Birthday

-Intro-

My name is Ruby Rue Rothwell. My father is an esteemed head warrior of the pack. He's not just any wolf; he is a chosen warrior wolf, the rarest and most potent. His impressive fighting skills command both fear and respect from North American packs. Yet, to me, he is my goofy dad—the best father in the world, always ready with a dad joke and a warm smile.

My mom, Gloria, is truly remarkable. Though I am not her biological daughter, she loves me wholeheartedly and spoils me as if I were her own. My mother died immediately after giving birth to me. I miss her.

When I was two years old, my dad found a second-chance mate. She had a five-year-old son, Tatum—Tate, as we affectionately call him. He treats me like we are biological siblings. He is in rigorous training to become the pack's beta. The future alphas, his two best friends, chose him since the current beta has no sons of his own.

Our home is an expansive, elegant mansion painted in pristine white, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful landscape that feels like a world apart from the pack house. I have a best friend named Beth and a boyfriend, Ael, and together, we share endless laughter and unforgettable memories.

My Sixteenth Birthday

As dawn broke, I awoke excited. Today marked my sixteenth birthday, the day I could finally find my mate. A mate isn't just someone special. It is an individual chosen by the Moon Goddess, a soul-tied connection that binds us together, allowing us to feel each other's emotions. This magical bond is something every werewolf dreams of experiencing, and my heart raced at the thought.

After a refreshing shower, I slipped into a long, grey, snug-fitting top with low-rise jeans. I brushed my hair into a messy bun and made my way downstairs. The delicious aroma of pancakes wafted through the air as I descended the stairs. I was greeted by the sight of my parents in the kitchen, both wearing hilariously oversized birthday hats. My mom held a beautifully decorated honey lemon cake.

"Happy birthday, little Rue!" they shouted in unison, their faces beaming joyfully. I closed my eyes briefly as I blew out the candles, making a heartfelt wish for my boyfriend Ael to be my fated mate. After a lively breakfast filled with laughter and joy, I grabbed my bag and left the house with a cheerful goodbye and kisses to my doting parents.

As I stepped onto the veranda, I spotted Tate returning from his training. His athletic frame glistened with sweat, warm brown eyes bright with enthusiasm as he saw me. He was with his girlfriend, Cindy. She was eighteen years old, just like my brother. She was heartbroken when they discovered they were not mates, especially since she had been training to be beta female for years.

They continued to date, and she convinced my brother to take her as his chosen mate. Werewolves can do that if they don't find their truemate.

Cindy was blonde and gorgeous, at least in her own mind. Her cousin, Begonia, flanked them, equally tall and with luxurious shoulder-length black hair that framed her pretty face. She had a slim but curvaceous figure. The girls glared at me. I could feel their disdain, a feeling I had come to expect. Their animosity toward me was a mystery I couldn't quite unravel. They treated me like dirt whenever my family was not by my side, but Cindy's forced friendliness masked their true feelings when they were. My family dismissed my concerns, believing I was merely jealous of Cindy's attention from Tate, which was far from the truth.

"Happy birthday, my little Rue," Tate greeted, reaching for a hug. I wrinkled my nose in disgust at the idea of his sweaty embrace.

"You're all sweaty from training; don't hug me!" I protested, but he ignored my objections and pulled me into a bear hug, swinging me around with joyful energy.

"Let her go, Tate," Cindy interjected, her sweet tone hiding a venomous glare directed at me.

"Happy birthday, acne Rue." The jab cut deeper than she realized. I had acne on my face and wore glasses, which led people to deem me ugly automatically. Maybe I was. However, it was uncommon for a werewolf to be ugly. We were the most beautiful creatures, and the envy of all, especially humans. Their relentless judgment of me had engraved itself into my self-esteem. I tried covering my acne with foundation, but it often worsened things. Still, I resolved to act as though it didn't bother me.

"Cindy!" Tate growled, giving her a warning look to stop.

"Your little jabs are getting old. Can't you spice it up?" I challenged, forcing a smile that didn't quite mask my discomfort.

"You know it's just jokes, but those braces need to go, girl," she retorted, a smug smile on her face.

"Well, then you should work on your delivery," I shot back. Cindy was about to answer, but Tate glanced at her, and she shut up.

"Tate, can we go to the alpha's mansion to hang out with the twins?" Begonia asked, making me roll my eyes. She clung to Tate and Cindy, hoping to get closer to the alpha heirs, Hayes and Zylon Hawthorne. They were twins, and eighteen, but they had made it clear they weren't ready to choose a Luna yet; they were still "playing the field," as they put it.

I, too, had a secret crush on the alpha twins like many girls in the pack, but their interests always leaned toward girls far from me, so I settled for admiring them from a distance.

"I'm off to the mall with my friends. Bye, Tate," I waved, eager to escape the awkward tension, and went to the garage.

I climbed into my Volkswagen Beetle convertible—a polished cream beauty I received from my parents. Its sleek design caught the sunlight as I turned the key in the ignition, ready for a fun day. However, things had taken a turn when we realized that Ael and I were not fated mates. Despite dating for a year and yearning for that connection, we weighed the truth with heavy hearts and chose to end our relationship, both of us determined to find our true mates.

After getting over that little bump, the day was a whirlwind of laughter and joy as Ael, Beth, and I roamed the stores, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Driving home, I braced myself for the cocktail party at Luna Cynthia's, a gathering my parents insisted I attend.

"You'll wear a dress," my wolf, Ria, chimed in, her excitement apparent despite my own dread. Dresses were not my style, but such a significant event warranted one.

As I prepared for the party, I slipped into a stunning yellow backless satin dress. It clung to my body and glowed under the soft lighting of my bedroom. I took a small section of my hair and braided it. I swooped and pinned the braid to the back of my head.

When I stepped downstairs to meet my parents, their expressions were filled with awe.

"Please wear dresses more often. You look absolutely amazing!" my mom exclaimed, her face lighting up. My dad smiled, his eyes sparkling with approval.

The alpha's mansion was as intimidating as ever, towering and extravagant. As the long driveway stretched, my heart raced with anticipation. The air was alive with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the soft strains of classical piano music.

Inside, opulent chandeliers cast a warm glow over the intricately painted walls adorned with portraits and elegant furniture.

While my parents quickly engaged with old friends, I lingered at the side, but then a delicious scent filled the air, making Ria perk up with excitement.

'Mouthwatering,' she whispered, signaling that my mate was nearby. The realization that my birthday could hold this kind of fortune sent a thrill through me. Guided by the intoxicating aroma, I ventured down a dimly lit hallway, where I saw the alpha twins, Hayes and Zylon, leaning up against the wall in conversation. They were breathtaking, with their elegant, sculpted features and athletic builds. Zylon's mid-length blonde-golden hair complemented his piercing blue eyes, while Hayes's short tousled black hair framed his captivating onyx gaze that pulled me in.

'Mate,' Ria declared, her excitement undeniable. My eyes widened in shock when I realized the irresistible scent was coming from one of them... or both!