Demon: Book 1

Chapter 58: Overbearing In-Laws

The ATV bounced along the dirt road back to the cave. Darius had gone ahead and returned with it while the rest of us helped Titus to the nearest road. I sat in the back seat, cradling his head on my shoulder. A blanket laid over his bruised and battered body. The extent of his injuries was more noticeable in human form.

"Did you tell my parents?" I asked.

Darius glanced over his shoulder. "They're waiting at the cave with Rose and Storm." He smiled. "Your mother is going to beat your ass."

I glared at him and turned away. My soon-to-be brother-in-law only laughed.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I looked between Darius and the alpha. "What are you going to do about Chris?"

"We don't tolerate hunters," stated Xavier. "It's in our agreement with the humans that we have the right to protect our pack from all threats."

"Are you going to kill him?"

"He'll be dealt with," said the alpha, "once we find him."

The parking area came into view ahead of us. My parents were waiting, holding a lantern. I took a deep breath and prepared myself. Xavier parked the vehicle under the awning.

Titus started to stir and opened his eyes. "Are we there?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

"Aden Perri," my mother stated.

I cringed, and Titus started to chuckle.

"I think you're grounded."

Rolling my eyes, I sighed. "Me too."

Darius came to help his brother. I stepped out of the ATV and gave my parents a forced smile. My mother charged.

She grabbed me and hugged me tightly. "You're in so much trouble. Are you hurt?" Stepping back, she scanned my clothes.

I shook my head. "Titus healed it. Most of it isn't mine."

Shaking her head, she took a moment to compose herself. "Do you know how worried I was to find that note and know you were with Chris? Do you have zero common sense?" She pressed her lips into a thin line. "After everything that horrid boy has put you through, you're dumb enough to get in his truck."

"I thought I could fix it. I know what I did was stupid." My eyes wandered to Titus as he limped toward the cave. "It was really stupid, actually."

The anger left her expression. She hugged me again, and my father joined us.

"I'm sorry." I quickly cleared my eyes before anyone saw me.

With a sigh, my mother clasped my hand. "What's done is done. Learn what you can from it, and let's move on."

I nodded.

"Alright, let's go inside. It's still far too cold to be standing out here." She led the way into the cave.

We went to the alpha's room, where Titus was taken to an attached bedroom. We sat down on the piles of furs. I leaned into my mom's side as everyone took a moment for the night's events to settle.

"You clearly know you're grounded," said my mother.

"Yes, ma'am," I breathed.

"To what extent, I'll let Xavier decide."

I flinched at the name and glanced at the alpha. He looked just as surprised as me.

My mother sat up straight. "The wedding isn't far off. He'll be under your care soon enough."