Chapter 40
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All my friends were carrying gift bags too. I was so overwhelmed, but I couldn’t help myself and look
at Mateo. He knew my question without me having to ask. He just shook his head once, almost
imperceptibly. I couldn’t help the wave of sadness that rolled over me and I felt my heart breaz
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was not going to let his absence detract from this
amazing thing my friends and their families did for me. They can’t have any idea what this means to
me. The first birthday I will celebrate outside of my bedroom and with other people is my 15th
birthday.
Even my nanny wasn’t allowed to celebrate my birthday. She always said ‘happy birthday’ to me,
but we couldnt do more than that. She tried once to bring me a cupcake and my father punched her
in front of me, then kept her away from me for a week
This will be one of the most special memories I have. But, cannot cry, I won’t cry. I take another
deep breath. Not happy tears, not sad tears. Today is going to be an amazing day, even if it has to
include dress shopping. come out of my daze and walk around to hug and thank everyone. Luna
Ava hugs me longer than necessary, telling me she probably has a pretty good idea what this
actually means to me. Like always she lets me have my silent moment and then moves
on like it was nothing, not drawing attention where I don’t want it. She has always just understood
me without explanation.
A’Vhat about training?!” I suddenly ask, looking at Delta Kyle and noticing the time. Panic washed
through me at the thought of the pups running a muck by themselves.
canceled it today and told the pups you were not allowed to workout with anyone today on pain of
having to play capture the flag against you solo, after completing your entire, personal, daily
workout. I can guarantee none of them are going to even look in your direction today.” Delta Kyle
laughs along with everyone else. I don’t know if I should be offended or smug.
“l guess it’s good I already went for my run today then, jeez.” They all just laugh again.
Luna Ava helps me get dishes out and stack them on the island and we all dig in. The food is
amazing. Along with all of the fruit and pastries, the hot dishes had eggs, sausages, and fried
potatoes. We go through most of it, these boys can put down some food. Sierra and I eat almost as
much as the guys do, and Delta Kyle is quick to mention it.
“l like that you girls eat a healthy amount I am always worried about some of the girls who don’t eat
enough, getting hurt at training. They are worried about gaining weight, but it’s really hard to do
even if they train the bare minimum.” That launched a whole load of conversations about girls and
eating and picky eaters. This then launched a competition of the worst dinner dates. These boys
spent far too much time on high maintenance girls from the sounds of it, but who am I to judge. Until
I met Sierra I did the exact opposite and avoided people like it was my job.
I’m standing at the center of the Island. Cam, Kota and Mateo to my left. Oliver, Sierra and Sam to
my right and their respective adults across from them. It was kind of a neat image, previous and
future generation of leaders all at the table. The Beta is the only person missing. It makes me sad
for a moment, not for myself, but for Mateo. Because of me, my dad refuses to share this moment
with him.
“Okay you have to open your presents.” Sierra sings at me from the end of the island.
‘%at? Now? I thought I would just open them later. We are all having fun just hanging out and I
really need to go shower, I probably smell.”
“You smell fine to me.” Chorused from all of the boys, except my brother who looked at his friends
with his eyebrows smashed together and letting out a little growl
Wiat?” asked Oliver, looking around. “She smells fine, like the forest.” He shrugs. ‘l assume that’s
where she was running this morning.”
Yeah, Tiny, you smell good, just open your presents.” Cam smiles at me.
The look that Luna Ava gave Alpha Lucas did not go unnoticed by me. What is going on?