Sloan's POV
"Maybe we should go here for you father?" My Dad spoke as we walked through the mall. Our pack was big enough to where a mall was necessary. And no matter the time of day it was always filled. Especially now.
"I think Pops wants some fishing stuff," Delany said pointing to Bass Pro. Even though we don't interact with humans, I will say they have some great stores.
"I don't know why he decided to take up that hobby." Dad sighed and we all started headed towards it.
Pops had this weird habit--especially in recent years--where he picks up a random hobby and becomes hyper-fixated on it. But then five months later he is bored with it. But still tried to use the things we bought for him because he felt bad.
"I don't know how every year, you and pops are always late when it comes to shopping for each other." Florence had her arm hooked around my dads and when they were standing this close you could see the resemblance. Delany had her arm wrapped around me. I think she's forgiven me now but doesn't want to admit it.
"It's because we have six fucking kids. That's why."
"You decided to have six kids." Florence poked at my dad's side and he chuckled.
"More like Koa doesn't know how to pull out." All three of us groaned at his admission. That's something no one ever wants to hear about their parents. Never. "Oh come on, don't act like that. I don't say eww when you guys have sex in my house."
Both Florence and I went still, looking at each other as our Dad looked between us with an amused look on his face.
"What! Dad! I don't! I don't have sex!" Delany's voice held so much worry it would have been hilarious if it wasn't for the fact that somehow my dad knows that I have sex in the house. Is this some magical skill parents have?
"Oh, I know you don't. You're my angel." He grabbed Delany by the hand and pulled her into a hug, giving her head a soft kiss. "I'm talking about tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum."
"You're tweedle-dum." I said, "You're tweedle-dee," She also said at the same time.
"The house is soundly proofed is it not?" If it wasn't...I'm going to have to tell Carter. And Carter isn't quiet at all when it comes to sex. You would think the guy isn't mute with how loud he is during sex.
"They are. But that doesn't mean I don't pay attention." I felt my cheeks flare up at the thought. Fuck, I'm going to have to tell Carter. "Don't be embarrassed though. The first time Koa and I ever did anything it was under well, not the best circumstances. You see I was pretty depressed and I thought the best way to make myself feel better was...Koa."
"Wait, what? Why haven't I heard this story before?" I asked, but my Dad just rolled his eyes and told me to shh.
"I don't recommend doing that at all. Looking back it probably wasn't my wisest decision, however, we did get nasty. In his parent's house. And unlike ours, they didn't have sound proofed rooms."
"Oh, come one, Dad. GROSS!" Flo yelled as he moved to cover Denlany's ears but she was laughing hysterically.
"What? I'm just trying to be relatable to you kids!"
"Okay, but you didn't need to tell us that! I bet Grandma and Grandpa were traumatized." Even just thinking about my Grandpa Channing and how he is now, I can't imagine how he'd reacted when he saw them the next day.
"Probably, but they weren't made. Like how I'm not. I just hope for my two girls, you are picking people who deserve to have you." My dad grabbed my sisters by the hand and dragged them further into the store. I stayed a bit behind so I could text Carter. Already miss him like crazy.
And tonight, of course, I was going to show him just how much I was.
"Okay girls, you go looking for things for your father. I will be here with Sloan." The girls nodded and then they were on their. Dad didn't start speaking until they were a distance away, though. He walked beside me and hooked my arm with his. I always thought it was funny the height difference we had.
"You look happy." He patted my forearm as we walked through the aisles. My eyes were dragging over items to see if anything in here would be something Carter would like. Absolutely nothing.
"I am happy. Very happy."
"Carter has been good for you. And you for him. He seems...softer." I hold my tongue so as not to try and get overly defensive. I know he means well, but Carter has always been soft. I didn't make him become it.
"There's a lot more to Carter than you all know." That is all I say. Plus, it helped keep Loren at bay.
"I see. So you two plan on going back to Rena and Danielle's pack?" I looked down at my Dad and of course, disappointment was there. I'd be the first to leave the nest. That can't be easy on him at all.
"Yeah, we love it there. We have our own little house and a fun life. It has space for us to grow into. Plus there are not too many people around so Loren won't get restless."
"If you ever need anything, you call me. And I will be there as soon as possible." My Dad squeezed my hand and his eyes began to water a bit. Which made mine begin to water.
I'd been blessed with an amazing life. Great parents who love each other but also love their children. They'd do anything and everything for them. For me. I didn't realize how much of a blessing that was until recently. But it only excited me more that Carter was officially a part of it. He'd now and forever experience a true, real family.
"I know, Dad." I pulled him into my side and gave him a quick hug. I was going to miss being around them too.
"Now, what are you getting our dear Carter for Christmas? It has to be good, plus you're the first to have a mate for the Holidays so it's a big deal what you get him."
Yeah, just go ahead and add to the pressure. But I had an idea. A big idea but I didn't know if I could pull it off or not. Loren suggested it to me on the last leg of the drive here. When I still hadn't figured out what to get Carter for Christmas. I know little things I wanted to get him, like there's this Cars Lego set that I bought him, and should be delivered to the house soon. And I got him this special edition Lightning McQueen collectible, and it was signed by Owen Wilson.
But Loren said that wasn't enough. And I agreed. That was only one thing Carter liked. If I could I'd buy him the world. I mean we had money...but not that much.
"I had an idea...I just don't know if it's too soon." I bit my lip, nerves rushing through my body. Was I actually about to say this out loud? "I thought I'd propose? I know weddings and marriage aren't exactly a wolf thing. But Carter is special, and I want him to feel special. So even if it's just getting a ring for him I want to."
My Dads face lit up like a fucking Christmas tree. If we weren't in a store I know for a fact he would have screamed with excitement.
"Sloan! That's beautiful! A ring would be a perfect present! We can call Uncle Chris and maybe swing by his shop today."
"Oh, not today. We can't. Carter is with Uncle Ray getting a haircut which means he'll probably go see Uncle Chris too. And in the off chance he does, I don't want to risk him getting suspicious."
This is all true, but what I don't say the other reason is because I already have a ring. I've had a ring...for years. I bought it during the first month of my graze, I saw it and I thought it would be perfect for him. And I the time I was missing him so much I bought it just to ease my ache. Never did I think I'd have the opportunity to give it to him.
It wasn't a traditional band. There was silver edging all around it, but the Jade stone was wrapped around the inside of it. The perfect color green to match his eyes.
"I think the ring is a perfect present. We all love Carter, and I am happy he is officially a part of the family."
Loren gave me a nudge in my mind and I knew what he meant. I needed to talk to my Dad about why they didn't stop and do anything all those years. How much did he know? And how could they let him go home knowing he was a product of a curse?
"Dad...I'm happy to be home. I am. But I can't help but feel some anger towards you and Pops. Carter and I know about that curse bullshit and the whole time...you both knew. And you did nothing to help him." My Dad's face fell, and I was hit with instant regret at seeing him so guilty. But I had to do this. For Carter.
"Did you know? The extent of it? Did you know what was going on?" Goddess, I hope he didn't. If he says anything else, who knows what I'd do?
"We knew of it. But your father and I did not know the extent. We had questions and we thought things but nothing was ever confirmed. Dieter and Crispin didn't like talking about Carter, or their kids in general. And because of that it was a hard topic between us, and caused a riff. But from what you're saying, there must have been more. I'm sorry we didn't see it, and Koa and I live with that guilt every day."
"I was planning on talking to Carter and apologizing for my part. Had I known it was bad, I would've tried harder to have him around and away from them. We love Carter. We always have and always will."
I looked deep into my father's eyes, and I could see he was telling the truth. Just like I knew he would. There was some doubt that my parents knew and they decided to ignore it. But I should have trusted them more.
"I'm sorry for doubting you, I just needed to make sure."
"Don't apologize. You were standing up for your mate. It's what you're supposed to do."
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Okay, guys, kind of a short chapter! But it's okay. I've been giving long ones and this one kind of gave me writer's block...which is how I know unfortunately this book will be ending soon.
Which makes me sad...cause I love them. But that just means once it is done. You can re-read it from the beginning to the end!