Page 8 of Rejection on the Full Moon

Wakey, wakey, Amber, and happy birthday, sweetie...

The voice floats through the air as a remnant from my dream, and a soft smile graces my lips. The light from my window illuminates the picture of my parents on my desk, and I am reminded of my dream last night. In it, they were beside me as I blew out the candles of my cake, wishing me a wonderful birthday. I haven’t dreamt of them like that in years, and a small sadness settles in. But today is Monday. It also meant today is my birthday and that I’m now considered an adult. I could finally live my life my way without the worry of Mia and Zack trying to control me. Today will be a good day, and to top it all off, there will be a full moon tonight.

The shrill of the stupid alarm rings, making me groan. I forgot that Monday also meant school. With a sigh, I sit up and fumble with the alarm clock. All I know is that when I graduate, the first thing I’m doing is smashing this thing with a sledgehammer, so it doesn’t cause me any more grief in the morning.

Finally, turning off the annoying gadget, I fling back the covers and head towards my bathroom for a long shower. I lean my head against the tiled wall as the warm water cascades down my body. It felt like a normal day today. No magical smell had me hunting down to find who the owner is. No enhancement to my body as an adult werewolf. I just felt normal. With a sigh, I finish washing and turn off the water to continue my morning. I had school to attend to, but today I felt like dressing up. I was eighteen, after all, and I had a feeling I could run into my mate at any time.

With renewed vigour, I quickly towel-dry off and start styling my hair. I kept the usual messy bun, but only half of my hair was tied up. The other half of my fiery red hair flowed down my body in loose curls. I look at the outfit I set out last night and smile at the figure-skating high-low off-the-shoulder dress in navy blue with the white cropped jean jacket vest and black wedges. It’s something a little girly and a little edgy that matched my personality well. I couldn’t help but twirl around a bit in the almost empty room before sitting at my vanity to put on the little bit of makeup I owned and the only set of jewellery I owned—my mother’s white gold necklace and matching hoop earrings.

I kiss the frame that holds my parents’ picture smiling at me, taking one last look at my empty room.

“Wish me luck, mom and dad. Maybe I’ll find my mate today.” I whisper before grabbing my school bag and making my way down the stairs. Many pack members stop to wish me happy birthday or ask about my plans for moving out. Only a few sneer at me and ignore my presence.

“Morning, Blue.” I sing out as I enter the kitchen, Marie handing me a plateful of food as I settle in beside the Alpha.

"Morning Am, happy birthday." He calls back, wrapping me in a one-armed hug as he pushes a cup full of orange juice towards me.

“How does it feel being eighteen?” Marie asks with a smile as she puts a lunch box beside my bag for me to take.

“Honestly, everything feels the same. Nothing is unusual so far, and everything’s the usual routine before school.” I answer with a shrug as I shovel a big forkful of bacon and eggs into my mouth. I pause as a breeze floats through the window, and I catch a hint of something in the air. Something that I could get addicted to. My attention is snapped back as an envelope is slid towards me, and the scent disappears. With suspicion in my eyes, I stare at the envelope that sits beside my orange juice.

"It’s your birthday gift, not a bomb." Blue chuckles out as he sips his coffee, Marie giving me a look with a knowing smile. I could not help but laugh at my behaviour as I open the envelope and taking the card out. It was unlike me to space out like that. I smiled at the check and frowned. It was five-hundred thousand dollars, not the three we planned, and another hundred in cash.

"Six-hundred thousand?" I question, my eyes wide in shock as I look to Blue. Sometimes I question what he is thinking with how he could spend money on everyone in the pack only to remember that he owns multiple businesses outside of the pack funds.

"That’s from Marie and me." Blue answers with a smile as Marie walks to a cupboard, taking out something large and wooden. My eyes widen again as she places an ancient oak box in front of my now empty plate before leaning back. I could see the connection between the two wolves and could not help but grin. It was about time they paired up after both being mate-less for years.

"This is from your parents. You're eighteen now." She says with a soft smile as I look down once again at the box. I was scared to open it, but I couldn’t help lifting the lid with trembling fingers. Inside is a beautiful diamond and white gold locket in the shape of a pawprint, the diamond the shape of a wolf. Next to it is a pair of stud earrings also in the shape of a wolf as well as a card that looked a little old from the years of being kept away for so long.

Our dear Amberle,

In case anything happens to us, Blue offered to take care of you and promised that he would hand you this gift on your eighteenth birthday. It must be so hard without us there, but know that no matter what, we are proud of the woman you have become. Baby girl, you are strong and brave and meant for so much more, and we knew that when you first shifted that you would be a powerful wolf and a force to be reckoned with.

Blue has also set aside the money meant for you to inherit in case of our passing, as well as bonds and stock shares that we were growing in hopes that neither you nor your siblings are left without a way to provide for your future. Whether you decide to go to college or build your own business, know that we are happy for you in building a strong future, our dear little spitfire.

We know that not having us around hurts, but know that we will always be with you. It’s why we had the locket made especially for you, as it holds a picture of the three of us the day you were born, as well as the last picture we took on your birthday.

Always know that we loved you no matter what and to keep your head held high.

Love Mom and Dad.

P.S.: Dad is leaving you his cherished Mustang. Goddess only knows how much he loves that stupid car. – Mom

I read and reread the letter written in my parents’ handwriting, laughing at the note mom left at the end each time I read the note. It was clear that they took turns to write, and I loved it even more. A hand wiping away tears from my cheeks makes me realize I had started to cry, as the faint scents of my parents from the letter wraps around me like a warm hug. I missed them so much.

"How much did they leave me?" I ask, taking the offered tissues from Marie to clean my face as she carefully puts away the letter and envelope from my parents, Blue and her into the oak box.

"They left you and your siblings the same amount for each of your birthdays, just over two million." Blue answers, giving me another hug as I slowly calm my aching heart.

“Your siblings already earned their inheritance, but I had to wait for you to be eighteen to hand it to you.” I nod into his chest and pull away as Marie comes over to give me a hug as well. I was lucky that no other wolf comes into the kitchen this early in the morning. The two give me some space as I place the oak box and lunch box into my bag, making sure everything is secured before I sling it over my shoulder.

"I'm off to school," I whisper, passing my siblings, who just glare at me.

"Remember Amber, your party is in the meadow." I hear Blue call out, and I nod. I can hear Mia complain about wasting money and time for my birthday and calling me a jinx. Blue yells at her, and I feel the love he has while protecting me from Mia, giving her extra chores and duties. I could not help but wait by the door as I hear everything Mia has to do for a week, and a smirk spreads across my lips. These punishments served her right for being disrespectful all the time. With a chuckle, I head into the pack garage and make my way towards my Mustang. Today was my day, and I would not let anything get me down.

Normally, I would ride my mountain bike to school on the trails, but today I wanted to make a statement. I wanted everyone who looked at me with contempt to see who I truly am—a force to be reckoned with.

The drive was short, and I stop at the café to grab a vanilla Frappuccino after checking I had more than enough time to treat myself before school. The parking lot was full once I reach the building, the only spot available for me to park being next to Leo and his jock squad. I roll my eyes as their heads turn to me, a wolf whistle directed at me from one of the football stars as I exit my convertible and strut past them. The delectable scent from this morning brushes past me, causing my heart to quicken as I eye the males surrounding a hummer I believe belongs to the future Beta of Glacier Pack.

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