Rising Within

Birthday Celebrations

Elias

Luckily, I had made the day spa in the centre in that split second of leaving Dionne’s store. I know mum needed some R&R and wouldn’t splurge on herself. I finished writing her birthday card with the pen I stashed for emergencies in my car and tucked the voucher in the envelope.

Upon exiting the car, I couldn’t help but take a moment to myself. The unexpected interaction with Dionne kept playing over in my mind. Her scent lingering on me still, I let out a sigh and made my way to join the family dinner at the pack house. Mum must have been hovering by the door.

“Elias, you finally grace us with your presence! Come here, my favourite son!”

Mum smirked as my older brothers Ari and Dean shouted out in distaste at the comment.

“You know we are right here mum, we have feelings!”

And they both punched me on either arm a little harder than normal. I just flicked my hair back and gave them a million dollar smile. I chuckled at the thought of them meeting Dionne and having to act somewhat civil around her. At that moment, I realised that she had me hanging for her, I couldn’t even think of being without her. Even now, I struggled to settle my wolf at the thought of it.

“Happy birthday mum, you are far more beautiful than ever!”

She leaned in for some affection and I grabbed her into a tight bear hug and kissed her on her cheek. She smiled and thanked me as I handed her the card and concealed gift. Dad was working his magic in the kitchen. He had Lia cleaning up behind him as he used every single utensil in the kitchen. Things never change!

“Is that you, Elias? Come give me a hand lil’ bro,” Lia hollered through the doorway.

In a few steps, I was there to meet her open arms and kissed her cheek. As we separated, she gave me a strange look. I wasn’t sure what she was getting at until she looked at my chest and waved her finger in my direction all knowingly.

“Oh, who is she?”

I had forgotten Lia was able to read me like a book, but on this occasion, it was Dionne’s lingering scent that gave it away. But I shook my head and threw her a cheeky smile. That goss was for later. She knew not to press the matter. I didn’t want mum asking me a thousand questions just yet. I wanted to keep Dionne to myself for a little bit longer.

I knew they would be all over her in due course, but I wasn’t ready to share any bit of her.

We finally got dinner on the table and it smelt amazing. I had to give it to Dad ; he was an insatiable cook and a heck of a man. He was a natural Alpha, fierce, wise and strong. We loved him, and he was never scared to show us his love. I knew from young that if I could be even half the man my father was, nothing was out of reach.

I enjoyed the tableside banter with my brothers, their bravado stories dominating the conversation and entertaining us while we ate. I felt sad that none of my siblings had yet found their mates and a part of me didn’t want to hurt them knowing that I had found mine, even though deep down I knew that they would be happy for me.

I cracked open another bottle of wine, it was going to be a long night trying to keep Dionne off my mind!

We all pitched in to clean up after dinner and then went into the living room to chill out with our drinks. Mum started asking everyone about their week and all I could think about was tomorrow. I just wished it would hurry up and get here.

I suddenly felt claustrophobic and made a quick exit to the front door. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me.

My wolf demanded full control. I felt his neck arch and his ribs flex as he took hold of the shift. I knew he would run all night, and I’d definitely have some explaining to do, considering my spontaneous departure.