The Smallest Mate

Chapter 7: Meeting With the Parents

POV: Lyra

Yesterday had been a whirlwind of emotions for me. I had started the day with so much confidence and strength in who I was, but also my place in the pack. All that was thrown aside when the moon spirits decided to play an awful prank on me. I mean come on, a rabbit? I was preparing myself mentally to be disowned and perhaps de-ranked. My pack, and specifically my father, valued strength over everything and I knew having a prey animal would outweigh any fatherly love he had toward me. Then the moon spirits threw me another curveball in the form of an extra large Alpha of a mate. That may just save me from my fate, but only this meeting with my parents would tell that. Then there was Damien. I had caught his eye a couple of times last night and everytime it sent butterflies in my stomach and my face would turn red. I couldn't make sense of it. It was nothing compared to the animalistic attraction I had towards Aiden. I was doing my best to reign it in all night. When he kissed me goodnight, I swooned. It took all the strength inside of me to push him away and ask him to take things slow. I had had a hard day, and I still was not fully trusting in the moon spirits spirit's judgment.

I groaned as I rolled over trying to will myself to get out of bed. I heard a soft knock on the door and I growled. No one ever disturbs my sleep. "WHAT DO YOU WANT!" I yelled, sitting up in my bed. The door opened to reveal Aiden with a tray of breakfast food in his hands. I would have to remember to lock my door. "Good morning dearest did you sleep well." He made his way over to my side and set the tray of food next to me. He reached for my face to kiss me but I pulled away huffing. I was so not a morning person. I looked at the tray of food he had brought up. We must have had guests stay the night. The Omegas that ran the kitchen only ever made pastries when we had guests. It is a time-honored tradition. I took a bite of a freshly baked cheesecake pastry and let out an audible moan. When I opened my eyes, I was face to face with Aiden, his eyes filled with lust. "Oh, to be that pastry" he cooed. I slapped him on the arm and blushed. He stood up, heading over to my closet. "Um what are you doing?" I called after him, scrambling out of bed. "We have a meeting with your parents soon, sit enjoy your breakfast ill get you something to wear." I huffed at him trying to push him out of the way. "I am a grown woman and I am fully capable of picking out my own clothes!" I protested. He chuckled, stepping aside. I slammed my closet door in his face and turned to get ready. I hadn't had anyone try to pick out my clothes for me since I was eight! Seriously, who did he think he was? I was flustered but picked out a pretty spring dress and a lacy camisole to wear. I ran my fingers through my hair, letting it loose and hang freely down past my shoulder blades. I stepped out of the closet cautiously. "Beautiful", I heard Aiden say, and I rolled my eyes at him. He came over to me and put his head on top of mine, taking in the smell of my hair, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me in. I let him do this as it felt comforting and warm. "We should get going," I said, trying to unwrap his arms from around me. It was getting annoying how strong he was.

He took my hand once again, totally encompassing it with his. He practically dragged me down the stairs. "HEY LONG LEGGED GIANT! Some of us have short legs." I snapped at him. "Sorry, your shorter than what I'm used to". As soon as the words came out of his mouth, I could tell he knew he had messed up. Used to? Is that meaning what I think it means? I narrowed my eyes a bit but didn't say anything. I was a little hurt and didn't trust my voice to not betray me. "Uh anyway, were all meeting in the Alphas office", he tried to change the subject. "typical" I mumbled under my breath. I took the lead as I knew where my father's office was and he did not. Now he was having to walk at my pace. I slowed down painfully to make a point. I could tell it was annoying him and this made me smile more. Good, after his comment he deserved to be annoyed. We reached outside my father's office and Damien was standing there waiting for us. My stomach twisted when we made eye contact. I quickly turned my gaze away. What is wrong with me?

"Come in", I heard my father's voice from the other side. We entered to see his office was already full of people. My mother stood to his left. His Beta Aaron stood to his right. Infront of his desk was the Beta's son, Eric. They all turned to look at us as we entered. When my eyes met Eric's, I stiffened and glared at him. He returned the glare wholeheartedly. Eric and I had been childhood best friends. We used to be teased about how we would be mates someday. He always laughed at this. I never found it funny. Eric was a nice enough guy but something about him just grossed me out. Our friendship came to an end around my sixteenth birthday. A bunch of the pack teenagers were having a party down at the lake house. There was a lot of underage drinking and the party was in full swing. I didn't drink, nothing against those that were. I just never saw the appeal. Eric had been drinking a lot that night and as we all gathered around the bonfire he pulled me onto his lap. I protested but he held me, confessing his love for me, his hot alcohol-fueled breath stinging my eyes. He tried to kiss me and I slapped him so hard my hand print was left on his face. Everyone there saw and began to laugh at him. "You b***h" he snarled at me. He got so angry he stormed off into the woods. Those were the last words he spoke to me. Since that night we had done a good job of avoiding each other. Even when we had to be in the same place, we steered clear of each other. Obviously, this was one of those cases where that was not an option.

"I'm sure we all know why we are here today" my father started motioning for us to sit down. Aiden sat down and pulled me on his lap I did not protest because it was that or sitting in the chair next to Eric. I could also see this bothered Eric and that made me smirk. "Lyra's celebration did not go as planned" my father continued on. "I was preparing to pass over her as I don't think a prey animal is fit to be Luna." Aidens hands tightened on my legs. "However I see she has a mate, and a capable one at that. So, If you Alpha Aiden accept my daughter as your mate despite her... shortcomings. I would still be willing to leave the pack in your capable hands. If you do not, I have called my Beta's son Eric here and he will be taking over in your stead." My eyes bludged and my head swiveled. "You can NOT be serious father?" My father shot me a death glare so sharp I immediately backed down. "That is none of your place to say." he sneered still not bearingto look at me. Aiden cleared his throat and all eyes went to him. "Certainly this is unexpected for me and I have my own pack to think of. I would appreciate it if you could give me some time to think on this. Let me return to my pack with Lyra, and we can decide together whether she would like to be the Luna of mine, or remain here. I will go wherever she wishes." I was taken back by this and my father clearly was too. He forced himself to nod though. "I will need an answer in the next month, I am old and I am looking to pass on this burden. It is hard work running a pack this size. If you do choose to do so, please consider the differences between what you are used to and what would be expected here." Aiden nodded and my father waved his hand, dismissing us. "Eric , Aaron, please stay behind. I want to make sure Eric is prepared if need be." My father added. Adien and I shifted out into the hall with Damien. Aiden turned to his Beta. "Please go help her pack her things. I want to be back at the pack tonight. I have some uh... loose ends to tie up". They shared a knowing look which slightly annoyed me. I headed upstairs with Damien at my heels to go pack.