Ava's pov
The sun was at it's peak and was proud over Blackthorn, casting a soft glow across the castle grounds as I watched from the balcony. Today was the day, Rowan Caelen’s 14th birthday. My heart had been pounding since dawn, my nerves bubbling with anticipation. This wasn’t just any birthday. Today, my son would shift for the first time.
It felt like only yesterday I held him for the first time, barely able to believe he was mine. And now… now he stood tall beside me, wearing the ceremonial cloak passed down through generations of Blackthorn heirs. Navy blue, trimmed with silver threads, it billowed slightly in the breeze.
I reached out and adjusted the collar with trembling hands. “Are you ready, baby?”
Rowan grinned at me. “I’m not a baby, Mom.”
Beside me, Xander chuckled. “Today, you become a wolf. But you’ll always be her baby.”
My mate's hand rested on Rowan’s shoulder with pride so strong, I could feel it in the air.
The courtyard behind the castle had been transformed int
