Chapter Seven #2
She let out a delicate sounding laugh. “I think I’ll just stick to my safe lab job.”
Her face cleared in an instant. “At least, a lab job should be safe, but that’s not taking into account that I work for these monsters.”
Her mention of the monsters she worked for made Carter think of his sister again and what she was going through.”
“If it was me in there, I could handle it to some extent,” Carter said, his voice filled with emotion. “But Megan…”
Emily reached out, placing her hand on his, offering silent comfort. “You’ll get her back, Carter. I believe in you.”
His eyes locked onto hers, gratitude shining through. “Thank you. Your support means more to me than you could ever know.”
With the comforting weight of Emily’s hand on his, Carter felt a surge of warmth. He realized, despite the intensity of their situation, he was genuinely interested in knowing more about his new mate. “Enough about me. What about you? Tell me about your journey.”
Emily hesitated for a moment, collecting her thoughts. “Well, I had a pretty normal upbringing until my father’s cancer diagnosis. After that, things changed dramatically.”
Carter’s gaze softened, sensing the pain behind her words. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
She offered a weak smile. “It was a tough time. He passed away when I was twelve. It was just me and my younger sister, Claire, after that. Our bond grew stronger, out of our shared grief.”
He nodded in understanding, sensing her pain. “It’s incredible how tragedies can either break families apart or weld them together.”
Emily agreed. “Exactly. Claire and I became inseparable—we did everything together, expect science. That is one interest we most definitely don’t share. Actually, my sister is probably more like you than she is like me. She’s always off in some other country on a new adventure.”
Carter grinned. “Sounds exactly like my sister and me. We’re close, but completely different characters. Tell me about how you came to be a scientist.”
Emily smiled. “Well, my love for science started early, and after our father’s illness, it became somewhat of an obsession of mine. I was determined to understand what took him away from us, and more importantly, how I could prevent it from happening to other families.”
“That’s a noble pursuit,” Carter remarked.
Emily’s cheeks flushed slightly. “Thank you. I guess that’s what led me to stem cell research. The potential of stem cells in treating diseases, especially cancer, is vast. I’ve always believed in their power to heal and regenerate. I guess you could say that it became my life’s mission.”
Carter leaned forward, captivated. “And that’s how you ended up in the facility?”
She nodded. “Yes. When I applied to work for the company, I believed I was contributing to something groundbreaking, something that could change lives. Of course, I learned pretty quickly that my perception couldn’t have been further away from the truth.
But of course, once I was in, the threats started, and I was trapped. ”
Carter squeezed her hand reassuringly. “You followed your heart, Emily. No one could blame you for that, or for trying to protect your family by doing what they ask of you.”
“I wish I could see it that way,” she whispered.
The air between them grew thick with tension, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was charged—electric. The bond forming between them was undeniable.
“You know,” Carter began, breaking the spell, “despite our different paths, it’s clear we both have a strong sense of duty, and a commitment to our loved ones.”
Emily smiled, her eyes shining. “Yeah. I guess in a lot of ways, we’re more alike than one would think.”
Carter grinned, “Who would’ve thought? A CIA officer and a scientist, bonding over family and duty.”
“That sounds like the tagline of a terrible movie.”
They both chuckled, the weight of their individual pasts lightened by the shared moment. As the evening wore on and they shared more stories about their background, it was evident that the connection between them was growing stronger.
After dinner, Carter escorted Emily out to the parking lot where his father’s car waited.
“Wow, I’m stuffed!” Emily said. “That was amazing!”
“I’m surprised you haven’t been there before considering you’ve lived here for three months.”
Emily sighed. “I haven’t had much time for socializing and to be honest, on my days off, I haven’t felt up to doing anything. The weight of everything that’s been going on at work was really weighing on me.”
“I can understand that.”
“I’m glad we did this tonight though. It was a lovely first date.”
Carter laughed. “Actually, I was hoping you’d be up for another first.”
Emily’s brow furrowed. “Like what?”
“I’d really like you to meet my mom and dad.”
Emily gasped. “Don’t you think it’s a bit soon for that?”
Carter shook his head. “Not at all. If you were just someone I was dating, then yes, but you’re my mate. That’s for life. Shifters embrace that bond.” He hesitated. “But you’re not a shifter, and I know this might feel like too much. If you’re not ready, then we’ll wait. What do you say?”
Emily pulled her bottom lip into her mouth. “Okay,” she said. “If you think it’s a good idea.”
He beamed at her. “I do.”
“Then let’s do it.”
Emily was quite on the drive over to Carter’s parents’ house, but he didn’t push her to talk. The evening air was crisper as they approached the front door. He reached down and took hold of her hand.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
She grinned at him. “Nervous as hell, but excited too. I’m looking forward to meeting the people who raised you.”
Carter hesitated for a split second before pushing the door open. “It’s a big step, introducing my mate to the family, but I know they’re going to love you.”
In fact, he was sure of it.
Inside, the ambiance was warm, with muted lights casting a golden hue. Emily noticed two figures seated in the living room and they both turned to look at her with expectant gazes.
Carter took a deep breath, “Mom, Dad, this is Emily. My mate.”
His mother, Elaine, was on her feet in an instant, her eyes shining with tears of joy. “Oh, Carter, she’s beautiful,” she whispered, moving quickly to embrace Emily. “Welcome, dear. We’ve waited so long for our boy to find his mate.”
Emily hugged her back. “Thank you, Mrs. Elliot.”
“Please, call me Elaine,” she replied, her voice thick with emotion.
Carter’s father, mirroring his wife’s sentiments, approached with open arms. “Emily,” he said, voice deep and warm. “It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. Our home is your home.”
Emily blinked back tears. “Thank you, sir. It means a lot.”
As they exchanged greetings, a mischievous voice rang out from the hallway, “Well, well, Carter! You’ve been holding out on us!”
Seb sauntered into the room, his grin infectious. “Look who’s brought someone home! And quite the catch, I must say.”
Carter rolled his eyes, but grinned in spite of himself. “Emily, this is Seb. My friend and colleague in the CIA, oh, and self-appointed comedian, of course.”
“And don’t you forget it,” Seb said with a grin.
He winked at Emily, extending his hand. “You know, in the shifter world, it’s a very big deal to be introduced to the family.”
Carter nudged him, “Alright, that’s enough. Let’s not overwhelm Emily on her first visit.”
Emily laughed, Carter had been worried about her reaction, but she appeared to be coping well with the situation. “It’s okay. I’m feeling surprisingly at ease.”
“Well of course you are!” Carter’s mother said. “You’re mates. It’s important to cherish these moments of happiness…especially at a time like this.”
“Don’t worry, Mom,” Carter said. “Megan will be back home safe and sound in no time at all.”
“I hope so,” she said. “I really do. Your sister drives me to distraction sometimes, but I don’t know what I’d do without her.”
It was Emily who stepped forward and pulled Carter’s mother into a comforting hug. “You’ll never have to find out,” she whispered into her ear.
Carter’s heart filled with love and gratitude for his mate’s kindness.
The atmosphere inside was warm, the laughter and conversations a welcome distraction from the looming threats. Yet, as the night wore on, Carter felt the need for some quiet time alone with his mate. He gestured for Emily to follow him outside.
The Colorado sky was a blanket of stars, each one shimmering with promise. Emily stared at them, mesmerized. “It’s so beautiful out here,” she whispered.
Carter nodded, taking a moment to appreciate the vastness. “It reminds me of how small and insignificant we are, no matter how complicated life gets, there’s always something bigger than us, something more important.”
Emily turned to face him, her eyes searching his. “Do you really believe you and your friends will be able to rescue your sister and the others without any trouble? I just…I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Carter nodded. “We’ve been on dozens of similar missions. You always have to expect the unexpected, of course, but I’m confident in our abilities.”
“Then I’m confident in you,” she said, taking his hand. “Holding it together while your sister is in there…I think you’re the strongest person I know.”
Despite his mate’s assurance, inside him, a restless energy stirred.
Shift, his mountain lion growled, impatient. Show her our strength. Prove her confidence is not misplaced.
Carter chuckled softly. That’s not the sort of strength she’s talking about.
Emily looked puzzled. “What’s so funny?”
Carter grinned. “Just having a little chat with my inner animal. He thinks I should show you our animal form.”
She smiled, her gaze softening. “I’d like to see that.”
Now! his cat ordered. She wants to see our strength!
Carter chuckled again.
“Not now,” he murmured out loud. “Tomorrow.” He turned to Emily. Is that good for you?”
She nodded. “I have the day off so it’s perfect.”
Perfect. Yes, it truly was.