ONE YEAR LATER
ELENA'S POV
Living with Xavier and his parents has been fun. I can't believe it's one year already. Mama Grace the Luna has been loving and kind towards me. Mama Grace and I spend Saturdays together when Xavier is busy with pack business, baking.
"Xavier likes my cookies most, mama Grace would be pissed if she knew". I laughed at the secret Xavier and I shared.
Everyone in the pack was kind, and for the first time in years, I didn't feel lonely. I have friends and even a best friend, Jack. I don't think Xavier likes Jack that much, he says he's a bad influence, but Jack is funny and listens to my stories. Papa Xander, Xavier's dad, is a big teddy bear. Some evenings we sit and watch Disney together. He makes the best chocolate tea.
"Xavier!!!" Mira shrieked. She has been a pain in the neck and always complained of me wasting Xavier's time. She is mean to people, but to me, she's the spawn of the devil. She hates the fact that I sleep in Xavier's room, even when Xavier has explained the nightmares to her. I tried sleeping in my room but then I got nightmares. I like Xavier's bed most. It's soft and Xavier's room is always warm.
Today is June 9, Xavier's birthday. He is turning 20, and Mama Grace is planning a family dinner, one more year before Xavier turns 21 and becomes the alpha with Mira as his mate and the Luna. "Mate" is a phrase Jack taught me. "A mate is a destined soulmate" I liked the devotion of the phrase, A soulmate forever, someone who will love you till eternity.
I haven't seen Xavier since we had lunch earlier today. It became a tradition among us to always eat together, every meal of the day. I'm excited about the party. Mama Grace bought me a pretty gown to wear and I just got Xavier's gift from the shop. I can't hold on to the excitement. I hope he likes his gift.
"Mama Grace" I yelled, even though I didn't need to yell, Wolves have sharp hearing, it's really hard to whisper around here, everyone hears you. "Please, can you help me fix my hair? I think I'm going to let the curls out tonight". I said to her, She loves doing my hair and getting on spa treats with me. She calls it girls' day out. I like hanging out with her, and she tells cute stories about Xavier and her youth.
"Baby, you look so gorgeous," she said with tears in her eyes. I blushed, and she had never gone a day without complimenting me. "Mama Grace, do you think Xavier will like his gift? I asked. With a smile she replied: " Elena, if you gave Xavier a stone, he'll think it to be a precious piece of jewellery, and he'll love it". "Your hair is all set, you'll be beautiful tonight, come down soon, Xavier will be home shortly," Mama Grace said as she walked out of the room.
The dress Mama Grace bought was pretty. I don't think I've ever felt a piece of fabric as smooth and soft as this, it was a delicate flowing silk, the colour emerald green. I felt different and looked beautiful. Mama Grace excelled at making me feel seen.
XAVIER'S POV
It's been one year since I found Elena trapped by rogues. It has been one hell of a ride, battling rogues and Elena's nightmares. Some nights are better than others. Elena has been a ray of sunshine we all needed without knowing. Her eagerness to know more about werewolves and her curiosity about the moon Goddess is intriguing.
Elena is the daughter my parents always wanted. It's fun to see my parents compete for Elena's attention. She even has my Dad, the big bad Alpha Wolf, watching Disney with her. Her eyes twinkle with mischief when she's with her friend Jack. God knows the number of times I've fallen victim to their pranks. Jack, a teenage boy, stuck to Elena like glue. Rojo is not his biggest fan, and Rojo isn't a big fan of boys around Elena. "As if I don't see the mean looks you give boys near her" snickered Rojo.
"Xavier!!! Mira called. She and I have been arguing a lot lately, and she complained about how much time I spent with Elena. I guess she's still pissed about not being able to sleep in my room most nights. If this is the small price I'll pay for Elena to have a good night's rest, then so be it. " Baby, get ready, dinner is almost ready," Mira said.
I kissed Mira as I made my way to shower. Elena has been secretive, and I can't wait to see what she got me. I'm proud of her for holding the information in for this long. Today is my 20th birthday. Beaumont and Fabian are planning an after-party after dinner.
With Mira by my side, we went down for dinner. Mira looked stunning in her gold gown, the slit showed just enough to keep you hooked, and the gold complimented her tan skin. Mira has always been a beauty.
"Happy Birthday Xavier" chorused the Beta and Delta with their mates, Fabian's baby sibling sleeping on his mom's chest. I searched for Elena as I started opening gifts. I guess I was eager to see her gift.
I smelt her before she entered the room, her scent as sweet as a ripe peach, it had a calming effect like sirens calling to sailors on the sea. With a smile on my face, I turned to see my little one. I was star-struck, her gown made her hair stand out like a hot blazing fire. I'd never seen anyone as radiant as her before, she was enchanting.
"Happy Birthday Xavier," she said, giving me a sculptured wolf made from wood. Rojo purred, he seemed to like the gift, "What are you hiding behind you, angel? I asked and she took out a wrapped box, and I tore through the wrapping paper like a kid rushing for candy. In the box was a golden necklace, with an angel on a pendent. Behind it was inscribed " Love E". "Thank you angel" I whispered, my voice cracking as I tried to hold back a tear.
Dinner was fun, Mum and Elena brought out the birthday cake, and everyone sang the birthday song. Elena laughed all through the song.
After dinner, the guys and Mira were ready to hit the club. With the guests dispersing, I had to find Elena. I needed to be sure she'd be okay alone for a few hours before leaving with the guys.
Standing by the balcony were Elena and her friend Jack. He was standing too close to her. I cleared my throat to grab their attention, " Jack say goodbye" I ordered, and with a nod, he whispered goodbye to Elena and scurried out. "Stop doing that wolfman," Elena said, scowling at me. She looked like an angry kitten, I thought with a laugh, I couldn't help but smirk at her. "Do what angel? I asked.
" Don't scare my best friend away" she murmured. I felt horrible for making her sad, "I'm sorry angel," I said, feeling remorseful. "Thank you for the gifts, Rojo likes the wooden wolf", I stated, her eyes lit up. She hugs me smiling and, with a smile, I welcome her hug, her scent engulfing me.
"Xavier, we have to leave, man," Fabian said through the mind link. I looked at Elena's face, second-guessing my intentions of clubbing tonight. "Angel, I'm going out with the guys and Mira," I told her. I watched as her smile turned into a frown. I hated being away from her, especially at night.
"I'll be back late. Will you be okay for a few hours? I inquired, and she nodded. I wished she had. begged me to stay. " Don't read till late, okay, and call me anytime, I'll pick up, okay? I said. And with a kiss on her head, I left her, "Mum, will you stay with Elena till she falls asleep? I'm heading out with the boys now" I mind-linked to my mom, "Have fun sweetie, I'll keep Elena company" she said.