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The pack house was bustling with noise. The door kept opening and shutting; pack members taking out food and placing it on tables. Others were setting up tables, while some set up the decorations.
Today was a big moment for the Rose Thorn pack. We were officially number one in ranks in terms of strength, along with being the biggest pack.
Our rank dipped when we accepted new members, however we brought it back up.
I felt arms wrap around me from behind. "Hey, birthday girl."
Today, coincidentally, landed on my 24th birthday.
I turned around and hugged Eli, pecking his lips. "Hey."
"When is the king arriving?" He asked, looking around at the progress.
"You know how he is. He didn't give me a time. Said he wanted to do a dramatic entrance."
He rolled his eyes and smiled. "Well, hopefully our pack is ready in time."
Once Eli turned twenty-two, he moved to my pack, and we performed the ceremony to officially make him a leader of this pack, alongside me.
"Oh, that reminds me, I have to go check on my brother." I kiss him and run to the pack house before he has a chance to speak.
I run up the stairs to my brother and his mate's room. Ariana opened the door, giving me a full view of her round belly.
She waddled to the couch and I stepped in. Lio was frantically packing diapers and clothes into a bag. "Hey Lio?"
He jumped, snapping his head up. "Hey sis." He continued to pack the bag.
I walked over to him and pulled the bag away. "The baby is due next week and you've repacked this bag three times already. Why don't you come outside and enjoy yourself? I'm sure Ariana would love some food." I looked towards her for conformation.
She slowly stood up, and walked towards me. She sling her arm around my shoulder, laying her head on my shoulder. "She's right, hun. Let's go have some fun."
Lio looked between the both of us. "Fine."
As we walked outside, various versions of black vehicles pulled up.
Must be the king.
The king stepped out of the car in the center. He looked around before locking eyes with me. "Camila! Happy birthday!" He walked over with his arms stretched out.
I accepted his hug. "Thank you. And where is Sonia and Lucy."
"Well Lucy was in the middle of a nap and we didn't want to wake her up, so they'll be by later."
I laughed. "Y'all spoil her too much."
He shrugged sheepishly. "Anyways, are you ready for today?" I frowned causing him to sigh. "You forgot what I told you."
"I'm sorry. There's been a lot going on."
"It was pretty big news. How do you not remember?"
And like a lightbulb moment, I remembered.
"Oh, that. Yeah, I guess." I shrugged.
"You guess?" He raised an eyebrow.
I began walking towards the tables, Roman following me.
"I'm nervous."
"Well, at least we know it begins at sunset. We have a few hours." I nodded in agreement.
I've got to go make a speech. You're next after me." He nodded.
I walked towards the stage, and everyone quieted down. I looked around. Everyone was here. My uncles, aunts, cousins, and my pack.
My parents and brother stood front and center beaming at me with proud smiles. The rest of the pack stood behind them with similar expressions.
"Hello, everyone. We began this journey seven years ago. Each of us were working through our own troubles, however we came together and built this pack up. We are the strongest, but not just physically. The bonds we have formed with each other are the foundations of our strength. We're strong thanks to the efforts everyone put in. And I just want to say thank you. Y'all have given me so much more than I could ever give y'all. Y'all have given me a purpose."
Everyone cheered and clapped. "Now I bring King Roman unto the stage. The king gave his speech. Dinner and dancing followed.
"May I have this dance?" I turned behind me to see Eli with his hand stretched out. I grinned placing my hands in his. He pulled me close and we began swaying.
"I'm so proud of you," he whispered. "You're amazing, you know that?"
"I'm aware," I replied causing him to let out a loud chuckle. I leaned my head on his shoulder as he spun us around.
All was going well, until I felt a small jolt in my stomach. I stopped dancing abruptly. "Are you okay?" Eli asked me.
Before I could reply, I got a stronger jolt. "It's starting," I heard the king say. The music stopped and I felt all eyes on me in anticipation. Everyone knew what was going to happen.
I got another, stronger jolt. This time it travelled all over my body. It wasn't too long before I heard bones cracking. It took me a moment to realize that it was me.
The next ten minutes passed in a blur, and before I knew it, I was laying on the floor panting.
I took a moment to collect my bearings. I slowly stood up and shook out my fur. I looked up at the pack. Everyone was looking at me in awe. Eli walked closer to me.
"You're taller." I gave a wolfish snort. He reached out and petted my fur. I heard trotting and turned around.
To my surprise, I met the king and we were at eye level.
We were at the same height.
"Well, this changes a lot of things."
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And that's a wrap!
For now...
Thank you to everyone who has supported this book by commenting or voting or reading!! It means the world to me!!
This is the end of "After Rejection," but there will be a sequel. So keep this book in your library for updates on that!!