Chapter 5 - MoonPetal Orchid

Stormee POV

By breakfast, I was as good as new. It was a family affair, only us. Dad kept going about our party and how amazing it would be tonight when we got our wolves. He also said that soon we would find our mates and that we should make the best out of this time in our pack because he was sure we would be separating to continue our journeys somewhere else. That conversation was something that left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I didn't want to leave this place, my family, or my brother.

My mother chose my dress, and I have to say, she outdid herself this year. It was romantic yet stylish. It was a short, soft pink dress, strapless, with a layered skirt just a hand or so above my knee.

In the afternoon, my mom brought a full team to do my hair and makeup. I know I am a hopeless case, and my sweet mother knows it. By the time they were done, the party was about to start. I stood in front of a mirror, staring at my reflection.

My auburn hair fell in soft waves, pinned with a flower on one side and cascading over my shoulders. My makeup was natural overall, although it focused on bringing out my green eyes with a smokey shadow and glossy lips. I barely recognized the woman staring back at me.

Ralph walked into my room. He had the bad habit of not knocking and just barging in. “Wow!” She stooped in her tracks. I slowly turned around and sighed.

“Isn't it too much?” I bit my lower lip, and he chuckled,

“Are you a fucking princess?” he asked, and I squinted my eyebrows; what did that have to do with anything?

“Yes?” I hesitated and worded my answer as a question.

“Then chin up, perk up, and let's roll… because your entire school life you tried to be invisible, but a fucking princess like you are meant to be the upfront center of everything…” He said, closing the distance between us and standing behind me. He looked handsome, as usual, with a tailored dark gray suit and a white button-down shirt without a tie.

I took a deep breath and chuckled. I turned around, and he wrapped his arms around me,

“Happy Birthday, Storm…” He said, and I lifted my gaze,

“Happy Birthday, Ralph…” I replied. It was our usual ritual before each party. We took a moment together, alone, to prepare and to celebrate the intimacy of our twin's bond. We couldn't be more different, but at the same time, we were so similar.

“I've got you a present…” I moved away from his embrace, and he lifted his eyebrows.

“We said no presents,” he protested, and I laughed,

“It is nothing, but I saw it and thought of you… So…” I bit my lower lip while handling the small box.

He opened it and chuckled, “Only you…” He laughed, taking out the cufflinks I had purchased for him. I bought him two pairs of cufflinks with the things he loved the most: video games and football.

“Thanks! They are awesome…” he said, taking the white gold Packman and Ghost cufflinks and handing them to me to help him change them. I removed the ones he was wearing and attached the ones I gifted him.

He hugged me, stood before me, opened his jacket, and retrieved a small box. “I guess we are twins, after all…” He laughed, making me chuckle. Yes, my brother was the popular jock at school, but he was my brother, and we loved and accepted each other just the way we were.

I opened the box and looked up at him. The pair of earrings inside the box were beautiful. They were long white gold twisted strings with two pin gems attached. They were perfect for the dress I was wearing. “Mom told me your dress was pink…” He scratched the back of his head, and I smiled,

“They are perfect.” I stood on my tippy-toes and kissed his cheek. Then, turning around, I attached them to my ears.

“You look hot, Storm…” He said, and I gave him a funny look. It was something I never expected Ralph to blurt, “I mean, you do… not that I am attracted to you, but just saying…” He blabbed around, making me giggle.

“You are cute when you blush!” I made fun of him, and he laughed.

“Shall we?” He opened his arm for me to take it, and I wrapped mine around it. He was my strength. How could I ever live away from him? We have shared almost everything since we were in the womb…

The music was playing, and it suddenly stopped when Ralph and I stepped out into the Backyard, where the party was being held. Mom outdid herself, or better say, Uncle Corey, Mom's Gama Female, went overboard.

Small fairy lights hung from the trees, and there was an LED dancing floor and a DJ in the center. Surrounding the dance floor were high tables and lounge seats in white, with classy centerpieces of flowers, fairy lamps, and candles. Two huge buffet tables were on the sides, several snack stations were marked with neon signs, and even more drink stations were marked similarly.

We made our way to the center of the dance floor, our way framed by glowing fireworks. “Uncle Corey and his theatrics…” Ralph muttered in my ears, making me giggle. Mom and Dad stood in the center of the dance floor, and as soon as we reached them, Daddy kissed my cheek and asked me to open the dance floor with him. Mom and Ralph danced together while Daddy and I did the same.

“You look beautiful, Darling…” my father said, and I bit my lower lip. You are a flower in bloom. I have seen you flourish slowly during all this time, but I am sure that you will come your way soon enough.” He said, and I nodded.

“Thanks, Daddy… for allowing me to be myself,” I said, and he nodded,

“I wouldn't change anything about you because you are an exceptional young woman… you deserve the world.” He kissed my temple while I rested my cheek on his chest. My dad's heartbeat was my favorite sound in the whole wide world.

The song was over, and people clapped. Several girls made their way to congratulate Ralph while I awkwardly stood there until Trevor walked towards me. “Happy Birthday, Storm…” he said, blushing, and I smiled at him. Trevor was someone with whom I felt comfortable, besides my brother and cousin.

“Thanks, Trevor…” I said, hoping I didn't sound as awkward as I felt. I remember dancing playfully with him yesterday, and I am sure he expects me to be as open as last night, but to get to that point, I needed to invite Mr. Jagger to the party, and I have zero to no intention of doing so.

“May I have a dance with you?” He asked, and I agreed.

The DJ started playing lively music, and soon, we were all dancing together. I finally found a middle ground between last night and having good fun today. Ralph indulged half of the female population while Enzo danced around with everyone.

After several songs, dancing with Trevor, Billy, Jack, and jumping around with Perry and Meghan… I was parched and tired. I was not used to being surrounded by so many people.

I decided to pick a drink and have a minute for myself. I walked to the treeline while drinking my Coke. I didn't want to have any alcohol, at least not tonight.

I looked around at where the party was being held and chuckled. Everyone was having a blast. I took a deep breath when I inhaled the most enticing scent —something close to bergamot and citrus. I looked around but didn't see anyone, but then I saw one of the rare flowers that appeared in my room when it was my birthday.

I looked around and took the flower in my hands. The flower was something I had never seen in our realm. It was colorful and glistened with the rays of the moon. “You look beautiful; Happy Birthday again!” the note read, and I chuckled. I sniffed the flower, and it didn't smell the enticing scent, but around it was a hint of it. The person who placed it there was the owner of that unique scent.

I looked around, seeing my surroundings empty, but simultaneously, I felt a presence. “Thank You!” I yelled and then giggled. I must be going crazy.

Enzo ran towards me… "What are you doing out here, all alone?” He said, panting. I bit my lower lip.

“Taking a minute…” I sighed, hiding the beautiful flower behind me.

“Well, come on… We are going to sing Happy Birthday and cut the cake…” He pulled my hand and stared at the flower.

“What are you doing with a MoonPetal Orchid?” Enzo lifted his eyebrows, and I bit my lower lip. How will I explain to my cousin that they have been appearing in my room or randomly around me since I turned 16?

“I didn't know what this was. Is it bad?” I replied, not wanting to tell him the entire truth.

“No, it is not bad…” He sighed… "It is a rare flower that grows only on the Royal Side of the Enchanted Forest…” He took a deep breath,

“Fae?” I lifted my eyebrows, and he nodded,

“Yes, Fae…” He sighed, and I looked up at him, and he chuckled.

“I guess you have a high-ranked Fae admirer…” He chuckled, and I blushed, the image of the man I granted my very first kiss popping into my head.

“Maybe?” I chuckled, and he pinned the flower to the side of my head.

“There, it suits you…” He said, and I nodded.

“How do you know I have an admirer?” I asked while we walked back to the party,

“Because it is the utmost sacred present a man can present to a woman, according to their traditions…”