Page 71 of Alpha Awakening

Family Feuds

That same evening, Blake held Niev close to his chest, running his hands through her hair. The day had been bittersweet for him because it just showed how much he was about to sacrifice to become who he needed to be. Tristan was his best friend and had never left his side, no matter how dark and angry Blake had been. Leaving him behind felt heart wrenching and he hoped they truly would visit every summer.

“I want to see Mom and Dad.”

Niev’s words took him by surprise. He’d been so deep in his own thoughts that he hadn’t felt hers at all.

“Before we leave–I want to go see them.”

“Of course. Do they live far from here?”

“Brighthill. It’s a three-hour drive from Clemont.”

“Do you feel up for a long drive tomorrow? I have a feeling it will leave you restless.”

“If you don’t mind.”

Her mind was anxious. Her parents didn’t frighten her, but their rejection did. He knew about the circumstances in which they’d parted, and he hoped her parents would set their beliefs aside for the love of their daughter.

“I don’t mind and if you need, we can find a hotel on the way back.”

“Thank you.”

She didn’t have to put into words how much this meant to her. He could feel her thoughts like they were his own. She hugged him a little tighter, her mind more at ease. She fell silent after that, her mind far away from his as she prepared for all the possible scenarios that could happen. He too tried to make sure to have a response to everything that would happen, and he was even slightly nervous to meet her parents.

Niev woke early the next morning and even though she tried not to bother him, he woke up as soon as she left the bed. Blake listened as she turned on the shower and got ready for the day. Not wanting to leave a bad first impression on her parents, he chose to wear a button-up shirt and dark jeans. He was just tucking in his shirt when Niev walked into the room.

“Oh, you look so handsome!”

“Not too fancy?”

“Just right.”

She came closer and kissed his cheek before turning to the closet and picking a dress for herself. He watched her as he tied his shoes, unable to hide his disappointment. She’d chosen a long dress that hid her bump–all her other curves too.

“What?” she asked, confused by his reaction.

“I like it when you show off your bump.”

“Oh…” She bit her lip, liking his words but also feeling guilty. “I don’t want them to open the door because they can see I’m pregnant. I want them to open the door because they want to see me.”

“You think they won’t want to talk to you?”

“They might not even open the door for me.”

“Whatever happens, you tried and that’s all that matters.”

“I might waste your time by making you drive all the way out there.”

“It’s not a waste of time. Being with you will never be anything less than a blessing.”

He opened his arms, and she came right to him, taking in the love.

After having breakfast, they drove off. The day was gloomy and so was the forest surrounding them as they drove down the dirt road toward the highway. Niev had added her parents’ address into the GPS, letting them know they were about five hours away.

“This is probably what it’s gonna be like when we have to go grocery shopping,” Niev joked.

“I’m sure with my driving it might be even longer. That mountain road still scares me.”