Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 2: Birthday Plans

Aras stepped into the apartment with a delighted grin. "Wow, smells amazing in here! Can't wait to eat."

I smirked, pretending to be impressed. "Are you sure it wasn't your werewolf nose that guided you here at the perfect time?"

He laughed, brushing a hand through his hair before crossing to the kitchen table. "Could be. This looks incredible, thank you, sis." He reached over, planting a quick kiss on my forehead. "Let's eat!"

We settled in the living room, dinner on our laps, and the TV playing softly in the background. Afterward, I took a shower and drifted off to bed, knowing it was only two days until my birthday. In two days, I'd finally experience my first transformation-the most significant milestone in our world.

When Aras turned 18, he had slipped away into the heart of the center where the ceremonies were held, a sacred ritual led by the Luna and attended only by the family's closest. At the time, I was too young to join him, but this year he promised we would go together.

The only problem? We weren't exactly allowed. Without our parents, we didn't have the connections that those with pure bloodlines or Alpha relations did. If they were still alive, maybe things would be different. But now, sneaking in was the only way.

It would be risky. But Aras and I decided it was worth it. With thoughts of the coming night dancing in my head, I slipped into sleep, excitement building for the days ahead.

---

Two days later

Sunlight warmed my face as I woke up, already feeling a new surge of energy. Today was my birthday, and nothing could dim the thrill of what was coming. Today, I'd meet my wolf.

"Good morning, Deniz!"

I froze. The voice was soft, melodic, and...in my head?

"Deniz, it's me-your wolf. Happy birthday!"

"What?! I thought I wouldn't meet you until after the transformation," I stammered.

"Surprise!" she said, clearly amused. "My name's Derya."

I smiled, recognizing the name. "A Turkish name, just like Aras's wolf, Alp."

"Yes, my wolf brother," she responded with a hint of excitement.

"He'll be so happy to meet you," I told her. "I think he's been waiting eagerly for this day."

I could feel her smile. "Do you think he'll like me?" she asked, almost shyly.

"I'm sure he'll adore you. I already do."

Just then, Aras's voice cut through my thoughts. "Deniz! Hurry up and come here!"

Curious, I jumped out of bed and opened the door to find Aras standing in the living room with a huge box at his feet, a grin spread across his face.

"What's that?" I asked, eyeing the box.

"Your gift. Happy birthday, beautiful! I love you so much." His eyes sparkled with joy.

"Thank you!" I tried to keep back the tears, but a few slipped through anyway. Moments like this always tugged at my heart. We might not say it often, but we both knew how much we loved each other. And now, for a moment, I could almost feel our parents beside us. I missed them more than anything.

"Come on, open it," he encouraged, gesturing toward the box.

I knelt beside it, peeling away the wrapping slowly, savoring every moment. As I lifted the lid, a gasp escaped my lips. Inside was a meticulously crafted scale model of the house we had always dreamed of building-a dream we had clung to since childhood.

"I can't believe it," I murmured, my voice cracking with emotion. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I reached out to touch the miniature details. "This is... beyond anything I imagined."

"Alya made it," he said softly, smiling as he watched my reaction.

"It's beautiful." I turned and hugged him again, feeling more grateful than ever. Alya was more than just a friend-she was family to us. Despite my general distrust in others, she had proven herself loyal and true.

Alya, our close friend, was one of the few people who had stayed by our side, no matter what. She was three years older than me, studying architecture, and somehow, she'd slipped through my defenses, becoming someone I could trust. We'd trained together, worked out together, and she knew more of our story than anyone else. And while I hadn't asked, I had a feeling she was more than a little interested in Aras.

After breakfast, we talked about the plan for the ceremony. Alya came by later, and to my surprise, she wanted to join us. It seemed risky, but she eventually convinced us. She knew the patrol schedules at the center and thought she could guide us through.

"Usually, there's a patrol every forty-five minutes in the center," she explained. "It's the safest part of town, so they're mostly there as a formality."

"So we'll have about thirty minutes in total?" I asked, calculating.

Alya nodded. "Midnight is perfect. Patrols are switching at 11:55, so if we time it right, you'll have a clear path. After you transform, we'll have a bit of time to celebrate. When the next patrol starts, we'll just head home."

Aras raised an eyebrow. "Why do I feel like this won't work?"

Alya rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed. "Trust me. Worst case, we bump into a patrol, but we can always say we were out late after celebrating at the club. They'll buy it."

With the plan set, a mix of excitement and nervousness buzzed through me. In just a few hours, I'd finally experience what I'd waited my whole life for. I'd meet my wolf, transform, and feel that strength I'd always dreamed of. Whatever happened next, we would face it together.