Chapter 346 A Fantastic Photo

Chapter 346 A Fantastic Photo
Eleanor's POV

The autumn breeze swept through the open window as I stared at the small cake with a single candle. The Brown family had arranged my birthday celebration after sunset so Sebastian could attend. My throat tightened as everyone gathered around, singing "Happy Birthday" with genuine smiles on their faces.

"Make a wish, Eleanor!" Aurora called out excitedly.

I closed my eyes, feeling almost silly. What could I possibly wish for when I already had everything? I blew out the candle anyway, and everyone cheered.

"This is the first time I've ever had my own birthday cake," I admitted as Rosy handed me the first slice. "Usually I just got whatever was left after Aurora and Olive had theirs."

The room fell silent. Then Eric, one of the Eclipse wolves, wordlessly added another slice to my plate. Soon, everyone was piling food onto my dish until it threatened to overflow.

"I can't eat all this!" I laughed, but their determined expressions told me they wouldn't take no for an answer.

Sebastian squeezed my shoulder gently. "Let them spoil you, princess. You deserve it."

For the first time in my life, my birthday felt real – like I mattered.

Christmas brought another first: a true family gathering. Timothy Wright brought his entire family to visit, and we spent the day exchanging gifts, sharing meals, and simply enjoying each other's company. Aurora showed off her growing baby bump while Olive entertained everyone with stories about his college applications.

Sebastian had transformed the mansion in the months following our wedding. Jennie and her mate Irvin moved into one of the guest suites, while Rosy got her own room in the main house. He even built small cottages for retired lone wolves who wanted a quiet place to live while still serving a purpose. These older wolves patrolled the property during daylight hours and treated me like a cherished granddaughter.

"You've built quite the community here," I told Sebastian one evening as we watched the sunset from our bedroom balcony.

"We've built it together," he corrected, kissing my temple. "You're the heart of this place, Eleanor."

New Year's Eve found us at Nicholas Lloyd's upscale club, everyone dressed in formal attire. I smoothed down my emerald green evening gown, now comfortable with these vampire social gatherings that had once seemed so intimidating.

"Mr. Astoria, I really appreciate you scheduling this meeting," I told a vampire who lived on our territory. "I understand your concerns about the lone wolf family that settled near your property line. I've arranged for you to meet with both Sebastian and Queen Karina next week to resolve the issue."

The vampire bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Mrs. Astoria. Your mediation is greatly valued."

As he walked away, I felt a small surge of pride. I'd become a bridge between vampires and werewolves, helping maintain the delicate peace Sebastian had worked so hard to establish.

Olive approached, offering me a glass of champagne. "A private toast, sister?"

We clinked glasses discreetly, both of us glancing at Aurora who glared at us from across the room.

"It's not fair," Aurora had complained earlier. "Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I can't have one tiny glass."

"Not even a sip," Max had insisted, backing up my absolute refusal.

"I've decided to do the soul mate seeking ritual on our nineteenth birthday," Olive said, sipping his champagne. "Timothy's coming to help prepare the spell that our older family members would normally handle."

"Are you excited?" I asked.

Olive's eyes sparkled. "After seeing you and Aurora so happy, I can't wait. I know she's out there, my perfect match."

"Remember, she won't be perfect in every way," I cautioned. "She'll be who you need, not necessarily who you think you want."

"As long as she's not a fae or troll," he joked.

"Fae can make wonderful partners," I replied seriously. "You'll regret saying that someday."

Gavin appeared beside me, looking handsome but uncomfortable in his tuxedo as he tugged at his bow tie. "I hate these fancy things," he grumbled. "The things I do for you, angel."

He playfully nudged Olive. "Stop hogging my wife. I want to dance with her before midnight."

I spotted Scarlett and Keisha entering the room and waved them over. They looked radiant and happy. Kevin had chosen to attend as Keisha tonight, her true female form, her green-tinted skin glowing under the club lights.

"We've been having game nights at Lana's every Friday," I told Gavin excitedly. "Scarlett's teaching me this mystical board game she loves. It's actually really fun."

Scarlett smiled. "Is my favorite student ready for her first New Year's Eve?"

"I'm still confused about all these traditions," I admitted. "I was never allowed to participate in any celebrations before."

Keisha grinned mischievously. "When the clock strikes midnight, you're supposed to kiss someone. Though in your case, you have two men to choose from."

My brow furrowed with genuine concern. "Do you think I can kiss them both fast enough? I want them both to have good luck."

Scarlett laughed, squeezing my arm. "It's not actual magic, honey. You'll have plenty of time to kiss them both."

As midnight approached, Sebastian found his way to my side. We counted down together, and when the clock struck twelve, I gave Gavin a quick kiss on the lips, then turned to do the same with Sebastian. Someone called my name for a photo, and I turned away.

What I didn't see – but later learned – was that both Sebastian and Gavin had decided to give me a return kiss. They missed my cheeks and accidentally kissed each other instead.

"And I missed it!" I lamented later. "They refuse to reenact it for me."

The woman who took the photo sent it to me the next day. I quickly texted her back: "This is priceless! But please don't share it—my two very straight husbands would never live it down if this got out." She promised it would remain our little secret, even adding a winking emoji. I giggled to myself as I saved the image, already planning to have it enlarged and framed as an anniversary gift. Their faces would be absolutely priceless when they saw it hanging on our wall.

"It's a fantastic photo," I told Aurora. "I look adorable, and they're kissing each other behind me."

As January unfolded, I couldn't help but marvel at how much my life had changed. I was finally free from the shadows of my past. I was loved, cherished, and happy in a way I never thought possible. I wasn't the forgotten child anymore.

"I couldn't ask for anything more," I whispered one night as I lay between my two husbands. "This is everything I ever wanted."