Chapter 6: The Birthday Wish

"So, where are your parents?" Sebastian asked.

 "Mummy went to get food for me, and Daddy went to greet his friends," I replied, swinging my legs.

 Then it suddenly dawned on me.

 "Mummy told me not to go anywhere." I jumped to my feet. "I have to go! She's going to scold me. She'll be looking for me by now."

 "Hey, wait." Sebastian stood as well. "Nobody's going to scold you. I'll tell your mother you were with me, so you don't have to worry, okay?"

 "Okay," I said shyly.

 He smiled before asking, "Now tell me... would you like to stay here in the estate with me?"

 "Huh?" I frowned. "What do you mean?"

 "I mean, would you and your family like to live in the Alpha's estate from now on?"

 My eyes widened.

 "Are you serious?" I squealed. "You want me to stay here with you?"

 "Of course." He grinned. "We're friends now, and friends shouldn't be apart. So tell me, Alyssa Ross... do you want to stay here in the Alpha's estate with me?"

 "Yes! Yes, I do!" I clapped my hands excitedly.

 I barely waited for him to finish speaking before I turned and ran, eager to tell my mother what Sebastian had said.

 The moment I stepped back into the grand hall, music filled my ears. Then I came face-to-face with my mother's furious expression.

 "Where did you run off to, Aly?" she demanded. "Your father and I have been looking everywhere for you."

 I hardly noticed the anger in her voice.

 "Mom! Sebastian said we're going to stay here from now on!"

 "What are you talking about, Alyssa?"

 "I'm serious! I met Sebastian in the garden. He saved me from those bad boys. We're friends now, and he wants us to stay here in the Alpha's estate."

 "Alyssa!" My mother's eyes widened in horror. "Do you know what nonsense you're saying? What if someone hears you?"

 Before I could answer, she grabbed my hand.

 "I can't deal with you. Come. You're going to repeat everything you just said to your father."

 We found my father speaking with another guest, and my mother marched straight over

 "Richard, you need to hear what your daughter is saying."

 My father turned immediately.

 "Honey, where did you go? Your mother and I were worried."

 "I'm sorry, Daddy," I said. "But I made a new friend."

 "Oh?" he said with a smile. "And who might that be?"

 My mother folded her arms.

 "Go on. Tell your father."

 "His name is Sebastian," I answered proudly. "The Alpha's son."

 My father froze.

 "He wants me and our family to stay here. He's my best friend now."

 My parents exchanged a glance I couldn't understand.

 Before either of them could respond, the ceremonial drums echoed through the hall, announcing the arrival of the Alpha and his family.

 Everyone immediately stood.

 I watched Sebastian enter beside his parents. The moment he spotted me, he winked.

 Unfortunately, my mother noticed.

 At least now she knew I hadn't been lying.

 Once everyone had settled, the Alpha raised his glass.

 "Thank you all for joining us to celebrate my son's birthday," he said. "Your presence means a great deal to our family. I hope you all enjoy tonight's celebration."

 A chorus of cheers followed before everyone raised their drinks.

 Soon, it was time to present the gifts.

 One by one, families stepped forward.

 When it was our turn, my parents led me to the front. We knelt respectfully before the Alpha.

 "This is the gift we have brought for the future Alpha," my father said, bowing his head. "We hope he accepts it."

 "Your gift is accepted," the Alpha replied. "You may rise."

 As we stood to leave, Sebastian suddenly spoke.

 "Father, everyone has given me wonderful gifts today, and I'm grateful for each one. But... it's your turn now."

 The Alpha chuckled.

 "Very well." He gestured toward the guards. "Bring Sebastian the gift I prepared for him."

 "Thank you, Father," Sebastian said, "but there's something else I want."

 The Alpha looked amused.

 "Oh? And what would that be?"

 "It's not what I want..." Sebastian replied, his gaze finding mine across the hall.

 "It's who I want."

 Murmurs spread through the crowd.

 The Alpha frowned slightly.

 "And who is that?"

 Without hesitation, Sebastian lifted his hand and pointed directly at me.

 "Her."

 The hall fell into complete silence.

 Even the softest sound would have echoed through the room.

 "What do you mean, Sebastian?" the Alpha asked.

 "I want Alyssa and her family to live here in the Alpha's estate from now on."

 Every pair of eyes in the hall turned toward us.