Mika
So many things were happening simultaneously that it felt like my head was spinning. My 18th birthday was just around the corner—days away, really—and I found myself caught in a whirlwind of anticipation and anxiety.
With every passing moment, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought that I still hadn’t received my wolf. It was a rite of passage, an essential part of my identity that I was meant to embrace, and yet, here I was, stuck in this limbo.
I couldn’t help but wonder if I would ever be able to shift, to feel the powerful connection to the animal within me that everyone else seemed to possess. Would it be yet another thing for my peers to tease me about? The notion stung, wrapping around my thoughts and tightening like a vice.
The weight of these unanswered questions gnawed at me, leaving me restless as my birthday approached. Would I spend my day celebrating, or would I be reminded again of what I lacked?
Then, the Alpha birthday party is set to be an extraordinary celebration, as this event marks the pivotal milestone of their 18th birthday. This is a significant occasion in our pack, as they will receive their wolves and experience the exhilarating transformation for the first time.
In addition to the personal transformation that comes with gaining their wolf, this celebration also holds great importance for their future leadership. We are counting down the days until they officially take on the role of Alphas, following the current Alpha’s anticipated retirement.
This dual significance—celebrating their coming-of-age and ascension to leadership—promises an unforgettable atmosphere filled with joy, pride, and unity among their pack members.
The pack is buzzing with preparations, ensuring this birthday becomes a cherished memory for the new Alphas and everyone who will share in the festivities.
As the Alpha's birthday approaches, the pack members are filled with excitement and anticipation, but my feelings couldn't be more different. While everyone else is bustling with plans and joy, I count down the days until I can finally leave this place behind.
The thought of escaping feels like a breath of fresh air—a chance to carve out a life where I am genuinely valued, and people will take the time to remember my birthday and celebrate with me.
The longing for peace and belonging grows stronger with each passing moment, fueling my desire to find a new home where I can embrace happiness and leave the shadows of this pack in the past.
I still have a pressing task—sifting through my mother’s belongings to uncover the origin of the pack she belonged to. Essential information eludes me, hidden among the countless items she cherished.
Unfortunately, my father has been watching my every move lately, making it nearly impossible to search his room discreetly. I feel the weight of urgency pressing down on me, knowing I must uncover the truth without drawing his suspicion.
The Alphas’ quadruplets were celebrating their birthday the following day, which meant I had to rise much earlier than usual to prepare for the festivities at the pack house. After serving my father a hearty dinner, I quietly retired to my room, keeping my distance while he enjoyed his meal. I knew he didn't like my presence, so she preferred me to keep my distance from him.
An hour later, with the clinks of silverware still echoing in my ears, I ventured back into the kitchen to wash the dishes and tidy up. As I scrubbed the plates, I caught sight of my father gathering his coat, a telltale sign that he was preparing to head out.
I felt a familiar mix of worry and determination wash over me; he was likely headed out to drink again and wouldn't be home until much later, leaving me with the perfect opportunity to search his room.
With a glance towards the door, I was resolute—I would once more delve into his belongings in search of my mother’s cherished possessions that had been hidden away since her passing. Finding something of hers, a piece of the past, filled me with hope and anxiety.
After completing my kitchen chores and ensuring that all the dishes were washed and put away, I took a moment to glance out the window, confirming that my father wouldn't be returning home anytime soon.
I dashed up the staircase with urgency, my heart pounding with anticipation. I reached his bedroom door and, feeling a sudden surge of determination, didn’t pause to second-guess myself.
I pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit room, my eyes immediately landing on the bed—an unmade mess of rumpled blankets and scattered pillows.
Beneath the bed, tucked away from sight, lay a weathered box containing my mother’s belongings. It was a precious treasure trove of memories, and I felt excitement and trepidation as I approached it.
The box had intrigued me from the last time I searched my father's room, holding the whispers of a past I longed to understand. I knelt, my fingers brushing against the excellent, dusty surface as I prepared to uncover what secrets it might reveal.
With a swift motion, I lifted the lid of the worn wooden box, the rich smell of aged paper wafting to greet me like a forgotten memory. Inside, I uncovered a collection of photographs, their edges slightly frayed with time.
The images depicted my mother and father, smiles illuminating their faces, capturing moments of joy and togetherness from a bygone era. Their happiness seemed to radiate from the pictures, filling me with a warmth that contrasted sharply with the cool, dim air of the room.
As I delved deeper into the box, my fingers brushed against something soft and familiar—the texture of old letters. Curiosity gripped me tightly as I pulled one of them out, examining the elegant handwriting that flowed across the page.
The name signing off the letter caught my eye: Lucas Freeman. Who was this man, and what role had he played in my mother’s life?
I carefully set the letter aside and retrieved a particularly cherished photograph of my mother, her laughter frozen in time. I wanted to keep it safe, a tangible piece of her happiness amidst the mystery unfolding.
After taking a moment to absorb the box's contents, I gently placed everything back inside, ensuring it was as it had been. I felt the weight of the secrets hidden within—secrets that compelled me to leave my father’s room, driven by an urgent need to uncover the identity of Lucas Freeman and the story that intertwined him with my mother’s past.
Once I had settled down for the evening, I carefully placed my mother's picture and the letter in a safe spot, ensuring they were tucked away securely where no one could disturb them.
I glanced at them one last time, feeling nostalgia and curiosity, but I knew I needed time to process the words in the letter more profoundly. With that thought lingering in my mind, I headed to the bathroom for a refreshing shower, letting the warm water wash away the day's stress and soothe my tired muscles.
Tomorrow, I was promised an eventful day filled with the festivities and excitement of the Alpha's birthday party. This grand affair often drew everyone’s attention and left little room for personal quiet moments. I knew I would need plenty of rest to keep up with the celebrations.
Standing under the cascading water, I contemplated my upcoming birthday, wishing I could find a moment amidst the chaos to sneak away and celebrate quietly for myself, away from the crowds and noise. Perhaps I could carve out a little time for reflection, a brief escape into my world, just for a few precious moments. That thought brought a small smile to my face as I finally prepared myself for bed.