Chapter 61: Strix's Birthday Week

It was Sunday morning, Mom’s birthday and a week after I had shifted. We would celebrate her all week. I got up early to make her breakfast in bed. I went downstairs to find Dad already in the kitchen.

“Morning,” he said.

“Morning,” I replied.

The kitchen staff was helping today. We were making chocolate pancakes, strawberry waffles, cinnamon rolls, eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, and potatoes. We made enough for the whole packhouse plus a few guests.

“Dad, can I make the cinnamon rolls?”

“If you want to make them, go ahead. I’m here if you need help.”

“Great, thanks.”

My mom had been teaching me how to cook. Now I would get to show her how good I was.

Dad and I focused on cooking. We had the occasional conversation or threw flour at each other. We had fun making breakfast for Mom. It would be especially nice for her since she looked like she was about to pop. I couldn’t wait for my brothers to be born. I was excited. Dad was, too. Mom was just exhausted most of the time.

I couldn’t wait to grow up and find my mate. There was this girl at school I kind of liked, I was secretly hoping she was my mate. Dad said I might have two mates given I have two wolves. But I only want one mate. Two mates would be complicated. I have seen how Dad and Mom were together, I wanted that someday. I mean they were not perfect but they were close. I knew their story. They didn’t know each other before the mate bond, but once it took effect they got to know each other better without Mom trying to kill him. It was a strange beginning but they got through it and I don’t think they would have it any other way.

*****Layla’s perspective*****

I awoke to the smell of bacon, my favorite breakfast food. I got dressed and went downstairs. It was earlier than usual for the cooks to be making breakfast. As I walked in, I saw Shawn and EJ playing in the flour. I had forgotten today was Strix’s birthday. They were going to do something for her everyday this week. Today was breakfast in bed. Since I was up, I decided to help them, mostly to keep them on task. Shawn was still practically a kid himself. While I tried to refocus them, I saw EJ’s hands glow for a brief moment. He and Shawn didn’t seem to notice. I wondered if EJ’s hands had glowed before and if anyone had noticed. I wondered if EJ ever noticed. It was just a little flicker but I’m sure he would have noticed at some point, right?

“Guys, we have to focus on making breakfast or the omegas will kick us out,” I declared. That got their attention.

“Yeah, son we need to focus, your mother will be up soon.”

“Dad, you were goofing off, too.”

“I was just keeping you entertained,” Shawn said.

“Let’s not argue. First, you are arguing with a child. Second, you were both goofing off, playing in the flour, that you will clean up afterwards so the omegas don’t have to clean your mess.” I demanded.

“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison.

I wouldn’t have gotten away with that had the Alpha not been my brother. I kind of liked it. We got back to work making breakfast. Every once in a while I would have to get on to them about the mess they were making and refocus them. Boys will be boys I guess.

We eventually finished making breakfast. The kitchen staff ate their meals while we took Strix hers. We stopped at the top of the stairs to wake Artemus. Once she was dressed we continued down the hall. We stopped in front of Shawn’s and Strix’s bedroom door. Shawn went in and gently woke Strix. Once she was awake, we sang Happy Birthday as we entered. We placed her breakfast tray over her lap as she sat up.

“Thank you, guys. This is wonderful. All my favorite foods.” She said.

“You’re welcome,” we said in unison.

“Happy birthday, Mom!” EJ said as he kissed her forehead. Then we left to let her eat in peace. Shawn stayed with her so he could clear the tray when she was done. When we got back downstairs, I made a plate for Shawn and took it up to him. He thanked me and I left.

I went back downstairs and made my own plate. I sat with EJ and Artemus at the head table. We talked about the party we were throwing that night and other plans for the week. After breakfast, I insisted we help the omegas clean up. After all, at least half the mess in the kitchen was because of Shawn and EJ. Artemus was not happy about having to help, but she did it anyway.

Strix’s birthday week was finally over. I made plans to hang out with Kat, Jane and Trevor after school. We were going to go shopping for our Halloween costumes today. The pack school was having a Halloween dance in two weeks. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be yet, so I spent most of the school day trying to figure it out. I eventually decided to be a butterfly. I knew it wasn’t a scary costume, but most supernaturals dress as something mundane for halloween. Some do go super scary, though.

It was Saturday, the night of the Halloween dance. I was excited to go. I hadn’t been to one in a while. We didn’t have dances at Lupine Academy. My friends and I brought EJ along with us, he was Spider-man. He recently discovered superheroes and Spider-man was his favorite so far. Strix didn’t let him watch a whole lot of tv.

We went to the dance and had lots of fun. I saw EJ dance with a ballerina I didn’t know, but then I didn’t know most of the freshmen or sophomores. They looked cute together.

Then we got the call. Strix had gone into labor. I told EJ and we left the dance.

*****Artemus’s perspective*****

The twins, Jacob Willian and Jonathan David, were born the night of the school’s Halloween dance. That was the weekend before he came. We had a mysterious intruder. He was gorgeous and a wolf. He put the whole pack on high alert. He didn’t attack anyone, just ran around for a while before he was chased off. I think he was looking for someone.

The intruder came back later but had gone through the proper procedure. He was escorted around by Beta Kyle. When he didn’t find whoever he was looking for, he asked to speak with Shawn and EJ. I overheard them talking.

“Alpha, King, my name is Sebastian Cole. I’m from Moonrise Pack in Michigan. My little sister has gone missing. My brothers and parents are out looking for her as well. We don’t know if she ran away or if she was kidnapped. Either way she is not safe. She hasn’t shifted yet and won’t for a while. Please help us find her.” He pleaded.

“Why do you think she might have been kidnapped?” Shawn asked.

“There have been many kidnappings in our area lately. All have been young female pups. We think a rival pack has been taking them and using them as sex slaves. Those are the rumors anyway. Please help us.”

“I will call an emergency council meeting. We will get to the bottom of this.” EJ said.

They took Sebastian to the packhouse to rest for a while before he returned home.