It's been a week since Twilight went through the transition, about two weeks since she last saw Takumi. Just like other transitioned wolves, she had her wolf's ears and tail in her human form. But unlike other wolves who become much taller or more robust or muscular after transitioning, she hadn't changed much. She was taller now, but she only went from being 4'11 to being 5'0.
Currently, she was in her room at the palace. Unlike the packhouse, the palace was where the Alpha family and council members along with their families and the pack elders, resided. Just then Mitsuri burst in.
“You're not going to ignore today.”
“Mitsu, I...”
“I don't care what you have to say. You're going to celebrate the day you officially become an adult.”
“Mitsu...”
“You're going to your coming-of-age ceremony. Even if I have to drag you there while you're still wearing that ridiculously cute penguin onesie.”
“Mitsu...”
“You need to come because the whole pack, as well as Alphas, Lunas and Betas from other packs, will be there and...”
“Mitsuri!” She used her Alpha command and it got Mitsuri to stop and listen.
“I wasn't going to ignore today and I’m going to go to the ceremony.”
Mitsuri walked up to her and put her hand on Twilight's forehead.
“What are you doing?”
“So, you're not sick. I thought you were because you never want to celebrate your birthday.”
“Change of heart, I guess.”
“Or because of the food.”
“Yeah, that too.”
“I should’ve known. We have about an hour to get you ready. And I can't believe you haven't bathed or showered yet.”
“That's because you stopped me when you busted in here like a crazy person.”
“Just hurry up. It's going take forever to get you into your jūnihitoe. I should know because it took forever to get into mine.”
“Yeah yeah.”
She went into the bathroom attached to her bedroom and came out ten minutes later. Mitsuri helped Twilight into the jūnihitoe and after half an hour, they were done, and it took another ten minutes to get her hair in order.
She put on one of the necklaces and a pair of earrings from her mom’s jewellery box.
“C'mon, let's get going. We don't want to keep everyone waiting.”
“Slow down. Running in this isn't easy, you know.”
“Wait here for your dad. I'll be inside with everyone else. You got this.” Mitsuri gave her a thumbs up.
“Yeah.”
“Gummy Bear, there you are.”
“Papa Wolf?”
“My little girl is all grown up.”
“Please don't start crying.”
“I was a little surprised that you wanted to celebrate your birthday but I'm glad that you did. It's almost time, let's go.”
They linked arms.
“We welcome the Emperor, Sun and Father of the empire and the Princess, future Moon and Mother of the empire.”
Her dad walked her to their seats and then went to sit on his throne.
“According to imperial tradition, the Princess is officially an adult and as such will now be recognised as the Crown Princess.”
“Congratulations, Crown Princess.” Everyone bowed.
“I'll be honest, no comment. I don’t know what to say and I'm not going to be pretentious and give a speech but thanks for coming, I guess. And yeah, that's pretty much it.”
She went to sit down next to her dad.
“Nice speech.”
“I learned from the best.”
“What was on your mind?”
“What do you mean?”
“I couldn't help but notice that you looked as though something was on your mind the entire time.”
“No, I don't.”
“You have something on your mind, or should I say someone?”
“I'm busted, aren't I?”
“Yes. Missing him?”
“No.”
He gave her a questioning look.
“Ok, maybe a little. I was kind of wondering when he'd show up.”
“I'm sure he'll come. You'll learn soon enough that men aren't always on time.”
“I already know. I mean, you've been my dad for 18 years, haven't you?”
“You didn't have to call me out on that.”
“You kinda walked into that one.”
The day went by with wolves wishing her a happy birthday and paying their respects and tribute to her and her dad.
Later that evening, Twilight had just finished taking a shower and went back into her room. She wasn't expecting the biggest surprise to be on her bed.
“Took you long enough,” Takumi said.
She walked over to him and pinched his cheeks.
“Ow, what was that for?”
“Sorry, I thought I was hallucinating.”
“This isn't a hallucination.” He pulled her onto his lap. “Happy birthday and sorry for coming late.”
“Idiot.” She buried her face in his chest and hugged him. “It's ok as long as you're here.”
He hugged her back.
“Did you like the present I sent you for your birthday?” She asked.
“Yeah, did you make it?”
She nodded.
“That explains why it was so delicious. Guess what I got for you.”
“If it's another pair of handcuffs or anything else like that, I swear I'll throw you out the window. And we're four stories high, so your chances of survival are almost non-existent.”
“The gift is me.”
“Is that why you're all dressed up?” She asked referring to him in a tuxedo and his usually messy hair combed neatly.
“I wanted to be an extra special gift.”
“Now I feel under-dressed in this bathrobe.”
“No need to be, I'm the one who's the gift. Are those permanent?”
“What?”
“The ears and tail.”
“No. I can make them disappear”
“Wait, you grew taller, didn't you?”
“Yeah, only by like 3 cm. It's not that much of a difference.”
“That's why you'll always be my strawberry shortcake.”
He kissed her nose, and she gave him a confused look.
“What?” He asked.
“You missed.” Before he responded, she pulled him in for a kiss. She pulled away after a few seconds.
“Why didn't you kiss me back?” She asked.
“I didn't expect that.”
“Why? Is it wrong for me to kiss my mate?”
He looked at her, his face masked with surprise. “You mean...”
“Yeah. I didn’t say anything earlier because if I claimed you, there was a chance that I’d want to mate with you. But just to be clear, I'm not yours but you're mine.”
He flipped them over so that he was on top of her.