THE SURPRISE
1037 Words
THE SURPRISE
Ema tried on the garments one by one until Monica settled on a particular outfit—a short, seductive dress paired with sleek black heels. With makeup carefully applied, Monica led Ema to the mirror.
Ema gasped. She looked stunning. Her hair, though unstyled, was neatly arranged, and the dress fit perfectly—unlike the oversized, worn-out clothes Hayley usually discarded for her. She had never worn something this elegant. Most of her life was confined to the Stevenson mansion, the marketplace, and pack meetings—where she was only there to cook. She didn’t go to school, didn’t attend parties, and certainly had never been treated like this.
"The seed of a traitor shouldn't be allowed in our midst," Jaime had once said when Hayley suggested enrolling Ema in wolf education.
Now, standing before her reflection, she felt something foreign—confidence. Despite her nerves, she silently thanked the Moon Goddess for this moment.
“Can we leave now?” Monica asked, smiling at Ema’s stunned expression.
“Yes, ma’am,” Ema replied softly.
Monica led her outside, and they drove to a breathtaking island within the Lake Coast Pack’s territory. As they arrived, Ema’s eyes widened in awe. The beauty of the place overwhelmed her. "How could somewhere this stunning exist in Attah?" she wondered, suddenly aware of how little she had truly lived in the past twelve years.
She was led to a secluded area decorated in a charming picnic style. Mats covered the grass, with a lavish spread of food, fruit baskets, a crate of drinks, and bottles of wine. Ema was already mesmerized by the sight—but then, her breath caught.
Above her, strung between two trees, was a beautifully inscribed banner:
"Happy Birthday, My Dear Ema Walters."
Her heart pounded. Her birthday. October 4th.
No one had acknowledged it since her parents died. She had forgotten the significance of the day altogether. But what truly struck her wasn’t just the celebration—it was the name. Walters. No one had dared utter her surname in years. In Attah, she was only "Ema the daughter of the traitor" or "Ema the slave." But now, here it was, boldly displayed for the world to see.
Tears welled in her eyes.
Then, a familiar voice broke through the moment.
Luscious and Scott approached, singing a birthday song. Monica joined in.
Ema felt truly alive. For the first time in over a decade, she felt like she belonged. Overcome with emotion, she searched for a way to express her gratitude. Words failed her, so she did what she could—she recited a poem:
A BEAM OF HOPE
Upon the time when my eyes
grew heavy with my own tears,
when my past sought to devour my future,
when sorrow clung to my every breath—
You showed me a ray of hope.
Slowly and slowly,
day after day,
ray joined to ray,
and a beam was formed.
When my heart was drained of hope,
when my soul lost its grip on faith—
You showed me hope.
You brought me faith.
I love you, my lovely lover,
for you are my beam of hope.
When the coin of my life was flipped,
when the storm of fate drenched me—
You became the sun who dried me.
When my journey seemed lost,
when the sea of life loomed before me—
You became my bridge.
When happiness abandoned me,
when sadness became my shadow—
You filled my world with light.
When my breath grew faint,
when my soul longed for fresh air—
You came like a whispering wind.
I love you, my lovely lover,
for you are my beam of hope.
The moment she finished, Luscious, Scott, and Monica erupted in applause.
The mini-party continued with laughter, food, and playful moments. Luscious had deliberately kept the guest list small, ensuring that word wouldn't reach his parents.
As they sat together, Luscious and Ema whispered their affections, while Scott and Monica shared smiles from across the picnic mat. Scott had never been a fan of Ema, but he respected the undeniable bond between his best friend and her. More than that, he had promised to support Luscious, which is why he helped plan this event.
Scott and Monica had their own love story—one of rivalry turned passion. They had met at Lake Pack College, despising each other at first. But when they discovered they were fated mates, they fought against destiny until Alpha Bernard intervened. Now, they were inseparable and preparing for their wedding in a few weeks.
As the gathering came to an end, Ema discreetly changed back into her original clothes to avoid Hayley’s suspicion. Luscious also made sure they returned home separately.
Back at the Mansion
Ema stepped into the Stevenson mansion, hoping to slip upstairs unnoticed—but luck was not on her side.
Hayley and Jaime were seated in the living room, engaged in a lighthearted conversation. The moment the door creaked open, Hayley’s gaze snapped to Ema.
"Come here, little slave," she said sharply.
Ema’s stomach twisted. Hayley rarely called her “slave” unless she was furious. She straightened her posture, suppressing her fear as she approached.
“My deep respect to the great Alpha and Luna of the Dark Moon Pack,” she greeted, lowering her gaze. “And to the Alpha King and Luna Queen of Attah.”
"Don’t try to flatter me," Hayley snapped.
“I am sorry, great mother of our pack,” Ema responded carefully.
Hayley’s eyes darkened. "Where have you been?"
"On the errand you sent me on, my Luna," Ema answered with perfect composure.
Hayley hesitated, momentarily thrown off by Ema’s confidence. But she wasn’t fooled.
“I called Luna Bernard," she said, her voice sharp. "There was no gathering. You weren’t at the Bernards’ mansion at all.”
Ema’s heart nearly stopped.
She had prepared herself for Hayley’s questions—but not for this. Hayley already knew she was lying. One wrong move could expose everything.
Ema forced herself to stay calm. "Think, Ema. Think fast", she urged herself.
She knew that whatever she said next could determine her fate—and Luscious'.
- Writer
