Luca's POV
"Your parents are visiting," Rian announces.
I drop my coffee. "What?"
"My parents. Alpha and former Luna." He looks nervous. "They want to meet you. Officially."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"Didn't want you to panic. But they're arriving tomorrow."
I panic anyway.
"What if they hate me? I'm human. I was kidnapped. They'll think—"
"They'll think I found my perfect mate." He pulls me close. "They'll love you, baby. How could they not?"
"You're biased."
"Extremely. But also right." He kisses my forehead. "Just be yourself. That's all they need to see."
The next day, I'm a nervous wreck. Rian's parents arrive midday—his father tall and intimidating, his mother elegant and warm.
"So you're Luca," his mother says, pulling me into a hug. "Rian's told us so much about you."
"All good things, I hope."
"The best things." She steps back, studying me. "You make my son happy. That's everything."
His father is more reserved. "You're human."
"I am."
"And you accepted the bond willingly?"
Rian tenses beside me, but I answer honestly. "Not at first. He forced the initial claim. But I chose to stay. Chose to love him."
"Honest." His father's expression softens slightly. "Good. Rian needs someone who challenges him."
Dinner is surprisingly pleasant. His mother asks about my art, my role as Luna, my happiness.
"You've changed him," she observes. "He smiles now. Laughs. We haven't seen that since..."
"Since Marcus," I finish quietly. "I know about Marcus. Rian told me everything."
"And you're not threatened?" his father asks.
"Marcus was important to him. That makes him important to me." I take Rian's hand. "I'm secure enough in what we have to honor his past."
His mother's eyes shine. "You're perfect for him."
That evening, after his parents retire, Rian pulls me into our room.
"They love you," he says, relieved.
"Your mom loves me. Your dad tolerates me."
"He respects you. That's bigger." He kisses me deeply. "Thank you for being honest. For being yourself."
"Did you think I'd lie?"
"I thought you might downplay the kidnapping part." His smile is rueful. "But you were honest. They appreciate that."
"I'm always honest with you now."
"I know. It's one of the things I love most." He pulls me close. "My perfect, honest, incredible mate."
"Sappy."
"Always." He lifts me. "Now let me show you how grateful I am."
Later, thoroughly loved and satisfied, we hear a knock.
"Sorry!" his mother calls. "These walls are thin!"
Rian and I look at each other and burst into laughter.
"Oh god," I groan. "Your parents heard—"
"Everything, probably." He's grinning, unrepentant. "They're werewolves. Enhanced hearing."
"I'm never leaving this room."
"Good. I'll keep you here forever." He kisses me. "Mine to keep. Mine to love."
"Yours to embarrass in front of your parents."
"That too."