Fifty Four
Fifty Four
AUTHOR'S POV
Soon, it was Tricia's birthday. She was turning eight. Kaida, Thoran and Tricia decided to pay a visit to Luther, as they had done last year. Tricia was excited to spend time with her father, more so with her Kaida and Thoran. The day was shaping up to be a great day for her.
“Papa!” She squealed with delight as soon as she spotted Luther coming out to greet them. The pure joy on her face was evident. She sprinted towards Luther and threw herself at him at the last second. Luther caught her with a deliberate grunt and proceeded to spin her around while she stretched her arms apart. Thoran and Kaida laughed at the sight.
“Happy Birthday, my sweet child.” He said fondly, petting her hair. “Would you like a piggy back ride to the house?” Tricia nodded elatedly, grinning from ear to ear. “Alright then. One piggy ride coming up!” Luther said animatedly. He turned around and squatted to Tricia's level. The child climbed onto his back, a moment later and Luther took off with heightened speed. Her excited screams could be heard from a distance.
The situation left Kaida with a feeling of bliss. Together, they walked towards Luther's home, hand in hand. When they arrived, they found Tricia tearing through the gifts that she had received. She had received quite a number of gifts. Luther's Beta, Beatrice, alongside a couple members of the Nyx pack, were gathered in the common room of the pack house. “Mom Kaida, Dad Thoran, come, take a look.” Tricia called as soon as they walked through the door. “Beta Beatrice gave me a wolf-themed camping gear!” The enthusiasm in her voice was undeniable.
Beatrice laughed lightly. “Do you like your gift?”
“I love it!” She said happily, giving Beatrice a hug. “Thank you, Aunt Bea.” She said respectfully. Kaida had taught her to address those older than her with respect.
Next she unwrapped her gift from Thoran. It was a moon phase watch. Thoran took one glance at Tricia's confused expression and smiled as he walked over to her. “Remember how you used to ask what moon festival we are gonna have next?” Tricia answered with a nod. “Well, this is a watch that tracks the Lunar cycle.” He explained. “Now you'll know the next phase of the moon.” Tricia's eyes widened in understanding.
“Thanks, Dad Thoran.” She said appreciatively. With Thoran's help, she put on the watch. She flicked her wrist around gently to watch how well it fit. “It fits perfectly.” She commented with a bright smile.
She opened Luther's gift next, ripping the wrapper into shreds impatiently, while those present laughed in amusement. She gasped when she realized what it was. “The crystal necklace!”
Luther smiled fondly. “Yes, the same one we found at the store last month. I know how much you wanted it.” Tricia's eyes grew wet as she fought back tears. She hugged her father happily while those around her uttered, “aww.”
“Thank you, papa.” She choked out.
Luther responded by petting her hair with a tenderness that Kaida was still getting used to. “You're welcome, my sweet child.”
Smiling, she turned to unwrap her next gift. It was finally time for her to open the gift Kaida had chosen for her. Kaida couldn't help but feel nervous as Tricia reached for the gift. “Saved the best for the last.” Tricia commented, causing everyone to laugh. It eased Kaida's racing heart. Tricia unwrapped it gently and slowly, as though she wanted to savour the moment.
Everyone waited with bated breaths as she pulled out the gift and revealed a T-shirt. Printed on the front was a picture of Kaida, Thoran and Luther in human form, standing in a curved line while Tricia sat on Luther's shoulders. They were all smiles. Printed on the back, was a picture of all three of them in wolf form while Tricia sat on Luther's back.
Suddenly, Tricia began to weep. Softly at first, then her cries increased in tempo. Everyone was at a loss. Kaida hurried towards in concern. “What's wrong, Tricia?” She asked. “Do you not like the gift? Is it because you're not in wolf form? We can always take another once you shift.” She rambled on. Tricia was yet to shift for the first time. Everyone attributed it to the fact that her mother was not a werewolf but they held out hope that she would one day shift. That didn't mean that Tricia couldn't tell that she was different.
Tricia shook her head. “No.” She wiped her tears and tried to calm herself. “No, I love it. I love it. Thank you, Mom Kaida.” Everyone heaved a sigh of relief at her words.
Hours later, they gathered the gifts into the boot of their vehicle and said their goodbyes to Luther and the pack. Luther exchanged hugs with his daughters but lingered on Kaida. “Congratulations, once again, Kiddo.” He muttered fondly before letting her go.
Tricia frowned slightly. “Congratulations, for what?” She asked in confusion.
Kaida, Thoran and Luther exchanged knowing glances. “You'll find out soon enough, it's our final gift to you.” Was all that Kaida said on the matter. Luther wished Tricia a happy birthday once more which the pack echoed and shortly after, they returned back to the Stormhowl grounds.
A surprise party awaited Tricia when they returned to the pack and another round of opening of gifts was done. It was a day of joy for her. As the party was drawing to a close, Alpha Thoran and Luna Kaida took to the stage, all smiles, and addressed the pack.
“If we may have everyone's attention.” Thoran began. He exchanged a knowing look with Kaida as the pack focused their attention on the Alpha couple. “Will you do the honours?” He asked Kaida.
Kaida nodded. “It's our joy to inform you… That we are having a baby!” She announced. A raucous cheer enveloped the room. The pack howled excitedly, and everyone began making their way to congratulate them. Kaida turned to Tricia, still smiling. “This is our last gift to you, Tricia. You're gonna have a brother!”
As soon as she said that, a pack mate stood in front of Kaida to congratulate her, and so she missed the look of absolute devastation that appeared on Tricia's face.