AYLA'S BIRTHDAY

AYLA'S POV

The air was cold and moist around me and filled my lungs with what felt like blistering ice crystals that spread from my rib cage and out to my extremities. I sniffed as a few violent gasps for air, yanked me out of my thoughts and into a more conscious state.

My dress was ruined, my hairstyle was messy and my eyes were surely swollen from all the crying. I hate Bubba, he made me do this.

Today was my eighth birthday, and unfortunately, I and my brother share the same birth date. But he is older than me and undoubtedly hates me a little too much.

It was supposed to be 'our' birthday party, but he humiliated me and refused to share the cake just because my name was not written on it. The cake was not huge enough to accommodate both of our names so, mommy only mentioned his name on the cake, because he's older than me.

Well, that was her excuse!

And I didn't say anything, considering only his friends were coming to the party.

And I didn't give him any reaction because it's not like I have friends whom I can celebrate with. I am okay celebrating it with my papa only. I am my daddy's girl. And my papa always teaches me to never back down from a fight, so I ruined his birthday cake.

Don't blame me! He started it, so he had to bear the consequences.

And then it was our same old fight, he kicked me, beat me, humiliated me and then locked me out of the house. Momma, Papa weren't there so no one came to stop him. Not even River. He's our Alpha's son, he is supposed to be on the right side but he didn't try to stop it. He was enjoying himself.

That jerk!

I huffed.

No one love's me, except my papa!

Once my training is complete I will definitely be going to kick both of them hard in their precious butt.

I continued to walk and come across the white flowering trees. The one that produces flowers in this snowy land, they stand tall providing and guarding the pack. It's a sign that I am standing at the pack borders now.

I resumed walking and crossed the borders, I know I shouldn't, but I need to get away. Being alone with my thoughts helped me.

Instead of wandering like I usually do, today my legs lead me to a knowingly unknown path.

I should stop, I can get into trouble for this, but it's my birthday and I should be enjoying myself too, I will blame everything on bubba.

Hahaha! That'll be fun!

My feet halted when I realised I was surrounded by complete darkness.

There were trees with black leaves?!

Is that even possible?

Something tells me that I should go back, but my curiosity got the best of me. My feet refused to turn around and my heart was calm?

Is there something wrong with me?

A normal person would run away for his life or maybe shit in their pants, but I was enticed by the calm that the darkness of the forest provided me.

Should I go?

Maybe bubba hit me too hard today, that's why I'm feeling what I am feeling, good! I will put all the blame on him. I shouldn't be here. Papa will be mad at me, for coming here. But who lives here?

I have never seen something so dark, and which or what kind of plants have black leaves with no flowers?

"Hello? Is anyone here?" I shouted.

"Hello?"

The freezing night air ruffles my hair and small snowflakes descend to the earth slowly while the moon hides in a thick blanket of dark clouds.

"Come out! Come out!"

Suddenly, I was startled by the sound that came from the dark bushes.

"Who's there?" I yelled again.

"I mean no harm, I swear on my favourite Teddy bear."

Then there it was another sound, rustling of bushes.

"Okay, I'll just stay here at a distance, you can come out. We can be friends if you want."

No answer.

"It's ok. Even you don't want to be my friend. I understand. I am used to it now, but please don't be mad at me. I am sorry for invading your privacy. My papa always says that we should not invade others privacy."

Again there was no response, but I was sure that whoever is here won't hurt me.

"If you don't want to talk, then I will just leave." I turned around and was prepared to leave but a low growl stopped me. I turned again but couldn't see anyone even with my enhanced eyesight.

"Hello, I was just passing by. I didn't mean to disturb your sleep. Do you live here alone? Do you have friends? I don't. Will you be my friend? You know today is my birthday. So, please don't be mad at me today. If you want to be mad you can, but not today. Tomorrow is Sunday, so it's a holiday. And we make friends on holidays. You can be mad at me on Monday. Tomorrow we will become friends. And then you can kick me out of here on Monday. Does that sound good to you?" I started rambling, but whoever it was, wasn't complaining.

Another growl.

Maybe I said that too soon, he seemed angry.

"Okay, it's decided then. Can I sit here? I am tired. I was kicked out of my own birthday party. How would you feel if something like that happened to you? Bad right?"

Then there was a comfortable silence.

"It's so dark here. How do you even see anything? Don't you have lights? Or maybe a flashlight?"

My questions were answered by growls only.

"Ok don't worry. I will bring a flashlight tomorrow. Is that ok with you?"

This time it was a whimpering sound.

"I know I am not a good company, but I have decided, from now on you are my friend. Even if I am annoying, there's no way out for you. I feel you could use some company, but I'm warning you, I talk too much. I will also bring colours tomorrow, we will paint together. Okay."

My rant continued and I feel the knots in my chest loosen, my pain, anger, frustration, disappeared as if it was never there. I felt light.

"AYLA, WHERE ARE YOU MY WHOOPIE PIE?" Papa cooed through mind linked.

"I AM COMING PAPA," I answered.

"Sorry, new friend, I have to go. My papa is calling, but I will come tomorrow. Okay. Bye, take care."

Then I turned and dashed towards the pack, few warriors were already there, with uncle Victor.

Oh no! I am doomed. I should bribe him with a chocolate ice cream, maybe then he will not complain to Papa about me.

I tried to run past him but he caught my little body and lifted me in his huge arms.

Okay bad move, I shouldn't have tried to run away.

"Gotcha!"

Oh boy! What am I going to do now?