Chapter 301: Birthdays & Surprise News
Tori’s POV
~ 1 Year Later ~
“Luna Tori, come quick we need your help,” cries the voice of an Omega as she runs directly into my office. Today supposed to be special. And by special, I meant today the pups were officially turning 1 years old today. The four growing so big.
Each of them already walking, talking and eating just like normal pups. My eyes quick to look towards the Omega who entered. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s.. it’s the cake Luna. It’s all completely wrong.”
“Wrong? In what way?” I ask, hoping she didn’t mean what I think she did. Luna Alyssa having ordered a five tier cake. Each layer meant to be different. Alyssa wanting each pup to have a say before tonight’s big celebration.
Rune simply curious as we move to follow the sweet little Omega. Jake, Zak, Alex and Aaron all off decorating the pack and doing miscellaneous tasks for Jake’s mother. The two of us soon reaching the kitchen and to where everyone was prepping for tonight’s big meal. The whole pack invited including Luna Athena and hers.
Our eyes soon spotting the cake. The cake in general fine, but the decoration and color scheme were a tad bit wrong, and I couldn’t help but laugh. The Omega in question just baffled. “Um, Luna?”
“Sorry, it’s just… I don’t see what the big fuss is. It’s just cake, nobody will care. Especially when everyone devours it after dinner.”
The Omega just blinking. A smile quick to rise and I attempt to sooth her fear. “It’ll be fine. Trust me. It’s still 5 tiers and that’s all it matters. Color and decoration doesn’t.”
“But.. it’s the pups 1st birthday. Shouldn’t it be perfect?” asks the Omega again. The worry within her voice easing.
“No. Trust me. They’ll be too busy with gifts and food to be worried about cake. Besides, there’s more important things to worry about then cake. Like making sure the food’s ready to go by dinner time.”
“Yes, of course Luna. Silly me. I just thought you’d be angry that the cake looked wrong and not to Luna Alyssa’s standard.”
A small smile soon rising. “No. I’m not mad. But thank you for telling me. Now then… if that’s everything, then I’ll swing by later once the party draws closer, I still have a few things to do before then.”
“No, of course not Luna. Thank you Luna.”
Smiling one final time, do I then briefly check in with the other Omega’s within the kitchen before deciding to check on other’s around the pack. The pack a lot happier, not to mention peaceful, now that the Elders were all gone as well as the Rogue King. Another sole reason to celebrate.
Meanwhile, the High Rulers or High Elders as they were typically called, were each back where they rightfully belonged. While Aven and Luke, have settled in nicely within our pack as well. Aven still my Royal Best Friend while Luke has become a Royal Mentor to all the pups. A tutor of sorts and Jake and them pay him greatly for it.
Jake and Aaron both offering to give Luke and Aven land, so that Luke could rebuild the Crystalmoon Pack yet decline the offer to do it. Luke deciding to mentor instead. A compromise everyone agreed on wholeheartedly.
Meanwhile, the sound of distant laughing soon catches my ears, and I can’t help but look. Zane laughing at dad who was trying to help hang something and totally failing. Another smile quick to rise.
‘Crazy to think that only a year has passed and those two have bonded greatly since his arrival,’ whispers Rune. Rune and I secretly agreeing. My dad more happier since mom had died, and not because he didn’t love mom, but mates did that to people. And though dad has kept his promise, in not marking Zane until turning 18, it’s still crazy to think that Zane’s almost 17 now, and a year away from being fully marked and claimed.
‘Speaking of bonded pairs. Fawn and Nova have gotten a lot more closer lately. Think Fawn will fully mark Nova now that she’s approaching 18?’
‘Maybe. Guess we’ll have to wait and find out.’
My thoughts soon interrupted by the sweet scent of peppermint, vanilla and chocolate as warm arms then wrap themselves around my waist. While the faint smell of sweat lingers and Rune purrs happily.
“How you feeling today little mate?” whispers Zak as he continues to hold me gently. My body pressed gently against his.
“I’m fine.”
“You sure? I heard you throwing up this morning. Jake, Alex and Aaron are worried as well.”
“Yep. Totally fine,” I lie. Zak well aware of it too but decides not to push because truth was, I wasn’t fine. My morning sickness quick to show, and I’d been waiting until now to finally tell them I was pregnant.
Our family growing, though I wouldn’t say anything until tonight’s party. Zak just purring before kissing my cheek. “Okay. So long as your positive. Yet, I still wanted to check-in. But now I better get back before Jake comes looking for me.”
Giggling, I quickly spin around before giving him a kiss. “Yes, I’m positive. Now go. I’ll see you guys later.”
Zak just giving me another kiss before turning and heading back in the direction he came. A small smile now rising and a hand soon lays along my stomach. My stomach currently flat. Well aware it wouldn’t stay flat for long. And when 6 months were up, we’d welcome a pair of new additions into the family.
~ Later that Evening ~
It’s now 5 in the evening and those that we’re currently invited were all starting to show up, while a table we kept designated for presents was beginning to fill up as people began to arrive.
My mates and pups all standing near the front, as we humbly welcome those who came to celebrate tonight’s fun. The birthday of Mira, Cole, Kane and Ciro. Selina’s as well, once learning from an Omega from Kian’s pack, that Selina’s birthday was exactly 1 week after the pups, but to be fair, we included hers today, and would hold a much smaller one, when her actual birthday came with just family and close friends.
My eyes soon finding Luna Athena, Alpha Ares and Alpha Eros as well as their pups. Three boys and two girls. Athena quick to smile once moving closer. “Hello Tori. Long time no see,” smiles Athena while Jake and the others chat idly with Ares and Eros.
“Hello Athena,” I say before my eyes spot those of her pups. “And who are these little cuties?”
Smiling, Athena begins to gesture to each pup. “These cuties are mine. This here is Adrian and he’s currently 9. Then you have Ryder, Nathan and Samara, the triplets who are currently 4 and last but not least, Saige, who just turned 3.”
“Cuties indeed. There adorable. Please, allow me to introduce mine,” I say before gesturing down the line. “This here is Selina and she’s about to turn 6. Next to her, we have Cole, Kane, Ciro and Mira and there officially turning 1 today.”
Athena just smiling. “Lovely. They really are cute,” replies Athena just as Adrian slowly approaches Kane while Nathan approaches Selina. Athena’s smile just growing as if she knew something before me.
‘The Moon Goddess has made them mates. It’s faint now since there young, but when their finally older it’ll be undeniable. They’ll be mated forever,’ replies Rune happily.
“Adrian dear, why don’t you and the other pups go play. We’ll call you when it’s time for dinner,” replies Athena to her oldest.
“Okay mom” replies Adrian, before he gently takes Kane’s hand and he and the others all turn and leave. Athena’s gaze soon back on mine. Her smile still present.
“I’ll come and find you later Tori. As I believe you and your mates all have something to discuss?” And then, like magic, does she and her mates also move to leave.
Jake the first one to speak up. “Well little mate? Care to explain what’s going on?”
Swallowing thickly, I decide to come clean. “We’re pregnant. Again.”
Jake and the others just silent, until suddenly, I’m lifted into a pair of warm strong arms and spun around happily. A kiss my only answer. Jake’s excitement contagious. “YES! I knew something was up. Now my suspicion’s confirmed.”
Jake then quick in putting me down just before the others all take their turn in sharing the joy.