Emily's POV - Birthday Morning

After Jenny left, I went back to bed only to be woken up after what felt like five minutes later.

"Emily," my mother sang, "Emily," again "Emily," a little louder this time, causing me to groan.

"OK, OK...I'm up, I'm up”, slowly pushing back the covers and sitting up.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!" shouted my mum and dad at the same time with overly large smiles on both of their faces.

I sat up and looked around my room to find gifts placed on the bottom of my bed. "Aww thanks guys," I said smiling, sleep now forgotten.

"That's not all of them," dad said to me, causing me to look at him in surprise.

"There's more downstairs," my mum sang, "and there's a special delivery from the Alpha King."

Now I am wide awake. Why would the Alpha King be sending me a birthday gift? This is so unheard of.

I opened the gifts that were placed on my bed from my parents. A new throw: new pyjamas, you can never go wrong with pyjamas; some of my favourite chocolates, Toffifee yummy and, last but not least, a new dress. I hugged both my parents to thank them and honestly was not expecting much more when I went downstairs, but how wrong I was.

Mum prepared my favourite breakfast of pancakes with syrup and chopped up hotdog sausages with scrambled eggs. "This is the best day ever. Who needs sleep?" I thought to myself.

I walked into the living room to find another pile of gifts by the fireplace on the fluffy sheepskin rug.

A craft set; wool; stationery; clothes; shoes; handbag; manicure and spa voucher and a key. I looked up at my parents confused. They handed me a card with the royal seal on it. I opened the card as carefully as I could with shaking hands:

'To Ms Emily Winters,

In celebration of your 18th birthday, please accept this gift.

All will be made clear tonight at the Moon Ball.

Alpha Tyler Greenwood'

"WHAT?!" I shouted," I can't remember being invited to any ball."

"As there were a few of you turning 18 within days of each other, Alpha Declan decided to throw a ball in the hopes that some or all of you would find your mates. He has also invited other packs, including the royals." my dad explained.

"Did anyone else receive a gift from the Alpha King?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

My parents looked at each other as if having a silent conversation with each other. "Honey, this is something that will be made clear tonight at the ball and no, no one else received a gift from Alpha Tyler." my dad told me.

"There is also a dress and shoes as part of the gift from the king," continued my mum.

Tears stung the corners of my eyes. I really dislike not knowing what's going on, but I will just have to suck it up and begin preparations ready for the ball which starts in ... 4 hours. I groan and flop onto my bed.

I grabbed my phone and called Jenny " HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS". I shouted down the phone. "Get your sexy butt dressed and be out by the door in 15. I am on my way to get you to go to the spa and salon. I had a voucher for me plus one and you are obviously going to be my plus one." I smiled.

"Well duh, of course I am going to be your plus one. Free spa treatments and Mani/Pedi say no more. See you in 15," I could hear the smile in her voice.

I got dressed and walked out the door to find a brand new 2023 Audi Q5. Out of all the cars, the king gifted me this model. I didn't mean to sound ungrateful, but it didn't seem the kind of car an 18-year-old girl would pick. There has to be an explanation and I was right. Opening the car door, I see another note:

'The windows are bulletproof, and the body is also.

All will be made clear tonight.

Ty'

Why would the king sign the note 'Ty' when he is my King, the Alpha of all Alphas? I thought to myself. I am honestly more confused now than I was earlier this morning.

As I pulled up outside Jenny's house all I could hear was her squealing. "OMG! You got a new car? I love it, it's so you!" she screamed with a smile plastered on her face.

'This is going to be a long day,' I groaned internally. 'Best get this show on the road'.