Chapter 27

27

C reed

I'm buzzing with nervous energy as I walk down the path leading to my parent's front door. I notice that the roof needs work. Some of the shingles need to be replaced. The window frames need varnishing, as well. Come to think of it, the place could do with a coat of paint. I'll get to it as soon as Octavia leaves.

I instantly feel a black cloud descend at the thought. I like her. I really fucking like her. My dragon has decided that she's ours. Thankfully, I know better, and since I'm the one in control, we're all good.

I knock on the front door. I hear my parents argue over who is going to open, which makes me smile.

"I'm washing dishes, love," my mom says.

"I'm almost done with the crossword," my dad answers back.

"Please, sweetheart," my mom shouts back.

My dad sighs as he gets up. "Coming," he yells.

Nothing has changed.

Everything has fucking changed.

I hope they'll be happy to see me. It has been my single biggest fear. That my folks will think less of me. I think less of me, so I wouldn't blame them if they did.

My dad opens the door. His mouth falls open. He takes a step back. "Creed," he chokes out my name.

"Creed!" my mother screams from somewhere in the house. "Is it you? Oh, my son." I hear her running as my father grips me in a bear hug. He has more gray in his hair, but otherwise, he's looking good.

I hug him back, my throat clogging.

He hits me on my back. "It's good to see you, son."

"You, too—"

Then my mother is ripping my dad away; her hands are covered in water and soapsuds. "Creed. Oh, my boy!" She dissolves into tears, which has me starting up on the waterworks, too. I can't help it.

I hold my mother tight. My father joins in. The three of us hug and laugh and sniff. Then we hug and laugh some more.

We finally let go of one another, and I wipe my eyes. "It's good to see you."

My mother reaches up and cups my face. "You do, too. I think you have more muscle. What do you think, Benji? He's bigger, isn't he?"

"I think so too, Pearl, dear."

"Our manners!" my mom gasps. "Come in, son. Come in!" She grabs my arm and pulls.

"You look good. Both of you do," I tell them as we walk into the living room.

"My back isn't what it used to be," my dad says, even though he looks amazing. He still has a powerful body.

My mother hasn't changed at all.

"Let me get you some lemonade," she gushes. "You sit right there." She points at an overstuffed sofa.

"Is this new?" I ask.

"Yes, your dad finally let me throw out the last living room set."

"I miss my recliner," he grumbles, but from the way he is smiling at my mom, I know he is winding her up on purpose.

"It didn't even recline anymore," she says as she leaves the room.

"I still loved it," he shouts after her, chuckling. Then he turns to me, growing more serious. "How are you, Creed? We were worried when you didn't come home. We thought…well, we thought something might have happened."

"I wasn't ready."

"I can well imagine. There are those who never return to the city. I'm glad you came back." His eyes get all watery, and he blinks a couple of times. "Your mother was worried."

"I know."

"Who wants a glass of lovely lemonade?" My mom walks into the living room carrying a tray. "I made it fresh yesterday. There are cookies, too. Your favorite." She winks at me.

"Peanut butter with chocolate chips?" I ask, but it isn't really a question since they are, hands down, my favorite.

"You'd better believe it," my mother says.

"Your mom has been making them every week for the last year, waiting for this moment. For you to come home, son." He leans over and taps a hand on my chest a few times. He's smiling but on the verge of tears. "I almost can't believe that this day has come."

My throat clogs, and my eyes sting. "I'm sorry I made you wait," I finally choke out. "It was wrong of me." I should have known that they'd be here, waiting for me, supporting me, regardless of what I did.

"It happened. It's over, and now you are back," my mother says. "I hope it's for good?" She lifts her brows and bites down on her lower lip.

"Yes, I'm here to stay. I ran into an old client of mine who wants more work done."

"That's wonderful," my mom says. "Levi is going to be so happy you're back."

"How is he?" I ask. "I must send him a message. I need to organize a new cellphone." Mine was destroyed when I fought that male. I don't want to think about that now. This is a happy occasion.

I grab a cookie and bite into it. "This is good," I say around my food as I take another bite. I left without having any breakfast. A few more chews, and I swallow, taking another cookie because I know it will make my mother happy. She beams, pouring a glass of lemonade. She hands it to me, and I accept, taking a big gulp. It's cold and refreshing, just like I remember. Tangy and yet sweet. I groan, drinking half of it down, licking my lips.

There are pictures on the mantle of us as a family. There are plenty of Levi and me as kids.

"What has Levi been up to?" I ask.

"He's good. He's still working as a mechanic," my mom says.

"Opened his own shop a few months ago," my dad chimes in.

"I was going to tell Creed. You steal all the thunder, you big lug." My mom whacks him with a dishtowel.

They're both smiling, so I know they don't mean it.

"That's amazing," I tell them. "It's what Levi always wanted. He's always been obsessed with human contraptions." I want to tell them about Octavia and how she was training to become a pilot, but I stop myself.

"More and more people are driving nowadays instead of using their wings." My dad shakes his head. "I don't get it. I'm never getting one of those contraptions."

"I was thinking of trying one," my mom says.

"Pearl! You wouldn't." My dad looks shocked.

"Why not? It's nice to get dressed up from time to time. Shifting destroys your makeup. Not to mention a manicure." She looks down at her polished nails.

"You shouldn't use that human nonsense." My dad waves his hand before taking a sip of his drink. "It isn't necessary. You're beautiful just the way you are."

"Thanks, dear, but it's nice sometimes, that's all." My mom rolls her eyes. "Driving looks like it might be fun," she mutters to herself.

"I'll give you lessons," I tell her.

"Not you too, Creed. Levi has offered as well." My dad looks put out.

"Talking about Levi, I take it he's been tending to my garden?" I raise my brows.

"Yes. He and I have been taking turns. We didn't want you to come back to a mess."

Fuck! I feel choked up all over again. I did a terrible thing, but that doesn't mean I'm not worthy of my family's love. Octavia was right all along. I was wallowing in self-pity. I thought I was moving on and being positive when I wasn't. I was letting one moment in my life define me. I was wrong.

"Thank you for keeping the house clean, Mom," I say when I feel like I can talk without blubbering. "It means so much to me." I look at each of them in turn.

My mother frowns. "You mean you haven't seen her yet?"

"Seen who?"

"You might have just missed her." She looks at the clock on the wall.

"Missed who? What are you talking about, Mom? Did you hire a cleaning service?" I grasp at straws because I know where this is going. I know in my gut.

"No." She shakes her head. "I mean, I would have if it had been necessary. But Aspen insisted on doing it herself. She felt guilty about what happened. She blames herself. She cleans your house every Tuesday morning. I'm sure she's there right now. She wanted it to be ready for you when you came home. She—"

"Don't her mates have a problem with that? I'm not understanding this, Mom." My voice sounds gruff. "Why would she do that?" I say, softer this time.

"No, Creed, dear." My mom shakes her head. "Aspen never mated. She was devastated when you were sentenced. She blames herself for everything."

"Poor girl," my father says. "Cleans your house every week and visits us, too. She's been wonderful. It's been like having a little piece of you in our lives."

"She isn't mated?" I'm frowning.

"No, of course not. She loves you; did from the first time she met you. She still does," my mom says.

"Why? Why did she want a mating circle, then? I don't get it." I run a hand through my hair. "Why screw everything up?" My chest tightens with old hurt.

"I suspect that she got a lot of pressure from her parents," my mother says. "You will have to ask her yourself. I know that she regrets it. She regrets all of it."

"Aspen has been waiting for your return, son," my dad says. "She's a wonderful female. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive her. I pray that the two of you will work it out."

"I want grandbabies." My mom clasps her hands together. "Levi is still single; I can't see that changing anytime soon. It's up to you, Creed." She smiles.

"Sheesh, Mom. No pressure." I smile back. My mind goes to Octavia. Crap! Octavia. She's at the house right now. According to my mom, Aspen is too.

Aspen and Octavia.

Holy shit!

I stand, almost knocking my half-finished glass of lemonade over.

"What is it, son?" My dad stands, too.

"I just remembered that there's something important I have to do. I'm sorry." I start walking to the door.

"Come for dinner," my mom shouts.

"Okay," I say over my shoulder.

"Bring Aspen," my dad says.

"I'll invite Levi." My mom is chasing after me. "It'll be like old times," she says as we reach the front door.

"Okay, Mom. Perfect." I turn and kiss her on the cheek. Then I drive home like my ass is on fire. My heart is pounding.