Twenty one

Carrie’s POV

“Please give me a moment with my daughter.” my mother said, dragging me away from Ryder and prying eyes.

“You cannot accept him as your mate, Carrie.” she insisted, and I felt my blood boil through my veins. Was she being serious? The moon goddess had paired me with Ryder for a reason! How could she expect me to ignore that?

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down, but my mind was racing with thoughts of Ryder and the danger he was in. I knew my parents were trying to protect me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that they didn't understand.

“Carrie, your mother is correct. We don't know him at all. He could be anyone.” my father agreed with my mother. Not that I could expect anything different since they never disagreed over anything.

"MOTHER, FATHER! Please," I said, trying to reason with them. "Ryder is trying to help us. He's willing to put his life on the line to protect us. He knows what he is talking about. Why won't you give him a chance? Can you not