CHAPTER 20

I felt a soft kiss on my forehead, which gently stirred me from my sleep. As my eyes opened, Xander's smile greeted me, filled with love.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” he whispered softly, brushing a hair from my face.

It took a moment to register his words. Today was my birthday. I was becoming seventeen. Considering the events of the previous year, it was strange to experience something as ordinary as this.

Once I sat up, I noticed my room had transformed overnight. There were vases with wildflowers everywhere, and their nice smell was all around. Over a chair was a beautiful white dress, and it looked soft and shiny in the morning light.

“Xander, it's so pretty,” I said, touching the smooth fabric with my fingers.

He smiled even bigger, happy to see my reaction. “This is just the beginning. The pack has been planning this celebration for weeks.”

After I'd dressed, Xander led me to the pack house's dining room, where Selene and Zara were waiting. They enveloped me with a big group h