15. Birthday Party

*Jade's POV*
We made our way downstairs, waiting for us was Liam and Levi. Liam smiles at me and says, “Wow, my baby sister looks like a full-grown woman.” He then hugs me and kisses the top of my head. When we release each other, I look over to Levi and I notice his mouth is wide open while checking me out.

Ava and Mia start giggling when they notice this. I walk over to Levi and put my hand under his chin to slowly push up his jaw up to close his mouth. This seems to get him out of his trance, Liam rolls his eyes at him and points to the side of his own mouth and says, “Hey man, you got a little drool there.”

We all chuckle at what Liam said, while Levi turns a bright shade of red. Levi clears his throat and says, “Jade you look amazing, hands down you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” I notice his gaze lingers on my lips for a moment but he hugs me and says, “Happy early birthday.” I look up at him with a smile and say “Thank you.”

Liam then says, “Well we should get going Mom is already freaking out wondering what's taking so long.” I nod my head and we all make our way out, there is an SUV waiting for us outside. We soon are on our way to the pack house.

When we arrive, Liam helps me out of the vehicle. Walking in to the pack house many pack members come up to me to wish me a happy birthday, I smile and thank all those that come up to me. My parents are seated at a table with the Alpha family, next to them was a table they had set up for my friends and I.

I go to my parents to greet them and to thank the Alpha and the Luna for the throwing the party. They all hug me and give me their blessings. Julian is also seated with them and I notice his behavior is not as cold towards me as before. Julian even hugs me and wishes me a happy birthday. Julian says, “I also wanted to apologize for my behavior, you were right to say that I have no right to interfere with your personal life if it does not affect the pack.”

I smile at him and say, “It’s okay, no hard feelings. You are also welcome to come in sit with us.” I then cover my mouth as to block what I am saying toward my parents and Alphas. “Unless you want to hang out with the old folks.”

He laughs and I notice his eyes quickly roam over my body. My mom suddenly says, “Who are you calling old young lady? Are you looking for a beating?” I quickly say, “Oh wait, Julian, did you hear that? I think Mia is calling for me.” I swiftly make my way to my table and I hear Julian laughing while following behind.

We arrive at the table and Julian immediately takes the spot next to Ava and I make my way to a spot between Mia and Levi. As soon as Levi sees that I am approaching he gets up and helps me with my chair. I swear this man is such a gentleman.

The food is brought out right after, we eat and chat while waiting for the initiation ceremony to begin. I suddenly see the Alpha, Luna, and my parents start making their way to the stage. The Alpha speaks in a loud echoing voice since we are werewolves, we don’t need microphones for everyone to hear. “Jade Rivers, could you please make your way to the stage.”

I take a deep breath and walk over to the stage; my father is waiting for me at the steps and helps me up. I reach to where the Alpha and Luna are standing with big grins on their faces. I return their smile and they give me a curt nod.

The Alpha says, “It's with great honor that today we are here to perform an initiation ceremony for Jade, so she will officially form part of our pack.” He looks directly at me and continues, “Jade, I have been part of being able to witness how a beautiful baby turned in to a wonderful woman. I cannot express how proud you have made all of us especially your parents. From your kind heart to your ability to kick everyone’s ass in training.” There are a few laughs in the crowd from that.

He continues, “I am eager to be a witness of what the future holds for you. Just know that the Moon Stone Pack will always back you up, no matter what.” I whisper a quick, “Thank you.” The Alpha then signals my father to approach, dad is ready with the ceremony dagger and chalice.

The Alpha then says loudly in his alpha tone, “Do you Jade Stone ‘cough’ swear your alliance to the Moon Stone Pack, promise to serve the pack in good faith, protect the pack, and obey your Alpha and Luna.” I respond with a loud and confident voice, “I swear.”

He immediately grabs the dagger and made a cut on his palm. He then passed it to me and I also made a cut on my palm. I gave the dagger to the Luna, while my father places the chalice in between the Alpha and I. The Alpha holds out his hand for me to grab. I grab it, while our hands float above the chalice. Blood flowed from our hands into the chalice.

I start to feel the bond forming with the pack. The Alpha then says, “You are hereby recognized as a member of the Moon Stone Pack.” There was a lot of cheering from the pack members. The Alpha then raised his hand to signal the pack to quiet down. Directing his attention to the crowd he says, “Well then, how about we get this party started!”

The whole pack erupted in cheer, excited for the actual party to start. For this part of the party most of the older pack members leave, I receive congratulations from many of them. My whole family approaches me and we have one of our group hugs while they all congratulate me.

Mia then runs up to me giving me a big hug. “I'm so happy for you, congratulations. But now let's go dance!” She pulls me to the center of the dance floor and we both start swaying and moving to the music. She waves Liam, Levi, Ava, and Julian over.

We all start dancing as a group, when Mia suddenly pushed me towards Levi. He catches me noticing what Mia did, I turn and glare at Mia, while she just smirks and shrugs her shoulders. Levi steals my attention by asking, “So, it seems like now would be a good time for that dance you promised?”

Before I could even answer, I was pulled by Liam and he said to Levi, “Sorry man, but as her older brother I get to dance with her first.” Liam grabs my hand spins me. We start off dancing well, when suddenly Liam as the older brother he is, tries his best to make me feel embarrassed by purposely dancing badly.

When Liam feels that he has embarrassed me enough he spins me towards Levi. Levi immediately grabs my waist and starts to dance with me. I suddenly hear Liam say, “And no dirty dancing with my sisters, and that’s for both of you.”, while giving his best death glare and pointing at Levi and Julian.

I just shake my head and notice Ava just roll her eyes. We kept dancing the night away. Levi and I kept moving out bodies in sync, letting out lower regions rub against each other once in a while. It felt so good to let loose around all the people I love.

It was getting closer to midnight and I felt Esme start to stir up in my mind. She says ‘Are you ready, only a few more minutes are left.’ I answer ‘I am as ready as I can be.’ She sighs, ‘Just remember, it will hurt. Just let the shift happen and let me take over.’ I respond, ‘Will do.’

I then hear the Luna mind link me, ‘Jade sweety, it's almost time, you can go to the master bedroom in the alpha suite of the pack house. There is a robe waiting for you there. While you get out of your dress, I will dismiss the pack members.’ I say ‘Yes, Luna.’

I whisper in Levi’s ear, “It's time for me to go.” With a look of disappointment flashing in his eyes he nods. I smile at him and give him a kiss on the cheek while making my way upstairs to the top floor. As soon as I arrive to the bedroom in the Alpha suite I get out of my dress and put on the robe.

I glance at myself in a mirror trying to build up my courage before telling myself, “It’s time.”