The big day

“Hey, boys,” she purred as she reached their table, her eyes flicking over them before settling on Darius. “Mind if I join you?”

Darius smiled — a fake one — but he didn’t dismiss her. “Sure, why not?” he said, his tone less enthusiastic than usual. Darius leaned back, his usual smirk slowly returning as he entertained the girls on his lap.

The brothers were at the club, and Damon watched him, noticing his mood lightening a bit with the attention, but still seeing the tension in Darius’s eyes. He knew his brother well enough to recognize that beneath his composure, he was still worried about tomorrow.

They sipped their drinks, letting the music and the chatter of the club distract them from their worries. The girls on Darius’s lap pouted, sensing the change in his mood, but they didn’t move.

Damon watched their interaction, but his mind was elsewhere. The memory of Amara’s hurt expression flooded his thoughts, and he felt a pang of guilt.

Damon knew Darius was right — he had been harsh on her, on Amara. She didn’t deserve the way he treated her. But acknowledging that meant confronting emotions he wasn’t ready to face. Masking his emotions and treating her coldly was easier — and it needed to stay that way.

Damon took another sip of his drink, trying to drown out the conflicting thoughts.

Darius’s laughter rang out, drawing his attention back to the table. Lilian was leaning in, whispering something in Darius’s ear that made him chuckle.

“Lighten up, Dame,” Darius said, using the nickname he reserved for moments like this. “We can’t be all doom and gloom on the eve of our big day.”

Damon forced a smile. “You’re right. Let’s enjoy the night while we can,” he said, chuckling and taking a long sip of his drink.

Moments later, as the club began to wind down, they decided to call it a night. They said their goodbyes to the ladies, with Darius giving the girl on his lap — his ex-flame, Lilian — a lingering kiss.

It was obvious she wanted to go home with them, but tomorrow was their big day, and they needed no distractions — especially not sex.

“Good night,” Darius said, bidding Lilian farewell before the brothers returned to the car.

The drive home was quiet, both Damon and Darius lost in their thoughts, worried about tomorrow — their eighteenth birthday.

As they pulled into the driveway of the packhouse, Darius turned to Damon, his expression calm and composed.

“Whatever happens tomorrow, we face it together. Agreed?”

Damon nodded. “Agreed.”

Darius held out his hand, but Damon stepped forward and pulled his brother into a tight embrace instead.

“No matter what,” Damon whispered, “we’re in this together.”

Darius returned the hug, squeezing his brother’s shoulder. “Always.”

With a final nod, they let go and quietly made their way to their rooms, ready to face whatever tomorrow would bring.

---

The next morning, Amara woke up to the loud beep of her alarm, feeling excited. She sat up in bed and glanced at the clock — it read 6:00 a.m.

Getting out of bed, she stood before her mirror and gazed at her reflection. “Happy birthday, Amara,” she whispered softly to herself as a big smile spread across her face.

She had just turned eighteen, and in a few hours, she would get her wolf — the one who would become her best friend. If she were lucky enough, she might even find her mate.

Her thoughts drifted to the twins, remembering that today was also their eighteenth birthday. Like her, they would get their wolves and maybe, if the Moon Goddess willed it, find their mates.

Her mind settled on Damon, and her heart fluttered at the mere idea of him being her mate. But she quickly dismissed the thought, knowing it was just a foolish dream. She and Damon could never be mates. That would be a silly match from the Moon Goddess herself.

A knock on her door got her attention, and she went to open it.

She was surprised to see Luna Anita standing there with a mini chocolate cake in her hand, a big smile on her face.

“Happy eighteenth birthday, Amara,” she said warmly, her voice filled with genuine affection.

Amara’s heart fluttered in her chest; she felt loved and honored to be remembered by her Luna.

“Thank you,” she mumbled, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes.

“Here, take your cake and get ready quickly. Today is a big day,” Luna Anita said with a nod, her expression softening as her thoughts drifted briefly to her long-lost maid — Amara’s mother.

Amara took the cake from her, feeling warmth fill her heart. Luna Anita had always been like a mother to her, offering comfort and care whenever she needed it.

This cake, with its rich chocolate layers and fresh berries, was more than just dessert. It was a simple, heartfelt reminder of Luna Anita’s love and constant support.

“Thank you,” Amara muttered again.

“You’re welcome, dear,” Luna Anita replied with her usual charming smile. “Now, don’t forget to make a wish before you blow out the candle. Birthday wishes, they say, always come true.”

Amara nodded, her heart skipping a beat at Luna Anita’s words. After Luna Anita left, she walked back into her room and closed her eyes, ready to make a wish.

She had many things she wanted, but one thing stood above the rest.

“May I find my mate today,” she whispered before blowing out the candle.

She took a few bites of the cake before setting it down and heading to the bathroom. After bathing, she dressed quickly in the outfit she had bought a few weeks ago.

After stealing one last look at her reflection in the mirror, she made her way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the twins.

As she busied herself with the preparations, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. What if today changed everything? What if it changed nothing?

Darius was the first to come downstairs. He was dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt. He looked simple yet effortlessly handsome.

“Morning, birthday girl,” he greeted, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Morning, Darius,” Amara replied with a smile, feeling at ease in his presence.

“Happy birthday to you too,” she added.

“Thanks. Big day for all of us, huh?” He leaned against the counter, watching her work.

“Any plans for your special day?”

Amara shook her head. “Just the usual. Maybe I’ll find some time to celebrate later.”

He frowned slightly. “You should do something fun. It’s your eighteenth birthday, after all.”

Before Amara could respond, Damon walked in, his expression as cold as ever.

“Breakfast ready yet?” he demanded, not even acknowledging her birthday.

“Almost,” she replied, keeping her voice steady. “Happy birthday, Damon.”

He grunted in response, not bothering to look at her.

“Whatever.”

A lump formed in Amara’s throat as she held his gaze before averting her eyes. His piercing green stare always made her uneasy whenever it settled on her.

Darius shot him a disapproving look but said nothing. Instead, he turned back to her and winked.

“We’ll make sure you get some time to enjoy your day, Amara.”

She managed a small smile, appreciating his effort.

After breakfast, she cleaned up and tried to keep her mind off the impending ceremony.

As the hour drew closer, she found herself standing outside the packhouse, surrounded by guests and pack members invited by the Alpha. The Alpha had gone all out for his sons — everything was grand and extravagant.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement and nervousness. Everyone was eager to see if the twins would get their wolves and perhaps find their mates.

Amara noticed how well-dressed the girls were, all eagerly awaiting their chance to be chosen. Her thoughts once again drifted to Damon.

She spotted him a short distance away, talking to a group of friends. He looked so confident, so sure of himself, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing.

Today was also her birthday, but she felt out of place. She had no one to comfort her or ease her nerves. Losing her mother at childbirth and never knowing her father had always left a hole in her heart — one that felt even deeper on days like this.

The priest finally arrived, and it was time for the ceremony to begin.

Amara watched as the Alpha spoke with Damon and Darius, who both looked nervous despite their calm, composed expressions. They would have to strip down and shift into their wolves for the first time.

The priest led them toward the clearing behind the mansion where the ceremony would take place.

As they left, Amara’s eyes met Damon’s, and for a moment, neither of them looked away. She felt an invisible pull, a compelling force urging her to hold his gaze until he was out of sight.

Suddenly, her breath hitched, and her palms grew sweaty.