I sat frozen, clutching the letter in my hand as my heart pounded in my chest. “I know your secret.” The words echoed in my mind. I glanced around the room, trying to spot anyone acting suspiciously. But everyone seemed caught up in their conversations, laughing and smiling.
“Audrey, are you okay?” Mother’s voice cut through the noise, pulling me back to the present.
I quickly folded the letter and stuffed it into my pocket, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I am fine, Mom,” I replied though my voice sounded strained even to my ears. “Just………a little overwhelmed by everything.”
Mom raised an eyebrow, not completely convinced by my response. She leaned closer, a playful look in her eyes. “Overwhelmed, huh? I bet cutting your birthday cake will help with that,” she teased, giving me a gentle nudge. “Come on, birthday girl, everyone’s waiting.”
I glanced over at the table where the cake sat, candles already lit and flickering. Everyone was gathered around, waiting for me.
“Alright, alright,” I said, standing up and trying to push away the nervousness. I forced a smile and walked over to the cake. Mom followed me, still smiling like she had a secret.
As I reached for the knife, she leaned in and whispered, “I noticed you sneaked outside earlier. What, were you trying to avoid your big moment?”
I laughed nervously, glancing at her. “Just needed a breather, Mom,” I replied, trying to sound lighthearted. “It’s a lot, you know?”
She smiled, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I get it. But don’t worry, you’re surrounded by people who love you.” She gestured toward the crowd waiting for me to cut the cake. “Now, go on. Let’s make this birthday official!”
I took a deep breath and turned to the cake.
Everyone started singing “Happy Birthday” as I picked up the knife.
I made a wish, closing my eyes briefly before blowing out the candles. The room erupted into cheers and applause. I smiled, but the weight of the letter in my pocket kept tugging at my mind. Who sent it? What secret do they know?
“Cut the cake, Audrey!” Sam shouted, breaking me from my thoughts.
I sliced into the cake, and as pieces were handed out, I quietly slipped away from the crowd for a moment. My hand went to my pocket, fingers brushing the letter again. I needed answers, but I had no idea where to start.
As I stood in the corner, lost in my thoughts, Sarah suddenly appeared next to me. “Everything okay? She asked, her voice low and concerned.”
I glanced up at Sarah, her eyes filled with genuine concern. I forced a small smile.
“Yeah, I’m good. Just… tired, I guess.”
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “You sure? You’ve been acting a little strange. If something’s bothering you, you can talk to me.”
I hesitated, the weight of the letter pressing on my mind. I trusted Sarah-she was family, after all-but something about the note felt too dangerous to share, even with her. “It’s nothing, really,” I said, trying to brush it off.
“Just a long day.”
Sarah’s gaze lingered on me, but she didn’t push further. “Alright,” she said, giving me a quick hug. “But if you need to talk later, you know where to find me.”
I nodded, watching as she walked back to the crowd. My mind is racing. I needed to get away, to figure this out without anyone noticing but I guess it was too late. Mom noticed me. That woman didn’t just know when to leave someone alone. She made a beeline toward me with that knowing look on her face, the kind that told me I wasn’t about to slip away unnoticed.
She approached with a knowing look in her eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re sneaking off from your birthday party,” Mom said, crossing her arms with a playful smirk.
“You’re not planning to make a run for it, are you?”
I tried to laugh, but it came out strained. “No, of course not, Mom. Just needed a minute to myself.”
“That would be later after your birthday. You haven’t even greeted all your aunties that showed up for you.”
I groaned inwardly, glancing over at the group of older women clustered together, their laughter loud and cheerful. Of course.
The aunties. I knew I couldn’t escape the endless questions, hugs, and well-meaning but exhausting advice.
“I’ll get to it, Mom. Just give me a few more minutes, please,” | pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper.
Mom did not agree to give me just a few more minutes. “Nope, that’s what you will say then use it to run away. I am not falling for that trick Audrey.”
“Mom, please,” | said, desperation creeping into my voice. “I just need to think for a moment. It’s a lot to take in.”
She softened slightly but remained firm. “I understand, sweetheart, but you can’t hide forever. It’s your birthday! Just let it be about you for a bit.”
“Can’t you just let me have a minute?” | pleaded, trying to sound more upbeat than I felt.
“Absolutely No!” she said, crossing her arms with a playful but determined look. “You know how your aunties are. They’ll be asking where you are, and you haven’t even greeted them yet.”
“Fine!!” I groaned as I made my way to meet my aunties.
As I made my way toward my aunties, I took a deep breath, forcing myself to adopt a cheerful expression. The cluster of older women erupted into laughter as I approached, their voices a comforting background to my rising anxiety.
“There she is!” Aunt Margaret exclaimed, her arms outstretched for a hug. “Happy birthday, my dear! You’re all grown up now!”
I embraced her tightly, a smile plastered on my face. “Thanks, Aunt Margaret!”
Another aunt, Aunt Lucy, joined in, her eyes twinkling. “Eighteen! Can you believe it?
You’re practically an adult now. What are your plans? College? A job?”
I glanced at my mother, who stood nearby with a proud grin, clearly enjoying the attention I was receiving. “I am still in high school
“I’m still in high school,” I said, trying to keep my voice light. “Just focusing on graduation for now.”
Aunt Lucy nodded, seemingly unfazed.
“That’s good! Enjoy every moment; it goes by so fast. You have your whole life ahead of you!”
I forced a smile, feeling the pressure of their expectations weighing heavily on my shoulders. “Thanks! I’m looking forward to it,” I replied, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“Tell us about your friends!” Aunt Clara chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. “Do you have any special ones?”
“I basically have only two friends and they are special to me.”
“What about boys?” Aunt Magret asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I hope you are not too focused on just your studies.”
I felt my cheeks flush. “There’s no one special, really. Just friends,” I said, hoping to deflect the conversation.
“Friends can be special too!” Aunt Lucy winked. “Just wait until you meet the right one. You’re beautiful and smart; boys will be lining up!”
I laughed awkwardly, feeling overwhelmed by the attention. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, glancing over at my mom for an escape.
“Your cake is delicious, dear!” Aunt Clara interrupted, sensing my discomfort. “Let’s go grab some before it’s all gone!”
“Good idea!” Aunt Lucy added, leading the way back toward the table.
I finally managed to escape the overwhelming chatter of my aunts by excusing myself to get some air. I hurried upstairs, needing a moment of solitude to clear my head.
As I reached the top of the stairs, I noticed Logan’s father’s door slightly open. Curiosity got the better of me, and I moved closer to peek inside. I expected to find an empty room, but instead, I saw Logan and his father deep in conversation.
“Father, she can’t know now; it’s too sudden!” Logan’s voice was low but urgent.
His father stood with his arms crossed, looking serious. “When will she know? Our pack needs a Luna soon, and you have been mated with her.”
The words struck me hard. Mated? My heart raced as I tried to understand what that meant.
Logan looked frustrated. “I can’t just tell her!
She doesn’t understand our world. This is too much!”
His father stepped closer, still firm. “You can’t put this off. It’s part of our tradition. If you don’t claim her, someone else will.”
I felt frozen, my mind racing. I wanted to turn and run but felt trapped by their conversation.
Logan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just need more time. We have to protect her.”
“Protecting her means being honest. You can’t keep secrets forever, Logan. You must tell her the truth.”
My heart sank. What truth? And who were they talking about?