Ch. 41..50

Chapter 0041 Naturally breaking the tension, Sam shoved a bag in my face. "These should help Little Bit" His Cheshire Cat smile made me a bit nervous to open this in front of the adults for some reason. "Should I be afraid?" I opened the bag slowly. It was heavy. When I got through the tissue paper I found a pair of black platform converse high tops. "Awe, Thank you. I was actually expecting something to embarrass me. "Nope, but now you will at least be taller than our elbows." He laughs with everyone else, me included. Cam and Kota got me black skinny jeans with a few tears in them to look worn, but not trashy and a black belt with metallic thread woven into it. Oliver got me a cornflower blue cropped peasant top, that goes off the shoulder and has puffy long sleeves. Mateo got me a delicate white gold chain with a crescent moon pendant that had 2 little stars on the end. "Mine comes later, so you just have to be patient." Sierra wiggles her eyebrows at me and I am instantly afraid. "This is all great guys, Thank you! I really am going to go shower and change now. I'll be right back." I grab all my stuff and turn to race out of the room. I am becoming

uncomfortable with all of the attention on me. "If you didn't catch on, that's the outfit you are wearing today." Sierra yells at my back. Followed by a boom of laughter. I just roll my eyes, of course she picked this out and not wear what the guys gave me. I have to watch out for her sneaky tactics. I have never showered so quickly in my life. I debated on having Sierra come up and help me do my hair and make up. I've never cared before, but for some reason having my birthday recognized by all of them made me want to care a little bit, at least today, Wrapped in my towel raced out to my

room to grab my phone, just to get a shock from seeing her on my bed. "Oh Shit! Stop doing that." I place a hand on my forehead. The other is still keeping my towel secure. She just laughs. Will you help me do my hair and make- up please?" I'm still trying to steady my racing heart. "Oh, girl! I thought you would never ask! Let's do this!" Way too excited, she looks way too excited about something as simple as hair and make-up. 30 minutes later I have been brushed, curled, styled, mascaraed, and lip glossed. She didn't actually put a ton of makeup on my face, but what she did brought out the blue gray of my eyes and made them stand out and my lips were just average in size , but now they look full and fit my face better. My hair is up in a high ponytail with big beach waves.BONUS I actually feel confident like this. "Do you like it?" She sounds unsure. Yes! I'm sorry. This is great. I've never really worn make-up before. I train too much to put the effort in and have it all sweat off. But, this is just right, Thank you. this really means a lot to me." I hug her tightly, hoping to put all of the emotions I am feeling into the hug. I can't explain why to her now, I will just get sad and cry. But she needs to know, this was not some little thing she did for me today. "Okay, okay. Get dressed before these boys kill us. And I told you they would all go shopping with us." She giggled as she shooed me out of the bathroom. "Now for your brother to hit one of them." I put the outfit on and did a ittle twirl in my full length mirror. The outfit she picked was perfect. The pants hugged me in all the right places, but I didn't feel restricted and even though the top was cropped it still skimmed the waistband of my high waisted jeans and covered the worst of the bruises and scars on my torso. What wasn't covered she applied a layer of tattoo concealer. She really did think of everything. She was trying to push me out of my comfort zone, but knew what I needed to do that. I don't know what I did to deserve a friend like her. "Oh, my necklace! I must have left it down in the kitchen. I think we are ready, right?" I did one more twlrl for her approval.

Chapter 0042 "Seriously, I need to make a bet on who says something first They won't last ten seconds." She mumbles to herself. "What are you talking about? Let's go get this over with." I open the door and we both head back down following the voices still in the kitchen, although it sounds like less than earlier. "Oh perfect, I wanted to see you before you all head off. You look beautiful, sweetheart. Have a fun day." Luna Ava stops us in the hallway and hugs me once more and then winks at us as she heads out the front door. The rest of the adults must have cleaned up and left while I was getting ready. Sierra and I headed back into the kitchen so I could find my necklace and we could get going. "Damn, Little Bit, you clean up good. We are going to have our hands full today looking out for both of you beauties." "l knew it was going to be you." Sierra rolled her eyes at Sam. I just tried to ignore it _ He was always telling us we looked good in some way or another. Sometimes it came out creepy, sometimes s*xual to make me blush and other times it was sweet like now. "Did I leave my necklace on the island?' asked the room at large.

"l have it here." Oliver dangled the thin chain from one finger to show me and smiled. "Oh thank you." I reach for it, but before I can get it Dakota has it in his hands. "Let me help." "Okay." Why did that come out as a whisper? These guys are acting strange and it's starting to rub off on me. I hope something isn't wrong. am finally starting to let them in, don t think I could handle losing friendships with any of them. I turn my back to him and pull the end of my ponytail out of the way. His hands are very gentle as they clasp the chain. "Perfect, Smalls." Kota says quietly close to my ear and he lets a finger tip graze down the exposed part of my spine from my shoulder to the hem of my shirt before dropping his hand. My whole body

breaks out in goosebumps at the sensation. "Alright, alright. She's hot, we all just figured it out, let's go before throw up." Mateo grumbles out and Sam starts laughing loudly as we all head to the packhouse driveway, but we don't stop at the truck like I thought we were. aren't taking the truck?" "Nope, the mall is a little too far for Sierra to sit on Sam's lap or for you to be front and center. It's not safe and we can't have that We are taking Dad's Denali. It has the third row." Cam places his hand on the small of my back and guides me to the third garage door and types the code in to open it up, not once taking his hand off of me. A sleek black monster sized truck is what I see. I know nothing about cars or trucks, but this thing is beautiful. Super shiny, no dirt anywhere, even the tires and the rims are shiny. The Alpha is particular about his truck. We all walk up to open doors, the twins get in the driver and passenger seats. Mateo and Sam climb back to the third row, this thing must be custom sized, because they didn't seem to struggle at all. Sierra goes back to sandwich herself in between them and Oliver and I take the second row seats. Once everyone was in we were off. So far 1 5 is looking pretty good. Walking the mall was the worst possible torture that anyone could have ever designed, ever! I would rather condition for ten hours straight than spend the whole day shopping. We got here when the place opened and have been slowly making our way to each and every store. I will admit though, Sierra has good taste. I now have several outfits that fit me better and really make me feel good, without pushing too far out of my comfort zone. We stopped at a couple places where the guys insisted on buying me little things. did have to stop them when we got to the lingerie store. I was not modeling anything for Sierra, let alone the guys. Mateo quickly seconded my opinion and ushered us away. My feet were killing me and I was dying to go outside. The stuffy mall air and fluorescent lights made me feel kind of claustrophobic.

Chapter 0043 I don't know what Mateo told them about my birthday, but it feels like he is personally trying to make up for the last 15 years all in one shot. I discovered quickly that I had to watch what I showed interest in. If he thought for even a second I liked something, he would ask if I wanted him to buy it for me. I was actually worried our father was going to be mad at him for spending unnecessary money on me. He actually found a little kiosk that sold customizable bracelets. He found one that had several layered straps, some leather, some chain links, some thread. He chose one with black leather and stainless steel and paired it with a tiny charm that the lady engraved with 'sis.' Not to be outdone, Cam chose one that had sea glass green leather, like his eyes. His charm said 'Tiny.' Kota's was sky blue, his charm saying 'Smalls.' Oliver's was orange, which I thought was odd at first, because he always just seems to be in varying shades of black like a biker, but the more I thought about it, when he does wear a color, it is orange. like construction worker neon. His charm says 'Bite Size.' Sam makes a big show of choosing his, but by this point have figured out they are all choosing their favorite color and adding the nickname they gave me. Almost like they are marking me, without marking me. It made me smile at the thought. He brought me the red leather bracelet and dropped to one knee holding his hands out in front of him

displaying the bracelet in his upturned palms, really causing a scene. "Little Bit, will you accept this humble gift and wear my friendship bracelet for ever and ever." I think he was going for Romeo, but he's not subtle enough for that. I just laughed and replied, "l would love to, good sir." With a curtsy for added effect and held out my wrist to him. He jumped up and squealed like a girl, clapping his hands before finally placing it on my wrist. "Show off." I heard someone grumble behind me. Making all of us laugh. "You're just jealous, you didn't think of it." Sam responds. Then Sierra walked up, 'Let's finish your arm rainbow." She wraps her own yellow bracelet around

my wrist, the charm having runes inscribed. One for warrior that looked like an arrow pointing up and next to it a three pronged pitchfork with a small circle just above the hilt, two squiggly lines across the handle and a semicircle at the top of the handle looking like a bowl. "It means warrior friend." She said before hugging me. I looked at my arm and a sense of warmth washed over me as I looked at the six inches of multicolored leather and metal wrapped halfway up my forearm. I realized I wasn't lying when I told Sam I would wear them 'forever and ever.' don't think I could part with them.

"Okay, sentimental stuff is all over, let's feed the birthday girl so she cooperates while dress her up like my own personal doll. Sam, go find your Little Bit some food." She commands like a dog trainer. He doesn't even look offended, just turns and walks off, with all of us trailing behind laughing. Once we are all good and fed, we start our second round of shopping. We hit the formal section of a trendy shop. All of my bags are collected and stored next to the five chairs the guys are posted in in front of the three way viewing mirror set up on a little platforrn. They each pulled out their phones settling in for the long wait. Sierra is rushing around the store grabbing things off the rack. without even seeming to look at them properly. I don't even know if she is grabbing the right size, but, with clothes, I have come to trust her judgment today, so whatever, this is her show right now. I just stand patiently next to the guys and watch the tornado that is my friend running around the store. When her hands were full she ushered me, followed by a sales lady with equally full arms to the dressing room. She went all out for the first dress. It was full length and huge, have never seen so much material before. The top was strapless and cut straight across, it also had a bunch of sparkles on it and the skirt was miles and miles of layered sheer fabric. It was a pretty gray/blue color that matched my eyes, not too deep or too bright but I wasn't sure about it. This one was guaranteed to make me trip or get caught

on something and I had to put my platform converse back on just to be able to not get caught up in the skirt

Chapter 0044 I walked out, stepped up onto the platform and all the guys looked up from their phones and just stared at me, frozen in their movements. "Yes!" This is a great color on you. Sierra cries. "Spin, slowly, please." She indicates by twirling her finger. "l like it, but you don't look super excited. Next!" She didn't even hesitate to move on. I would have felt bad for not liking something someone else spent so much time designing, even if they had no idea I rejected it. Sierra had no such qualms. I jump at her exclamation to 'GO!' and head back. She throws another dress at me when I give her the poofy one. This one is a bit more reserved on the excess skirt material. It has the same straight cut along my chest that extends to one inch wide straps hanging at the ends of my shoulders. have a feeling they are more for fashion than for actually holding up the dress. This one is a deep teal color and the satiny fabric feels great on my skim The slightly less poofy skirt also drags on the ground. I step out to the mirror and my waiting audience. "The Luna was right, jewel tones are great on you. Spin." She twirls her finger again. "Better, but there's more, so much more." She taps the tips of her fingers together in front of her mouth like a cartoon villain. Oh Goddess, what have I gotten myself into? She did plann everything to a T though. My ponytail was long and full enought that none of my scars were seen over the top of the dresses and the tattoo concealer did not seem to be rubbing off at all. By the fifth dress I did catch on to a theme. She started with the most conservative dresses. Plenty of coverage and material to get me, and I'm sure the guys, comfortable with the real dresses she wanted me in. The more I tried on the more daring the necklines and skirt slits were. They also got shorter too. She made sure to take pictures of all the dresses she deemed worthy of contention, so I wouldn't have to keep going back and forth when we finally have to decide. By dress, I have lost effing count, I was in a short black dress with a corseted lace top with a sweetheart neckline that laced up the back with a black satin ribbon. Sierra had to help me with this one. She had me tied so tight, this b*tch wasn't going anywhere. The corset was lined with a thick, soft, nude material so I was completely comfortable and covered while at the same time looking

sexy. My shoulders and arms were tan and on full display. My muscle definition looked great with the fit of this top. There was a wide satin panel that went around my torso, just above my hips dividing the top from the skirt. The black satin skater skirt was long enough to touch the middle of my thighs and I could bend over without showing off the goods. I totally tested it before leaving the dressing room too. In front of the guys was not the time to realize that mistake. made my legs appear longer paired with my high top platforms and I loved the illusion. I stepped out smiling. There it is" she says in a low voice to me. That's the look I have been waiting for." We both walk out smiling. The reactions come all at once when I step out. "Oh, shit." "Damn!" "Holy Hell." "Nope, not happening. Absolutely out of the question." Mateo growls out. •Next!' Sierra just laughs and moves me to the three way mirror and has me twirl. I can't tell if she's taking a photo or a video, but at this point I am having fun modeling all these stupid dresses.

Chapter 0045 "l think we have found it, my friends." She claps her hands. Go change so we can buy it and get shoes to match!" Her voice had gone a few octaves higher in her excitement. a minute. I said not happening. And stop drooling you f*ckers." Mateo looks over to his friends. Sam was the first to recover and laugh. "Sorry bro, you said it before she's hot. You are going to have to learn to deal with that. She's about to be very popular! You will have every single guy banging down your door after the ball. There are about to be some very pissed and jealous girls." He shrugs and Mateo walks over and slaps him up the back side of his head. "Told you. You owe me lunch!" Sierra whispers to me and pushes me into the dressing room while Mateo is playfully shoving the rest of his friends. At least I think it's playful as they all continue to laugh at him. I just roll my eyes. It's ike they have never seen a girl before. Which I know isn't true. They are all well versed in the female species and anatomy on a pretty extensive level. Sierra unceremoniously shoves me back into my dressing room and I quickly get out of my dress and hand it to her. She takes the dress and heads back out to the guys while put my clothes back on. Once I have everything and do a double check to make sure I am fully covered, I head out of the dressing room to find everyone at the store entrance. "Where's the dress? I need to go check out." I ask Sierra. "It's all done. Happy Birthday Skylar." She hands the bags she's holding to Sam, one was a garment bag with this store's logo on and hugs me. "Now let's go get some sexy shoes to go with that sexy dress." She made a pointed look at my brother before hooking her arm in mine and dragging me away. We started walking toward a massive shoe store, but before we could get too far our little bubble was broken by a high pitched screech. "BABES! What are you doing here? I thought you hated the mall. You never want to come shopping with me." Kaley's voice echoes across the large expanse of the stone mall hallways. Many people stopped to stare at her frantically, and not super gracefully, walking toward us in her dangerously

high heels. was kind of afraid of her hot pink tube skirt snapping off if she took too big of steps. The twins were in the middle of our group. So she had to push past Oliver, Sam and Mateo to get to them. They didn't willingly get out of her way either. "Move you big fickers." She didn't bother to keep her voice down with the insult. She has been getting more bold with her distaste of people in front of the twins. Their facial expressions were amazing at how she dared to talk to them and attempted to shove them out of her way, eyes locked on the twins. The look, a cross between outrage and annoyance, at being ordered around and then ignored by this plastic Barbie. "You should have called me. totally would have come with you instead of them." She rolled her eyes and hooked her thumb over her shoulder at her friends who looked like they were struggling to manage all the bags they had in hand with the teeny, form fitting outfits and high heels that coordinated with hers. She must be using them as her pack mules. "l was going to stop by later, I got something special for the both of you." She tries for a giggle again, but it sounds forced and painful. I can't see her face, but can only imagine the psychotic smile and wide eyes she uses towards them regularly. Cam and Kota just look at each other like they were having a silent conversation about how best to navigate this situation and get rid of her without her throwing a tantrum. Sierra and I are a few feet behind the twins and she hasn't noticed us yet. I'm afraid to move for fear of gaining her attention. That is the last thing that I want, to add fuel to her already large fire of hatred for me. are actually on our way out, sorry." Kota shrugs his shoulders, the bags in his hands shuffling, and tries to turn away from her, I'm sure hoping that was enough to end the conversation. The rest of the guys start to move too, hoping to make a quick exit, their bags also making a rustling noise. The movement allows Sierra and I to just barely see her around the twins.

Chapter 0046 "What did you get? Anything special for a special person maybe?" She points to the very feminine shopping bags the twins held then clasps her hands in front of her twisting back and forth at the waist like an excited little kid. Maybe she thinks it's cute and innocent looking. She really just looks a little unhinged. "Just some birthday gifts, no big deal." Cam says again trying to turn. She grabs his elbow, she seems to only touch him. At least when I see them interact. Interesting. "aut my birthday was months ago, silly..." She pats his arm and reaches for Dakota, but he moves away. Giving me a direct line of sight to her. She trails off finally noticing Sierra and I behind him. "WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING HERE WITH YOU?' Her fakely sweet voice changes to one of angry menace in a flash. Her manicured claws fly to her hips. Her perfectly shaped eyebrows looked strange, smashed down in a scowl, her whole face going red The guys all move faster than I thought possible surrounding me, which to an outsider might look strange With all of the bags they are holding. Cam and Kota are in front, between Kaley and the rest of the group. Oliver stands directly in front of me, Sierra stays at my side, her arm still linked with mine, and Mateo is on the other. Sam steps behind me sandwiching me between him and Oliver giving me only

inches of space to breathe. On instinct I place the palm of my free hand lightly on Oliver's back at the same time Sam places his on my right shoulder and Mateo touches my left shoulder and I instantly relax. I feel the taught muscles in Olivers back do the same with the contact. It took me a minute to realize what they did, though and I don't know how I feel about it. I can protect myself and fight, but at the same time she is a different kind of threat We all recognized it and they naturally went into a protection stance. What I find interesting was there was no hesitation on whether it was me or Sierra that Kaley referred to. That is something Sierra and I will have to talk

about later. Now I have to focus. I'm too short to see around them, but don't miss the rest of the conversation. "She has no business being anywhere with the two of you, am your girlfriend. I demand that you leave with me, you are just embarrassing yourselves with her." Kaley screams. Does she not understand she is the one causing a scene all by herself right now? This mall is not just werewolves, it has humans too and they don't know about us, what the hell is she thinking having her meltdown here? I hope she can't shift yet, we will be in trouble if she does out in public with humans, "Understand this. You do not demand anything from us, are we clear? Dakota asks with a hard edge to his voice, clearly a warning. That was a new sound to me. His usually jovial

voice is only outdone by Sam's. "No! What we do is our business. Who we choose to spend time with is our business. And where we choose to spend time is our business, not yours. You are not our girlfriend. Change your tone and watch how you address all of us. Disrespect will not be tolerated." Cameron finished, the same harsh demand in his voice. "Let's go." He commands our group, I assume, I still can't see sh*t. Wow, Sierra was right, being around the guys has made my language more colorful. She spins me around, keeping me in the center of the group and I notice the guys don't break formation around me although they at least spread out enough for me to move comfortably, Sam leading us out. Sierra still has my arm though, playing with all of the straps of my new bracelets absentmindedly. It must make her relaxed.

Chapter 0047 "you got her?" Cam asks from behind me. It's the first time any of them have spoken on the ten minute walk back to the truck. Before I can ask what he means, someone steps close to me. Yep." Oliver slides an arm around my waist from the back and pulls me close to him. My back is touching his stomach and I'm leaning against one of his legs. It's kind of weird and personal, but oddly it doesn't feel romantic and I don't feel uncomfortable either. Just another thing to unpack with Sierra later. At least his arm around me was some kind of signal that everyone could move away from me. The bags were loaded in the back. Sam, Mateo and Sierra jumped in the third row. Oliver opened my door, lifted me and placed me in my seat. When he closed my door Dakota stood by it until Oliver got in on his side. The twins got in last, all while looking around as if there was a threat lurking in the shadows. It was natural movement from all five of them, like a well oiled machine that has done this thousands of times before. I wonder if this is something they do at whatever summer training they attend each year. It was fascinating if you sat back, really broke it down and analyzed it. It's the first time noticed them all acting like the leaders they were supposed to be, not the teenage boys they are. A flutter of butterflies

errupted in my stomach at the idea that they turned this machine one because of a threat to me. We drove in silence, but I think the guys were talking over the mindlink. Oliver wasn't looking at me, but he was turned in my direction and had his extremely long leg stretched out across the center of the truck and his ca f touched my shin. I Ined to move to give him more space, but his leg followed my movements keeping contact. I could see him making eye contact with Dakota, but think they were trying to be subtle. I wish Sierra was in the pack and could ink with me. I have so many questions about the guy's behavior today and I don't think we would get away with texting right now. My thoughts are cut short as we pull into the packhouse garage and start unloading all the bags from today.

"Thank you for today. It was so much fun. Sierra, will you help me get these to my room?' I wanted to get her alone so we could talk. This seemed like the best excuse. "Oh, we aren't even close to being done Shorty." My brother grabs my hand and starts dragging me into the packhouse following the twins, the rest of the crew behind us leaving all the shopping behind. Once we take off our shoes at the front door, we head straight for the kitchen where I can hear and smell the most delicious food cooking. The day must end with a tradition." Sam begins walking up next to me. "We always celebrate birthdays with a poolside barbeque, no matter the time of year. Now that you are one of us, you must adhere to the tradition. No complaining or

whining allowed." His loud voice echoes off the long cream colored hallway. The Luna has it decorated beautifully. Family pictures going back generations hung, galley style, on the walls. Little side tables had vases with fresh flowers that smelled amazing and were understated, not too perfumey and overwhelming. She always has fresh flowers everywhere. "But, you already did breakfast and shopping with me." I start to argue, but Dakota turns and puts his finger on my lips to stop me from talking. Another weird gesture. They have all been very touchy today. He keeps his finger there and walks backwards, while Sam pushes me forward. "Breakfast is also a part of the tradition, now don't break the rules, protesting falls under the category of complaining." He smiles a devilish smile at me as he turns around and I can't force my smile to go away. Sierra is openly laughing at me. "Did you know about all of this?' I waved my hand in the air looking at her like the secret keeping traitor I know she is. "Of course. It isn't a surprise if you are told what is going to happen." She links her arm in mine again as Mateo lets me go, but Sam stays just behind me with his hand on my lower back. Come to think of it, someone had had physical contact with me since Kaley showed up. Man, my list of' needs explaining' is getting dangerously long.

Chapter 0048 We step into the industrial sized open concept kitchen. It is all stainless steel, black countertops and white cabinets. Very masculine compared to the rest of the house. But it is designed to be able to host large pack functions so fashion doesn't really play a role here. Although the Luna has more vases full of flowers to tie it to the rest of the main level. The wall that attaches to the hallway we came out of is full of cabinets and storage. To the left of us is the large Island that could probably sit 20 grown wolves comfortably. The dark gray and black granite countertop here was covered in platters of snacks and appetizers. The wall behind it housed two sets of dual wall ovens that were separated by a 20 foot long gas range. To the right of the hallway we exited were the industrial sized refrigerators and more storage going around the third wall. The wall overlooking the back patio was mostly glass and the view was amazing. The patio and pool were lit up with string lights and just beyond that you could see the woods as it took on the late afternoon glow. It was perfect. "Come on." Cam grabs my hand this time and drags me out back. Luna Ava and Delta Gwen are on lounge chairs each with a glass of wine. Alpha Lucas is manning the grill where I can smell burgers. My mouth starts to water. Delta Kyle and

Gamma Brett come walking out with coolers. "Underage cooler on the right, Legal's on the Left." Gamma Brett shouts out to everyone "Seriously?" Oliver looks at his dad. "You aren't going to share? "Nope, what you do when not in my presence is what you do and I don't care as long as you don't do anything stupid that harms someone or makes me a grandpa before you find your mate. But in my presence you are an underage teenager with rules that apply." We all laugh and I think that is the first time I have seen Oliver blush. That's three whole emotions out of him today. "l hope you like burgers, sweetheart." Alpha Lucas calls over to me as I am getting a soda out of the •underage' cooler. miey are actually my favorite, how did you know?" I walked over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He just stared at me for a minute with a goofy smile on his face before he cleared his throat, %rriors

tend to be burger fans, and from what I've heard and seen you are one of our best." I smiled again and I turned to walk away. "Wait, are you blushing Dad?" Dakota laughs. That makes me smile a bit more, but I try to hide it. The Alpha is cute when he is in dad mode. "l don't know what you're talking about If my face is red, its

due to the heat from the grill." Alpha Lucas clears his throat again. Cam walked over and both twins were laughing at him and talking too low for me to hear. "Skylar, did you find a dress?" Luna Ava asked, diverting my attention from the alphas. And that was all the invitation Sierra needed to launch into descriptions of every dress I put on and showing her and Delta Gwen the carousel of photos she has. I didn't realize how many she actually took. She finally got to the one of the dress we finally chose. "So this is the one and you will be able to see we all agreed unanimously." She slid to the next picture, only it wasn't a picture it was a video of me walking out. I don't even recognize myself. I look happy and healthy. My high curled ponytail and crescent necklace and even my shoes complete the look in the corseted dress. You can hear the guys' exclamations, but I only just noticed their faces in the mirror. Eyes wide, mouths open, just in shock. Another warm feeling washes over me, their looks are of appreciation not scandal or even fake interest. don't think I have ever seen them look at me like that before and we have been hanging out for months. She even caught the exchange between my brother and Sam and the four of us had a good laugh. "l am going to need a copy of that video, the boys reactions are priceless." Luna Ava said and Delta Gwen agreed.

Chapter 0049 "Alright, burgers are all done, everyone go and fill a plate." Alpha Lucas calls and ushers everyone into the kitchen with the large platter of grilled meat. We all filled up plates and went back out to take seats at an oversized table off to one side of the pool. Everything was so delicious. We were all laughing and eating at the large patio table, conversation was effortless. The guys were talking about birthdays in the past and regaling Sierra and I with some of their antics. The adults filled in some more embarrassing details the guys 'forgot.' knew my stomach was going to hurt tomorrow from laughing so hard. We sat there until the sun started to go down. As we all finished up and plates were all but licked clean, Mateo got up and grabbed my empty plate. Sam did the same for Sierra. The rest of the boys got up and took plates from all the adults wordlessly. That was strange. The confusion must have shown on Sierra's and my face. mlese boys eat well and have it easy when they are in the house, so it's their job to clean up dinner when we all get together like this." Luna Ava explains. "They have done it their whole lives. They aren't too important to help out with basic things around the house." Sierra and I look back over into the full glass windows showing the whole of the kitchen. Again, I think of a well oiled machine. They just move in sync with each other, all communicating without saying words, getting the job done quickly. The whole kitchen is cleaned and put back to normal in less than thirty minutes. It really is a sight to see and I cant help the big smile that crosses my face. has you looking ike that?' Sierra bumps me in the ribs and whispers to me. The way the boys move together, Ys fun to watch. I noticed it at the mall today too. They don't even have to look at each other or say anything, like all the cogs in a well tuned machine." I shrugged like It was no big deal. A large cake was set in front of me with fifteen burning candles. Where did that come from? I really had to get better at reading Sierra's distraction techniques. I didn't even notice them bringing it out. Singing starts as I look at the beautiful round cake with light blue frosting and dark blue piping spelling out 'Happy 15th Skylar.' I blew out the candles and everyone clapped and cheered. The

beautiful moment set me off and tears I have been holding back since this morning just spilled over. A warm arm wraps around the back of my shoulders and pulls me sideways into a tight hug. wrap my arms under his and bury my head into his neck and breathe in the familiar calming scent and just let my tears go. Mateo shifts and pulls me onto his lap and snuggles me closer. mlis is how it will always be from now on, baby sis. This is how it should have always been. Can you forgive me? " He's whispering in my ear. 'l didn't know, or really didn't pay enough attention to notice that you never got anything on your birthday. No party, no presents, we didn't even acknowledge it. I can't imagine what that must have been like. am so sorry." Mateo pulls back and looks in my eyes, his are filled with unshed tears. I just nod, don't even know if I could speak without crylng again. "l dont know if dad will ever be able to be around, since he also lost his mate today and that breaks something inside of you, but I have made my choice and I choose to spend it with the person still here, alive and kicking. Instead of spending it six feet above a person I don't even remember." We both start crying and embrace again. I just let it all out and squeeze him as hard as I can, hope I don't hurt him. I don't know how long we sat like that, but the rest of our friends just eft us in peace. When we pulled back he rubbed his thumbs under my eyes, drying the tears and wiping away the smudged racoon eyes that I'm sure are there. "Did you tell them? The guys and Sierra, do they know this is a first for me?" "Yes, I had to explain a bit _ They know you've never had a party before and that I think you usually spend it alone because dad takes me with him to visit mom. I don't think the Luna knew about that part, | have never seen her so pissed before. She had some choice words to say about dad’s and my behavior, straight to our faces. | thought

Alpha Lucas was going to have to step in to calm her down.” He grimaced at the memory.

Chapter 0050 "But what about dad, and his reputation? I tense up in Mateo's hold. "He's going to be so angry at me when he finds out people know he doesn't really want me and he blames me for mom's death. He's going to lock me in my room for a week after this. Maybe worse if the Luna yelled at him." can feel my panic rise, shallow breaths coming in fast but providing no oxygen, and I start to try and get off my brothers lap to go back to the house and hide, waiting for the storm to hit. "Don't you dare try and leave and he won't be mad at you. He already knows what we have been doing all day. Luna Ava set him straight pretty fast, I have actually never seen her use her Luna aura before, but it was impressive. I am actually more scared of her than of the Alpha think. He was told if he couldn't behave like a parent grateful for an amazing child, then he could make himself scarce for the day." "But—" He got in trouble with the Luna and she used her aura on him. I was going to be in really big trouble, he might actually harm me this time. "No buts, this knowledge changes nothing. He has known for three days that we were going to do this. I thought Sierra was going to rip my arms off when I told her today was your birthday and we had nothing planned. She is also very scary, you have some fierce women who care about you." He gave me a little sideways smile, that I'm sure gets his way with any girl he wants. "You are going to enjoy the rest of the night with us. Like we told you, it's tradition and you are a part of the crew now." you guys really do breakfast, shopping and a barbeque for all of your birthdays? I ask skeptically. There is no way they do this with just each other. They are all attention wh•res_ They probably have raging parties that they invite the whole school to. I wouldn't actually know, I've never been included in Mateo's birthday before. "On our actual birthdays, yes, this is what we do. We don't get up nearly as early as we did for you, that was brutal by the way. But, with your training schedule it was hard to beat you out of the house this morning. I am going to sleep the whole day tomorrow to make up for the lack of sleep last night."

"Don't act like you don't stay up all night with your extra curricular females and get up and function the next day." scoff at him playfully. "They don't stay all night, we take care of needs and they leave." "AH! La La La La La! I don't need details." I cover my ears. He pulls my hands down laughing. "But I still get more sleep having than I did planning and executing your party with that crazy friend of yours and the Luna." I scrunch my nose,

but at least he said his conquests leave when he's done with them. I don't know if I could handle facing any of his bed buddies the morning after. "Okay, enough is enough. You are done with sibling bonding. He's a d*ck and he's sorry. The rest of us are stupid and didn't pay any attention to what was going on around us and we are sorry. You, being the gracious person you are, forgive us wholeheartedly. Now eat your damn cake, I slaved for minutes choosing it at the bakery and getting the icing to match your eyes just right." Sam saunters through the back door with the largest slice of cake I have ever seen and sets it in front of me. les a two layered cake with chocolate on the bottom and vanilla on the top and some kind of caramel in between the two. I took a small bite, it was heaven on a fork. I close my eyes and moan a little bit as the flavor explodes on my tongue. "If that's all takes, Little Bit, we can continue this "Don't you finish that sentence or you will be searching for missing teeth." Mateo growls out. I try to hide a laugh, but Sierra and the rest of the guys just roll their eyes and laugh along with Sam's antics as they join us. shift to sit next to Mateo on the bench and finish my cake.