Page 61 of Forbidden Devotion
“I’m sure.”
“And is he?” Her brows arched.
“Yes, he feels the same way.”
His mother caught his father’s gaze and nodded. He picked up where she’d left off. Their easy unity had always amazed and annoyed Sinclair as it was often utilized against whatever he wanted at the time. They were a united front, impenetrable.
“Son, we can’t ignore the dangers. Your Mitchel is an alpha werewolf of an original bloodline. He’ll want to claim you as his mate. He’ll expect it of you. Such a thing has never been done. How can we ensure your safety?”
“I don’t suppose you can, though that’s one of the questions Mitchel was going to ask Ramsey today. About the claiming bite,” Sinclair explained, then added, shyly, “I want it. I asked him to do it, but he wouldn’t. Not until he’s sure it’s safe.”
“Well, thank goodness one of you has some sense,” his mother joked, lightening the mood. Sinclair was grateful enough to let out a little laugh.
“Sinclair.” With his name spoken inthat tone,his father snuffed the laughter like a candle’s flame. “I agree with your mother. Your happiness is important, but your safety is always our priority. It’s time we revisit the topic of your long-overdue transition.”
Sinclair opened his mouth to protest, but his father stopped him. “I know you don’t want to discuss it, and I know your reasons. Please don’t argue. Just listen. There are only so many threats to your safety you can expect us to live with. You’d be safer with this wolf if you’d allow yourself to be turned. You must find out if he’ll accept you after. You must consider these things. Promise me.”
They had a point. He didn’t want to transition, but if he changed his mind, what would that mean for him and Mitchel? Would Mitchel still love him if he was…dead?
“I promise.”
“We love you, Sinclair,” his mother assured him. “You must bring Mitchel to meet us. We’d like to get to know him if he means so much to you.”
His father bowed his head in agreement.
Sinclair was so relieved he practically leaped at them, embracing them both at once.
“Thank you. You’ll like him, I swear. I’ll bring him over later tonight.”
* * *
Sinclair,reassured that he had his parents’ love, if not their complete approval, hurried to meet Mitchel in the dining hall. He couldn’t wait to tell him that his parents wanted to meet him. Everything had gone better than he’d hoped, and he had a feeling they would all get along well once they got to know each other.
He spotted Mitchel from across the room and repressed the urge to call to him over the crowded space. There was no need, though, because Mitchel saw him too and was waving him over to the table he shared with Nathan, Eleanor, and Charlie.
Sinclair hurried through the crowd to join them. The cafeteria was packed.
“You look happy.” Nathan grinned.
“That’s because I am,” Sinclair agreed and risked a quick kiss to Mitchel’s cheek despite the throng of people.
“Get a room,” Charlie snarled, just like old times.
“Oh, Charlie, don’t be jealous,” Sinclair joked and leaned down to kiss him too.
“Ugh! Gross,” Charlie yelled and wiped away the kiss with the back of his hand.
For fun, Sinclair graced Eleanor with a kiss as well. She smiled.
“Hey, Sinclair,” she greeted him with a fond air kiss in return. “I haven’t seen you since your speech. I have the impression you’ve been…busy.” Her knowing expression caused heat to rush to Sinclair’s cheeks. “You did a wonderful job with your speech. Bravo.”
Sinclair took the seat next to Mitchel. “Thanks, Eleanor.”
“How’d it go with your parents?” Mitchel changed the subject, looking a lot more casual than Sinclair thought he felt. Something was off.
“Good, actually. It went well. I’m grateful. They want to meet you, Mitchel.” Sinclair beamed. “I mean, they’re concerned, of course, and they made some points we should talk about, but they managed to still seem happy for us. How’d it go with Ramsey?”
A shadow swept over Mitchel’s face, and Sinclair realized he hadn’t been so lucky.
