I didn't get to sleep in as late as I'd like. I had too many things to do this morning. I still got to sleep in more than usual, though, and that was a relief. So was getting to wear jeans again. I hated wearing skirts all the time at school. I headed downstairs to breakfast, in my usual jeans, tshirt, and flannel shirt I'd stolen from dad's closet. Mom looked over at me as I came into the kitchen and sighed. I grinned at her. I'd never be the perfect daughter she wanted. "Morning, mom!" I greeted her, giving her a hug. No self-respecting fifteen year old would willingly hug their mom, but it had been a long week at school, and we were shapeshifters. Physical contact was expected.

She kissed the top of my head. "Morning, Sam. I'm making pancakes for breakfast. Will you go wake your brothers? The pancakes are almost done," I nodded and bounced back up the stairs to annoy my brothers awake.

I received one thrown alarm clock, a couple attempted whacks with pillows, an attempted punch, and a ton of swear words they would never let our mother hear for my efforts. I giggled at them and bounded back downstairs, setting the table while we waited for them to join us.

My brothers came clomping in once everything was ready. Lazy boys avoiding all the work. Dad came in last and refilled his coffee before he took his usual seat. I sat next to him, in my usual seat, after kissing him on the cheek.

We ate our pancakes and I listened to all of the shifter gossip I had missed for the week while I was away at school. I missed Saturday morning breakfasts. I hadn't realized how much I'd miss normal mornings with my family.

I helped my mom clean up the breakfast dishes. The boys wandered in an out of the room. I didn't pay them much attention as I was helping mom. When I turned back to the table, I saw that it was covered in birthday presents and a small cake with a candle in it. "We never got to celebrate your birthday properly," dad explained. I grinned at them all.

"Thank you!" They sang and I blew out the one lonely candle, wishing for school to go well. There was also a secondary hope that pleasant boys would be the ones trying to woo me, now that I was available. I knew that birthday wishes could only go to one thing, and my education was the most important thing, so that's what I wished for.

Mom took the cake to the counter, so she could cut it in a bit. First would come presents. Eric handed me a giant box. "It's from all of us," he explained. I opened the crudely wrapped present to find a scrapbook, camera, and a miniature printer.

"You're going on your own adventures now," Seth explained, "we thought you'd like to keep a memory of them." I jumped up out of my chair to hug each of them.

"Thank you," I told them, earnestly. I wondered how much influence mom had on their present choosing, but it was a great thought and I loved them for it.

Mom handed me the next present. Inside was a gorgeous porcelain doll. She looked just like me, but in miniature. She even had little wolf ears and a tail. "She's beautiful," I told mom. I usually didn't appreciate dolls, but this one was gorgeous and so well made. Mom smiled.

"It's tradition to receive a final doll for your fifteenth birthday. It symbolizes the last childhood gift," she explained. I gave her a true smile.

"I love her. Thank you, mom." I set the doll aside gently, since dad was handing me a small wrapped box. I had never known him to pick out a present himself, much less wrap it and deliver it. He always left such things to mom. I took the box from him and carefully unwrapped it. I knew this present had to be important.

Inside was a beautiful silver bangle bracelet. It had no decoration except for an infinity symbol. It was simple, but I could tell it was expensive. It also smelled slightly of magic. "Traditionally, it is a promise ring, but the shifters have changed the tradition slightly, since fey made bracelets won't be affected by shifting. It's a promise. I'll always be here to guide you. As you grow into your own, remember that your father is always here for you. Whatever happens, you can lean on me, and I will always help you," I hugged him, holding him tightly. I couldn't imagine a world without my father in it.

"Thank you, Daddy. I love it," I slipped the bracelet on my wrist, and knew I'd never take it off.