Waking up

That’s right. Jared’s 24th birthday comes up in the next two days, and as usual, I have already made plans to prepare for a birthday dinner between us.

In the ultrasound room, I hardened my heart and decided to reveal the existence of my precious bab through this birthday dinner; a day before his birthday. That small heartbeat had made me realize that I wasn’t alone.

If I truly love my baby, I would not keep delaying to reveal the news to my mate. No matter how our relationship has been for the past two years, it never change that he is rightful father to my child.

The pack members also deserved to know their future Alpha.

My family also deserved to know their new grandchild.

Even if I bear the weight of a false crime, my child remains innocent, and I believe that the pack, my family and Jared would surely understand that.

****

‘’Hmmm....’’ I slowly hum to a birthday song, and gently carried a small cake with a stripped candle on top to the dining room. The wine and dinner had already been set, and now, the fully baked cake that I just touched up with some icing.

‘’~Happy birthday to you.’’ I end the song with a small smile, and place the cake on the dining table, admiring my handwork.

‘’Happy birthday, Jared.’’ My smile slightly falters as I wish my mate another birthday that he would definitely not appreciate from me.

That’s right. Jared has never spent a birthday with me.

Even if I had steeled myself and asked him to spend a pre-birthday dinner during the time we sleep together, Jared just plainly ignores my words.

And I, despite knowing deep down that he would not come, had still baked a birthday cake and sang a birthday song to myself alone without the celebrant.

 ‘Come on, Selena!’ I shake her head lightly from all depressing thoughts, and pat my cheeks twice. ‘He promised to come this time.’

This time, I went out of my way to Jared’s house and his office respectively to beg him, after my evening class yesterday, this morning and afternoon. Despite the sneers and disdain thrown in my way from the pack members, I did not shy away. Perhaps sensing how serious I appeared to be, Jared agreed to come to the pre-birthday dinner.

‘We’ll finally spend a birthday together.’ Though I reminded to get carried away, my heart still flutters at the thought of spending Jared’s birthday with him.

I have always regretted not joining his birthday banquet that the pack arranged for him every year on his birthday. After all, I was obviously not invited and it wouldn’t have been nice to spoil the festive mood by forcing myself in with my title as Luna.

‘’You’re finally meeting your daddy, baby.’’ I whisper softly, touching my small baby bump with a relieved smile, and knowing that this dinner would finally change somethings.

Jared becomes of aware of his child, and perhaps, there were would be a small chance for us to reconcile this estranged relationship.

‘’....!’’

My eyes widen slightly as Jared’s scent hit suddenly stronger than ever.

He has arrived.

I instinctively become aware of my mate’s arrival, and quickly brush my fingers down my outfits and messy bun. Though, I seem dress a bit casual for this dinner, I still have to be comfortable as possible since Jared did not have best temper for me.

*click*

I leave the small dining room near the kitchen, as Jared opens the door with his key. I hastened my speed a bit with my emotions almost all over the place.

Mt heart race and my palms becomes jittery.

I am definitely nervous.

At the sight of my mate standing with his back on me, I take a deep breath before leaving the doorway the parlor.

‘’Jared.’’ I call out with a smile and he turns around with an unreadable expression.

‘’Th—‘’

‘’Out with it.’’ He snaps, appearing impatient. ‘’I do not have time for your games and you know it. What do you want to the point you seemed desperate?’’

‘’A-Ah...I just wanted to celebrate your birthday together, Jared.’’ I almost flinch at his sharp words, but steel my shakened resolve. ‘’We’re mates, but I have never celebrated your birthday.’’

‘’Selena.’’

‘’I also have somethings to say, Jared.’’ My voice trembles, but I stare at him more boldly than the past. ‘’Please listen to me.’’

‘’......’’

‘’Please, Jared.’’ I plead more. ‘’It’s very important.’’

Jared held my gaze for a moment, then ruffles his dark hair with a frustrated sigh. ‘’Alright, I have some time to spare. Let’s find out what you want from me.’’

‘’Thank you!’’ I smile very brightly with a sense of relief flushing away my fidgety emotions. ‘’Thank you s—‘’

*knock* *knock*

‘’Alpha! Pardon my rudeness, but it’s very urgent!’’ A sudden knock disturbed my words of appreciation, and my lips tug down unconsciously at the intruder behind this door. Just when I have finally Jared to myself for some time, someone just had to interrupt my rare chance.

I watch as Jared let out a small sigh before he opened the door to the pack member who seemed a bit excited from his voice.

‘’Alpha!’’ The pack member’s eyes lit up at the sight of Jared. His voice and wide smile trails off as his eyes shifted in my way. The pack member didn’t even bother to show his respect, which I have gotten used to from the past two years.

‘’What is it?’’ Jared ask slightly impatient and the pack member snaps his gaze back to him with a straightened back.

‘’Alpha, we have good news from the pack’s hospital.’’ The pack member glances at me once again, and my heart suddenly feels nervous from his glance.

Jared has always been involved in every affair of the pack. However, for a mere pack member to appear rushing down here urgently, and the pack’s hospital at that, did this pack member mean...

‘’Beta Monroe’s eldest daughter has awoken from coma!’’

My heart drops at the pack member’s announcement.

‘’W-What?’’ Jared looks taken back from the news. His face that normally held sneers and his disdain for me appeared stunned on the spot. It could have been comical in my eyes, if not for the current situation.

‘’R-Really....’’ His voice shakes slightly, and his adam’s apple visibly bobs up and down, perhaps trying his control his feelings. Jared even closed the distance between himself and the pack member, and grabbed the latter’s shoulder.

‘’Really? Sienna....Sienna is awake? Are you sure? How did that happen?’’ His questions come immediately after the other.

My mate, who had never acted happy with me, now appears joyful, uncertain, surprised...all sort of emotion that I can tell at the moment cross his face...and even feel from our incomplete mate bond.

‘’Beta Monroe’s family are on their way to the hospital.’’ The pack member swiftly reports. ‘’The pack doctor sent me to tell you the good news, Alpha.’’

I even met a smug glance from him. A look that seems to say I won’t be prancing around with the Luna title and the Alpha’s mate very soon.

‘’Lead the way then.’’ Jared says without hesitation. He didn’t even bother to look in my way and shut the door hard in my face. My hand was already in the air, hoping to hold what’s left of him here, but my mate had already gone.

Jared has left for another female werewolf, my twin sister who has finally woken up from coma after two years.

Indeed, I am happy and thankful for her miraculous recovery. But, at the same time, I also held some complicated feelings for her.

After all, she’s the one whom my mate holds deeply in his heart.