Bound by fate to the future Alpha.

**Chapter Fifteen: Birthday hype- Malia's POV**

Just as I thought I couldn’t feel anymore like a princess, the girls burst into my room, a whirlwind of laughter and energy, each one clutching bags overflowing with gifts. Before I could fully register what was happening, they had pounced on me, tumbling us all onto the bed. Their voices blended together as they broke into a rendition of the dreaded "Happy Birthday" song. No offence to their enthusiasm, but let’s just say their singing was more comical than harmonious. I found myself gasping for breath, not from the sheer joy of their off-key serenade, but from the fits of laughter they inspired.

“Open your gifts then!” Aimee nudged me with an eager grin. My cheeks flushed with warmth—anyone who knew me understood I was never one to revel in the spotlight. Slowly, I reached for the pink glittery bag with a cute cream bow. When I pulled out a stunning midnight blue dress, my breath hitched. The fabric glimmered in the light, and the daring slit up the leg. As I continued to explore the delightful stash, I uncovered makeup and adorable trinkets proudly embroidered with my name. It felt like Christmas had come early!

Then it was Keira’s turn, her baby blue bags exuding charm. With the energy of a child on Christmas morning, she squealed as I revealed a box housing exquisite lacey high heels. I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d be able to walk without collapsing, but their beauty was undeniable. Hidden in the depths of her other gifts were thoughtful goodies—a cute rucksack and a pair of straighteners. I couldn't believe how much they’d done for me; my heart swelled with gratitude.

After showering them with hugs and a flurry of excited chatter about Blake's gift, I turned to them, eager for help getting ready. We spent what felt like hours in front of the mirror, memories mingling with giggles as we exchanged stories about our newfound mates. “Who would’ve thought we’d all find our mates in the same evening?” Keira mused, her bright eyes sparkling. “Thank the moon goddess for being good to us, and bless those boys with those bodies,” Aimee chimed in, prompting us all to erupt into laughter once more.

As the clock ticked to 5:45 PM, the girls reluctantly departed, leaving me with a wave of appreciation. I stood in front of the mirror, giddy with disbelief at the transformation before me. I felt like a model; how had they performed this magic? My makeup was flawless—smoky eyes with a subtle contour and a glimmering lipstick that added just the right touch. The black strappy dress hugged my figure perfectly, and to my surprise, the high heels were surprisingly comfortable. My hair cascaded in soft curls down my back, and the cute silver clutch completed the look. In that moment, I truly felt like a princess.

As I nervously walk down the stairs, my heart races with each careful step. I try to maintain a steady pace, acutely aware of the possibility of an embarrassing tumble, which wouldn’t fit the moment’s grandeur. Each stair feels like it's stretching into eternity, and at the bottom, I can see Mum and Dad waiting, their expressions a mix of anticipation and pride. When I finally reach the last step, their faces light up simultaneously, and tears of happiness stream down their cheeks. In that moment, I feel like the star of a show, the centre of their universe. I rush into their arms, breathing in the familiar mix of their warmth and love before they insist on capturing the moment with a selfie. I can’t help but cringe at the thought—do I really want this embarrassing picture to remember my big day? But it’s all worth it when I see how joyful they are.

Just as I start to settle into the moment, the sound of a car pulling up outside catches my attention. I step outside, my breath hitching in my throat as I lay eyes on a sleek limousine waiting for me. The driver steps out with a polished smile, extending his hand to help me into the luxurious vehicle. Inside, he presents me with a glass of champagne, the bubbly fizzing gently as I grasp it, feeling like I stepped into a scene straight out of a movie. The butterflies in my stomach flutter with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation—I have no idea where this ride will take me, but I’m ready for the adventure.

The limo glides through the city, the skyline shimmering under the evening lights, and soon we pull up to a stunning restaurant overlooking the harbour. I’m greeted by a friendly server who guides me down a beautifully lit pathway adorned with twinkling fairy lights. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale, and I can hardly contain my excitement as we approach a private outdoor table, romantic and enchanting, with candles flickering and petals scattered across the floor. And then, there he is—Blake. Seeing him takes my breath away, and without a second thought, I leap into his arms. Our lips meet in a joyful kiss.

**Blake's POV **

I sit with a nervous twitch in my leg, an unusual sensation for someone like me. My heart races, thrumming against my ribcage as if trying to escape. What has come over me? My thoughts feel scattered and chaotic, Just as I begin to question the source of my unease, my gaze catches a glimpse of someone approaching. It stops me cold—a breathtaking angel, her beauty radiating like warm sunlight on a chilly day. She heads toward me, her hair shimmering with a life of its own, and as if drawn by an invisible force, she leaps into my arms.

In an instant, our lips meet, and it's as if a thousand fireworks have ignited in the very core of my being. The world around us fades into oblivion. My hands cradle the back of her head, fingers threading through her hair as I pull her closer, tilting her head back to deepen our kiss. Passion overflows; it’s an electrifying connection unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. When we finally part to catch our breath, a stunned silence envelops us, punctuated only by our rapid heartbeats. Wow. heightening every sensation, every emotion within me. I knew that finding your mate would amplify feelings, but this is on another level. The aroma emanating from her—not just captivating, but intoxicating—sweet cherries and almonds - wraps around me like a warm embrace.

She is mine, and I am hers.

As the evening unfolds, the flow of our conversation carries us through a delightful array of topics, each course of food more exquisite than the last. Each dish serves as a perfect backdrop for our deepening connection, with laughter and stories illuminating the table between us. We share our dreams, our quirks, and the little idiosyncrasies that make us who we are, eagerly unraveling the layers of each other’s lives. I savor the moments, feeling a warm sense of camaraderie blossom as we discover shared interests and experiences.

Yet, amidst the excitement of our exchange, I remain mindful of the delicate balance between intimacy and space. I know not to push her too far when it comes to physical connection, respecting the pace at which she feels comfortable. The atmosphere is charged with tension—a delightful mix of anticipation and restraint. As our evening draws to a close, I lean in closer, feeling the heat radiating between us. We share a kiss, soft yet passionate, a lingering promise of deeper connections to come. We have a lifetime to learn about each other.