Page 59 of Homecoming

“Uh…” Alana swallows nervously as she searches the throng of people gathered around the lawn. “No. No, I don’t see him. Not here anyway”

“But I’ll know him when I see him, right?” The furrow on Matthew’s brow deepens. “That’s what you said, that I’d know when I saw him.”

“And you will. You’ll definitely know him when you see him.” Alana sighs as she lookshim in the eyes. “Matthew, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I made you come here today and I’m sorry about all of this. And about…” she immediately stops talking as their son, Riley, joins them. “Hey honey. Your dad and I were just trying to find you.”

“Mom, you’re late. Where have you been? Amy’s mom and dad have been waiting to meet you. Come on, I need to introduce you all.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. It was your father’s fault; he couldn’t decide on which shirt to wear.”

“Oh, okay… Hey dad, is this new? I was sure you’d wear your favorite blue going-out shirt. It’s the one you always wear on special occasions.”

“See, what did Isa—”

“Matthew,shh… not now,” Alana laughs and plants a kiss on his cheek. “Let’s just go meet everyone, shall we?”

“Uh… could we make a quick detour? There’s someone I would like you to meet first—it’s Kat, she’s back now.”

“Sure. Why not?” Alana takes a breath and raises her brow. “You’re right, we should get that out of the way, first.”

“Lukas…” Kat shakes her head and sighs. “Lukas, will you stop digging holes in the grass? Digby, will you tell him to stop doing that?”

“Hey son… your momma wants you to stop that now. Can you please listen to what she says?”

“Digby, that’s not what I what I asked you to… Riley, uh hey!” Kat looks up and smiles as Riley approaches, accompanied by a tall man and a pretty blonde-haired woman. The man grins and his mouth drops in a natural reaction as he stares at her.

“Kat, may I introduce you to my parents? This is my mom Alana… and this is—”

“Him with his mouth open, is my husband. Matthew, close your mouth, dear.” Alana sighs as she extends a greeting. “I’ve heard so much about you that I feel like I know you already.”

“Well, let’s hope it was all good?” Kat smiles as she shakes her outstretched hand.

“Some was, some not so,” Alana smirks. “Sorry, that was rude. You’ll learn I’m quite straight-talking—guess that’s the psychologist in me, it makes me direct.”

“Of course. Riley told me told me what you did. Sorry, but can you just excuse meamoment? I have to go get my son from over there and stop him digging up the Forrester’s lawn.”

“Sure.” Alana frowns as she watches Kat stride quickly across the grass.

“Mom, did you have to say that? Please, just be nice to her—she’s my best friendandshe’s just gone through a really tough time.”

“I’m sorry honey, I just… I know, I just… being around wolves always puts me on edge. I promise the rest of the afternoon, I’ll play nice. Really, I’m sorry,” she kisses her son’s cheek and smiles. “Now, are you going to introduce us to the lady we actually came to meet?”

“Sure,” Riley sighs, “come with me.”

“Hey…” Matthew frowns as he holds Alana back. “What was that all about? Why’d you give Kat so much attitude?”

“I didn’t. I just…Grrr. She just… Oh, I don’t know, but there’s something about her that makes my hackles bristle.”

“Makes your hackles bristle? What the hell? Alana, you don’t even know the woman, not really. And you toldmeabout beingjudgytoday?C’mon, she seems nice, and she is strangelyattractive—for a wolf.”

“Oh, you would say that! You were just staring at her tits in that obvious red bra. And I know enough about her from Riley—how she’s played him and lead him on all this time. Hell, did you forget our son nearly lost his life because of that wolf?”

“He didn’t nearly lose his life because of her. He was helping deliver her pups, and she had no idea what would follow. This grudge you have with wolves is that because ofhim?Because of the way he treated you? Alana, this has to stop right now. If you hadn’t noticed, Riley is also marrying a wolf, so we’re going to have to get used to doing this type of co-mingling more often.C’monsexy girl, relax. If you’re really good and play nicely with the other girls, then when we get home I’ll take out my wolf costume and I’ll let you play rough with me.” He grins as he grabs her around the waist. “Oh, and you’re wrong. I wasn’t looking at her tits. I was wondering where I could buy a bra like that for you. I’d love to seeyourtits tucked in red satin like that.Grrr… okay, can we go home now?”

“Matthew, stop it,” Alana giggles with a childish tone. “I’m sorry. I know I wasrudebut I just don’t want anything or anyone to spoil what we have. Our family means the world to me and I can’t imagine how hard it must be for you today. I just never ever thought we’d end up in a situation like this.”

“Why would it be hard for me? The only thing making it hard is if you continue to act like that. Now come on, my son is getting engaged, so let’s go celebrate that. Wow… anyone would think you were a damn she-wolf with that feisty attitude of yours.” He laughs as he smacks Alana across the butt and kisses her neck. “Now get over there and go play doting momma-shifter. Save the wolf for when we get home.”

“Yes sir!”

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