Fates Must Be Kidding

No biggie, my ass!

Sooooo, it's my birthday today! I wake up and take my time getting ready for the day, I don't have the morning training on the weekend. I try to convince myself that I'm putting an extra effort because it's my birthday today, not because of a certain guy who called me beautiful yesterday. Nope, it has absolutely nothing to do with him! I take a long relaxing bath, shave, put on a hair mask. I even choose better fitting clothes to wear and leave my hair down. Yes, this is an extra effort for me! I normally don't pay much attention to my appearance. 

Don't get me wrong, being clean is very important to me, but other than that there isn't much else I would waste time on under normal circumstances. I usually throw my hair in a simple bun, ponytail or a braid, I can't really do any other style. I'm also not good with makeup, clear lip balm is my go to choice. I could probably manage mascara without taking my eyes out, but my eye lashes are black and long allowing me to skip it. As for my clothes, at school I hide my muscular frame in order not to attract unnecessary attention. That's why I pair my jeans with baggy hoodies and T-shirts. Outside of school I opt for covered up athleisure styles in black or gray, I'm mostly surrounded with teenage boys, I don't need them gawking at me! I'm all about comfort and practicality, so heels are a big no-no. As you understand, my wardrobe is far from being varied, and I'm perfectly fine with it! Unlike Luna, who tries to take me shopping at least twice a month. 

Right now, looking through the things I do own, I almost regret not taking her up on her latest offer. However, I shake those thoughts away pretty fast, I can't do anything about it now, so why dwell on it? Instead I grab a pair of light blue skinny jeans, a simple black tank top, and a pair of my favorite black and white checker Vans slip ons. As I'm checking myself out in the mirror someone knocks on my door. "Mia, are you awake?"

"Yes, Luna, come in!" Even before I finish my sentence the door flies open and the Luna rushes in. "Happy birthday, honey! I can't believe you didn't tell us about it. We are going shopping today, and I'm not taking no for an answer!" She says it all so fast that now her face is a bit red. 

"I wasn't trying to hide it, just didn't want to burden anyone with preparations and gifts," I explain.

"Nonsense! Let's go have breakfast, and we are leaving immediately after that!" Someone is being bossy today. However, I don't want to argue with her, there is no winning when she is like this. Not even the Alpha would be able to change her mind.

I follow her to the dining room, and as soon as we step in everyone in there starts singing "Happy birthday to you". Awkward! After that I'm showered with hugs and birthday wishes. "Damn, girl, you clean up nice!" I punch Austin in his shoulder to show the guys that I will kick their asses if they decide to be creepy! The last one to come up to me is Ryder. "Happy birthday, Mia!" with these words he leans down and kisses me on my cheek. Fortunately, no one saw that, or else they would tease me to death!

"Thanks", I mumble and breathe a sigh of relief when everyone finally digs into the food. However, that relief was short-lived, since shopping with the Luna for 5 hours is the most stressful experience ever! More than the Challenge!!! Whenever I think that we've been to every single shop in Phoenix, she finds a new one to drag me to. At least I'm not the only one suffering, there are 3 more warriors with us for protection. I'm perfectly capable of keeping the Luna safe, but the Alpha was adamant. They are not completely useless though, someone has to cover all the bags, right?

When we finally get back to the pack house, there is nothing I want more than to go to sleep. Instead I'm sent to freshen up before I can get ready for a party. Kill me now! After my shower the Luna acts like my personal beauty salon. She does my hair, makeup, and even picks my outfit. It's a good thing she has great taste! She still has to convince me to put on a dress, after 15 minutes of arguing I give up. It is a simple black knee-length sundress with wide straps. I feel a bit exposed in it, just because I'm so used to covering myself up. Otherwise it's pretty modest. So is my makeup, a touch of mascara and blush, and my usual lip balm. Once my hair is put in a beautiful French braid, I'm all set to go. 

I'm a bit worried about how this appearance change be received. It's not a major makeover or anything, I still look like me, just a bit more girlie. When I get to the ball room I hear a couple of whistles, but the guilty party gets head slaps from Leo, Damon and Derek. I thank them with a smile and relax a bit. 

The party is in full swing, looks like everyone is having a good time. I step out to get some fresh air when I'm approached by the Alpha. "I know that Esme showered you with things today, but I also want to give you something." I open my mouth to protest to which he shakes his head. "Don't worry, I didn't buy you another dress or pumps," he chuckles. "And this thing is used, it's been in our family for a while, and I have a feeling that you will appreciate it more than anyone else!" Well, color me intrigued!

He hands me something thin, long and covered in wrapping paper. I tear into it impatiently, earning myself a chuckle from the Alpha. I see a beautiful black leather sheath, but what is inside it leaves me speechless.  It's not just a sword, it's a whip sword! I've never held one of these before. It looks like a deadly weapon and a piece of art at the same time, because of its sharp edges and intricate design. 

"It's amazing, but I can't take it! It's obviously a family heirloom, what would Leo say?" I worry.

"He gave me his blessing. He has never been into swords anyways. And this thing hasn't seen any action for way too long. So if you promise to take good care of it and use it wisely, it's yours!" I look him in the eye and see that he is absolutely serious! The next thing I do is the only appropriate option in a situation like this - I give him a hug, which he reciprocates right away.

"Now go and have fun!"

Before I join everyone else I run to my room and hide my now most prized possession under the bed. After that I slip back into the ballroom and try to spot Leo. When I do, I give him a hug and whisper "Thank you!" "You're welcome, I can't imagine it in anyone else's hands!" We break the hug when someone clears his throat. I turn around to see an amused-looking Ryder.

"What do I have to do to get one of those?" he asks with a smile.

"Oh you know, just give her the best birthday present ever!" Leo puffs out his chest.

"I see. I guess you got that one covered. Can I count on a dance with the birthday girl then?" Ryder says offering his hand to me.

"I don't really know how to dance," I shrug my shoulders. And it's the truth, it wasn't part of our training at the Facility, our love lives and parties were not high up on their priority list. So if I embarrass myself now, my need for revenge will be doubled!

"That's not a problem, follow my lead!" I guess he also won't take no for an answer. What's up with people today?! Isn't everyone supposed to do everything you want for your birthday???

I sigh, put my hand in his and follow him to the dance floor. Fortunately, there are a lot of people dancing, so we shouldn't attract too much attention. Ryder waves to the DJ, and he puts on a slow and romantic song. s**t, s**t, s**t!!! Ryder snakes his arms around my waste and pulls be closer. "Put your hands around my neck and just copy what I'm doing," he instructs. To my relief he just sways from side to side, I can do that! We are moving in sync, without speaking, and I don't want the song to end. We don't even notice when it's over, until someone bumps into us accidentally, carried away by the fast beat. 

"Thank you for the dance!" Ryder is the first one to break the silence between us.

"Thank you for the invitation!" I'm SO lucky I don't blush, otherwise I would be as red as a beetroot. However, what I'm feeling now is nothing compared to what I feel after Ryder leans and gives me a gentle peck on my lips. I think my heart is about to jump out of my chest, like right now! How can he be so calm??? He just winks at me, takes my hand in his once again and leads me towards our friends who are huddled around something. When we get there I see that they are trying to get to my gorgeous chocolate cake decorated with strawberries and fourteen candles.

"If you touch my cake I'll break your arm," I warn Derek, and judging by how he jumps when he hears me, he didn't see me coming.

"Oh come on guys, I left you for one minute!" Mrs Davies scolds them. "Are you ready to make a wish and blow out the candles?" I nod excitedly, I've never done that before. I think for a minute, it's not easy to choose just one thing to wish for. Once I'm happy with my selection I blow out the candles to loud cheering, it seems everyone is eager to get a piece of the cake. Mrs Davies helps me cut the cake, I take the first two pieces and take them to the table where the Alpha and Luna are seated.

"Thank you for today, and for every day since I stumbled into your territory. I'm lucky to have found you!" They both give me a hug, and I go back to my friends who are patiently waiting for their turn. Is it wrong that their fear of me makes me happy???

That night I fall asleep with a satisfied smile on my lips. Sure, I didn't get the birthday celebration I imagined, what I got was a hundred times better!