Chapter 84
RILEY.
Nadia and I walked hand in hand as we headed to the pack grounds, where a long table was set up under hundreds of lights. I never really cared about what a place looked like when we held parties or gatherings, but I do now. The setting was perfect—simple, cozy, and yet elegant.
And the most important thing was that the people that Nadia wanted to be here were all there.
At the far end of the long table, at its head, was former Beta Felix, and on his right was his mate Katya, and sitting next to her was Nicole, the former Gamma Female. Beside her was supposed to be Anya, but she was not in her seat yet.
My mother was to the left of Felix, and beside her was Leandro. The two chairs beside Leandro were for my sisters.
They still haven’t arrived. They had to take the later flight since they had to attend make-up classes today due to a disturbance in Atlanta that canceled all classes a few weeks back.
And instead of Leandro picking them up, I had asked my Beta to take them with him instead.
Dominic was still in the neutral city, cramming to buy a gift for his Luna.
He thought I was joking when I said I wanted a gift for Nadia from everyone, including him. He bargained and told me he was busy the last few days and would just buy her on another day—but I meant to keep my word. No gifts, no entrance, not even for my right hand and my most trusted man.
I would be sitting at the other end of the table with Nadia on my right. Beside her would be Katarina and Sophia. Next to them would be Trent and then the twins. On my left would be my Beta, and beside him would be Alpha Darvin and Caleb.
Ironically, Caleb would be sitting next to my Gamma, Sebastian, and Jenny. Dawson was supposed to sit beside Anya, but with the revelation of Anya being Caleb’s mate, they would probably rearrange themselves later.
“Luna Nadia!” My head snapped to the left as I heard Darvin’s voice. He was approaching us, a glass of whisky in his hand and a wide smile on his lips.
Nadia’s body jolted up at his voice, and before I could sense what she was about to do, she moved closer to Darvin and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
“Alpha Darvin, it’s good to see you again.” Darvin was taken aback by her actions because they were probably never close. I just let out a sigh. Nadia was never the one who could keep her emotions intact. Her eyes never lied.
Darvin’s gaze shifted to me and I just nodded my head, letting him know that Nadia already knew of his ordeal.
Nadia confessed what Katarina told her, and she asked if I knew. And I told her I did. I found out a few days after Aeon’s visit when I asked him what the deal was between him and Aeon. I didn’t tell her because I didn’t want her to worry about Katarina until Katarina found it out herself.
His shoulders relaxed as his hand flew to Nadia’s back, tapping it gently. “Happy Birthday, Luna Nadia. And congratulations on your pregnancy! I’m glad you are thriving in this pack.”
“Of course she is. I know how to look after my female.” I chuckled.
“That’s good to hear, considering you don’t even know how to take care of yourself.” Darvin chuckled back as Nadia let him go.
“I think that’s my responsibility, Alpha Darvin. To take care of this moody Alpha.”
“And you’re doing good at it. I’m glad someone could tame Riley.”
“Tame? I’m not a dog.” I spat at him, chuckling.
“Enough, you two—I’m starving.” Nadia clasped my hand with hers and tugged me towards the ground where our table was set up, with Darvin following us. “We can continue your conversation at the table.”
Everyone at the table stood up from their seats, and those who were away from it moved closer as they welcomed Nadia and me.
We didn’t have anything fancy tonight, just a simple dinner for people close to Nadia’s heart.
I originally wanted to spend Nadia’s birthday with just the two of us, but the plan changed so I could have a reason to invite my mother back to the territory without too much pressure on me and her and because Nadia wanted her here.
Everyone greeted Nadia and me before we all took our seats. Some seats were still vacant.
Dominic, Caleb, Anya, and the twins were not yet around.
My gaze was drawn to Dawson, who rose from his chair and walked to the opposite side, slumping into the empty seat meant for one of the twins before leaning his arms over the two empty chairs beside him.
“Those are the twins’ and Trent’s seats, Dawson. Go back to the other side.” I snorted a laugh as I shook my head. Dawson, despite us being the same age, still acts like a hormonal teenager. “Where the fuck is Trent anyway?”
“He went with Gamma Joshua to train new warriors from another pack but he’s arriving home today.
So maybe he’ll come tonight or maybe not.
” He answered in a bored tone. “And since he’s not yet here and Anya is not my mate, and Sofia here is under eighteen, I will try my luck with the twins. Who knows…”
He was not able to finish his words because Leandro started coughing and choking from his drink.
I couldn’t stop the smirk that formed on my lips. “Fuck off. Don’t you fucking flirt with them or I’ll cut off your dick.”
Everyone at the table started laughing, and I didn’t miss the sparkle in Zahra’s eyes, but I didn’t dwell on it. Instead, my eyes darted to my mate, who was looking at me lovingly.
“So barbaric…” She said in a hushed voice.
‘Just the way you like it,’ I replied on our mind link as I winked at her.
She rolled her eyes playfully at me before her gaze swept the long table.
“Where is the Beta?” She asked, and my side peripherals saw Sofia’s head snap up and look at us. It felt like she was waiting for my response too.
“He’ll be here soon. I received a mind link from him a while ago. He’s already in the territory with the twins.” I answered her before shifting my eyes to Sofia. At the same time, she dropped her gaze to the table, but I didn’t miss the frown that crossed her face.
I think the youngest female in the group was harboring feelings for my Beta. And from the looks of it, she didn’t like the idea that my Beta was with my sisters.
But she has nothing to worry about. Dominic had met the twins in Atlanta, and they were not fated mates. Otherwise, he or Nadia would have told me. And if anything, my Beta didn’t seem interested in either of them.
He actually asked for permission to visit Alpha Jacob’s sister, but I have not responded yet. He still hasn’t given up on Janna yet.
The Omegas started serving dinner since we couldn’t wait for those who weren’t around yet. Nadia was hungry, and so was I.
As everyone at the table started to eat, a figure emerged from outside the grounds, capturing my attention.
Caleb.
Caleb approached us with a solemn look on his face. Everyone’s eyes were on him, but he only met Nicole’s gaze, Anya’s mother, and nodded at her before taking his seat beside Sebastian.
“Where is she?” Sebastian asked.
“She wants to be alone for now.” He answered in a low voice.
“Are you okay?” Nicole asked as she leaned in his direction and reached for his hand resting on the top of the table.
“Yes. She said we’d talk again later.”
“She might just be in shock that she got mated to an Alpha. She’ll come around.”
Caleb just answered with a smile and a nod before turning his attention to my Luna. A smile tugged on his lips as he greeted her. “Happy birthday, Luna Nadia. Sorry for the commotion earlier.”
“Thank you. And no, don’t worry, it adds up to the memory of my birthday. Makes it more special.” Nadia answered him.
“Oh fuck, they’re here. Goddess, give me a mate, please.” Dawson’s voice drew me out of gazing at Nadia as everyone chuckled and laughed around us.
“Time to meet your sisters, Alpha.” Nadia stood up from her seat and laid out her hand to me, which I took, while my heart hammered in my chest as I took a deep breath.
If there was anything aside from Nadia that I was looking forward to tonight, it was meeting my sisters.
I’d seen how Alpha Darvin and Sebastian spoiled their sisters and, at the same time, protected them. And I knew I missed out on a lot. But I hoped it wasn’t too late yet to be a brother to them.
NADIA.
My eyes were locked with my Alpha, and we just got lost in our own world.
There were too many things happening today, but one thing was for sure: Riley did an impressive job of bringing everyone special to us for this dinner.
This was the only birthday celebration that I was ever given, and no matter how simple the night was, just as I requested, I think this was the best birthday I ever had.
“Oh fuck, they’re here. Goddess, give me a mate, please.” Dawson’s voice erupted into the air, followed by peals of laughter from everyone at the table.
My eyes fell behind Riley and I saw the Beta approaching with Bella and Ellie beside him. And even in the darkness, I could see the worried expression plastered on the twins’ faces. I knew they were both excited and nervous at the same time.
I stood up from my chair and laid my hand out to Riley, a small smile gracing my lips. “Time to meet your sisters, Alpha.”
Riley took my hand and rose from his seat as we both turned around. I heard him gasp for air at the sight of his sisters, and happiness swelled in my chest.
I tugged his hand and we walked forward, meeting them in the middle. The Beta slowed down from his walking and let the twins continue forward while I dropped Riley’s hand and threw my arms around them.
“Happy Birthday, Nadia.” They greeted me in unison as I pulled away and kissed their cheeks.
“I’m glad you’re able to make it.”
“We almost forgot the gifts on the way to the airport, so we had to make a U-turn and pick them up. Mom said we couldn’t come without gifts for you.” Ellie spoke, but her eyes were focused on the person behind me.
Bella remained silent beside her, but her gaze was on Riley as well. She was always the talkative one, but she wasn’t saying anything at all.
“It was just a joke, but I appreciate the effort. Thank you.” I answered in a soft voice and took the paper bags from their hands.
Dominic came forward and took the gifts away from me.
No one was saying anything, but I could feel Riley’s emotions. He was too overwhelmed.
“Are you ready to meet your brother?” I asked the twins, and they nodded their heads so eagerly without taking their eyes off Riley.
I turned around and moved to the side so that they were just standing a few feet away from each other.
“Riley—This is Bella and Ellie...” I spoke in a soft voice, trying to control my emotions as I noticed that all three of them were fighting back tears.
“Hi!” It was Ellie who spoke first. “You look better in person than in pictures.”
“You’ve seen me,” Riley said, a smile gracing his lips.
Both females nodded their heads.
“Yes, but the photos were always from too far away, so we couldn’t see your face clearly,” Ellie answered, and she couldn’t stop her tears anymore as her shoulders shook from her sobs. “I’m sorry, I’m just so happy…”
She didn’t finish her words as Riley took one step forward and raised his arms, sweeping his sisters’ bodies into his as he held them in a tight embrace. His lips touched the crowns of their heads as he placed kisses on them.
“I’m glad you’re both here. Welcome to my territory, Bella, Ellie.” His voice was deep and firm, but it was full of warmth.
The twins were clutching his body tightly as if they didn’t want to let go. Soft sobs echoed in the air, and I didn’t know if they were mine or Ellie’s or Bella’s. But it didn’t matter. My heart was overflowing with happiness.
I knew how much the girls wanted to meet Riley. Even though Riley wasn’t saying it directly, I could tell he was looking forward to tonight because of the girls.
I wiped the tears from my face as warm arms wrapped around me from behind, and Zahra rested her chin on my shoulder. “Thank you, Nadia. I almost gave up thinking that this moment would ever happen.” She whispered in my ear before she placed a soft kiss on my hair.
I smiled and held her hands on my waist as we looked at her children hugging each other.
“We have something for you.” Bella finally spoke as they withdrew from their hug.
Riley raised his eyebrows as he placed his hands on his hips and watched his sister take something from Ellie’s sling bag.
Ellie wiped off the tears from her face as she began to explain. “We’re not sure if you like things like that, but we don’t really know what you like, so we just took a chance.”
Bella took a small box from the bag and handed it to Riley, her hands shaking. Riley clutched her hand with both his hands and held it until it stopped shaking. It was only then that he took the box. “Thank you.”
A black leather bracelet with customized bronze beads with names was inside the box. It has their names on it. Bella - Riley - Ellie.
Riley pursed his lips as he looked at the bracelet, gripping it tightly before he let Ellie slip it around his wrist. After that, he pulled his sisters for another hug.
This evening, indeed, was already off to a good start.