Chapter 26 Meeting Io's Parents

Kiara

After the police took our statements, they allowed us to go home. They praised my father for his quick thinking and calm resolve while I was asked to join therapy sessions for post-traumatic stress disorder after being held hostage. Since I was bothered by that one rogue's untimely death, I toyed with the idea that I should go see a therapist.

However, Selene argued I shouldn't feel guilty... that it was either him or my father. While I was waiting for my father to sign some documents for the police, I took a moment to imagine a different scenario, one where my dad was dead and the rogue wolf was alive. I wouldn't be here at the police station. Instead, I would be at a funeral home making arrangements while my mother would be seated in the car waiting for me, catatonic, broken and distraught. After burying my father, my mother would struggle to move on while I would live a life full of regret, constantly blaming myself for not doing what had to be done.

My wolf was right. There was no other way.

When my mom arrived at the police station, I was surprised to see her disheveled appearance. Her hair was messy, her eyes were bloodshot, her cute little nose was red, and her make-up... smeared. I have only seen my mother cry a handful of times, mostly because she was extremely happy or touched. This was the first time I ever saw her like this. After seeing her, I was truly convinced saving my father was the right thing to do.

Instead of walking into my father's outstretched arms, my mother punched my dad on the chest. "You should have given them the money!"

"I was trying to, but it was such a big amount, it couldn't be done right away. When the man walked outside to check on the police, that's when I saw my chance," my father lied. Well, my father had to keep his story straight. My mother could learn about the truth later.

My mother then faced me. Her eyes began to well up with tears as she gazed at me. I didn't like seeing her like this. I felt a tug in my heart and tears began to form in my eyes as well.

"My baby... I almost lost you," my mom cried, pulling me into her arms and hugging me. It felt like heaven to be in her arms. While keeping me in her embrace, she gestured to my father for a group hug.

"Thank you, Kiaria. I love you so much," she whispered in my ear. I looked at her and I knew she knew the truth. I hugged her tightly, grateful I had her as a mom.

Suddenly, a group of people in nicely tailored suits entered the police station. I thought maybe they were part of the FBI until one of them bowed at Io. They were wolves!

"Alpha, it is a welcoming sight to see you here. We will be taking the rogues to a secure location," the man said. He looked to be around his thirties, tall, with light brown hair and brown eyes, wearing a light gray suit. His face was smooth except for his nicely trimmed beard and moustache and he had nice white teeth.

The four others who were with the man waited for him while he had a quick chat with Io. One was a woman who looked to be the same age as the man. Beautiful and tall with red hair styled neatly in a bun and light green eyes. She was wearing a nice cream colored pant suit and low heels.

I noticed her staring at me. When our eyes met, she gasped and whispered to the man beside her. The man took one quick look at me, then walked to the wolf who was speaking to Io. The man finally looked at me and smiled brightly.

"Forgive us, Alpha," he said to Io while he stared at me unabashedly. "We did not know of the circumstances." He then tore his gaze away from mine and moved his head to whisper into Io's ear. Io placed a hand on his shoulder.

"That will be quite alright. She does not need protection, but thank you just the same, Commander. Although, I would like to ask that this remain confidential...for her safety," Io said. "Kiaria, I would like you to meet a commander of the Wolf Police. This is Commander Oliver Harris. Oliver, my soon to be Luna, Kiaria Wright."

"It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Kiaria," Commander Oliver Harris said, giving me his card. "If you ever need me, don't hesitate to give me a call."

"Thank you, uhm, Commander Harris," I said, smiling at him. "I'll keep this in a safe place."

"Please do," he replied, bowing. I was so impressed at how they carried themselves. They were so polite. "Alpha, we will wait for you to leave before we transfer the prisoners."

Io nodded. "Let's go everyone," he said, gesturing for my parents to exit the police station. We all quickly left and headed to the parking lot.

"Sakura, as a precaution, I would prefer if you would stay at my hotel tonight. Marcus and my men are updating security around your house," Io said. My mom's eyes widened with fear.

"D-do you think they'll come looking for us at our home?" She asked anxiously.

"I can't say, but we should be prepared. Let's talk about this at the hotel. There are some things I need to discuss with you," Io replied.

At the hotel, Io's parents were waiting for us at the lobby. And I must say, they were a good looking couple. Io's dad, who was wearing a blue dress shirt and slacks, was also a tall man, just a couple of inches shorter than Io. He also had dark hair just like his son with a bit of white at the sides, but I noticed Io clearly got his dark blue eyes from his mother.

Io's mother, who was wearing a white silk top and brown colored pants, was of average height for a woman. Her hair was a chestnut brown, cut short and straight. She had a cute nose, a small mouth and a dimple on her chin. She was grinning from ear to ear as we approached.

"Is my hair okay?" My mom whispered. I smiled at her and put a reassuring arm around her shoulder. I gave her a quick glance, impressed she was able to redo her make-up as we drove here.

"Mom, your hair is perfect. You're perfect. Come on. I think Dad has already met them before," I said, pointing at my father who was already shaking hands with Io's father.

"Connor and Alexa, so nice to see you again at such short notice," my father said. "We would have been here earlier, but we were in a middle of-"

"A robbery. I just saw the news," Io's mother quickly said and moved her head to smile at me and my mother. "Io, sweetheart, introduce us."

Io was busy speaking to some of his employees. He quickly patted the manager on his shoulder and rushed towards me and my mother.

"I'm sorry, Mother. The High Elder will be arriving at midnight and I need to make sure he will be welcomed with every courtesy," Io said. "Mother... Father... This is Kiaria, my fated mate, and her mother, Sakura Wright. Sakura...Kiaria... My father and mother, Connor and Alexa Hemming. Is the dining hall ready? We are extremely hungry and I need to discuss some things with Kiaria's parents before they retire for the night. It has been a very stressful day."

"Of course it's ready, son," Connor said. "Do you want us to join you or is this a private party?"

"Please join us, Father. You can help me explain certain aspects of Kiaria's unique parentage. Sakura... Winston... this way please."

Io led us to the dining hall where a small buffet was set up for us. My mother went straight for the bottles of red wine placed on a rack and took a bottle for herself.

I took a plate and piled it with roast beef, mashed potatoes, beef stroganoff over pasta and garlic bread. My mom placed a wine glass in front of me and filled my glass with red wine to my surprise.

"You earned it, girl. Enjoy," she said while placing a plate with tuna sashimi in front of my dad.

Io's mother sat across from me and stared. It made me feel a bit self-conscious, but the look on her face held a certain tenderness, like I reminded her of someone. She even grinned when I gulped down my glass of wine. My mom was about to refill my glass when my dad put a glass of iced tea in front of me instead. What a buzz kill.

I was going to beg off on dessert, but Selene urged me to eat as much as I could and to get some rest after. Magic uses energy and if I didn't take care of myself, I could get sick.

"Sugar is good, Kiaria," Selene reasoned.

"Selene, every human on the planet will tell you sugar is bad for you," I argued.

"But you aren't human. You are wolf. Why don't you have some pudding or try a lemon bar perhaps?"

"You have a sweet tooth, wolf," I said. "But since you insist, I'll have a lemon bar."

When I sat back down, I was happy to see my wine glass was refilled. I took a bite of the lemon bar and moaned blissfully. It was good.

"Your mother loved lemon bars," Alexa suddenly said, then her eyes widened, realizing her faux pas. "I apologize, Sakura. I meant no disrespect."

"Don't worry about it, Alexa. Kiaria has two mothers...well, three, once she gets married," my mother smirked, obviously tipsy.

"Mother, did you personally know Celeste?" Io asked, clearly surprised. Alexa lowered her eyes and began to nervously play with the table cloth.

"Yes, Io. Celeste and I... we were friends. But Magnus had a vendetta and he would not stop until he got what he wanted. He threatened every pack in the country, including the Council of Wolves, so no one would come to her aid. In the end, Celeste died... and I wasn't even there to help her after all she had done for me, " Alexa croaked, deeply saddened by the loss of her friend. I reached across the table and put my hand over hers to console her.

I saw her relax while her frown slowly turned into a smile. "Celeste had that same power. She could comfort any sad soul and ease any angry being." I smiled at her shyly, happy she wasn't sad anymore.

But I needed to ask her something.

"You mentioned the name Magnus, Mrs. Hemming," I said. "Is he the same Magnus who is the supposed boss of the thieves who tried to rob the bank?" She gasped and pulled her hand away from mine.

"I only ask because I overheard one of them mention the same name. Who is this Magnus and why did he kill my mother?"