Chapter 82

Lisa Pov

The day started like any other in the Xotica Pack. The air was crisp, and the packhouse bustled with its usual rhythm. I had barely seen Hunter all morning; he’d been so busy since the last battle, always working on one thing or another. I knew the pressure of being Alpha weighed on him, but sometimes, I just wished he’d let me share more of the burden.

After finishing my morning chores and going through the day’s agenda, I decided I couldn’t let the distance continue. I needed to see him. He had left the room so early that I was still half-asleep, barely able to mumble a proper goodbye. I brushed my hands over my dress, smoothing the creases, and made my way to his study.

The wooden door was slightly ajar, and I peered inside. Hunter sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of documents, his brows furrowed in concentration. His broad shoulders were tense, and his pen scratched across the paper with an urgency that made me hesitate for a moment. But before I could second-guess myself, he looked up, and a soft smile replaced the stern expression on his face.

“Hello, pumpkin,” Hunter greeted warmly, his voice like a soothing balm. He leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

I stepped into the room, feeling the tension ease out of my body. “You’ve been so busy lately,” I said, glancing at the papers on his desk. “What are you working on?”

“Just some business programs I’ve been planning,” he replied, waving his hand dismissively. “Nothing that can’t wait. Come here.”

I walked over, and he pulled me onto his lap, his arms wrapping around me securely. It felt so natural, so right, to be in his embrace, but I had something on my mind that I needed to share.

“My birthday is coming up soon,” I blurted out, breaking the comfortable silence.

Hunter froze for a moment, then pulled back to look at me, his golden eyes wide with surprise. “Oh, my goodness, pumpkin,” he said, his voice softening. “Your birthday.”

He shifted in his chair, turning me so I could face him properly. His hands cupped my face, and his expression was a mix of joy and sadness. “I’m so happy we get to celebrate your special day together. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you growing up, especially with your father...”

I tried to smile, but the memories of my past crept in like shadows. My birthdays had always been a bitter reminder of the day my mother died giving birth to me. My father had never let me forget it, either. Each year, the day felt more like a punishment than a celebration.

“Hunter,” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s just… I’ve never really looked forward to my birthday. It’s always been—”

“Shhh,” he interrupted gently, pulling me closer. “No more talking about the past. This year is going to be different, I promise you.” His lips pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, and I felt the weight of his words sink into my heart.

“Do you really think so?” I whispered, leaning against his chest.

“I know so,” he said with a confidence that made me believe him. “In fact, this calls for a celebration. We’ll make it a day you’ll never forget.”

He reached for his phone, still holding me securely with one arm. “Let’s start with a little shopping. I’ll have Kate take you out to pick a dress.”

“You don’t have to—”

“I insist,” he cut me off, dialing a number. “Beta Joe,” he said when the call connected. “Can Kate take Lisa out for some shopping? Her birthday’s coming up, and I want her to have the best day.”

Hunter paused, listening to the reply. A grin spread across his face. “Perfect. Let her know it’s on me. She can spoil herself a little, too.”

He hung up and turned his attention back to me, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “You and Kate will have a great time. Pick out whatever you want, no matter the cost.”

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on my lips. “Whatever I want?”

“Absolutely,” he said, his tone serious but playful. “But just remember, pumpkin, the real gift is me.”

I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in days. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“Only because I’m yours,” he teased, planting another kiss on my forehead.

The next morning, Kate arrived at the packhouse, practically bouncing with excitement. “Lisa!” she called out as she entered, her bright smile contagious. “Hunter told me everything. We are going to make this birthday unforgettable.”

I couldn’t help but smile back. Kate had a way of bringing energy into any room. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself genuinely looking forward to the day ahead.

The drive into the city was filled with laughter and chatter. Kate insisted on stopping at every boutique, dragging me along as we sifted through racks of dresses. She was relentless, rejecting one outfit after another until she found the perfect one.

“This is it,” she declared, holding up a floor-length emerald-green gown. The fabric shimmered under the light, and the elegant cut was nothing short of breathtaking. “Try it on. Now.”

I obliged, slipping into the dress. When I stepped out of the fitting room, Kate’s jaw dropped. “Lisa,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “You look stunning.”

I turned to look at myself in the mirror, and for the first time in a long time, I felt beautiful. The dress hugged my curves perfectly, the color complementing my complexion and making my eyes stand out.

“Hunter is going to lose his mind,” Kate said with a wink.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind. We picked out accessories, shoes, and even a few casual outfits. By the time we returned to the packhouse, I was exhausted but happy.