Un•A•Were

36| Happy Birthday?

Bryan's POV:

Tonight's the night. My beautiful mate turns 21. I can feel her nerves and excitement through our mate bond even though we haven't completed the process just yet. I try to prepare for what she will look like all dressed up. My mind drifts to the prom and how she looked coming down the stairs. I thought I would pass out, overwhelmed by her natural beauty. She radiated confidence that night as I have no doubt she will do the same tonight.

Whitney, Claudia, and Sam evicted me from our room about two hours ago to "help her get ready", as they explained to me while shoving me out. I barely got the chance to tell her bye before the door closed. I walk toward Alpha James' room where the guys had gathered. They chuckle as I enter and I give them a questionable look.

"You got the boot, too?" Nick asks.

"We understand, bro. Come on, we will take your mind off things until the party." James reassures me. I just nod as we start to get ready and chat to pass the time. The immensity of the situation is not lost on me. I wonder how Amanda is handling the situation. I can't wait to see her tonight, to see what the Moon Goddess has in store for her. Regardless of what happens, I will love her just the same.

"I know you're nervous," James says. "I can see your mind swirling with possibilities. But just know I see Mandy like a sister and I will do my best to protect her. It's hard to prepare with so many unknowns, but from the moment you locked eyes on her at the pool, I knew there was something greater than us at hand. We must trust the Moon Goddess' plan and support each other. Tonight is that night. You've been my best friend since we were pups and I'm so stoked I can now return the favor. I love you bro!" James finishes. I just look at him with complete love and honor.

"Ditto, bro. Couldn't have said it better myself!" Nick chimes in. Regardless of what people think about were-males, we are not above showing love, appreciation, and support. I need all three at this moment to get into a good head space. My mate is about to experience the transition of her life and my best friends recognize how much I need them. I can't put into words the feelings I have inside me.

"It's time," James says. "Whitney wants us to go outside to the bonfire area." his eyes returning from the glassy look we get every time we mindlink. I take a couple of deep breaths before heading downstairs. We reach the bonfire area in time to see many other pack members starting to arrive. My smile brightens when I see Amelia enter with more food.

"Here, let me help you with that." I grab the large pan she is holding and set it on the buffet table Whitney set up and decorated for the birthday party.

"Ah! Such a gentleman! Thank you, Bryan," she smiles at my gesture. "I can't wait until you see her tonight!" she adds and leans in to whisper something. "She is so lucky to have you and I know you will be exactly what she needs tonight. Thank you for loving her." My eyes are wide with shock at her words. I know Amelia doesn't blame me for what happened, but her acceptance as her daughter's mate hasn't been discussed, yet. Her words exude welcome. I recover quickly and smile down at her.

"I think I should be the one thanking you for raising such an incredible woman. I'm truly honored to be her mate." I say honestly.

"My dear boy, I look forward to calling you my son." she smiles and walks away. I'm stunned once again. I am overcome with a sense of warmth and love. I'm brought out of my emotions by James clearing his throat. I look in his direction when I see her. She's standing on the back porch in a hella sexy black dress looking like a beautiful masterpiece. I feel my lungs start to burn as I remember to breathe. I can no longer stand the distance between us and I race to be near her. I hear chuckles at my actions, but don't pay them any mind as my goal is to get to her quickly.

"Hi." I finally manage to squeeze out. She smiles and laughs a little.

"Hi." she responds. "What are you staring at?" I see her begin blushing, but I can't tear my eyes away. She's absolutely mesmerizing.

"The most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Her blush deepens and her smile reaches her sparkling green eyes. "I don't think I've ever seen anything more perfect than you." I lean in to kiss her soft lips. This kiss felt different. It is sensual and intense with emotion. Not sexual, not passionate, but a promise is in this kiss. "I love you Amanda Sophia Young. And I always will." I whisper in her ear.

"And I love you, Bryan Matthew Tiller." she replies confidently. "Are you okay?" She raises one eyebrow at my actions.

"Of course. I just—I needed—you've got me stuttering all over myself with how you look tonight. I just needed to say that before the party kicks off." I manage to finally find my words.

"Which is right now!" Whitney shouts as she and James take their place beside us. The crowd hushes and turns in our direction.

"Thank you all for joining us for Mandy's 21st birthday! We know everyone here is excited and maybe a little nervous, but we want tonight to be full of laughter and positive vibes! Also, as you know, Bryan and Amanda are mates so tonight, James and I are happy to announce that Amanda will be officially made a pack member and when she's ready, take her place as this pack's Beta female!" Whitney finishes, bouncing in excitement. The crowd claps and whistles in support, but the gasp to my left doesn't go unnoticed. I look at Amanda who is looking at me, then the crowd.

"Did you know about this?" she whispers.

"No, I didn't. Must have been something between Alpha James and Luna Whitney." I reach to grab her hand and intertwine our fingers. "But baby, you've got nothing to worry about. Everyone here loves you! See how excited they are!" I explain as I point to the crowd. She takes a deep breath and smiles. I can feel her nerves calming, but can't make out her other emotions.

"Alright everyone, let's party!" James takes Whitney to the dance floor as the music begins playing. I turn my attention to Mandy who is still in shock.

"May I have this dance?" I ask taking her hand and kissing the back of it sweetly. She chuckles.

"Yes, you may." as she curtsies. I guide her to the dance floor and pull her into my chest. I place my hands on her hips as her hands rest on my chest. We start to sway together with the music creating a pulse all around us. The pack is alive with laughter and excitement, but for me, everything fades, but her. She's my world. How did I get so lucky to have such an amazing woman? I lean my forehead to touch hers as we continue dancing. I breathe in deeply her tantalizing scent.

"I know I've already said it, but I love you. You have no idea how incredibly happy you've made me. I'm so in love with you, Mandy. I never want this moment to end." she raises her eyes to meet mine. I can see the tears welling up. I cup my hands around her face and neck. As a tear begins to roll down her cheek, I brush it away with my thumb. "No tears tonight, babygirl."

"Happy tears, Bryan, happy tears. I'm just so happy. I never knew love could be like this. Thank you for accepting me. I love you more than I could ever say." I pull her in for another kiss. As the song ends, we make our way from the dance floor to our friends waiting at one of the bonfire pits. Whitney and James are cuddled together. Nick and Claudia are engrossed in their conversation. Sam and Luke are huddled together and give us a smile as we take the empty log. For a few minutes, we just chat, enjoying the music in the background, the warmth of the fire, the laughter ringing out, and for a moment, life is exactly how it should be.

Our conversation is interrupted when shouting is heard from inside the pack house. Patrick, one of the pack warriors, rushes over. "There's two pack members fighting inside." Everyone jumps up and makes a beeline for the back door to assist.

"I'll be right back. Stay here." Amanda just nods, a look of concern on her face. It doesn't take long for James and I to get this situation under control. We all file back out of the house to continue the party.

When I reach the bonfire pit, I notice Mandy isn't still sitting there. I begin scanning the area. Nothing. I sniff the air. Her scent is faint. I feel the panic begin to rise. I stand up and rush back into the house. I search the rooms.

As I'm headed back outside, I feel a sharp pain in my stomach. It's so painful, I'm brought to my knees, clutching my stomach. My friends surround me, not understanding what's happening to me. I groan in pain when I realize...this pain...it's not mine.

"Where's Mandy?!" I shout.