The Untameable (completed)

Chapter 2

I wake up the next morning, a slight headache pounding at the back of my skull, I'm not sure if it's from the drinks from last night, or if it's caused by the out of tune singing from my mom in my room.

"Happy birthday to you.. Happy birthday to you..." She walks in my room bringing in a store bought cupcake with a single lit candle on it. "Happy birthday dear Esme..." I sit up, unable to keep the smile off my face. I scoot over as she comes to sit next to me "Happy birthday to you!" I hug her around the neck, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She really is an amazing woman. "Happy birthday sweetheart. Here, make a wish." She holds out the cupcake to me to blow out the candle. Giggling slightly, I lean forward and blow out the candle before taking the cupcake from my mom and sharing it in two for us. I hold out her piece for her, but she shakes her head vigorously. "No thank you dear. Those are actually for tonight's party, but they looked so good aunt Nelly and me couldn't help but ...sample... a few of them." I giggle, but pop the piece that was meant for her in my mouth. MMmhh, gosh, they really are good, moist and sweet and chocolatey... "So, how are you feeling?" My mom nudges me with her shoulder, winking at me.

"Mom, I'm only one day older." I lift my shoulders, but I can't help laughing. "It's not like I would've changed overnight." I pop the last piece of cake in my mouth. The only thing wrong with this cupcake is that I it wasn't enough.

"Oh, but you did dear. After today, you'll be able to find your mate." She looks way to excited for this.

"Mooom. Aren't you supposed to be telling me "You're still to young to go and loose your heart, my dear?"" I put on my best imitation of her, making her roll her eyes at me now. "Besides, I'm not ready to settle down yet. My bags are packed and I'm ready to go see the world again."

"I know dear, but maybe, when you meet your mate, you won't feel that way anymore." She cups my cheek in her hand. Now I see what this is really about.

"Mom," I put my hand over hers, her eyes shooting full of tears even though she's trying to fight it by smiling.

"I know, I know," She takes her hand away, to wipe the moisture under her eyes with a tissue. "It's just so sad seeing your baby grow up. I'm so proud of you Essie, and I'm going to miss you so much."

She hugs me and I can't help the tears flowing from my eyes as I hug her back, as tight as I can. "Mom, I'll come visit often, I promise." She pulls away, nodding, wiping the last few tears away before smiling again.

"You better, other wise I'll let James send the warriors out to come fetch you." she gives me a pointed look.

"Speaking of, where is James? We need to congratulate him with his birthday as well today."

"Oh, you'll have enough time at tonight's party. Aunt Nelly pulled out all the stops for tonight's shindig" I have no doubt she did, James is her only son and the future alpha of the pack, of course tonight's going to be big. "Besides, he's not even here. I heard him and uncle Jack and a few of his friends left early to go hunting. Family tradition apparently." She shrugs her shoulders and I have a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can't place it, it's almost like disappointment, but that can't be it. I'll see him tonight at the party. He'll probably announce his engagement to Tracey tonight, since they are "destined mates."

"Hey, honey, are you okay? Was the cupcake a bit to much on an empty stomach?" My mom looks at me concerned. Its only then that I realise I've clenched my fists so tight, my knuckles have become white, my nails biting in my skin.

"Yeah, no, I'm fine..." What's wrong with me? Before I can make up a lame excuse my phone starts ringing. My mom hands it to me from my nightstand. Caller ID immediately tells me its Elaine, one of my best friends.