She Eyed My Spot, My Alpha Let Her

Chapter 14: The Birthday Reveal

Leia’s POV

The day finally came. I woke up earlier than usual, though I had barely slept the night before. My mind had been restless, shifting between hope and doubt until I no longer knew which one felt more real.

For a moment, I simply lay there, staring at the ceiling. It was my birthday. A day that was supposed to mean something. A day I had quietly held onto, even when everything else around me felt like it was slipping away. A little hope against doubt. Maybe I will enjoy it like he said.

“Tania…” I whispered softly. She stirred within me, not as bright as she used to be, but still present. “Maybe today will be different.” Even as I said it, I did not know if I believed it. It seemed she didn’t believe me either, since she didn’t respond. I don’t blame her.

I pushed myself up. I was hungry, but I knew no one would think of me. I got into the shower and wore my simple floral dress thereafter. I was planning on making my breakfast in our private kitchen rather than the pack kitchen.

I walked slowly down the staircase, checking if there was someone I didn't want to bump into. The party wasn't going to be until evening, so I wanted to remain as invisible as I could be. I made myself a simple breakfast: toast, scrambled eggs with lots of red chilies and garlic, bacon and a big mug of steamy cream coffee. I sat alone at the table and ate.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Well, I spent it in my room. I wished I could have visited Drakah, but I just didn't want to bump into certain people. I alternated between reading and window watching the people going up and down in the pack.

When the afternoon came, I started to get ready slowly, carefully. I took more time than usual, smoothing my hair, choosing the dress I had bought, the one I had imagined wearing for a happy occasion.

The fabric felt just as soft as I remembered, but something about wearing it now felt heavier than it should have.

When I finished, I stood before the mirror. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to see it, I mean what could have been. A Luna standing beside her mate. A Celebrated and cherished Luna.

The image flickered and disappeared just as quickly as it came. I sighed. All I was left with was just wishful thinking. I held a little prayer to the goddess. I only hoped tonight wouldn’t come with another embarrassing surprise!

A knock came at my door. For a moment, I wished it was Pete coming to escort me to the party. “Come in,” I said, with hope. One of the maids stepped in, her posture straight. If she could have been looking in my eyes, I guess she could have seen the disappointment in them. I didn’t even know why I hoped Pete would personally come to escort me.

“Luna Leia, you are requested in the event hall.” Requested? Not invited? My chest tightened slightly, but I nodded. “I am coming.” She left, and I stood there for a moment longer before forcing my feet to move. The night already felt awkward. I had a gut feeling that Pete’s prediction wouldn’t really be that.

The closer I got to the event wing, the louder the voices became. There was jubilant laughter with strong conversations. The clinking of glasses suggested that the celebration had long started.

My steps slowed as I reached the entrance. For a second, I hesitated. Was it really my birthday celebration? How would they have already started without me then?

I pushed the doors open and the sight before me made me pause. The hall was filled. More people than I had expected. Pack members, yes, but also a lot of unfamiliar faces. Guests dressed in elegant attire, moving through the space with ease and confidence. The decorations were exactly as I had seen days before. Ivory and gold draped across the room, soft lights casting a warm glow over everything.

It was beautiful, but it did not feel like mine. No one turned immediately. No one called out my name. The celebration continued as if I had not just walked in, me, the one who was supposed to be the center of attraction?

My fingers curled slightly at my sides as I stepped further into the room. “Ah, you are here.” Pete’s voice came from my left. I turned quickly, my heart lifting for a brief moment at the sight of him. He looked composed, dressed formally, every bit the Alpha of the respected pack.

His gaze moved over me briefly, almost uninterested but doing it for the sake of formality. “You look nice,” he said. Just nice? No warmth or any lingering attention. I had taken my time to look great so he could compliment me, but he denied me even that? My heart constricted, my chest squeezed painfully.

Before I could respond, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. “This is for you,” he added, handing it to me. I stared at it for a second before taking it. “Thank you,” I said softly. He nodded, already glancing past me. “We have important guests today. Make sure you conduct yourself properly.”

The words landed heavier than they should have. It felt like a stray kid had just been scolded and put in her place. On my birthday celebration, my mate tells me to behave! Like I'm known for deliberately causing trouble. What a nice birthday remark!

Before I could say anything else, he had already turned away, walking toward a group of people waiting for him. And just like that, I was alone again, dismissed, unrecognized and unacknowledged in my own party. It was clear as day that it wasn’t for me.

I stood there, the small box still in my hand. Around me, the room continued to buzz with life. People’s voices rose and fell, and their laughter echoed but none of it reached me. I was a stranger at what could have been my party.