Birthday

PRECIOUS

As the sun filtered through my room, its warm rays gently woke me up. Excitement and nerves fluttered within me; today was my birthday, and it meant two significant things. Firstly, I would finally get to meet my wolf, my lifelong companion and protector. And secondly, if fate smiled upon me, I might also find my mate.

As the morning light enveloped me, I stretched my limbs and felt a rush of energy coursing through my body. Today was the day, and I could hardly wait to see what destiny had in store for me. I knew I was different from the others; I am a human without a pack, and I possessed an aura that seemed to captivate Alpha Rodriguez and his sons, though not always in a positive way.

With anticipation in my heart, I got out of bed and looked at myself in the mirror. My golden hair cascaded down my back, and my hazel eyes shimmered with hope. I took a deep breath, knowing that whatever happened today, that I needed to be strong and brave.

As I made my way downstairs, I noticed the household was bustling with activities. The Alpha's sons were gathered around the dining table, conversing in hushed tones. I hesitated for a moment, my eyes glancing at each of them, before joining them. It's been two already spending time with them and all had been little demons except for Duke who was always kind towards me.

"Good morning, everyone," I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my tummy.

Nate, Tiger, Damon, Richmond, and Duke looked up, and their eyes met mine. Their expressions were unreadable, but I could feel the tension in the air. I sat down at the table with a mixed feeling of excitement and nervousness.

Alpha Rodriguez entered the room with a warm smile on his face. "Good morning, Precious. Happy birthday," he said kindly.

"Thank you, Alpha Rodriguez," I replied, feeling a sense of warmth from his words.

Breakfast proceeded quietly, and I noticed that all five brothers seemed lost in their thoughts. It was as if they were preoccupied with something beyond the birthday celebrations. Nonetheless, I decided not to pry and instead focused on enjoying the moment. It was after all their cup of tea and not mine.

After breakfast, Alpha Rodriguez announced that he had a surprise for me and I wasn't surprised because all through the past two weeks of my stay here, he had been full of surprises and he treated me just like how he treated his rascal sons. Mark exception, Duke. "Come with me, Precious," he said, motioning for me to follow.

Curiosity piqued, I followed the Alpha to a secluded part of the building. There, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I felt a sense of peace and serenity.

Alpha Rodriguez looked at me with a knowing smile and crimson crept to my face. "Today is a significant day for you, Precious. It's not just your birthday, but also the day your wolf awakens and you find your mate."

I nodded, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest. "Yes, Alpha. I can feel it. I'm excited and scared at the same time."

"You have nothing to fear," he assured her. "Your wolf will guide you, and your mate will recognize you. Trust in your instincts."

"It's just that I'm scared that I may not find my mate considering the fact that this is not my pack. My fear is that my mate might be among those murdered on that night." I sighed, sadness evident in my voice. Memories of that night came back again and I shuddered, wanting to forget about it, at least for now, until I had the strength to avenge their death.

Alpha Rodriguez placed both hands on my shoulders and kissed me lightly on my forehead. "It's alright, everything will be fine trust me. And about finding your mate, I have a strong feeling that you will find him here, after all, you are now a part of the pack." Then he fished out a tiny bracelet from his chest pocket and handed it to me. It was a green emerald in color that shines brightly, as if it was trying to draw the Earth's attention to its beauty.

"I, um, I don't know what to say." I stuttered, my mouth hanging low in surprise and I shook my head. It was too much, he treated me better than how my own father had treated me.

Alpha Rodriguez's smile reached his eyes, "Thank you would do."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. In fact, a hundred thanks." I literally jumped on him, and he wrapped his arms around me. It was a pity how I had thought bad of him, and I was glad that I had made the decision to live with him. Else I wouldn't have known what I'd be missing out.

When we started towards the sitting room, I could hear a birthday song playing. My eyes became misty and tears started falling down my face and I looked at Alpha Rodriguez whose face mirrored mine. I didn't know what to say so I did what was on my mind. I hugged him and thanked him silently. After being sad of losing my family and pack, I never thought that I would feel happy again. These people were fast warming my heart and I knew that the moon goddess had blessed me with a new pack.

Alpha Rodriguez gave me a slight shove and I ran into the house and the sight that greeted me left me speechless. The sitting room was dark except for the light that shone on the five brothers, who stood around a tiny cake with balloons in their hands. The ceiling had a fine piece of art with number 18 engraved in it and I let out a cry.

Immediately, my hands clampered over to my mouth to numb the sound but unfortunately all eyes turned on me and they all burst their balloons as if it was planned and my heart melted. They were so cute, so very cute.

The next instant, the lights turned on revealing all the servants and pack members and in front of each of them were gifts wrapped very beautifully and with a glance, one could tell that they were very expensive.

My mouth hung in awe as I stared at them all and when I tried to speak, there were no words. I was utterly speechless. Who could have thought that the most feared and sconned pack would be this kind? Were they just cruel only in name?

A musical instrument started playing and I turned to see a very fine man working beautifully on the instrument.

At that moment, Duke walked towards me with a smile on his face and in his right hand, he carried a tiny gift while he held an envelope in his left.

"Happy birthday sweetheart," he kissed me on my forehead, eyes turning dark when he saw me shudder but he quickly laughed it out. "It's your birthday today so please listen to these words of mine."

He tore open the envelope and brought out a card which I guessed to be a birthday card and started reading, "Happy birthday to a very special girl of mine and I shall be forever grateful to father who brought you into my life, our lives. You are a rare gem who has come to mean much to me within two weeks. If I could, I would grant you all your wishes but sadly I can't."

"I therefore wish that you find a very good man as your mate today." Duke looked up, eyes shining brightly and everyone clapped their hands including his brothers. What was happening? How come they are all acting very caring right now? Could it be that they are finally accepting me?

Tears filled my tears and there was a lump in my mouth so I couldn't speak. I gave him a nod as tears gushed down my face for the second time, which he quickly wiped with the back of his palm.

"Happy birthday, Precious." Everyone else chorused, their voices matching their expressions and one by one, they all picked the gifts in front of them and handed them to me.

"Thank you so much," I said, feeling too grateful to reply more.

—---------------------------------------------

It was already 7:pm by the time the birthday celebration finally came to an end. I was in my room trying to change into my nightie when I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. Before I could comprehend what it was, my tummy churned as if there was a hot coal inside and I yelped loudly.

I knew what it was, my wolf was finally trying to surface. I thought I was ready to bear this pain but I was wrong, I felt like I could collapse any second if this overbearing pain didn't stop.

Flinging my door open, I ran out of my room and made my way to the forest. I needed to stay alone, no need troubling anyone with the sight of someone shifting for the first time.

An intense pain struck me just when I took another step, and I lost my balance before tumbling hard on the ground. All parts of my body were on fire, and my bones started breaking as if there was a caterpillar riding over my body.

I fell down with my back on the ground, a loud sound of pain escaping my mouth. I tried to sit up but I could not so I laid back down on the ground, praying silently for my wolf to surface.

As if the moon goddess heard my cries, the pain in my body ceased and I felt goosebumps all over my body. Suddenly, golden furs started to form on my skin, and soon all parts of my body became unrecognizable. I yelled in surprise as there was no wolf with such color as mine. As I tried changing back to my human form, the pains came back in full force, overwhelming me completely. Few minutes passed, and I finally shifted back to my human form.

When I tried to stand, my legs were jellylike, failing miserably to support me. I fell back down on the ground, and waited for some considerable minutes before trying again.

After I finally stood up, I staggered back to the house when a sweet scent caught my nostrils— burst of amaretto and cinnamon calmed my nerves. It was so enticing that my body system automatically changed. My nose flared up instantly, as I tried following the scent.

"It's our mate, Precious." A loud voice spoke up excitedly, and when I saw no one, I knew it came from my head. A good feeling overcame me, I finally have my mate.

"Mate? Who is he?" I said happily, my body tingling with excitement. I had thought I wouldn't find my mate because I just got this pack, who would have thought I was worried for naught?

"I don't know. But we will see," her voice sounded like soft music in my ears. Oh my, I finally got my wolf. I felt so giddy with excitement.

"Okay. I will call you Michelle." I told her, the sweet scent was suddenly so strong. Just then, Richmond walked past me with a headset on his ears.

It was as if the moment he walked past me, that the sweet scent increased. I ran towards him and grabbed the hem of his shirt.

"Are you?..." Richmond began, but I cut him short.

"Mate," I looked at him surprised, and he too equally had a flabbergasted expression. Just what the fuck happened? Who could have guessed that the moon goddess would mate me with him? My arch enemy?

I panicked and ran away. I could hear Richmond's voice trying to call me back but I did not stop neither did I care. I needed the safety of my room before I lost my sanity completely.

Just as my legs landed on the first stairs in the sitting room, my head bumped into a hard chest, and I would have fallen down if his strong hands did not wrap round my waist.

I looked at Tiger and I lost it.

"Mate," we both said at the same time. What was happening? I pushed him and I ran towards my room, taking the stairs three at a time.

When I saw my room, I ran towards the direction but three strong scents filled the air. It was so nice, very pleasant to my nostrils. Never in my life had sandlewood and almonds smelt so delicious.

"No, no," I screamed, as my eyes landed on the three males.

Nate, Damon and Duke flashed their beautiful eyes in my direction, and I felt my legs give up as they walked towards me. It was only for one purpose. Damn it.

"Mate," All four exclaimed.