I knew I was getting close when I heard the music before I could even see the pack house. I greeted those I saw along the way wishing me a happy birthday.

I spotted my mom and youngest siblings by the snack table as they helped prep the party early, while my dad was no where to be seen and most likely just finishing up some paperwork before he has to pop in and say hello for the night.

There's been concern with a neighbouring pack, all I know is that there's some terms of a deal they aren't agreeing to causing discrepancies between them and the packs.

Lately I haven't seen him for much of family dinners, so it must be something he's worried about. He doesn't want us to see his stressed out state but I just wish there's something I could do to help. Especially with me being the soon-to-be alpha of this pack. But he assured this will be handled before I claim my rightful place. So all I can do is trust him since there's not much I can do about it, or much that he would let me do anyways.

I walked my way over to the snack table, grabbing myself a small plastic plate before joining my family.

"Hey kiddo" I greeted my 10 year old brother. He already had a pile going on his plate, stacking fruits, cupcakes, two bite brownies, cookies, you name it. "What's good here?" I asked.

He was shoving his face with the brownies so he pointed at the pecan pie tarts knowing it's my favourite. I ruffled his curly hair as I made my way to it.

I grabbed a few as well as some strawberries and headed to my mom who was piling Ronan's plate for him.

"Hey, mom," I greeted her.

"Hey, sweetheart! Have you seen your father? He promised to have been here half hour ago, he knows what an important day this is. We even found out we were mates during HIS 18th birthday party," The one thing we rarely talk about is that my dad rejected my mom after sleeping with her the night they met. He regretted it soon after she left, said he wasn't thinking. He found us when I was 4 months old so he missed some of my firsts which he overcompensated for the rest of my firsts, buying toys for taking my first steps to buying me an expensive car when I got my driver's license. I know he felt guilty for making a mistake as a stupid kid but he's been the best father and mate ever since he got us back.

"No I think he's still in the pack conference room, I'll go get him" I offered.

I head my way there, finishing my plate by the time I reached the double wooden doors. I knocked before waiting a few seconds to enter.

"Hey, dad" I greeted him.

"Hey, birthday boy! What are you doing here? Oh crap! What time is it? Has the party started? Your mom's not happy with me is she" he asked after noticing my attire and plate. I threw it out in the nearby corner as I shook my head to answer.

"She has asked about you, but what's got you holed up in this room? Are you still having trouble with whatever it is you won't tell me you have going on? You know I can help, especially when I'm becoming the alpha of the pack soon" I pressed, hoping he'll give in.

"It's nothing you need to worry about at the moment, I'm handling it, time just slipped away from me is all. Let's head back to the party together, we shouldn't keep your mom waiting any longer. I'll deal with his later," and with that the conversation was shut down.

I spotted Mason by the doors when we reached the party. I nudged my head in his direction to indicate that I'm heading over there to talk to him. He nodded his head and gestured he'll see me later, beelining to my mom.

"Hey have you seen Sophia?" I mind linked Mason as I reached him. He was wearing his usual leather jacket and jeans outfit but decided to wear a button up shirt I'm guessing in attempt to 'classify' the look for the occasion.

"I heard she's here somewhere."

"Thanks man, god I'm so nervous, I can't wait for midnight to just come so that I know once and for all. But a part of me wants to be stuck in this time so that I don't have to," I confessed.

"I hear you man, I'm sorry. Maybe things will turn out better than you expected." He said in attempt to cheer me up. But my attempt to smile doesn't go unnoticed when he gave me the same one back.

"What I need is a few more drinks in me if I'm to get through this party, want anything?"

"Grab me whatever you're getting," and with that I left to the kitchen where all the liquor is stored in the upper cabinets. Werewolves have a faster metabolism so it takes a lot for us to get drunk, but the hangovers aren't fun to nurse them next day.

Kids aren't usually at these parties only those 16 onwards, my younger siblings are joining the rest with the babysitters after the cake and the adults usually go off somewhere else and continue their own party in the woods leaving teenagers to do what teenagers does. It's just how it's been for as long as I remember, they said they'd rather have us safe in the pack house partying than close to the boarder where we'd be vulnerable to attacks.

When I was a kid I used to wish to grow up faster just so that I could be a part of the inside crew and join the parties. My imagination and expectations led me to a bit of disappointment and a life check as I realized growing up isn't all that. I get to drown myself in liquor and forget about my worries for the night as I enjoy the celebration with my friends.

I grabbed two solo cups filling them up with tap beer, not leaving before taking a shot of vodka.

When I got back I see his talking to a group looking relaxed, but knowing Mason, he does not want to spend his social battery drained faster by people he doesn't even like. I decided to give him the fulller cup, I know he'll need it to deal with them and the rest of the night.

I went to look for Sophia as soon as I handed Mason the drink, not before wishing him luck with his introverted self.

I spotted her near the garden, sitting on the black metal bench staring out at the sunset.

She had her perfectly curled blonde hair worn down, with a short sundress and jean jacket that I know will match her ocean blue eyes.

I drank the rest of the beer before throwing it in the trash bag nearby. I took my time before I joined her on the bench, taking in this moment to notice every small detail to remember.

"Hey beautiful, whatcha staring at," I asked even though I knew the answer. For as long as I remember, she's taken every chance to watch the sun set to remind her the beauty in the world.

"The sunset's gorgeous tonight, this time all the colours are showing brightly. I think it's fitting, a beautiful sunset for a beautiful birthday boy" she said with a soft smile. "I didn't wanna miss it especially today of all days, and I'm glad I get to share this moment with you too."

We sat there and enjoyed last few minutes with the music playing in the background before the sun disappeared turning the sky into various shades of deep blues with dims of oranges to indicate the start of the night.

"I need to go to the bathroom," I said when we got back inside, my anxiety makes me need to pee more than usual. I think it's a wolf thing, but I don't dare to question it.

"How about we dance when you get back?" I nodded my head in agreement.

After I finished using the bathroom, I went to find her but the music died down and the lights changed from dim to off, indicating that the cake is being brought out. A pathway was formed from the glowing light source near the kitchen door to me, so that my mom could walk with the cake as the pack sang.

"Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to Ryan!

Happy birthday to youuuuuuu!"

I made a wish before blowing out the candles, the pack cheering knowing they'll get to have their slice of cake soon. The cakes the kitchen pack members make for the birthdays are always extra moist and delicious, which is everyone's favourite thing to look forward to every time. The cake is of course chosen by the birthday person, I always ask for salted caramel chocolate cake. My mouth drools at the thought of having some.

I got some pats and congratulations from those around me, but Mason appeared out of nowhere and surprised me with a headlock to ruffle my hair that I spent so many times trying to get right. I shoved his off and quickly fixed my hair in annoyance. He was happy with himself tho, dumbass.

"My baby is finally 18! I can't believe he's grown up!" I hear my mother say. I rolled my eyes before turning to face her.

"Mooom, how many times to I have to tell you I'm not your baby anymore, especially now that I'm officially an adult."

"You're right, I'm sorry. But promise me though that as soon as you finish getting to know your mate, whoever she may be, that you introduce us to her. I want to meet my future daughter-in-law!"

"Don't worry Mom, you know I will. Anyways I got to meet Sophia somewhere, she's been wanting to get a dance out of me all night. Good night, love you guys! Bye!" I was gone before they could say bye back.

"Hey there you are! I've been looking all over for you, babe. Where'd you disappear off to before the cake?"

The adults started to disappear as they got their cake slices, heading to their own party in the North end of the land near the waters so that they don't distract the patrols.

She held up two plates of cake to show she was in the kitchen helping and also sneaking the plates so that I wouldn't have to line up to get mine. We finished the slice and washed it down with a cup of beer before heading back to the dance floor where the DJ is playing more non parental music.

And with that she pulled me to the dance floor as we danced to the song Freaky Deaky by Tyga and Doja Cat.

See, that's my type, I'ma cop flights
You can break her back and I can put it on rice
I got sleepin' issues so I do it all night
Boy, give me a show and put the pussy on ice
Keep your eyes shut, I'ma go tough
He don't want an "If", or an "And", just butt
Don't call me a "Miss", or a "Ma'am", just "Slut"
Boy, just let me switch up on your ass and fuck
'Cause we frustrated, they all make love
That's overrated, just come over (come on)
I'm over waitin', I'm all messed up (come on)
I'm going crazy, all on my tongue 'cause

We let ourselves go with every song, letting the music take over our bodies in sync. I felt her body lay against mine moving to every beat as the crowd settled to one big vibe dancing along to the latest charts.

Hailee showed up thankfully with some solo cups as the room thickened significantly with heat and lust fills the air. We downed the cool beer as the buzz intensified, allowing us all to drown into the music further.

In the corner of my eye I see Mason and Hailee grinding up on each other. Mason has a crush on her but she has turned him down every chance he shot. I guess tonight everyone is just letting loose not caring about tomorrow's consequences, though I highly doubt she'll allow him to go further than where they are now. He'll take what he can get, the poor sucker.

After quite a few songs, I started to get a bit antsy as midnight reached closer, and I slowed down to mind link Sophia.

"Wanna grab some fresh air? I think I need a walk to cool down" I asked her. She looks sad but nodded feeling like she could use the air herself.

We walked towards the woods where we know a small body of water is out west not too far from the pack house. The moon is full tonight, it's glowing figure casting light so brightly it felt safe walking through these woods.

We spotted some owls and squirrels along the way, scampering off at the sudden movement and noises we made.

We saw the lake in our view shortly, but not before catching a scent nearby. A figure noticed us and started running in opposite direction.

"Sofia go back to the pack house and stay there! I'll be back!" I called back as I ran after them. I mind linked some of the pack to meet me west of the land past the lake.

I seem to be slowly catching up before I was able to lunge toward and tackle the intruder. Sparks shot up through me as I made skin to skin contact. Mate.

Suddenly I got overwhelmed with happiness followed by sadness as the realization that Sophia, my girlfriend of 3 years isn't my mate.

"Mate" I said under my breath in shock.

The person tensed as I said that, and I quickly got off, giving room for the both of us to stand.

I froze as we made eye contact.

Ryder Valentinus, Alpha of the Bloodcrest pack, our long time rivals.

Oh shit.

Before I can even say anything, he took off, making me feel rejected.

I stood there for a while before I mustered the courage to walk back, knowing my fate is to lead my pack alone. I can only hope that one day he finds it in his heart to maybe love me more than he hates me.

I stood there for a few minutes before I heard familiar footsteps coming from behind. I turned to see a few pack members including Mason running towards me.

"Where's the intruder?" Mason asked me.

"He escaped, I ran after him but lost his trail. He's probably a passing rouge but I'd double patrol in case he comes back." Most went to go patrol the woods and search for him while the rest came back to the party with me.

A part of me knows that I hope he doesn't get caught. Maybe it's so that I don't have to face the rejection or the reality of the whole situation.

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