Collin's POV

Terra and I were at her house, in her living room, watching a marathon of movies. She paused it to go and fetch us some more popcorn.

"You know, I actually like this movie. And that's saying a lot," She said.

"Oh yeah? You're not fond of rom coms?" I asked.

She smiled. "Well, I mean, yeah, I am," She giggled. "But after awhile, and long stream of movies later, they start to get so cliche and stupid. Now, they're kinda not my cup of tea." She handed me the bowl and sat back down, cuddling at my side.

I put my arm around her shoulder. "Wow, a girl who rarely likes rom coms. I think I might like this. . ."

She laughed. "Oh, shut up and play the film."

After we finished the movie, we headed to the kitchen. "I know we ate popcorn but it didn't fill me. I'm hungry. Do you want anything? I think we still have some leftover pasta." She said.

I smiled. "Sure. I'm up for eating." I knew this was my only chance. I had to tell her what was on my mind. "Hey, T, we've been dating for three months now. . ."

"Uh-huh," She put the plate she was about to wash down and faced me.

"And I was just wondering if... if you would like to finally meet my parents?" Honestly, I was worried to ask her for the whole day. I didn't want to scare her and I knew this was a big step for her... for us.

"Okay."

I was so caught up in my thoughts I didn't hear her correctly. "I know it's a big step forwa-- Wait what?"

"Yes, I would love to meet your parents. I mean, we've been dating for awhile and you've met my mom already, even before my birth so I think it's only fair."

I stood up from my seat at the counter, closed the distance between us and smiled. "Do you really mean that, T? Or are you just saying that for my benefit?"

She chuckled. "No, babe, I seriously meant what I said. When can I meet them?"

"Hmm, how about tomorrow night, say... 7 o'clock?"

"Sounds like a plan."

I gazed down at her. I'm very lucky to have her as a mate. "I love you, you know that?"

"I do indeed, Mr. Mitchell," She kissed me. "And I love you." I smiled, bent my head down and captured her lips in mine. It would have been a full-blown passionate kiss, if it wasn't for a voice that stopped us.

"Hey, you crazy kids, control yourselves now. I don't want to be a grandmother just yet."

We pulled away. "Mom!" Terra exclaimed.

She chuckled. "What? It's true. You two look happier than usual. Did I miss something?"

"I just asked Terra to meet my parents and she said yes. Hey, Marie, why don't you join us? My parents have been saying how they've been wanting you over for months now. It's been long overdue."

"Oh, no. I don't want to intrude."

"Nonsense, mom. That's actually a good idea. Join us." Terra said.

"Yeah, it can be a big family get-together." I added.

"Oh, alright. I guess it wouldn't hurt to drop by and see your parents again. When is it?"

"Tomorrow night at 7?" I responded.

"I have work until then. But I will come by as soon as I'm done." She said.

"Cool, then it's settled." I said and smiled. I couldn't wait to tell my parents.

* * *

"Hey mom, where's dad?" I asked, as soon as I gave her a kiss on the cheek. I just wanted to tell them already.

"Hi, honey. He's in his study tending to some pack responsibilities. Why? Is something wrong?" She asked.

I smiled. "Actually, quite the opposite," Oh, what the heck. I'll tell my dad when he's done. "Terra accepted my request to meet you guys tomorrow night. I wanted to tell you both at the same time but since Dad is busy and I couldn't wait that long, I decided to just tell you."

My mom squealed in delight and put her arms around me. "Oh, honey, that's great news! I'm so glad she accepted. Tomorrow night, you say? Oh, this is so sudden. What will I wear? What will I cook? What does she like-"

I grabbed my mother's shoulders and began to shake her lightly. "Mom! Mom, calm down. Just take a breather. She really likes your homemade lasagna and potato salad I brought for lunch at school one day. So you can make that. And as for desert, she likes anything with vanilla in it." I chuckled to myself, remembering how she gobbled up the whole carton of vanilla ice cream. She was so cute.

My mother sighed. "You're right. I was just overreacting. Lasagna and mash potatoes sound good. I'll throw some salad in there for a healthy kick. Oh, I'll make my famous coconut pie and add a hint of vanilla just for her." She rambled on.

I kissed my mom on the forehead and said, "Alright mom, as long as you make enough for five people. Oh, I also invited Terra's mom."

"Oh, that's lovely! I'm so glad. I haven't really spoken to her in a very long time. This will give us a perfect time to catch up and gossip about our little babies growing up."

"Mom, stop. Don't you dare embarrass me."

She laughed and pinched my cheeks. "Oh, honey, I'm your mother. It's my job to embarrass you," She cooed.

I groaned. "Just don't do it in front of Terra, please! She has enough ways to torture me already. You don't need to give her another one."

"Alright, alright. I'll try not to embarrass you but I won't make any promises," She laughed.

"Ah, it's always music to my ears to hear my mate laugh like that," My dad said, walking in and closing the distance between him and mom. He placed a light kiss on her lips, before I grunted in disgust.

"Guys, please, stop! No PDA while I'm around," I said.

My mother pulled away first and said, "Oh, you just wait until Terra comes. We'll see if you still say that after tomorrow night."

"What's tomorrow night?" My dad asked.

"You will finally meet your beautiful daughter-in-law and you'll get to see Marie again, too. I invited them to a family dinner tomorrow night at 7."

"Wow, that's excellent. I have to tend to something before the dinner, though. Alpha stuff," My father explained.

"Is everything alright, honey?" My mother asked.

"Yes, I just received a phone call and I have to meet someone at the border of Crescent Falls so they can enter. I will go in the morning and arrive just in time for the dinner."

"Okay. Well I'm going to head to bed and dream of my lovely mate. Goodnight you guys," I kissed them both and headed to my room.

*

"Speaking of lovely mate, come here you," Mike, Collin's father, said to his dear wife and the mother of his child, Serena.

She giggled and they shared a kiss. After they pulled away to breathe she said, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

He chuckled. "No reason. I just can't imagine my life without you and I pity anyone who doesn't have their mate."

"Where is this coming from?" She asked.

"It's nothing, honey. It's just that phone call... never mind, it's not important. Just kiss me," She all but conceded.

* * *

Terra's POV

"Are you sure I look okay?" I asked Collin for the umpteenth time.

Collin chuckled. "You look more than okay. You look beautiful. Babe, stop being so nervous. They're going to love you just as much as I do."

I sighed. "Okay, fine, I'll take your word for it," But my nerves were eating me up inside. What if they don't like me? After all, I did make their son chase me around like a spoiled brat, but it wasn't my intention. I was just scared out of my mind. "Are you sure--"

I was interrupted by warm lips engulfing mine in an intense and passionate kiss. Suddenly, all the butterflies in my stomach flew away in that kiss. I was too stunned to even register my nerves anymore.

We pulled away to breathe and I said, "Wow."

He laughed his beautiful, sexy laugh. "You were saying?"

"Um, I... I...Oh, just shut up and drive."

We arrived at the Mitchell's house shortly after our heated kiss, which kept me quiet for the entire ride. I should actually thank Collin for doing that. My nerves completely washed away and this new found confidence took over. I decided to embrace it.

As we reached the steps, I pulled Collin close enough to nibble on his neck and whisper in his ear, "I guess I should thank you for kissing me, babe. It really helped me unwind and to let the nerves go." I pecked his lips then attacked his neck which I know he appreciated since I heard sexy groans escape his full lips.

I felt my back hit the door and he said, "Anytime, baby." Then he kissed me, and although I never wanted to stop, I knew we had to. After all, this is his parent's house and I would die if they caught us making out on their front porch. When Collin took the initiative to pepper my neck with kisses and love bites, I tried to tell him to stop, but they just came out in the form of breathy moans. So he wouldn't take me seriously.

I tried again, but this time I said it with more certainty. "Collin, babe, we need to stop. I don't want your parents to-- oh, wow!" Gosh, his lips are so skilled.

Then he finally put me out of my misery and pulled away but not before giving me a big kiss. "Sorry, babe, I couldn't contain myself. Not with you looking so beautiful in this dress and with those lips," He touched my lips with his thumb. "Don't do that, T. You know I can't contain myself around you," He cupped my cheek. "Let's just go inside, before we do something we both aren't ready for." I couldn't agree more.

* * *

"Oh, Terra, it's so nice to finally meet you," Collin's mom said, hugging me.

"Likewise. It's been a long time coming, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell." I pulled away and smiled brightly at them both.

"Oh, no need for formalities. Call me Serena, and this is my husband, Mike."

"See, babe," Collin kissed my cheek. "I told you they would love you. You were nervous for nothing."

"Yes, there was absolutely no reason to be nervous, sweetheart," Collin's dad said, pointing at Collin, who looked extraordinarily happy. "That right there is the happiness you cause him. And for that we can't help but love you." He walked towards me and engulfed me in his arms.

My heart couldn't help but swell with love for these people. I knew accepting Collin as my mate wasn't a mistake. They greeted me with open arms the minute I entered their house. They made me feel like I was already part of the family.

Just then the doorbell rang. Collin's mom scurried off to open the door. From the lightheaded squeals of two women, I could tell my mom was here to join in on this nice, family meal.

After we were done eating the main course, I offered to help bring in the dessert. Serena refused but I insisted. She politely declined again so I stayed with Collin. Mike's cell phone rang and he excused himself. Serena asked Collin to help her set up the plates for dessert so it was just me and my mom. We chatted a bit, but then the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," I said. I opened it and a man was standing there. He looked to be about Mike's age, or actually a little younger, with black hair and beautiful crystal blue eyes that looked empty and tired. Even though there were bags under his eyes, he still looked handsome. He froze and just stared, almost analyzing me.

I was starting to get uncomfortable under his scrutiny. I thought he was probably a friend of the Mitchell's so I didn't want to be rude. "Uh, hello, may I help you?" I asked him.

He smiled and I noticed he was near tears. "You look exactly like her," He mumbled.

What? Like who? "Excuse me?"

"Terra, honey, who is at the d-" My mom stopped dead in her tracks as I turned around to look at her, opening the door wide in the process. Her face paled. She looked horrified.

"Richard?" She whispered.

The man quit looking at me and turned his attention to my mom. He looked elated and I saw love reach his dead eyes, bringing life back into them. "Alice!"