Three months had slipped by quietly, and winter wrapped the town in a soft, peaceful chill. Snow covered the trees and rooftops, making everything look like a scene out of a postcard. School had settled back into its usual rhythm, and while whispers about Warwick’s death still popped up now and then, life was as close to normal as it had been in a long time. It felt strange, but maybe it was easier to pretend things were okay.
Today, though, was Logan’s birthday. He had tried to keep it simple, saying he didn’t want any fuss, but Mal, Liam, and I had other plans.
Sure, there was a lot going on-being Alpha and Luna meant there were always responsibilities hanging over us. But we were still teenagers. We needed a little time for fun, to let go and just be kids for a day. So, despite everything, we were determined to give Logan a proper birthday celebration.
By the afternoon, we had the living room decorated, with a cake waiting on the kitchen counter and a few gifts on the coffee table. Liam had set up some music, and Mal had brought over snacks. Logan came downstairs, looking a little surprised as he took in the decorations and the huge grin on our faces.
Really?” he said, smirking. “I told you guys, I didn’t need anything big.”
“Oh, this isn’t big,” Mal replied, rolling her eyes. “This is just a little something to remind you that we’re still here, even if you try to play the mysterious lone wolf.”
Logan chuckled, shaking his head as he plopped down on the couch. “Alright, alright. You win. I guess I could use a break from the ‘Alpha life’ for a day.”
I grinned, handing him his first gift. “Exactly. So, open it up already!”
He took the gift and carefully unwrapped it, revealing a simple silver watch. “For when you’re off ‘saving the pack’ and losing track of time,” I joked.
Logan looked at it for a moment, then slipped it on, giving me a warm smile. “Thanks, Audrey. It’s perfect.”
Liam handed him his own gift, a new set of wireless earbuds, and Mal gave him a box of his favorite snacks. For a little while, we all just hung out, talking, eating, and laughing. It felt good-like we’d left all the heavy stuff behind, at least for a few hours.
As the laughter settled, I caught Logan’s gaze and smiled, a hint of mischief in my eyes. “Actually, there’s one more gift,” I said, my voice low enough that only he could hear. “But… it’s upstairs.”
Logan raised an eyebrow, a curious smile forming on his lips as he glanced over at Liam and Mal, who were still preoccupied with snacks and music. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Should I be worried?”
I gave him a playful nudge, rolling my eyes. “Depends. Think you can handle it?”
He stood, following me as I led him out of the living room and up the stairs. My heart beat a little faster with every step, a mix of excitement and nerves. When we reached my room, I paused by the door, glancing back at him with a teasing smile. “Close your eyes.”
Logan chuckled, but he obliged, his smile turning into a smirk. “Alright, but this better be worth it.”
“Ohh it’s going to be worth it,” I said.
As we reached Logan’s room, he looked around, a playful confusion on his face. “Alright, where’s this mysterious gift, Audrey?”
I gave him a sly smile, backing up toward his bathroom. “Oh, it’s coming,” I replied, keeping my tone light but with a hint of something more.
Logan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued as he watched me disappear into the bathroom. I took a deep breath, heart pounding as I slipped into the costume I’d hidden under my clothes-a police uniform, complete with a toy badge, handcuffs, and a playful, confident smile. After one last look in the mirror, I stepped back out, feeling both nervous and excited.
When Logan saw me, his eyes went wide, and he couldn’t help the surprised grin that spread across his face. “Audrey…?”
I stepped closer, holding up the handcuffs and giving him a playful wink. “I’m the gift,” I said in a low, teasing voice, locking my gaze with his.
Logan’s eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face as he took in the outfit. “Oh God, Audrey… you look hot!”
I bit back a laugh, giving him a little shrug as I looked up at him with a smirk. “Oh, I know,” I replied, feigning confidence as I twirled the handcuffs playfully.
He shook his head, still grinning. “You really went all out for this, didn’t you?”
“Only the best for the birthday boy,” I teased, moving a bit closer. The excitement and nerves mixed into a buzz that made everything feel light, like we were in our own world for just a moment.
As I stepped closer, I reached out and lightly trailed my fingers along his arm, feeling the warmth beneath his skin. My touch was gentle at first, testing the waters, watching his reaction as his breath hitched just a bit. His eyes locked onto mine, a mix of surprise and intrigue flickering in his gaze.
I gave him a playful smile, brushing a hand along his shoulder before letting it rest at the nape of his neck. “See? Totally worth it,” I whispered softly, letting my thumb trace small circles there.
Logan’s hand came up to rest on my waist, pulling me a little closer. He was still grinning, but there was a softness in his eyes now, a warmth that made my own heartbeat quicken.
Logan leaned in, his breath warm against my ear as he whispered, “Are you trying to make me lose control? Because if that’s the plan… it’s definitely working.”
A shiver ran through me, his words sending a wave of thrill and nervous excitement through my body. I let out a small laugh, feeling my cheeks heat up. “Maybe I am,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, as I ran my fingers along the edge of his collar, tugging him just a little closer.
He smirked, his hand tightening on my waist as he looked at me, his eyes darkening. “You have no idea what you’re starting, Audrey,” he murmured, his voice low and charged with intensity.
I raised an eyebrow, matching his smirk as I tilted my head slightly. “Oh, I think I do.”