The familiar sound of noisy chatter fills the hallway, and I know without looking—it’s the guys. Their loud banter is as distinct as their scents. I groan, already dreading the potential disaster if my dad hears them causing a ruckus this early.

Sighing, I shuffle down the hall, prepared to tell them to quiet down before my brother Leo, no correction I, get in trouble with Dad for inviting them over at the crack of dawn.

“Guys, seriously, what ar—?”

“SURPRISE!”

The hallway erupts with shouts, nearly scaring me out of my skin. I yelp, slapping a hand over my mouth to stop another squeal from escaping. My heart races as I struggle to keep my balance.

Kylie is the first to reach me, wrapping me in a warm hug. “A little birdie told me it’s your birthday today! We thought we’d surprise you—and we brought breakfast, so I hope you haven’t already started cooking,” she says, stepping back and taking in my appearance with a playful smirk.

I glance down at my running clothes, still damp from my morning jog. “I, uh... I was just starting to get things together.” My voice is shaky, and I can’t seem to wrap my head around what’s happening.

A birthday celebration. For me.

The realization hits harder than expected. We never celebrate my birthday. It’s the day my mom died—the day I was born—and that’s all my dad remembers about it. He made it very clear over the years that this was not a day for joy, not in our house. When we were younger, Leo used to make me cards—little doodles or notes left on my pillow—but that stopped when we hit eleven, once he got swept up in his Beta training.

So why today?

“Come on, let’s get everything set up on the island!” Kylie chirps, tugging me toward the kitchen.

I trail behind her in a daze as more people pour into the house. My heart stutters when I spot Leo among them. He knew? Did he tell the others? My chest tightens painfully at the thought.

Then Alpha Michael and Luna Ava appear, carrying massive trays of fruit and pastries, and I feel myself grow even more overwhelmed. Ryan and Aaron follow, balancing more food between them, while Ethan, Devin, and the rest of their parents arrive carrying balloons, flowers, and more trays. The kitchen quickly fills with laughter and chatter, everyone setting food down and chatting like they belong here.

It’s all too much—too surreal. I glance at Leo again, my silent question hanging in the air between us.

He catches my eye and gives the smallest shake of his head. No. He didn’t tell them.

And just like that, sadness creeps in, threatening to steal the moment. Of course Dad didn’t tell him. Of course my father wouldn’t be part of this.

I squeeze my eyes shut and take a deep breath. I will not let this ruin today. Not today. For once, people I care about have shown up for me. For me.

When I open my eyes, Luna Ava is there, pulling me into a warm, lingering hug. She doesn’t say anything, but I can tell she knows. She always knows. She offers me a silent moment to compose myself, giving me that space without drawing attention. It’s the kind of understanding I never realized I needed.

“You didn’t think we’d let you train today, did you?” Delta Kyle grins, standing near the counter with his arms crossed.

“What?” I blink at him, confused. “But... the pups—”

“They’ve been warned,” Kyle says with a chuckle. “No one is allowed to make you train today, or they’ll face the wrath of playing capture the flag with you—solo—after completing your personal workout. I doubt any of them will even look in your direction.”

Everyone bursts into laughter, and I shake my head, caught between amusement and disbelief. “I guess it’s a good thing I already went for my run this morning.”

“You’re such an overachiever,” Kylie teases, elbowing me as she grabs a plate.

We all dig into the food, which is even better than I imagined. The spread is massive—eggs, sausages, pastries, fruit, and fried potatoes. The boys eat like they’ve been starved for a week, and honestly, Kylie and I aren’t far behind.

“I like that you girls eat properly,” Delta Kyle says approvingly. “Too many of the trainees are so worried about gaining weight that they don’t eat enough. It’s dangerous.”

That kicks off a conversation about picky eaters and disastrous dates. Listening to the guys talk about high-maintenance girls they’ve dated is oddly entertaining. It’s hard to believe how different their world is from mine—so focused on appearances and social games. Meanwhile, I spent most of my life avoiding people altogether, until Kylie barged into my life and made herself at home.

Standing at the island, I glance around the kitchen. Aaron, Ryan, and Leo are on my left, while Ethan, Devin, and Kylie are on my right. Their parents stand opposite us, chatting casually over breakfast. The sight stirs something bittersweet in me—the current and future leaders of our pack, all gathered in one place.

The only person missing is my father.

For Leo’s sake, that stings more than it should. Dad’s absence is just another reminder that Leo doesn’t get to share moments like this with him—not because of his own failures, but because of me.

“Okay, it’s time to open presents!” Kylie announces, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Wait, what?” I blink at her. “Now? Can’t I shower first? I probably smell like sweat.”

“You smell fine,” Devin says, smirking.

“Yeah,” Aaron adds with a grin. “Like the forest.”

“Tiny, you smell good. Just open your gifts already,” Ryan teases, leaning against the counter.

I glance between them, unsure whether to laugh or die of embarrassment. Leo’s scowl deepens as his friends continue to make comments, and he lets out a low growl.

Ethan shrugs, completely unbothered. “She smells like she’s been running. What’s the big deal?”

Before I can respond, Devin shoves a gift bag into my hands. “Start with this one. Trust me—you’ll love it.”

I eye the bag warily. “Should I be scared?”

His grin is pure mischief. “Maybe.”

Inside, I find a pair of black platform Converse high-tops. “Aww, thank you! I thought for sure you’d get me something embarrassing.”

“Nope. But now you’ll finally be taller than our elbows,” he teases.

Laughter fills the kitchen as I move on to the next gift. Aaron and Ryan got me black skinny jeans and a metallic-thread belt. Ethan’s gift is a cornflower-blue peasant top, off-the-shoulder with long, puffy sleeves.

And Leo… Leo hands me a delicate white gold necklace with a crescent moon pendant, two tiny stars dangling from the edge.

I run my fingers over the charm, feeling a lump rise in my throat. “Thank you,” I whisper, meeting his gaze.

Kylie, of course, has her own plans. “Mine comes later,” she says with a sly grin. “And I told you—you’re wearing this outfit today.”

I roll my eyes, knowing there’s no escape. “Of course.”

After the quickest shower of my life, I return to my room—only to find Kylie sprawled across my bed, waiting.

“Oh my Goddess! Stop doing that!” I clutch my towel, heart racing.

She laughs, unbothered. “Need help with your hair and makeup?”

“Yes,” I admit with a sigh. “Please.”

Thirty minutes later, I stare at myself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the girl looking back. My hair is pulled into a high ponytail with loose waves, and the subtle makeup makes my eyes stand out in ways I didn’t know possible.

“Do you like it?” Kylie asks nervously.

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest. “I love it. Thank you, Kylie. This really means a lot.”

She pulls me into a hug, squeezing tight.

“Alright,” she whispers. “Now let’s go downstairs—and watch your brother try not to punch someone.”