Fated

Chapter XVI

Adira

Mrs. Carter grinned wider in response to Amor's surprise. She rushed forward at werewolf speed, moving in a blur and stopping before Amor. "My baby!" She hugged her tightly. Amor looked like she couldn't breathe.

Almost as if on autopilot due to her surprise, Amor hugged her mother back. "What is going on, Ma? How are you here? What the hell?!"

"We'll talk about it, love. But first, let me look at you! You've grown thinner! You need to eat. I bet you forget to cook. I like this haircut too. Is Eden treating you well?" Amor's mother rushed out stepping away to inspect Amor fully. Adira was sure her speed of speaking could give Cassie a run for her money. She didn't wait for Amor's reply. "Now, where's that boy of mine? Ade?" She turned to the other end of the line, spotting him. 

Mrs. Carter hugged Adrian with such force that he staggered back. She whispered something in his ear and Adrian nodded in response. He hugged her tighter and Adira could have sworn that his eyes were watery. They stayed locked in their embrace for long moments. 

Finally breaking away, Mrs. Carter turned towards the rest of them. "Oh look at you all! It has been too long. Cassie, my love! I love this hair on you. Look at those gorgeous eyes! Just as I remembered them! How have you been baby?"

"Wonderful, Mrs. Carter! Both your children do a great job of keeping me in line." Cassie replied, winking at the older woman.

"Oh, shush Cassandra. You practically grew up in our house, don't you dare call me 'Mrs. Carter'. It's Cerise to you, darling." Mrs. Carter replied ruffling Cassie's hair and pulling her in for a hug. She turned towards the remaining boys. 

"Seb! My lord! Seems like the last three years have done you good. Where's the mate I keep asking you to get?" She jokingly nudged him in the ribs. Sebastian responded with a loud guffaw. "And you," She turned to Eden accusingly, "Not a single phone call in the last two months. Why would you do this to your poor mother-in-law?" 

Eden responded with a sheepish grin to her mock-outrage. "Next time, Mrs. C. I'll call you so much you'll block my number." Mrs. Carter rolled her eyes, laughingly pulling his cheeks. Sebastian snickered, giving her a high-five.

Then, finally, Mrs. Carter turned to Adira. "And you. You have my son's eyes on your face." She stated matter-of-factly, her smile vanishing. Her eyes inspected Adira from head to toe. Adira forced herself to not squirm under her gaze. She crossed her fingers at her side. 

"Hi, Mrs. Carter. I'm Adira Williams. It's nice to finally meet you." Adira stuck her hand out.

Mrs. Carter said nothing, simply staring at her. Adira's other hand started to fidget with the hem of her shirt.

When Mrs. Carter didn't respond for another minute, Adira dropped her hand awkwardly. She resolutely met Mrs. Carter's assessing stare.  

After what seemed like ages, Mrs. Carter's eyes softened. "You make my son very happy." She said simply before hugging Adira like she was family. "Please call me Cerise. We're going to have such a great time together! I have so many embarrassing memories of Adrian to share." She winked in response to Adrian's groan. "Complete with photographs!" Adira giggled as both Sebastian and Cassie snickered. Amor patted her brother's back in sympathy.

Cerise turned to her companion. Dramatically indicating at him, she said to Adira, " And this is my Liam. Please call him by his first name, no matter what he says to you. And despite that full-on grumpy grouch, he's very very pleased to see you all. Isn't that right, honey?"