Chapter 7

Ari’s POV

Jen and I pulled up to my parents house. There waiting at the doorway my mom and dad were standing smiling at us. I took a deep breath and looked at Jen and said, “Well here goes nothing. Remember we mention nothing of finding and losing our mates. Got it?”

“Got it!” Jen said, nodding her head once.

We both get out of the car and I am soon enveloped in my parents arms as they tell me happy birthday. It didn’t take long for them to herd us into the house out of sight from the rest of the pack members who were milling about. “How is school going girls?” My mom asked as she went into the kitchen to start making my birthday breakfast.

“It is going alright Mrs. Black. We went to a party last night with a few friends.” Jen said. I shot her a look that said shut up. When she noticed and realized what she said she quickly added, “We didn’t stay long though. We wanted to be fresh when we came here to celebrate Ari’s birthday.”

“What kind of a party? I hope you girls were smart enough to not indulge in alcohol. I know that the wolfsbane brew is pretty popular with you young kids. The alpha has allowed it here in the pack. I think it is the worst thing he could have done. The last thing any pack needs is a bunch of wolves who can’t shift to protect it.” My father said.

He used to keep his head down in the pack, but the older I have gotten the bolder he has been about stating his displeasure in how the alpha runs the pack. I can only imagine how hard it is to keep his alpha wolf in line.

‘Alpha’s are supposed to protect their members Ari. Not put them at risk. Your father is right and your alpha is an i***t. He has no business being an alpha. I should know.’ Regina said.

‘How would you know Regina? You have only been in existence for a few hours.’ I asked genuinely curious. I was always taught that our wolves were born to us on our 18th birthdays. They are always with us, but they awaken only when we reach maturity.

‘Because my shortsighted human, I have been here before, a long time ago. Plus I am an alpha wolf myself. It is in our blood. It is our instinct to protect those of lower rankings. This alpha doesn’t sound like he was born to be an alpha. Or if he was then he is a very weak one.’ Regina said.

I was shocked to know that about my wolf. The lessons we were taught in school is that our wolves are created by the moon goddess for us individually. I don’t think there has ever been a case where a wolf has been reborn. Or is that wrong? ‘You were taught wrong my dear human. Wolves are reincarnated all the time. We just choose whether to share our pasts with our human counterparts or not.’ Regina invaded my thoughts.

‘Will you tell me about your past? That would be so cool to hear about history right from someone who has been there!’ I said with excitement. That would be so awesome! I loved history. I felt that if we could only learn as much of our past we can learn how to not let it repeat itself. At least the really bad stuff. We could do so much better for the whole of the supernatural world if we learned from it instead of hiding it like a bad secret.

‘Maybe another time little one. It looks as if your parents are trying to get your attention and you are standing there spaced out talking to me.’ Regina said.

I shook my head and looked around the room. My parents were standing there smiling at me with knowing looks.

“Talking to your wolf Ari?” Dad asked me with a chuckle.

“Yeah. She has said some really interesting stuff. Did you know that our wolves are reincarnated and they have knowledge of their past lives! Why aren’t we taught that in school? She said she will tell me all about her past life later. I am so excited I can’t wait!” I said with all the excitement I feel running through me coming out with my words. I am practically bouncing in place.

“That is amazing that you can talk to your wolf darling. Has she said what you are yet? Are you a wolf like your father or a lycan like me?” Mom asked just as excited as I was.

‘No. I won’t tell you. I would prefer you to be surprised.’ Regina said.

“No. She isn’t going to tell me. She wants me to be surprised.” I said with a little disappointment in my tone. It sucks that she doesn’t want to share it with me, but I am still excited to know what I will be. I honestly hope that I am not a lycan like my mother. That would be terrible if I had to suffer the same as she did with my father because of some crazy person wanting what wasn’t theirs to have. I don’t want to be hunted like my mom was because of being the only lycan female.

“That is a shame, but I understand why. Well come on then. Breakfast is ready.” Mom said. I could tell she was disappointed a little like I was.

We all gathered around the table and had the best breakfast EVER! Mom made biscuits and gravy, hash browns, and french toast with bacon. Mmmm delicious.

After breakfast Jen and I did the dishes for mom. She tried to protest because it was my birthday, but I wouldn’t hear it. Once we were done dad called me into the living room for a minute.

“Hey pumpkin. I have something for you from Uncle Max.” Dad said as he looked around the stand mom kept important things on. Once he found what he was looking for he handed me an envelope. It looked like a normal birthday card, but knowing my Uncle Max it was anything but normal.

I sat down on the couch and opened it up. I pulled out a birthday card. It wasn’t anything fancy, just happy birthday written on it. I opened it up knowing Uncle Max would have written a note. He always does.

Hey kiddo. Happy 18th. You are finally an adult now. All newly 18 year old girls deserve a makeover! So I made reservations for you and your friend Jen at Le Loupe for this morning at 10 am. Also I got you a credit card. Now don’t go getting all I can’t have this because I can’t pay for it crap. I got you covered kiddo. Lets just call it your inheritance that you should have gotten if your dad didn’t have to hide who he truly was. Not to mention your granny would tan my hide if I didn’t make sure her special girl was taken care of properly like she would have if she could be with you. We love you kiddo. Now go before you miss your appointment. Love, Uncle Max

I had tears in my eyes. I missed my granny. She passed away last year. I sent a silent thank you to granny and made a mental note to send Uncle Max a text later too. I jumped up from my seat on the couch when I noticed what time it was. We only had ten minutes to get there on time!

“Jen let’s go! We’re going to be late for Uncle Max’s present!” I yelled out as I ran towards the door. Jen was hot on my heels knowing that if it was a present from Uncle Max it was going to be a good one.

We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon getting pampered and then shopping to our hearts content. It was just what I needed to take my mind off of my mate for the day.