Here's to the Ghost

~Chapter 2~

Ethan woke up and wanted to cry. Today was a bittersweet day. He slid out of bed with a sigh, knowing there would be celebration and a tinge of sorrow. Ethan had been close to Syiera, but his parents had never said why she had left to the pack. Privately with him, it had been explained that she liked other girls and therefore couldn't be allowed to stay, his parents fearing she would contaminate the minds of the pack.

"Happy birthday!" Lisa announced as Ethan walked into the dining room. Ethan's eyes widened, and he froze, his gaze on the clearly pregnant girl standing in between his mother and his father, Kevin in front.

"Hey Eeth," she smiled, and Ethan dove into her arms. She laughed happily.

"Let me make this clear, this was your mom's birthday present and the fag's only here for an hour," George growled, glaring at Syiera. Syiera glared at him, not releasing Ethan. Ethan didn't care, only holding his big sister closer.

"Okay, Eeth, let the babies breathe," Syiera laughed, pulling Ethan off her a few moments later. Ethan gasped, his eyes lighting up again.

"Right! Have you thought of names?!"

"Yup," Syiera nodded. "Odysseus and Silver for the boys, Lilia for the girl."

"Lovely names," Lisa commented through a tight smile.

"I'm gonna be an uncle!" Kevin shouted, jumping around the room. Ethan giggled, something he never did anymore.

The next hour was filled with talking and laughing, George staying in the kitchen and Lisa keeping an eye on Syiera. Ethan almost cried when it was time for Syiera to go, and Kevin didn't even try to hold back his tears.

After half an hour, the family left the house to celebrate with the rest of the pack. The girls clamored around Ethan, touching his arms and hands hoping to feel that special spark only to slink away sadly after feeling nothing. Ethan didn't care, though, cheerful despite everything. So what if he didn't find his mate today? There was always tomorrow- in fact, his dad hadn't found Lisa for three years after he had turned sixteen, and his grandfather had waited for seventeen years. He hoped it wouldn't take that long, but as long as she could take care of herself and wasn't a whiney bitch, Ethan would love her.

After a while, he noticed two people who weren't joining in. Of course, Omegas weren't allowed to celebrate with the rest of the pack, but they were still celebrating. The two people were a boy and a girl. The girl seemed to be trying to get the boy to join in with the festivities, but he refused, crossing his arms and digging his heels into the ground. Eventually, the girl seemed to get bored and wander off, the boy trailing after her with his eyes.

---~*~---

It happened when Jonathan finally departed from his love the corner. He promised he would be back, he just needed some food, ad he wouldn't cheat on it while he was gone.

Jonathan slunk over to the buffet table, the only area Omegas could share with the rest of the pack. He grabbed a plate, reaching to grab a chocolate covered strawberry when he felt someone's hand connect with his.

It was the typical, reaching for the same thing at the same time sort of thing, but they both knew it was much more than that. The moment skin met skin, both bodies were filled with a feeling that could only be described as fireworks, running up and down their spines and combining their souls. It was a wonderful feeling, even if it only lasted a moment before Jonathan jerked his hand away and stared in horror at the person he was 'mates' with.

No, no, no no no, his brain screamed as he stared into the startled brown eyes of Ethan Naknamara. Jonathan bolted at that point, heading back to his one true love. He burrowed himself into the corner, aware but not caring that he was shaking. Kaitlyn, like the good friend she was, seemed to sense his anxiety and dashed over, not questioning anything as she guided him back to the Omega hut.