Chapter 135
Fiona POV
1
Wolfless, wolfless, wolfless. The constant phrase repeats in my mind as I stare dobby at the mirror. What goes was there so
having a party, to celebrating my birthday in the pack when I knew that tomorrow would only bring more rifiede vah humiliation? I had failed to do the one thing that every shifter should be able to do without question. To transform into my wolf and 1 felt nothing but degraded as I stood there woodenly, debating whether it was even wise to come down, or if 1 should simply stay here, hiding away forever.
The transfer. I sucked in a breath, fighting back tears. Tears had welled up in my eyes all day I could kiss the transfer to the Black Lightning Pack goodbye. They wouldn’t want a wolfless shifter in their pack. Not with the amount of strengh they possessed. I was no good to them. They would refuse to have me in a heartbeat, further adding to my distress and anguish What was I going to do now? Stay with my family who had never wanted me anyway? I had seen the looks of pity on their faces, except for Celeste who was no doubt celebrating my humiliation, and I had no desire to stay somewhere I wasn’t wanted. Would becoming a rogue be the only option I had left, or disappearing to a human town? I didn’t know anymore
“Fiona”
He called my voice softly, but I knew it was him. I opened the door, turning my back on my father as he sighed and entered the bedroom, a pained expression on his face. I flattened my lips.
“What do you want?” I asked tersely,
Some eighteenth birthday this was turning out to be. I glanced over my shoulder and saw that he was studying me, taking in the dark midnight blue dress I had adopted, my hair left loose down my back, and my shoes nothing more than plain ballet flats.
“You look pretty” he said softly.
I swallowed, “Do I look like my mother?” my tone was snarky.
I couldn’t help it. I wanted to hurt him, just like he had hurt me all these years. He blinked and then looked away.
“Yes,” he whispered thickly, “you do.”
I was surprised he even bothered to answer. I had expected him to deny it or simply not acknowledge the question. He took the wind out of my sails.
He was holding a small rectangular box in his hand. He motioned to me. “Let’s go for a walk before the party.”
“I wasn’t planning on attending the party,” I said in surprise.
“I’m hoping this might put you in a better mood and convince you otherwise. I know that today didn’t work out how you hoped” he paused as I scowled “but I want you to know that I still love you, even if you think I don’t.
I glanced at the box but he withheld it from me, motioning for me to go downstairs. Feeling resigned and more than a little curious, I followed him, surprised when we made it down into the garage, a frown on my face.
What were we doing down here of all things? He smiled, looking at the confusion on my face.
“It wouldn’t be an eighteenth birthday without a present,” he told me gently, handing the small rectangular box to me as I blinked at him.
“This is from all of us” he added as my fingers slowly undid the ribbon, a sense of excitement beginning to grow inside of
- me.
Had he done what he promised after all? Even after everything that had happened? I glanced around at the various cars, even as I withdrew the lid on the box, my eyes widening at what was inside.
1/3
Chapter 135
A key. A single key that was clearly to a car. I plucked it out of the box and looked around, my eyes beginning to brighten. I couldn’t believe that my father had come through for me for once.
“Which one?” I bounced up and down on my feet, unable to contain my enthusiasm.
He laughed. “Press the lock button and see. I’m not about to ruin the surprise” he added with a guffaw “I want to see the look on your face when you discover which one it is.”
So many cars. I held up my hand and lightly pressed the locking mechanism. I saw the lights spark on the car in front of me. I gasped. No way. My father had gotten me a Silver Chrysler, one of the ones I had seen in a magazine months ago, and said out loud how nice it was. It was expensive as hell and I had never dreamed that he would get it for me as my first car ever. What if I ruined it?
“Happy birthday” he whispered and unable to stop myself, I flung myself into his arms, letting him hold me tightly.
“Thank you” I breathed.
This was the best present I had ever received. I heard him sniffle and wondered if he was attempting to hold back tears. He gently pulled me away from him.
“Do you think you might go to the party now?” he asked knowingly as my fingers clutched the car key tighter.
“What’s the point?” my tone was morose. “As much as I appreciate the gift father, it’s not going to change my circumstances. Hell” I added, glancing away and feeling ashamed “I’ll never be able to transfer to the Black Lightning pack now. They’ll never accept a pack member like myself”
He raised a brow. “You left in a hurry after your um, well anyway” he coughed “I didn’t get a chance to tell you that Alpha Liam from the Black Lightning pack is attending your party. I’m sure we can discuss things with him, if you are still determined to go that is” he added softly, looking upset.
“I am, but do you think we could convince him to take me still?” I asked slowly. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier he was coming” I added slightly irritable “I would have taken more care with my appearance” I added panicked as I glanced down at myself.
“I thought Celeste was going to talk to you” he frowned.
Ah. Of course. Celeste had lied to them again and they had bought it. I wanted to yell at him that she never said she was going to do what she said but I refrained. They were all blind when it came to her. I sighed.
“Never mind. I’ll go change” I muttered.
“You look fine as you are. Why try and be someone you’re not for somebody else’s sake” he said, shaking his head at me as I stilled. “Wouldn’t you rather Alpha Liam got to know the real you, instead of somebody you’re not?” he asked.
It was true that I didn’t necessarily enjoy dressing up and to be honest out of the two of us, Celeste was the one who cared! the most about looks. I wavered and then decided it didn’t matter. I was a hundred percent certain that Alpha Liam was going to take one look at me and refuse the transfer, no matter how dressed up I was. At least I had a car to console me, I thought with a slight smile.
“That’s the spirit” my father said with a nod “now how about I escort you to the party and we can start to have some fun” he offered, holding out his arm hopefully.
“Where is Regan and Xavier?” I asked pointedly, even as I reluctantly took his arm.
“Already at the party, ensuring things run smoothly” he said evasively.
Yeah right, I thought scornfully but chose to keep my mouth shut. I appreciated that my father had taken the time to fetch me and give me a present. I let him lead me out of the garage, putting my keys on the little stand by the door and breathed in the fresh air as we began to walk out to the grounds.
2/3
16:10 Fri, 28 Feb MO
Chapter 135
303%
I could hear the sound of music in the distance and the sound of laughter. Evidently pack members had already begun to join in the festivities and I suspected that a lot of the men had partaken in the alcohol that would be readily available for those who were old enough to drink. There was a large bonfire burning, lighting up the dimness of the sky and tables filled with all sorts of refreshments and goodies. It wasn’t exactly the most elegant of parties, but it was the type of party I would enjoy. Who didn’t like a good bonfire and cupcakes? It appeared that my parents knew me better than I had thought. I glanced around appreciatively and then spotted none other than Celeste. My eyes widened and then I shrugged. I should have known that she would dress to outdo me. Nothing had changed, I thought studying her as we joined the large group around the bonfire, but why was she constantly glancing around, as though she was eagerly looking for somebody? Did she know that Alpha Liam was attending tonight as well and if so, what was her game?
