Unlike the disaster I expected and prepared for, the party turned out more successful, and Aaron held his own. He was more organised and informed than I would admit out loud. For someone with little knowledge, he was vast in the field. Just like I promised, I took a step back and allowed him to lead, and he did it better than I could have ever imagined.
I had planned Zion’s last four birthdays, but this put all those past years’ parties to shame.
He didn’t come home with any extravagant gifts, but three days ago, he got him a Megatron toy, which Zion didn’t need. He must have seen the look on my face because he said he’d return it if Zion didn’t like it-as if Zion would ever use that line.
We bonded very well, and it made me happy. Despite equipping myself in case of a fallout, none of that happened. He was just a reasonable father who wanted the best for his son. He reminded me so much of my father, and as much as it warmed my heart, it made me sad that he might not be around to witness his son add another year.
I informed Zion we were planning his birthday party, but I didn’t go into much detail about it. That was the surprise. Aaron picked his penthouse at the Grand Central as the venue, hinting there would be less attention as compared to the Pack estate.
He also wanted privacy for the pack members at the estate, as some invitees would be humans. I liked his suggestion and didn’t want anyone’s privacy invaded because of Zion’s birthday.
He made sure the security maintained tightness to make sure nothing happened. I was grateful to him for the extra step he had taken to ensure there would be safety, and, unlike the other times, I said it out loud.
“Is Zion five or fifteen? This seems cooler than my last birthday.” Diya squealed as she walked up to me with a glass of wine in her hand.
“That must be the whisky in your system talking.”
I informed Diya that the drinks that would be served at the party would be non-alcoholic, and she suggested bringing her own. She asked if there was something wrong with that, and I told her no, and so she did. She and Greg were the only ones with alcohol content in their fruit juice.
“Bullshit. But this is nice, and Aaron seems nicer than I expected him to be.”
I didn’t tell her about the kiss Aaron and I shared during the week that passed. It was a moment of gratitude for being alive, and I had done what I would call an act of weakness. I kissed Aaron Hart, and I liked it. The kiss made me feel more alive than I had ever felt. His arms felt like home and provided more comfort than I wanted to admit out loud.
Neither of us had spoken about the kiss we shared last week. We’ve gone around it as if it hadn’t happened. A part of me wanted it that way; I tried to deny the reality where I gave in to my desire for Aaron.
Every time I thought about the kiss, my whole body came to life. I felt as if he was the only one made for me, and my body and mind welcomed the thought of him.
“I’ll go meet up with Greg. He’s probably wondering where I took myself this time,” she said, walking away from me.
I stood in the corner, watching the few kids who turned up and their families. A few in attendance were Diya, Greg, Lionel, Sesi, Ivan, and the parents of the ten other kids celebrating with Zion. Six I recognised from his school, but the other four were Aaron’s doing. According to him, they were in his place and had bonded with Zion in the last few months. I couldn’t complain; a healthy social circle was important for the growth of an individual, and Zion had all he needed.
Music and noise filled the living area where the party was held. I haven’t seen Aaron since he stepped out to speak to Ivan and Sesi earlier.
“Damor could not make it, but he sent his regards and got this for Zion,” Ivan spoke up, handing me a wrapped-up box.
I collected it and thanked him, then moved to keep it with the rest of the birthday gifts the friend of Zion had brought for him.
“You don’t seem interested in joining the party,” Aaron’s voice said from behind me, and goosebumps scattered all over my body.
“It’s for kids,” I said with my eyes still fixed on the children, who seemed to be having the time of their lives.
“True, but there are a few adults around,” he pointed out.
“Greg and Diya seem occupied, and I haven’t seen Sesi and Ivan since they stepped out an hour ago. I’m not very familiar with the other parents here. So it’s best to stand in the corner and watch instead,” I answered.
“Fair enough.”
For the next few seconds that passed, we stood, watching the party go on in silence, and once in a while, I’d feel Aaron’s gaze on me before it would move away. I wanted to turn to the side and meet his gaze, but I knew I’d give in to him at this point with the way I felt about him.
“I can’t stop thinking about it,” he said with a soft voice but loud enough for me to hear, even with the music. I knew what he spoke about, but I wanted to pretend as if I didn’t, so I stayed silent. He stared at me for a moment before turning away. “About the kiss. It keeps me up late at night, thinking about so many things. I know there might never be anything between us because you’re you, and I’m me, and Zion is the only thing joining us together. But I will still think about it every day for as long as I can.”
I turned my head to meet his gaze, and I knew that was a mistake on my part because now my gaze was locked on his weakening ones. I couldn’t speak, even though I had something to say, and I couldn’t look away despite my senses drowning.
I took a deep breath and said, “You don’t have to tell me what I want to hear, and you don’t have to lie.”
I have also considered the kiss. That wasn’t a lie, and I have considered what it would be like to have him again. However, I had to consider the reality before me. Five years ago, I was with him, not knowing who he was, but getting together with him now meant I knew and accepted who he was. He was a werewolf, and I was human.