The Mute Wolf

Chapter 6

Today was my 18th birthday. Most teenagers would have been excited, glad they could finally drink, get into clubs etc. I only saw it as great, you're now 18, you can find your mate! Being tied down wasn't on my agenda right now. I was happy to spend the day away and all, but today was just another reminder of the inevitable. And I hated it. At least I would get to see my cousin Sky today.
Hearing a car pull up near our house, followed by loud shrieking noises of my mother greeting Sky in excitement, I knew it was time to get my ass out of bed. I glanced over at the clock on my bedside table. 8:23am. My afternoon yesterday with little wolf had my body aching all over and after we said our goodbyes and I got home, I went straight to bed after dinner.
I took a quick shower, dried my hair and pulled on a grey jumper and a pair of jeans. I slapped on a little red lipstick which I don't normally do but decided today would be a good a day as any and rushed down the stairs to where Sky and her mate, Clay were gathered in the lounge.
"Finally you're up!" Sky jumped up from her seat and opened her arms out wide to hug me. She had long ash brown hair, blue grey eyes and wore a long black dress with leggings. She looked even better than I remembered.

Clay stood up towering over the both of us and shook my hand. He must have been about 6 foot. Sky always loved tall guys. His hair tied up in a man bun on the top of his head was a shade lighter than hers and his eyes were a yellow orange colour. He seemed nice.
"Sweetheart..." My mother began, pulling the same face she always pulls when she is about to tell me something she knows I'm not going to like. "I'm afraid Fiona is having trouble as she started going into labour early this morning. She's very distressed and I need to stay with her to help her through it. I'm sorry but I'm not going to be able to go with you today..." She trailed off. Bummer. I had looked forward to spending more time with her but I know how important it is to her that she looks after her friend. I didn't really have friends like my mother did. I distanced myself away from close relationships and just focused on learning how to become an alpha. Or a Luna as my father always corrects me.
"That's too bad. I hope Fiona will be okay." I told her giving her a sympathetic smile. Sympathy wasn't normally my style but I wanted my mother to know that I was fine with her not coming and didn't want her to feel bad about it. That is, until she spoke again.
"Thank you sweetie. Now I know we have 4 tickets to see Russell Howard live and I didn't want my ticket to go to waste so I've asked Zak to go along with you in my place." She said tenderly.
"You did what now?!" I shrieked, making both Sky and Clay jump a foot in the air.
"Who is Zak?" Sky asked nosily.
"Nobody." I mumbled, crossing my arms over my chest giving off an irritated huff. Thankfully she didn't ask again and took the hint. After rolling her eyes, she dived into her large leather handbag and pulled a card and a present out and handed it to me.
"Happy birthday!" She squealed giving me another hug.

I opened all the presents and cards I had received and thanked both my parents before they split to do their daily jobs. I received clothes, money, new boots, perfume, lots of chocolate and some gift vouchers; all the usual teenage girl stuff. Plus my father had agreed to teach me to drive finally! My mother rushed off to help Fiona and my father had some calls to make regarding tomorrow, whatever that meant, so we were free to hit the road. I was trying hard not to think about how today could be my last day of freedom.
Clay jumped into the drivers seat of his smart black four by four Land Rover and Sky slid into the leather seat beside him clapping her hands in excitement and shouting 'road trip!'  I thought I had the whole back seat to myself when I remembered we were waiting on one more person. I pulled my sunglasses down and scanned the nearby surroundings for the stupid jerk that is Zak when he came jogging into view up the small hill from his house.
"I'm here! Don't leave without me!" He laughed, reaching for the handle on the door and opening it for me to get in.
"Awww such a gentleman!" Sky wailed turning in her seat. Great, feed his ego why don't you.
I rolled my eyes and climbed into the back seat, not bothering to waste any energy on fighting this one. "Ember, he's adorable, why do you act like you hate the guy again?" She asked quizzically raising her eyebrows as Zak walked around the car to get in the other side. Again, I didn't answer her, I knew there would be no use. Zak slid into the seat across from me and made himself comfy, flashing me a huge grin showing his pearly white fangs. He was loving this. I can't believe my mother would do this to me. He was still keeping up with his charming vizard. For now at least.
"Happy 18th darling." Zak whispered softly as we began driving out of our territory, reaching across to place his hand over mine.
"Thanks, now buzz off." I replied, moving my hand out from underneath his and turning my head to stare out of my window.