Fates Must Be Kidding

Homecoming and leaving?

Deep breath in and out, in and out... It's fine, I can totally do it! I try to convince myself, but it's not working. To hell with it! I open the door to my room and step out with my head held high. You probably think that I'm getting ready to go to war or something. Nope, just my birthday party. We got back two days ago, and I've mostly been avoiding everyone outside of my training crew, except the Alpha and the Luna, of course. I just hate the stares I've been getting from random pack members. They look at me like I am a sick abandoned puppy, just because Ryder found his mate. For f**k's sake, we broke up two years ago! On top of that, I've just found out that Ryder decided to come back earlier than expected, with his better half in tow. Yaaaaay! It's going to be quite a birthday party...

I walk into the ballroom with Rose and Knox by my side. Everyone starts cheering and singing "Happy birthday"! I smile and wave, even though this is the last place I want to be right now. Leo envelopes me in a bear hug and then hands me a small elongated box with a pink bow. 

"I hope you like it," he smiles and rubs his neck. He wants to say something else, but I give him a look, and he nods. I open the box and see two beautiful pure black combat knives with sheaths. They will fit in my boots perfectly!

"They are absolutely gorgeous, I love them!" I squeal.

"You're the only person I know who would say something like that about a knife," he chuckles.

"Shut up! I missed you," I admit.

"Me too, but I'm back now, and I'm here for you," he says with so much warmth that I hug him again. 

I make my rounds chatting with people, receiving presents, and hoping he won't show up, maybe he has other things to do. Yeah, right!

"Hey birthday girl," I hear his heart shattering voice from behind me. I put on my happy-to-see-you face and turn around.

"Hey yourself!" I flash him my brightest smile, even though I see a pretty petite blonde girl holding his hand. "This must be your better half! It's so great to meet you! I am Mia," I offer her my hand for a handshake. She accepts it, but I barely feel it.

"Hi Mia, I am Alexis. I heard so much about you," she gives me a shy smile. It pains me to admit, but she seems absolutely lovely.

"Mia, come over here, please," Rose call out to me.

"Excuse me, duty calls!" I joke and leave them alone. 

"Thank you," I whisper to Rose, my cheeks still hurting from all the fake smiling. 

"Any time! Let's finish this pity party and get something to eat," she bumps my shoulder cheerfully. We grab as much food as we can, and occupy a table next to the balcony. In case I decide to flee, just kidding! 

"Is this seat taken?" I look up from my plate and find a pair of familiar grey eyes. I shake my head and he sits next to me.

"What are you doing here?" I ask once I swallow the food in my mouth.

"What, no hi, how have you been these two years?" Gabriel gasps pretending to be hurt. Too bad, I'm not in a playful mood today.

"I know you didn't come all the way here just because you missed me and wanted to give me a birthday present," I scoff.

"And what if I did?" I roll my eyes and while doing so I notice Alexis and Ryder staring into each other's eyes lovingly. Gabriel follows my gaze and sighs. 

"Actually, I do have a present for you. Well, more like an offer," he says, his voice very serious. I turn to him and raise my brow, "I'm listening".

"Let's talk over there," he points towards the balcony. I get up and follow him out.

"I want the Vipers to come work with the Council," he says. 

"With the Council? On what?" I don't know what I was expecting, but certainly not this.

"The Council saw your pictures from the abandoned hospital. They want this matter handled, and they think you guys can do it better than anyone else," he explains.

"Exactly, so why do we need them?" 

"They have some pieces of information that could help you guys get what you want faster, much faster. And their resources will be at your disposal". Just as I'm about to say no, he adds something that convinces me to give it another thought, "And you will be able to get the hell out of here for a while". I study his face attentively, expecting to see the same poor-puppy look I have been getting, but it's not there. Just honesty and compassion. 

"I'll think about it".

"Great! Now, will you do me the honors?" he offers me his hand. I look at it, then at him, a bit confused, that's when I hear the music coming from the ballroom. 

"Sure," I agree, but before I put my hand in his I bend down and take my high heels off. Rose lent them to me and they are killing my feet. 

When we step inside, the DJ starts playing a slow song. I put the shoes down next to the door, and we join the couple dancing. Among them I see Knox and Ricky, they look so happy that I smile. I turn my attention to my partner. I link my hands around his neck and let him lead. He pulls me closer and circles his arms around my waist. Our bodies are barely touching, but I can still feel his warmth, it's soothing.

"You look stunning, by the way," he looks down at me. I am not a short girl, but he is more than a head taller than me.

"I know," I flash him a cheeky smile. You look hot too, I think to myself. Black slacks and a slim fit white shirt with rolled up sleeves hug him in all the right places. I'd know, I checked him out on the way to the balcony, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. As for me, I really do look good. My hair is down in beach waves, I'm wearing light makeup, and a simple formfitting black dress that reaches just above my knees. It's not revealing, but allows me to show off my toned body, and it's stretchy, so I'm comfortable moving in it. The music changes but we keep dancing, and I'm actually having fun. At one point though something weird happens. I move my hair to one side because I am hot, my back is turned to Gabriel's front, we're barely touching, but then I think I feel his lips touch the skin on the exposed side of my neck lightly. But it can't be, right? I must have imagined it! I relax and continue enjoying myself. After a couple more songs he excuses himself saying that he has some work to do. Before leaving, he leans close to my ear, so that I can hear him over the loud music, "I'm leaving the day after the ceremony, I'll need your answer then". He disappears in the crowd, and I feel that the party is over for me too. 

Before I can sneak out I am intercepted by the Alpha and Luna. They lead me outside to a shiny black van with toned windows. The Alpha hands me the keys and says, "I have a feeling you'll need this soon". I give them both a hug and rush in to check it out. I actually looked into buying it myself to use as transportation for the team. It has ten seats inside, but the pace can be easily transformed into a mobile command center with computers, monitors, antennas - everything we might need. There is also a mini armory and a small fridge.

"This thing is amazing! Thank you so much, it's the best birthday gift ever!" I can't contain my excitement.

"You're welcome, honey. I hope it'll keep you safe!" the Luna gives me a teary smile and they walk away slowly, hand in hand.

Over the next couple of days most of the free time we have is spent discussing the offer. Eventually they say that it's up to me, because they are fine with whatever outcome. Thanks for your help, guys! I think I need a break from this - I'll make my decision later. So I concentrate on training and working, using them as my distraction. One day before the ceremony Gabriel joins the Gold group training and offers to be my sparring partner. I agree, I have wanted to see him in action for a while. And I am impressed. He is light on his feet, fast, agile and smart. I would love to fight him! As if reading my mind, after the training he tells me, "Maybe we can finish our initial fight, if you say yes".

"Why not do it now?" I challenge.

"Nope, not happening! Under strict orders from the Luna," Leo interjects. "No broken bones, bloodied noses and black eyes allowed at my ceremony!" Unbelievable!

The day of the ceremony arrives, and with it my anxiety. I haven't come up with an answer yet, and I'm dreading seeing Ryder. The thought of skipping the event has crossed my mind more than once, but I can't do that to Leo. He wants me there, so I will suck it up and be there. I look at myself in the mirror one last time, smooth out my red sleeveless dress, and tell myself that I can do it.

The ceremony is held outside, the whole area is decorated with white flowers and fairy lights. The Alpha starts with a short speech, then Leo takes his blood oath to take care of and protect the pack, followed by Ryder. After the pack comes back from their celebratory run the feast begins. I'm actually doing quite well until I spot Ryder and Alexis kissing. If before this I felt like I got stabbed in the back, now it's like someone is both twisting the knife and pushing it deeper into me. I step away for a bit to compose myself, I can't leave the party just yet. I return when music starts playing. I don't really feel like dancing, so I just take my seat, close my eyes and try to relax.

"Are you gathering courage to break my heart?" Gabriel's voice startles me. I smile with my eyes still closed.

"How did you know?" I play on.

"Your face, it says it all. That I'm amazing, and you care about me a lot, but despite it all you don't want to marry me," he explains in an amused tone.

"Married, huh? Do you already have names picked out for our children?"

"Yeah, all nine of them!" And that's when I burst out laughing, but my laughter dies down as soon as I open my eyes to look at him. Because I notice Ryder heading our away.

"May I talk to you for a minute?" he asks.

"Sure," I reply and follow him to the fountain nearby. "What's up?"

"I just want to make sure that you are doing okay," he says.

"I am, why wouldn't I be?" 

"It must be hard for you to see us together. You were hoping to be my mate..." Is he f*****g serious?!

"Me? I thought it was both of us," I cut him off. "Anyways, it was a long time ago. I have moved on and wish you nothing but happiness," I lie. But I do hope that I will feel like that in the future. "If you don't mind, I have to go finish my conversation with Gabriel". When I get back to my table, he is still sitting there.

"What did you do to him? He looks shaken," he asks looking in Ryder's direction.

"Oh, you know, just told him how happy I am for the two of them," I shrug my shoulders. "I have my answer, we'll do it, but we have a couple of conditions".

"Great, I'm all ears!"

I hope I'm doing the right thing...