Chapter 9
1546 Words
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. For a moment, the only sound in the kitchen was our breathing and the soft rustle of the wind outside. I thought about all the things I could wish for: To shift, to find my place and be accepted, a mate… But in this instant, with these perfect near strangers around me, I knew my wish was already in motion.
I opened my eyes and blew out the candles. I looked around and saw the Lycans around me were smiling and I couldn’t help but smile wider. For the first time in a long time, I felt the weight of loneliness lift off of my shoulders.
“Happy Birthday, Evelette.” Clay said with a hug. “I’m glad it was you who I met first out here.
“Thank you, Clay.” I said. “I’m extremely surprised, but also very glad. It really seems like I’ve known you and the others longer.”
Luke handed me a slice of cake and asked, “So, what did you wish for?”
“She can’t say,” Luke interrupted, “or else it won’t come true!”
I cleared my throat. “No, I actually want to say. It’s the kind of wish that will only come true if I speak it out loud.” I said. “I was wondering if there would be any way for me to come with you guys back to the Lycan Kingdom. I’m going to be exiled from here and I really don’t want to spend the rest of my days with the humans. You said it before,” I said as I gestured to Clay, “it’s not unheard of to have late shifters over there. I can be useful. I’m strong and I’ll make a good warrior. I won’t be expecting a hand out or to be cared for. I can pull my weight. Do you think you can ask the princes when they get her?”
Luke smiled wide at my words and started to nod his head vigorously. I was absolutely not expecting that reaction, but I was pleased.
“Honestly, I don’t see why they would say no. I’m sure that you can come with us when we leave. The Lycan Kingdom will be lucky to have you.” Luke responded.
“Seriously? That’s amazing.” I said, feeling relieved. “Now this is really turning out to be a good birthday.”
We spent the hour eating the food, enjoying the cake, and getting to know each other better. They asked me about my training, and I listened to their stories about life in the Lycan Kingdom. The conversation flowed easily, and I felt like I was with friends.
“So, what’s the plan for the rest of the afternoon?” I asked as I wiped my face with a napkin. “We should probably start a tour first to make my time here ‘official.’”
“Well, we have one more thing for you.” Clay said as he took out a small black box tied with a golden ribbon. He looked sheepishly at me and handed me the box.
Inside the box was a beautiful, silver crescent moon necklace. Along the edges of the crescent moon were four small pieces of opal.
“Oh my Goddess, this is beautiful. You know what, opal is my favorite stone. When I look at it, all I can imagine is how it looks like there is life and fire inside.” I said as I stared intently at the necklace. “Thank you. This is more special to me than you know.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Clay said shyly. “After we found out it was your birthday, we went out into town to look for something. When I saw this, I instantly knew it was for you.”
“Can you put it on for me?” I asked him.
“Of course, turn around.” He said as he spun his finger.
I bit my lip and turned around. He took the necklace and placed it around me to fasten it. Then he gently moved my hair from my shoulders and out through the necklace. His touch was electrifying and his fingers were warm and smooth. Every movement sent a tingle down my spine. I cleared my throat and turned back around to face him.
His face reddened and he ran his hands through his hair. Luke came up beside him and tapped him on the shoulder.
“My turn.” Luke said as I looked at him with a smile on my face.
“So, when we went out last night, I couldn’t find anything that really spoke to me, if you know what I’m saying.” I nodded to him and he continued. “Well, I decided that I should create something instead.” He walked toward the dining room and grabbed a guitar that was propped up against the wall. “I wrote you a song.”
He proceeded to play the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard. The melody was smooth and mesmerizing and when he started singing along, my heart just about stopped. His voice reminded me of warm honey and I couldn’t get enough. The song wasn’t in English, but I felt like I understood the meaning. The house was quiet as he played the song and time seemed to have stopped. It truly was magnificent.
When he finished, I was speechless. All I could do was hug him, which turned out to be clumsy considering I didn’t wait before he put the guitar down.
“That was so beautiful. Thank you. What were you saying? I’ve never heard that language before.” I asked.
“It’s an old Lycan language that poets supposedly used back in the day.” He explained. “As far as what the words were of, well, they were about you. Your beauty.”
I felt my face redden as we locked eyes. Everyone in the room knew I was blushing, but I didn’t care. All I cared about was the man standing before me who took my breath away. Soon after the guitar playing had stopped, most of the men quickly grabbed small packages and brought them to me. Apparently I wasn’t done receiving gifts, which I was completely okay with.
Atlas gave me a first aid kit. Who knew the man had a sense of humor? I thought to myself as I smiled and laughed at him. I was also given several different types of chocolate and a few bottles of lotion from the others. I was more than grateful. I expressed my thanks to each one of them as I opened my presents. It turned out to be a good birthday afterall.
After everything was cleaned up from the impromptu party, a few of us gathered in the game room to play some games. I was very happy that Atlas suggested that we keep the games to ones that didn’t last too long, so we ended up playing a few rounds of cards, namely a game called Spoons, and a silly charade game. It was absolutely hilarious watching the men act like chicken or soaring fairies. I doubted that anyone would believe me if I told them what I did on my birthday. After a riveting performance put on by Allen where he acted out a cat rolling in catnip, my mother opened a mind link.
“Evelette, remember to come home a couple hours early today.” She said through the mind link.
“I know, Mom, I won’t be late. Don’t want to disappoint my non-existent mate that will inevitably sweep me off my feet.” I replied, sarcasm dripping with every word.
“Don’t be like that, Evelette. And definitely don’t use that tone with me. I’m just trying to help.” She chided.
“You’re right, I’m sorry. I’ll be there right after I give the Lycans a tour.” I said to her and cut off the mind link.
“You really should be nicer to your mother.” Selene said to me.
“I know I should. I just can’t help it. I’ve given up, but she hasn’t. I guess that has made me feel some resentment towards her.” I replied. “I know it’s not right, but there it is.”
“But remember, there is hope now.” Selene said. “The Lycans are going to bring you back with them. We don’t have to live with humans.”
“Oh, you’re right about that. There is hope that I’ll get to live with them. We just have to wait for the princes to arrive and hope they agree.” I said.
“Riveting conversation?” Clay asked.
“What?” I questioned. Clay pointed to his own head and then to me. “Oh, right. Yea. Just my mother. She wants me back soon to get ready for the ball”
“Already?” Clay whined playfully.
“But I told her that I would head over after I gave you guys a tour.” I finished and Clay rewarded me with a smile.
- Writer
