My mother is an intimidating woman when she wants to be. She met both of us with a straight face, but her eyes were slit in such a way, that I knew she had to be pissed. Or in this case, beyond pissed.

I wanted to sink into the couch as both my parents came into view, my father holding a near same expression as my mother. He couldn't hide is anger well, though, and his mouth was tilted in a frown.

Connell looked at both of them, trying to decide on the best way to talk to them.

"Good to see you," he said slowly.

My mother blinked, before looking at my dad. I furrowed my eyebrows, but said nothing as I peeked over the couch.

Connell moved to the side to let my parents in, looking at me shortly after. My parents followed his gazes, and I could see a very tiny shift in my mother's expression.

She walked forward, paying no attention to anyone else as she came up to me. Before I could say anything she wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly to her chest.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She whispered into my shoulder. I stayed quiet, inhaling the comforting smell of lavender.

"I'm sorry," I said once I could, before breaking away from her. My mothers eyes were both gentle with caring, and angry. Not at me, particularly. I believe she was angry at the situation.

My father came up to me next, taking me into his arms. He was the more gentle of the two, but as he hugged me, he radiated anger. Still, it wasn't pointed at me- but the situation. And certainly a bit towards Connell.

Speaking of, Connell came around the couch, sitting on one of his chairs on the opposite side of the coffee table. As I turned hugged my father, I turned to look at him.

Connell seemed to have zone out for a minute, but came to attention at my gaze.

"We have to talk," My mother said sternly, crossing her arms as she looked at Connell. I fiddled with my hair, wrapping a long curly piece around my finger nervously.

Connell nodded, and though he had a calm disposition, I could see the way his eyes shifted with nerves.

"When did you find out," My mother asked first, inhaling deeply as she looked at Connell.

"A few months ago," I answered for him. My mother's eyes shifted to me, before going back to Connell.

"You rejected her," My mother continued. Connell tensed up, sitting up straighter.

"I had my reasons," Connell answered.

"What reasons could dictate that?" My mother hissed.

"Mom stop!" I interrupted, drawing her attention. My mother seemed to bite back words, leaning back into the couch with her arms crossed.

"I promise it was best at the time," Connell tried once again. I could see that his features were clouded with shame.

My mother exhaled, her slit eyes looking back at Connell.

"Fine. Let's talk about how you're a grown man, with a teenager."

Connell seemed taken about, blinking a few times before looking fully at her.

"She's 18-,"

"-which is an adult!" I interrupted him.

My mother frowned, looking at me. "You're a teenager." She said once more, as though it would change my perspective.

"We've not done anything," I defended myself, "Besides, it wouldn't matter. Werewolf states that as long as both parties are adults, it is okay. Human law says that too."

I could practically see my mother's blood boiling as she looked between us.

"She's too young," She said pointedly to Connell, ignoring what I said. I exhaled, looking away.

"I understand your concerned, but it isn't your right," Connell said. I peaked at him, surprised.

"It's our right as parents," My father seethed, finally speaking up. I glanced at him, shock flowing through my veins at the change in character.

"That's my baby, and you hurt her," he continued, and I could see him struggle to seat himself. "You played with her like a toy."

Connell stayed silent, watching my father as he piped in fury. He had that strange calm demeanor he always had, watching my father under his thick eyelashes.

Swallowing his pride, Connell sat up. "I'm sorry," He said slowly, looking at my parents.

"I didn't want to hurt her, I never wanted that. I thought by staying away from her, I was keeping her safe."

I looked back at my parents, who were starting to calm down. My mother had a frown on her face, but I could see in her eyes, that she was conflicted.

"You're a dumbass," my mother responded.

Connell chuckled, "Yeah, I was."

Connell's blue eyes found mine, and he seemed to let out a gentle sigh of relief. The worst was over.

Looking back at my parents, Connell leaned forward.

"I really like your daughter," Connell declared gently, looking at me out of the corner of his eye.

"She's my other half, my mate. You can't take her from me," Connell said, a bit more sternly. My father still looked angry, but tried to keep it down.

"My wolf won't let you take her from me. He's far too attached," Connell continued, before looking at me.

His eyes twinkled as he smiled lightly. "I guess I am too."

I smiled, putting my hands over my pink cheeks.

Looking to my mom, I grabbed her hands, keeping it to my chest.

"You always told me that when my mate found me, he'd take care of me," I told her. She nodded, her gentle eyes meeting mine.

"I promise he'll take care of me," I leaned closer to her, "and if not, I'll just send you to him."

My mom laughed, but I could see the tears forming in her eyes.

"Okay," She whispered, hugging me.

Once she was done, my father gave me a quick squeeze, kissing me on the cheek. I stood from the couch, looking at both of them. The began talking to each other in quiet voices.

I smiled, looking over to Connell who was still in his chair. He seemed to have nodded off, looking towards the outside window.

Walking over to him, I hit him on his shoulder, getting his attention.

"Did it go well?" he whispered to me, glancing over to my parents who were talking quietly amongst themselves.

"As well as it could go, I guess," I answered. He grabbed my hand, sighing as he held it to near his heart.

I leaned down to him, my eyes still watching my parents. I kissed him on the cheek, before moving up a bit.

"Now we have to tell your parents," I reminded him.

He sighed, nodding.

I got back up right before my parents could see me. I smiled at them, putting my hand on the back of Connell's seat.

"We have a few requests," my father told us. "At least until she's out of your class."

"Mom," I complained, crossing my arms. My mother just gave me a look, which quieted me.

"First, you don't get to stay over at his house," My father said. He looked at Connell with a dangerous gleam in his eyes, before continuing.

"No sex, drugs, drinking, parties."

"No fun," I whispered under my breathe, catching my mother's glare.

"That's fine," Connell said in a cool voice. I gave him a glare, but he ignored it.

"Take care of her," My father said in a low voice.

He leaned forward, and I could see his eyes flash colors.

"If you don't, and you hurt her, I will rip your throat out," He said in a venomous tone. I blinked a few times, my mouth falling open.

Connell stayed relaxed, fixing the cuff of his shirt.

"Feel free," he responded. I looked at him, frowning.

"Okay, that's enough talk about rules and killing Connell. Are we finished?" I asked, taking a few steps towards the door.

"Yeah, we're done," My mother said, standing with my dad. They both walked out of the living room and to the door, me trailing behind them.

Connell caught up to me, his warm body following me closely as we walked to the door. I could feel his hand on my waist, and silently wondered if he wanted to die.

My parents didn't notice, instead opening the door, taking a few steps out.

"Ruby you need to come home and say goodbye to everyone, they're leaving a bit early," my mother informed me. I frowned, wishing they were already gone.

Both of my parents gave Connell once last look, before walking down the porch steps, towards the street.

Turning back to Connell, I let out a long sigh.

"That went better than it could have," Connell mused, wrapping his arms around me.

"You're still alive," I said, smiling.

"Barely," Connell winked.

Leaning down, he kissed me, tightening his arms around me. I kissed back, wrapping my arms around his neck.

When we pulled apart, I didn't let him move away from me.

"So about those rules, do we have to follow them all?" I asked.

There was a glint in his eyes, and he chuckled.

"Yes Ruby," he answered, pulling my arms off of his neck.

"Like, all of them?" I asked again.

Connell walked back into his house, waving as he watched me.

"Mainly the second rule- is that out of bounds?" I asked.

Connell shut the door in my face, and I could hear him laughing.

"Connell!" I yelled.

At no response, I huffed, and turned on my heels. Walking down his steps, I made my way back home. When I crossed the street to my house, I saw him watching me through his kitchen window.

Giving him a cheeky wink, I turned away, going home.