Oh?

My eyes hurriedly searched for my parents in the ballroom before my feet started to register what I wanted to do. Everyone in the crowd kept staring nervously at one direction while I denied my curiosity to look that way.

Suddenly, someone grabbed me by the arm and I almost screamed, but the person cut me off, "Goddess, Yzavel, we've been looking everywhere for you!" I smiled sheepishly, guilt evident on my eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sammy. I was just out from the garden."

Just then, Zion came rushing towards us with a worried expression, "You found Yzav, great."

I huffed at their overprotectiveness, "Can we just go to Mom and Papa now?" They both glared at me, but took me with them anyway. It's hard having a brother. Let alone four. With a father, too.

We found Mom and Papa by the main table, and it seems as if what was happening around them was nothing out of the ordinary. Mom was even laughing at what I guess was yet another lame joke he said.

Papa saw me and his eyes lit up, "Princess, did you hear who just came to your-"

"Papa, who's Alpha Zakharov? 'Cause I really don't know why the people are reacting this way." I cut him off with a question.

"That would be me."

I turned around, but the turn was too quick and sharp for my body so I ended up bumping into the edge of the table. I almost cursed and sunk to the floor in pain. I just had to be clumsy right now, didn't I?

"And it had to be the edge of the table." I groaned out, rubbing my left side of the hip, trying to soothe the pain.

I think I'm dying.

Preposterous, Yzav.

Somewhere around, I distinctively heard Wes trying to calm his raging fits of laughter, but Ben just let it all out on one go.

"Damn, Yzav. That must've hurt real bad! I'm sorry, it was too funny." Ben said, fighting for breath in between laughter.

"Princess, does it hurt bad? Do you want me to call a doctor?"

"Papa, I'm fine. Really." I heaved out a sigh at my clumsiness. With little to no amount of confidence and grace I still had, I stood up to glance at the owner of the voice.

Oh.

"Hi." I squeaked, waving shyly. A blush tore through my cheeks in embarrassment and tucked a stray hair around my ear. His lips curved slightly but was gone in a flash.

"Hello," by Goddess, his voice.

"Hi," was all I could say. Again.

My man. My mate. My wolf purred and my eyes widened in shock. The man, Alpha Zakharov, stared at me with nothing but calmness and turned back to my father, discussing alpha duties. They walked away, leaving me astounded with his nonchalance.

"Yzavel, come quick! It's almost time to blow your candles!" Ivy brought me out of my trance and I looked at her with confusion before her words dawned on me.

She pulled me towards where my cake was, but I couldn't even admire the handiwork properly with thoughts about my supposed mate clouding my mind. What was going on in his mind earlier on? Did he already know that I was his mate?

"Happy birthday, dear Yzav! Happy birthday to you!"

You zoned out again, Yzavel. I gave out a sheepish smile and proceeded to blow the candles surrounding the bottom layer of the cake. People swarmed to wish me well and greet me, and I tried to thank as many as I can, but now all I wished for was air and space.

As if sensing my discomfort, Wes sauntered towards the crowd towards me, "People, give the birthday girl some oxygen." Gravitated by his smile, the crowd parted and went on their merry way. I took his offered hand with a grateful look.

Trying to sound not too obvious, I asked, "So, papa wasn't able to answer me as to who that Alpha was."

Wes narrowed his eyes at me, "Why do you ask?"

"Well, he did come to my birthday party. It's just right I get to know my guests, isn't it?" I shrugged it off with a frantic heart, no doubt being heard by my dubious brother. He only hummed and continued to walk me to the parlor where my father was.

What?! Why were we nearing papa?

"Dad, we seem to have yet introduced our birthday princess to this honored guest. Yzavel, meet Alpha Storm Zakharov of the Cinori Pack."

• •
I know, I know, what's taking them so long? I promise it's Yzav x Storm next chapter. Cinori is pronounced as si•noh•ri.

I am extremely grateful to everyone who are reading, have voted, and gave out comments on this book. I love you all!