Soren and I walk quietly back home, the evening air cool around us. I can't help but steal glances at the Alpha; he looks so cute with his flushed face. 

I bite my lips to hold back from smiling too wide.

When he catches me looking, his expression shifts from embarrassment to a mix of amusement and fondness. "You know," he begins, chuckling softly, "I always hated my birthday."

"It was my birthday when the Zipclaw attacked, and every year since, I dreaded the day because it's the anniversary of my parents' death. But today..." He trails off, a small smile playing on his lips.

I feel a pang of sympathy for him, realizing how difficult his birthdays must have been. "Today was different," I finish for him, understanding his unspoken sentiment.

"Yeah," Soren nods, his eyes meeting mine with warmth. "Today was the best birthday I've had in a long time."

I smile back at him, feeling a sense of relief and happiness. "Good," I say, smiling.

I reach out and grab Soren's hand, squeezing it gently and stopping him in his tracks. "Let's not go home," I tell him suddenly.

He raises his eyebrows, surprised. "Your birthday is not over yet," I continue with a mischievous grin.

Soren chuckles softly, his expression softening. "Alright," he agrees, letting me take the lead as I pull him in the opposite direction, not quite sure where we're heading.

His arm wraps around my waist, pulling me close to him, and I can't help but squeal as he lifts me off the ground. I wiggle my legs until he puts me back on the ground.

I spot a nearby park and point at it excitedly. "Let's go play in the park!" I exclaim, wiggling out of Soren's arms and dragging him toward the playground.

The park is dimly lit, with the only light coming from the street lamps and the full moon overhead.

I plop down on a swing, looking up at Soren expectantly. "Push me!" I command playfully, kicking my legs back and forth.

Soren chuckles again, shaking his head fondly at my enthusiasm. He walks over and stands behind me, gently placing his hands on my back and starting to push.

The rhythmic motion of the swing and the cool night air against my face make me feel carefree and alive. As I swing higher, I steal glances at Soren. His face is illuminated by the soft moonlight, and there's a rare ease and contentment in his expression that warms my heart.

For a moment, we forget the worries and responsibilities waiting for us, and we simply enjoy the simple joy of being together. As the hours pass, Soren and I lose ourselves in the moment.

I feel like we've been transported back to a world where joy is boundless and every moment holds the promise of a new adventure.

"Is this what it's like to have a childhood?" I wonder.

Next, we race to the slides, the metallic gleam of the playground equipment glistening under the moonlight. I climb to the top first, turning to see Soren close behind, his grin infectious as he chases after me down the twisting, winding slide.

The rush of adrenaline and the sheer thrill of the slide's descent make me squeal with glee, and I watch as Soren's laughter mingles with mine, our voices blending into a symphony of pure happiness.

We clamber up the jungle gym, navigating the intricate network of bars and platforms with the agility and enthusiasm of children on a treasure hunt.

Soren playfully pursues me, his footsteps echoing through the quiet park as he follows me up the ladders and across narrow bridges. It makes me wonder if Soren was much like this when he was younger.

At the heart of the playground, we find the merry-go-round, its brightly painted horses standing still under the moon's watchful gaze. Soren takes my hand, and together we spin the carousel into motion.

The world blurs around us as we twirl faster and faster, our laughter rising to meet the stars above. In that dizzying whirl, I feel weightless, suspended in a moment where time stands still.

Between our play, Soren steals kisses, catching me off guard. After a few times, his gentle kisses and electric touch fill me with warmth. As the night deepens, we collapse onto the soft grass, breathless and laughing, our hands intertwined as we stare up at the vast expanse of stars above.

"I love you, Sam," Soren murmurs, his breath mingling with the cool night air.

Soren's whispered words cut through the night like a vow of eternity. His voice, soft and filled with emotion, carries a weight that resonates deep within me.

I turn to him to see that his dark eyes reflect the twinkle of the constellations, and I know in that moment that I love him.

My heart races with a newfound sense of freedom and certainty. The words I have held back for so long finally find their way to my lips.

"I love you too, Soren," I reply, my voice trembling with the raw honesty of my feelings.

After I say it, I feel as though a heavy burden has been lifted, leaving me light and unburdened.

Soren's eyes widen in surprise, as if he can't believe what he just heard. Without hesitation, he sits up and draws me close, his arms wrapping around me in a tight embrace.

His lips meet mine in a kiss that is filled with tenderness and passion. As he kisses me, I let go of my fears and surrender to the intensity of his touch.

His hands explore every inch of my body with a tantalizing urgency—tracing the curve of my neck, trailing down my spine, and lingering on the contours of my stomach.

His lips move with a hunger that matches my own, finding my jaw, my cheeks, and then returning to my lips with a fervor that ignites a passionate fire within me.

Each touch sends shivers down my spine, and I whimper softly into our kisses, overwhelmed by the depth of my desire for him. But just as I tug gently at his curls, urging him closer, he abruptly pulls away.

"No," I whimper, my fingers still tangled in his hair, yearning for more of him.

Soren silences my protest with a finger to my lips, his expression suddenly serious. "Shh," he whispers urgently, his eyes scanning the surroundings with heightened alertness.

I open my mouth to speak, but his urgent gesture keeps me silent. Something is wrong—

Suddenly, from the dense bushes nearby, two large wolves burst forth, their fur bristling and teeth bared in a menacing snarl.

My heart pounds in my chest as fear grips me, and instinctively, I move closer to Soren.

He steps in front of me, his posture defensive yet controlled as his hard gaze assesses the wolves, every muscle of his poised for action. "Stay behind me," he instructs, his voice firm but tinged with concern.

The wolves circle us, their growls echoing through the quiet night air. Soren and I stand together, a unified front against the unexpected threat.

Despite the danger, I can't help but admire the strength and determination in Soren's stance. With a sudden lunge, one of the wolves charges toward us, aiming straight for Soren.

Reacting swiftly, Soren dodges to the side, meeting the wolf's attack with calculated precision. His movements are swift and decisive, a testament to his prowess as an alpha. Why did they have to interrupt us?!

Adrenaline surges through me, heightening my senses and sharpening my focus. I scan the area for any opportunity to assist Soren, but he moves with such speed and skill that my role remains one of vigilant support.

Hands close around my mouth, and a strong grip seizes my waist. Panic surges through me like a lightning strike. Instinct takes over, and I twist sharply, elbowing my assailant hard in the stomach.

The impact is met with a groan of pain, but the hold on me only tightens. I fight desperately to break free, kicking and thrashing, my movements fueled by fear and the urgent need to escape. My mind races with thoughts of Soren and the looming danger of the wolves.

My attacker grapples with me, their strength surprising but matched by my determination to break loose. I aim for vulnerable spots—another jab to the ribs, a kick to the shin.

"Beta Sam, we're here to save you," the voice insists again, urgency underscoring each word. "Please stop hitting me!"

Before I can react further, more wolves emerge around us, their snarls filling the air with menace.

I glance toward Soren, his stance defensive but outnumbered, facing a growing pack with grim determination.

Desperation surges within me, realizing Soren can't fend off this many attackers alone.

Just as I prepare to act, darkness descends swiftly. A sudden blow or perhaps a spell of dizziness overwhelms me, stealing consciousness from my grasp.

The last thing I feel is a fleeting sense of helplessness as the night air echoes with the sounds of struggle and distant howls, and then everything fades to black.

Author's Note:

My mum and I got into a fight while I was in the middle of editing this chapter.. I apologise If there are a lot of errors. 

don't forget to vote if you are enjoying this story so far. 

Bye.