ALPHA(39)

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I was covered in face paint, glitter and sequins; yep, it was Annabelle’s 6th birthday party and she had spent most of the time showing me off - her new best friend - to her guests. It was lovely to see such a big turnout for the young girl’s party, but it also made me sad to see that hardly any of the guests were children her age. Unfortunately, shifter children were rare; just one of the reasons they were treasured and spoiled so much. Annabelle would never want for anything, but she wasn’t a typical spoilt child in the least, and seemed to really appreciate everything she had. Her eyes had lit up when she’d seen the whole town had turned out for the party, which was being held in the square in the town centre. There was a bouncy castle, a face painting stand, and a table piled high with gifts. Of course, each of the gifts were covered in bright pink wrapping paper. Nothing else would do for the birthday girl! There were a couple of children enjoying the bouncy castle, but the person who seemed to be enjoying it the most was Blake. Big surprise there. Seeing him interact with the young children made me smile, as he pretended to be hurt when they jumped all over him. Everyone was milling around, and in high spirits despite the tension surrounding the community over the past few days. The enforcers were on full alert for an attack from the Grove Pack, and it had taken every ounce of persuasion I had to convince Jackson to carry on with this party. His argument was that the whole town together would make us vulnerable, and a pack would be able to take us all out in one go. My argument, however, was that the people needed an event to lift their spirits and make them forget, even just for an hour, the drama that was unfolding. The party would show a unified pack, and we would be together in one place, meaning every single enforcer could be keeping an eye on everyone in the town, and not have to be split up throughout the forest. A few compliments about Jackson’s enforcer’s ability to be able to protect everyone, and a cheeky fumble in the kitchen, meant that he soon gave in and agreed to have the party. I was so glad he did, because seeing the happiness shining on Annabelle’s face made the whole thing worthwhile.She had not stopped smiling the entire day, and the joy that radiated from her was infectious to everyone else. Even moody pants Isaac had laughed along with everyone else at the party, and it was the first time I had actually seen him let his hair down. He had joined in with the party games, and even gave me a hug when I arrived at the party which was the most surprising thing. Turned out that he now trusted me, and the hostile glares and rude comments were a thing of the past.

I walked over the drinks table and started to pour myself a glass of Coke, when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist from behind. I’d know those arms anywhere. I tensed as Jackson placed a soft kiss on my shoulder, and I tried not to melt from the burn of his touch. Things had been going amazingly way throughout the past few weeks. We saw each other every day and spent every night wrapped up in each other’s arms. I couldn’t believe how much time I had wasted on someone like Craig, and was so happy to have found someone as amazing as Jackson. It wasn’t just him who was having an effect on me though. Every person in the town, especially Jackson’s family, had all found a place in my heart and I was so grateful to them for including me in everything and making me feel like a part of the family.

“You were right,” he said, and I smiled.

“As always.” He turned me around so I was facing him, pulling me closer and leaning down so our noses were practically touching.

“The people needed this party. How did I get so lucky to find someone so much smarter than me?”

“I ask myself that every day.”

He barked out a laugh, before giving me a sweet peck on the lips.

“How soon do you think we can sneak off?” He said, and I blushed at what he was implying. God, he made me feel like a damn virgin.

“Well, considering Annabelle is standing over there and waving at me to have a go on the bouncy castle, I’d say not imminently.”

I smiled as I saw Blake stood holding Annabelle, while she tried desperately to get my attention. I waved back, and mouthed that I would be over in a moment, laughing at the pretty butterfly that has been drawn on Blake’s face. The pink glitter really suited him.

“Damn, I should have known.” Jackson said, pulling me in tighter for a hug. “That girl loves you so much, we’ll never be able to get away until she falls asleep.” He sighed as if annoyed, but the smile on his face betrayed him.

“Are you jealous of your six year old niece?”

“No way. She might get your attention during the day, but I get your undivided attention all night.”