TURNED EIGHTEEN

Orfilia's pov

Slumbered at my bed like a snorlax, I didn't wake up even after snoozing the annoying alarm clock buzzing overhead. Last night was amazing as it was the second last day before my birthday. I was about to turn eighteen tomorrow. 

As it appeared exciting for me, the anxiety of getting a mate made me blush. The daughter of Beta of crystal moon pack. That was my identity but now that I will turn eighteen tomorrow, I will make my own identity in this pack. Precisely, I opened my eyes when the loud thuds were heard in the room. My focus went to the wall clock and it made me widen my eyes that I overslept. Not actually, I overslept as I was getting late but I promised myself to run into the woods to calm the anxiety running through my veins. I could still manage to run if I got out of bed.

Throwing away the duvet, I jumped into my track suit, made my bed and picked up all the scattered stuff in my room. Then I headed for a run. 

A wild run into the forest had always calmed me. On my way, I saw the patrolling guards and local omega roaming normally, as usual. I was more confined to taking a wild track today as there was a need for me to call my inner peace out. The scent of woods and soil was tempting to calm my nerves. The wind had been harsh now as the winters were approaching but it was still pleasant to be around at this time of the year. The moss, the mid, snapping of the twing made me realise how blessed to have a big place that I called home.

Once I returned home, drenched in my own sweat, my mother glanced at me and shook her head. She was preparing breakfast for us. I got myself a relaxing bath and I changed into a loose fitted t-shirt and black baggy jeans. I rolled my hairs into a bun as I didn't wash them, not too often. Downstairs in the dining room, I heard clatters and giggles. Dad, mom and Jeremy were having a conversation about something.

"Good morning everyone… " I greeted them.

"Good morning, sweetheart. How was your run? I saw you today when you were heading out." Dad exclaimed and asked about my run.

In the family, he was the most supportive person. He had always encouraged me to become a warrior like him, while my mother wanted me to become a perfect mate for an Alpha or Beta.

"She was drenched in awful sweat and you can't believe the smell was terrible. That was manly…" Mom commented while filling a plate of toast and eggs for me.

"Jenna love, werewolves sweat when they run." Dad defended me on my behalf.

Mom glanced at me sharply and averted her gaze, "I wanted her to act like a girl. But you have always encouraged her to become a boy… as if it will change her fate to become a Luna or a beta Female." 

Why does she always have to bring up this topic? Was I born to become a perfect wife for a werewolf? There was no fate apart from it for me? 

"Sorry, but I am heading for my training and I have lost my appetite." I excused myself and left immediately and noticed Jeremy running behind me.

"I am coming with you…" he yelled as I got into the bus and we left.

***

Jaden turned to Jenna and demanded an answer for it.

"You did it on purpose?" He was mad that his mate kept discouraging their daughter not to get trained as a warrior.

"Yes and what is wrong in that? Have you checked on her? She doesn't dress like a girl, act like a girl that she was supposed to be. His mate will expect her to do everything I do for you. Look at Alpha's daughter, Ivory. Her mother is teaching her to become a successful Luna already. I feel jealous of her. It was always Alpha's daughter, this and that. Why can't our daughter be like that?" Jenna was devastated from all the expectations she had from Orfilia.

"She is a girl, but different. She has her own nature and mindset. How can you expect a little girl to act according to your expectations, Jenna? This wasn't the mate I loved? She had her own path to follow and I am not against it. If his mate had to love her, he would love her the way she is. Stop this ridiculous comparison just because you are jealous. I am out." He gritted his teeth and went out from the main door, "when I will return, I want you to make up with her. She is turning eighteen tomorrow and I don't want her to be depressed on her special day." Jaden clarified and left.

Jenna gulped down the poison from her throat and wiped her hot tears from her pale eyes. As a mother, she was concerned for her daughter, but Jaden being a father had spoiled her daughter. 

***

Orfilia

I headed to the training ground and started with warm up before my actual training. My teacher, he had taught me the best martial arts and being a girl, he was proud that I was his best student.

"Orfilia.. that's enough for today… you did well and i believe you will rock this championship…" he was overwhelmed.

"We will celebrate once I win this title." I grinned widely and ran to the restroom to shower and change into my dress.

I had to complete the classes to get an academic certificate of graduation. It was a great day except for mom's bickering. When I reached the class, someone tapped on my shoulder and turned around to look at her face.

"Ivory… glad you are on time." I smiled.

"Yeah… I wanted to prepare many things for our birthday… Since you are busy with your training as a warrior, I have to take the responsibility of being the mature one." She rolled her eyes before taking a seat.

"And that's why I love you. I know you are the best party planner and nothing can beat that, so it's on you now." I winked at her before the class started once the teacher entered.

The day went soon and we headed back to our home. Ivory kept bugging me about party dresses and decorations, gifts and the rest of the things that I don't remember. For me, the upcoming championship was more important.

"Let's go and get ourselves pampered, you promised me and now you can't deny. Look, daddy gave me his credit card, so it's on me…" Ivory grinned widely as showing off the shiny golden credit card in her pale complexion fingers.

"I am not denying. I know I have promised you. Let me change first and then, we will go shopping together." I informed her.

"No worries, then I will change my dress too." 

As we head back to the pack house, we met The Alpha of the Crystal moon pack, Alpha Damien. There was always something about him that made me gasp. I have always felt a connection with him but maybe it's because he doesn't treat me any less than his own daughter.

"Good evening, Alpha." I greeted him.

"Orfilia. How are you?" His sharp eyes softened as he glanced at me.

"I am good, I hope you are doing well."

His big smile was jubilant and cheerful as he patted my head with his strong but firm hand.

"May the moon goddess bless you with happiness." He wished me and cupped cheeks of Ivory before leaving for his work.

Ivory turned to me and stated, "Dad always admires you. He even wants me to be like you."

"And my mother wants me to be like you.. but I think we are perfect with each other." There was a sarcastic smile on my depressed face as I remembered what happened in the morning.

We turned back to our homes and I went straight to my room, without interacting with anyone. Changed my clothes and grabbed my purse before heading down. I was in a rush but halted when I spotted Mom waiting for me in the hall.

"You weren't informed that you had arrived." She asked me.

"I am in a rush … Ivory is waiting for me." I informed her now.

"Orfilia, I am sorry about ruining your morning. I know we are not good at understanding each other but being your mother I never want you to be left behind from Alpha's daughter. Maybe, I had way too many expectations from you. I hope you will forgive your mother." She looked awfully sorry and I have never seen her this side. My entire life, she was a happy mother and a wife.

"Mom, you don't have to apologise… I was rude to you too. I am sorry too." I apologise for my behavior as well.

She hugged me and patted my shoulders, and then she proceeded to give me an envelope. I gladly took the envelope and opened it. There was money inside it and I looked shockingly at her.

"I saved this for your birthday dress. I know that Alpha is kind enough for you not to spend a penny on your birthday but I want you to have your dress purchased with your money. It's a total of $5000. It will be enough to buy one." Money smiled and cupped my cheeks.

"Thanks mom…"

There were honkings of the car outside the house and I knew it was Ivory.

"Go.. enjoy your day." She waved when I left and hopped inside the car.

Along with Ivory, was Bobby, my crush and love interest. We were not officially couples but I had this feeling that he would be my mate. I can't wait for tomorrow for this to happen.

"Hey, pretty cheeks…" He winked at me before driving us to the nearby mall.

"Love birds, wait till we complete our shopping and then you two are free to do whatever you want." Ivory rolled her eyes while scrolling through her Ipad.

We went to the mall and shopped a lot. Jewellery, dresses and footwears, well, actually it was Ivory. I just purchased a maroon coloured side slit gown with low hanging shoulders. It was Bobby's choice. And paired them with sleek golden stilettos.

Then we entered the space centre and got ourselves pampered for the next day. We had dinner together and then went back to our home. Bobby dropped Ivory first and then he went to drop me at my home.

He parked the car a few metres away and looked at me romantically.

We kissed for the first time and it was truly magical for me. Our fingers entangled and one of his hands ran through my golden locks.

"I guess you should go inside. It's late and your parents must be worried. I cannot wait till tomorrow to claim you as my mate." His words made me blush.

"Alright, goodnight…"

I waved at him and went inside. It was late as everyone had already had dinner. I showed them my shopping and mom was happy to see my dress. Dad kissed my forehead and then I went back to my room.

It was late but I had a bath. The anxiety crawled up to my nerves as the time was almost twelve. When the hands of the clock strictly parallel, I wished myself, "happy birthday, Orfilia. Something magical will happen today."

There was a smile on my face and soon, I drifted to deep sleep.