Red

Chapter 13: Preparation

The next morning I felt a weight on my sided and a heat at my front accompanied by a soft heartbeat. My eyes opened in slits as not to alert anyone I was awake.

What my eyes found was a breath taking sight. Brown hair left in sideways spikes and soft pink lips breathing warm breath across my face.

Ryder. It was the first time I woke up in his arms. Snuggling closer to his chest, his arm tightened around my waist and I sighed.

My sigh must have been loud be cause his eyes shot open and pulled me too tight.

A pain shot up my ribs and I cringed. "Red." Ryder whispered and I looked up into his eyes. He looked pained and I knew he was thinking about yesterday.

Placing my hand on his cheek softly I smiled and pecked him on the lips. "What's that face for? I'm the one meeting your parents tonight." I reminded and the corner of his lips pulled up.

Ryder propped his head up with his elbow and I did the same. He was about to say something when the door to the stairs flew open.

There stood a guy our age with super short brown hair and a wicked grin too big for his face. "Alpha!" He sang and Ryder and I flinched at his pitch. "You'll be late for the meeting!" He barked in a more monotone voice as he walked over to us.

Ryder grinned at him and the guy froze. "Well Seth, since you've so politely torn me away, I'm making you Red's slave for the day." Confliction arose on his features and I laughed swatting Ryder's chest.

"This is just another one of your plots to give me a babysitter isn't it?" I teased and the dude laughed.

Ryder shot him a look before turning to me. "Keeping eyes on you and teaching him a lesson. Two birds, one stone." He declared, kissing my cheek and climbing out of bed.

I grabbed his hand. "Wait, what should I make for dinner?" I questioned.

A broad grin broke out over his face. "Anything with meat." With that he got ready and left.

Once he was gone I sat up in bed and stared right at an uncomfortable Seth. He began to fidget under my gaze and after a moment I broke out in a smile.

"I'm Red by the way." I told him climbing out of bed. "I'll meet you downstairs in twenty. We need to go grocery shopping."

Nodding he left. Taking my bag to the bathroom I showered and pulled my hair up in a ponytail. Throwing on a pair of jeans and cuddle dud, I grabbed my hooded leather jacket and wallet before jogging downstairs.

I hadn't meant to, but I must have looked decent because when I walked into the living room to find Seth a few jaws went slack.

Ignoring them I turned to Seth. "You coming?" He scampered up after me, leaving his friends behind.

He grabbed his keys and we went to the store and were driving back when I told him to take a turn. "But we have to go home." He whined nervously. Ryder must really scare these guys.

"We will, just stopping by my place." We pulled up. One of the guys had fixed my door but I just threw the garage open and smiled.

I wheeled my baby out, grabbing my helmet. Seth's eyes bulged. "Is that yours?" He demanded slightly awestruck and I nodded.

Mounting it I pulled my helmet on. "Kid, I'm a self made billionaire. See you at the house." With that I took off with him close behind.

Hearing the engine most of the guys from before ran out. "That's yours?" They all demanded, admiring my bike. I jolted it up in a wheelie and then put it in park.

"Oh yeah." I promised, patting the base. "She's all mine boys. Those cops don't even try to catch us anymore."

One guy ran up to me. "Can I ride it?" I looked over the twig of a boy.

"Have you ever road one before?"

"No."

I stared him in the eyes. "You need lessens before you can handle my girl." Hope glinted in his eyes. "And I don't have time to give any." I cut the ignition, parking and dismounting.

They all gravitated towards it and I narrowed my eyes at them. "Don't touch my bike." I warned before grabbing my groceries from Seth. I thanked him and told him I could do the rest on my own.

Upstairs in our kitchen I had lunch then set to work on the prep work for dinner.

By three the salad was made, meat was marinating and cake was in the oven.

After another shower I was dressed in a simple black dress with long sleeves that fell to just above my knees. To make my scars less visible I added dark stockings and put my hair in an elegant up do with a few loose curls.

I had put on a little eyeliner and mascara on but that was it. Paired with small silver hoop earrings. It was simple, stylish and slightly formal.

Taking the meat I carefully carried it downstairs to the grill. Hardly anyone seemed to be around so I went about my business.

A tap on my shoulder made me turn to see Alec behind me, shock clear in his face. I watched his eyes move over me appreciatively before resting back on mine.

"Wow, Red you look beautiful." I felt myself blush a bit at his words and looked away. "Ryder wanted me to tell you he was picking his parents up from the airport, they'll be back in about twenty minutes." Taking a deep breath I nodded.

Smiling, he tilted my chin up with his fingers. "Hey, you'll do great." He promised before dropping his hand away.

"Thanks Alec. For everything." I murmured and he smiled at me.

"Anytime." Turning back to my meat I noticed it was done and pulled it all onto the fresh plate. "Hey let me bring that up for you." My right side still pretty sore I let him. "This looks really good. Did you cook this yourself?" He wondered on our way up and I nodded.

Setting the meat down I covered it and began pulling everything else but the cake out. Alec let out a long whistle. "You're really nervous aren't you?" I didn't respond and his eyes glazed over before he smiled at me. "Too late anyway. They're here." My heart dropped.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me down the stairs gently. "Come on. It's too late to get out of it." He teased as I clung to his arm. I'm so messed up right now but I'm too nervous to care.

What if I'm too dressed up? What if I'm under dressed? Is this outfit too plain? What if they don't like the food? What if I say something wrong? What if I they don't like me?

All these thoughts ran through my head, but my heart knew that's not what I was worried about. The only one that mattered was 'What will they say when they find out I am a hunter?'. It terrified me beyond reason.

What people thought of me never mattered and I never knew of any good parents or ones that liked me, but this was different. These were the parents of my mate. They actually matter.

It was then we stepped off the last step, and it was too late. With one last smile, Alec smiled and left, letting go of my arm.

A/N

Dun Dun Dun Dunnn. Meet the parents (aka your future in-laws) Muwahaha. Anyone think they know what'll happen?