You Don't Own Me

Birthday Surprise?

                                                              Theresa Millan

                                                                   Marathon

[16] I woke up excited, today was my birthday! I was finally eighteen. "Morning, I'll be in the office if you need me." Wait what? I stood there mouth open as Houlton gave me a kiss and strolled to his office.

Did he forget my birthday? I was so excited to spend this day with him and he doesn't wish me happy birthday, he went straight to work, I can't believe it. "Happy birthday Theresa." Maria said as she pulled me into a hug, "What's with the long face?"

"There isn't anything happy about my birthday." I got off the stool and made my way out of the kitchen, heading toward the front door. I walked around the pack house and went to the tree I found last time.

I pouted slightly as I shuffled my feet around, my ears perking up when I heard a cry. I touched the tree as I scrunched down to get under the branch, moving the leaves around as I stepped carefully on the floor. My foot stepped on an old leave, making a crushing sound beneath me.

A person gasped, before I heard ruffles and I moved the branches and leaves quickly, appearing into a clearing. I stepped into the clearing, leaning straight as I walked toward the moving blanket. Oh my god, Houlton was right.

"Hello? Are you still there?" I spoke softly as I headed toward the crying baby, looking around before I picked the baby up from the ground, staring ahead as I cradled the baby in my arms. "I know you're there, why did you do it? Why would you leave your baby?"

Eyes watched me carefully behind the trees, "I won't hurt you, I'm alone here. Can you come out for a second?" She hesitated for a second and was ready to step out when she gasped, the branches shaking as she ran away.

"Luna! Luna!" They shouted loudly and I sighed, stepping backwards as I stared at the place the she wolf was only moments ago. I looked down at the baby in my arms, big brown eyes staring at me with tears in them.

I felt my own fill with tears as I stared back at her, a small smile appearing on my face. She made baby sounds and I giggled, sniffing as I played with her small fingers. "There you are, what is that?"

I turned around to look at Eric, "I saw her, the mother. She was about to came out but run off when the men yelled for me. I couldn't stop her for leaving her baby. Look at her Eric, how can they do that? I just don't understand."

"Theresa, they live in the wild, no home at all. That's not a place for a baby, and it only means more danger for them." Eric explained, "Don't worry, I will take her to Taylor." He stepped forward to grab her and I growled at him unconsciously, stepping away from him.

"No." I shook my head at him, "I will keep her." I told him as I cradled her closer to me, looking down at her. "Theresa....The Alpha won't let you keep her. The sooner you give her the less attach you will get." He explained to me but I couldn't, I was already attached to her.