e's

but it's not the same as at the hairdresser. Her gorgeous face is visible as the hair surrounding her cheeks has been pulled back. She has a lon

you just going

age of you into my memory. You and this

amn, Jake, that's smoot

"You look

clean up pretty good yourself." Sh

her and remark, "

, "An early birthday pr

head up to meet mine, and lean in to pl

e," and starts

ut this so many times. If we aren't, we'll still be friends," I

. I have loved Anna my entire life, even if

nd the last thing I want to do is hurt you. It sucks th

" I ask, and then I regret it right away.

would." With renewed want for her,

e late for our pa

greet us. They have always encouraged our relationsh

ack house. Holding hands, we stroll across the field on the sid

nd then you both can

hispers, "My mom has always had a thing for the dramatics." As they enter, we stand

." I inquired, "Ho

with people applauding as we walk in. First, a few lads from the football squad met me. A few of Anna's school pals greet her. We are drawn to d

ut tonight to celebrate two wolves connected

e, are proud of these two and look forward to all the great things to come. Lady and gentlemen, Anna Rivers and Michael B

ack run." My father declares. Everyone claps once more. I head back

birthday, bro."

ou could make it. When

and puts her arm around him, he re

baby." I merely

, my brother. This party

na," I

nnection, "Candy?" He

speaking of AN, where is she? I want

ere getting a

and walks toward AN, "Sweet,

an's

eep her busy for one second. I'll be right b

y birthday. I don't wan

she looks stunning in her outfit that bares much of her back. When she turns around, it's her—Anna—and she's an adult. She sees me and grins.

t a good look at her. "L

s she adds, "Haha, stop it.

." I pivot, positioning us with our backs to th

ng top of the class in a few m

always a bright child. Far mo

es. The only reason he will likely gr

ight away. "I've returned for

en handling you?

I nod in agreement with her state

that Anna br

bit nervous." I am aware that Jake and our pa

ne, and there's tons of pressure to find Luna. Mom has even been trying to se

agreeably, and I watch Candy approach. I think it's ugh. "Well, An, I

a's

nto the dance floor by my dear buddy Kate. We dance together till Jake arrives to collect me at around 11:50. He leads me out into the rear, far from the crowd. With our backs to the ful

e world. I do not wish for my friend to go. Silen

the same as they were a minute ago. I shed a tea

for months. Jake says, "You still have me." I

him and say

utes, we hear the back door open, and the smell hits, giving me the chills all ove

my thoughts. She says, "Mate," and I get up and t

en gone? "We have to prepare fo

out back. I'll go get them." As soon as I open the d

Anna can also sense it, as I ca

sh*t." Jake gets to his

er without answering. Jake casts his gaze back and forth between us

Jake. She gives

ks, clearly be

y, unable to restrain myself. J

. Jake continues to pace and turns to face Anna. "Seriously!?. Ethan?! Ethan IS YOUR MATE?!! Yo

, we're all waiting." Glancing between me and Anna, she says, "Wa

ion alters, seeming sad and wounded. Lucas, my wolf, snarls in the recesses of my thoughts. He objects to Jake, making Anna feel d

"Ethan, give him a

, "He's upse

he pack house. "Anna dear, maybe we can walk and let th