Unknown Wolf

Presents and Parties

I got up out of bed. There was no way I could just stay in this room all day with so much running through my mind. My father reluctantly left for a meeting after I assured him I was alright. I'm thankful for the moment I was able to have with him today. It seemed to be something we both needed.

I moved to my closet to change out of these clothes destroyed earlier by coffee. I needed to work out this aggression boiling beneath my skin, and as Rose would be unavailable for the rest of the day I decided just to go to training. If Aaron wasn't there I would just workout on my own.

I found some blue spandex leggings and a black sport halter top perfect for a workout. After putting that on and disposing of my previous clothes I took my brush and fixed the high ponytail from earlier. I was pulling on my black and white tennis shoes when I heard a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," I called over my shoulder as I tied the shoe laces tight.

Isabelle came skipping up to me instantly putting a small smile on my face. She looked cute with a dark blue peasant top on covered with tiny daisys, and jean shorts baring her legs. Her chocolate brown hair brushed back and forth around her shoulders as she bounced around excitedly smiling from ear to ear dark blue eyes settling on me.

In her hand was a white small box with a blue ribbon tied up in a bow on top. She extended it out towards me smiling mischievously. I continued to stare at it surprised, and she pushed it closer continuing on.

"I was going to save this for a more special occasion, but a Wednesday is as good as any," she giggled.

"Thank you," I said kind of shocked and slowly taking the box from her.

"Well open it silly. I don't have all day. I'm quite busy you know." She smiled with her hand on her hip.

I rolled my eyes playfully at her, and began opening the present. Inside was a cellphone. It was quite beautiful in a rose gold color. She told me she had already had a screen protector put on it and it had a clear case with gold glitter through it.

"I can't imagine not having a phone. I know your dad is all protective and old fashioned, but every girl needs a phone," she rolled her eyes, "It has all the best music on it too so you can listen to it while you workout or run."

She handed me a set of white wireless headphones to go with it, and continued. "I have already put my phone number in it along with my parents and your father's. Your goon squad out there then took it for a bit and put theirs in too along with probably a tracker." She rolled her eyes again towards the door, and shrugged letting me know that was beyond her control.

"Thank you so much Issy!" I pulled her in for a hug.

"If you want to really make them all go nuts later I can show you how to create an i********: account." She winked at me letting out a small laugh.

"I'll let you get back to your workout you were headed for," she said taking in my clothes, "Luckily, my self defense classes are now only once a week. I don't see why you like them so much. It's definitely not for me."

Just like that she disappeared again from the room, and I smiled. She definitely was a little character with a mischievous side. I'm sure she missed her friends from her pack, but I was grateful to have her here.

I finally made it down to the training room, and asked Wesley and Jordan if they could wait outside. I wanted some peace of mind and I wasn't going to get that with them staring at me the whole time. Aaron wasn't there, but it was fine. I slipped my new phone in a side pocket my leggings had I think was probably designed for that purpose. putting the head phones in I zoned out to the music.

After awhile I lost track of time, and was now just drilling the crap out of the punching bag. It felt good to release all my pent-up frustrations and anger on something. Suddenly there was a tap at my shoulder and without a second thought I whirled around and about punched Wesley in the face. His eyes twinkled as he was quick enough to avoid my on coming attack thankfully.

My eyes widened as I took out the earbuds. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to... I didn't realize anyone was here."

"No need to apologize. I disturbed you." He smiled, "I just figured I would let you know it was getting late and you may want to get ready for dinner."

"It can't be that late. I haven't been here that long."

"I'm afraid it's already six. You've been in here for at least four hours. I can't believe you aren't exhausted yet since you've been beating the crap out of whatever is on your mind." he chuckled slightly. "I'm sure you'll want to take a shower before dinner."

I sighed. He was right. I'd probably pay for this in the morning, but right now I needed a hot shower to wash away the sweat, and clean up.

After taking a shower I dryed my hair and styled it into a half up hairdo, and slantered into a floor length golden evening gown featuring a sweetheart strapless bodice, a beautiful sequin design all throughout, and a satin waistline. My father was old fashioned, and dinner with the family was always a formal affair. I checked my makeup one last time in the mirror and then slipped some delicate golden heels on.

I was not disappointed with the looks I got from Wesley and Jordan on my attire. They tried their best to mask their reactions, but being only men I knew from their eyes I must have looked beautiful. It made me smile and feel good about myself as I held my head high and continued on to the dining room without a word.

I was the last to arrive, and they all stood at my entrance. My father came to take my hand and lay a kiss upon it before helping me to my seat. I sat to his right with Isabelle next to me. My Uncle John and Aunt Rose to his left. Once dinner began my Aunt and Isabelle talked about my upcoming party with great enthusiasm. You could feel the excitement flowing off them.

I was more weary about the party as so many people would be there, and there would be many expectations placed upon me. What if I didn't meet them, but I masked all my insecurities and fears and tried to seem excited. They both were putting so much into it I didn't want them to think I wasn't thankful.

Apparently my birthday this year hosted a full moon, and they were beyond happy with that news. The whole theme of the party was to be around that and starry nights.

"It's called a Cold Moon to have one in December, and having a full moon on your birthday when you shift is supposed to be good luck. It's also supposed to help your first shift be easier and a little less painful," Rose started off with. Her troubles from earlier that day had vanished as she threw herself in party planning mode. "We will have everything decorated in navy blues, silver, and white. It will be glorious with twinkle lights. I love this starry night theme Isabelle picked."

I had to admit it sounded amazing, and the two of them definitely knew how to plan a party that's for sure. Just watching their faces light up gave me a bit of excitement.

"Oh and Lucy just wait until you see the dress I have them working on for you. In a few weeks we have to all go to the dress shop for a fitting."

My father looked up at this announcement from my aunt, and he didn't seem to happy about it. "What?" was all he managed to choke out.

"Athelstad she has to be fitted into her dress to make sure it fits correctly and that she likes it," my aunt simply explained trying to ignore his shock.

"They can bring the dress here for all of that. There is no reason for her to leave." He announced in a firm tone glaring towards Rose.

She took a small breath, "You can't keep her locked up forever. She will be safe with us and her bodyguards. You don't need to worry."

"I said they can do it here." He stated leaving no room for argument.

My aunt bravely continued anyways, "We will discuss it more later."

My father looked down at her taken aback. No one continued an argument with him after he had made a final decision, but my aunt was also not one to let things go so easily. I did hope she could convince him to let me leave even if it was just for a quick fitting. I longed to see anything outside these grounds. I felt stifled stuck here all the time.

They continued all throughout the rest of dinner talking merrily about the party and who would be there. Which gentleman were handsome, and their different accomplishments. I was nice to have the dining room full of conversation and laughter.

I wasn't as interested in the talk of boys as Isabelle clearly was. My father seemed to notice that and it put a slight smile on his face. Doubtful any father would want his daughter interested in boys, but my father even more so against it with his protective ways.

I was still thrown off about meeting my mate. Scared of what type of man he might be. What if he was ruthless and heartless like King Roland? I couldn't imagine being forced into a match like that. Hopefully I wouldn't have to worry about any of that just yet even though I was turning eighteen it took some wolves years to find their mates.

I was glad to have my head finally hit the pillow with my mind swimming still from all the party talk Rose and Isabelle had been going on about. I was beyond exhausted from the days events, and ready for a good nights sleep.

I left my balcony door open letting the warm summer air flow into the room along with the fresh smell of grass and summer flowers. I slowly drifted off to the sounds of crickets and frogs making music in the night.

**********

I heard a slight noise like a door creaking and my eyes slowly fluttered open. I saw a shadowed figure come in my room from the balcony and lurk towards me in my bed. I didn't know who this intruder was, but I knew if I didn't get up it probably wasn't going to go well for me.

I leaped out of bed quickly as I saw even in the dark a sly smile spread across his face.

"Hello princess," he leered at me with a slight humor in his eyes at the fact that I thought I could defend myself.

I heard noise from outside my door which probably meant there was more of them in the manor and Wesley and Jordan were busy fending them off not knowing I was also entertaining one inside my room. How could I be so stupid to leave that door open?

We danced side to side for a minute before he launched forward towards me to grab me, and I quickly evaded him. His smile only grew on his face at this cat and mouse game that presented itself to him. He came at me again and I whipped around with a right hook knocking him in the mouth and bloodying his lip.

His smile widened turning malicious as he licked the blood off his lips. "So the sweet little princess wants to fight does she?" He cackled.

He came forward trying to land a couple of swings himself, but I quickly evaded them. He laughed quietly, "So you're not so much a damsel in distress are you? I love that you make this more fun."

He winked at me as I glared back at him. Going forward as if to punch me I went to avoid it, but it was a fake out as he swung his leg under me causing me to fall to the ground, and then before I could react. He grabbed up my hands tying them tightly before moving to my feet. The ropes burned my skin as they had probably been soaked in wolfsbane. I could hear wolves growling in the hall. One I was for sure was my father.

The intruder only chuckled at my predicament. "You have alot to learn about protecting yourself princess if that's the best you've got."

With his words I felt a fire of anger erupt from the depths of my chest. My eyes began to glow green and I snapped the ropes apart within seconds leaving them in pieces on the floor. He seemed a bit shocked. Then I heard some thuds in the hall along with whimpers. The intruder vanished saying, "Another time Princess," as my father and the Hart brothers came busting through my door.