Chapter 13

Though I was still under house arrest until the miserable wolf could be caught, I was in better spirits. Seems a little heartless to say after I had just condoned the killing of my 'sister', but there it was. I think Riley was half afraid I would blame him for her death, but I wouldn't.

After the hug circle, we all seemed a little closer. We actually were becoming friends and feeling like family. Even those who were not in our Pack were a lot more amicable.

We all started training together, not just Devie and a couple others showing me what to do, but everyone pitched in to help the new girl. Somehow even that rascal Justin was helping. Something I never expected to happen, I still didn't like or trust him a whole lot, but I was feeling more gracious to him than before.

I was getting better and quicker every day. Each one bringing a new challenge that I tackled mercilessly. I was better at kicking than hitting, surprising for someone of my short stature.

Riley had sent out inquiries into my past, trying to piece together where I had been 'stolen' from and who my family was, if I still had any. So far, there was nothing, but he had a meeting later in the day with a 'person of interest' as he called them. I had no idea who it was, but I hope they had something to tell. But I knew I was asking for too much since it had only been a couple of days. The only info we had found out was that my birth certificate and social security card were fakes, good fakes, but fake all the same.

I tried not to get my hopes up, but it was hard. I should be content with where I am now, the love and family that had entered my life. But I wanted to know my past before I was taken away, where I had come from, what type of people my family was.

I sighed as I did the dishes from this morning's meal. One of the guards had made a huge spread with all types of meat and eggs. He had said it was the most important meal of the day as he cooked several dozen scrambled eggs and God knew how many pounds of bacon and sausage.

I was stuffed beyond stuffed, and I didn't see how I could continue the day being this full and not going for a nap before noon.

Steel bands wrapped around my waist and drew me against a hard chest. I smiled as I laid my head back, my hands still in the soapy water.

"You do know we have a dishwasher, right?" Riley murmured against my hair.

I nodded, "I know, but this is soothing to me. I don't know why, but I like it."

He chuckled, "You're weird."

I swatted at him with my soap covered hands. He laughed and leaned over to kiss me. I moaned softly at the feel of his lips on mine. His loose hair created a curtain between us and the rest of the house. I thought I sensed someone moving into the kitchen and started to pull away, but Riley just turned me into his arms and deepened the kiss and I forgot what I was going to do.

After what seemed a lifetime, he pulled away, breathing heavy. He rested his forehead against mine, and we just smiled at one another.

He took me by the hand and led me towards the living room. I sensed something was up, but Riley was giving nothing away in his mind or body language. I wondered what he was up to and soon found out.

I squealed in shock as I walked into the living room and a huge chorus of 'Happy Birthday!' was shouted at me. It looked and felt like the entire Pack was in the living room, though I knew that wasn't true. They had decorated with ribbon and a whole helluva lot of balloons.

I didn't even know it was my birthday. Mother had never told me the day, nor had she ever celebrated it with me. How had Riley or anyone known?

Speechless, I looked at the faces, all smiling at me and then up at Riley. "What is this?" I asked wide eyed.

He chuckled and swept his arm out, encompassing the room. "What does it look like? It's your birthday, of course."

"But I don't know when my birthday is. Mother never told me, and you said the birth certificate was a fake." I was so confused.

"I will explain it later. I just want you to enjoy your party, Sunshine."

Devie and Jaime came over to me and each gave me hugs. That set in motion for nearly everyone to come over and give me a hug.

I was ushered to the couch. Riley was on one side, Devie on the other, Jaime sat at our feet. Everyone started chatting and playing music. I had no idea how to act or what to do.

Someone started piling wrapped gifts in front of me. Jaime started organizing them by size. I was in shock. Gifts? For me? I just stared wide eyed at everyone.

Devie put something on my head. I felt what it was, and it was a tiara. I felt silly, but looked at her and saw she was wearing a party hat. I looked around again and saw several people wearing one and even more in the process of placing one on their heads.

I started to feel like doing my typical wimpy thing and crying. Until I looked over at Riley. Then I just snorted in laughter. He had on a party hat, and it looked silly. He just wasn't the type to wear one. It was too cute.

I looked down at the huge pile of gifts, "what am I do to with these?" I asked in bewilderment.

"Open them," Riley said with a chuckle.

Jaime handed me a package and motioned for me to open it.

I blushed and looked at only the package. Every day I was getting surprised at the acceptance this Pack had shown me. And every day I was moved beyond words.

I barely spoke above a whisper, but I knew everyone could hear, "thank you. This is so unexpected, I never thought to ever celebrate a birthday. To have found Riley and the Pack is gift enough."

I looked up at everyone who all now wore a solemn look. "You guys are the gift. Thank you for accepting me."

Someone suddenly called out, and I knew immediately that it was Jasper, "Open the damn gifts, woman!" Everyone broke into laughter, including me.

I opened the first gift, taking my time finding the seams and pulling the tape gently off. Everyone gave a collected groan. Devie put her hands on mine to stop their slow process.

"Girl, you do not need to be so gentle with the paper. It's meant to be ripped into and shredded."

"Oh," was all I could say. So I did as she said and ripped into the package. I must admit it was more fun and a whole lot quicker.

The package was from Jaime, and it was a beginner's cookbook. I smiled and hugged him. It was a great gift.

That set in motion for my opening all my other gifts. Devie gave me a charm bracelet with a wolf charm. Jasper gave me a small handgun, a Glock 19 9mm. He had even given me a shoulder holster and a belt holster so I could use whichever I felt more comfortable with once I started my gun practice. Jockey gave me a beautiful dagger, engraved with the symbol of the Blood Moon Pack. I was in love with it.

I got all kinds of gifts, some practical, some not, and a couple funny ones, but they were all wonderful, and I adored them.

We were all laughing and having a lot of fun when there was a commotion, and I looked over to see Fletcher, the Alpha, arrive. He had a gift in his hands. For some reason, I had not thought he would come. He didn't strike me as the party type.

I started to stand up, but he motioned for me to stay seated. A path to me was cleared for him, and he arrived standing a mere foot from me. I had to crane my neck to look up at him, which quickly gave me a crick.

"Happy Birthday Poppy." Was all he said. He was a man of few words. He handed me the gift, and I took it. It was small and light.

I opened the gift a bit slower than the others, and once I did, I saw it was a jewelry box. I looked from it to him and said, "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know I didn't, but I wanted to." He replied.

I opened the box and inside was a ring, delicate in nature with a ruby stone and engraved on the sides a howling wolf. I immediately loved it. I put it on immediately, and I couldn't help myself, I stood up and hugged him.

"Thank you! It's beautiful." I gushed.

He chuckled and hugged me back, "you're most welcome, daughter"

I sat back down and noticed I had opened all the gifts. They were all by Devie, who had taken them as I was done and put them into another neat pile.

I was unbelievably happy, but I did notice I had not received a gift from Riley. I was a bit hurt by it, but I tried to focus on the fact I had never even thought of receiving gifts before, getting some was good enough.

Riley made a motion, and a member of the Pack came over with a huge wrapped box. They placed it in front of me with a smile before backing away.

"This one is from me," Riley said. I stared at the box and wondered what he could have gotten me that was so big. I took off the wrapping and used a pen knife someone handed me to open the box with.

Inside was those white Styrofoam peanuts, so I had to dig through to find the treasure they were hiding. The first thing I pulled out was a sword. An intricate traditional Japanese Katana. It was elaborate with gold and white gold dragon designs. It was beautiful. I looked at Riley, and he smiled and motioned for me to continue to dig through the box.

I did so and ended up with two more swords that matched the first one, each getting a little smaller, till I ended up with the smallest one that would make a perfect sword length for my short stature. Last in the box was the stand the swords rested on.

"Oh my God, they are absolutely gorgeous. Thank you!" I told Riley and hugged him tightly.

Riley then made a move to turn towards me on the couch. I gave him a puzzled look. He had pulled out of his pocket a long small wrapped box. I looked from it to him, "you didn't have to get me anything else." I told him, and it was true, the swords and the day were enough.

"I know I didn't, Sunshine, but I wanted to. Here, open it." He handed me the gift, and I studied it. It was wrapped in silver paper with embedded flowers and was very beautiful.

This time I took my time opening it. I just had to do it carefully. I wasn't sure what I would find. Though, knowing Riley, it would be something elegant and tasteful.

Once the paper was off, I saw it was another jewelry box and I got a tingle. I never had jewelry before today and was finding out that I liked it very much.

I bit my lip as I slowly lifted the cover. I gasped when I saw it. The necklace was gorgeous. It was a thin white gold chain that sparkled like it was covered in diamond dust. On the chain was a charm that was a Japanese symbol. I had no idea what it meant, but I knew it was Japanese because the symbol was similar to ones on some of Riley's tattoos.

Riley took the box from me and removed the necklace. "The charm is Japanese, and it means 'Sunshine' because, until you, I felt like my life was in the dark. You came along and were like a bright light of sunshine, erasing the cobwebs and dreariness that had become my existence. It is I who thank you for being in my life." There was so much love and sincerity in his face and voice that I teared up.

I bowed my head so he could place the necklace around my neck. I fingered the charm as it lay nestled against the base of my throat.

I suddenly threw my arms around Riley's neck, nearly toppling him. He caught me and wrapped his arms tight. I started to sob like I had not wanted to do. "Oh, thank you! It's beautiful, I never imagined anything like it." I kissed him, forgetting about everyone else.

I pulled away after several moments, "everything is so wonderful!" I looked at everyone and smiled, tears a silent testament to how I felt. "Whose idea was this?" I asked.

I saw Jaime duck his head as a blush rose to his cheeks. "It was Jaime's, once he learned your birth date and that you'd probably never had a birthday party, he wanted to throw you one," Riley said.

I leaned down and hugged Jaime, "thank you. You are the greatest little brother a person could have." I whispered in his ear. He ducked his head again when I went to sit back on the sofa. Before I could do so, I was drawn onto Riley's lap and into a hug. I giggled and snuggled him before looking up when there was another commotion.

It was Devie, who I had not noticed get up, coming into the room with a cake lit with two candles. The candles were in the shape of a two and a one, indicating I was now twenty-one years old. She stopped in front of me. The cake was huge and decorated with all kinds of shapes and flowers. It had a lot of icing and looked like sin. I was all for it.

Everyone started singing 'The Birthday Song,' and thanks to TV, I knew what I was supposed to do, so I thought about a wish, took a deep breath, then blew out the candles to loud cheers.

Devie took the cake away to slice it up for everyone, telling me as she left that she's thankful she bought a second cake, what with the turn out here.

Riley wouldn't let me get off of his lap as everyone started talking and having a good time again. Fletcher ended up taking the seat I had vacated. He looked at me with a smile. "How's your day going?" He asked, the smile knowing.

"This has to be the best day I have ever had," I told him with a giggle because Riley was lightly tickling me.

He chuckled at the squeakiness of my reply. "I am glad. You deserve to have a day like today."

Devie came out with a tray of plates full of cake and ice cream. She handed first me one, then Riley and so on. It looked delicious. It was marbled with chocolate and strawberry. I took a bite, and it was every bit as good as it looked.

The Alpha left a little after the cake and ice cream. He gave me a hug before leaving.

People came and went throughout the day, all wishing me a happy birthday and some handing me presents. Some of the gifts were practical, others were funny. One of the wolves I used to see in the gym all the time gave me a rawhide bone and squeaky toy for when in my wolf form. I had to laugh at the idea of a wolf chewing on a bone.

We spent the day playing games, chatting, and doing a bit of whatever hit our fancy. Lunch was brought over, and it was Cuban sandwiches. It was a great time.

Riley got up and held out a hand for me. I glanced up at him quizzically as I took it. He headed towards his office. He paused at the door before opening it and looked down at me with a small smile. "Your final gift." Was all he said as we entered the room.

Inside I saw Justin pacing the room. He stopped when we entered. He looked determined, yet there seemed an underlying layer of worry.

I raised a puzzled brow and looked between the two men. "What's going on?"

Riley continued to hold my hand as he started to explain. "You know I sent out inquiries about your past. I had no luck until Justin here came and told me a story." He motioned to Justin to continue.

I saw Justin clasp his hands together tightly and take a deep breath.

"When I was ten, I had a little sister who had just turned five. We had gone to the park to celebrate because it was her favorite place to go. I was supposed to be watching her on the jungle gym, but I got distracted by a group of boys playing with this new toy that I had been wanting. So I had gone over to them to play too, leaving her all alone. I never saw the person come near, and I never saw them snatch my sister and take her away." He had started back to pacing as he told his tale.

"My parents took it hard, hard enough that Mom attempted suicide and Dad took to drinking for several years. I, of course, took it hard as well. From that day on, I stopped playing with toys and focused on doing what my parents wanted and needed so that nothing like this ever happened again. After some time, I started to put Sammie behind me. Some days I would even forget I had had a sister. Until I saw you at the Claw Meet, you made me start thinking of my little sister. You have her eyes. I knew you weren't her, you couldn't be. We had started believing she was dead, so if she was dead, you couldn't be her."

He stopped in front of me and looked into my eyes, something I couldn't read in his.

"When it was found out that you were stolen from your real family, I told Riley my story. We did some investigating into your past and your 'mother.' I won't go into what we found out about her right now, but we did discover your origins. Well, what we suspect and hope are your origins."

I had an idea what he was going to say, but I had to hear it.

"Turns out my little sister Sammie, is right here. Alive, well, and a Werewolf like her big brother."

I looked between the two men, Riley, who was expressionless, and Justin, who wore an expression of hope.

"Wait, you're saying I'm this Sammie, aren't you?" I whispered.

Justin nodded shakily and went to a chair where a messenger bag was and opened it. He pulled out some papers and came back to me. Turns out they were photos.

They showed a pretty little girl with light blonde hair and huge green eyes, and who was just a tad chubby, with a cute little boy who was a little older, making faces to the camera. There were other pictures, baby pictures, taken right after birth, to first steps, to birthdays. There was no denying that the little girl and I had the same eyes, and we looked a lot alike.

"But. How can we be sure I am this Sammie? I may look like her, but that doesn't mean I am her." I didn't want to get my hopes up, just in case I truly wasn't this girl. I prayed I was. To finally know about my family was something I never knew I needed to know.

Riley spoke for the first time, "We will do a DNA test to make sure. It will take a few days for the results, but it will be a definite answer."

I nodded jerkily, "What do I do in the meantime, though? Do I act as if I am this girl or what?"

Justin spoke shyly, something that I think he rarely was, "Well, if you want, we could get to know one another better, I could tell you about Sammie and our parents. I thought I would hold off on saying anything to them until we knew for sure too. I don't want to get their hopes up and break their hearts all over again. And if it turns out you are not my sister, even though I truly do think you are her, I would still like to, if you would like that is, adopt you as my sister."

I sat down, I just had to. It was a lot to take in, and I didn't know how to react. "I don't know what to say. I had hoped to have answers but never really thought I'd get them."

I might actually have a blood family, and I was happy but afraid. I don't want to have another abusive relationship with a parent.

I clasped my hands tightly together and nodded. "OK, let's do this. I am willing if you all are. Whether I am your blood sister or not, you still get a sister."

Justin smiled, I smiled back. I was wondering if this was a good idea. Did I really want family this badly? I don't know, but I had to try. If I was indeed this Sammie, then I wanted to know everything possible about the girl I was, and the family I had, had.

Riley moved to behind his desk and pulled something out of one of the drawers. He brought it over to us, opening it as he did so. It was a couple of cotton swabs on sticks.

"This is for the DNA test, just open your mouth, and I'll swab it. The labs will process it right away, and we should have answers soon." He swabbed first Justin's mouth, then mine. He took the swabs to the door and handed it to someone who was waiting. I could still hear people in the living room when he opened the door.

***

We walked back into the living room, and everyone smiled. Some headed towards me right away to wish me happy birthday and to tell me they had a good time but had to leave. Hugs were exchanged, and off they went. That seemed to set into motion several more people had to leave. Soon it was just Riley, Devie, Jaime, Justin, a few guards, and myself left. The house was a disaster, but I'd had a great day.

I had too much nervous energy, so I went into the kitchen to grab a garbage bag and started cleaning. Everyone pitched in, and we had it cleaned faster than a blink of an eye. Surprisingly there was still some cake left, so I covered it back up and placed it into the fridge.

Riley stepped into the kitchen to grab another garbage bag, and I stopped him. I just had to touch him, to feel his arms around me. I laid my head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. It soothed me like nothing else did.

He wrapped his arms around me and laid his cheek on the top of my head. "You OK, Sunshine?" he asked.

"I don't know. The day was perfect. I couldn't ask for a better one. But the news, I am so confused about it. I don't know how to feel or react." I mumbled against his chest.

"I am glad you enjoyed your day, and it was a lot to take in. It's understandable you feel the way you do. Give it a few days, and it will sort itself out." He reassured me.

We stayed that way for a little while before parting and continuing to clean. We all were exhausted by the time we were done. We sat or lounged where we were. I was lying flat on the mat staring at the ceiling, with Jaime doing the same next to me. Riley was sprawled on the sofa. I heard snoring and twisted my head to look. It was Devie at the other end of the sofa sleeping, her mouth slightly open as she snored.

Jaime jumped up suddenly and snapped a picture of Devie with his phone, then videoed it. "Aha! She will have to believe me now that she snores." Jaime said in a low voice full of triumph. I giggled softly so as not to disturb her.

Devie moved, and Jaime jumped and quickly laid back down on the mat next to me, acting like nothing had happened. We all laughed at Jaime, who made a face at us.

We were all just relaxing and enjoying the silence when there was a knock on the door. I tensed up, because normally when there was a knock this late, it was something bad.

Justin tensed as well, motioned for Riley to stay where he was, and drew a gun. He peeked through the peephole and relaxed. He put away his gun as he opened the door. In walked the night guards to check in. I had forgotten about shift change.

I waved to the guards from the floor, and they waved back with a smile. They checked in with Riley to get their assignments on who was inside and who was outside.

I sighed and sat up. The house was clean now, except for the pile of gifts that was still sitting on the floor. I was still in shock over everything that had happened today. For a first birthday, it was a doozy, I thought as I fingered my necklace. I got up and headed to my gifts, grabbing those I knew where I could put them, leaving the ones I didn't know a good place for.

I was going to need a jewelry box for sure. I had received several pieces of jewelry, a couple of rings, and the charm bracelet from Devie. I think she had coordinated with a few members of the Pack because the charms I had gotten could go on said bracelet.

I put the gifts away and decided to forgo a shower for the night and just changed into a nightgown. I went back to the living room and sat down on the dozing Riley's lap, leaning back against him. His arms immediately went around me.

"You ready for bed yet, Sunshine?"

I tingled even more than normal at the nickname, now knowing what it meant to him. I tilted my head so I could look back at him and smiled, "Yes." Was all I said and got up. I turned to Justin and the rest of the group. I offered hugs to all and told them goodnight before leading the way to the bedroom.

Once in the room, I slipped into Riley's arms, and we kissed. That night, as we made love, I couldn't help but feel blessed and loved. He made sure of it.