Chapter 20: CHAPTER TWENTY: HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUNA

They were standing in front of a run-down building on the outskirts of town, its windows boarded up and the roof sagging. My heart raced as I watched them exchange a few words before my stepmom reached into her pocket and pulled out a key, unlocking the padlock on the door.

My mind raced with questions. What were they doing here? Why were they being so secretive? And why did my stepmom have a key to this place?

I stayed hidden behind the tree, straining to hear their conversation. They disappeared inside the building, leaving the door slightly ajar. After a moment of hesitation, I cautiously approached the building, my footsteps silent on the overgrown grass.

Peeking through a crack in the door, I could see my stepmom and Stella standing in the dimly lit interior, their voices hushed but urgent. I strained to catch snippets of their conversation, but the words were muffled and indistinct.

As I watched, my curiosity overpowering my fear, I knew I had to find out what they were up to. But before I could make a move, a twig snapped under my foot, echoing loudly in the stillness of the night.

My heart lurched as I froze, my breath catching in my throat. Had they heard me? Would they come out and find me lurking outside?

But to my relief, there was no movement from inside the building. I waited for a few moments longer, making sure they hadn't heard anything, before cautiously retreating back into the shadows.

As I made my way back home, my mind raced with questions and possibilities. What were they hiding in that building? And what did it have to do with me?

I knew one thing for certain: I couldn't rest until I had uncovered the truth. I leaped all through the walk home and the wind wasn't helping at all as it blew fiercely. I tried holding the pains in which was almost definitely unbearable but my identity couldn't be blown.

I breathed out in relief when I got into the house but my heart flew to my mouth as a figure shadowed me. I gasped out in fear.

"Hey, do you want to get me killed?" I asked my personal maid Lily as she stands akimbo.

"Where were you luna?" she cried out checking my whole body to see if i had sustained any injuries. I tried to calm her down that i'm good but she screamed as she saw my bloody feet.

"Lily, I'm okay, really," I assured her, trying to soothe her panicked state as she inspected my feet. "It's just a few cuts from running too fast. Nothing serious."

But Lily wasn't easily convinced. "We need to clean these wounds right away," she insisted, her voice trembling with concern. "Sit down, Luna. I'll get the first aid kit."

I obeyed, allowing her to guide me to a chair while she hurried to fetch the necessary supplies. As she cleaned and bandaged my feet with gentle hands, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence. Despite her initial shock, Lily's maternal instincts kicked in, and she took care of me with unwavering dedication.

Once my feet were taken care of, Lily finally seemed to relax, though her worried expression lingered. "You should be more careful, Luna," she scolded gently. "I know you're strong-willed, but that doesn't mean you have to bear everything alone."

I nodded, touched by her words. "Thank you, Lily," I said softly. "I promise to be more cautious."

With a relieved smile, Lily hugged me tightly, her warmth comforting me after the ordeal. And as I leaned into her embrace, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I wouldn't have to face them alone with Lily by my side.

Lily offered to make me a cup of tea to at least soothe me which I obliged to. Lily prepared a soothing cup of tea for me while I recounted the events of the day.

As the hours slipped by and the tension eased from my body, I found myself wondering what my step mother and Stella could have been doing in that tarred house.

As night fell and I retired to bed, I couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. Despite the fear and uncertainty, with a contented sigh, I drifted off to sleep, knowing that no matter what tomorrow brought.

Startled awake by the sudden noise, I sat up in bed, my heart racing. Another bang echoed through the room, sending a jolt of adrenaline through my veins. "Who could it be at this hour?" I wondered, my mind racing with possibilities.

Throwing the covers aside, I hurried to the door, my senses on high alert. "Who's there?" I called out, trying to steady my voice despite the lingering fear.

There was a moment of silence before a familiar voice responded. "Luna, it's me, Lily," came the urgent reply, tinged with worry.

Relief flooded through me as I quickly unlocked the door and swung it open. Lily stood on the other side, her expression fraught with concern. "Lily, what's wrong?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

"It's the master," she exclaimed, her words rushed and breathless. "He's fallen ill, and the doctor has been called. You're needed downstairs immediately."

My stomach clenched with worry at the news. Despite our differences, my father was still family, and I couldn't bear the thought of him in pain.

Without hesitation, I followed Lily downstairs, my mind swirling with thoughts and emotions. As we reached the master's quarters, I braced myself for what lay ahead, knowing that whatever the outcome, we would face it together as a family.

The sudden shift from worry to surprise left me momentarily speechless. Blinking in astonishment, I stared at the scene before me. The room was filled with balloons, streamers, and a table laden with gifts and a beautifully decorated cake.

"Happy birthday, Luna!" my father exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face as he approached me, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

I couldn't help but laugh in disbelief, my initial fear and apprehension melting away in an instant. "You got me," I said, shaking my head in amazement.

Lily beamed at me from the corner of the room, her eyes sparkling with joy. "We wanted to surprise you," she explained, her voice filled with warmth.

Overwhelmed with gratitude and love, I hugged each person in the room, feeling incredibly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. As we gathered around the table to celebrate, I couldn't help but reflect on the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment, both the challenging ones and the moments of pure joy.

And as I blew out the candles on my birthday cake, surrounded by my loved ones, I made a silent wish, knowing that no matter what the future held, as long as we faced it together, we could overcome anything.

As the sound of trumpets reverberated through the air, we all exchanged puzzled glances before rushing outside to investigate. Stepping into the cool night air, I was greeted by a sight that left me breathless.

There, standing before us, was Brian, my husband, the Lycan King, his presence commanding and regal. His wolf-like features were illuminated by the moonlight, casting a surreal glow around him.

Gasps of astonishment and awe echoed through the courtyard as the realization of his arrival sunk in. My heart swelled with love and pride as I rushed forward to embrace him, feeling a surge of warmth and comfort in his arms.

"Brian, you're here," I exclaimed, my voice filled with joy and relief.

He smiled down at me, his golden eyes twinkling with affection. "Happy birthday, my love," he said softly, brushing a gentle kiss against my forehead.

The moment felt surreal, like something out of a fairy tale. Surrounded by my family, friends, and the man I loved, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect birthday celebration.

I couldn't ask for more when my hand conspicuously went rubbing my stomach simultaneously. I was brought out of my trance by Brian voice…

"Is there something I should know?" his voice was cold as ice as he gazed over me.

"Something like what?" I asked him concealing my shaking voice which lay underneath my voice.

"Are you sure everything is fine Ari?" he asked again, taking my hand into his.

His simple gesture almost made me blurt out my secrets of carrying his pups but I shut my mouth nodding my head in response to the question he asked. I don't know maybe it's because of the pregnancy hormones but I get too emotional these days and tend to take things out.

"Let's go inside then, it's getting chilly" he said to me, helping me up but the thought of being in the same room with him alone choked me up as I started coughing out loudly.

I kept coughing out while he slowly patted my back to ease it.