“Well, it was obviously my beast of a son. I’m the one who should be sorry, dear, I interrupted your mating week, I know better, but Carter really wanted a few things he’d forgotten. I’ll just leave you now.”
Dee’s voice was tentative, “Please, you don’t have to go. Would you like to have breakfast with us?” She ended up hissing the last, her heat obviously riding her hard.
Justin stroked her upper arms as his eyes pleaded with his mother to pick up the signal that she needed to go. “What do you say, Ma? Breakfast?”
His mother had always been perceptive, maybe too perceptive, because she was eyeing him now just like the time he hid the ice cream in his room because he didn’t want to share it with his brothers. He had been only eight and he had had no idea it would melt into the carpet. He did his best to clean it up, but she knew. She always knew everything.
“Why don’t I just give you both a hug and wish you the best before I go. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to congratulate you, and with the party yesterday, we were all so busy.” She motioned them forward.
Doing as his mother bid, Dee stepped forward, only to be halted by his hand. He restrained her upper arm and when she turned toward him he mouthed, it’s a trap. Not believing him, Dee shook off his restraining hand and walked the few paces to give his mother a big hug.
Their embrace was genuine and warmed Justin with the knowledge that the most key, influential people in his lives loved each other and they were building a family. He was content up until the point his mother inhaled Dee’s scent and glared at him. Blast, I’m so screwed.
Not privy to the glares his mother was sending him, Dee said, “Thank you so much for taking care of Carter while Justin and I have a few days to ourselves. We really appreciate it.”
His mother touched Dee’s cheek, “It’s my pleasure. He is so excited about the wedding and the fact he’s getting Justin for a father. In fact, Justin was just telling me that he wanted to set a date-within the week. Right Justin?”
Mother’s glare could cut knives. He wasn’t usually the one on the receiving end of that glare. It was usually reserved for Blake and his antics, but he knew he was in trouble. “I think whenever Dee wants the wedding is okay with me. We’re mated, so there’s no rush.”
She actually growled. His mother, prim and proper Evalyn Nunn, growled at him. “What do you want Dee Marie?”
Holy crap, she’s using her middle name. He felt obligated to protect his mate, even though he knew she wasn’t in true danger. “Mother.”
“Don’t you mother me, Justin, I raised you better.”
Backing up towards him, Dee asked, “I’m sorry, what’s going on?”
His mother simply glared at him with one eyebrow cocked in question, wondering if he’d tell his mate. She probably hadn’t noticed her subtle scent change because she smelled strongly of him. He folded under the pressure. “I want to get married this week. I’m excited and so is Carter, plus, my whole family is here.”
Accommodating him, Dee agreed, “If that’s what you want, I don’t care. We can go down to the justice of the peace.” She rubbed her arms which were prickling with unsated lust, causing his beast to rise to the surface.
“Time to go, Mom, we’ll see you later.” He just about pushed her out the door without a proper goodbye.
Twisting out of his reach she gave Dee one more hug and even gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll arrange the wedding if that’s alright, no justice of the peace, you deserve a night to remember. Call me when your heat is over Dee and we’ll talk plans.”
Dee’s cheeks heated but she nodded and responded, “Three more days. It’ll last that long so please keep Carter. I’ll call every day and talk to him but it might be awkward.”
“I’ll keep everyone away, Dear, not to worry.” She looked over at Justin with tears in her eyes. “I love you, Son, and congratulations.”
He couldn’t resist giving his mother a smothering hug, lifting her off the floor and making her giggle. “I love you too, Ma. Don’t be sad.”
She smiled down at him, kissing his temple like she used to when he was a child. “I’m not sad. I’m so very happy for you both.” Her face got stern for a moment before she demanded, “Now put me down so you can be with your cat.”
A hiss sounded behind him followed by a loud announcement from his mate, “Lynx, I’m a predator too.”
Several hours later, Dee’s heat gave her a break, enough so that she was interested in food again. Leaving her exhausted mate sleeping in their bed, she wearily dragged herself down the hall and into the kitchen. If her stomach wasn’t growling she would have stayed with her mate lounging in bed but suddenly she felt like she couldn’t last without something in her belly. Instead of there being an ache in her girly parts, the ache was in her stomach. She wasn’t sure if she’d last the next couple days. Her heat always exhausted her, but normally she went to the doctor and spent four days on medication to suppress her symptoms. If she’d have known it was coming she might have done that, but life was moving at a fast pace lately and she felt like all she could do was stay on for the ride.