Valencia!

Two

“I’m so proud of you, Valen!” her mom said, voice thick with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes. “Our little girl is all grown up!” Beta Mark added, his voice full of pride as he wrapped both Valen and her mom in a tight hug.

“Thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything,” Valen said sincerely, her heart swelling with gratitude. Her mom pulled her in for another tight hug, tears now slipping down her cheeks. “You’re so sweet Valen . . . I’m so lucky to be your mom,” her mom added, now openly crying.

“Please don’t cry, Mom,” Valen whispered, gently wiping away her tears. She smiled at her mother, her heart full of love and affection. “Congratulations, Valen! You’re officially an adult now!” Griffin, her stepbrother, called as he approached, grinning widely. He swept her up into a bear hug, lifting her off the ground and spinning her from side to side. Valen struggled to catch her breath and tapped his back lightly.

“Griffin, I . . . can’t . . . breathe,” she whispered through laughter. He set her down, still chuckling. “Sorry, little sis,” he teased. “So, what’s the plan for tonight? You want to go out drinking?” Before Valen could respond, their mom playfully swatted the back of Griffin’s arm. “Griffin, your sister is only 18! Stop trying to get her into trouble,” she scolded.

Griffin flinched, laughing at their mom’s half-hearted attempt to reprimand him. Beta Mark only smiled and watched the scene with amusement. “Actually, I do have plans tonight,” Valen said, her voice cutting through the playful banter. “I’m going to Ty’s house to help his mom out with his graduation party.”

Griffin’s smirk grew. “Tylon’s house, huh? You and him have been spending an awful lot of time together,” he teased. “We’re just friends!” Valen defended, though a little too quickly. Before she could explain further, she heard Ty’s voice from behind her. “That hurts, Valen. I thought we were best friends,” he said dramatically, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. She playfully grabbed onto them.

“I’m pretty sure they’re a thing,” Griffin whispered to their dad, just loud enough for Valen to hear. He looked at his son with raised eyebrows, but Beta Mark lightly tapped him on the back of the head. “Don’t embarrass your sister today, Griffin,” their father said with a grin. “You can resume picking on her tomorrow.”

Griffin chuckled, but then asked, “Hey, anyway, can I get an invite to that party of yours?” Ty laughed and nodded. “Sure, man. Come by whenever, we’d love to have you.” Valen felt Ty tap her hand gently, signaling her to let go of his arm. She moved to stand beside him, feeling a strange flutter in her chest.

“Are you going to catch a ride with me or head home and change first?” Ty asked, glancing at her attire. The white maxi dress she wore was now visible beneath the unzipped graduation gown. “What do you think everyone else will be wearing?” She asked, raising an eyebrow at him. He shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ll wear whatever you wear,” he said with a grin, and Valen couldn’t help but laugh.

“Okay, then can you take me by my house first so I can change into something more comfortable?” Valen asked. “I’ll bring my dress along and change later if I need to.” “Of course.” he turned to Beta Mark and Dr. Anna before asking, “Is it okay if I steal your daughter away for the night?”

Dr. Anna playfully huffed at his request. “Fine, but pictures first. Lots of them. You two go stand in front of the school and let me get a few good shots.” Valen and Ty positioned themselves, slightly turned toward one another, and Ty pulled her closer by the waist. Her breath caught in her throat at the unexpected intimacy of the gesture.

She looked up into his golden-brown eyes and started to smell that crisp scent again, strong and fresh. Before she could ask him about it, they were interrupted by Maximus, who stepped directly in-between them. Ty raised an eyebrow, looking confused, but all Valen could focus on was that overwhelming scent that seemed to be coming from the Alpha’s son.

“Hey Max, what’s up? Didn’t know you knew Ty like that,” Griffin stepped closer assuming Maximus was actually here for him, but the young Alpha wolf’s gaze was on his sister. Maximus hesitated for a moment before responding, “I . . . I thought I’d take a few pictures with the graduates.” He slapped Ty on the back harder than necessary, and Ty’s eyes narrowed in mild surprise.

“Uh-huh,” Griffin said, eyeing Maximus’ behavior suspiciously. Valen, feeling the tension in the air, tried to break it with a smile. “I love your cologne, Alpha Maximus. What is it?” When Maximus turned to look at her, his eyes shifted from clear blue to a deep, midnight hue again and she took a step back, startled. ‘So his eyes are clear blue, must be his wolf peeking through,’ she thought to herself.

Maximus cleared his throat, his eyes lightning once again as he responded, “Just Max.” His voice was casual, but Valen couldn’t help but notice how unguarded he seemed. Her mom, never one to miss a moment, called out, “If you’re all going to stand there, at least let me get some pictures.”

Maximus quickly pulled Griffin into the shot, pushing Ty further away from him and Valen. Valen glanced over at Ty, who shrugged, amused by the situation, and they all smiled for the camera. After a few minutes of her mom adjusting them to get ‘the perfect shot’ Terra Adams appeared, walking up to the group. “Oh, there you are, Maxi. Why are you with her?” her voice dripping with disdain as she glared over at Valencia.

Beta Mark immediately cleared his throat, his stern gaze landing on Terra. “Watch how you speak to my daughter,” he warned. Terra feigned innocence, flipping her golden spun hair over her shoulder. “Oh, Beta Mark, I didn’t mean it like that,” she said, her tone saccharine. “I’m sure you didn’t,” Beta Mark replied flatly. “But you should be more careful with your words next time, Terra.”

“I apologize, Beta. I’m just here to collect my boyfriend,” Terra added, her voice giddy, a smirk playing on her lips. Valen felt a knot of sadness and anger form inside her at those words. She placed her hand over her chest instinctively, trying to protect herself from the strange feeling growing inside her.

She felt a gentle touch on her sleeve; then turned to find Maximus standing there. His touch was unexpected, and she pulled her arm away quickly, confused by the surge of emotions. “I’ve got to go,” Valen mumbled under her breath, feeling inexplicably angry. She quickly grabbed Ty’s hand and walked toward the parking lot. She left Maximus, Griffin, Terra and her parents behind, the knot of frustration tightening in her chest as she moved further away from the group.