Moondance Pack - A Collection of Novelettes

4. Beyond her First Shift - Sweet Sixteen

*Marisol POV*

The sun was starting to rise, casting a soft, golden hue over the world as I made my way onto the packhouse balcony. It was my sweet sixteen today, a day that felt magical. The morning air was crisp, reminding me the day was starting, just like me.

Almost on cue, Charles appeared as a comforting constant in my life. He moved elegantly and with a hint of mystery, a testament to his vampire nature. Yet, when he smiled, there was nothing but warmth, the kind that blurred the lines between our different worlds.

“Happy Birthday, Sunshine,” he greeted, his voice smooth and soft with a French accent. He used to insist on teaching me some French but eventually abandoned the project.

I felt curious, my fingers brushing against the cool surface of the box as I opened it. Inside, nestled against the velvet lining, lay a pendant so exquisite. It was a sun covered in diamonds that sparkled with an ethereal light.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered. A warm rush flooded through me, my pulse quickening as if the tiny, glittering stones of the pendant had kindled a spark deep within. Everyone referred to me as their little ray of sunshine or something like that.

“May I?” Charles asked, his fingertips barely grazing mine as he took the pendant from the box. The moment his hands brushed against my neck to fasten the necklace. His cool and unexpected touch sent a cascade of tiny shivers dancing down my spine, contrasting sharply with the morning warmth.

“I have a date tonight,” I confided, unable to keep the thrill from my voice. It’s with Jet. I’m hoping it goes well. It’s silly, but I keep thinking that maybe he’ll be... you know, my mate. And maybe, just maybe, tonight will be the night for my first kiss.”

Charles’s gaze softened, a gentle amusement twinkling as he watched me. His smile cradled a tenderness that seemed to reach out and wrap around me.

“Jet is a lucky young man,” he said, his voice carrying a note of sincerity that warmed me to my core.

“What about you, Charles? You’re always surrounded by mystery. Why are you single? There’s got to be countless women who’ve caught your eye. Why aren’t you with other vampires? Why do you stay on pack lands.”

He looked away momentarily, his gaze finding the horizon where the sky met the trees in a dance of colors.

“So many questions!” he chuckled. “I suppose,” he began, his voice trailing off as if searching for the right words. “I’m waiting for something genuine. A connection that transcends time, something rare and precious. I’m waiting for my mate.” He glanced at me sideways, smiling wryly.

“And me,” I added softly, “you’re always there for me. It feels like you understand me like no one else does.”

Charles turned back to me. “I guess it’s meant to be.” He said with a knowing grin, one I’ve rarely seen but that seemed to be hiding something.

Before I could question him more, Mom joined us on the porch. “Ready, Sunshine?” she asked. “Your dad will meet us there,” she added, inviting us to walk with her.

#

The old barn was turned into a party scene. Its wooden beams, once silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of farm life, now resonated with the sounds of laughter and music. The air was rich with the scents of barbecue and freshly cut grass, mingling together in a symphony of summer. It was my sweet sixteen. Each heartbeat throbbed with excitement, a symphony of anticipation that coursed through my veins, urging me towards what the day had in store.

As I stepped into the barn, the sight that greeted me was pure joy. Tables adorned with gingham cloths were filled with all kinds of picnic foods. The grill, manned by my Grandpa Markus, was a hive of activity, with plumes of smoke carrying the tantalizing aroma of grilling meats. My cousin Melody was already there, her laughter clear and bright as she danced around with Lila, both utterly carefree.

“Marisol! You made it!” Melody exclaimed, rushing over and pulling me into a hug that squeezed the breath from my lungs.

“How could I miss my own sweet sixteen?” I replied, my voice muffled against her shoulder.

Everybody was here: Gabriel, Lila, and Melody’s two younger brothers, Grandpa Markus and Grandma Gloria, Thomas, Eliza, the twins Ash and Willow, Crimson, Solstace, their son Frederick and their three daughters Clover, Guinevere, and Ivy. The party was in full swing, with every face I loved there to mark the occasion. It was fun that Melody, myself, the twins, and Frederic were close in age.

The afternoon sun wove its golden light through the barn’s slats, casting shadows and warm light on everyone.

Warmth spread through me, blossoming in my chest as I looked around. A silent wave of gratitude washed over me and these people for this moment.

A hush fell over the crowd when it was time for the birthday cake. The masterpiece of chocolate and vanilla was brought out amidst a chorus of “Happy Birthday,” its candles flickering. I made a wish, a secret hope deep in my heart, before blowing out the candles to cheers and applause.

“Marisol,” my mother called for me. “I hope you know how proud your father and I are of the young woman you are becoming.”

She hugged me, and my dad hugged us both. “We hope we can trust you to behave tonight,” my father added.

“Daaaaad,” I rolled my eyes at him. “I’m not a baby,” I scoffed and winked.

I guessed they meant to distract me because then came the moment I had been anticipating with excitement and nerves: the opening of the presents. Each gift showed how thoughtful the giver was, from the practical to the whimsical. There were books reflecting my love of stories, a beautiful leather journal from my grandparents for all my thoughts and dreams, and a set of watercolors from Eliza and Thomas, encouraging my artistic side.

As the party wound down and the stars began to take their place in the velvet sky, I felt a profound sense of contentment. Surrounded by those I loved and on the cusp of new beginnings, I was ready to face whatever the future held.

The night was still young, and looking forward to my date with Jet added to my excitement.

#

Everyone helped turn the barn into a magical cinema, guided by Grandma Gloria. I was delighted that my uncle Gabriel had accepted my wild idea of setting up a cinema here for my birthday.

Twinkle lights adorned the rafters, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the space. Charles and my father had set up a large screen at one end, with an array of bean bags scattered in front. It was cozy, intimate, and utterly perfect. The air smelled of popcorn and candy, laughter and chatter blending into a happy melody.

Jet and I shared a bean bag as we settled down, and Every inch closer to him sent a thrill zipping through me, a delicious mix of nerves and excitement tangling together, each brush of his arm igniting tiny sparks along my skin. I noticed his every move, especially when his arm brushed against mine. Tonight, we were watching the original Sweet Sixteen movie by John Hughes, a choice influenced by my love for ’80s music and movies. Despite their different tastes, my friends and family kindly let me choose the film.

The movie started, and the barn echoed with ’80s music and movies, taking us back in time. I found myself getting lost in the story, the nostalgia of the era, and the shared experience of watching it with those I cared about. Occasionally, I would steal glances at Jet, catching him smiling or laughing at the scenes. My heart danced a delicate ballet in my chest, each glance from him sending it twirling faster.

We laughed together at a funny scene and locked eyes. Everything else faded away.

“I’m glad you picked this movie,” Jet whispered, his voice echoing the soft sounds of the film. It’s pretty awesome.”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, pleased and surprised by his comment. “Really? I thought you might find it too cheesy,” I admitted, my gaze dropping to my hands before I dared to look back at him.

Jet chuckled, a sound that warmed me from the inside out. “Nah, it’s great. And, I mean, getting to watch it with you makes it even better,” he added, a shy smile on his lips.

Those words, simple as they were, felt like a promise, a sign of something special. It was as if the evening had become a new significance, the movie a backdrop to our budding connection.

As the movie played, I paid more attention to Jet beside me, our shared warmth, looks, and laughter. It was a new closeness with Jet, making the night unforgettable.

Even after the movie ended, the moment’s magic lingered, making us not want to leave.

We lingered on the beanbag, not quite ready to let go of the moment, talking and laughing with our friends. An unmistakable feeling of joy and togetherness filled the air.

As Jet and I said our goodbyes, the cool night air brushing against our skin, he turned to me, his eyes sincere. “Happy birthday, Marisol. Tonight was extraordinary,” he said, his voice low.

I smiled, my heart full. “Thanks, Jet. It wouldn’t have been the same without you here,” I replied, echoing the truth of my feelings.

Melody and I were about to close the lights as the last friends left. “So, did he kiss you?” she asked, clasping my hands.

I simply nodded and smiled.

Melody and I approached and flanked him as we headed back to the packhouse.

“Is that so?” Charles teased. I hope he is worth your first kiss,” he added as we entered the packhouse.

“Good night and sweet dreams, ladies,” he said as he returned to his cottage.

I couldn’t help but feel that tonight was just the beginning. The start of a possible romance filled my heart.

As a werewolf on the brink of my transformation, tonight reminded me of the beauty of connecting with others and life’s simple pleasures.

As I lay in bed later that night, the memories of the evening playing like a movie in my mind, I knew that my sweet sixteen would forever be etched in my heart as a magical night. I was sure Jet and I were connected, but I wouldn’t do anything that would go against the pack’s values. I would wait for my first shift before getting intimate with Jet.