Surprise

The week flew by, and that night would kick off the king’s birthday celebration, which would stretch into the early hours, the official date of his birthday. During that week, Perla had been a bit hard on Stella, but Brian always made a point to stay close and defend her from his mother or anyone else.

Perla was thrilled with all the preparations and the arrival of some guests from afar, but Andriel wasn’t sharing her enthusiasm. His headache was worse that morning, his patience even thinner, and he couldn’t imagine how he’d manage to talk to so many people.

He tried to keep his mind busy with the meeting scheduled with some Alphas and leaders before the party. The meeting was set for that morning, and he hoped Uriel would arrive early so he could vent a bit.

Andriel and his brother headed to the meeting location, while Uriel, Philip, and their mates were already on their way. Philip had left early that morning, leaving Taylor behind to handle some things, as he wasn’t needed at the meeting and would join later.

As Philip headed to the meeting, back at the Blood Moon pack, Taylor seemed lost in thought that morning. It was his birthday, but it felt like everyone had forgotten. He knew a lot had been going on, and with the rush of the king’s party, it wasn’t surprising that the date had slipped under the radar.

“Daimon, you feeling off too?” he asked his wolf, who seemed restless.

“Yeah. My instincts are telling me something’s about to happen,” Daimon replied.

After hearing his wolf’s response, Taylor grew even more uneasy. For a moment, he thought of the girl who didn’t like him. He knew she shared his birthday and was turning eighteen today. He recalled Sara’s theory and wondered if that could be the reason for his restlessness.

He was about to go look for the girl to confirm whether or not she was his mate when Gael approached, beaming with joy.

“You’ve got a huge smile today. Something happen?” Taylor asked, his friend’s happiness infectious.

“You won’t believe it, but I found my mate,” Gael announced.

“Congrats, man! I’m thrilled for you. Who’s the lucky girl?” Taylor teased.

“My sister’s friend, the girl who doesn’t like you,” Gael said with a grin, recalling that detail. “I’ve known her forever and never imagined it’d be her.”

Taylor stood there for a few seconds, at a loss for words. Then he congratulated Gael again and mentioned he had something to take care of before heading out. As he walked away from Gael, Daimon spoke up.

“You seem disappointed. Were you really hoping she was your mate?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what to feel. I’m relieved it’s not her, since she clearly doesn’t like me. But at the same time, I’m wondering why I still haven’t found my mate. All my friends, Philip—everyone’s found theirs, but me? Nothing. I’m hoping this party brings me some luck.”

Taylor felt down in that moment. Not only had his best friend and Alpha left without wishing him a happy birthday, but he was also feeling strange, and neither he nor his wolf could pinpoint why. He tried to focus on what he needed to do; he’d get ready for the trip soon after.

The hotel was already booked, so he just needed to head there, take a shower, and go to the party venue. At the very least, he could enjoy himself a bit, even if the celebration wasn’t for him.

Taylor received messages from Philip about the meeting, the hotel, and his room, but not a single birthday wish. He decided it was better not to get his hopes up, or he’d end up even more frustrated if the night passed without anyone remembering his birthday. After getting everything in order, Taylor gave a few last-minute instructions to Gael, grabbed his backpack and hopped on his motorcycle, heading toward Minneapolis. He chose to leave a bit later, taking his time to enjoy the ride.

Somewhere along the road, his bike’s tire blew out. Taylor took a deep breath, knowing this would delay his arrival at the party. He walked around a bit, searching for a signal, until he finally managed to call roadside assistance.

**********

Hours passed, and the party began. Guests started arriving, and Andriel found himself forced to greet countless people and their daughters. He felt uneasy, like he was being paraded at an auction, just waiting for someone to make the highest bid.

Andriel knew the true purpose of the party; deep down, he hoped it might actually work. But being surrounded by all those people, most of them vying for his attention, was making him even more on edge, and he feared losing control.

“Are you okay?” Brian asked through their link, noticing his agitation.

“I’m trying to stay calm, but I’m not sure being around all these people is such a good idea,” Andriel replied.

“Stay as long as you can, and if you need to step out, just do it. I’ll come up with some excuse,” Brian said.

Andriel thanked his brother for the support and tried to act like everything was fine. He stepped away a few times, heading to the bathroom to splash water on his face, hoping to calm himself down.

Philip was also on edge, worried because Taylor still hadn’t arrived, and it was getting late. He stepped aside and called his Beta.

“Taylor, where are you? The party’s already started,” Philip said.

“Had a problem with the bike, but I’m just finishing getting ready. I’ll be there soon,” Taylor replied, buttoning up his shirt.

Philip said he’d let Sara and the others who’d asked about him know, then hung up. Taylor looked at himself in the mirror, that strange feeling washing over him again. He slipped on the last piece of his suit, grabbed his motorcycle keys, and headed out.

When Philip returned, he updated everyone and noticed Uriel seemed focused on the king.

“Something wrong?” Philip asked, trying to understand the situation.

“I think Andriel’s not doing so well,” Uriel replied, still watching his friend.

A few minutes later, Andriel left the ballroom and headed to the garden. His headache had worsened, and he didn’t want anyone to see him in that state. Frost was more restless and agitated than before, and Andriel could feel him trying to take control.

Nearby, Taylor had parked his motorcycle and was walking toward the entrance when he heard a noise coming from the side garden. He considered ignoring it, but something seemed to draw him in that direction, so he decided to check it out.

He heard the noise again and spotted a man who seemed unwell, leaning against a tree for support. As he got closer, Daimon grew restless in his mind, and Taylor caught a strong scent of pine that seemed to come from the man.

“Are you okay? Do you need help?” Taylor asked, wanting to assist.

Andriel didn’t respond. Sensing Taylor’s presence and already out of control, he turned abruptly and, in a swift motion, grabbed Taylor by the neck, staring directly into his eyes.

Taylor froze. He looked into the red eyes that seemed consumed by rage. But what startled him most was the feeling that surged through him the moment the man’s hand touched his skin. He was still trying to process it when Daimon spoke.

“He’s our mate.”