Page 148 of Mates: Posy

"Little luna bunny, what's wrong?" Emerson laid a hand on my head.

"Who makes his birthday cake?" I sniffled. "Does he even get presents?"

"Well, alphas Ash, Jayden, and Wyatt took a special interest in him when he was orphaned. I think they make sure he's taken care of. I remember last year hearing them tell the den mother to order him blue cupcakes."

"Who does ... he share ... them with? Who's there .... to celebrate ... with him?" I hiccuped, getting more worked up, not less.

"There are other kids in the O," he assured me. "Although most of them are younger than Ty, he's friends with them. And this year he's a beta. We're planning to do something for him. Do you want to celebrate with us?"

I nodded and got myself under control. He and Peri would be back soon, and I didn't want him to know I'd been crying for him. He might mistake it for pity.

"Luna?"

A big, tanned hand held out a box of tissues, which I took gratefully. After I blew my nose and wiped my face, I raised my eyes to see everyone staring at me with concerned expressions. Except for Gisela, who was fast asleep in her mate's arms.

"I'm fine," I croaked.

"Want another ice pop?" Crew leaped up to get it before I could reply. "It'll feel good on your throat, and you dropped your last one."

"Luke, where'smyice pop?" The queen glared at her brother.

"What? It was melting. Just grab another one."

"That is not the point. It wasmyice pop."

"I got you, Queen Lilah." Crew handed her one.

As she thanked him, he gave me mine and I smiled at him.

"Luna bunny?" Emerson crouched down next to me. "When's the last timeyouhad a birthday party? Or cake? Or presents?"

I shrugged, then smiled brightly when I remembered.

"Ash got me a present this year!" I grinned. "A set of hair pins with the prettiest flowers! I didn't evenaskfor them and he got them for me!"

I didn't understand the emotion burning in Emerson's eyes, but an idea popped into my mind and distracted me.

"We are going to give Tyler a big party. Here at the alpha house. And he's going to get a cake and presents. And you're all coming."

"Sounds great." Emerson chuckled. "Tell us how to help and we'll do it."

"Queen Lilah," I swiveled to look at her, "you'll help me plan it, right? I've never planned a birthday party before."

"Of course, I'll help. It'll be loads of fun. Is it going to be a surprise or not?"

I bit my lip. I didn't know Tyler well enough to know if he liked surprises. He might go the whole day thinking everyone had forgotten him, and I didn't want him to feel bad for a single second on his biggest birthday.

"How about I invite him for a birthday meal," I thought out loud, "but have a pool party set up back here? Is that too boring?"

"I think it's a great idea," she chirped and clapped her hands.

"I doubt he'll go swimming."

We both looked at Matthew, who rubbed the back of his neck and looked at his feet. Glancing at the other two betas, I saw an uncomfortable expression on their faces, too.

What do they know that I don't?

"Oh. Well, he doesn't have to swim. Just eat the cake and ice cream and open the presents. Other people can swim if they want to."

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