Ayla's POV
The party wound down around one in the morning. Pack members said their goodbyes, offering final birthday wishes and knowing smiles as they glanced between Arkon and me. Everyone could sense how close our bond was to completing.
"Get some rest, sweetheart," Mom said, kissing my forehead. "Tomorrow's a big day."
Dad shook Arkon's hand. "Goodnight, son. Your room is still upstairs, last door on the left."
"Yes, sir. Thank you for everything." Arkon's eyes moved to me briefly before he looked away.
We all headed upstairs, me to my room, Arkon to his. Elena and Sienna had claimed the guest room downstairs, and my parents' room was on the opposite end of the hall from mine.
I changed into sleep shorts and an oversized t-shirt, then sat on my bed, too tired to sleep. The coming-
