Mated to the Alpha son

Chapter 1

1: Birthday Girl

Rays of the sun flutter into her room, making her stir. One minute her eyes are closed, and the next, she's up and jumping. Her brain is still fuzzy but she's already doing happy somersaults in her mind.

Her voice can be heard throughout the house as she screams, "Finally!"

Camilla twirls her body in front of the mirror. She's low-key disappointed but there's still some joy left in her voice.

"I thought they said you would feel different, and when you look into the mirror, it's like you're seeing a new you," she whispers while bringing her face closer to the standing mirror. "I don't see anything different about me."

Deciding to relegate the thought to the background, Camilla wants to enjoy her day. It is her eighteenth birthday, after all. In a few minutes, she's standing before the mirror again, gazing at herself in her faded blue jeans, white crop top, and white vans.

The trip to the living room doesn't take time. She stops at the portrait of her parents and a tear slips. "You know, you guys should have been here. Maybe I would feel different about this day," she mutters but cleans her face soon. It's her birthday and she's not about to let anything spoil the little joy she has.

For the first time since she woke up, the day actually feels different. The breeze outside is more refreshing and it almost feels like it wants to tell a story. A smile spreads on her face, making her eyes wrinkle at the ends. While she got ready for the day, she already debated on where to go first. Waylen was obviously not at home. She settled on finding her friends first. The day before, they had all agreed to meet at a restaurant. Without needing to call them, she steers herself in that direction.

Serah and Kylie are already seated and waiting for her. She spots them as soon as she gets into the restaurant.

"Good thing we decided to choose a booth that's close to the entrance," Serah remarks when Camilla joins them. Grins are spread on the faces of her two friends.

"What is it?" Camilla asks, confused.

"Oh, come on. You should know why we're smiling," Kylie replies.

Camilla takes at the two blonde sisters. "Um, I'm serious. I don't know why you're staring at me with beady eyes."

"Camilla, you're eighteen today! You've come of age!" Serah screams, seeing that her friend didn't get the point.

"Ohhh. Yeah, that's true. I'm really happy," Camilla says, putting a tight smile on her face.

"Have you found him yet?" Kylie asks, leaning across the table.

"Don't you think she would be here with him if she found him? First of all, do you even think she'd be here at all if she found him?" Serah scolds her twin.

"Can we order food first?" Camilla pleads with the two. "I'm starving here."

"We're not the ones who told you to leave your house by ten in the morning," the twins fire back.

A waitress struts over when Camilla gives the signal. "I hope this strutting lady doesn't get me angry," she mutters under her breath.

"Good day, ladies. What can I get for you today?" the waitress asks with a smile on her face.

"It seems like she won't be so bad after all," Camilla whispers to herself.

"I'll have fries with ketchup," Serah says.

Kylie drums her fingers on the table. She has always been the one to take her time once food is involved.

"Please, just get me some peppered chicken," Camilla says once she sees Kylie is taking forever to place an order.

"Alright. What about you, Miss?" the waitress says, facing Kylie.

"Oh yeah. I think I'll have a chicken sandwich with a salad by the side and some juice to go with it," Kylie replies. Her fingernail raps her teeth. "I think that's all."

"For now," Serah and Camilla complete for her. The three burst out laughing.

The waitress heads to the kitchen to give them the order.

"So tell us, have you found him yet?" Kylie asks again. There's a mischievous smile on her face.

"Can you keep quiet about this guy for once?" Serah scolds. She turns to Camilla, who isn't paying much attention to the pair of them.

"How come she's not excited?" comes Kylie's voice.

"Hey birthday girl," Serah calls, getting her attention.

"Hmm?"

"First of all, welcome to adulthood," Serah starts with a broad smile. Camilla scoffs. "Anyway, how do you feel today?"

Camilla shrugs. She briefly glances at the window beside the booth. "I don't know how I feel, to be honest. I'm happy that I'm finally an adult but it doesn't get past that," she admits.

"Why could that be?" Kylie voices.

"You miss them, isn't it? You would have wanted them to be here to celebrate with you and give you their blessing," Serah says.

Camilla nods. Her parents mean the world to her and losing her dad was one of the worst things to happen to her. She still misses him. Thinking about her mom only brings more pain to her heart. 'She could be out there anywhere,' her mind says.

Serah takes her friend's hand in hers from across the table. "It's alright, Camilla. It's alright to cry, it's alright to feel sad from time to time. But don't forget this is your birthday and you deserve to be happy on this day."

"I know. I saw their picture on my way out this morning," she says. "You know, I don't think the rumors are true. I don't feel special today, I don't feel different. I just feel like the same old Camilla."

"You haven't had signs of finding your mate yet?" Kylie asks with a look of confusion on her face.

"Nope."

"That's strange. You should usually get a wif of his scent the moment you step out of your house," Kylie states.

Camilla shrugs. "Maybe I'm just different," she says.

2: The Little Boy

The waitress is soon back with their orders. The three girls momentarily forget their conversation and dig. For someone who ordered the most food, Kylie is the first to finish eating. She wipes the corners of her mouth with a napkin. "Such a nice meal," she says, satisfied. The other two just stare at her. For people who have been sister and friend to her for years, it still surprises them to see her eat the most and finish it all up in the twinkling of an eye.

"What is it?" Kylie asks when she notices their stares.

"You know what? Never mind," Serah replies.

Her twin scoffs. "Anyway, Camilla darling, you don't have to feel downcast. The day is just starting, after all. Just give it time and everything will fall in place," she says. The certainty in her tone brings a smile to her friend's face.

In a few minutes, the three girls are in the street.

"Where do you guys think we should go?" Kylie asks.

"I would have loved to go to work," Camilla replies.

The twins glance at each other and give her a weird look. "It's a Saturday," they say in unison.

Camila's eyes roll. "I know that. I just wish it were a weekday so I can spend time at the library," she replies.

Without warning, Kylie links their arms and begins to pull her. "Um, where are we going?" Serah asks from behind the two.

"We're heading to the park. Maybe we can do something there," Kylie replies.

"Not a bad idea," Serah whispers.

Camilla facepalms. "Alright. Let's go then."

The park is busy today, as should be. It's mid-morning on a Saturday, after all. Families and friends had already arrived before the three girls got there.

"Looks like we'll have lots of company today," Kylie says.

Serah scoffs. "We're here to have fun with the birthday girl, not talk to total strangers," she reminds her sister.

"But the three of us can't stay here alone. We still need more people to...."

Camilla blocks out their voices as an argument starts brewing between the twins. Those two are so different, it makes them argue over the smallest things. She decides to watch the people in the park. There are about three families here. They look so closely knit and happy. One family to the right came with a birthday cake. "One of them must be celebrating today," she whispers to herself. A tear slips down her cheek.

"I see you are sad. But there's no reason to be," she hears someone say. Camilla looks around her but apart from her bickering friends, no one else is close to them.

'Maybe I'm just hearing things,' she says in thought.

"No, you're not," the voice comes again.

Camilla looks around for the second time, confused. Deciding not to let it slide, she says, "Who are you and why do you sound so close, yet I can't see you?"

"That's because I'm inside you, silly. My name is Ava and I'm your wolf," the voice responds.

Camilla is frozen for some time. Then she suddenly starts jumping.

Kylie hears her scream and stops yelling at her sister. "Camilla, what is it?" she asks as the two of them rush to their friend's side.

"You guys won't believe it," Camilla squeals.

The twins exchange glances and stare at her. "What happened?" they ask in unison.

Camilla collapses on the vibrant green grass. While trying to catch her breath, she says, "My wolf....my wolf just spoke to me."

Serah's face breaks into smiles while her sister continues squealing from where their friend stopped. "You see what we told you? The day is just starting and everything will fall into place," Serah says.

"So what's her name?" Kylie asks as the two sisters sit beside her.

"She said her name is Ava," comes the reply.

"A lovely name," Serah remarks.

"I'm so happy for you. At least you have something to be excited about," Kylie says, giving Camilla a tight hug.

During the conversation, a child inches closer to the three of them.

Serah is the first to notice him. "Hello there. How can we help you?" she asks.

"Um....hi," he stutters. He brings out a little package from behind his back. "I just wanted to give this to Miss Camilla."

His shyness made him look cuter. "Really? That's for me?" Camilla asks.

"Yes, Miss. It's not much but...." He doesn't get the chance to finish his statement before she pulls him into her arms.

"Thank you so much. I really appreciate this," she whispers in his ears. The little boy smiles, hands her the gift, and runs back to his parents.

"I wonder who he is and how he knows you," Kylie comments when the boy is out of earshot.

"I could be anyone, Kylie. Don't forget that the Gael family is very popular," Serah replies as she takes a seat on the bench beside them, internally wondering why the other two are still sitting on the grass.

"He might be from the daycare I used to work at. His face looks a little familiar," Camilla says as she unwraps the little box. The twins wait for her, anticipating what could be inside.

Tears well up in Camilla's eyes when she sees the contents of the box. There was a necklace with a star pendant and a chocolate bar beside it.

"Aww, this is so cute," Kylie gushes.

"He's definitely from the daycare," Camilla states with a broad smile.

"How are you so sure?" Serah asks.

"The older kids once asked me my birthday. On another day, they asked me what I would consider the best gift," she replies.

"And the answer was a necklace with a star pendant?" Serah questions with a raised eyebrow.

"Well yeah. I didn't know what else to tell them because I didn't really have anything in mind at the time," she answers. Kylie helps her hook the necklace at the back of her neck.

Serah smirks. "This kid's got taste. The gold really compliments your skin," she says.

"I agree," her sister affirms

Feeling Special

"I'll go over to thank him and his parents properly," Camilla says and leaves the two sisters.

The boy runs up to her when she gets close to their picnic spot. "Did you like it?" he asks nervously.

She laughs and scoops him up in her arms, carrying him back to his parents. "I love it," she replies.

"We're glad you do. He told us a lot about you, especially how well you looked after them at the daycare," the woman who should be his mom, says.

Camilla's cheeks turn reddish. "I'm glad to hear such a good report. I just wanted to thank you," she replies. After bidding them a happy weekend, she goes back to the spot she shares with the twins.

"We should leave now. Our parents will be waiting for us to come home with you," Serah says as she gets her bag.

"Don't you think we should stay here a little more? I'm enjoying the feel of the gentle breeze," Camilla replies with puppy eyes.

"There's nothing you'll say that can change my mind. Better get your things and let's go," Serah says authoritatively.

With a long face, Camilla agrees. She takes her little pouch which contains her phone, house keys, and a few other things.

~~~

The walk to the twins' home was rather long since they live a little far off from the main town.

Kylie rings the doorbell for the third time. "Why are they taking so long to answer the door?" Serah wonders out loud.

"I just want to sit down. You know you guys live very far away. I think this should be close to the outskirts," Camilla groans.

"Oh, shut up. Just say that you need a little more exercise. You're getting too lazy," Serah scolds.

The door finally opens and the three girls are almost pushed to the ground by Mrs. Bradford, the twins' mother. "Oh darling, happy birthday!" she screams excitedly.

Camilla smiles and returns the hug. Mrs. Bradford leads the way into the house. "I'm sorry for keeping you girls waiting. I didn't hear the doorbell ringing until later," Mrs. Bradford apologizes.

Their home is a big one, a structure that Camilla would normally consider a mansion. The living room is separated from the front door by a small corridor.

Camilla's jaw drops when they get to the living room. There are so many people! The decorations are purple and white with a touch of black. There are so many decorations that spell out her name.

"Happy birthday to you," everyone begins to sing. The twins grin from ear to ear when they see her reaction.

"I guess this mission has been accomplished," Kylie whispers to her sister.

"Indeed," Serah replies.

Tears fill Camilla's eyes again for the third or fourth time today. The Bradford family's living room is big and every nook and cranny is filled with people. The thought that so many people made out time from their Saturday to do something for her made her insides warm. "Wow," she mutters.

"Camilla darling," Mrs. Bradford calls.

"Yes ma'am," the girl replies, snapping out of her reverie.

"We asked how old you are now," Kylie says with a smirk.

With her cheeks burning, Camilla replies in a singsong manner, "I am eighteen years today."

"A new adult!" someone in the crowd yells excitedly. They all sing again and come to hug her and wish her a happy birthday individually.

"Time to cut the cake!" Mrs. Bradford yells after some time. With the help of her husband, she brings a three-tier cake to the center table. The twins drag their friend to the cake. While cutting it, she is momentarily lost in the beauty of it. It is the typical cake she had always wanted for her eighteenth birthday: the rims are purple while the cake itself is white. There are little red flowers molded with fondant around the second tier.

"So beautiful," Ava comments.

Someone taps her elbow. "You know, you should stop zoning out. It's not good for you," comes Kylie's voice.

Camilla realizes she had cut the cake a long time ago but she never removed the knife. Everyone has been watching her since then, wondering what the problem could be.

The Bradford couple rush to her side. "Are you okay sweetie? Don't you like the cake?" Mrs. Bradford inquires.

"If you don't like it, we can still change it before the end of the day," Me Bradford says.

"What? No! I love the cake," Camilla blurts out.

"But you've been rigid since you cut it. We were worried that you might not like something about it," Mr. Bradford says.

"Come on, darling. Don't be shy. You know we love you. If there's anything you don't like, we'll be happy to change it for you," the twins' mother says.

Camilla pulls the two of them into a tight hug, shutting them up. "I'm serious, you two. I love everything. I'm just a little overwhelmed that you all went through great lengths to do all this for me," she says. They all release one another from the hug. "I'll forever be grateful."

"You mean the world to us, Camilla. We're glad we could put a smile on your face on this special day of yours," Me Bradford says.

His wife twirls around, momentarily confused. "Oh yes. Those are your presents. You and the girls can go over there and start unboxing while I slice the cake," she says, pointing a finger to a big stack of wrapped boxes.

"I don't think I've ever gotten this many gifts in my life," Camilla remarks jokingly.

"Well, we're glad we could break the record," the twins' parents reply.

Kylie and Serah come over to join them. "It's a good thing that the gifts are all beside the window, so you kids can open the window and get some fresh air as well," Mrs. Bradford tells them.

"But that window is really big. It'll bring more wind than breeze," Serah says.

"Trust me when I say you'll need that wind sooner than you think," their dad says.