Chapter １８

Because of the unleveled and rough surface of the earthen route, the vehicle is required to drive at a very slow speed … 15 mph at the most is some of the ‘smoother’ stretches … giving Snow the opportunity to take in and enjoy the serene, woodland scenery. Being on the run the past few days … despite the fact that during that time, she had passed through dozens of different types of environments and landscapes … she never had a chance to take the time out to appreciate the naturalistic, aesthetic qualities that they had to offer; always having to be on the move, in fear of someone coming after her to drag her back home – and, even worse, back to that despicably odious Alpha Michael. This is the first time Snow can leisurely observe her surroundings, and, relish in the view; because, right now, she’s feeling rather relaxed, and at ease … although, truth be told, somewhere in the back of her mind, there is a slight, troublesome sensation of trepidation gnawing away; and, the longer they creep along the dirt ‘road’, the more this gnawing trepidation moves to the forefront of her mind. As beautiful as these woods are; they are isolated … she’s now at the mercy of these Cerberus Pack members, whose territory she has unintentionally encroached upon, driving her to, as far as she knows, the middle of nowhere.

After having travelled about four miles in from the county road; they are now coming up upon the palatial estate; where its layout is more like that of a French chateau style, as opposed to Alpha Jacob’s compound set up. The Sedan drives up a long, gravel surfaced driveway … centered between two alamedas – a tree bordered walk – laid out to run along the length of the driveway on both sides … towards the immensely large, country house; which isn’t as grandiose as the Moonbeam Pack’s mansion, but, is still quite impressive nonetheless.

As the Sedan pulls up in front of the country house, Snow’s attention is drawn to the group hanging out in front; which includes about half a dozen or so, intimidatingly hulking behemoths … whom Snow figures are other Defensive Security Detail members; judging from their size and stature … along with a middle-aged couple. Snow turns to ask Jake who the couple are; but, immediately changes her mind after seeing that he’s intensely focused on the couple … wearing a disconcerted grimace conveying a, not so necessarily angry, but, agitatedly perturbed mood. He gruffly murmurs aloud …

“What are they doing here?”

Charles quickly retorts, with a blasé inflection, “I’m guessing Daniel or Tom.”

Jake hastily exits the car; heading directly over towards the awaiting couple. Curiously puzzled; Snow looks to Charles, gesturing her thumb with a pointing motion at the couple, while wearing a ‘who in the heck are they?’ expression on her face. He mischievously grins; then, teases …

“You’re future in-laws.” He exits the car; leaving Snow by herself, momentarily speechless, with an agape mouth.

Foregoing the pleasantries … again, there are those times Jake doesn’t like to mince words … “Dad; Mom … why are you here?”

His mother, Annette … former Luna of the Cerberus Pack; until Jake’s father, Harold, relinquished his position over to Jake about three years ago … totally ignores his abrasive ‘greeting’, being the loving mother that she is; and, gives him a genteel smile, while speaking in a playfully sarcastic tone …

“And, it’s nice to see you, too.” She continues to smile; as she tenderly places her hand on his cheek.

Instantly remorseful about his brash behavior, he gently takes hold of her hand, and, delivers a tender kiss to it; then, rescinds, “I’m sorry, Mom; of course it’s good to see you. It’s just; I’m surprised to see you two here.”

His father asks; while raising an eyebrow, “Why … aren’t we allowed to come here, anymore?”

“Of course you are, Dad. Like I told Mom, your visit here today is a bit of a surprise that’s all. You two don’t normally come by without calling ahead … just to make sure I’m in.”

As Snow gets out of the vehicle, she instantly catches the discerning eyes of the Alpha’s parents; who look to each other and grin. His father comments; while, ribbing …

“And … you don’t normally bring a mate back home with you.” Both Harold and Annette grin at Jake.

Jake slowly shakes his head; while keeping his eyes looking down. “So, that’s why you’re here; I knew it. … Who told you … Daniel … or, Tom?”

Snow thinks … And; we’re back to the ‘mate’ thing, again. … Oh; and this time, even his parents are on board with it … just great. Then, Snow begins to take a closer look at the couple.

Snow can see the striking resemblance between Jake and his father; although, there are differences, as well. Jake is a few inches taller, and, has a larger, more muscular physique; but, his father is no slouch either, and, has a pretty, well-maintained body for someone his age … which she’s guesstimating to be somewhere in the mid- to upper- fifties. He has salt-and-pepper colored hair; which, she believes means that more than likely, he use to have the same jet black color hair that Jake has. His jawline isn’t as squared off as Jake’s; but, the contours of the shape of his head still gives off a rugged appearance. He has almost the same classical facial features as Jake does; though, his features appear to be a bit softer in their definition than his son’s; so, they’re not as sharp, and don’t ‘pop out’ like Jake’s. And, the biggest contrast in their facial features is that his eyes, in Snow’s opinion, are nice, but, are nowhere as sexy as Jake’s; and, they’re green, not steel gray. His mom is the parent he received his steel gray colored eyes from.

And, when Snow looks at his mom; two words immediately pop out to the forefront of her mind … Audrey Hepburn. She has an elegantly refined look and air about her; while at the same time, Snow can sense from her aura that she also has a spirited whimsical side within her, as well. Like Snow, she has chestnut brown hair … though, hers has streaks of gray hair blended throughout; which, make her look even more elegant and distinguished than she already is … and, her hair is fashionably-styled with a shorter length haircut. Annette is on the petite size in stature … though, still nothing in comparison to Rose’s diminutively petite size … but, she has a curvaceously, feminine physique that’s aesthetically proportioned to her height and frame.

Jake starts to introduce Snow to his parents, “Mom; Dad; this is … “