Howling Heart

Chapter 12 - The Big Morning

My phone buzzed. It rattled against the nightstand and woke me up. If I was being honest with myself I had been since sunrise. However, I kept myself snuggled up in bed as long as I could.

I snatched the phone up without getting out of bed. There was a handful of text messages.

Happy Birthday! -Ronan

Hope you have a wonderful birthday. - Rex

Happy birthday Ava. -Ruby

Cheers on your big day! -Thorn

Birthday wishes. -Luna

And so on.

I sighed softly as I shuffled through the messages. Most of them were from pack members. Many were choice males hoping to gain some favor.

Suddenly my phone buzzed in my hand.

I didn't want to wake you up too early, but I did want to wish you a happy birthday Ava. Maybe we can go for another ride when the weather is nice.

Mae's words made my heart flutter. I hadn't told her about my talk with Jothun after the day we ran across the hunters. And I definitely didn't tell her that I wasn't allowed to go out alone anymore. Or that she wasn't enough in my father's eyes.

It made my heart hurt.

I quickly typed in a reply with a smile on my face. I'd love that. Hopefully, I'll get to see you later at Granny's. My finger hovered over the heart emoji on my phone. I tapped send before I did anything stupid.

Can't wait to celebrate with you.

My eyes lingered on the message until it went dark. My birthday was already everything I could ask for. Maybe not what I wanted, but I've lucked out so far.

I shuffled my way downstairs to the kitchen. I was met with the heavy smell of bacon, ham, and waffles. It had been a long time since the kitchen was so busy.

"Surprise!"

I was shocked. My world seemed to spiral and I swore I was still dreaming. My favorite people in the world stood in my kitchen. Ronan handed me a cup of coffee and Rae was standing at the counter pouring waffle batter into the press.

"Sorry my daughter, I called in a little help. I have to go in but I wanted to make sure you had a good day." My father stood up and walked over to hug me and kissed me on the head. "I'll see you at the party tonight."

This was his way of telling me he loved me. And how he was going to make sure I didn't go anywhere without proper protection. Ronan was expected, but Mae was a nice surprise. I wondered whose idea that was as I sat down.

"You two really went all out. You didn't have to." I sipped my coffee while inhaling the wonderful smells.

Ronan spoke first, "Well, I remember how your mom used to make these wonderful breakfasts for anyone's special day. And I wanted to surprise you. Luckily Mae here knows how to cook."

He was right. My father hadn't cooked a meal in here I think ever. I tried to when I could, but he often ate at the shop with his crew. Ronan was also right about my mother.

The mention of her stirred up deep memories. I swallowed them down with the coffee. But she did love making a big breakfast. My heart missed her, but I know she watched over me. A part of her at least.

"Oh it's not much, but I hope it tastes half as good." Mae smiled as she flipped the steaming waffle maker. "Jotunn even indulged."

Now that was something. He wasn't picky but he also was a stubborn man. A spark of hope lit up my heart. Mae was something magical and I couldn't deny it anymore.

"Well it looks delicious, that's for sure." Mae sat down a plate in front of me. It was piled high with meat. So much so that she ended up cutting the waffle into fourths to even fit it on the plate.

But I couldn't focus on the food. All I could see was her smile. Her lips were pressed together as she was waiting for me to dig in, but my eyes couldn't help but linger on them. I found myself wanting to kiss her.

Ronan shifted and the sound pulled me out of my daydream. She must think I'm a space case. I slathered my waffle with butter and syrup and dug in.

It was perfect. Memories of my mother brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't dwell on them. "Mae, this is delicious. Literally perfect. Please make sure you two get some of this."

Her face lit up and Ronan chuckled as he reached for a slice of ham. "I'm so glad, I was worried I wouldn't get it right." She turned on her heel and made herself a plate.

My friends joined me at the table. This really was the best birthday I could ask for.

"So, what would you like to do today until dinner?" Ronan asked between bites of food.

It made me think about when we were younger. He really was my best friend. And if I had to choose anyone, he would be my choice. But he's not who I want.

"Honestly, I've been so stressed about today, I haven't given it any thought." I paused as I stuffed the last piece of waffle in my mouth.

"Well, I know Jotunn said to stay local, but we really were never good at that." Ronan chuckled. "But we can go out hiking. As long as we don't get crazy."

Not all wolves were outdoor people. But many of us were. And even in bad weather, you could find me outside. That might have been why my father had them here. I'd been good at staying in town after Mae and I had that encounter with the red truck. But I've been getting stir-crazy.

"Actually, that sounds amazing. Can we? I need some sunlight." I stretched and pushed my plate away from me. I'd eaten way too much, but it was beyond good.

"Say no more princess, I'll fire up the car."

I started to stand up to clear the table and Mae pushed me back down into my chair. Her hand on my shoulder made a chill run down my spine.

"You are not to lift a finger ma'am." Her tone said she wasn't going to take my objection.

But it was odd to hear her speak in such a tone. Actually, after I thought about it for a moment, only my father had ever given me a command. Even Ronan. I wouldn't admit that I liked it, but I liked her. I raised an eyebrow at her but allowed it. Luckily for me, it was just the two of us.

"Can I ask you a personal question, Ava?" Her voice was low.

Call me intrigued. "You may." I cocked my head to look at her.

"Do you know who you want for a mate?"

I couldn't tell the tone in her voice. But I knew I had to figure out how I wanted to answer this. Deep down I knew the answer. Her.

I let out the breath I was holding. "I do know who I want, but I don't know if they are who I will have." It was the honest truth. Just without the details. But I had to switch things up before I spilled my guts. "What about you? Any interest."

Mae sat down across from me and took a deep breath. "I don't think I'll ever be enough for anyone in the pack." There was a trace of sorrow but her tone said statement.

My heart broke at those words. I reached out across the small wooden table and put my hand over hers. "I personally think you're too good for any of those idiots." I laughed and got Mae to crack a smile. "You're amazing. Your art is kick ass and I've never felt safer riding on a motorcycle. I hope one day someone can make you as happy as you deserve." I gave her hand a small squeeze because I meant it.

What I didn't say was that I wanted to make her that happy.

Ronan knocked on the door jam. "Ladies? We have a lot of exploring to do before dinner."