The Crying Wolf Chronicles: Forbidden (Book 1)

Formally Introduced

Formally Introduced

I wasn't nervous at all about Jayce formally meeting my family. He had met them before, but under unfortunate circumstances. My mother might be the only person I might be nervous about him meeting. She's not very fond of him. Not just because he's human, but because she believes he will hurt me. All mothers have that same thought. It's natural, and maybe someday, I will feel the same. Until then, I only worry about me, myself and Jayce.

Jayce slid his hand under mine as we both stared up at my Uncle's house. I squeezed his hand and led him up the stairs to the door. It swung open before I got a chance to knock or ring the doorbell. We walked inside and both of us felt like we wanted to faint. The strong anxious butterflies in the pit of my stomach made me hyperventilate. There was too much pressure.

Each of my family's scents were faint, but very noticeable. Jayce and I were approaching the kitchen. The butterflies in my stomach made me want to throw something very heavy across the room. Breathing deeply made my swirling stomach calm itself. I didn't know why I was so nervous. Jayce wasn't a stranger to my family. Maybe this time, he would not run off at the first sign of danger. I was there to protect him even if it was against my own family.

Jayce squeezed my hand as we approached closer to the kitchen. I looked up at his face which was in a deep frown. His heartbeat thumped loudly in my ears. He was hyperventilating. He was nervous. I would be too if I was a human in a room full of vampires. A mouse in a barrel full of snakes.

I felt my body jerk back a bit. Jayce stopped us. He looked into my eyes. I could feel the nervousness and fear through his eyes.

"Steph, do I have to meet them?"

"Yes, Jayce. It's only fair because I met your family."

"But your family is different. My family is normal. Human. I don't think I can do this."

"I was able to be around your family without feeling like I wanted to rip them apart. Plus, you'll be safe. I'm here to protect you." I stood on my tip toes and kissed him.

"Yeah, but Steph, what if you can't?"

"What, you don't trust that I'll protect you?" I asked, feeling annoyed.

"I do trust you, but you know that anything could happen."

"Look, shut up and hold my hand. You'll be fine. I promise." I smiled.

I was completely overwhelmed by his hot, sweet smelling breath that flashed across my face. His hand gripped mine. He was lucky I could take that pain or he would've been out the door.

I swallowed my spit and lead him into the kitchen. Sure enough, everyone was sitting around the kitchen table: Uncle, Auntie, Colleen, JT, Phyllis, and Mark. There was no sign of my mother. My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach. I looked to the left of Mark to see my father. His blue eyes made me smile. His strong and sculpted chin lifted. He was here for me.

"Well, it's about damn time you got here." Colleen's familiar voice filled the room.

"Hello again to you too." I said flatly.

Every set of eyes sent burning glares in Jayce's direction. His hand squeezed tighter on mine.

I silently whispered into his head the reassurance that he truely needed. His hand slowly began to unclutch.

"Don't worry, son." Uncle David spoke in his strong and fatherly voice. "We won't hurt you. You have my promise."

Jayce released his sweet smile and lowered his head. I thought it was about time I introduce him to the family. The awkward silence and death stares were killing me.