The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer
Chapter 34 – Birthday
(Willa)
“What, where?” My breathing became ragged and I stumbled back hitting the wall.
Where Emmett was when I checked on him only hours before now lay a black ball of fur.
“Where is he?” I demanded, finding myself if only for a second.
That’s our pup Iris said, trying to calm me down
“No,” I responded out loud and in my mind.
“I think that might be Emmett,” Caspien said, looking at me and then back at the ball.
Let me shift
I didn’t bother removing my clothes; I just went to the back of my mind and let Iris take over. I was looking forward to a brief moment where it wasn’t just my thoughts swirling through my head threatening to suffocate me.
Iris walked up to the bundle of fur and sniffed him, prodding it with her nose. The bundle moved and shifted its head up to look at us. Emmett’s green eyes stared back, and I felt a rush of relief if only short-lived.
How the hell? Would he shift back?
Mommy? His eyes searched mine I’m scared
Oh baby, I’m here, we’re here
Iris licked our pup
I’m trapped in here
Iris snorted
This is your wolf, what’s his name? I asked him trying to distract him a bit from the fear I could feel from him.
Apollo
That is a great name, its so nice to meet you, Apollo
His wolf rumbled.
I know this is scary, but you and your wolf are two parts of the same person; he is just in control right now.
What is going on? – Caspien sounded desperate in my mind
I’m not sure yet, I’m speaking to him.
How? Caspien came and sat next to Iris, placing a hand on Apollo’s back.
We shook our head, there was no way he should be able to mindlink anyone, but there was no way he should have changed into a wolf either.
“Emmett?” Caspien said and the little wolf looked up at Caspien, Caspien ran his fingers through his fur and Emmett seemed to relax, “Try to take a few deep breaths, I know this must be scary, but this is an exciting thing,” Caspien smiled.
The fevers, I think that it was all coming to this.
I snapped my head to him and then back at Emmett. Warmth flooded through me, if that were true then that meant- that meant that he wasn’t sick at all. That fear and pain and sense of impending loss would eventually dissipate.
Is he warm?
Caspien shook his head, smiling, he seemed visibly relieved.
I need to talk to my dad, and talk to our pack council.
What is that?
Similar to our Elders but just for this pack, retired wolfs, a trusted board, I go to them for advice but I don’t technically have to take it – One side of his lips pulled up.
“Emmett, try to push forward to your mind, I know it sounds weird,” Iris laid her head on the bed by our pup’s feet.
“Close your eyes, connect with your wolf, don’t be scared of him, he is another part of you.” Emmett’s eyes closed, “Try to come forward past your wolf, imagine yourself back in your human form, and ask your wolf to help you shift back.”
After a few long moments, Emmett started to shake a little, faster than I thought possible he was back in his human form, blinking down at his skin.
“Mama,” He wrapped his arms around Iris’ neck, and we breathed a sigh of relief.
Potty training would have been a nightmare Iris laughed But I’m so glad to get to meet our pup, as a pup.
This is insane, any idea what is going on?
Absolutely none, but did you see how cute he was?
I did
I smiled and let Emmett hold on as long as he wanted, twinning his small fingers into our fur. I didn’t shift until he pulled back and reached out to Caspien who held him close, all the wariness seemed to leave him as he held our pup in his arms.
“Happy birthday,” I came up placing a hand on Emmett’s back, and laid my head on Caspien’s shoulder breathing for the first time in weeks.
So many emotions flooded through me, but relief and pure happiness were at the forefront. Whatever this was, it was an explanation, and he would be okay.
He had to be okay.
My parents arrived soon after, we explained what happened but didn’t want to make it seem like a big deal in front of Emmett, he was scared enough as it was, waking up trapped in someone else’s mind, I couldn’t imagine the confusion or fear he felt this morning.
We were having his party at Caspien’s, he said we could have it downstairs in the pack house, but I didn’t want to draw too much attention by taking up the entire pack common area and we didn’t know if Emmett would be up for it.
“What do you need help with?” My mom flitted around the place. She and my dad were in much better spirits knowing that he was okay.
“We have someone coming to set up, we weren’t sure,” Caspien trailed off shrugging when Emmett came up, “How about you both relax and I’ll get you a glass of wine or something.”
“It’s the morning.”
“Well, if you add some orange juice to champagne then it’s a breakfast drink,” Grace, Caspien’s mom came in, I didn’t even hear the front door open. She kissed my mom on the cheek.
“We heard the good news.” She knelt on the floor someone not wrinkling her dress somehow, and opened her arms for Emmett.
“We have a blessed wolf on our hands,” His dad shook his head in awe, “It was fated,”
I looked at Caspien who was looking at his dad with the same confusion I must have had.
“Did you know that Caspien is my dad now so you guys are my grandparents,” Emmett poked Rendell’s nose.
“Really?” Grace looked at me and I nodded.
“If that’s okay with you,” I said my voice low.
“Of course, it is more than okay, this is the best birthday gift,” His mom clasped her hands together.
“I don’t think that’s exactly how birthday gifts work,” Her mate smiled down at her.
“Oh shush, so what should we be called? I haven’t had time to think about this. You’re grandma and grandpa right?” She turned to my parents.
“Went the traditional route,” My dad shrugged.
“What do you want to call us?” Rendell asked Emmett.
He scrunched his nose, thinking.
“Mawmaw,” Caspien suggested earning him a glare.
“I will never,” Grace started.
“Mimi,” I laughed and she turned her glare to me.
“Do not put such nonsense in this sweet boy’s head.”
“I need a few more minutes to think,” Emmett said.
“Take all the time you need, we aren’t going anywhere,” Rendell said pulling his mate in for a hug. Emmett reached an arm out to Grace and my chest tightened. I didn’t think I could get any happier. Overall the hurdles I had to face being with Caspien and his friends and family weren’t one of them.
“Can I put on my birthday outfit?” Emmett twisted towards Caspien.
“Let’s get you some food and then we can get changed while everything is getting set up. Deal?”
Emmett thought that over, “Deal.”
Caspien took Emmett into the kitchen and his parents turned to me.
“Is he really okay?”
I nodded, “After this morning, no signs of fever or anything.”
“It must have been his body processing such an early change. It sounded similar to what happens when humans change to a wolf, just drawn out and with less pain thankfully.”
“It was pretty painful, for us at least.”
“Why don’t you take a little nap? Both of you? I can make Emmett some food he must be starved.” His mom suggested, “And I owe you a mimosa.” She turned to my mom.
“Seriously, let the grandparents handle it.” My mom beamed at Grace who smiled widely, “I mean this in the nicest way honey, but you look like you could use it.”
I thought it over about to protest but they already turned their back on me.
Laying in Caspiens arms I realize just how tired I was. Without the fear and anxiety coursing through me, it just left me with a heavy tiredness.
“It’s really okay then?” I asked, closing my eyes.
“Everything is perfect, apparently we have a blessed wolf.” Caspien kissed my head and I smiled into his chest.
I opened my mouth to say something but sleep took me before I could respond.
“Willa,” Caspien’s warm breath fanned over my neck and gave me goosebumps.
“It’s too early,” I mumbled.
“Good morning,” Cali burst through the door and I groaned, “Nice view,” She opened the curtains and I swear the sun has never been so bright.
Holden jumped into bed with us and Capien kicked him. Hard.
“You told us to make coffee,” Holden coughed, holding his stomach.
“Yes,” Caspien’s paused, “Downstairs.”
“We thought we would be nice and bring it to you,” Cali turned to us giving us her signature wry smile, “Also wanted to see the bedroom,” She shrugged.
“Where is the coffee?,” Sleep coated my words, I lifted up a hand holding it out for a mug.
“Sit up,” Cali said, and I reluctantly did with the help of Caspien. She gave me a mug of coffee and the smell did help wake me up a bit.
“Thanks,” My eyes closed again.
“Anything for you m’lady,” She raised an eyebrow and Holden bowed next to her.
“Get out,” Caspien growled.
“No, please?-” Holden started.
“Get out,” Caspien cut him off.
“Breakfast in bed and this is how we’re treated,” Holden muttered before they closed the door behind him.
“We will just be back down in the servant’s quarters.” Cali threw over her shoulder.
“The party will start soon,” Caspien wrapped an arm around me, “How about you get ready and I’ll go get Emmett dressed?” I nodded, the shower seemed so far away.
“Drink,” He tilted the mug up, and I did.
I downed it as soon as it cooled and rolled out of bed.
“I promise we can sleep in as long as you want tomorrow,” He chuckled. I waved him off, trying to get my feet to move.
After a cold shower, the coffee did something. But what really woke me up was the thought of Emmett’s excitement for his birthday and the fact that I could actually spend time with him again instead of him being out of it.
When I went back downstairs, the room was transformed. Balloons in red and gold and blue were everywhere in clumps and twists and arches that would have taken me months to even figure out. There were streamers and cutouts of characters, and all things Pokemon. I think this was Caspien’s dream more than Emmett’s.
Holden and Cali were there with Loerli, both sets of our parents, and Griffen and his mate Nora, who was caressing her swollen belly. She was due in a month, but she looked like she was ready for labor any time. Caspien asked if we should invite some of the kids in the pack, but he didn’t know them, and I didn’t want him to be overwhelmed.
He would start school next year at the pack, and he could make friends on his own. Cali handed me another coffee, which I gratefully accepted, and Holden moved to the bottom of the steps, whistling loudly.
“Presenting the newly turned five-year-old, Emmett.”
Emmett emerged from the top of the open staircase, wearing a little tan suit over a button-down.
“I’m going to cry,” Cali said.
“Don’t, or I’ll start,” I elbowed her.
He turned back and motioned for Caspien to come, and he joined Emmett on the top landing, wearing the exact same suit.
“Okay, I’m crying; what the heck?” Cali shook her head.
Our moms oohed and ahhed and clapped as Emmett began walking down the stairs with Casppeins hand in his. My mom and Grace were clutching hands at the sight of them.
“Are those little dress shoes? I’m done for,” Cali wiped away a fake tear.
Emmett had tiny dark brown dress shoes matching Caspien’s.
Emmett smiled at me and straightened his jacket. I rushed to him and grabbed his hands, spinning him around.
“You are so handsome and so big.” I felt like I was actually going to cry.
“How?” I asked Caspien, “When?”
“One night, when I was up with him he asked if he could wear a suit like mine for his birthday. He asked for gray and brown shoes, and here we are.” My stomach dipped.
I stared at Caspien the dark Alpha that made everyone in the same room as him afraid. I couldn’t picture that person anymore, I never could, honestly. He was everything I wasn’t expecting and I didn’t know I needed, we needed.
“Mama, look! There’s a real pokemon game and we can fight each other,” Emmett tugged my hand pulling me away from Caspien’s lingering gaze.
I let him lead me around and show me everything, I didn’t know how they set this all up, I swore we were only asleep for an hour. I was so happy to see him have any energy back. He was back.
After a few hours, we all played games, ate cake, and danced to the theme song on repeat. Emmett and Loreli tired himself out, and we were all exhausted.
He got presents from everyone and was so thankful. When we did his birthdays in the cabin, it was something small. My mom made a lot of treats, and we spent the day looking for treasure. We would get him a small gift or two, but it was nothing like that.
It was funny thinking back to that time spent in the cabin, and how I wished I could give him the world. Now that the literal werewolf world was at his feet, I realized I would cherish those memories just as much as the new ones we were making.
Emmett didn’t even make it to bed with all the excitement; he passed out on Grace’s lap on the couch while he was telling my parents a story.
“I’ll get him to bed; why don’t you explain to them what we know?” Grace asked her mate.
“It’s a theory,” Rendell responded. Grace raised an eyebrow; it definitely wasn’t just that.
“What do you know?” Caspien came over with two bottles of wine, and Holden carried glasses behind him.
“Loreli can stay here,” I looked at Cali, who had a sleeping Loreli in her arms, ready to take her to Holden’s, “I want you to stay to hear this too.”
Holden took Loreli from Cali, “You sit, and I’ll bring her upstairs,” Cali looked at him affectionately.
“Thank you,”
She took the seat next to me as Caspein filled our glasses.
“First, a toast to, Emmett,” Caspien raised a glass; I swore his voice broke for a moment, “To his birthday and his health.”
Cali squeezed my arm, and I took a long drink. To my baby boy’s health.
“I’ll get right to it then,” Rendell started and all attention shifted to him, “There is a blessed wolf born once every lifetime, no two overlap. There is no way to know, though, who it will be, when they come, or where. It’s not by bloodline, or under what moon, anything like that. They are wolves chosen by the Moon Goddess themselves.”
“There have been other blessed wolfs, though,” Caspien mused.
I had heard rumors of some wolfs that had additional powers, mind reading, strength, protection. I wasn’t sure what was different about Emmett.
“Yes, but those blessed receive those gifts after they connected to their wolfs at eighteen or when they do. None of them shift as pups, which makes it different. That is the only indicator of The Moon Goddesses chosed.”
“Besides shifting then, what will be different about him?”
“Everyone has been slightly different, but pretty much unimaginable power,” His dad shook his head.
“Why haven’t we heard of them more often?” Caspien asked, “Great leaders, power, that would have shaped history.”
“The Moon Goddess chooses these wolves, not for destruction but for peace amongst her children. They’re here as amba*s*sadors for her. That’s why it is not until their fifth birthday that the gift is set. We think that she watches them and makes sure, so that’s why they’re not blessed from birth. The blessing must go to someone worthy of it, someone that won’t succumb to the weight of it.”
I sighed; that sounded heavy. Emmett was so sweet, so gentle; I didn’t want him to bear the weight of what was to come.
“We will figure it out; Emmett won’t be changed.” Caspien promised me, “He will do nothing but good for this world and our pack.”
I nodded. Caspien leaned against the mantle, his brows tugged together.
“What are you thinking?” I directed my question at him.
“That what I mentioned before might be true, that your bond to Nolan was to fill a purpose of creating Emmett,” He shrugged, “Call it sentimentality-,”
“I wouldn’t say anything about you is sentimental,” Holden said dryly, and Caspien turned his hard gaze to him.
“But,” His gaze softened when it turned to me, “Willa was destined for me and only me.” He said with finality. I swallowed; his stare didn’t leave mine.
“Sounds kinda crappy on your goddesses part,” Cali mumbled; Holden nodded in agreeance, “Basically using you as a vessel for her blessed wolf.”
“He is also my child,” I looked at her, but honestly I wasn’t feeling all warm as fuzzy about the potential of The Moon Goddess mating me to someone I wasn’t destined to just to procreate. I scowled at the thought.
“But, we have Emmett, so I think we can forgive her, just this once,” Caspien’s lips tugged into a half smile, reading my mind.
“Perhaps,” I shrugged, returning his smile.
“Also, you got a charming-” He went on.
“Nope,” Cali cut in.
“Well, you got a prince,” Caspien amended.
“Better,” Cali agreed, “A dark prince,” She mumbled.
“Alls well that ends well or whatever,” Holden mumbled, lifting up his empty glass for a refill.
The End.