9) forgotten birthday

Arianne's POV

The clatter of plates and the hum of the kitchen filled the air as I stood at the counter carefully arranging the snacks and drinks. My hands moved automatically, years of practice ensuring I didn't miss a step. But my mind was elsewhere tugged down by the weight of my reality.

Today was Daisy's birthday. But it was mine as well.

Twenty-one years. A milestone in any werewolf's life, the age when a wolf should fully mature, their bond with the pack solidified, at my age everyone had their wolf and mate. Yet, here I was still wolfless, still forgotten, still nothing more than a shadow in my family's eyes. A cursed daughter of the Alpha.

The omegas scurried around me, their laughter and chatter barely masking the disdain in their glances. I was just another servant to them nothing more.

The kitchen door swung open, and I glanced up to see Liam walking in, his familiar smile lighting up the room. He walked towards me with his hands behind his back clearly holding something and my curiosity piqued as he gave me his dashing smile.

"Happy birthday Arianne," he said warmly stepping closer. He pulled out a small, wrapped box and handed it to me.

I stared at it momentarily stunned, he remembered. Out if everyone he's the only one that remembered which made me emotional. "You didn't have to…" I began, but my words faltered.

He shrugged, his grin widening. "Of course, I did. You deserve to be celebrated, even if no one else remembers. Plus how can I forget my friend's birthday"

A lump formed in my throat at his words but I forced it down. I couldn't cry here, not in front of the omegas who were undoubtedly watching with keen eyes. "Thank you Liam," I said softly clutching the gift.

"You can open it" he said urging me on and I did.

I unwrapped the small box and found a cute golden wolf necklace. "Thanks Liam this must have been expensive, you really didn't have to..." I tried to protest but Liam only smiled in response and I could still the Omega's stare as he ask me to put it on.

I looked around the kitchen and everyone pretended to be busy as he helped me clasped the necklace around my neck, and I held my breath, heart suddenly racing.

"Thanks" I said as he finished.

We talked briefly, his lighthearted jokes and genuine care easing some of the ache in my chest. But the moment couldn't last. The party outside was in full swing, and my duties awaited.

"I really should get back," I said, excusing myself.

Liam nodded, his expression understanding. "I'll catch up with you later," he said, stepping aside as I picked up a tray of drinks.

As I entered the grand hall, the noise chatters of music and laughter hit me like a wave. The chandeliers sparkled, casting a golden glow over the crowd of finely dressed guests. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with energy and excitement.

Yet as I weaved through the crowd with the tray, something else caught my attention - a scent.

It was faint at first, like a whisper carried on the wind. Fresh and earthy, with a hint of musk, it wrapped around me, tugging at something deep inside. My heart skipped a beat, and a strange warmth spread through my chest.

A voice in my mind, faint but insistent, seemed to echo a single word: Mate.

I stumbled slightly, my breath hitching. Could it be? Was this my wolf? Did I really get my wolf? The thought sent a ripple of hope and fear through me.

But as quickly as the feeling came, it faded, leaving me disoriented. The scent lingered faintly, teasing me, but the voice was gone. Did I just imagine the voice in my head? What just happened? Questions swirled in my mind.

I shook my head, trying to steady myself. I couldn't dwell on this now. There was too much to do.

"Arianne!" Daisy's sharp voice cut through the crowd, pulling me from my thoughts.

I turned to see her standing near the center of the hall, surrounded by her usual entourage of giggling friends. Their eyes sparkled with mischief as they whispered to one another, glancing my way.

Reluctantly, I made my way over, keeping my head down. Daisy's dress shimmered under the chandelier's light, making her look every bit the princess she believed she was. Compared to her, I was plain, a shadow in her dazzling glow.

As I approached, the whispers grew louder.

"Did you know it's Arianne's birthday too?" one of her friends said, her tone dripping with mockery.

"Really? I would've never guessed," another chimed in, feigning surprise. "She doesn't look like she's celebrating anything."

Laughter erupted, sharp and cutting. I bit the inside of my cheek, refusing to let their words affect me.

"Enough," Daisy said, though her smirk betrayed her amusement. She turned to me, her green eyes narrowing. "The drinks?"

I held up the tray, and she grabbed a glass, her movements deliberate. She didn't thank me, of course. She never did.

"Try not to mess anything up tonight," she said, her voice low enough that only I could hear. "Father won't tolerate another embarrassment. Especially with the Lycan King here though I haven't yet had the pleasure to meet him, did you know he's here. He came for my birthday, father truly went all out"

I don't know why my heart was racing at the mention of the Lycan King, I have never met him but he sure was legend among werewolves. "Just don't do anything embarrassing" daisy said

I nodded, my lips pressed into a thin line.

"Good," she said, her attention already shifting back to her friends.

....

As the night wore on, I continued my duties, trying to ignore the whispers and glances from the crowd. But the scent from earlier lingered, pulling at me whenever I neared a certain part of the hall.

I couldn't stop myself from glancing around, searching for… something. Or someone.

Whoever it was, they were here. And even though the connection was faint, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change.