The Reluctant Cougar (Rise of the Alpha King's Heir)

Ben's Birthday

Eileen was dancing again, but this time it was in his bedroom instead of the living room.

He cleared his throat as he entered the room, and she turned, eyes catching his. Instead of stopping, though, she watched him as she danced towards him, pulling him forward to sit on his bed. Then she swayed for him, just far enough away he couldn't touch her when he reached out.

She turned, doing a dip and roll that left his throat dry, and when she glanced over her shoulder to wink at him--

"Are you sure he's asleep?"

Ben startled awake, kicking the covers and jackknifing into a sitting position. He quickly looked around, muttering, "Who-what?"

His parents, Widow O'Hara, and Eileen stood inside his bedroom.

"Happy birthday, son," his dad said affectionately.

"What time is it?" he croaked, glancing around for his alarm clock.

"Six-thirty," his mom answered, looking at her watch. "Sorry it's so early, baby, but your father and I are carpooling to work today."

"'S'ok," he said, wiping a hand over his face. "Thanks for wishing me a happy birthday. You guys didn't need to do this."

"Oh yes we did, Benji," Widow O'Hara smiled warmly. Then she winked, "It's not every day a Weildon male turns seventeen. You're old enough for an official courtship now, old enough to ask a girl to become your Promised."

"Old enough to be drafted by the Lon'en," his dad added with a grin. 

"Old enough to drink--which you will not do," his mother said firmly. 

Ben chuckled, "Don't worry, Ma. I'm not interested in alcohol. Besides, turning seventeen is a bigger deal for females. They become full members of society. I have to wait until I'm nineteen to marry, to issue challenges, to leave home, to actually fight dark creatures..." 

"It's still a huge milestone, and we want to celebrate that with you," Eileen said with a distracted smile. Her eyes stayed glued to his face while she talked, but as she finished, he saw her gaze rake down him before she angled her face away so that she could stare resolutely at the floor.

Ben looked down and realized he was in his underwear. With an embarrassed groan, he pulled the covers over his lap and asked, "Can we...can I get dressed?"

"Oh!" his mom said, glancing between him and Eileen. Her face flushed when she saw Eileen staring at the ground, "Of course! We'll wait for you in the living room."

After they left, Ben quickly dressed, wondering at how fate seemed determined to make sure he was always half-naked around Eileen. Of course, maybe it was working in his favor. She'd seemed the opposite of unaffected.

Love is willing to wait. Mr. Garth's words drifted back to him.

She's trying to resist still, he reminded himself. She's trying to give me time to finish growing up--but she noticed me, is aware of the changes in my body. And she likes them.

He would continue to pursue her, but he wouldn't push too much. Her waiting was an act of love. Still, he planned to enjoy the chase.

Grinning, Ben pulled his shirt over his head and walked down the stairs to find his family gathered around the living room table. A large ice cream cake sat on the table surrounded by three wrapped boxes.

"There he is," Widow O'Hara called. "Ready and--"

The four of them sang a very enthusiastic, off-key birthday song that had him beaming from ear-to-ear.