was kept. The friend who rescued me told me to go to Ford."
Essie crossed herself again. "Ay, Dios! Raul, hurry, mi hijo. I believe the fates are fixing what obviously went wrong so long ago."
"Um, Essie?" I walked over and took her hand while Raul rushed to the golf cart. "Care to share what's going on? My Spanish doesn't extend further than pleasantries and how to find a bathroom in Tijuana." Nervous anticipation thrummed in my veins; even my wolf was pacing. Once again, it felt like we were on the cusp of a major moment.
"I would rather let you see for yourself, Alpha. I don't want to get Charlie's hopes up, but... well, you'll see what I mean when the Silvers family arrives. While we wait, let's sit. I made fresh lemonade and sugar cookies for Charlie."
Charlie inspected the chair options before picking the swing at the end of the porch. From there, we'd be able to see everyone's face, as well as the best part of the view. He sat and patted the spot beside him. "Join me, charming. This looks like it needs to be our perfect spot, don't you think?"
I thought any spot he chose would be perfect if he was there, but kept my thoughts to myself. I figured I'd save the mushy stuff for when we were alone. Mostly. I couldn't help if my arm went around him as I sat or the foolish grin spreading over my face whenever we touched.
Essie fussed over us, serving us treats while Pedro nodded and smiled. So far I'd heard him say three words, and I was definitely keeping count.
Before too long, Raul was back, pulling up on his trusty golf cart with a family of four on board. They seemed mystified but wore friendly enough smiles. I suppose getting called to the Alpha manor in the middle of the day was probably disconcerting.
For his part, Raul appeared less confused now, like being with them had shown him whatever Essie had seen. As they came closer, I quickly figured it out for myself. It was hard not to when the man and both sons exactly resembled Charlie, while the mother had his distinct violet eyes. Part of me wished Essie had prepared us for the shock I knew Charlie was about to receive, and part of me was grateful for the quiet interlude.
Raul smiled brightly, falling easily into graciousness in what could so quickly become an awkward situation. "Dave and Tina Silvers, you already know our Alpha. He found his mate this weekend. This is…" He paused and ended with a question in his voice, "Charlie?"
Tina started to greet us, then got a good look at Charlie. She gasped and swooned. Dave barely managed to catch her before she hit the ground. Everything went crazy, Charlie asking who these people while Dave and Essie fussed over Tina. Their sons talked over each other, asking Charlie where he'd come from and demanding to know what the hell was going on.
Their tone didn’t work for me, so I bared my teeth with a light warning growl. The older one immediately bent his neck in submission to his Alpha, quieting. The younger one didn’t submit, though he did shut up, glaring at me but silently.
Given his youth and teenage testosterone, not to mention his clear desire to protect his parents, I didn’t mind. Thing was, I wouldn't allow any accusations to be leveled at my mate, no matter who they were or what might or might not be happening. But until I knew more, I made myself remain quiet while I watched and tried to get a sense of things.
Thinking clearly was a struggle, let alone get a word in edgewise. A piercing whistle broke through the hubbub as Pedro uttered his fourth word... and tossed in a few more for good measure. "Silencio! When everybody speaks, nobody is listening. Now that Tina is awake, why don't you help her over to a chair near our Alpha, Dave? Boys, I will ask you to remain quiet while your parents and our Alpha figure out what this means."
For a man who rarely spoke, Pedro knew how to take control of the room. Clearly, he had skills beyond managing the winery. Nodding gratefully, I motioned for Pedro to sit. "Thank you, Pedro. Mr. and Mrs. Silvers, Charlie and I are as mystified as you, I think. My mate has no idea where he came from. Is he possibly related to your family?"
Softly