Alpha's Witch Mate

Light sunshine spilling through the curtains woke Serena up.

She opened her eyes slowly, blinked a few times and turned over on her bed. She yawned widely, covering her mouth with the palm of her hand and sat up. A sweet smile appeared on her lips.

Today was her eighteenth birthday, a day she had been waiting for. She remembered her mom telling her that she would finally become an adult once she turns eighteenth. Although she didn't feel anything within, being an adult and all that;But she was still excited. She stretched her arms and jumped off her bed, almost tripping in the bedsheets.

"Damn, I'm just too excited",she said while laughing. Serena was very beautiful. She had long wavy purple-coloured hair which she used to be really ashamed of when she was young.

She remembered being in the 8th grade;her schoolmates always made fun of her, calling her a freak. Serena had wanted to cut her hair off back then in 8th grade, but her mom had convinced her that she was unique. Her mom told her having that kind of hair was a sign that she was a special child.

At that time, Serena didn't understand what her mom meant, about her being a special child. She thought her mom was just trying to cheer her up.

Now she stared at her reflection in the mirror, loving her purple hair and thanking her mom silently for not allowing her cut it back then. One thing she wouldn't change about her appearance was her eyes. They were a colour between silver and grey. They were almost white. For as long as she could remember, she had always loved the colour of her eyes. They were very unique, just like her hair.

Serena shook her head to stop herself from daydreaming. Today was going to be the perfect birthday, because she was taking her first step into adulthood.

She rushed into the bathroom and took off her cream coloured pajamas. First she brushed her teeth;then she waltzed into the shower stall in pure happiness and turned on the shower. She first shampooed her hair, washing it and inhaling the minty fragrance. After washing her hair, she washed her body with her scented bath soap.

In ten minutes, she was done. She pulled out her bra and panties from her closet, then chose a black turtle neck top and dark blue skinny jeans. After she was dressed, she pulled out her favorite pair of black sneakers. Then she sat in front of her mirror and dried her hair. She tied it into a ponytail and dabbed herself with her scented body oil. She applied her pink lipstick and mascara. Then she stood back and checked herself out in the wall length mirror.

"Perfect",she said. She twirled in an elegant pirouette and giggled out of sheer happiness.

"Serena? Honey are you awake?",someone called.

"Coming mom",Serena yelled and skipped out in gay spirits. She walked into the kitchen and kissed her mom on the cheek.

"Good morning",she said happily.

"How's my little birthday girl doing today?",her mom asked with a grin.

Serena made a mock horror face. "Little? Mom I'm not little anymore" she said. "Now, I'm an adult, just like you told me. No more mommy's little girl" she added with a satisfied smile.

Her mom tried to hold back a laugh. "Ok little adult" she said.

"Mom!" Serena cried out and they both laughed. "I'm still your little girl, but just between us, ok?",she said, going to her mom and hugging her.

"Of course darling. You will always be my little girl",her mom said. Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them away before Serena could see it. If only Serena knew.

"Where's dad?" Serena asked.

"He went to the grocery store to get some supplies",her mom replied.

Just then, her dad entered. He was a tall man, with a bald head and protruding tummy. Her mom had short brown hair and was very small. It never occured to Serena that she didn't look like her parents.

"Dad, I was just asking of you" Serena said sighting her dad. She went to help him take some of the bags he held. She waited patiently for her dad to wish her a happy birthday, but he didn't. Finally running out of patience, she called, "Dad, have you forgotten what today is?"

Her dad pretended to forget. "Today is the 18th of June" he said while hiding a smile. Serena looked dumbfounded, "I know it's the 18th. But don't you remember what today is?"

Serena's mom tried so hard to hold her laugh in. She knew her husband was teasing Serena. Her dad shrugged his shoulders and turned to one of the boxes he came with. "Dad!"Serena cried out,"It's my 18th birthday. I can't believe you forgot"she pouted angrily and folded her arms.

Her dad turned round again, holding a large pink two layer cake. He grinned and said,"How could I forget your first step into adulthood?" Serena squealed happily and ran to hug him, but stopped short so she wouldn't ruin her cake."You were just teasing me",she accused playfully. Her dad smiled and said,"Happy birthday princess, or should I say happy adulthood". They all laughed because Serena never failed to remind them everyday that she would be an adult soon.

Her mom finished breakfast, and they sat at the kitchen to eat after which they took a slice of cake each. They toasted to a new age for Serena and there were laughter and tears of joy all around. Serena got gifts from her parents, something she kept to open later because her friends were coming over to join her celebrate.

"Now remember Serena",her mom began. "No wild parties. Be moderate, and make sure they join you clean up"

"Of course mom. I got it. Thanks for the gift",Serena said, walking them to the door.

"You're sure you don't want to open your gifts now?",her dad asked.

Serena shook her head. "I'm saving the best for last",she said with a smile. "Ok, we will be back at most, seven or eight. Take care of yourself and have fun",her mom said as she kissed Serena on the cheek.

"I will, bye",Serena said and closed the door. She went to cut another slice of cake for herself. " Birthday girl owns today",she said to herself with a smile as she brought out her phone. She dialled a number and her best friend picked.

"Whatsup birthday girl" Anderson yelled through the other end. Serena had to take the phone away from her ears as she laughed. "Cut it out dork. Mom and dad are out. Bring the squad",she said happily.

"Alright, now you're talking", Anderson yelled again and she heard him say on the other end, "Alright guys, let's head out. Party about to start"

Serena heard yells and happy screams from the other end and she laughed. These were her only true friends, and she would cherish this day with them. She hung up and started preparing the sitting room for their arrival.

Serena heard the door bell ding. She just finished bringing out the pie from the oven. There were two boxes of pizza on the table and the fridge was filled with drinks. She quickly checked her reflection in the living room mirror and fixed her hair. Then she ran to the door and threw it open.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday!" Anderson and Tabitha screamed in excitement. They were her two best friends. Behind them was Olivia, Jericho, Jordan, Samantha, Natasha and Jayden. Serena screamed in happiness and hugged them all.

"Awwwwnnn, thanks so much guys",Serena told them as they all trooped in. "You guys are the best",she added as she hugged Anderson and Tabitha again. She felt so emotional.

"Happy birthday, girl",Tabitha said to her, wiping the joyous tears from her eyes.

"Now is not the time to cry, you know",Anderson said as he hooked his hand over Serena's shoulder.

"I know, I'm just so excited",Serena said while laughing.

"We brought you gifts", Jordan said. He had jet-black hair and dark blue eyes, just like his twin Jericho.

"I got you the best gift",Jericho said as he elbowed Jordan out of the way.

"That's so not true", Jordan told his twin and a playful argument ensued.

"Ok shut up everyone" Samantha said and the bickering reduced. "Today is specially for our queen bee as she takes a step into adulthood" she continued and everyone laughed.

Serena was the youngest in their clique. Jericho and Jordan were nineteen, Anderson would be nineteen in two months. Tabitha was the same age as Serena, but she completed eighteen a few months ago. Olivia, Natasha, Samantha and Jayden were also nineteen, but they completed nineteen some months ago.

"Let's get this party started",Jayden yelled and turned on the music, while everyone else cheered and started partying.

...

The party ended around five in the evening. Serena collapsed into one of the couches after the cleaning. Her friends had told her to relax and let them help but she declined. She couldn't just let them do everything. Now the house looked spotless.

"Hey, birthday girl", Jayden said as he joined Serena on the couch. Serena looked at him and smiled shyly. She has a massive crush on Jayden but didn't know how to tell him. She wasn't the type of girl to come out clean with a boy. So she tried to suppress her feelings.

"Hey",she whispered.

"You look exhausted" Jayden said softly staring into her eyes.

"Not really",Serena said. "I had a wonderful time, thanks to you guys",she added.

Jayden smiled, causing Serena's heart to flip. "I'm glad you did",he said. They were both silent for a while, staring at each other.

"I have something to tell you..."

"I think you should know..."

They began at the same time and laughed. "You first", Serena said. She could feel her face becoming warm from the blush.

Jayden took her hand in his and took a deep breath. "I've always wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how to go about it",he began and paused.

"Tell me what?"Serena prompted him, her heart beating fast.

"I like you Serena", Jayden blurted. "I really like you, and I would like to go out with you",he paused again.

Serena's eyes widened. She couldn't believe this was happening. She had dreamed of this day since she started crushing on Jayden. "What took you so long to tell me?" she asked.

"I had to wait for the perfect time",Jayden said with a smile. "And your birthday seemed perfect to me",he added. He looked her straight in the eyes now,"Well, will you go out with me Serena? As my girlfriend?" He sounded really nervous.

Serena smiled sweetly at him."Yes Jayden, I will",she whispered. Jayden smiled and drew her into a hug. Soon they were both laughing. Suddenly they heard loud cheers coming from the hall way and Anderson came out with the rest of the squad.

"I can't believe it took Jayden three years to tell Serena he liked her",Olivia said while they all laughed.

"Wait, you all knew?" Serena asked bewildered.

Tabitha sat down and smiled at Serena, "Of course we knew. We didn't wanna ruin it for Jayden"

"And we all know you were crazy about Jayden but didn't know how to tell him",this came from Anderson.

Serena turned red instantly, "Shut up dork",she laughed and covered her face in embarrassment. Now everyone knew she had been crushing on Jayden.

"We're so happy for both of you",Natasha said as she hugged Serena. "That leaves Olivia",Samantha said. Olivia was the only one not in a relationship. Samantha was dating Jordan, Natasha was dating Jericho while Anderson and Tabitha were dating.

"I told you guys, I'm not ready" Olivia said while laughing. "When I find one, I'll let you all know about it",she added.

"You better",Serena said, her heart filled with happiness. A phone beeped. It was Jordan."We have to head home now, there's a curfew",he said. They all groaned helplessly. No one wanted to leave. "Let's go to the beach tomorrow", Anderson suggested.

They all agreed and promised to text each other. Serena walked them to the door.

"Bye guys, see you tomorrow",she said.

"Bye Serena",they all chorused.

Jayden stopped and turned to her. He had a way of staring deep into her eyes, causing Serena to feel butterflies in her tummy. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow",he said.

"Yeah",Serena whispered back. "I'll text you tonight, before you go to bed",Jayden whispered too and leaned down to kiss her on the cheek.

"Come on already, lovebirds",Olivia grumbled playfully as they were all waiting for Jayden. Serena laughed as her phone started ringing.

"Could you wait a bit?"she asked shyly.

"Of course babe",Jayden said and turned to tell the rest to calm down.

As Serena answered the call, she could hear her friends teasing Jayden and calling him funny names. She smiled and shook her head.

"Hello?"she spoke into the receiver. A voice squawked at the other end. "Yes this is her". She listened for a while, then she screamed,"Oh no!where are they?"

Her friends felt something was off and they rushed out of the car to meet her.

Serena was already crying. "I'm on my way, thank you". She hung up still sobbing.

"Serena, what's wrong?" Jayden asked.

"Yeah, talk to us",Anderson added worriedly.

"I have to get to the hospital. My parents were in a car crash", Serena cried out.

Jayden suddenly looked serious. "Let's go with you",he said holding her close.

They all piled into Anderson's car and headed straight to the General Hospital.

Serena cried all the way. Jayden tried to cheer her up, holding her close and telling her everything would be fine. They got to the hospital in fifteen minutes and Serena rushed inside, with her friends behind her. She met a doctor on her way.

"Doctor?..."she began.

"Miss Serena Williams?", he asked.

Serena nodded.

"I'm very sorry, but we couldn't save them",the doctor said. "They died on the spot",he added.

Serena felt herself go numb. She slid to the ground in despair. She could see her friends, their mouths moving but she couldn't hear a single word. She heard someone screaming and she realized she was the one. The hospital ward started to fade off and she passed out.

Serena woke up with a start. It was daylight. She sat up in bed, looking around frantically. This wasn't her room. Where was she? She threw the covers off her legs and stood up.

Just then, the door opened and a doctor walked in holding a chart. Serena remembered him from yesterday. He was the one that gave her the sad news about her parents.

"Good thing you're awake miss. I'm Dr. Lampam. You passed out from shock yesterday",the doctor said. "My condolences miss Serena".

"Thank you doctor. Am I free to go now?",Serena asked quietly. The doctor checked her pulse and temperature and scribbled something on the chart he held. "Yes you can. Your friends are outside, they've settled the bills",Dr. Lampam said.

"Thank you doctor",Serena said again and walked out. She met her friends in the sitting area in the hallway. They all rushed to meet her. Anderson drew her into a big bear hug and patted her back. "We're all here for you Rena. I'm so sorry this happened",he said.

Serena sobbed quietly in his arms. "Please take heart Serena. You have to be strong",Tabitha and Samantha said while the rest of them tried to cheer her up. Someone tapped Anderson and he turned to see Jayden. He nodded, understanding what Jayden wanted. He released Serena and Jayden drew her into his arms while placing kisses on her hair.

"I'm here for you babe",he said. "We're all here for you. Everything will be fine", Jayden said softly to her. Serena wrapped her hands around Jayden, needing his comfort. Soon she was able to keep the tears at bay and they all left the hospital.

"You want us to come stay with you?" Natasha asked. Anderson parked the car in front of Serena's house and they all waited to hear her out.

"You guys don't have to. I'll be fine",Serena said. "I just need to be alone"

"You can't be alone in this state Serena",Jordan said. "I'll stay with her",Jayden said. He looked at Serena, "If that's okay with you".

Serena smiled and nodded. They all came down from the car and hugged her. "We will all text you when you feel better, ok?" Tabitha said. Serena nodded again bid them farewell. Then she turned and walked into the house, with Jayden behind her.

"Who paid the hospital bills?" She asked. Jayden looked sheepish as he answered her. "I did. You don't have to worry about it".

"Thanks Jay" she said softly. "I have to shower.",she added and walked to her room.

"If you need anything, I'm here",Jayden said as she walked away. Serena nodded and shut the door.

Back in her room, she fell on her bed and buried her head under her pillows. She could feel the tears brimming in her eyes and she blinked them away. She had to be strong. Crying wouldn't bring her parents back.

Suddenly she sat up. Her presents! She walked to her closet and pulled out the two decorated boxes her parents had given her the previous morning. She couldn't hold the tears this time. They pooled below her eyelids and spilled out.

"I miss you so much mom and dad",she cried softly. "Why did you have to leave me all alone?" She wiped her tears and tore through the gift wrappings.

Her dad had bought a new pair of sneakers for her. She smiled through her tears. There was also a small note attached to the shoes. She picked it and unfolded it to read,

"my sweet serena. if you're

reading this, it means you're

already 18 and it's time for

you to know the truth about

your real parents...."

Serena stopped reading and frowned. Real parents? This was so confusing. What was her dad talking about? She wiped her tears and continued reading,

"i'm so sorry serena. your

mom and I are not your

real parents. we planned

to tell you on your 16th

birthday, but we felt you

were still too young. Your

real parents will come for

you as you turn 18. i'm

sorry for the lies my serena.

I hope you can forgive me".

Dad.

Serena was dumbfounded. The people she thought were her real parents were actually her foster parents? This couldn't be happening. She unwrapped her mom's gift and saw a pretty pink dress, the one she had always admired online. She started to feel emotional again, then she remembered they were not her real parents. There was another note attached to the pink dress. She opened it and read,

"Sweet serena, I know you

will be upset and angry

once you realize what I'm

going to tell you. but it's

for the best. your dad and

I are not your real parents.

your real parents are alive,

and they will come for you

once you turn 18. they will

explain everything to you.

I only hope you can forgive

us for keeping this secret

from you. we will always

love you".

Mom.

"OMG",Serena whispered. She couldn't believe her whole life had been a lie. Why would her real parents want her only when she turned eighteen? There was something missing, Serena thought. She heard a knock and she quickly shoved the notes into the box.

"Serena, you okay babe?",Jayden asked. He sounded worried.

"Yea I'm okay. Just give me a minute, I'll be with you",Serena answered as calmly as she could. She heard his retreating footsteps and breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn't let anyone know about this secret yet. Her head was reeling with a thousand questions. Questions that she didn't know the answers to. She would just have to wait for her so-called real parents to show up.

She hid the box in her closet and entered the bathroom and took a quick shower. She brushed her teeth and changed into black shorts and a red t-shirt. She brushed her hair and tied it in a ponytail. She went to the door and called, "Jayden, you can come up now"

She heard approaching footsteps and Jayden appeared. Her breath caught as she saw him. He was so handsome. He had blond hair framing his strong face, the bluest eyes, a straight nose and plump lips. Who wouldn't fall for a guy like Jayden?

"You okay?" he asked as he entered her room and took her into his arms. Serena nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. Then she pulled him to her bed where they cuddled together.

"I just feel so empty",Serena said. Jayden's arm tightened around her, trying to comfort her. "I understand how you feel babe",he said. "I felt this way when I lost my dad. I thought I would never be the same"

"I remember. You were so lost",Serena said and looked up to stare at him. She remembered when Jayden lost his dad a few years ago. He had been so heartbroken.

"Yea" Jayden said with a smile. "But I had my mom, and you guys and I was able to find myself". He caressed her hair softly as he spoke. "We're here for you Rena, and we will all help you overcome this difficult time". He looked down at her and gave her a smile.

"I'm so glad I have you guys. Especially you",Serena said softly and smiled back at him. Jayden used his thumb to trace her face, her rosy cheeks, her chin, her lips, "Did I ever tell you I get captivated each time I stare into your eyes?"

Serena blushed deeply hearing what he said. No one had ever told her things like that. Her heart hammered in her chest as Jayden lowered his head to kiss her. He pressed his lips softly on hers and stopped. When she didn't stop him he kissed her again, lingering on each kiss. Her lips were so soft and sweet. So inviting. As he deepened the kiss, Serena pushed him back and sat up.

"I'm so sorry babe, I got carried away",Jayden apologized.

"No it's okay. I'm not just in a right state of mind",Serena said.

"I shouldn't have done something like that. Not when you're going through a lot",Jayden said. He looked like he was about to curse himself.

Serena turned to him and held his face, "Jayden it's okay. I liked it",she said shyly. "I just....",she paused not knowing how to continue.

"It's alright",Jayden said. He pulled her close to him. "Are you hungry? We could go out to eat or I could prepare something for you",he said.

Serena smiled sweetly at him. "I don't feel like going out",she said. "Let's prepare something together".

"Alright", Jayden said. Serena led the way to the kitchen, still wondering about the letters she found about her foster parents and her real parents.