Page 180 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

He never used to be a grumpy pants. He must be really stressed right now.

“That’s not funny, Bug. We’ll talk when you get home.”

“Bu—”

“Not up for discussion. I want you both to come to my office the moment you’re home.” Cory hung up and I was left staring at the blank phone again.

“That could have gone better.” Chris sighed, pulling me back to the bed. He kissed my forehead and closed his eyes. After a bit of silence, he opened one eye, and looked at me. “‘Maybeit’s because you get all growly?’ Did you have to say that to the alpha?” he asked.

“He’s my brother and he was being growly,” I defended. Chris shook his head and closed his eye, a whisper of a smile appearing on his face.

“You really are a little warrior, aren’t you?” he asked.

“When it matters.” I shrugged, drawing circles on his shoulder.

“Let’s call my parents, then,” Chris replied a little while later, pulling his phone from his pocket.

He dialed, and I waited with bated breath. Chris had been worried about my family, but I was worried about his. Gabriel and Brenda were nice people, but they were as disciplined as their son.

What would happen if they thought it was inappropriate, too? What if they tried to tell Chris they were disappointed, and then I intervened and they didn’t like me for arguing back? What happened if they thought I was too broken for thei—

“Hi, Mom,” Chris called out when the call picked up.

“Hi, Chris. How’s the job going, son?” Brenda answered.

“Okay. I’ll be home in a few weeks. Is Dad around?” Chris asked, taking my hand in his.

“He’s right here with me.”

“Hey, son,” Gabriel's voice came through the speaker.

“Hi, Dad. I was hoping I could chat with you both?”

“Sure. We’re all ears.”

“So, umm, I…” Chris started.

I didn’t think he thought about how start the conversation, but then Gabriel surprised us both.

“Does this have anything to do with the reason why Luna Celeste and Alpha Markus are here, planning a dinner for a few weeks from now?” Gabriel asked.

Chris’ jaw dropped and I groaned, my face heating up.

“Sorry kids!” I heard Mom from the background.

“It’s your fault, really. You should have told us you were making all of your calls after hanging up with us,” Dad defended.

Chris started chuckling and so did his parents.

“Are you sure you want this, son? Your secrets will never be safe again if you’re related to Luna Celeste.”

“I resent that! They didn’t tell us it was a secret! I can keep a secret! It’s lying that I don’t know how to do!” I could hear the indignation in Mom’s voice, but really, Gabriel had a good point.

“So, you guys are okay with everything?” Chris asked.

“All we’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy, son. As long as you are, we’ll support you,” Gabriel answered.

“What he said,” Brenda answered, happiness clear in her voice.

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