Rebel POV
Three weeks ago I never thought I would be meeting my mate, much less, his mother. Here I am though, at the airport with Austin, waiting to meet Renata, my new mom. I’ve never had a mom, nor have I ever done a ‘meet the parents.’ I feel so far out of my element right now, that I am trying to keep my composure and not screw this up.
What if she sees me and thinks I’m not good enough for Austin? What if she doesn’t accept me? My stepmother didn’t want or accept me. That’s the only reference I have and nerve wracking to think I could have a woman who actually treats me like a daughter and she may not want me either.
Austin pulls me to him and lifts my chin so my eyes meets his. “Darling, I practically see your body shutting down. What is going on through your mind right now? Talk to me.”
I sigh, knowing I’ve been caught spiraling in my own thoughts, “I’ve never had a mother before Austin. What if she doesn’t like me or think I’m good enough for you?”
He looks at me and his eyes soften. He gives me the sweetest most gentle smile. “I’m sorry darling. I didn’t think about how much this might worry you. My mother will love you. Let’s say in the highly unlikely, off chance, she doesn’t think you are good enough, it doesn’t matter. The Moon Goddess gifted you to me and I will never throw away the her perfect blessing sweetheart.”
I feel myself let go of a breath I didn’t even know I was holding on to when I hear a female voice call out to Austin. “Is that my cookie monster eating son!?”
When I hear Austin groan and a woman rush towards us, I couldn’t help it, I burst into a fit of giggles. “Cookie monster, huh?”
He looks at me and gives me a playful growl before facing the woman who has almost reached us. “Mom, seriously? Do you have to say that across the room?”
I look at Austin’s mom. She is a little shorter than me. Her hair is the same light chestnut brown as Austin’s but with silver streaks on the sides. Her skin looks flawless and barely aged with just the finest of lines around the corners of her eyes. Her eyes are not crystal blue though, they are more of a hazel green color, which means Austin likely has his father’s eyes. I would love to see a picture of his dad now.
Suddenly, I am pulled into an unexpected hug, “You must be Rebel! You are stunning! I feel like I have met you before my dear.”
I look at Renata and I can’t help but smile at the warm hug and excitement in her eyes, “Hi! Um, thank you, yeah, I’m Rebel.” I’m so nervous I don’t know what to do so I hug her back and then look over at Austin for help.
Thankful that he picked up on my cue he pulls his mother off of me, “Mom, there and her past. She isn’t exactly use to parental figures.”
t to discuss about Rebel
Renata looks at me and then at Austin. Then she hands her luggage to Austin like he is her personal bell hop and looks back at me. “No matter. You are my son’s mate and it makes you, my daughter. Now, let’s get to the pack and you can start explaining everything to me in the car.”
Austin just shook his head and chuckled. “Some things never change.”
“Yes ma’am. I will guard the secret with my life!” I joke.
As we get to the car, Renz is waiting for us and he looks amused to see the expression on Austin’s face too. “Hair clip and thumbtack?”
He loads the luggage in the trunk and grumbles, “Yes, and now she is conspiring with my mate and creating an alliance.”
Renz starts laughing and gives Renata a hug. “Boy, have I missed you being around. It will be even funnier now. Luna gives Austin a run for his money.”
Renata returns the embrace and smirks, “If that’s the case, then I have no arguments with the Moon Goddess! It takes a strong woman to keep my son in his place.”
I am trying desperately to suppress another laugh, but I fail. I put my arms around Austin’s neck and amusement in my eyes, “I love you my dear mate. It looks like you are going to have your hands full.”
He wraps his arms around me with the same amusement in his eyes, “You’re not?”
I smirk, “Alliance…your words. I think I may enjoy having your mom here more often than not.”
We both turn our heads when we hear a shutter. Renata was taking a picture with her phone and the sound was an old camera shutter. “You two look perfect together. I need to get this framed!”
I feel a very flustered blush warm my cheeks as Austin chuckles. “Mom, you will have plenty of time for pictures. Let’s go.’
As we drive back to the pack house, Austin and I start describing how we met. I explained Austin is my second chance mate and that my first mate rejected me within minutes of meeting me. Austin started explaining my upbringing and why I have a hard time in social settings because i was isolated most of my life and my only socializing was….harsh.
The entire time Renata listened quietly. She growled a couple of times when I mentioned what Cullen and then again when she learned of how I didn’t get to go to school. Other than that, h stoic. She didn’t give away anything in her expression or body language and I have to say, it want to ask her about how she maintains that kind of composure later.
pened with ace remained ry impressive. I “Anyway mom, this is just the scratching the surface. There is more, but we are coming to t pack house and we can discuss privately in my office later if you like.” Austin concludes.
Renata slowly looks at me and with a very calm voice, “Rebel, I am so very so for everyth you have been through. Rest assured, no one will harm you again.”
ur mom from now on.
our life. I understand
She grabbed my hands and I saw her eyes glisten with tears that she held back. “I’n Renz, Jessup and their mates are your siblings too. I know you have been very alone al better than most what that feels like. I understand the difficulties in trusting someone. I’m not saying this because I am a widow. I’m saying this because when my late mate found me, I was alone. I had no one and I didn’t trust anyone. I’m even more thankful to the Moon Goddess that she paired you with my son. I can see in his eyes how much he loves you. I, as your mother, will love you with a mother’s heart.”
A damn of tears I didn’t even know I was holding broke completely. I leaned in Renata for a hug and whispered,
Thank you for accepting me…mom.” I’m interested in hearing about her background now. To know there is someone who understands feeling alone and probably understands what I’m feeling. It suddenly gives me a sense of relief I didn’t know I needed. Like a pressure to explain my every thought was released. I didn’t know until that moment that she gave me something a kin to peace of mind.
She squeezed me and silently moved to get out of the car. I followed behind when Austin extended his hand to help me out of the car.
He whispers in my ear, “I told you she would love you.”
A cookie sounds good right about now. Ha!
Rebel POV
Austin and I make sure that Renata is in her room and give her some time to get settled. Before I leave, I tell her I need to start working with the omegas to get the briskets started for tomorrow’s ceremony.
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