.”
“Hush, you.” Matt’s mother narrowed her eyes at him before turning her attention back to Callie. “We don’t hold your job or what happened to make Emmarie, Lula, and Sage runaway against you. Being a social worker is a tough job.”
“I wanted to keep them together.”
“Of course, you did. Personally, I blame the pack and clowder who turned their backs on those precious angels. May they burn in hell.”
“Mom,” Matt whined. “Callie’s father is alpha of that clowder.
Dierdre harrumphed and gave her son a pointed look. “Then she knows what I’m talking about.”
“She’s right,” Callie told him. “My father burned the bridge when he turned his back on Emmarie, Lula, and Sage because they were hybrids. I don’t want to be a part of a family who would treat innocent children with such disregard.”
Chapter 15
Matt glanced back at his mate as he walked out of the kitchen to join his father. Callie had insisted on helping out with the dishes. Despite his mother’s insistence that she had cleaning up under control, Callie began stacking empty plates and carried them to the sink. Few people had the fortitude to stand up to Diedre Stone. His mother wasn’t one to give in easily, but Callie hadn’t let that deter her. The more his mother protested, the harder Callie ignored her existence and continued to clear the table. It amused the hell out of Matt and his dad. Neither one of them were dumb enough to pull a stunt like that. The kitchen was Deirdre’s self-proclaimed domain. Finally, his mother muttered something about stubborn felines and let it go. Callie preened as if she’d won some great war. It was freaking adorable.
He probably shouldn’t have sprung dinner on her the way he did, but damn it, he was proud that Calypso Caldwell was his. She was the most important person in his life and he wanted his parents to meet her. He meant what he said. He knew they would love her, and he’d been right.
“She’s a keeper, Son.” His father said as he handed Matt a beer.
“Thank goddess. It would suck if she wasn’t. You know, considering she’s my mate and all.”
His dad popped him on the back of the head. “Brat,” he scolded playfully before settling in his recliner. Stephan Stone studied the label on his beer as if it held the secrets of the universe. Matt k
new his dad had something he wanted to say and was doing what he always did, aligning his thoughts and carefully choosing his words before he spoke. Matt knew there was no use rushing the man, so he patiently waited him out while sipping his beer.
“I don’t understand some people,” his father began. “I don’t understand prejudice. I don’t understand turning your back on those that need help. I have met many shifters and humans like Callie’s father, but it never ceases to surprise and sicken me when I encounter another. I hate that she grew up in an environment filled with hate and judgment. I’m sorry she can’t have a relationship with her family like we have with each other.”
“Me too.”
“You make sure she understands she has a family in us. I know she nodded and smiled in all the right places tonight, but I don’t think she truly believes it yet.”
Matt snorted a laugh. “Yeah. She doesn’t.”
“It will take time.” Stephan sighed and stared blankly at the flicker flames in the fireplace. “It’s a wonder she turned out so kind and sweet. From what I gathered when she spoke about her brothers they are just like her parents.”
“Yeah, she mentioned them when we met with Uncle Koda yesterday. She is the exact opposite of her family. Part of me wants to hunt them down and tear them a new one. The other half wants to thank them for being such hateful pricks because if they weren’t I may never have met Callie.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. Fate has a way of making things happen. But, I understand where you’re coming from.” He picked up the remote and turned on the flat screen that hung above the mantel. His dad flipped to the football game but kept the sound low. “If you decide you want to join Koda’s pack, I’ll understand.”
Matt jerked his head around and stared at his father in shock. “What the hell are you talking about? I have no desire to leave Black River. I’m heir to the heir.”
His father snickered. “If you bumped me and your grandfather off, you could have it all,” he teased.
“Don’t think I haven’t considered it.” Matt and his father shared a laugh.
His dad’s expression sobered. “I just figured you might be considering it because of the children. I know you’re rather fond of them.”
Matt was more than fond of them. He loved them. He’d been considering asking Koda to allow him to foster the children. Since the children were under Sanctuary Pack protection, protocol stated Matt would have to seek the alpha’s permission. Uncle or not, Matt would always show respect to Koda’s status. The problem was he didn’t think the state would allow him to take the children on because he was a single man.
“I’m not leaving our pack.”
“Alright.” His father nodded. “If that changes.”
“I’ll let you know, but it won’t.”
Callie and his mother joined them in the living room. His mother sat in her favorite overstuffed chair that sat next to his father’s recliner and curled her feet under her. Callie of course sat next to him on the sofa, but instead of curling up next to him as he wished, she sat poised on the edge. He felt her nervousness, his father did also.
Stephan muted the television and gave Callie his full attention. “Is something wrong, Callie?”
“Yes. Um. No?” Callie cleared her throat. Matt reached over and took her hand in his giving it a gentle squeeze after he linked their fingers together. She visibly relaxed. Matt felt ten feet tall and his wolf strutted knowing their touch immediately calmed his mate.
“Take your time, honey. Whenever you’re ready.” His father was a kind and caring alpha and a strong second-in-command to Black River Pack. He’d make an excellent pack alpha one day. Matt hoped it wasn’t anytime soon because that would mean his grandfather was either too weak and frail to lead or dead.
“I’m not sure who handles membership issues in your pack. Maybe I need to speak with Alpha Stone? If I do that’s fine. I guess.” Callie blew out a breath. “I want to move my affiliation to your pack.”
Matt gasped.
Callie shot him a look that said she didn’t understand why he was so surprised. “I’m not going back to Spokane. You know that, right?” She pointed back and forth between them. “I mean we’re mates, so… duh.”
Matt’s mother snickered and muttered, “I really like her.”
Matt shot his mother a playful glare before turning his attention back to the woman who’d stolen his heart. “I know you weren’t going anywhere without me,” he stated. “I don’t care whether you want to live in Washington or Montana. I just know we’ll be together wherever we are.”
“There’s nothing for me there except a job, but I can find another one of those here. I’m sure I can get a reference from Kevin. I want us to stay here.”
Matt couldn’t help but smile. He’d be lying if he said it hadn’t been his wish all along. However, he would follow his mate anywhere.
“You’re our son’s mate. Which automatically makes you our daughter and therefore pack.”
Callie blinked rapidly. He could tell she was fighting her emotions. “Thank you. I love that.” She sniffed but her smile never wavered. “My father is extremely rigid in his rules of clowder order. He will expect a letter stating I’m now a member of Black River Pack from Alpha Stone. He will also expect you to attach my letter to you requesting permission to join your pack to the correspondence before he will acknowledge the transfer. Although, once he learns my mate is a wolf, he’ll disown me anyway, so protocol is probably moot. Still, I don’t want him causing problems for Black River. He’d probably try to accuse you of kidnapping or something.”
“I’m sorry your father is so hateful, Callie.”
Callie shrugged. “I wish it were different. That my family was different, but it is what it is.” Callie removed her cellphone from her purse and tapped her code. She pulled up an email app. Matt didn’t want her to feel like he was spying over her shoulder and looked away.
“Could I get your email?” she asked his father. Stephan rattled it off as she tapped the keyboard. Then her thumbs flew over the screen. It was impressive.
Matt was an anomaly of his generation. He’d never been able to make his thumbs work efficiently and texted like an old man.
She smiled at them after one final tap on the screen. “I sent my request to your email.”
“Alright. I’ll meet with my father and we’ll handle it first thing in the morning. Unless you prefer to call your father first and give him a heads up.”
“Yeah, no thanks. It may be cowardly of me, but I’d rather put off listening to him rant for as long as possible.”
“It’s never cowardly to protect yourself from hatred.” Stephan Stone stood and held out his open arms. Callie went to him and they hugged. “Welcome to Black River Pack Calypso Caldwell Stone.”
“Not a Stone yet,” she said then giggled.
Stephan cast her a bit of shade. “Soon I hope.”
Matt and his wolf thought. Soon? Yes, please.
Matt loaded the leftovers his mother had packed for them as Callie said a final goodbye to his parents. “Thank you again for dinner. It was wonderful.”
“Anytime, sweetheart.” His mom hugged Callie.
His dad stopped Callie before she climbed into the truck. “Are you sure?”
Matt knew what his father was asking. He didn’t understand how Callie’s father could be so callous and cruel. His father couldn’t either. Black River Pack was a loving environment full of acceptance.
“Yes. Will you let me know once it’s done?”
“Certainly.” His father gave her hug then stepped back allowing Matt to give his tiny mate a hand up into the truck.
“Can I ask you something?” Callie asked as the pulled away from his parent’s house and back onto the road.
“You’re my mate. You can ask me anything.”
“Do you feel a special bond with the children?” Callie cleared her throat. “Not your nieces and nephews, but Emmarie, Lula, and Sage.”
“Since the second I met them.”
His mate nodded at she stared out the window. “Me, too.” Moments passed, and she remained quiet, lost in her thoughts. “I was thinking…” Her words trailed off.
He glanced over at her. Matt didn’t like that her expression was filled with insecurity. “Whatever it is you can tell me. I promise no matter what we’ll figure it out.”
She placed her hand palm side up on the center console. Matt readily took it threading their fingers together. “If you aren’t ready I’ll understand, but…” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I want us to be their family.”
“Who?” Matt thought he knew, but he didn’t want to get his hopes up.
“Emmarie, Lula, and Sage.”
He brought her hand to his mouth and kiss it. “You are so perfect. I’ve been toying with the idea of trying to find a way to foster them. I just didn’t think I’d have a chance.”
“Really?” Callie’s faced brightened with the most beautiful smile making his heart beat double time. “I guess you should show me our home then.”
Hearing Callie refer to the home Matt had constructed with his future mate and family in mind as theirs filled him with unimaginable joy. “I like that better than my home.”
“I like everything better here.”
“It will take us about ten minutes to get there. I live further in, near the lake.”
“You better hurry the hell up and take me home, Matthew Stone. I intend to claim you.”
Chapter 16
They barely made it inside their house before they were on each other. Matt spun Callie around until her back was pressed against the front door. He couldn’t get enough of her taste. He explored the warm recesses of her mouth with his tongue. When the need for oxygen became paramount, he released her lips and trailed his across her jaw then nibbled the skin just below her ear. Her scent was stronger there. “I need to claim you, mate.”