One Day to Be Happy

It's the final day. The last day of freedom. The last day of my childhood. No matter what happens tomorrow, everything is going to change.

By this time tomorrow, I could be mated to David and moving into the pack house to start our new lives together and formally begin training as Alpha- and Luna-in-waiting.

Or I could be mated to a complete stranger and moving across the state to live with his pack, away from all my family and friends. Or maybe we would wait to consummate our mating and do long distance for a while, at least until I finish high school.

Or my soulmate could be someone else in the pack. That would be awkward. Besides Taylor, I don't really think any werewolves my age particularly like me. I avoid them and they avoid me, the freaky omega. Or maybe they are just intimidated by David. He does tend to glare at any men who get within ten feet of me. He even glares at Taylor, not that he ever cares enough to be scared off by David.

Or maybe, just maybe, I won't meet my mate at all. Maybe tomorrow… I will be liberated.

This thought has me buzzing with hope. Would my mother finally give up on me then? Could I fade into obscurity and just be ignored? I could enjoy being single—just figure myself out and what I really want—but I'm also excited by the possibility of exploring whatever is going on between Alastair and me.

Alastair. Star. My Starlight. Ugh! He is just so cute and sweet. I think he is still a little afraid, but is it bad that him pushing me away just makes me want him even more? Yesterday, when he sang for me, I saw a truly carefree Star. I grip the steering wheel tight as thoughts of his shy smile, blushing cheeks, and darkening freckles fill my mind.

"Relax your arms," Dad instructs from his spot in the passenger seat. "Keep your hands at ten and two." Both Ellie and I have our learners permeate and take turns practicing driving with Dad. Right now the three of us are headed to pick up Alastair and Addy for the football game. I gather all my years of practice controlling my emotions in an attempt to appear calm before Dad, but I'm practically buzzing with anticipation.

When we pull into the circular driveway of the mansion, Star and Addy are already waiting for us on a wooden swing set situated on the enormous wrap-around porch. My heart warms at the sight of the pair with their heads close together, talking quietly.

After they slide into the back seat, Ellie pulls Addy in for a quick side hug, and I flash Star a smile through the rear view.

"Thanks for the ride, Mr. Berkley," Alastair says politely.

"It's no trouble at all, kids. Although I can't vouch for this one's driving skills to get us there in one piece." He thumbs playfully at me.

"Considering none of us are humans, I would be more concerned about the car's chance of survival than ours in the event of a motor vehicle accident," Addy informs us.

"I guess that's true!" Dad laughs. "So, Alastair and Adeline, right? How did you become friends with my children?"

"Cameron was stalking Al," Addy responds.

As my head whips to look at my dad, the car jerks violently to the side. I swerve, overcompensating, before quickly straightening out. I think I hear Star snicker, but Dad's boisterous laughter drowns it out. "The car may be closer to an early grave than I originally thought! Your new friends seem like good practice in ignoring distractions during driving. Please, sweet girl, continue telling me all about my son, don't leave any of the embarrassing stories out."

"Please don't, Addy," I quickly interrupt.

"Well, I for one want to know what she means by stalking Al," Ellie chimes in.

I groan.

"Stalking is a bit of a strong word for it," Star counters. Bless him. "We happened to meet during study hall in the library on Tuesday and then he was looking for me there the next day. Not exactly what I would define as stalking, but Addy likes to be dramatic."

"Dramatic I may be, but I also pride myself on being accurate. The truth is always better than fiction." Addy smirks. "And, Cam was totally stalking," she leans in to Ellie to whisper.

"You're the one who came to the library to find me!" I screech theatrically, gripping my chest to show my indignation. "You're the one with the habit of popping out of nowhere, always sneaking up on me! If anyone is stalking it's you!"

"Hands on the wheel," Dad chuckles.

"Right, because walking straight up to another person and proceeding to immediately introduce myself is the same thing as secretly listening to them play the guitar for forty-five minutes without their knowledge," Addy counters.

"Do you realize the irony in what you just said? Like seriously. Between the Al and me, who is actually secretly listening to people without their knowledge?" I tease playfully.

She just shrugs. "That's different. Al, can't help it."

"Addy," Star warns.

"Well, I for one think it's great that you both are making friends outside of the pack," Dad says, perhaps trying to diffuse the tension he inadvertently instigated.

"I doubt Mom would agree," Ellie mumbles.

"And—" Dad speaks over her, "—a little bit of initiative is necessary to forge unlikely friendships. So good for you Cam!"

"Er… sure. Thanks, Dad, but uh… like I said, it was mostly Alastair who took the initiative. So, yeah," I fumble, trying to cover up my slip up about Star's telepathy. I don't know if he is comfortable with me talking about it.

"Yes, well, this whole werewolves versus witches rivalry is archaic and should have died when the peace treaty was signed," Star chimes in. "We have more in common than we think and, even if some of the coven disagrees with me, I think it is better to form friendships than alliances."

"Wow. That is very insightful for someone so young," my dad compliments. "It's weird, I can't seem to remember Ophelia ever being pregnant… but you don't have your marking yet, so I assume you aren't older than my kids. Right?"

"I turn sixteen in January," Alastair answers while Addy interrupts:

"You know our mother well?"

"Oh yes," Dad chuckles. "Ophelia and I were friends long before the peace treaty was signed. Before I was even friends with Alpha Edmund or your mother, actually."

I'm surprised. I've never heard Dad talk about this, and I thought I had heard all his stories about the "good ol' days".

He must see our shock, because he continue, "We use to laugh about how stupid our parents were, just like you guys. We thought the whole turf war was so petty."

"So…" I ask slowly, "Did your friendship help end the fighting?"

"Well, I like to think so, but really it was all Ophelia. We drifted apart after your mother and I mated, but she always fought for peace.

"That's accurate," Addy chimes in. "After she became High Priestess, she was the one who approached Alpha Edmund with terms of the treaty," she says proudly.

"Wow, your mom sounds awesome," Ellie says excitedly. "I've only ever seen her around town, but she's got great style: bohemian, but still chic. Kind of like you."

Addy flushes. That's new.

After a slight lull in the conversation, Dad says, "I'm actually a little surprised it took you kids this long to come together considering how much has changed since my day. Aren't there some warlocks on the football team with Davy?"

"Five of them after tryouts on Tuesday," Addy answers.

"I remember a fire specialist from last year. Total beast, that kid, burning through the linebackers. He still on the team or did he graduate?"

I stiffen.

"That's Deron. He's a senior this year," Addy supplies unperturbed.

"Good thing he's on our team, right?" Dad chuckles. "Hey! I have an idea! Why don't I take you all and the team out for ice cream after the game? My treat!"

Ellie shuts down the idea before I have time to panic. "Dad, some of those guys are bullies."

"Really? That's too bad. Davy should straighten those kids out. Just because humans are weaker than us, doesn't mean we should bully them." No one corrects his misunderstanding. "Just as well anyways. I'm sure Cam wants to get a good night's sleep for tomorrow anyways. Right? Oh, looks like we're here."