Chapter 8
Since the time we were almost caught, we have been extra careful about traveling an extra mile into the forest to not contact humans or other wolves. Sasha and I go out once a month all night to train in both human and witch form.
I found I can move most elements and I can manipulate minds like I did with the warrior when we left Dark Moon Pack. Although I haven't been able to practice on anyone.
Katie went with me for a shift for the first time during the summer break from school. We spent a whole week camping and playing in the forest. She really enjoyed it. She loved to be free to talk about wolves.
I am struggling with the idea of when she is older what to do. She will need a pack at some point. She will also need to find her mate. But I still have 10 years before that.
Time really flies by when you are working hard. It has been just under two years. Katie has acclimated perfectly into this life with her friends at school and Vanessa. Jenny still watches Katie during my time away. I, in return, watch Vanessa so Jenny can go on dates. She has even taken to a local named Dan. He seemed to be a nice guy. For a while they were always trying to set me up on dates.
I think they got the hint when I stood up the third one in a row. I was interested but I just had too much going on. I was also only 17 almost 18 even though we told everyone I was 20. This was so Harold didn't get any questions about why a 16-year-old was working. It also helped to enroll Katie into school. Harold had contacts that made me an ID so we were sorted.
Everything seemed to go on like normal. The wolves that came in didn't pay me much attention. Most were from other states having meetings with one of the packs nearby. I was beginning to enjoy my routine.
In two days, it will be my 18th or should I say 20th birthday. Tomorrow we are going to celebrate with a small party at the restaurant. Harold is going to close at 8 p.m. so we can celebrate. We only had two guests that were going to arrive late, around midnight. All wolves, but Harold said they were in town for a meeting and, due to a conference, all other hotels were booked.
The day flew by and I get up early to switch out the rooms and make sure the rooms for the guests coming late are set so I don't have to worry about them. After I finish with the rooms, I head to the kitchen. Arnold gives me a nod when he walks in. "What do you want me to start with today, Arnold?"
"Can you make some of your muffins?" he replied." We will add them as a special today since blueberries were on sale at the market."
"I could also add them to pancakes for a special touch." I started to get the ingredients I would need for the muffins. I think six dozen should do and if we have any extra, I can put them in the guest rooms for a welcome gift. I know I am always hungry at night. I get to work. The day goes by and soon it is time to close early. Jenny has gone upstairs to get ready, and she will be relieving me shortly so I can get ready. Most everyone is finishing up with their food and drinks, so it is just dishes. Jenny comes down the stairs in a gorgeous purple top with open shoulders and black leggings. It goes great with her soft brown wavy hair that she has put into a messy braid.
Jenny is 32 and her first husband abandoned her and Vanessa when Vanessa was born. She is lucky to have found Dan. He is an accountant for a firm downtown but didn't like the city life, so he moved back here and works part-time from home. He has come to watch the girls on occasion when it has gotten busy.
Dan is average height and build with a shaggy brown beard and hazel eyes. His hairline is beginning to recede, but I think it makes him even more likeable. He, however, doesn't agree and hides it under a hat. "Jenny, what time is Dan going to be here?" I asked.
"He said 8:45 so that would give you 45 minutes to get you and the girls ready. They were still complaining that their bedtime is 10 and can only stay up for an hour."
"You are leaving that to me?" I asked.
"You seem to have a way with them." She smiled. "I would get over here."
I walked up the stairs to our room where I found two girls putting on my make-up.
"And what do you think you are doing?" I questioned them.
"It is a party and you said I could wear make-up for special occasions." Katie beamed at me.
"Kathrine, I meant like your school pageant or dance recital, not a birthday party. Vanessa, I do not think your mother would approve."
"Please!!" They said in unison with big puppy dog eyes.
"Fine but get dressed. I am going to take a quick shower and get ready myself."
"Carmella." Vanessa called to me through the door. "Mom left you a dress. She said it is your present from her and you must wear it tonight."
"Oh did she?" I cannot imagine what Jenny would have gotten for me. Knowing Jenny it is probably revealing and purple. Purple is her favorite color after all and she thinks I look radiant in it, or so I've been told.
I shower and brush through my long hair. It is almost to my b**t. It has grown so long. I really need to get it cut. I braid it to the side and let the other half dry as I add light make-up and open the gift to reveal my dress.Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.
I was right. What fabric is there is a dark shimmering purple. It is a short dress with one long sleeve and one no sleeve. I should be thankful that it covers most of me just my legs are out. I grab my strappy gold shoes and go to see how far the girls have come. To my surprise, they were ready and just in time, at the clock read 8:45 which means it is about time. "Alright girls you ready for some fun?"
"Yes, but before we go down we wanted to give you our gift," Katie said.
"You girls didn't have to do anything for me," I say as I open it. It is a necklace with a crescent moon and a white wolf. I looked at Katie with a tear in my eye.
"Girls, it is beautiful now we are going to be late."
The night was going well. Arnold had made Kiev one of my favorites and the man Dan had brought with to set me up with was nice. I kept forgetting his name though. After dinner, we had hustled the girls off to bed and were talking and having a few drinks. Harold and Arnold had retired as well, so it was just us four.
"Why don't you come sit closer to me." Jason, the guy whose name I kept forgetting, asked. I moved closer. It was almost midnight and maybe I would get my first kiss. Jason was cute enough with dark hair and blue eyes. He worked with Dan but he also must workout as he was toned. Maybe a human boyfriend wouldn't be a bad idea.
"How about for my present, you give me a kiss on my birthday?" I said flirtatiously. "It is 5 minutes away."
"It would be my pleasure," he responded.
As time got closer, I started to count "5....4....3..." I heard the door open and could smell the best smell, like chocolate and oranges.
Jason said "one" and kissed me.
Sasha growled "MATE."