It’s not even seven and I’m tramping through the forest. This isn’t the ideal start to my birthday but when Sarah commands, everyone follows.
Exactly one year ago I received the phone call that changed my life. Little did I know the new job would be a bust, I’d turn into a wolf, almost die, and be the object of hatred and affection. Boring, never, but I’m hesitant about this upcoming year.
Johnnie insists there is no immediate threat. The next attack will come when Ben’s ready to fight for pack control. The purpose of the last attack was to prove the pack had a weakness. My recovering body is a testament to his achieved goal.
"Today will be a birthday you’ll never forget," Sarah says, interrupting my thoughts.
It echoes McKenzie’s promise from last year.
Adam’s shape emerges through the trees. He’s staring at the lake, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt like usual. The bags under his eyes are the first thing I notice.
"I’m leaving you in Adam's care today. He knows the rules," Sarah threatens heading back up the trail, "Have fun."
I don’t understand why she pushed Adam out of the house hours ago only to shove us together now. He could have escorted me into the woods. Both of us might have gotten a little more sleep but the evil genius has her reasons. Adam stifles a yawn.
When Sarah is out of range, "Do you know what she plans?”
"I can’t tell you," Adam bluntly answers, "She wants to show how much she cares."
"I know," I answer brushing the dirt with my foot, "What are you going to do to keep me entertained."
Part of me wants to ask if we can go to his townhouse. Sarah put it on the short list of places I can’t be today, in addition to my home and the lodge. The dark circles under Adam’s eyes might convince him to break a rule.
Adam nudges me before turning down a trail, "Right now, we’re staying in the forest until noon. Then we can go to town for lunch."
My stomach grumbles, “I didn’t get breakfast.”
Adam ignores my rumbling stomach. Rays of sun break through the trees while we avoid any path to town. It’s quiet. No one is in the woods today. Even the wolves are still asleep.
"Is Tim helping Sarah?"
I need someone who can disobey Sarah or I’m going to spend hours lapping the forest.
"Everyone’s helping Sarah. She gave us our roles last month.”
“Is that where you were this morning?”
His alarm woke us only a few hours after we went to sleep. Sarah pounded on the door after he rolled over and ignored the sound.
A random thought pops in my mind, “Is Sarah still interested in Sam?”
Adam shakes his head, “You haven't noticed."
“Noticed what?”
Adam smiles. Sarah has a new crush. My lower lip juts out, pouting that she hasn’t confided in me.
"Where’s Sam?"
"Still causing trouble.”
I haven’t seen any fresh scratches on Isaac and assumed Sam went back to the city. No one can avoid anyone in this town but I haven’t seen him in weeks. He hasn’t given up on making me a conquest, but I asked Adam to get involved when he wouldn’t leave me alone. He was more than happy to help.
Mud clings to my shoes after another lap around the approved trails. Today is going to be exhaustingly long. Would it really hurt if we went to town a little early?
The trail splits. I take the one leading towards Adam’s town house, "You aren't allowed to go that way."
"Are you going to stop me?"
His expression varies between amusement and worry, "Sarah won’t be happy if I let you escape."
He rounds the path, "I don't want to do circles in the woods anymore."
The downward slope of the path allows me to be taller than Adam. There’s still no leverage to control this situation.
"Please," I beg, my hands landing on either side of his shoulders.
Adam glances around, even turning to make sure no one else is near. Sarah would be the only one to mysteriously appear and I wouldn't put it past her to check up on us.
Inhaling deeply, "If she asks, you got away from me."
I laugh, "You’re stronger. Sarah's going to know you’re lying.”
Adam’s hand grasps mine, turning me back to face him.
"Before we go, I have something for you."
He reaches into a pocket, pulling out a small package wrapped in light purple paper. My fingers gently wrap around the small gift.
"Are you sure Sarah won't be upset? Her program said seven for presents."
Adam laughs; his large brown eyes amused and slightly worried, "She’ll understand."
The light paper slips off to expose a black jewelry box. A purple teardrop pendant hangs delicately from a silver necklace. The wolf myths about silver instantly swarm my thoughts.
"Is it ok," Adam asks trying to read the private thoughts, "It’s your birthstone.”
"It’s beautiful but is there any reason why I wouldn't be able to wear silver?”
Adam laughs and I’m sure half the town can hear him as he takes the necklace from the small box and delicately secures it to my neck, "That’s only a myth and this is white gold, not silver."
The pendant twirls between my fingers. No boy has ever given me jewelry. My five year relationship involved nothing more than stuffed animals and candy.
"Thank you.”
It’s hard not to play with the necklace as he leads us to his car. The town is small enough to walk. I’m assuming we’ll be leaving town at some point today.
"You do like it?”
I nod. It’s a beautiful gift.
"I wasn't sure what to get you. You spent the better part of the year stuck as a wolf and the rest of the time running the woods," He says opening the car door.
"I really like it. What if I break it?"
I’ve never seen Adam’s face light up as much as it is right now, “You’ll probably go through a few chains.”
I’m so awkward at accepting gifts. The necklace is expensive and I can’t reciprocate. There are others who purchased gifts for the white wolf. They started arriving at the house a week ago. I just don’t know what to do.
My arms wrap around his torso. His muscles contract before his arms slowly glide across my back. We might be wrapped together most morning but this is the first time I’ve ever hugged him.
His expression’s a mask as his eyes dilate when I pull out of his arms. Adam’s calloused hand cups my chin. A smile breaks as he listens to my heart pound.
He inches down, his eyes fixated on my lips. The softness of his lips graze against mine. He’s tentative, slowly exploring the curve of my lips as his teeth slightly tug at my bottom lip.
His hand roams across my back jerking me tighter against his body. Fingers entwine in my hair, pulling my neck to the side as his lips caress each spot. A slight moan escapes. My breath catches in my throat as his lips continue to explore the line down my neck.
He pulls back, keeping his forehead pressed against mine. My body wants more as I gulp, taking the time to calm back down.
"This finally felt like the right time," He whispers before kissing again.
My eyes remain closed, savoring the details. His lips and tongue are masters at getting a response as they slide up the side of my ear before a gentle nibble on the earlobe. I no longer want to be standing as I feel his hips press against mine.
"Are you ready," Adam asks on the other side of the car.
My eyes flutter open, wondering where my mind went if I didn't notice him walk away. Nodding as my cheeks redden, I climb into the passenger seat. As we drive, his hand slips into mine. Heat radiates as I stare at the entwined fingers. His eyes continue to look forward, a small smile lightens his serious expression.
The drive is pointless as Adam puts the car in park at the diner where we first me, less than four blocks from where we started. He squeezes my hand before leaning forward and kissing me with the same amount of passion as the kiss in the woods.
Pounds echo across the car, yanking my attention from Adam. People fill the windows while howling, laughing, and whistling. The town is small, but I wasn’t expecting this type of reaction.
The door opens, hands reach in, pulling me out until my feet finally land on the pavement. I'm tossed between so many arms as people continue to make comments and jests.
"Addie chose well," One says before pushing me towards another, "I’d fool around with him for a bit."
"What else can he do well," One girls whispers before yanking me into the restaurant.
“Adam never participates in show and tell. I guess he really likes this one.”
An awkward laugh escapes, as the heat rises to my cheeks. I’m going to be embarrassed through most of my day. It’s still not a bad start to a birthday.
They join us while continuing to make comments. Adam enjoys the attention as he slides into the booth next to me. He responds to their hackling while his hand reaches around to pull me closer.
"Did Sarah send you," Adam asks as the waitress leaves the table.
"She didn't think you had enough willpower to keep Addie away. You did try," One replies, "Sarah is going all out for tonight."
"What’s she planning?"
Everyone stops talking, turns to me, and laughs. That was my best attempt at getting an answer. I didn’t realize so many people feared the pint-sized Sarah. She’s a bit controlling but I wouldn’t have her any other way.
"Last year Sarah created an ice rink throughout the first floor of the lodge for Isaac’s birthday. It was a fun week.”
"Week?”
"We didn't want to get rid of the rink," Adam's friend answers.
There was an ice rink inside the lodge? Isaac loves hockey but that’s going too far. This year he vanished the entire month of May. Next June, I might follow his example and take a trip somewhere far from Sarah.
After lunch, the noon ban lifts. The group leaves as Adam takes my hand and proudly presents me to everyone on the street. I haven't had a guy act like this since middle school.
"What do you want to do this afternoon," He questions while nuzzling the side of my neck before kissing my cheek.
I could get use to this. I guess I never considered his reasons for climbing through my window.
"Umm," I begin becoming very distracted by him, "We could," I continue feeling his lips trace the outline of my jaw, "You choose."
He’s smiling, enjoying himself a little too much. I can't blame him. I'm enjoying it too.
"You haven't been to work in a while," He says dragging me to the car.
"Are you serious?”
Adam kisses my hand before starting the car. It’s Saturday. The office is closed which makes me want to go to there even less.
Adam’s key card gains us access. The sound of our steps echo down the empty halls. The office hasn’t changed much but it doesn’t stop me from peeping down the different corridors. The walls remain blindingly bright. I wonder if coming here is part of Sarah’s plan.
"Some days are very boring," He states guiding me by the hips through his office, "I could use some entertainment," He continues setting me on his desk.
I didn’t realize we would be acting out one of his fantasies. He brushes back my hair, leaning closer as his hand reaches behind me. His lips hover an inch from mine, while his eyes, surrounded by those long lashes continue to watch. He presses a button on the side of the desk and a far wall opens. My head turns, brushing past Adam’s lips. His hand races up my back as my body replies with a small shutter. He can make me tremble with a single touch.
A secret room does exist next to the wet bar. I was wrong with what’s inside.
"It's better than the theater in town," Adam jokes following me into the darkness and closing the door behind us.
Soft light floods the room. Four leather chairs angle in a half circle facing a screened wall. There’s even a popcorn machine in the back corner.
"Do you really work,” I ask sinking into the chair.
"Sometimes," He whispers before a quick kiss, "Sarah won’t interrupt us here.”
“I think you just want a nap.”
Adam scans through the files before pressing a few buttons, avoiding my question. Looking up through those lashes, my heart races before my mind starts to fantasize.
“You don’t?”
Through two forgettable movies and a quick nap, Adam’s phone won’t stop ringing. Sarah’s not happy we vanished and she can’t use one of her spies to keep tabs on me. It’s mandatory that I return home before Sarah personally hunts us down. We leave after she sends a picture showing our exact location.
My house looks normal. Lights are on, but every curtain is closed. The shadows don’t reveal anything.
Three silver balloons swing from the mailbox, reminding me of my childhood. It's corny but cute. Maybe tonight won’t be over the top.
Adam bounces across the car, pulling open my door. His hand remains on my back as we walk up the driveway. His expression is a mask as he makes me go first.
Silver and blue decorations hang from the walls and ceilings. It’s pretty and, again, reminds me of my birthday’s growing up. I'm still not seeing why I couldn't be around.
"Yay," Sarah squeals racing into the room while blowing a party horn, "Upstairs, upstairs now," She yells, pushing me up the stairs and into my room.
A large white box lies on my bed, "Open," She yells barely waiting for me to start before ripping at the packaging. The lid flies across the room as Sarah holds up a light blue cocktail dress.
"I knew it would be the right size," She states pressing the lace-covered dress against me, "Now put it on."
I do as I’m dictated. Adam’s mouth hangs as I walk into the room. It takes all my willpower to avoid blushing. Tim and Isaac look bored and slightly scared.
"For this part of the evening, you will receive the gift of food," Sarah gently informs escorting everyone through a curtain and into the dining room.
Drapery creates a completely different environment. The walls and ceiling are blocked out and candles provide the only light. It doesn’t feel like we’re in the house. If I had to choose, I’d say we are in the middle of a genie’s bottle.
Fine china and gold flatware cover the table. I’ve never eaten from expensive place settings. The flatware probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. Sitting behind the name cards, Sarah picks up a cut glass bell and lightly rings it.
Five men walk into the room, all in white, as they place a small plate in front of each of us. Another emerges, pouring wine into our glasses. A harp strums in the background. My head ducks into a prayer position, trying to keep the laughter from exploding.
Sarah ignores everyone’s response. Tim and Isaac are the only ones who can keep a straight face. Adam’s amusement is making it difficult for me to behave. I continue to take sips, laughing into my glass and hoping Sarah doesn’t notice.
A chef presents each course with an intricate explanation. Except for Sarah, everyone else pokes at the dish, some appearing less edible than others. Tim eats the decorative green on one plate. One course leaves me scratching my head trying to figure out where to start. Adam tries to show me as the food slithers off his plate.
After twelve courses, I never want to see food again. Someone might need to roll me to any other activities.
“We’ll see you at the lodge in half an hour,” Sarah says shoving everyone but my brother out of the house.
After the door closes, Tim shakes his head before plopping onto the couch.
"She is crazy," Tim comments, “She’s beautiful when she’s crazy.”
I join him wondering if I’ll be able to get back up from the low couch when we need to leave. I have a food baby that’s pressing against the seams. I want a looser fitting dress and a nap.
Tim changes into his required outfit of black slacks with a black shirt and tie. Dress clothes might be a good sign.
“I think it’s a James Bond night,” Tim decides.
That’s doubtful. Sarah’s good at figuring people out. James Bond is Tim not me.
Staring down the rows of cars at the lodge only heightens my curiosity and my vow to leave town next June. A getaway with Adam sounds much better than an elaborate birthday.
A massive bar takes up the majority of the great room as I hoist myself onto a seat to get a better view. The carved wood is covered in intricate details. It’s authentic as I question how the wolves got this huge bar into the lodge.
Everyone mingles as patterns emerge. Every two people are dressed in the same color. Adam wears light blue like me, while Sarah is in a black dress. I’m no closer to figuring out what we’re doing.
"Welcome, to your murder mystery party," Sarah introduces, hands cards to everyone, "Tonight will be a night for excitement, mystery, and a little death."
I glance over the embossed paper. Everyone’s reading their own card before they eye each other. Some look to the doors, their cards indicating things in other rooms.
“You must work with your teammate but cannot reveal the clue you have been given to anyone,” Sarah continues, “Your partner might be the murderer or a victim. Good luck.”
After one last look at my card, I fold it in half. The room thins. Adam quizzically waits before sitting at the bar. He’s not going to reveal his clue, which means I have no choice but to reveal mine.
“Where should I begin,” I question the bartender.
He walks over, dish rag wiping out a glass. He doesn’t even look up, “Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end.”
That wasn’t helpful. Adam nods, grabbing my hand. Without a word, we head for the library where he grabs a copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Hidden in the middle of the pages is another clue. Passing other groups in the hall, it’s easy to see they’re on their own mission.
The smell of food waifs through the lodge as waiters roam the halls. My stomach flips with each one we pass. I don’t think I’ll ever feel hungry again.
“What do you think so far,” Adam whispers while searching a case in the billiards room for another clue.
I’m glad he’s my partner. If it wasn’t for him, I’d still be sitting at the bar.
He moves closer, his lips press against mine as he maneuvers me against the wall. One short kiss and he’s out the door before my senses come back. I sprint after him, not about to be left alone while he explores his own clues.
Adam falls to the floor. “Ahaha, it wasn’t me!” Sarah yells, running down the hall.
“You just got us both killed,” I say, shaking my head as he holds up a card that says I must die.
Adam shrugs, “At least I know the killer.”
“Sarah.”
“She wasn’t lying,” Adam replies patting the floor next to him, “Come on, you were shot too.”
“And I thought we were doing so good.”
A thump and I sit up to see another couple slinking to the ground. More people drop around us. The entire time, I still miss the murderer.
“Write down your answers,” Sarah says handing out slips of paper.
With all the dead bodies, I still can’t guess the killer. Trying to snoop, Adam shields his paper. He winks, folds it, and drops it into the bucket.
I don’t know how to vote. It would help if I could see all the living people to make a guess. Instead, I’m just a body in a hall as the people who survived mingle at the bar.
“It’s Tim,” Adam whispers.
I scratch the name and toss it into the bucket. Some of the clues pointed to Tim. Crazy to think my own brother killed me and I didn’t know it.
“Run,” Tim asks loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt.
Half the group is already in the forest, refusing to wait for the answer. For once, I’m fine not going. Shaking my head, Tim shrugs before vanishing.
"Did you enjoy it," Sarah asks, fear creeping into her voice.
"It was amazing. This has been my favorite birthday," I answer surprised that she did all of this for me.
Clinking glasses, Sarah wraps me into a crushing hug, "I'm so glad. I was worried that you wouldn't like it."
"It was perfect," I choke out before Adam walks past us.
Even now, his eyes trap me. Trying to detangle myself from Sarah, I stalk his movements, until he vanishes. I’m mystified as I scan the room.
Appearing behind me, his lips gently caress my neck before he leads me up the stairs. Numerous cat calls follow before Sarah shoos everyone out of the lodge.
This birthday is already the best. In less than a day, it’s already surpassed every other birthday. As long as the other three hundred and sixty-four days remain the same, it will be my favorite birthday year.