Ayla's POV
The day before my twenty-first birthday, the house was all chaos.
Pack members arrived throughout the morning, bringing food, decorations, and gifts. Mom directed everything like a general commanding troops, while Dad set up tables in the backyard. Sienna helped Elena, who had arrived that morning.
"This is bigger than I expected," I said, watching from the kitchen window as more people arrived.
"It's tradition," Mom explained, arranging flowers. "Your twenty-first birthday is when you officially become an adult in pack culture. It's a big deal." She paused, giving me a serious ook. "Especially when there's a mate bond involved."
My face heated. "Mom."
"What? Everyone knows. The whole pack can sense it." She smiled. "They're excited, Ayla. One of our own, finding her mate
