Chapter 88

Lisa Pov

The sunlight filtered through the curtains, drawing soft patterns on the walls. I blinked against the light, the quiet anxiety in my chest making my breath uneven. Birthdays were never easy for me. Before Hunter, they were a painful reminder of all the hurt I’d endured—my father’s cold remarks, the emptiness of a day meant to feel special.

But today was different. I could sense it, even as my chest tightened.

“Happy plus one, Pumpkin!” Hunter’s voice broke through my thoughts, startling me as he leaned over the bed. His grin was wide, boyish, and undeniably infectious. Before I could even register what was happening, he was setting a cake down in front of me, a single candle flickering atop it.

I laughed, still groggy, but his excitement was contagious. “Hunter! What are you doing?”

“Birthday morning tradition!” he said, kneeling beside the bed. “Now, make a wish.”

I stared at him, unsure of what to do. “How do I even—”

“Close your eyes,” he interrupted, his tone softening. “Say something you really want. From the heart, Pumpkin.”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. I closed my eyes and let my thoughts settle, whispering silently, I wish to be happy and surrounded by the people I love every day of my life.

“Now blow out the candle,” Hunter instructed, watching me closely.

I leaned forward, letting out a soft breath as the flame disappeared, the smoke curling upwards.

“There,” he said, his voice low as he set the cake aside. His hand cupped my face, pulling me gently toward him. His kiss was slow, deliberate, a promise in its own way.

When he pulled back, his eyes searched mine. “I’m so happy to celebrate this day with you, Pumpkin. I’m even happier that I get to see you smile like this.”

Tears pricked at my eyes, and I couldn’t stop them from falling. “Thank you, Hunter,” I whispered, my voice shaky. “For everything. For loving me when I couldn’t even love myself. For putting me first when no one else ever did. I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you.”

“Hey now,” he murmured, pulling me into his arms. “You don’t have to cry. If anything, I should be thanking you. I don’t know what I’d do if I hadn’t followed that pull that led me to you.” He kissed the top of my head, his hand running soothingly down my back.

Before I could say more, my phone buzzed on the nightstand. Hunter pulled back with a chuckle. “Looks like your fans are already calling. Better pick up.”

I grabbed the phone, laughing through the tears. The screen lit up with Kate’s name, and I quickly answered.

“Happy plus one, sweetie pie!” Kate’s voice bubbled with excitement.

“Thank you, Kate,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips as she launched into an endless stream of blessings and wishes for me.

“Shakti wants to say something!” Kate added, her voice distant for a moment before her daughter’s tiny voice chimed in.

“Happy plus one, Miss Lisa!” Shakti’s innocent tone made my heart swell.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” I replied warmly. After a few more exchanges, Kate hung up, leaving me grinning.

Hunter stood by the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. “You’d better start getting ready. If you need help, Claire’s on standby.”

I waved him off. “I’ve got it under control.”

“Alright, Pumpkin,” he said with a wink. “See you later.”

After freshening up, I slipped into a yellow summer dress, the soft floral print adding a cheerful touch to the day. As I descended the stairs, humming to myself, I turned the corner and collided with Mark.

“Oof!”

“Lisa!” he exclaimed, grabbing my arms to steady me. His grin was as dramatic as ever as he handed me a neatly wrapped package. “Happy plus one from me and mine!”

I laughed, taking the package. “Thank you so much, bestie.”

His eyes widened in mock shock, and he threw his hands over his heart. “Oh my goodness! Did you hear that? She called me ‘bestie!’ Best day of my life, everyone!”

“Stop being dramatic, Mark,” I said, giggling as I patted his shoulder.

“Never!” he declared. “In fact, I’ve decided we’re going out. Right now.”

“What?” I blinked at him. “Mark, I can’t just leave. Hunter’s guests are probably going to start arriving soon!”

“Exactly! Let them wait for the birthday girl. A little suspense never hurt anyone.”

“Mark, no.” I tried to move past him, but he grabbed my arm with a grin.

“Oh, you’re not getting out of this,” he said, scooping me up effortlessly.

“Mark!” I shrieked, laughing despite myself. “Put me down!”

“Not a chance!” he replied, carrying me upstairs to drop off the package. “And don’t worry—I already cleared it with Hunter. He knows I’m stealing you for a few hours.”

“And your mate?” I teased, trying to wriggle free.

“Taken care of. She’s perfectly fine, and I’ve got trusted people looking after her,” he said confidently as he set me down by his car.

Before I could protest further, he opened the passenger door with a flourish. “Get in. You’ll love this.”

I hesitated for a moment, but the mischievous glint in his eye won me over. “Fine,” I said, sliding into the seat.

Mark grinned as he started the car, the engine purring to life. “You won’t regret this, Lisa.”

We drove off, the wind whipping through the open windows as he turned the music up. I had no idea where he was taking me, but for the first time in years, I didn’t feel the familiar dread that usually accompanied my birthday.

Mark’s energy was infectious, and as we sped down the road, I couldn’t help but laugh. Whatever he had planned, I knew it was going to be unforgettable.

The car came to a halt, and I glanced over at Mark, who had a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

“We’re here,” he announced, stepping out of the car.

I followed hesitantly, still unsure of what he was up to. We had driven for what felt like hours, weaving through dense forests and hidden trails I’d never seen before. The air here felt different—crisper, cleaner, as though untouched by the outside world.

“Where exactly is ‘here’?” I asked, stepping onto the soft earth and taking in my surroundings.

Mark gave me a wink. “Patience, birthday girl. You’re about to witness something extraordinary.”

He gestured for me to follow, and we began walking through the trees. The sunlight filtered through the towering canopy, casting golden beams that danced with the gentle breeze. The ground was soft beneath my feet, carpeted with moss and leaves that muffled every step.

“This place…” Mark started, his voice unusually calm, almost reverent. “It’s like no other. It wasn’t here before—not in the way you’d expect.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, intrigued.

He stopped and turned to face me, his expression serious now. “A long time ago, this forest was just like any other. But one day, after a great battle within the pack, this clearing appeared out of nowhere. No one knows how or why. Some say it’s the ancestors’ way of giving us a place to heal—a sanctuary.”

I looked around, trying to absorb every detail. The clearing opened up ahead of us, revealing carved stones arranged in a circular formation. Symbols I didn’t recognise were etched into their surfaces, glowing faintly as though alive.

Mark stepped forward, his voice lowering as though he didn’t want to disturb the tranquillity. “This is where the pack’s energy feels strongest. At night, the moonlight bathes this entire area in silver. It’s… indescribable.”

I couldn’t speak. The beauty of the place took my breath away. The air here felt alive, humming softly in a way that sent a shiver through me—not of fear, but of awe.

“Mark, this is incredible,” I whispered, my gaze lingering on the carved stones. “Why have I never heard of this place?”

“Because almost no one knows about it,” he said, crouching beside one of the stones and brushing away some moss. “Only Hunter, his father, Joe, Andrew, and I know it exists. And now, you.”

“Why keep it a secret?”

He smiled faintly, his hand lingering on the stone. “Some things are too sacred to share with the world. This place… it’s not just land. It’s a connection to something greater.”

I stepped closer, running my fingers over the intricate carvings on one of the stones. The patterns were unlike anything I’d ever seen, almost hypnotic. “What do the symbols mean?”

“Stories, I think,” Mark replied, standing and dusting off his hands. “Of battles, of victories, of loss… and of hope.”

As he spoke, a soft sound reached my ears—a distant, soothing rush of water. I turned my head, my senses sharpening.

“Do you hear that?”

Mark’s grin returned, playful now. “I was wondering when you’d notice.”

He beckoned me to follow, and we moved deeper into the clearing. The sound grew louder with every step until we emerged from the trees to see a waterfall cascading down smooth rocks into a crystal-clear lake below.

“Oh my god,” I breathed, staring in awe. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and the air was cooler here, carrying a faint mist that kissed my skin.

Mark leaned against a tree, watching me with a satisfied smirk. “Told you it was worth it.”

“This is beyond anything I imagined,” I said, stepping closer to the edge of the lake. The water was so clear I could see the smooth stones at the bottom, and the gentle ripples seemed to hum with energy. “It feels… peaceful.”

“It’s more than that,” Mark said, his tone softening again. “This water is said to have rejuvenating properties. They say it cleanses the soul, renews the spirit. After everything you’ve been through, I thought you deserved this.”

I turned to look at him, my chest tightening with gratitude. “Mark… I don’t even know what to say.”

He shrugged, his usual playful demeanour returning. “You don’t have to say anything. Just enjoy it.”

I crouched by the edge of the lake, dipping my fingers into the water. It was cool and soothing, sending a calming wave through my body.

Mark sat down a few feet away, his eyes scanning the serene surroundings. “You know, not many people get to see this. Even those who know about it rarely come here. It’s… sacred.”

I looked at him, curious. “Do you believe the stories? About the ancestors?”

He hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, I do. You can feel it, can’t you? The energy here—it’s like the land is alive.”

I nodded, unable to deny it. There was something otherworldly about this place, something that made me feel small but safe, as though I were part of something much greater.

We sat in silence for a while, listening to the waterfall and the rustling leaves. It was the kind of silence that didn’t need to be filled, a peaceful moment I hadn’t realised I needed.

“Thank you, Mark,” I said finally, breaking the quiet. “For bringing me here.”

He smiled, leaning back on his hands. “You’re welcome, Lisa. You deserve it.” I smiled as I sat there, surrounded by the beauty of the clearing; I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for what was to come.