“What did he say?” I inquired anxiously, my voice tinged with curiosity.
“Nothing that can’t be addressed tomorrow, my little mate,” he responded, his tone laced with warmth and affection. The tenderness in his voice caused my heart to skip a beat, filling me with a yearning to be close to him.
“And will I see you tonight?” I asked, a smile forming in my mind.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” came his husky reply, and with that, our connection ended.
“Dominic will meet us at the party,” I explained with a casual shrug. “Apparently, he made some progress with Gabriel.”
“Oh, really? Well, did he mention anything specific?” Seraphina asked, her brows furrowing in concern.
I sighed, shaking my head slightly. “He said it could wait until tomorrow.”
“I don’t blame him,” Leona interjected with a nonchalant shrug. “Who would want to deal with something heavy on their birthday?”
Before long, Lucian arrived at the house, informing me that Dominic would join us at the party shortly after we arrived. We all piled into the sedan, the excitement palpable, as we set off for the mysterious location of the party.
As we drove, my thoughts wandered to Dominic, and I couldn’t suppress the flutter of excitement building inside me at the thought of seeing him again. I knew he would appreciate the dress I had chosen, but a small part of me worried that he might be upset with how much skin it revealed.
A frown creased my forehead as I realized we hadn’t left the pack’s territory. “Is the party on our land?” I asked, my confusion evident.
“Oh, yes, it is,” Seraphina replied hastily, her nod a bit too quick for my liking.
I raised an eyebrow in suspicion, but before I could press further, she launched into an animated conversation with Leona.
We soon pulled into a large clearing that I immediately recognized as the site of mine and Dominic’s ceremony. However, it looked entirely different this time. The entire area had been transformed into an enchanting garden, with vibrant tulips and fragrant gardenias dotting the landscape, accompanied by honeysuckle and lilies. The air was filled with the sweet and earthy scent of flowers. At the center of it all stood a grand porcelain fountain, its beauty unparalleled.
Tables brimming with food and drinks were scattered around the clearing, while twinkling lights in every color imaginable hung from the trees like delicate, shimmering canopies.
“Wow, this is incredible,” I breathed, taking in deep breaths of the flower-scented air, a broad smile spreading across my face.
“I’m glad you like it, little mate,” a familiar voice swirled around me, causing my heart to leap with joy. I turned around, my smile widening as I met my mate’s silver eyes.
As always, Dominic looked more handsome than ever. He wore a simple black button-down shirt paired with black slacks, yet he managed to look absolutely perfect. His muscles rippled beneath the fabric, and I couldn’t help but wonder how he ever found clothes that fit him so well.
Stifling a giggle, I wrapped my arms around Dominic, allowing his addictive scent to mingle with the fragrance of the flowers.
“You did all this?” I asked, my voice tinged with confusion. The smirk on his face only deepened my puzzlement.
“For you,” he replied with a genuine smile, leaning down to press his lips against mine. My head buzzed, and my lips tingled when he finally pulled away. “Happy birthday, Katarina.”
“This-this is all for me?” I stammered, my voice coming out high-pitched and uncertain.
“Everyone here is for you,” he murmured, his hot breath fanning against my ear.
“Thank you so much!” I giggled, wrapping my arms tighter around Dominic’s waist, overwhelmed by the effort he had put into this night.
It seemed as though he hadn’t fully registered what I was wearing until now. His eyes darkened to black as he held me at arm’s length, letting his gaze roam over my body.
“You don’t make things easy for me, do you, little mate?” Dominic sighed, though a smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.
“I happen to think you have remarkable self-control,” I teased, a playful glint in my eye. “Besides, Seraphina and Leona are the ones responsible for this dress.”
Dominic shot a pointed look at Seraphina and Leona, and Seraphina stuck her tongue out at her brother before dragging Lucian and Leona out of sight.
“You won’t be saying that when I drag you away from here and tear this little dress off of you,” Dominic’s voice deepened, his hands exerting a slight pressure on my waist.
I could feel my heart race under his touch, his words alone affecting me more than I cared to admit. A part of me was sorely tempted to let him drag me away.
“And miss this amazing party you planned for me?” I asked breathlessly, trying to maintain some semblance of composure.
Dominic smirked, pulling me tightly against him. “I think you’d enjoy it more if I took you away.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t do that until I give you your present,” Dominic sighed, taking my hand in his own. He led me into the heart of the party, stopping by one of the many tables to grab a drink.
I settled on a soda while Dominic opted for that strange amber liquid he seemed to favor, which I could only assume was some kind of alcohol.
We made our way to the porcelain fountain that stood majestically in the center of the clearing. It looked even more stunning up close, the water twinkling under the soft glow of the lights.
“Your present should be arriving any moment,” Dominic smiled down at me, his hand gently trailing down the side of my face. I closed my eyes, leaning into the comforting sparks that his touch ignited. I couldn’t believe he had gone to such lengths to make me feel special. Never in my life had I felt so cherished.
“Katarina?” A familiar voice broke through the haze, pulling me from Dominic’s side. I whipped my head around, my heart skipping a beat at the sound.
“Raven!” I practically screamed, blinking in disbelief as I tried to process her presence. My doubts were quickly dispelled when Gideon appeared beside her.
Just when I thought I couldn’t be more surprised, four more familiar faces came into view-my Mom, Dad, Aria, and Valen. My gaze shifted back to Dominic, incredulity shining in my eyes.
“You did this?” I gasped, searching his silver eyes as if seeing him for the first time.
“Happy Birthday,” he whispered, his smile tender and filled with affection.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn’t help but leap into his arms, wanting him to know just how much I appreciated everything he had done for me.
I didn’t realize I was crying until Dominic gently wiped my tears away, his touch filled with such care.
“Don’t cry, little mate,” he whispered softly, cupping my face and placing a tender kiss on my lips. “Go see your family.”
Feeling lightheaded, I ran to greet my friends and family, my heart bursting with joy. I couldn’t imagine the night getting any better.
Well…there was one thing that could make it better, but I kept that thought tucked neatly away.
“I can’t believe it,” Raven gasped, her eyes wide with amazement. “We’re here, you’re here, and you’re happy-and you look incredible!” She sputtered, clearly overwhelmed.
I launched myself into her arms, both of us laughing as if no time had passed since we last saw each other. From what I could tell, Raven hadn’t changed a bit. The only difference was the glistening mark proudly displayed on her neck.
“You’ve got to meet Seraphina and Leona,” I beamed at her. “You’re going to absolutely love them. Just don’t let them steal my best friend away.”
“As if that could ever happen!” She giggled, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I’m assuming they were the masterminds behind this stunning outfit?” She laughed, gesturing to my dress.
“Oh, of course,” I giggled, rolling my eyes playfully. “You know I could never pull this off without your help.”
“Not a chance,” she sniffled, her smile warm.
I turned away from Raven and pulled Gideon into a tight hug. He looked exactly the same, as if time had stood still since we last met. I could sense Dominic’s jealousy flaring up at the sight of me in another man’s arms, but I also felt him reigning it in. He didn’t want to spoil this moment for me, and that made me care for him even more.
“Things haven’t been the same without you,” Gideon smirked down at me, letting me step back from his embrace.
“Oh, I have no doubt about that,” I laughed, nudging him playfully with my elbow.
Just then, my mom cleared her throat, drawing my attention back to my family. The first person I hurried to was Valen. He enveloped me in a tight embrace, his arms warm and reassuring.
“It’s wonderful to see you so happy, Katarina,” he murmured softly into my ear, his voice filled with genuine warmth.
“I’m just as happy to finally feel this way,” I replied with a chuckle, looking up at him. Through my gaze, I tried to convey how much his belief in me had meant. Dominic had mended the broken pieces within me and given me the time and space to rediscover myself.
“Mom, Dad,” I said with a broad grin, unable to contain my joy. They both looked visibly relieved and pleased to see my happiness. I wrapped my arms around them, trying hard to keep the tears at bay.
“I can’t express how thrilled I am that everything has worked out for you, Katarina,” my mom sniffled as she hugged me. Even my dad’s eyes were misty.
“You have no idea how much Dominic has helped me,” I said with a heartfelt smile, hoping they could see the depth of my contentment. I was aware that Dominic’s past might still be a source of worry for them, but that concern had long since faded for me. His past was inconsequential compared to the present we shared.
“He’s a good guy, isn’t he?” my dad asked, his voice tinged with protectiveness. I couldn’t help but smile at his concern. I glanced over at Dominic, stifling a giggle when he winked at me.
“He is a good guy, Dad. He might come off as a bit abrasive at first, but I can think of someone else who’s like that,” I teased, enjoying the way his cheeks reddened.
“It’s so good to see you, Aria,” I said, turning to my younger sister. My thoughts were abruptly halted as I noticed her midsection.
“It’s great to see you too, Katarina,” she replied with a smirk, her eyes dancing with amusement as she observed my surprised reaction.
“No way,” I gasped, my jaw dropping. My eyes traced the small bump on her stomach and the glistening mark on her neck.
“I’m due in six months, but it feels like time is just flying by,” she said with a radiant smile. I pulled her into a hug, laughing with her in disbelief. I couldn’t believe my baby sister was going to be a mom.
I recalled the last time I had hugged her, just before I had left home with Dominic, my heart heavy with uncertainty. So much had changed since then.
The following hours were filled with heartfelt conversations and laughter with my family. I cherished their presence more than ever, even when my mom made comments about my revealing dress. Despite their imperfections and the things that used to irritate me, I now treasured every moment with them.
I introduced Raven to Seraphina and Leona, and it was clear that a connection was formed as soon as they met. They quickly dived into a lively discussion about fashion and makeup, and I found myself enjoying their enthusiastic exchange from the sidelines.
“I wonder where Gideon went,” I mused, scanning the crowd.
“Gideon? He mentioned he smelled something unusual and wandered off,” Raven said with a shrug, not seeming too concerned.
“You don’t think…?” I trailed off, recalling the last time I had encountered such a captivating scent. It was the night I met Dominic.
“No way,” Raven gasped, her eyes darting around the crowd in a frantic search.
“There, isn’t that Gideon?” Seraphina exclaimed, pointing towards a flower-covered bench.
Gideon was sitting with a strikingly familiar blonde woman. They appeared to be engaged in a flirtatious exchange, Gideon’s cheeks flushed with color as he held her hand. It was clear to me now-Gideon had found his mate. The woman beside him was Valeria.
“Isn’t that the girl who spoke poorly of you?” Seraphina’s voice was laced with disapproval.
“Valeria?” I said, my jaw dropping further. Gideon had indeed found his mate, and it was Valeria.
“Oh, no way. Should we say something to her?” Raven’s voice was filled with a hint of anger.
I took quick action, “No, no, no. Valeria may have said some rude things, but Gideon and Valeria are mates. They both deserve to be happy.” I smiled at Gideon and Valeria, feeling a genuine sense of happiness for them.
“You’re sounding more and more like a Luna every day,” Dominic’s deep voice rumbled from behind me. I rolled my eyes playfully as Seraphina raised her eyebrows suggestively and ushered Raven and Leona away.
“Do you really think so?” I asked, smiling up at him.
“I do,” Dominic replied, his lips brushing against my cheek and then my lips in a tender series of kisses.
Following Dominic with a smile, I allowed him to guide me to the dance floor. He positioned his hands on my hips just as a slow song began to play.
“I thought you didn’t dance,” I said, raising an eyebrow as I recalled our conversation from the night we left the club.
“I don’t, but this is a slow song and it’s your birthday,” he said with a smirk.
“This night is full of surprises,” I giggled, knowing that Dominic had no idea what I had planned for the rest of the evening.
“Enjoy this while it lasts,” he said, his voice deepening with each word. “The next time we dance will be at our wedding.”
If Dominic hadn’t been holding me, I was sure I would have collapsed from the intensity of his words. My cheeks flushed red, and I fumbled for a response, feeling overwhelmed.
“You know, you get that from your father,” he said with a deepened smirk as his hand trailed down my heated cheeks.
We swayed together to the rhythm of the song, our eyes locked in an unbroken gaze. The night seemed to fly by in what felt like only an hour, though I knew it must have been longer. I felt my energy waning with each passing song, but I made the most of every moment with my friends and family.
Dominic even took the time to engage with my parents, a gesture that left me in awe.
After many tearful farewells, my family left to start their journey home. With their departure, my nerves finally caught up with me, and the butterflies in my stomach swarmed with increasing intensity. Despite my nervousness, I was determined not to let it ruin the evening.