Not wanting to think of the past right now, he cleared his throat and all eyes turned to him. "Nice to meet you, Maria. Is that barbecue I smell? Both Gaby and I could do with some food."
"Why didn't you say so?" Maria moved in between him and Gaby, forcing them apart so she could place a hand on each of their backs. "One big tip, Ryan—keep your pregnant mate fed, or you'll risk a very grumpy dragonwoman."
"Mom," Gaby growled.
Ryan grinned. "Don't worry, we already decided that I was the better cook. Nowhere near what you are, from what I've heard, but good enough."
Maria studied him a second. "You are good, human, starting with the
compliments early." He winked at Maria, and she laughed before adding, "Then come along. I'm the only one who'll be able to get you to the backyard for some dinner without everyone stopping you along the way."
As the older dragonwoman guided them down a hall and through a few rooms—raising her brows to stop anyone from approaching along the way—Ryan met Gaby's gaze over Maria's head.
She mouthed, "Good job."
The praise made him walk a little taller. So far, so good. He hoped the rest of the night went as smoothly.
Gaby had experienced Ryan's charm firsthand but was still impressed at the way he handled her mother.
Not to mention her brother, who was trailing behind him. Maybe they could bond over being older brothers or something. Gaby said over her shoulder, "Where's Tori?"
Jose frowned. "She wanted some time alone with Luna."
Uh-oh. "That can't be good."
Jose growled. "Luna attracts trouble, sure, but she's one of the few friends Tori's made on PineRock so far and I won't deny her."
She blinked. "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"
Her mother spoke up. "A mate has done him well. All dragon males like to think they know how they'll handle a female, but usually it's unrealistic."
"So does this mean if we get all the cousins paired off that they'll leave me and Luna alone for good?" Gaby asked.
Her mother shrugged. "It wouldn't hurt, although I'm not sure if their true mates are on PineRock, which makes it difficult."
Gaby whispered, "Ryan has a younger sister."
"Gaby," Ryan growled.
She shrugged. "What? It wouldn't hurt for them to at least meet her. Besides, my mom here will want to meet her, too."
Her mother clicked her tongue. "Eventually, yes. But not until we get you two settled."
Gaby muttered, "You know everything about the threats, huh?"
Raising her brows, her mother asked, "Do you know me at all, Gabriela?"
Her father came to the rescue at that moment, taking his wife out from between them and dragging her against his side. He nodded at Ryan. "You must be Ryan. I'm Jorge, Gaby and Jose's father."
"Nice to meet you, sir."
Jorge snorted. "Call me Jorge." He motioned with his head toward the glass sliding door. "Hurry and go grab something to eat out there while you have the chance. My mate and I will join you later."
Her mother began, "Jorge, just wait a minute—"
Jorge cut off his mate. "Give them some time to breathe, Maria. It's going to be hard enough for them to be newly together on PineRock, but add in them staying with us to boot, and it makes it a little trying."
Gaby blinked. "What are you talking about?"