Chapter 5: Birthday Wishes
1289 Words
As I worked in the kitchen, the scent of chocolate and ribs filled the air, weaving together into a comforting aroma that took me back to childhood memories. Today was the day of Ryder's Alpha ceremony, and I was determined to make everything perfect. The cake layers were cooling on the counter, ready to be frosted, and the BBQ ribs were roasting to perfection in the oven. Ryder’s favorite foods—classics he’d loved since we were kids. This was his day, and I’d do everything I could to make sure it was as special as he deserved.
Despite the chaos of the preparations, I found a rhythm in the work, the repetitive motions of cooking helping to settle my nerves. I could hear the faint sounds of laughter and chatter drifting in from the main hall, where the rest of the pack was busy with their tasks. I wanted to be out there, part of the excitement, but I knew my place was here, in the kitchen, making sure everything was ready for Ryder.
Just as I was finishing up the cake batter, I heard the kitchen door creak open. I glanced up, expecting to see another pack member in need of something, but instead, it was Ivy. She slipped in with a small plate in her hand, balancing it carefully as she nudged the door shut behind her. The mischievous smile on her face made me raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
"What are you up to?" I asked, wiping my hands on a towel.
Ivy didn’t answer right away. Instead, she made her way over to me and placed the plate down on the counter. I looked down and saw a small slice of cheesecake—my favorite. My heart gave a little squeeze at the sight.
"Happy Birthday to you," Ivy sang softly, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "Happy Birthday, dear Faye, Happy Birthday to you!"
I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at the cheesecake. It was the first acknowledgment of my birthday I’d had all day. My pack was so focused on Ryder’s ceremony that my own special day had been forgotten—again. But Ivy had remembered.
“You didn’t have to do this,” I said, my voice catching slightly. “Thank you, Ivy. This means a lot.”
“Of course I had to,” she replied, her tone light and playful. “You think I’m going to let you go a whole day without something sweet to celebrate? Especially on your 18th birthday? Not a chance.”
I picked up a fork and took a small bite, savoring the creamy texture and the sweet tang of the dessert. “It’s delicious,” I said, smiling up at her. “You’re the best.”
Ivy grinned and leaned against the counter next to me, watching as I took another bite. “So, how does it feel to be 18? Excited about finding your mate?”
I shrugged, trying to keep my tone casual. “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it much.”
“Liar,” Ivy teased, nudging me with her elbow. “You’ve definitely thought about it. I mean, tonight could be the night you find him! Aren’t you even a little bit curious?”
Before I could respond, the kitchen door swung open again, and my father, the Alpha, walked in. His presence was commanding as always, but there was something different in his eyes as he looked at me, then at the small slice of cheesecake. His brow furrowed, and for a moment, he just stared.
“Faye,” he said, his voice gruff and low. “What’s going on here?”
I quickly put the fork down, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise to my cheeks. “I was just—”
“It’s her birthday today,” Ivy cut in, her tone a bit defensive. “I thought she deserved a little treat.”
My father’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed to be processing the information. Then, a low growl rumbled in his chest, and I saw his fists clench. “Your birthday,” he muttered, almost to himself. “It’s your 18th birthday.”
I nodded, suddenly feeling very small under his intense gaze. The realization seemed to hit him like a ton of bricks, and he looked as if he was about to say something, but then he turned sharply on his heel and stormed out of the kitchen without another word.
Ivy and I exchanged a look, both of us unsure of what had just happened. “What was that about?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, still staring at the door where my father had just been. “He… forgot, I guess.”
Ivy frowned, shaking her head. “Well, that was weird. He didn’t even say anything.”
“Yeah,” I said, feeling a knot form in my stomach. “He just walked away.”
Ivy put a hand on my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Maybe he’s just stressed about the ceremony. I’m sure he didn’t mean to react like that.”
“Maybe,” I replied, though the unease lingered. My father wasn’t one to forget things, especially something as important as my 18th birthday. And the way he had growled and left so abruptly… it wasn’t like him.
Ivy tried to lighten the mood, nudging me with her elbow. “Come on, let’s finish up these ribs before they burn. Ryder’s going to love them.”
I forced a smile, trying to push the strange encounter with my father to the back of my mind. “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s get this done.”
As we returned to our tasks, Ivy kept the conversation light, talking about the ceremony and how excited everyone was. I appreciated her efforts to distract me, but my thoughts kept drifting back to my father. He had looked almost… upset. But why? Was it really just because he forgot my birthday? Or was there something else on his mind?
A few minutes later, the kitchen door creaked open again, and I tensed, half-expecting my father to storm back in. But it was my mother this time, her sharp gaze taking in the scene before her. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of the cheesecake but didn’t comment on it.
“Faye,” she said in her usual clipped tone. “Have you finished the cake for Ryder?”
“I’m working on it,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Good. Make sure it’s done soon. There’s still a lot to do before the ceremony.”
“Yes, Mother,” I said, lowering my gaze.
She nodded, her expression softening ever so slightly. “And Faye… I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight. This is a very important day for Ryder.”
“I know,” I murmured, my heart sinking a little. Of course, it was always about Ryder.
With that, she turned and left the kitchen, leaving me and Ivy in a tense silence. Ivy let out a low whistle once the door was shut.
“Man, your parents are intense,” she muttered.
I let out a shaky laugh. “You have no idea.”
“Well, at least you have me,” Ivy said, giving me a wink. “And this amazing cheesecake.”
“Yeah,” I said, forcing another smile. “At least I have you.”
But as I returned to my tasks, the weight of my parents' expectations pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe.
- Writer
