Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Wakey wakey Amber, and happy birthday sweetie...

The voice floats through the air as a remnant from my dream and a soft smile graces my lips. The light from my window illuminates the picture of my parents on my desk and I am reminded of my dream last night. In it they were beside me as I blew out the candles of my cake wishing me a wonderful birthday. I haven’t dreamt of them like that in years and a small sadness settles in. But today is Monday. It also meant today is my birthday and that I am considered an adult. I could finally live my life my way without the worry of Mia and Zack trying to control me. Today will be a good day and to top it all off there will be a full moon tonight.

The shrill of the stupid alarm rings, causing a grown from my lips. I forgot that Monday also meant school. With a sigh I sit up and fumble with this alarm clock. All I know is that when I graduate the first thing I am doing is smashing this with a sledge hammer so that it does not cause me anymore grievances in the morning. Finally turning off the annoying gadget I fling the covers back and head towards my bathroom for a long shower. I lean my head against the tiled wall as the warm water cascades down my body. It felt like a normal day today. No magical smell had me hunting down to find who the owner is. No enhancement to my body as an adult werewolf. I just felt normal. With a sigh I finish washing and turn off the water to continue my morning. I had school to attend to but today I felt like dressing up. I was eighteen after all and I had a feeling I could run into my mate at any time.

With renewed vigour I quickly towel dry off and start styling my hair. I kept the usual messy bun but only half of my hair was tied up into it. The other half of my fire red hair flowed down my body in loose curls. I look at the outfit set out last night and smile at the figure-skating high-low off the shoulder dress in navy blue with the white cropped jean jacket vest and black wedges. Something a little girly and a little edgy that matched my personality well. I couldn’t help but twirl a bit around the almost empty room before sitting at my vanity to put on the little bit of make-up I owned and the only set of jewellery I owned – My mother’s white gold necklace and matching hoop earrings.

I kiss the frame that holds my parents picture smiling at me, taking one last look at my empty room.

“Wish me luck mom and dad. Maybe I’ll find my mate today.” I whisper before grabbing my school bag and making my way down the stairs. Many pack members stop me to wish me happy birthday or ask about my plans for moving out. Only a few sneers at me and ignore my presence.

“Morning Blue.” I sing out as I enter the kitchen, Marie handing me a plate full of food as I settle in beside the Alpha.

"Morning Am, happy birthday." He calls back, wrapping me in a one-armed hug as he pushes a cup full of orange juice to me.

“How does it feel being eighteen?” Marie asks with a smile as she puts a lunch box beside my bag for me to take.

“Honestly everything feels the same. Nothing unusual so far and everything is the usual routine before school.” I answer with a shrug as I shovel a big fork full of bacon and eggs into my mouth. I pause as a breeze floats through the window and I catch a hint of something in the air. Something that I could get addicted to. My attention is snapped back as an envelope is slid towards me and the scent disappears. With suspicion in my eyes I stare at the envelope that sits beside my orange juice.

"It’s your birthday gift, not a bomb." Blue chuckles out as he sips his coffee, Marie giving me a look with a knowing smile. I could not help but laugh at my behaviour as I open the envelope and taking the card out. It was unlike me to space out like that. I smiled at the check and frowned. It was five-hundred thousand dollars, not the three we planned, and another hundred in cash.

"Six-hundred thousand?" I question, my eyes wide in shock as I look to Blue. Sometimes I question what he is thinking with how he could spend money on everyone in the pack only to remember that he owns multiple businesses outside of the pack funds.

"That’s from me and Marie." Blue answers with a smile as Marie walks to a cupboard, taking out something large and wooden. My eyes widen again as she places an ancient oak box in front of my now empty plate before leaning back. I could see the connection between the two wolves and could not help but grin. It was about time they paired up after both being mate-less for years.

"This is from your parents. You're eighteen now." She says with a soft smile as I look down once again at the box. I was scared to open it, but I could not help as I lifted the lid with trembling fingers. Inside it is a beautiful diamond and white gold locket in the shape of a paw print, the diamond the shape of a wolf. Next to it is a pair of stud earrings also in the shape of a wolf as well as a card that looked a little old from the years of being kept away for so long.

Our dear Amberle,

In case anything happens to us, Blue offered to take care of you and promised that on your eighteenth birthday he would hand you this gift. It must be so hard without us there but know that no matter what we are proud of the women you have become. Baby girl you are strong and brave and meant for so much more and we knew that when you first shifted that you would be a powerful wolf and force to be recon with.

Blue has also set aside the money meant for you to inherit in case of our passing as well as bonds and stocks shares that we were growing in hopes that neither you nor your siblings are left without a way to provide for your future. Whether you decide to go to college or build your own business know that we are happy for you in building a strong future our dear little spit fire.

We know that not having us around hurts but know that no matter what we will always be with you. It’s why we had the locket made specifically for you as it holds a picture of the three of us the day you were born as well as the last picture we took on your birthday.

Always know that we loved you no matter what and to keep your head held high.

Love Mom and Dad.

P.S: Dad is leaving you his cherished mustang. Goddess only knows how much he loves that stupid car. – Mom

I read and reread the letter that was in my parents hand writing, laughing at the note mom left at the end each time. It was clear that they took turns to write and I loved it even more. A hand wiping away tears from my cheeks makes me realise I had started to cry as the faint scents of my parents from the letter wraps around me like a warm hug. I missed them so much.

"How much did they leave me?" I ask, taking the offered tissues from Marie to clean my face as she carefully puts away the letter and envelope from my parents, Blue and her into the oak box.

"They left you and your siblings the same amount for each of your birthdays, just over two million." Blue answers, giving me another hug as I slowly calm my aching heart.

“Your siblings already earned their inheritance, but I had to wait for you to be eighteen to hand it to you.” I nod into his chest and pull away as Marie comes over to give me a hug as well. I was lucky that no other wolf comes into the kitchen this early in the morning. The two give me some space as I place the oak box and lunch box into my bag, making sure everything is secured before I sling it over my shoulder.

"I'm off to school." I whisper, passing my siblings who just glared at me.

"Remember Amber, your party is in the meadow" I hear Blue call out and I nod. I can hear Mia complain about wasting money and time for my birthday and calling me a jinx. Blue yells at her and I feel the love he has while protecting me from Mia, giving her extra chores and duties. I could not help but wait by the door as I hear everything Mia has to do for a week and a smirk spreads across my lips. For being disrespectful all the time these punishments served her right. With a chuckle I head into the pack garage and make my way towards my mustang. Today was my day and I would not let anything get me down.

Normally I would ride my mountain bike to school on the trails but today I wanted to make a statement. I wanted to show everyone who looked at me with contempt to see who I truly am – a force to be reckon with.

The drive was short, and I stop at the café to grab a vanilla Frappuccino after checking I had more than enough time to treat myself before school. The parking lot was full once I reach the building, the only spot available for me to park being next to Leo and his jock squad. I roll my eyes as their heads turn to me, a wolf whistle directed at me from one of the football stars as I exit my convertible and strut past them. The delectable scent from this morning brushes past me causing my heart to quicken as I eye the males surrounding a hummer I believe belongs to the future Beta of Glacier Pack.

"Hey Amberle why the new change of clothes?" A voice calls out as I turn to stare at Matt – future Alpha to Glacier Pack – as his eyes rove up and down my body. Leo stands beside him and just stares at me with a peculiar look in his eyes.

"I'm eighteen today so I figured I would dress up in case I meet my mate." I answer with a wink and twirl around to show off. Kevin and Kent walk up to me as the jocks wish me a happy birthday whisking me away from the football players and towards our friends.

“Happy Birthday!” Ivory exclaims, her petite frame wrapping around mine as she hugs me. I could not help the chuckle the rises to my lips as I hug her back, feeling the four-foot wolf try her best to stand on her toes to reach my shoulders.

“Stop laughing, I’ll be your height in no times.” She pouts as Kent pats her head gently. Ivory was considered a genius. At fifteen she had already surpassed the other grades and would be graduating with us soon. She was the future Alpha of the Harvest Willow as the only child to the Alpha and Luna and could be the most serious wolf. But in our group she is like our little sister.

“And when that day comes I will personally step down as your Beta and be your errand boy.” Kent says, Kevin nudging me with a wink.

[Twenty bucks says they are mates.] I link Kevin, a challenge in my eyes as I stare into his.

[Deal.] His voice enters my head as a smirk shapes his lips. Without warning he takes my Frappuccino out of my hand and walks away, sipping on the creamy drink.

“Give that back!” I yell, rushing after him and trying my best to take back the drink. Realizing my drink was long gone in the hands if the food thief I resign with my fate and head into class with Kevin and Kent as Ivory heads off to hers.

The scent that’s been enticing me all morning was back and lingered in the room as I scan the wolves noticing the jock squad were early as I handed in my paper and take my seat. I could not help but nervously shake my leg and lose focus in class from time to time as I kept trying to find the source of the scent.

“You good?” Kent whispers, poking my shoulder with his mechanical pencil. I shake my head no and sigh quietly as I try my best to focus on the lesson. Luckily, the classroom phone rings, and Mrs. Marrywind stops the lesson.

“I think my mate is close.” I groan out as the teacher excuses her-self to take a phone call and exits the room. The class starts to hum as wolves turn to talk to each other. It was clear that Mrs. Marrywind wouldn’t be continuing the lesson as I started to pack away my things and get ready for the bell to ring.

“Try to stay calm. You will eventually meet your mate. How long have you sense them?” Kevin asks, moving his chair to sit in front of me.

“All morning. I’m positive that my mate is from my pack.” I admit, catching the twins smirking at me. But Kevin is right. If my mate is from my pack, then I will eventually run into him in no time. The bell rings signalling the end of class as we make our way out and towards our next lesson. The twins split from me and we agree to meet at our usual lunch spot. Once again I catch the tempting scent and heave an exasperated sigh. The rest of my morning went well other than having a hard time focusing on classes wondering who I was mated too. Would I be mated to an Alpha or a Beta? Maybe even a Head Tracker, Head Hunter or even a Head Warrior. At lunch I head to the usual spot by the forest, my friends surprising me with a round vanilla cake. I couldn’t help the smile that spreads as I focus on them and watch as Dawn – Matt’s sister from Glacier Pack - tackles Kevin to the ground, smashing a piece of cake in his face.

“Your Alpha invited all of us and some of our pack members to your party. We’ll be there with you and hopefully watch you ditch us for your mate.” Dawn calls out, a smug grin on her face as she looks at the mess she made on Kevin. Those two were always fighting to see who was stronger or faster. It was entertaining to say the least. With a promise to talk later tonight I head to class.

My school day ended with my art teacher holding me back after class to wish me a happy birthday, handing me a sketch book and high-quality art pencils and charcoals.

“You’re just like your mother you know that. I was happy to have taught her years ago and even happier to teach you.” She praises with a sad smile on her face. I knew Mrs. Wright has been teaching for years. Her gray hair showed her age and wisdom. She was the one teacher in the school I trusted whole heartedly.

“Thank you.” I stay back and talk to her before making my way out of the school and towards my mustang. I could not help but feel slightly sad as the scent that has been frustrating me was no longer around. But hope ignited inside me as I remembered that there was a possibility of running into him at my party. As I drive back to the pack I by pass the pack house and head straight for the shed that housed the trailer with things from both my bedroom and what I had packed away after my parents’ deaths. I pack away the gifts I have received into the trailer and sigh. I would be leaving soon sometime this week either before or after school ends. Probably buy a new house for myself or off to a college or university to get away from the pack for a bit.

I spend some time wandering the pack on foot, leaving my car in the shed ready to be hooked up to the trailer. I know that Blue was letting me decide where to move. He would understand if I left the pack for a bit to figure myself out and make my life more fulfilling to me. My mind wanders as I start to think about my future. The fact I would most likely meet my mate today also plays into what I would do. Would he understand my need to leave for a few years to follow my desires or would he force me to stay? Would my mate be nice and understanding or clingy and demanding? All these questions swirl in my mind causing my mood to dampen. My future is unknown, but I just hoped that the Goddess would bring some light to me tonight.

Soon I find myself in a familiar setting as I walk past the old mail box that was battered and filled with weeds. The drive way showed the aging of the place as cracks were filled with dandelions, milkweed, and ragweed. Nature has taken over as most places held new plants and bushes as well as relatively new saplings. But the scent of charred wood still lingered in some places even if it was minuscule. My legs took me to the stone bench that stood in the front where a garden used to be. The roses and wild flowers my mother used to love over grown and taking over the yard. Nothing remained other than a hole in the ground where the basement used to be. Everything is overrun by plants, moss, and trees. Even the shed where my father would butcher our kills was gone. The stench of blood no longer lingered near there as a fluffy little bunny hops across the front. Mia and Zack had done a good job of burning this place to the ground.

Music drifted in on the wind as a signal that the party was starting and as the guest of honour it is time to make my way towards the field and make an entrance. I stand from the bench and slowly look around at my childhood home, a sad smile playing on my lips before I start walking in the direction of the music. A sense of excitement courses through my veins as the music grows louder the closer I get to the meadow. A hum of energy has me moving faster until a crowd greets me. The scent that’s been haunting me all day grows stronger and much more powerful.

My mate is here.