Silver Lake

Presents

I hear my mom laughing from the kitchen hearing me race down the stairs and out the back door. My dad and brothers are standing off to the side with the cutest little brown and black goats. “Happy birthday Eva.” Devon smiles and hold his hand out towards the goats.

“Happy birthday sis!” Brian comes up and gives me hug.

“Happy birthday brat!” I say back to him and hand him my present.

“Oh I’m pretty sure we know who the spoiled one is around here. You got me a new guitar! Thank you!” Brian grabs me again and swings me around.

“You’re welcome! I clearly won the best birthday present this year though! Thank you guys so much, they’re adorable!”

“It’s a big year for you two so your mother and I decided presents that will make you happy we’re in order.”

I give my dad a hug and run over to pet my new babies. “I’m definitely happy dad thank you! What brought the grumpy Brian happiness today?”

I look over at Brian and he has a huge grin on his face and points towards the driveway. I can see half of a blue Camaro sitting there. “Of course it’s a car.” I say laughing. Brian loves working on cars and has a couple old ones he’s fixed up over the years. This one looks newer and will suit him well. He deserves it.

“Alright let’s get these two put in the fence so you three can head off to school.” My dad comes and grabs the harnesses for the goats and leads them to the fenced in area with the shed like barn.

“I need to grab my bag and laptop real quick and I’m ready. I should probably get to my first class earlier anyway today. I don’t know why but that professor was being a jerk to me last week.”

“The English professor is always a jerk Eva. It’s definitely not you.” Brian had him last semester and said I wasn’t going to like him. I really didn’t mind him though. He was tough but teaching so many kids that only took a class because they had and not care has to be draining on a guy.

“I need to grab my book bag too and I’m ready. I’m so ready to graduate this year.” Devon runs up the porch steps and inside.

I’m following after Devon when I hear a car approaching the driveway. I turn to see it’s the alphas kids Wesley and Dina. She is a year younger and has had her eyes on Brian for years. He says he doesn’t like her but I think she’s growing on him. Wesley is 2 years older than Brian and I. His gift was split. Something we’ve never seen before. With both the power of controlling the mind and strength and stamina he is a force to be reckoned with. Brian went against him in sparring and was very sore the next day. I may have made fun of him for it.

“Evalina don’t forget what I said earlier. Straight home to get ready after school.”

“Yes mother I will. I want to come play with the goats and figure out their personalities to name them.” I reassure her. Sometimes I like to wander to the forest and draw or paint. It’s normally on a chaotic day and relaxes me. I guess she thinks today will be chaotic.

Grabbing my backpack and laptop I head back outside.

“This is such a nice car Brian. You should take me for a ride sometime.” Dina says looking at Brian with pleading eyes.

“Yeah maybe during winter break we can find some time.” Brian answered while rubbing the back of his neck. Is he nervous? He’s never acted like that before.

Dina slightly huffed barely noticeable and walked back to her brothers jeep. Hmm interesting.

“Happy birthday Brian!” Wesley comes up and does one of those man hug hand shake things. “Big night tonight man! Good luck!”

“Thanks Wes! I just hope I get something to benefit the pack.”

“You will. Anything is a blessing since we’re the last pack getting gifted. Eva happy birthday to you too! I’d say good luck to you too but I don’t think you need it.” Wesley winks at me.

Brian raises an eyebrow and I just shrug. Wesley and I speak often and he hangs out here a lot but it’s with Brian. I always thought he was just trying to be nice to a friends sister. “Thank you Brian. I’m definitely hoping it’s a good outcome tonight for both Brian and I.”

“Come on guys or you’ll make me late.” Devon whines from the new Camaro. I wave at Wesley and Dina and get in the car with Devon. “They always talk forever! At least Dina went back to the car so it’ll be a little less longer.”

I laugh “uh you know they definitely heard that right!”

Wesley bends slightly and waves to Devon. He waved back and sat back with a huff. “I am completely aware! I was hoping it’d kick things up so we could leave.”

“We’ll drop you off in plenty of time. You have 30 minutes yet and it takes like 10 to get there Dev.”

“But I’m hungry and want breakfast.” He pouts.

Brian waves at Wesley as they both walk towards their vehicles. “Ok Dev wouldn’t want you to waste away. Let’s get you to school.” Brian slides into the drivers seat and we’re off to drop off Devon.

“Has something changed between you and Dina?”

“What? No, why would you think that?” Brian side eyes me and grips the steering wheel a little harder.

“Twin intuition and reading your body language.” I wink at him.

I get an eye roll in response. “Speaking of things changing and winks, what was that wink from Wes about dear sister?”

“I have no idea. That was so weird. Maybe he is having a off day with the ceremony tonight. I heard the alpha wants him to perform it with him since he’ll be taking over soon.”

“Yeah maybe or maybe he’s just joining the line of guys that give you googly eyes.”

I smack Brian on the arm. “No one gives me googly eyes Bry. I don’t know where you’re looking but maybe you need glasses.”

“You’re just oblivious to it Eva. I swear you could have all the guys wrapped around your finger if you wanted to but your always with Steph and your animals or artsy stuff.”

“Anyway. Back to the real conversation. You’re dating and scared to tell Wes aren’t you.”

Brian’s eyes bulged and Devon let out a loud laugh. “He totally is look at his face.”

“Shut up and get out Dev.” We roll up to the student drop off section.

“Have a good breakfast Devon!” He waved back as he gets out of the car and rushes to his friends.

“She asked me out but I never responded. I know we won’t sense our mate until after the ceremony but I know she’s not. I don’t know how I just do.”

“Aww I’m sorry Brian. I’m sure after the ceremony when you know for sure you can tell her that.”

“Here’s to hoping.”