Zayn pov

Usually, waking up next to Harry feels incredibly peaceful.

During that short moment in the morning, there are no worries. There is just us. Just harry and I. So imagine the panic I felt when I heard two other voices when I woke up.

"Oh come on Des, they look adorable together." A female voice whisper yelled.

Crap... that's harry's mother!

There was a grunt, "I told the boy I'd be watching him. I'm kicking him out."

I kept my eyes shut and pretended to sleep. 'We're fucked.' Cade not so helpfully pointed out.

"Desmond!" I heard someone, harry's father, being slapped in the chest, "He's 23 years old! They can make their own decisions."

"They've been together for a couple of months according to harry. That's not a long time Anne." desmond defended

himself.

'What do we do Cade?' I frantically asked.

'They can't decide what we do with out mate. Let me take over, I'll take care of it.' I felt his bloodlust rise as Cade responded.

'We're not killing his parents!'

"As if we weren't doing things like this after a few months of being together. They look comfortable and happy, just

let them be young and in love."

Anne is officially my favorite person on this planet besides harry. Another grunt came from Desmond.

"Whatever, when they get down for breakfast I'm talking to the both of them."

'We're jumping out of the window and we're running.' Cade came up with a plan.

Agreed.'

The door closed and I heard the hushed voices head downstairs. When I deemed it safe, I opened my eyes and

looked at Harry. He was still peacefully asleep, not knowing that I had just received the death penalty.

'If we're dying anyway, let's spend the last moments cuddling with out mate.' Cade suggested. Not a bad plan at all.

I pulled Harry closer to me, placing my head in the crook of his head and taking in his scent. It immediately helped me relax and I let out a content sigh.

It didn't take long for harry to stir and open his beautiful eyes. Two emerald orbs still filled with sleep met mine

and a lazy smile appeared on his face.

"Morning beautiful." I said softly before kissing his temple.

A sleepy giggle escaped his mouth, "Mornin'"

Nothing else needed to be said for a few minutes. It always takes a while for harry to fully wake up and I know

he likes waking up surrounded by my warmth without the pressure of having to talk.

Harry eventually stretches, reminding me of a cat as he turns on his back and smiles, "What time is it?"

I quickly check his alarm clock, "7:23."

"Hmmm... you should get out then. Mom and dad are probably already up." Harry suggests as she faces me

again.

I tense slightly, "Yeah... about that. Already too late for that."

My beautiful mate frowns, "What do you mean."

"Your parents were in here a little while ago. We got caught. Cade and I are escaping through the window in a

bit so we won't be killed." I told him.

Harry looks at me as if I'm crazy before busting out laughing, "zee, my dad won't kill you!"

"He said so himself. He told your mom he was kicking me out!" I defended.

"My dad is all bark and no bite, zayn." He giggles and engulfs me in a hug again, "Don't worry, Alpha, I'll protect

you." He teases.

My eyes narrow, "I can protect myself."

Harry laughs again, "My dad is just messing with you. He's actually a really great and funny guy once you get on his good side."

"I'm definitely not on his good side. The guy caught me in bed with his son." I argued again.

"His 23 year old son. Come on zayn, there is no need to worry." Harry tries to reassure me.

I want to argue again when harry's hand reaches my hair and he starts to run his fingers through my waves.

Fucking hell that feels good. Cade starts to purr in the back of my mind and I suddenly forgot what we were even talking about. I relax in his hold

and close my eyes, relishing in his touch.

"Sometimes I forget that you are a werewolf, but then you do things like this and I'm reminded that you can act like a puppy." My mate says with a chuckle.

I debate whether or not it's worth it to argue, but realize he'd stop running his hand through my hair if I do,

"Whatever." I decide to grumble.

'Whipped.'

'Says the one purring like a cat!'

"Harry! Breakfast is ready!" I tense as soon as anne's voice comes from downstairs.

Crap crap crap! We're dead!

Harry chuckles at seeing my despair. "Come on big guy, time to face your fears."

"Don't make me go." I groan as he starts pulling my arm to force me out of bed.

"Zayn, it's Thanksgiving today. We have to leave the bed sometime. You're meeting the rest of my family." Harry argues.

"If I don't die." I mutter softly.

"Yesterday you were sparring with Alpha Uriel without any difficulty. You really don't have anything to fear here." He points out.

"That's different."

Harry sighs and gets up, leaving the room to go to the bathroom. I stay in bed until he returns, wearing nothing

but a towel.

Holy shit.

I don't know how or when, but I'm suddenly by his side, hugging him from behind and tracing his curves.

"You're playing with fire." I mumble in his ear before placing a kiss on his mark.

He doesn't moan like she usually does, instead, he turns around and grins.

"Had to get you out of bed somehow."

He drops the towel and to my dismay, he's already wearing underwear. What a missed opportunity. Not that I mind him wearing just this.

'Did you already forget about out impending doom?' Cade reminds me.

'Might as well end our life on a good note.'

When I focus back on harry, he's already wearing jeans and a sweater. Shit, missed my chance. My mate faces me.

"Put on some clothes, zayn"

I groan and leave his room, heading to the guest room to find some clothes to wear. I return to harry's room fully dressed and with brushed teeth. He's wearing a sweater that covers his neck, so he doesn't have to cover his mark with make-up today.

Harry basically has to drag me downstairs, and as soon as we enter the dining room, Des narrows his eyes and glares at me. I gulp.

"Good morning!" Harry happily exclaims, not showing any

distress.

I greet his parents as well, putting up my Alpha face so I won't show the fear I'm feeling. Anne happily greets us back and Des gives a grunt.

Harry skips over to his father and hugs him, "Don't be grumpy, it's Thanksgiving!"

I can't help but smile at harry's attempt to cheer up his dad. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have much effect.

"Zayn," Des addresses me directly, "I thought you were assigned a guest bedroom?"

I clear my throat, "You did, yes."

"Then why did I find you in my son's bed this morning?" Des continues as his glare only becomes scarier.

"Because I couldn't sleep last night." Harry chimes in, bravely defending me. "I couldn't sleep so I asked zayn

to lay in bed with me."

Des looks at his son with suspicion, "Why couldn't you sleep?"

"I was cold and there was a spider in my room." Harry lies straight through his teeth.

"Oh, honey!" Anne exclaims as she runs in to engulf her son a hug, "why didn't you say so! We could have

turned up the heater!"

Harry gives his mother an appreciative smile, "I didn't want to wake you guys. I'm sorry if it gave you guys the wrong idea, really it was all my fault."

'You are lying a bit too easily to your parents here, Love.' I link him.

Harry gives me a secretive smile, ' You don't think Harley and I never messed with them as kids?'

I bite back a smile, which disappears immediately when Desmond's eyes meet mine, "It this true?"

I nod, "Yes sir, I'm sorry if it came off wrong."

"How big was the spider." Anne asks. Still hugging her son.

"It was massive mom! It was terrifying!" Harry plays along

as he hold out his hand, "it must have been as big as my hand!"

I decide to join him, "harry, it wasn't that big."

"Your hands are bigger than mine! You wouldn't understand." Harry effortlessly lies.

I roll my eyes and Des speaks up grumpily, "Well, thank you zayn, for helping my son. However, for the rest

of your stay I don't want to see this happen again. Understood?"

"Yes sir."

"Sure dad." Harry and I speak at the same time.

After somehow being able to avoid my death, we have a light breakfast before preparing and heading out to harry's grandma's house. Apparently it's tradition to celebrate Thanksgiving there. Harry's grandfather passed away when he was in his Freshmen year, and ever since then it's been his grandma's house they meet at with the whole

family.

Arriving at the house was fine. I met a lot of people. Harry's grandmother was incredibly kind and she had led

me to the food table right away telling me I was still growing. I wonder if she knows I'm 26 years old.

When we arrived there was one aunt and one uncle already present. Their names were Sarah and Bob and they had one son, Michael. Michael was 15 years old and generally looked like he hated the world. Ah... puberty.

After a while Harley and Will arrived, and Grandma Mae told Will the exact same thing as me. Harry and Harley's other Uncle arrived shortly after. He was a divorced man and he had that crazy uncle humor. The final family members to arrive were her uncle Peter and aunt Elizabeth, who

had two daughters, Livia and lisa. Livia and lisa we're 10 and 12 years old.

Harry had taken on the challenge of entertaining Michael. He sat down next to him and started talking to him

about all sorts of things. Michael just responded with grunts or one word sentences as he remained glued to his

phone, but Harry wasn't one to give up on him. I had teased him about it, and he had challenged me to try

sometime later today.

Harley helped her grandmother in the

kitchen together with Anne and Sarah. Elizabeth was busy

entertaining her two kids and Will and I were stuck talking to the uncles, who seemed hell bent on learning every detail about us.

By the time food was on the table Will and I were exhausted. I first got to eat the famous cauliflower soup that harry loved and it was indeed one of the best types of soup I've ever had.

After that, Grandma Mae loaded up

our plates and I thanked the moon goddess that werewolves need to eat a lot to survive. Especially since it was only one PM. Apparently they ate early on Thanksgiving.

"It's been a while since we've had this many people at the table. It was about time you two found someone to

marry." Mae spoke up as we had started eating, giving Harley and harry a disapproving glance.

"Mother! They're too young to marry!" Harry's father exclaimed with pure panic on his face.

"Oh hush, I was married to your father when I was 17 years old! There is no excuse." Grandma Mae argued.

"Those were different times! Harry and Harley, if there are any wedding invitations within the next year you

will both be disowned!" Des spoke firmly. Noted.

Harry nodded obediently while Harley rolled her eyes and stuffed herself with more chicken.

"Don't mind your father. It's been too long since we had little toddlers running around. Your grandmother wants to see some great grandkids before she moves on."

Harry choked on his food while Harley's face turned blank. I

was reminded of our conversation last night. I had been surprised harry had brought up pups at all, since we're taking everything slow. I think it was mostly because he feels bad for us not having a pack.

I wasn't ready to have children yet, but I was also 26 years old and found my mate. If anything, children will be

on the agenda sometime after completing the bond. I've always wanted pups, and ever since I've met harry there have been times I dreamt about him having a big, round belly, carrying our pups or us sitting in a house playing with our pups.

'I don't know what you're imagining but get that dreamy look off your face, Alpha! No kids any time soon!' an angry male voice entered my mind.

'Busted.' Cade spoke and I could hear the snicker in his voice.

I glanced at my mate, who was glaring at me. I just gave him a wink before looking at Des, "Don't worry sir, I'm

not ready to have children, nor marriage any time soon."

Harry's father let out a sigh of relief and for the first time since my arrival I could see acceptance on his face.

Grandma Mae huffed in annoyance.

"Kids these days."

I glanced at Will to figure out what he was thinking only to see him in a very fierce looking mink link conversation

with Harley, who sat across him with a similar look on her face. I'll have to ask Will later.

Grandma Mae started talking about how she met her husband. And how they had their first child at the age of

18. The rest of the family had eventually decided to respectfully ignore the woman and delve into their own conversations.

Soon, it was time for dessert and I was in line for the chocolate cake. Grandma Mae had shoved me towards it, once again telling me I was still growing. I was almost first in line when a black haired boy jumped in front of me.

Michael gave me a mischievous grin before looking at the cake.

'Pup doesn't know which challenges to accept and which ones to ignore!' Cade growled, his Alpha blood boiling at

the disrespect.

I smirked at the boy who looked at the cake with starry eyes before grabbing him by the scruff of his t-shirt and

placing him to the side. Michael let out a surprised yelp as I did so.

"Don't you have manners pup? Back of the line." I spoke firmly, and just for the crack I added in some of my Alpha command.

The pups eyes widened and he ran off, making Cade growl in appreciation. I rolled my eyes and grabbed two

pieces of cake before following the boy, giving harry a kiss on the cheek before I did so. I knew he had been

watching the exchange.

"Go easy on him." He mumbled as he gave me a kiss as well.

I followed Michaels scent outside where the pup was sitting on the porch. "Didn't know the line started back here." I spoke up.

Michael jumped and grabbed his chest in surprise, "Jesus dude! You have me a heart attack!"

I smirked at him and held out one of my two plates. Michael looked at it in suspicion, "I didn't poison it." I

teased and Michael grumbled before accepting the chocolate cake.

He basically inhaled the piece before letting out a satisfied grunt. I let out a chuckle which made him stiffen, I guessed he had completely forgotten about my presence. Humans are interesting. Wolves would never be

able to ignore the presence of an Alpha.

"U-Uh... sorry about cutting in line." Michael apologized in a timid voice.

"Ah, you do have manners? How convenient." I teased him again, earning a glare.

"I've just been bored." The kid confessed.

I raised an eyebrow, "Well it's not like you've made an effort to join into any of the conversations."

Michael blushed, "They all talk about boring stuff!" he defended himself.

"What would you have talked about then?" I asked him.

The kid didn't respond, instead, he just opened his phone to check something. I was about to call him out on the disrespect he was showing me when he showed me the screen. On it, was a beautiful picture of a deer in the middle of a forest.

I ignored Cade salivating in the back of my mind and looked at the kid, "That's a great . Did you make it?"

Michael nodded slowly, "I like photography."

I hummed in response, "That's awesome. Nature photography I assume?"

Michael seemed to brighten a bit by my question, "Yes, I love photographing animals the most though. I want to be become a wildlife photographer." The kid beamed.

"Cool." I glanced at the forest in front of us. Grandma Mae's cottage was in the middle of nowhere, so the

forest was at our doorstep, "I bet you've wanted to go outside and take some pictures then?"

"Mom never lets me go. We live in the middle of a city, so I rarely get to see stuff like this. Such a waste of time."

Michael grumbles.

"Do you have your camera with you?" I asked. Michael nodded.

I smirked, "Go get it, we'll sneak out."

Michael's eyes became twice their size as he gaped at me, "Mom will never let me."

"Which is why we're sneaking out. Come, I'm good at finding wildlife." I say as I stand up.

Michael seemed a bit reluctant but scribbled to his feet and ran inside, returning with his camera a moment later.

We headed off into the forest after I linked harry to cover for us. He had responded with a grumble, telling me it was unfair I managed to get the kid to talk.

'He can't handle losing.' Cade snickered.

I rolled my eyes. 'If anyone can't handle losing it's us Cade. We're an Alpha, we don't ever back down from a challenge.'

In the forest I silently led Michael to all the animals I could hear running around. Werewolf hearing is usually

perfect for hunting, but I guess it's convenient for photography too. Michael was in awe at the animals I kept finding. He even asked if I had a sixth sense for finding cool stuff.

We were on our way to some animal I heard to the left of us when I paused. My first response was to stiffen but I

quickly relaxed when I recognized the smell that was slowly approaching us.

I ushered the kid behind a tree and told him to stay quiet, after which I pointed in the direction of the smell. Even with me telling him to stay silence, Michael still gasped when the wolf I had smelt appeared in the distance.

I had recognized Will by his smell, and figured harry sent him to help us out. By the amazed look on Michael's face, it seemed it was successful. I nudged the kid and pointed to his camera which seemed to snap him from his shock.

Michael got into position and snapped a bunch of pictures, and Will, helpful guy he is, strutted through the forest, intentionally posing in certain ways for the kid.

When Will finally ran off Michael was beaming, "That was so awesome! My photography teacher is never gonna

believe me!"

I chuckled and told the kid we should be heading home. It had gotten quite dark out and I wasn't ready for the

kids mom to have a heart attack.

Back at the house, Michael and I sat down next to Harry, Harley and Will, who had already returned before us. Michael animatedly told them about our encounter and Harley had

excitedly asked if Michael could send her the pictures of the wolf.

'Wish we could have done the same thing with Cade. I would love to have some nice pictures of him.' Harry linked me.

I looked at him and realized something, "Hey Michael?" The kid nodded.

"Can you take some pictures of harry and I? I know you prefer nature photography but we don't have any pictures together and I would love some." I asked him.

"I-I can do that! It's too dark outside though, maybe we can do them somewhere upstairs or something." Michael responded, already looking for the best backgrounds.

Harry gave me an excited smile, "How about in front of the fireplace."

Michael nodded, "Cliché but sure."

Harley jumped up, "Can you take some of Will and I too? And I also need more pics of me and my brother."