Her Big Day

H E R A

It’s my twenty-second birthday and they said that comfort goes out the window on your birthday. It's practically a rule but I'm not a fan. I've never been one to squeeze into a tight dress and heels. Just give me jeans and a T-shirt or sweatpants.

I really love sweatpants. But today is my birthday, and it's not just any birthday.

I'm turning twenty-two, and my friends are adamant that I can't go out in joggers and a hoodie.

"Well, you clean up nicely." Keia runs her fingers through my freshly styled hair and squeezes my shoulder. "Close your eyes."

"Keia."

"Listen to her," Janice chimes in while zipping up the fourth dress she made me try on. "You need to be surprised by how stunning you look. Who knew all this was hiding under those frumpy clothes."

I playfully smack her arm and laugh. "You make it sound like I never dress up. I did for graduation."

"That was months ago!" Janice sounds shocked.

"Okay, enough. It doesn't matter. What matters is how you'll walk into the club tonight and have guys breaking their necks to look at you because, damn, girl, you look hot!" Keia twirls me around to face the mirror. "Are you ready?"

"Yes." I was ready to get the night started and head home at a reasonable time so I could snuggle into bed and watch my favorite show for the thousandth time.

I'm a creature of routine. I think I can partly blame my father for that. I grew up in a really strict pack. My father is a powerful man with a lot of enemies, so I was always kept safe. I went to a private school with top-notch security. I can't remember a day when I didn't have a bodyguard. I've gotten so used to being alone that I've actually grown to like it. It gives me time to focus on myself and what I want without having to impress anyone.

"Alright, open up."

Taking a deep breath, I do as she says and I'm left breathless when I see myself.

"Right? You look amazing," Janice practically squeals.

I take a moment to admire my appearance and can't help but smile. I feel confident and sexy, something I've never really felt before. My long, dark hair is beautifully curled and my makeup is just right, with a subtle shimmer on my eyelids that makes my coffee-colored eyes stand out.

The dress I'm wearing is strapless and stops at mid-thigh. The silver sequins catch the light, and I can already tell they'll be scratching my underarms in no time. I'll probably want to take this dress off in less than an hour, and the night has only just begun.

I sighed upon hearing Ava’s growl in my head. My wolf seems to enjoy this little makeover.

The heels I'm wearing are a bright red, adding a good four inches to my height. I make a mental note to soak my feet in hot water tomorrow because I know they'll be sore.

"But let's not forget," Keia sings, draping a sash over my shoulder.

"Buy me a drink. I'm twenty-two. I tilt my head and give her a playful look. "Seriously?"

"Babe, you're not paying for your own drinks tonight. No way. Not looking like this." She playfully smacks my ass, and I giggle, grabbing my purse from the chair in the corner.

"What are we waiting for then? Let's go." I stumble over my own feet, and Janice catches me while Keia lets out a yelp. Clearing my throat, I straighten up and run my hands down my dress. "I'm fine. I'll be alright."

"Five bucks says she falls by the end of the night," Keia mutters.

"Ten bucks says she sprains an ankle," Janice counters.

I’m here and can hear you. I rolled my eyes as I stepped out of my room, making my way down the hallway cautiously to avoid tripping in these heels once more.

My friends laugh softly behind me, the sound of our heels clicking against the hardwood floor creating a sense of purpose as we walk.

Keia is the one leading the way, with Janice tagging along for the adventure.

"You look stunning," my father remarks as he rises from his seat, impeccably dressed as always. He plants a kiss on my cheek and signals to Mike. One of the strongest warriors of our pack. "You stick with them the whole time."

"Dad, can't I have one night without a warrior or bodyguard?" I whisper so my friends can't overhear. "As a birthday gift? Please?"

He gazes at me thoughtfully before responding, "He'll take you to your destination and wait outside. He won't come in. That's my compromise."

"Really?" I exclaim, unable to contain my excitement.

"Yes. But if you're in trouble, you give him your code word."

"I swear. I promise. Yes," I reply eagerly.

"And what's the word?" He always makes me say it before I leave the house. "Luna," I answer, knowing it will be my role in this world when my father steps out of his throne as the Alpha of the Moon Shadow Pack.

He nods, leaning in to kiss my forehead once more. "I want updates. I want to know you're safe. Do you have your credit card with you?"

"I do."

"Great. Always get—"

"V.I.P. I understand, Dad. I'm gonna go. Thanks for letting me have a night without Mike. No offense, Mike." I turned to my father’s great warrior.

"None taken, Miss Smith. I get the need for independence," Mike said, giving me a slight head nod.

"Alright. Go. Stay safe," my father calls out from behind me. "And don't—"

"Talk to strangers! Yeah, I know, Dad." I wave goodbye to him and grin, appreciating how protective he is, even though I have to talk to strangers every day.

Keia and Janice walk beside me, linking their arms with mine as we descend the marble steps of the mansion.

"Ladies, where do you want to go tonight?" Mike opens the limo's back door.

"Club Zero," I reply, and Mike clenches his jaw, clearly displeased.

He shuts the door before any of us can enter. "Anywhere but not there. Your father would disagree."

"Mike. It's my birthday. Please. It's the most exclusive club in the city."

"No," he states firmly, shutting down any argument.

"Fine." I know when to give up, but what he doesn't know won't harm him. "How about Oasis?" It's conveniently located near Club Zero. I already have a plan forming in my head.

He gives a nod and flashes a grin, the kind that shows he's come out on top. "Yeah, that works." He swings the door open again, gesturing for us to get in the car. "After you, Birthday Girl."

"Thanks." I lower my head as I climb inside, sliding against the smooth leather seats while adjusting my dress to keep it from riding up my thigh.

Janice and Keia follow suit, with Janice making a beeline for the minibar. She looks stunning in her deep purple dress which accentuates her curves. Her hair is elegantly styled in a twist, with a few strands framing her face. She effortlessly radiates beauty. The only makeup she's wearing is mascara, giving her a naturally sultry look that I've always envied.

The limo starts moving, and the partition goes up, effectively blocking Mike from eavesdropping. Janice passes around shot glasses and opens a bottle of tequila.

"To the most epic birthday night ever. Even if we can't go to Club Zero, Oasis is still incredible." She fills my shot glass to the brim, and I down it, feeling the unpleasant burn in my throat.

Oasis is the domain of all living creatures in the magical world and humans. But of course, we don’t know if we’re vibing with humans, not hunters.

Although humans agreed with the higher council of the magical world to stop the hunt, every being has a demon. So, it is better to be cautious. You don’t know if someone has a plot to kill you.

"Guys, I've got a plan," I whisper, and the girls lean in, wearing mischievous smirks on their faces.