Grey looked around in shock.
“Um…what is all this?” He asked.
“Your birthday party,” I smiled.
“But it’s not until tomorrow.”
“That’s what makes it a surprise party, Grey.”
Grey laughed and pulled me to him before kissing me. “Thank you Celine.”
Everyone crowded around us to hug and wish him a happy birthday. He looked so happy and grateful for the attention. This was exactly what I wanted.
“He seems happy,” Enzo’s voice made me jump.
“Yeah, he does, right?” I grinned. “I knew he would love this. He doesn’t ever get to be in the spotlight.”
“Because of me.”
“Well, I guess, but from what I hear, that's how it works with Betas all the time.”
“Yeah, I guess Alphas take up a lot of space and attention.”
“Well thanks for letting Grey have his time tonight, I’m sure he appreciates it.”
“I didn't do it for him, I did it for you, Celine.” Enzo whispered. “Like everything else.”
He walked away and over to Mira. I turned away as they kissed. I should be happy. Enzo was taking what I said seriously. He was going to fall in love and my life would be saved. He’d be happy and I’d have my white wings.
That’s all that mattered.
Grey approached me. “I can’t believe that you did all of this for me,”
“I really wanted you to feel special the way you make me feel so special.” I smiled.
He kissed me. “You are the most special woman I’ve ever met in my life.”
“Let’s get a drink. We have that wine that we like.”
I was having such a fun time with Grey! I had never seen him laugh or smile so much. Everyone was being so nice to him and saying what they liked about him. He even got some presents! His face lit up like lightning when he saw them.
My present would be given to him later when we were alone. I think I was going to take Mira’s advice and just make love to Grey. We both wanted it and we had no reason not to.
Except for Enzo would be furious.
But I wouldn't worry about that. What I did with Grey was absolutely none of Enzo’s business as far as I was concerned. He was the one who needed taking care of, not me.
“This party is great Celine!” Mira squealed. “He was so excited and surprised!”
“It’s amazing, right? I’ve never seen him so happy.”
“Me neither. He must really love you now.”
“He doesn’t love me, Mira.”
“He’s definitely falling.” Her eyes were on Grey who was staring at me adoringly.
I hoped he didn’t fall too hard, too fast. I didn’t want to hurt him.
“I love this party, Celine,” Irene commented. “A little bright for my liking, but it’s nice. You did a great job.”
“Thank you! It’s my first one, you know?” I giggled.
“Your first party? Really?” Mira asked. “What was your life like before this?”
“Um, you know what, I think it’s time for speeches. Excuse me.”
I grabbed Grey and went to the middle of the room. “Hello, everyone, could I have your attention?”
They all gathered around us.
“I wanted to thank you all for coming to this party for Grey. Um as you know I’m pretty fond of him.” Laughter filled the room. “He’s the nicest person I’ve ever met and he cares so much about people and I’m glad he gets the chance to see how much other people care about him! Happy birthday Grey!”
I kissed his cheek as Enzo cleared his throat.
“Um, I’d like to say something,” He spoke up. “Grey has been my best friend since I was a kid. He’s always been there for me. He’s a great Beta and a better man than I could ever be. He deserves the best of everything.”
Enzo’s eyes were on me. It was like he was talking only to me. Telling me that he understood why Grey was the better choice.
“I hope you have a great birthday, man. I’m lucky to have you and…you’re lucky to have Celine. Just be gentle with her.”
Enzo giving up didn’t feel as good as I thought it would. I thought he would fight harder. He was usually so stubborn. What was so different about this?
Grey started talking. “Thank you to everyone here. I’ve never had this kind of birthday before. This is amazing! I feel so loved and appreciated. I want to give extra thanks to my girl Celine. I’m so lucky that someone like you likes me. And I also wanted to share this birthday with you.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Well, you don’t know when your birthday is, so we can share mine. This can be a celebration for both of us.” Grey smiled.
“Grey…that’s so nice.”
“You deserve it.” He kissed me. “Now everyone let’s party!”
I went to Enzo. “That was a nice speech.”
“Yeah? I know I’m not really good with words like he is.” He muttered.
“I thought it was wonderful.” I hugged him.
Jolts went through my body, just like every time I had touched him since we’d kissed. How was I supposed to ignore these feelings? They were so powerful, it was insane. I knew Enzo was feeling it too by how tightly he was holding me.
“Do you feel that?” He breathed.
“Yeah, I think so.” I admitted.
“Let someone else hug the birthday girl!” Mira laughed, though it sounded kind of sharp.
Enzo let me go. “Right, sorry.”
His eyes were still on me. I knew we would have another talk about what this meant. This time I might be more open to it. I had to figure out what the heaven all this meant.
We heard a loud explosion that shook the ground.
“What the f**k was that?” Enzo asked, looking around in alarm.
“We’re under attack!” A Bonepike screamed. “Retaliate!”
We ran out of the fortress and stopped in our tracks. The barrier was disintegrating. A man stood in front of the group. I could see his scar from where I was.
Alpha Rafe.
Enzo growled before getting ready to charge him. Everyone else had already started fighting.
I grabbed his arm. “Enzo don’t, it’s what he wants!” I cried out.
“I have to face him, Celine. He won’t take you.”
“Wait, please, I’m begging you!”
Enzo was much too strong for me. He pulled his arm out of my grip and charged with the others.
“Enzo!” I cried.
“Celine, get back inside!” Pierce ordered. “You can’t fight here.”
“Yes I can.” I whispered, running after Enzo.
I dodged wolves and other creatures as I tried to find him.
“Enzo?!” I called. “Where are you?”
A wolf tackled me to the ground. I thought he would kill me, but he licked my face softly. It was Grey.
His eyes were telling me to go back, but I knew I couldn't do that.
I gently pushed him off. “I’ll be fine.”
I got up and ran again as Grey barked at me. I finally spotted Enzo. He and Rafe were circling each other. It was like a game. They were seeing who would attack first.
“Rafe!”
He looked over at me as did Enzo. His golden eyes widened in fear.
“Come get me Rafe!” I yelled before running off.
I could hear the sound of his paws colliding with the ground as he chased me. Why the heaven did I think I could actually outrun a wolf?
Rafe easily tacked and pinned me down. He bared his teeth in my face. Even in wolf form I could see the scar Enzo had given him.
I shut my eyes and put my hands up. I was shocked when he flew back. He let out a yelp as he hit the ground.
Now my hands were moving on their own. They shot out and it was like whatever power this was knew exactly who was an enemy. They were completely blown back into the forest. Possibly even farther than that. What I knew was they were gone.
“Put the barrier back up!” Pierce announced.
“How did you do that?” Enzo asked.
“I don’t…I don’t know.”
Doing all that took a lot of energy out of me. I felt dizzy.
“Celine? Are you okay?”
I felt myself falling towards him before darkness surrounded me.