Discovering Me

Birthday fun

After breakfast, we cleaned the dishes and headed out to the outlet stores. I really needed new training outfits since I only had a few and those are beginning to look worn from constant use and being washed so often. Mom also got me some new shoes, a few outfits for class and some other necessities like body sets from Bath and Bodyworks and more make-up. We also stopped to get some of my favorite fresh squeezed leomonade and a funnel cake to share with chocolate and caramel on top.

I didn’t plan to dress up for dinner and the bonfire. Mom insisted on getting a cute outfit just in case I found my mate. When we got back home, we just had enough time to get changed and dressed. Janet left and was going to meet us at the restaurant. EJ, surprisingly, was already dressed and ready to go.

We went to Casa de la Abuela, my absolute favorite restaurant. I love it more than BBQ and I could eat their barrio tacos every day. I was so surprised when we walked in and so many people from our pack and some of my parents' friends from neighboring packs there.

“What’s going on here?” I asked my family.

"Now sweeheart, you really thought it was going to be a small dinner for your 18th birthday? Everyone here loves you and wants to be part of the celebration," Dad explained.

It was sweet that so many people wanted to come out. I didn’t think I even had that many friends. They even decorated the tables with flowers and balloons and so many gifts. I walked around hugging and thanking everyone for coming until it was time to go sit for dinner.

Janet was sitting next to me and nudged me to get my attention, “Who is that hottie?” She asked, pointing with her head.

“Oh, that’s the Beta from the Blackhart Pack. He was at this morning's training,” I told her.

“He’s nice looking,” she said, and I would have to agree. I waved at him as he walked to his table.

We had a very pleasant dinner with all of my favorite dishes and Janet made me the most beautiful cake for me. Dad got me a limited edition potion book, mom gifted me a vial necklace and EJ got a brother-sister charm set. After dinner, EJ and I rode with Janet to the bonfire at the packhouse.

“It feels so weird having you come with us, EJ.” Janet said, looking at him from the rearview mirror.

“Well, I have to make sure those assholes don’t touch my sister.” EJ replied, causing me to laugh.

Janet looked over at me, asking, “What assholes?”

“EJ thinks everyone wants me. Or at least wants to fvck me because of how things was with Tia before she left.” I explained

“I don’t think so. I know so. I see how they look at you,” EJ argued.

“So what if she finds her mate? Will you be okay with that?“ Janet asks.

“Depending on who her mate is. It better not be George or Ivan. You'd have to reject them,” he honestly declared. I might have to agree with him about those two. They're a year younger, so the mate bond won't kick in until next year. Oh goddess, please don't give me them. I thought as we pulled into the packhouse parking area.

I love pack bonfires. Alpha Donnie always has a s’more assembly area and tons of food and drinks. There were so many people from our pack as well as a few from other packs. We headed straight over for the drinks.

“Hey Janet, let's take a shot.” I suggested as we walked in.

“Okay. Hey, how's your wolf feeling?” She asked.

“She’s fine. Nothing unusual,” I said. From what I remember, it means my mate must not be near by. No stress, this is still a great birthday. I greeted a few people as we walked up to the area where the drinks are.

“Your brother really wasn’t kidding. You are getting a lot of attention,” Janet said.

“No more than you. The same people that said hi to me said hi to you also.” I said, pouring us both a shot and grabbing a cooler to use as a chaser. “You ready?”

“Sure. Here’s to year 18 being better than any year you’ve experienced thus far.” She says as we prepare to take the shot.

“I’ll drink to that.” Beta Garrett says, pouring himself a shot as well, and we drank it down.

“So what’s your story? You look older than 18.” Janet asked him.

“My story? Well, I am 21 years old. Not mated. I have stepped in as Beta since my dad has been sick. My best friend and Alpha I’m serving under has yet to be appointed because his dad refuses to appoint him until he finds his mate. I'm not sure what he's doing. He's 20 and he feels the mate bond makes him weak and refuses to go out looking for her. I, on the other hand, have been touring packs helping with their training and also looking for my better half.” he said, winking at us.

“How many packs have you run through?” I asked.

“I have implemented improved training routines in 5 packs, including this one, since I left New Jersey. If that’s what you’re asking. So, as you know, I haven't found my mate yet. Have you declared a speciality in the academy yet?” He asked.

“No, not yet. I’m still trying to figure things out” I answered.

“Well, make sure you take my number. I think you’d be a great partner.... You know when it comes to training,” he said with a coy smile.

“Okay. Here’s her phone.” Janet answers by taking my phone from my back pocket and having him call him so he has my number.

“Sierra. He’s not our mate, right?” I asked.

“No, but I feel a connection. Kind of like we had with Keenan.”

“I wonder what that means.”

“I don’t know,” she replied. I closed the link and decided to just enjoy the party. We danced, we partied, we drank, and ate even more. My 18th birthday ended the same as every other year. No mate in sight.

My birthday weekend went by and soon enough I went back to the academy. Getting back into the regular routine, the months seem to go by at rapid speed. In December, I flew back home for winter break and Janet’s birthday. We spent the weekend at a ski resort in Buffalo, Ny, where she found her mate Kade, who is a pack warrior sent to guard his pack's Luna and her friends. He seemed to be a really nice guy and I was happy for my friend.

Shortly after returning to the Academy from winter break, my student advisor set me up for an internship.I was to be shadowing Keenan this spring as he went to visit different conventions. Our first stop before starting the training was a quick hour and a half flight to the Black Forest Pack, Keenan’s pack. This is a very large pack in Colorado. This was just his visit home before we were going to be visiting the different districts there.

“So, Lexi, I hope it's OK that we are going to be staying in the packhouse. I have you set up so you’ll be staying in a guest room in my suite there. We’ll have dinner and tonight will be a night for relaxation with my family, then tomorrow we’ll meet bright and early at the training grounds and will work with some of the pack warriors.” He informs me.

“Okay” I replied. Surprised, he has a suite in the packhouse but, not thinking much of the plans, since many packs have housing for the warriors and will host visitors in the pack house. When we arrived, I was absolutely shocked because things were not what I expected.

First thing that amazed me was the size. Keenan was from a huge pack that was nearly double the size of the pack that I am from. His packhouse looked like a castle. The second surprise was his position in the pack.

“Good evening Gamma. I’ll take your and your guest’s bags.” We were greeted as the car pulled in front of the packhouse.

“Wait, you’re the Gamma” I asked dumbfoundedly.

“Well, not officially. My older brother is the Alpha. He wants me to stay here and take on that position once I'm done with my training. Come, I’ll introduce you.” He says like he didn't forget to tell me that. He steps out of the car then holds out his hand to assist me as we hear the alpha.

“Hello. Little Brother.” I stepped out of the car. “Whoa! Wait one damn minute. Who is this beauty?” A tall, more muscular, and slightly older version of Keenan asked.

“Hello Zain. This is my Lexi, my assistant trainer from the academy. Lexi, this is my brother, Zain, who is the Alpha of the Black Forest Pack.” Keenan says as an introduction.

"Hello Alpha." I said as I walked up to shake his hand.

“Welcome Lexi. I’m sorry I got excited thinking my brother was bringing home his mate to introduce to us. Come on in. My mate is attending to our children but should be down shortly.” Alpha Zain says, shaking my hand.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, bother, but Shortcakes here is like the sister we've always wanted.” Keenan told his brother as we walked into the packhouse. I just smiled, not knowing what to say.

We walked through the foyer into a beautiful grand room that left me in awe.

“Uncle Keenan!”,” Uncle Keenan!” “Naan!”, two little boys and a baby girl came running straight to Keenan. He swoops them all up in one big hug.

“Oh no! Kids let your uncle loose. I’m so sorry, Keenan, they were just so excited when I told them you were waiting to see them." A beautiful brown-skinned woman walked in grabbing the children that were now climbing up Keenan’s legs.

“Lexi, this is my mate Nita and our children Elias, Silas, and this little one is named Anika.” Alpha Zain says, introducing me to his family, who look like they just noticed me standing there.

“Oh, Keenan, is this your mate?” Luna Nita asked.

“I asked the same thing. She’s his assistant trainer and our new surrogate little sister.” Alpha Zain said, laughing and patting his brother on the back.

“I’m sorry Lexi. You are very beautiful and will probably be asked that a lot during your stay. Welcome and please let me know if you need anything.” Luna Nita says, embarrassed.

“I understand. It’s nice to meet you all also. Your packhouse is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for housing me during my stay here.” I said, still trying to get in the room. Looking out the window wall in the back of the room, the mountains are so beautiful it looks like a giant picture.

“Has my son returned?” I heard a robust male voice coming into the room behind me.

"Hello dad. Before you ask, this is Lexi. She's my assistant." Keenan says, walking over to hug his father.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Lexi." He says, shaking my hand.

"Dinner will be on our floor. Someone should be bringing your things up to your suite so we can just go up now if you're ready." Alpha Zain says, pointing to an elevator.

The way they all greeted him, you can tell he was really loved. The Alpha's quarters were decorated with a modern look and felt very sheek. There was an intimate dinner that had been prepared for us there, consisting of a garden salad followed by a steak dinner with shrimp, potatoes and broccoli and a chocolate cake for dessert.

“Sorry I forgot to notify you of Lexi’s meal preference. She’s somewhat of a picky eater and doesn’t eat seafood.” Keenan says as he takes the shrimp off my plate and puts them on his plate.

“Oh, I was planning on making grilled halibut since that is your favorite. I'm glad I opted for steak instead.” Luna Nita says.

“The steak is delicious. I would have made due.” I said, cutting into the perfectly prepared steak.

“So Lexi. Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?” Mrs Patel asks.

“ I’m from the Sycamore Falls Pack, a small pack in Northeast Ohio ” I answered.

“I hear you’re part vampire like us and a siphoning wolf like my Keenan. Since he didn't mention your meal preference, do you partake in the liquid or just solid meals?” Mr Patel asks, holding up his glass. I just noticed a few glasses were not filled with red wine, instead it was blood and his plate just had an extremely rare steak. I’m not sure if it's even cooked.

“Solid food. I’ve never craved blood.” I replied.

“I understand. Sensing your blood type, I see something else about you. What other supernatural thing is running into your bloodline?” He asks, looking intrigued.

“My grandmother on my father’s side was a witch.” I replied, causing him to smile at me.

“Dad, we were thinking of starting our tour with the northwestern district this week, then, southwestern, south eastern, northeastern, then concluding with the central and coming back here for a visit before returning back to the academy.” Keenan states, attempting to shift the attention from me.

“That sounds like a great plan, son. Zain, you should contact your cousins and have him come see if they’re available to see your brother and Lexi before they head back to the academy.” He spoke to his son.

“Dad, why would the Alpha King be interested in coming for our visit?” Keenan asks his dad.

“Well, son, since you’re not interested in getting a chosen mate. I think we should provide the young lady with some options. Who knows, she might just be your cousin's mate. If not, sensing her blood makeup is enough to let me know she would produce a strong heir. I’m sure if you test her bloodwork you’d see she is definitely crossed with a good bloodline.” He informs his son

“Dad. Is it always about blood with you? She didn’t come here to be paired up. We're here for work, remember.” Keenan says, getting upset.

“I'm sorry son, of course she didn't come here for that." Mr Patel says, chuckling. “ Lexi. I don't want you to feel pressured.” Mr Patel asks, winking at me.

“Keenan dear. You’ve always been close to your cousins. It would be a shame if they didn't get a chance to visit you while you’re here.” Mrs Patel says, joining in with her husband's ploy.

“I guess there’s no harm in a simple meeting.” I said, attempting to diffuse and not knowing why I was agreeing he’s basically trying to breed me.