Chapter 9: Family and Friends LiamMy house is in an uproar.After receiving a phone call from my sister stating that she would be returning home, everyone has been preparing for her "Welcome Back Home" party, which is in two days.I am really looking forward to seeing her back home too.My sister, Elena, received an acceptance letter from one of the universities she has always wanted to attend. The university is far from home, which caused Elena to live far away from us. Having completed her studies, she is returning home to us.Despite Elena being three years older than me, I still feel very protective of her. After all, she is the only sister I have.Walking into my house, which was crowded with event planners, various decorations and people who were appointed by my parents to make the “Welcome Back" party as spontaneous as possible.Near the decorations, I noticed something moving.What the hell?Nearing, I discovered Ashton, my little brot
JoIt was going to be the end of school in an hour. I was trying to persuade Ann to come with me to get Ethan and Marcel together."Do we have to do this?" Ann protested.“Yes,” I replied.Ann let out a groan."We've got to leave now!" I said."I'm exhausted! Coach made us run twenty rounds! How the heck are you not tired?" Ann cried."In contrast to you, I possess greater stamina. Now, Let's go." I said impatiently."Is it possible to do this tomorrow, or better yet, let the Goddess Aphrodite handle it?" She asked.I dragged a groaning Ann away with a "No!" on my lips.Ethan was walking in the same direction as Marcel as he emerged from the said class with his books in hand.The timing is perfect!While hiding behind a nearby wall, I pulled Ann with me, who was now quite intrigued.Marcel stepped into view as Ethan approached. Both Ann and I peeked around t
JoIn about thirty minutes, we reached the Red Dawn pack.Elena's welcome back party is today in Liam's backyard. While I wore a blue sundress, Ann wore a white sundress with yellow flowers.Today, we want to steer clear of Aiden and Liam as much as possible.While the party started a few seconds ago, Ann and I sat in the corner, oblivious to the world, bored out of our minds.In the corner, Ann and I remained surrounded by strangers as our parents mingled with the crowd.Great! That’s just the way I wanted my Sunday to be, sitting awkwardly in the corner of a party full of people I've never even met!Huffing, I rest my face on my hands.“I am so bored!” Ann complained.I sighed. "I feel you, Ann.""Let's check out the food, then we won't have to sit here awkwardly," I suggested to Ann.“Yeah, why not?” Ann shrugs.We walked around after looking at the food and a few other decorations.I have got to give it to the Andersons. It's a very well-organised party.We are drinking the delic
JoI glanced in my mirror one last time. With my hair tied in a ponytail, I wore a black pantsuit with the first two buttons undone. Before leaving my room, I straightened my suit and fixed my collar.It has been one month since Elena and Luke discovered they were mates. Their relationship has gone smoothly since then. Right now, they are taking things slow with their relationship.Luke is now the Alpha of the pack with Elena as his Luna.Daniel has assumed the position of Beta, while Jacob occupies the position of Gamma.I have no doubt that they will be great leaders.As for me, I'm celebrating my eighteenth birthday with my parents right now in Paris. Sadly, Elena and Luke were unable to join us.The fact that I am eighteen means I am old enough to find my mate.I am overwhelmed with excitement.Thousands of questions swarmed my head.Is my mate going to accept me? Is he going to like me? Is he someone I know? What if he rejects me?!Many questions will remain unanswered until
JoAn overwhelming sense of nervousness swept over me. I felt very self-conscious.After the limo pulled up in front of our building, my father turned to me and asked, "Are you ready?""Yes, just a little nervous," I answered."Don't worry, it'll be okay," my father told me while holding my hand.Just looking into his eyes brought me all the comfort I needed."Anyone who has a problem with you will have to deal with it since you're going to own this," he said, pointing at the building. “ Stand tall and stand proud. Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye and show everyone who you are.” he continued, his words full of wisdom and sincerity.That was all I needed to hear.I nodded my head affirmatively.“I know you'll make me proud," Father said with pride.My heart soared with happiness upon hearing those words.As soon as we stepped out of the car, a thousand lights flashed in our faces.To protect my eyes from the harsh flashes of their cameras, I
JoI bid a final goodbye to the City of Love as I looked out of the plane window.Despite how beautiful Paris is, nothing compares to the feeling of being at home.Home sweet home.I quickly unpack my bags and decide to take a bath.Stripping off my clothes, I throw them in the laundry basket.To make sure the water temperature is suitable for a bath, I dip my toe into the steaming tub to test the temperature. Once I am satisfied with the temperature, I fully immerse myself in the tub.I'm coated in bubbles as soon as I get into the water. I lean back in the tub and soak my body in the heated water. My aching muscles are eased, and my body is cleansed by the warmth.In all honesty, I am a huge fan of bubble baths. Playing with bubbles makes me feel like a child again.I rinse myself and drain the water as soon as the water turns cold.Drying myself, I glanced at the clock on my bedroom wall, which read six.The party starts at seven, one more hour to go.Our school occasionally hosts
AidenI was almost through with my essay on my laptop when I saw the time.It’s almost time for the party.Sighing, I turn off my laptop and remove my screen protector glass, which I set aside.I run my hands through my hair and get out of my chair, heading to the bathroom for a quick shower.Within ten minutes, I'm out the door and into my closet.Because it was chilly outside, I ended up choosing a turtle-neck shirt. It was black, as were my slacks. I was wearing my wristwatch and a delicate silver chain. I also wore sterling silver rings on every one of my fingers, each with its own unique and different style.I put on my shoes and ruffled my hair a little.A ding sounds on my phone, and a notification flashes on the screen. I pull out my phone and find a message from Liam."I'm nearly there; come out to the gate." It read.“Alright,” I text back and head downstairs.Alfred, our family butler, welcomes me with a bow. I replied to him with a nod."Young man, where are you going all
JoI clenched my teeth and fumbled my hands about my room for my alarm clock, which had interrupted my fantastic dream.It wasn't until my hands discovered air that I fell face-first on the floor, dragging my blanket with me, which instantly dropped down on my face.While muttering profanities, I lifted the blanket away from my face and grabbed my phone to turn off my alarm, which was still obnoxiously ringing around the room. I checked the time and date on the phone's lock screen after turning off the alarm.Monday.Bloody Monday.What a terrific way to start a Monday morning!Before pushing myself up, I groaned aloud. I walk to my bathroom, go about my regular routine and come out of the bathroom, only to be greeted by a room filled with a dozen nicely labelled cardboard boxes, all ready to be moved out.My parents just finished moving into their new villa. As a result, it's now my turn to go.I am going to miss this room.Before I change for school, I do a brief workout session.I