The morning started out pretty great. I went downstairs to see my parents and some other pack members already sitting down eating breakfast. My mother asked how I slept last night, and I didn't want to give up anything just yet about what I went through. I wanted to see if I could figure it out a bit more. So I just told her I slept well. Dad asked me if I was ready for tonight. I didn't know what to say, so I just said “ I am still kinda tired from all the dancing I did last night, so I might go back upstairs and sleep a bit longer.” Then I asked my mom to have Mel come and wake me when she got here. My mother and father looked at me. I don't normally go back to sleep, but I needed some time to process. So I said (chuckling to try and make her believe I was fine) “Yes mama, I promise I am okay.”
*Heath*
I had to walk away from Nevada. My anger was boiling over, and I couldn't take it anymore. Why did she have to act like everything was sunshine and rainbows? This weekend was supposed to be the moment of truth - the moment she would finally know if I was her mate. But instead of being worried about losing me, us, she was acting like it was no big deal.
It wasn't supposed to be like this. We made a promise in 8th grade that we would always be together, no matter what. But now everything had changed, and I couldn't help but feel like it was all a lie. It was complete and utter bullshit.
I hadn't felt this angry since I was a child. The memory of that day in 8th grade came flooding back to me. Nevada was talking to Colton, and I didn't know they were friends. I was consumed by jealousy and pushed them both away. Nevada stumbled backwards and hit her head on the ground, blood pouring from the wound.
I couldn't believe how much things had changed since then. The promise we made seemed like a distant memory, and I was left feeling angry and alone. But I knew I had to keep my cool. I couldn't let my emotions get the best of me, not now. I had to stay focused and figure out what to do next.
On that fateful day, I made a vow to myself that I would never let my emotions get the best of me to the point where someone else would get hurt. And so, whenever I felt myself getting too upset, I would simply walk away until I had calmed down. It was a strategy that had served me well, until tonight.
As usual, when I felt myself getting overwhelmed, I walked away. But this time, it only made things worse. I stepped outside for a smoke, a habit that no one knew about. But to my dismay, I had left my lighter behind. The one thing that could have helped me calm down was now out of reach.
I was so frustrated that I started punching the air and cursing. It was a futile attempt to release my anger. And then, out of nowhere, I heard a voice.
"Easy Rocky, I think your opponent is down for the count."
I froze, mid-punch, and turned to see Jizzell standing there. I remembered her from the night before, when her parents had introduced her to everyone. She was the last person I expected to see.
I asked her if she had a lighter, and to my surprise, she did. She offered to let me use it in exchange for a smoke. It was the best thing I had heard all night. At that moment, I realized that sometimes, help comes from the most unexpected places. And that even in the darkest of moments, there is always a glimmer of hope.
We chatted for a while, the smoke from our cigarettes swirling around us in the cool night air. And then, out of nowhere, she surprised me with a gentle kiss on my lips. It was as if I had just rubbed a pair of wool socks on a rug for a long time and then touched the metal door knob - an electric shock that left me speechless.
Jizzell turned around without a backward glance and disappeared back into the building, leaving me standing there, my fingers still tingling from the touch of her lips. It took me a few minutes to gather myself after what had just happened, but eventually, I found the courage to follow her back inside.
To my relief, everyone was ready to leave, and I was able to blend in with the crowd. Still stunned by Jizzell's actions, I walked right past Nev without even noticing her. It wasn't until I reached the exit that I turned and looked back into the club, my eyes locking with Jizzell's once again.
This time, she shot me a small smile, her face flushing with embarrassment. I couldn't help but return the gesture, my heart racing with excitement. But as my friends started to make their way towards the door, I kept to myself, lost in my own thoughts and feelings.
As I made my way home, I couldn't stop thinking about Jizzell and the kiss that had left me breathless. It was a moment that I would never forget, a moment that had changed everything. And as I lay in bed that night, I knew that my life would never be the same again. Now I needed to figure out if telling Nev what happened would be a good thing or bad thing.
*Nevada*
I lay in bed, enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and comfort. The thought of getting up seemed impossible, and I hadn't even opened my eyes yet. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed up the stairs, and I knew exactly who it was. Mel burst into my room, her energy palpable.
"WAKEY WAKEY LITTLE LADY!" she exclaimed, her voice booming.
I couldn't help but laugh, still keeping my eyes closed as I rolled over. Mel persisted, urging me to get up and reminding me of the graduation party that awaited us.
As I yawned and stretched, my mind couldn't help but wander to the impending meeting with my wolf. Tonight, on my 18th birthday, I will finally discover whether Heath was my mate or not. The excitement and nerves were overwhelming.
Mel noticed my hesitation and asked what was wrong. I confided in her, sharing my fears and doubts. But she reassured me, reminding me that this was a natural part of our lives as werewolves.
He must understand that this is not a choice, but a divine blessing bestowed upon us by the Moon Goddess herself. Nev, I wish Heath could comprehend this truth, but I fear he may never fully grasp it. And if he does not, I fear the consequences will be dire.
But enough of this negativity! Today is a day of celebration! Mel reminded me that today I was meeting my wolf and turning 18! We have just graduated from high school! There is nothing better than today!
As I lay there, absorbing Mel's words, I realized she was right. Today is a momentous occasion, and I refuse to let anyone dampen my spirits.
I jumped up and decided to embrace this day with all the excitement and joy it deserves. We will revel in the blessings of the Moon Goddess and the wonders of our own selves. Today, we shall shine like the stars and howl like the wolves.
Mel and I hastily threw on some clothes and rushed downstairs, only to find the entire castle in chaos. People were frantically running around, trying to complete their assigned tasks. My heavily pregnant mother stood in the center of the kitchen, looking utterly exhausted. It was clear that she was already overwhelmed, and the day had barely even begun.
Concerned, I approached her. "Mama, are you alright?" I asked.
She shook her head. "No, you know me. Everything has to be perfect. Even though your father keeps telling me to take it easy."
I knew she was right. My father had been urging her to rest, but she was too stubborn to listen. "You should sit down and relax," I suggested.
"How can I do that?" she replied, clearly flustered. "It's your birthday, your graduation party, and you're coming of age tonight. I have to make sure everything goes smoothly."
I reassured her that everything would be fine, but she was still hesitant. "I don't want to go into labor today," she admitted.
I knew that would be disastrous. "How about this?" I suggested. "You can sit down and tell everyone what you need from your seat."
She agreed, and I could see the relief wash over her face. It was clear that she needed to take a step back and let others take charge. As we continued with the preparations, I couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. This was a momentous day, and everything had to be perfect.
I planted a tender kiss on my mother's cheek before stepping outside with Mel to search for my father. As we emerged from the house, my eyes widened in amazement at the sight before me. The tents and tables were set up, and everything looked perfect. I couldn't help but admire the stunning setup as we strolled by, completely awestruck.
It didn't take us long to spot my father, who was busy directing the crew on the placement of the stage. "King Q- Please make sure this stage is dead center. This is going to be where my daughter shifts in front of the kingdom for the first time," he commanded with authority.
Mel and I stood back, watching in awe as everything came together. The stage was the centerpiece of the night, where I would finally shift and meet my wolf in front of the entire kingdom. I had been waiting for this moment my entire life, and it was finally here.
"Hey Nev! How do you like the looks of things thus far?" my father asked, breaking my reverie.
"Dad, I love all of it! I can't wait for tonight and to see it all come together," I replied, beaming with excitement.
My father promised me that I would not be disappointed, and I knew he would keep his word. Mel and I continued to wander aimlessly, discussing the differences between our freshman and senior years of high school. Everything was changing so quickly, and it was hard to keep up.
As the food began to be placed outside, my heart raced with anticipation. The desserts and other delicious treats were sure to be a hit with the guests. The night was finally here, and I was ready to embrace it with open arms.
As we completed our final lap around the yard, my eyes caught sight of Uncle Kiel descending the grand castle stairs. My heart raced with anticipation as I knew he held the key to unlocking the mystery of his enigmatic guest. I asked him where he was going so fast, and if he knew that I expected him to be at my party no matter what. Uncle Kiel's words sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't wait to find out who his special guest was.
"Do you think I would miss that?" Uncle Kiel chuckled. "I have to go pick up someone that I invited. Then I will be right back."
Mel and I exchanged curious glances, eager to know who Uncle Kiel had invited. "Who did you invite?" Mel asked.
"You will see," Uncle Kiel replied with a sly grin. "But here's a hint. He is an old friend of mine."
Mel and I racked our brains, trying to guess who Uncle Kiel's mysterious guest could be. But we were left clueless.
Mel interrupted my thoughts, and suggested that we go back to the castle and up to my room to get ready. Told her that I was also going to call Rain to come and get ready with us. As I made the call, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Who was Uncle Kiel's guest? What secrets did he hold? The night was sure to be filled with drama and intrigue.