Chapter 31

Carter's POV

'I am regretting this decision.' I signed to Sloan as we slowly got closer and closer to his home.

The original plan was to wait for a few more days, but the way the cards laid it was best to go now. Also, the fact that Dieter and Crispin still hadn't left Rena and Dani's pack yet. The pack wasn't big enough to not see him, and there were still some people there who recognized me and they'd ask questions about my dad and me.

Questions I didn't want to answer.

Thankfully they weren't staying at Sloan and I's house. But some were completely different. Turner was a bit upset we were leaving so soon, but I didn't want to put that pressure on James and Byn and let us stay for days on end.

But I did ask them if they could go to our house and renovate it. Add some extra rooms in the back of the house, and make it Sloan's and I's. Also so we have space to expand...for a family.

It's crazy how I was thinking all of this, and these days it didn't feel or sound so scary. Having a family with Sloan, living with Sloan.

But before we could fully dive into our future, we needed to face our present. And that meant having hard conversations. A lot of them. But I had Sloan by my side, and I knew with him I could conquer anything.

Which is why tonight...I'm going to tell him I love him.

And then, once we are finally settled into our house, and in our new pack...I'm going to propose. Which is another reason why I'm happy to come back, to see Uncle Raymond and Uncle Chris. Uncle Ray may own a barbershop, but Uncle Chris is a jeweler. And I know for a fact he can help me find something really nice for Sloan.

"Don't worry, lightning. I'll make sure we get our alone time." Sloan's hand rested on my thigh and gave it a light squeeze.

He had decided that it should be him who would do all the driving. Which I didn't mind. Not at all. I love being a Passenger princess. Well, I did until I tried to give Sloan Road head and he told me no and he needed to focus.

I didn't talk to him for two hours after that.

Then he pulled over and made it up to me by giving me a side-of-the-road head.

"Also you know it is the holidays, which means grandma and grandpa are going to want us to come over next week for Christmas."

FUCK! Fuckkkkkk!!

'Tatty! FUCK!' I yelled down our bond, and I could feel him jump in surprise.

'What the hell, Carter? I was in the middle of something with Loren.' The way he inflicted his voice made me think he was something really dirty.

'Well put a fucking pin in it. Listen. Christmas is next week. And I don't have shit for Sloan.'

'Fuck! Already? Well, you're already renovating the house and he doesn't know that, and a ring, I think that's enough presents? Right?'

'It's only a Christmas present if I give it to him on Christmas.' I quickly looked over to Sloan who seemed to be focused on the road, but eyes slightly hazy. He must be talking with Loren.

'Okay...you're right. I have an idea. How about you propose on Christmas?'

If I was drinking water I would have spit it out all over the place.

'Theodore. Are you crazy?'

'Full name? Damn...I didn't even think it was that bad of a suggestion.'

'I mean it's not. I plan on doing it just--' I could feel my cheeks heat up at the admission. 'We haven't said I love you yet, and we haven't had sex. We just started fooling around you know?'

'Yeah, unfortunately, I do.' I rolled my eyes at him and sighed. 'Well, you're telling him you love him tonight right? So that's one thing. And Christmas is nine days away which is more than enough time to mate and mark.'

'Yeah but like...is it too soon? Does Sloan even want that?'

My insecurities began to bubble up inside me. Things I had never felt before. I had always been confident in myself when it came to sex, but with a man...with Sloan it's different. Not only physically but emotionally. I loved this man with my whole heart and I want to give myself to him. But was he ready to take that next step with me?

'Trust me. He wants that.'

'Proposing on Christmas in front of his family isn't cheesy?'

'No, it's cheesy as fuck. But, it works for you guys. It works for Sloan. He'd love it.'

Fuck...He's right.

And I guess I'm proposing to Sloan on Christmas.

*****

The rest of the ride was silent. Not awkward, just quiet. Whatever Loren and Sloan talked about kept him thinking. And me personally I was thinking of how in the hell I'm going to plan a proposal on Christmas. I'm going to have to call in reinforcements.

Seconds later, Sloan's childhood home came into view. The beautiful log mansion was now decorated with snow. Uncle Tino put the Christmas lights up and it just added to the appeal of the home.

Also, no one knew we were coming. So I knew the moment we walked in all hell would break loose. Though I didn't mind it. Not at all. I was excited to see UK again, and Ezra. Fuck. I missed my best friend like crazy.

"They are going to freak out," Sloan said as he put the car in park in the long driveway. That was filled with a bunch of other cars. Many of them belonged to his family, but a few were strange to me.

"Sloan." I croak out, my voice shaky with nerves which quickly caught his attention. He turned to me concern in his eyes. "I-I--I'm--there's a lot of people here. A lot of talking." I whispered to him, as my reality started to set in.

I know they know about me using signs, and the hope is that possibly they started learning. And if anything I know I could speak to Ambrose easily. But everyone else...I'd just have to watch and hope they could read my mind.

"I'll be right beside you. The whole time. If you need, mindlink me and I can talk for you." He lifted his hand and cupped my cheek, rubbing his thumb across. "You know I've got you, right?"

Say it, Sloan. Say it.

"I--I'll always be here for you." He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on my lips and I sighed kissing him back. I tried to push my disappointment down. I had a plan and hopefully tonight I'd hear those words that I have been craving to hear.

"We should get inside before they see us sitting here." Sloan pulled away and walked to the back of the car and pulled out our suitcases. I took a deep breath and exited.

The cold air hit my face and an immediate chill went down my body but in the most comforting way. Sloan had both our suitcases and I followed closely beside him as we neared the front door. I grabbed one of the bags in my free hand when he let go of it and opened the door. Didn't knock or anything. He just waltzed right in, with me beside him.

It was loud and voices were yelling over each other. There was way more than just the Mickayas here and that was exciting but also nerve-racking all at the same time. Sloan left our bags by the door and closed it softly, no one noticing us just yet. He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him as we walked toward the living room with all the noise.

From what I could see, it was the Mickaya's, UK's sisters, and Uncle Tinos' friends and siblings as well as their children. Sloan's face lit up at the sight and just seeing him so happy made me incredibly happy.

"Full house for the holidays, huh?" Sloan spoke up, his voice cutting through the noise. Then all eyes were on us. It was quiet for only a moment before it all went to hell.

They all started yelling and were on their feet in no time, walking to Sloan and pulling him for a hug. I stood awkwardly waiting until Ezra came downstairs and saw me.

"Carter, no fucking way!" Ezra ran towards me, his curly hair flopping on his head as he did, and wrapped me in a giant hug.

I returned the gesture and a giant smile covered my face. Goddess, I missed him.

"Don't ever disappear like that again." He said, still holding me close. I patted his back as a way to reassure him. He pulled away but kept his hands resting on my shoulders for a moment longer.

But then a giant hand appeared on Ezra's shoulder and there stood. Uncle Koa and Uncle Tino. They looked between Sloan and me, tears forming in their eyes.

"Boys, I'm so happy to see you." Uncle Tino said pulling both Sloan and me into a group hug. I felt his cheeks start to get wet from tears. "What are you doing here? I didn't know you were coming!" He said in between sobs, still holding us close. It was then that UK walked up behind his mate rubbed his back and pulled him away to let us talk.

'We wanted to spend the Holidays with you.' I signed absentmindedly, but then I remembered and stilled. I felt the smile on my face begin to falter and embarrassment was creeping in. Sloan was holding me by my side within an instant trying to console me.

'That's wonderful, kid. I'm happy.' UK signed before embarrassment consumed me. He signed it so effortlessly too, and I was shocked.

'You learned to sign?' I asked him, my hands shaking with emotion.

'Of course! Ambrose has been teaching us for weeks. Hours on end.' Ezra signed, joining the conversation. My eyes began to prickle with emotion. Was this real?

'Everyone's learned. Koa's parents, my siblings, cousins, everyone.' Uncle Tino signed and then grabbed my hands in his.

"You're important to us, Carter. You're not alone in this family." Uncle Tino pulled me into another crushing hug and I was speechless. How could I have gone all this time thinking that I wasn't loved? When it was right here in front of my face the whole time?

"Let me get your bags. You're staying in Sloan's room right?" Ambrose appeared out of nowhere. Goddess, every time I see this guy he gets bigger and bigger.

"Yes, he is. Thank you, Brose." Sloan smiled at his brother before walking away leaving us.

"Well, shit. That's not weird at all." Ezra chimed in and I laughed lightly. "It's going to be weird having you in the house but you're not in my room." I know he meant it in a completely innocent way, seeing as that's been our routine for years and years. But Sloan...he didn't like it one bit.

He growled deeply and pulled me under his arm. I just stood there letting him. Knowing it was probably a reaction out of us not having marked each other yet. But I plan to rectify that very soon.

"Sloan...chill. I didn't mean it like that and you know it." Ezra flashed his fangs at his brother and I already knew where this was heading. I slyly stepped away as I watched Sloan jump on his brother pushing him on the ground. The two began to wrestle back and forth.

"White people, am I right?" An all too familiar voice spoke behind me and I turned to see Uncle Quinton. Uncle Tino's best friend.

It had been so long since the last time I had seen him, but any time I did, he always found ways to make me laugh. A smile even bigger than before appeared as I wrapped him up in a giant hug.

"You had us worried. But I'm glad you're okay." He whispered in my ear before turning away. Jonah, his mate, appeared beside us, drinking what looked like eggnog.

'What are you doing here?' I asked him. Though I was happy to see him, it had been a long time since I had seen him and usually doesn't spend holidays here.

"Vincent and Veronica missed Valentino. And to be honest, so did I. So Jonah and I packed up the kids and hauled them here."

"I'm sure our kids would love to hear how you are calling them luggage." Jonah chimed in, leaning into his mate.

I swear these two are the most opposite of opposites. Quinton was chill, funny, and just all around a good time. Jonah was a lot more serious and controlled. But they worked together almost perfectly.

"They're ten. They won't remember." I turned to see where the little rascals were, and they were standing by the windows, talking with Sloan's cousins. The last time I saw them, they were five.

"You and Sloan got cozy huh? Yall fucking?" Jonah's eyes went wide and he firmly gripped his arm. Uncle Q...did I mention he was shameless?

"Quinton, you are being inappropriate," Jonah said through gritted teeth but offered me a sympathetic look.

"Oh yeah? I'll show you 'inappropriate'." Quinton gave him mate a wink, and a devious look was on his face. Jonah's face started to heat up from blush and I knew it was my time to make my exit. "Hey, Jonah and I are going to go to the room to uhhh, get something," Quinton yelled to everyone in the living room and everyone smirked.

Jonah's face heated up even more as Quinton dragged him to the opposite side of the house.

"They are so nasty," Ezra said from behind me. He had his glasses on today which made him look even more like Uncle Tino. Though I would say he is a great mix between the two of them.

'Don't even, because the moment you meet your mate you're going to be all her.' I signed and Ezra shrugged.

"Him. All over him." Now this was news to me. Ezra and I spent many years sleeping with girls, more than him. But he never indicated that he was ever attracted to men.

'Him? Is this a new revelation?'

"Yeah, it is actually. It was something I wanted to talk with you about but--anyways. Yeah, I like guys." Ezra's face turned light pink as if this was the first time he was saying it out loud.

'Damn, are all the Mickays kids gay?' I smiled at him and Ezra laughed.

"Nah, not all of us. Ambrose isn't."

'Are you sure?" I asked cautiously, my mind reeling back to how he was talking with Turner.

"Why? What's with the face?"

'Is just that...he was on the phone with Turner and it seemed to me that they were flirting.' Ezra made a confused face and looked over at his brother who was in the corner talking with Eli.

"Puppy dog, Turner? No way. How old is the kid anyways?"

'Turner is seventeen. But his birthday just passed a few weeks ago.' Ezra looked as if he was deeply thinking about it, but then he scoffed and shook it off.

"Ambrose and Puppy dog? No way. His mate is most likely his girlfriend, she turns 18 in six months so it's just a matter of time."

'Girlfriend? What?' I swear Ambrose is the most secretive, and quietest of the Mickayas. No one ever knew anything about the guy. I'm surprised his parents were even able to remember his name.

"Yeah, they've been together since middle school, or so I've been told." I must have made a face that indicated that I was upset with Ezra for not telling me. He quickly put his hands up in surrender and explained himself. "Listen, I just found out myself. He only told us 'cause he wants us all to meet her."

'They've been together for five years and no one has known?'

"No, we just didn't know. But Florence, Delany, and Eli knew. And my parents."

Ezra tried to play it off but I could see that it hurt him. And I knew when I told Sloan it would hurt him too. Maybe Ambrose wasn't secretive, he just didn't tell his older brothers anything. Which was strange because, in my eyes, Ambrose and Ezra are super close. Which makes me wonder why he hasn't told him yet.

'Have you told him you know?'

"No, not yet. I don't want to pester. I mean there's a reason he's not telling me right?" Ezra's face held uncertainty at the question and honestly, I didn't know how to properly give him advice in this.

'I saw talk to him. What if he was just nervous to introduce you? She's important to him, and you are also important to him so maybe he's just afraid of what you'll say.' That seemed to put him at ease and he took a deep breath. His usual smile came back onto his face.

"This is why you can't go AWOL again. You're the only person I can talk to about this." Ezra pulled me into a crushing hug and I returned it. It was ironic how he called Turner puppy dog and yet he acted the same way. He pulled away finally letting me breathe.

'I feel like I should tell you this, Sean won't be around much anymore. He decided to go into the human city.' Ezra's eyes almost popped out of his head, which would be any wolf's reaction to hearing that.

"Wait seriously? Why?"

'Well, I gave up my position, and Sean did too. And a bunch of shit happened and we're cool now. But long story short he thought it'd be best to start over somewhere else.'

"What a damn minute. You gave up your position? And then Sean passed it up? Wait you guys are talking?"

Ezra looked even more confused, and I realized I couldn't just scrap by this. I had to tell him everything. And so I did. I told him everything that's happened in the last few weeks. How Sean and Addi showed up, the curse, Crispin not being my biological father. All of it. And it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I loved Sloan, with everything in me. And I am grateful to have him around and be there. But there's nothing like confiding in your best friend. Ezra listened intently and asked questions when he needed clarification. Ezra was probably the only person whom I'd ever find comfort in outside of Sloan.

"Fuck, Carter. Shit. Are you okay?"

'Yes. I'm good. If it wasn't for Sloan...I don't know what I would have done. But I truly am okay." Those are thoughts I don't like to think too often. If Sloan hadn't shown up and spent all that time with me, I would have done something...terrible.

"Good. You do look happy though. I don't think I've seen you smile this much."

'I don't think I have.' I told him truthfully.

"I hope when I meet my mate, we love each other the way you and Sloan do. Man, if he doesn't chase me across the country then I don't want it."

'You and your mate's story is going to be great. He's going to fall in love with you the moment he lays his eyes on you. Because he will see just how awesome you are. And if he doesn't I'll tell Sloan to beat him up.' I teased.

"I'm sure Sloan would do it without being told anyway."

I couldn't help but have my eyes trail behind him to find my mate. He was talking to animately and still signing at the same time. It was like it was ingrained at this point and it made the need to tell him I love him even more.

"I should get started on dinner! Everyone go relax, dinner will be ready by six. Vin and Victoria, are we cooking together just like old times?" His brother and sister shouted yes immediately and all three of them were off to the kitchen.

I watched everyone start disappearing and going to their respective rooms. Sloan appeared before me and signed a quick 'Are you okay' and I nodded. He grabbed me by the hand and pulled me away from everyone before I could say anything to anyone else.

My stomach swooped as we walked past Ezra's room, and headed to his room. A room I'd only been to once before and even then I didn't go inside it. This time I'd be sleeping in his room.

And doing a whole lot more.

________________________________________________________________________________

LONG CHAPTER

WE LOVE CAMEOS!

If you haven't read Alphas Alpha...number one I don't know how you've read this far without it. But if you have, you already know that Q is shamelessly himself.

And I missed him!

Okay, let's talk. Carter is planning to propose??! AAHHHH who would have thought he'd be the one to ask that?? I'm so excited for these next chapters.