The Most Amazing Gifts

I have gotten some of the best presents so far, new clothes, new shoes a lot of chocolate. I Have to remember to say thank you to all the members of the pack for the gifts and the cards it really is so amazing to be part of this pack with the odd exception.
Arti and Cynth were passing me the presents out of the bag one by one watching me rip all the paper from them. They get to the end of the bag and then Cynthia hands me a silver bag.

*"Sel. This was something of Mums, we each have one it will help you to control your emotions or powers whatever they might be”. *

I take the bag from her feeling both my sisters’ eyes on me. I open the bag and take out a small wooden box, on the top there is a sign embossed on it a square and each corner is a different stage of the moon, a full moon, and eclipse, a half moon and a dark new moon I run my fingers across the box feeling this overwhelming rush of emotions the girls motion me to open the box. When I do, I see the most beautiful ring it is a silver band but there are some small inscriptions over it, when I look back up Arti and Cynth are holding up their hands and they are wearing the same.

Cynthia tells me about it *"Mum and Dad had these made when they agreed to the moon goddess offer, it will pre warn you when you start to lose control by heating up”. *

Arti then continues "**It is an old trick from Mothers pack, it was used to help the family of the first keep control of their abilities until they can do it themselves**”.

"It’s beautiful " I place it on my finger and a wave of calm washes over me.

"Sel that’s not it we have another surprise " She grabs my hand and they both lead me out of my room and downstairs to the living area I’m about to ask why we are here when it’s completely empty when the sweet smell of lemon cake hits my nose and when I turn around Sybil is holding a huge cake and pretty much the entire pack are filing in the room they all burst into a chorus of happy birthday and hugs, Alpha Eric and Luna Georgie wish me happy birthday.

We eventually cut the cake, and everyone has a slice you would be silly to not eat something Sybil has baked. After lots of talking and cake eating particularly by me Luna Georgie announces that its 2.30 pm and all those that are attending the ball tonight should go and get ready as the cars leave at 6.30.

Sensing my unwillingness to move Cynthia grabs my hand and pulls me towards the door.

*"Come on Selene, you have to get ready!"*

I’ve been back in my room an hour I have yet to move, the dress I bought for my birthday party is hanging on the wardrobe door waiting for me to put it on and I found a pair of silver sandal like stilettos to wear looking at them already make my feet hurt but I need to be a little taller.
Deciding I should probably get ready I head to the shower taking way longer than I should have I come back out pull a pair of shorts and t-shirt on and then my door knocks. I head for the door to see dot standing there her dress over her arm and a bag full I know it’s full of all the things that she’s going to use to make look like a different person, so I let her in.

"Oh, Dot thank god you are here! " I see a smile go across her face.

*"As if I would leave you to get ready for this ball on your own, I saw how you did your hair at the prom "* with those words she does a thumbs down and pokes her tongue out.

Before we start, we get ready catching up, she gives me my birthday gift a beautiful pair of earrings she said will match my dress. Then she opens a bottle of Prosecco and we both begin to do our makeup we have music blaring. In the pit of my stomach, I wish when this was all over, we were going to a party and not a ball.

We have a few breaks between getting ready chatting and laughing with each other, I tell her about Dom and all the things that happens. Dot also told me that her dad is so against her going to this ball tonight as he didn't want her to be mated to someone from the silver moon, but he didn't have a choice. Were interrupted when Luna Georgie links the entire pack to tell us we only have and 1 hour left until we need to be downstairs.
"We should probably hurry up; I’ll do my hair quick then I’ll do yours. Then we can both help each other get into our dresses “Dots voice is rushed I don’t know what she has planned for both our hair, but I know she now doesn't feel like she has time I just nod in agreement.

Dots hair looks amazing she has somehow formed her into 1940's style waves. For me she opted for what she is calling super model waves really my hair is just down with more defined waves, but it does look amazing. I’ve gone to touch it a few times, but she instantly slaps my hand away simply saying no.

"Time to get dressed Dot, we have 10 minutes before we go downstairs " I Help dot into her dress I forgot how amazing she looks in it when she puts on her shoes, I give her a few dang girl compliments. She laughs and then helps me into mine.

I’m put my shoes on, my earrings in and grab my bag and mask, I’m staring at myself in the mirror for the first time today and I look so different not just because of the makeup but I look a little more defined.

Sensing what I’m feeling Seleste speaks to me **"It’s me Sel we are merging as one your bodies changed its almost like it became more of an adult body, and I mean damn we are looking fine in this dress **“ Giggling in agreement I head for the door where Dot is waiting for me.

As we walk down the hall towards the stairs there are a few unmated male wolves staring as we walk past, and I know we look as good as we both feel. Getting to the bottom of the stairs there are many members of the pack congregated, and I spot Arti and Ryan and Cynth, we head over to them.

"Selene! you look amazing!" Arti grabs my hand and stares at me up and down while Cynthia nods in agreement. A few other people who I haven’t seen today head over to me and wish me happy birthday and compliment the ladies present. I’m starting to feel relaxed and then Luna Georgie and Alpha Eric descend the stairs.

Georgie looks incredible she is wearing the most beautiful silver dress paired with a pearl necklace worn by the pack's very first Luna. Alpha Eric coughs to get the crowds attention and then begins to speak.

"Tonight, is a momentous occasion for us, today we solidify the union between us and the silver moon pack. Not only in our combined efforts to fend off the rogues that continually test both our borders but to unify the pack's allowing our unmated to search for their mates. The first of us have already found this union " With these words he gestures to Dom and Liv there is a short round of applause for them.

He then continues. " This is a masquerade ball done so by former Luna Freya to help ease any anxieties we may have. As members of the pearl moon, I expect you to be nothing but kind and welcoming to the pack that has opened their doors to us. While we do not know what the future holds, we are stronger together. The cars are waiting outside to take us to the Silver Moon, we leave in 15 minutes please ensure you are in your car ready to leave by that time”.

With those words they continue to decent the stairs into the crowd. Dot lets me know she is just going to find her father and I like always to find myself alone as Arti and Cynthia mix with the waiting crowd. After a while people begin to move to their designated cars, I find the car I am assigned to hoping someone I know is sat with me for the 30-minute drive. To my disgust I open the door and the only other person in the vehicle is Ash.

He looks me up and down "well ... it seems as though it’s just you and me for this ride”.

Seleste internally sighs "Great 30 minutes with this asshole, surely the meeting earlier was enough! "

I climb into the car sitting as far away from him as possible without falling out of the door. I look at him hoping my utter distaste for him is showing.

"It’s probably best if we don’t talk on this car journey”.

Moving closer to me he then says, "With the way you look tonight, I wasn’t planning on talking”.

I’m about to jab him right in the throat Cynth pulls the car door open "Sel there was a mix up you’re in the car with me Dom and Liv”.
I practically run out of that car thanking Cynth for rescuing me and she lets me know she felt my discomfort so she thought she would help. Once I’m settled in the back of the car with Liv and Cynthia we begin to move.

For someone reason I was not nervous until right now, I have a weird feeling about tonight.