Page 6 of The Alpha's Temptation
“Home?But it’s only eight o’clock!”Penny protests.
“I know, but I didn’t sleep very well last night,” I lie.
The truth is, I want to be alone to process my feelings.I was so hopeful, so sure that Foster would claim me today.When I saw him in town, I could’ve sworn he felt the connection between us.He had looked positively feral when he looked at me, and I would have bet everything that I had that I was his fated mate, but instead of claiming me, he had just turned and walked away.He hadn’t even stopped to wish me a happy birthday.
My hope died in that moment, and I would swear that my heart broke in my chest.
“Well, you have to stay long enough to blow out your candles,” Penny says, jumping to her feet and heading for the kitchen.
The living room looks like a bomb went off in it.Blankets, pillows, pop bottles, and cups are scattered everywhere.A half-empty pizza box sits on the coffee table, along with bags of chips and popcorn.We decided to save the birthday cake for later when we weren’t stuffed.
I stand and clean up the living room so Penny and Foster don’t have to later.Folding the blankets, I put the pillows back on the couch.I’m cleaning up the empty cups when Penny returns with the cake, eighteen candles burning brightly on top.
“You shouldn’t be cleaning!”she scolds me.
“I didn’t want to leave the mess for you.”
She sets the birthday cake on the coffee table, and we drop to our knees.I smile as Penny sings Happy Birthday.I’ve spent all my birthdays since I was six in this house.Penny and her family always celebrated with me when my parents were too busy or forgot.
“Make a wish!”Penny says once she’s done singing.
I close my eyes and think about what I want.The answer remains the same as in previous years.
Foster.I only want Foster.
I take a deep breath and blow out the candles, laughing as Penny claps.
“Let me get a knife and some plates,” she says, standing and hurrying back to the kitchen.
I pluck out the candles.My wish won’t come true.If it did, I would’ve known when I saw Foster this morning in town.
So, what do I do now?Do I stay here in town?I don’t want to go to college, but maybe a trade school?Or I could travel?Leave town and find a new place to live, far away from Foster and my complicated feelings?
The thought of leaving Penny, Foster, and this place kills me, but I know the pain I feel today will only get worse.Eventually, Foster will find his fated mate, and I’ll have to see them together all the time.I won’t be able to handle that.
Maybe moving on now is better.I mean, if I haven’t been able to get past this crush in all this time, I doubt I ever will.It would be better to leave town than to put myself through all that pain.
“What did you wish for?”Penny asks as she cuts the cake.
“I can’t tell you, or it won’t come true.”
I aim for light and teasing, but my tone comes out flat.I already know my wish didn’t come true.
Now I need to come up with a plan to live with that reality.
“Dig in,” Penny says, passing me a thick slice of cake.
“Thanks, Penny.For all of this.You’re the best friend ever.”
“Well, duh!”she says with a giggle.“It’s no big deal.You know I’d do anything for you.”
“I know.That’s why I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.”She nudges my shoulder with hers.
I try to push aside my disappointment with how the day went as I eat my cake, but it’s no use.I can’t escape the ache in my chest.
“I’m going to head home,” I tell Penny once I’ve finished my cake.
