Avery POV

Kai and I held each other in bed for almost half an hour. We clung to each other, bodies intertwined, as if seeking salvation. The reality of our situation set in—there was no going back for either of us. We had known each other for a week, and now we were a mated pair.

It was madness, and we both knew it. Yet, as we lay there in the aftermath of what we'd become, the outside world seemed distant. We knew the consequences would come soon enough, but for now, we clung to the fleeting quiet.

There was a new connection between us. I could feel his raw and unfiltered emotions. The intensity of his happiness, tangled with fear, surged through me, nearly overwhelming my own thoughts. But in that moment, it was enough to make me feel whole. I imagined his past still clung to him, and while I never saw myself as having a savior complex, I wanted more than anything to free him from its grasp.

I wasn't quite sure how to articulate the whirlwind of thoughts and questions trampling through my mind, relentless and overwhelming. The idea of just going home felt wrong, as if it repulsed my body. It seemed unnatural to leave this newfound sanctuary, but the thought of imposing on him by assuming I could stay gnawed at me.

Sensing my unease, Kai broke the silence again.

"What has you so troubled?"

His voice was like a magic spell, granting me the freedom to share my thoughts. I had been claimed by this alpha, yet I felt freer than I ever had before.

"Well, I was just wondering how we were going to move forward from here. I don't want to leave, but I don't want to impose on you by staying. Either way, I still have to go home to gather my things. I just… don't want to ever leave your side."

"Hmm, I see. Well, I would hate for you to leave my side as well. But I know it isn't that simple; there are a lot of things we need to do before we can settle into a picket fence life together."

A picket fence life, huh? It sounded like he had our next ten years mapped out. A rush of excitement filled me, even as everything spiraled out of control.

"Well, what do you think we should do first, Kai?"

His eyebrows furrowed together, creating adorable little wrinkles that I found oddly comforting. He looked serious, yet I could sense his eagerness bubbling beneath the surface. It wasn't merely about what to do; it was more about what he wanted to do first.

"Well, I need to meet your family. I also think we should make a doctor's appointment. I'm slightly concerned with how soon my rut appeared. Plus, I… came and knotted quite a bit last night without protection. We should just make sure that we're both okay. I'll do whatever you want regarding moving in. More than anything, I just want to be with you, whether it's here or somewhere else."

His words lingered in the air, thick with unspoken truths. The weight of our commitment settled over me like a heavy blanket. Despite the bond we shared, a flicker of doubt twisted in my stomach—he had never met anyone in my family except Micah. They'd think we were moving too fast, and I was slightly nervous.

And then there was the matter of his rut appearing sooner than expected. Even though I wasn't in heat, getting evaluated wouldn't hurt. I'd heard that pheromones can go haywire after mating, and maybe that was why everything felt so intense between us—it was like my body was still trying to catch up with what my heart already knew.

"I think we should meet with my family first. My mom isn't happy with the choices I've made so far. While she and Micah know the gist of everything, she warned me that she'd tell my dad if I didn't do it first. We might not have all the answers to their questions, but it feels better to rip the Band-Aid off sooner rather than later."

Figuring out how to talk to my family filled me with anxiety. Rather than how they would react to me, I was worried about how they would treat Kai. He was already mistreated by those who were supposed to keep him safe, and the thought that he could face further ridicule at the hands of my family made my blood boil. I suppose Micah and maybe even Emette would be able to help coordinate things to a degree… It was worth a try at least.

Kai's expression shifted, the seriousness of my words settling in. I watched as his brow furrowed slightly, his eyes searching mine for reassurance.

"I understand," he said slowly, his voice steady yet soft. "But you're not alone in this. I'll be right by your side, no matter what. You're not just facing this with your family; we're facing it together."

His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace, easing some of the anxiety bubbling in my chest. The thought of introducing him to my family was daunting, but having his support made the prospect feel less intimidating. I nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and nervousness.

"Thanks, Kai. It means a lot to know you're with me," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "I just hope they'll understand."

"Give them time," he said, his gaze unwavering. "They care about you, even if they don't always show it the way we'd like. When they see how much you mean to me, it might change their perspective."

I let out a shaky laugh, imagining my mom's reaction to seeing Kai and me together.

"Yeah, I can already picture her eyebrows shooting up to her hairline."

Kai chuckled, and the sound was a soothing balm against the tension in the air.

"And Micah will probably just smirk at the whole thing," Kai said. "I mean, he did try to get me to go on a date with you before, I imagine after all this blows over there will be a lot of "I told you so" coming from him."

A comfortable silence settled between us, filled with unspoken understanding. I glanced at him, taking in the way the light caught his features, the warmth radiating from his body as I leaned closer.

"We'll take it one step at a time," I said, my voice steadying. "First, we'll meet with my family, and then we'll tackle everything else that comes our way. Together."

"Together," he echoed, his smile genuine and reassuring.

As we sat there, a sense of resolve began to blossom within me. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew I wasn't facing them alone. With Kai by my side, I felt ready to confront our future. As if he could sense my determination, he started trying to formulate a game plan.

"Alright then, when would like to tell them? Do you want me to go over to your house, or would you rather meet somewhere else for dinner?"

"I think maybe making a reservation somewhere would be better, rather than being at home. At least then no one can make too much of a scene. I will reach out to Micah since he is somewhat aware of the situation, and my brother Emette works at a restaurant that we can make a reservation at for a private room. That will just leave making sure my mom, Omari, Everette, and my father can make it."

"Let me know if there is anything I can do to help, and I will do it. When do you want to have the dinner?"

"Hmmm… The sooner the better. Tomorrow evening, if possible. If not, then Sunday evening. Is that okay with you?"

Kai agreed, and before it got too late, I texted Micah and Emette to let them know. We still hadn't put any clothes on for the day, and considering my pajamas and change of clothes for today were unused I figured I was fine staying another night. I let my mother know I wouldn't be home again, and waited for my brothers to reply so we could set a day and time to sit down as a family.