•~Chapter 7~•

RONAN'S POV:

I had no idea how long I've been running but when I returned, the sun was already setting. I spent the whole day in the forest. After my run rage, I rested by a river and I guess I fell asleep. Just before entering the house, I ran behind a tree and changed into the clothes already left there.

While I was walking towards the house, I noticed that there was almost no one here. Aside from the pack members that were doing some last minute training on the left side of the house and the omegas in the living room and kitchen, everything was quiet but the houses outside though were lit up.

"Hello Alpha," The omegas greeted to which I returned with a nod. I walked past the living room heading straight for the stairs when I remembered something. I walked back to the living room and found the carpet cleaned and there were no signs of blood nor lingering scent.

'That's good. I wonder how he is. Wait, no.' I released a frustrated sigh before resuming my journey to my room. As soon as I entered, I stripped myself bare, deposited the clothes into the hamper then took a hot shower.

The water soothing my aching muscles mae me realize how tired I am despite my very long rest in the forest. After deeming myself clean enough, I dried myself off and slipped on shorts and a random shirt.

'I'll take a short nap. It's still 6:15 and I have plenty of time to prepare myself for later. I'm excited and nervous at the same time because I am going to meet my mate tonight.'

____

~2 hours later~

I was roused awake by the feeling of someone mind-linking me. Blearily, I opened my eyes at the same time I opened the link, "Yes? What is it?" I asked tiredly.

"Ronan? Dude?!"

My mind slowly awakened enough to register the owner of the voice, "Dylan?"

"Yeah man, where are you?"

"I'm in my room. I went for a run and I was tired so I took a nap. Why?"

"Well, are you coming down now?"

"For what?"

"Are you serious?" I could picture the annoyance on his face, "Did you forget? Your birthday party? Your ascension to the Alpha title, the whole thingamajiggy?"

Realization struck me as I sat up, fully awake, "Yeah, I'm on my way."

After the connection cut off, I dashed around and changed. If Dylan had no desire to attend, why was he already there? I could practically hear the bitterness in his voice. I slipped on the navy blue dress shirt that had a silver accent, paired it with a shimmering black gaucho pants and finished it off with my black suede shoes and silver belt.

I applied a small amount of gel in my hair and styled it into a quiff. Satisfied, I left my room and climbed down the stairs, my stride slowing don upon seeing the only lights that were on was in the kitchen. I strained my ears to catch even the tiniest of sounds but nothing.

I went to the door that leads to the backyard and opened it only to be greeted by my pack, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALPHA RONAN!!!"

I laughed as I was immediately pulled by my friends clapping my back. Dylan only sent a forced smile my way and a clipped greeting. I scoffed, 'No one told him to come. He could leave if he wanted to, surely my father wouldn't mind even though he expected everyone to attend. He has a soft spot for Dylan.'

After receiving a lot of well wishes from my pack; opening their gifts, accepting dances and enduring an inappropriate amount of groping from girls which took me an hour and half to get away from their grinch faces, I searched for an empty table and sat down to rest my feet from standing so long.

Isaac came and chatted with me while everyone else danced before he left to join the crowd. I sighed, content to stay under shade of this dimly lit tree as I looked around for the first time in three hours into the party. Beautiful multi-colored lanterns hoovered all over the place, most were hanging off of the branches of the trees surrounding us and scented candles placed in the center pf each table covered in soft, snowy white cloth.

'Simple but beautiful. D*mn, Zannicus did good.'

In addition to the party was a DJ setting the movie. I know it'll be wild later on. To my left is a long table filled with a variety of dishes. The food looks so delicious. I could only imagine how they'll taste. I raised my nose, the aroma had me drooling, 'I want to eat now.'

Finally, one of the omegas announced that we can eat. I shot up and darted towards the table. Everyone let me go first since it is my birthday and just as I accepted the tray for the food given by Sofia, I think, the door opened and the all turned to see Theo carrying the cake.

Everyone cheered and I left as I was forced of the trade down it's Florida candles and put the cake. Afterwards, I took two slices of the mouth watering cake along with the tray and brought it over to my table. I smiled as the Omegas wished me happy birthday. Isaac dropped his food off for a moment to grab some drinks.

"I'm starving," I guess after all the running I did, it is to be expected. I still couldn't believe I slept through lunch! I immediately dug in, moaning at how delicious it was.

'Oh mother of Luna! It's so delicious!!'

I looked around and from the identical looks everyone was giving, they're having the exact same thoughts I am. Zannicus is really in amazing cook. Damn! But could eat these forever. Or better yet, I could practically marry them!

______

ZANNICUS:

After my shower, washing my hair scrubbing myself thoroughly, I brushed my teeth then changed into some of the clothes Seth gave me that I placed on my bed. I smiled at his sweet and thoughtful gesture. I went to stand in front of my mirror, taking in my reflection and I was surprised; I had chosen a simple, fitted, white silk button down shirt and paired it with black pants then finished it off with black desert ankle high shoes. It's simple, but I actually pulled it off!

I had to leave two buttons undone lest I want to die from suffocation. The shirt is pulled taut over my chest and produced a faint lining of my abs through the fabric. The same goes to my pants. I smiled, pushing my slightly long hair back, perfectly separated and silently thanked the Moon Goddess that my shoes were still in perfect condition.

I grabbed my phone taking one last glance at the mirror the same time someone knocked on my door.

I opened it to reveal Theo who gaped at me. I smiled, stepping outside as I admired his look; he donned on a simple black shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and buff chest as we as his tapered waist, he paired the shirt with black jeans and white sneakers.

He looked really handsome.

I cleared my throat which seems to have brought him out of his shocked state, "What is it Theo?"

"Uhh, umm....cake. D-decorate. Alpha Ronan. Backyard." He stuttered making me chuckle as I closed the door behind me.

"Alright, let's go decorate the cake." He nodded and we headed back towards the kitchen. The whole place was clean and the cake was already on the counter.

I smiled and turned to Theo to find still staring at me, "Theo?" I waved my hand in front of his face.

He shook his head, smiling apologetically, "Sorry. It's just-... you look amazing Zannie," He breathed out making me blush, "You're all grown up now."

'Aww,' I grinned and hugged Theo who nuzzled the top of my head, "Thanks. You look really handsome too. Now come on, let's start so we can bring it outside."

We quickly worked on the cake, taking care not to get the ourselves dirty and finished in less than 35 minutes. Putting the last line of bladed frosting on the side of the cake, I stood back and was satisfied with the outcome. Just as I placed down the tool I was using, someone opened the door and the sounds of footsteps approached the kitchen. 

One small sniff and I froze, 'Dylan.'

"Hey Zannicus! Where the h*ll are yo-" He stopped as he turned the corner and locked eyes with me.

His eyes bulged out of his sockets, mouth gaping open as his gaze wandered up and down my body in the way that had me shuddering. I easily slipped on my cold mask, I cleared my throat which caught his attention, "What is it?"

He blinked, "Uh, Ronan's already outside an-and I wanted to see if the cake was done." I tensed even further since he has yet to take his eyes off me. Theo subtly moved closer to me, probably sensing my discomfort to which I was grateful for.

"Yes. It's done. We're bringing it out now." I responded seemingly unfazed but inside I was trembling because I really dislike the way he's been looking at me for a while now. Or for the past years rather.

Dylan shook himself and headed back to the backyard but bumped into the door on his way out. I sighed, turning to Theo who was regarding me with a look. I nodded to show that I was fine, "Theo, can you bring the cake outside? I'll bring the drinks out."

I know he doesn't buy that 'I'm fine sh*t,' but he didn't prod. He sighed, gave me a smile and a one-sided hug before carrying the cake out the back door. The only other omega aside from myself that doesn't fit the standard built of a regular omega was Theo. His well-toned physique is similar to that of warriors and 6'0 being towered my 5'11 form.

The party has already started and I heard a brief silence stretch over the yard before everyone cheered upon seeing the cake. I leaned against counter to take a breather, "Here we go Axar. Are you ready?"

"Ready when you are Z." With a nod, I pushed off the counter.

I grabbed the tray full of drinks and the glass case, pausing right by the door before pushing it open after one final breath. I climbed down the steps, head held up high and found that everyone was eating, others were mingling and dancing. I walked towards the long table to see my fellow Omegas serving drinks and food to some of the pack members.

I carefully put down the tray and glass case I was holding and begin filling the glasses. All the while, I felt eyes on me so I glanced to my left where my Omega friends were staring at me with wide eyes and open mouths.

Jun was holding a full glass which was now spilling out because the glass was tilted, as if he intended to set it down but stopped halfway.

The people near the table were silent as well so I flicked my gaze to them while filling up another glass to find that their expressions mirrored my friends. To my right, Dylan's group was staring with jaws wide open that if it was possible, it could've reached the ground.

The longer they stared, the more uncomfortable I became.

I cleared my throat loudly successfully bringing them out of their daze, Would you like some drinks?" No reply.

"Zannicus, is that really you?" Isaac, one of Ronan's friends spoke, his arms crossed loosely across his chest as he leaned against a tree.

The moment he mentioned my name, everyone stopped what they were doing and in an instant, their expressions matched those from my still-shocked friends.

I tilted my head, "Obviously. Do you see or know anyone else named Zannicus?"

I couldn't help but be annoyed but to my surprise, they didn't get angry or anything so I shrugged and returned to my task. I was getting even more bothered from all the blatant staring, I moved to speak but it wasn't me who broke the silence 

"Mate...?" The familiar voice immediately grabbed everyone's attention that they turned as one to see the source sitting a few feet away from the table. I didn't need to look because I already knew. A collective of loud, shrill gasps sounded from the pack members, Jun's undignified squawk of disbelief prominent and somehow louder, they're gazes bounced back and forth between me and Ronan as if trying to distinguish if what they heard was right. 

Or someone spiked the drinks. Which is something I definitely would have done but I want to live so I decided against it.

My heart pounded against my chest as silence engulfed the once cheery atmosphere then a shadow loomed over the table. I braced myself and looked up at Ronan. He showed no such expression, his gaze just stayed on me. At first, I could be dreaming, there was something like awe flashing through his eyes, then in a split second, an inner turmoil before anger and disgust took over his handsome face.

'It seemed so forced however.'

I held my breath, waiting for him to say the long awaited statement. Ronan wavering for more than a minute was odd but finally, 'Here we go Axar.'

"I, Ronan Ver Solas, reject you, Zannicus Zer Zor-ester as my mate and Luna of this pack."