Barely Breathing

I woke up as a loud sound of thunder blared to an earshot. By the sound of it, a storm must be outside. Sighing, I hold the blanket tuck securely right under my chin and buried myself more in it, enjoying its warmth. My body feels sore and I don't want to draw away from the comforts of my bed. It feels too good.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Wait. Did I just hear the thunder roared in my bed? Another rumbling noise came out and I groan-buried my face on my pillow as realization finally settling in me. Yeah, guess there's no thunder outside, rather, inside of me. I'm just hungry.

Better to ignore it; too late I'm overly engrossed by sleep. Besides, I'm not a morning person and I'd like to keep it that way.

Wait. What's with that smell?

Hhhmmmm...

It smells like fresh raindrops on the forest's leaves, and soothing cold air after the rain, calming my senses and drowning me deep in it.

Since when did I smell like Xy...

Oh no.

I.. He.. us...

What's that again?

M-mate hunt.. shoot!

I facepalmed myself remembering the occurrences at the Mate Hunt.

Alpha Troy... the two other alphas... me fighting him, Xyrus and... and... oh berries and waterlilies... I felt my face boiled with embarrassment recalling fully well that I passed out naked on his arms.

That Alpha! I'm going to kill him this time!

with a hand and peeking under the blanket hoping I

so that's where the smell is coming from. I was wearing his oversize navy-blue shirt, the one he likes to wear every often he can,

Urgh!

wanna pull

"Surprise!"

my best friend’s face. Which I may add, has her very I mean super-wide enormous gigantic smile that makes me want to bury myself

"Tash."

cake in her hand and her wide

 Willoooo!!

for a night only. Really, if not for my best friend I'd rather forget I turned eighteen today. But to not disappoint her, I blew the candle after whispering a silent wish. She attacked me in

heavenly and I learned it the hard way. But

crap, you're

it and smiled at her. She scooped some icing and put it on

"Happy birthday Luna."

Right. I knew it.

don't wanna call me

changed her mind. Instead, she gave me that very, I mean

And I'm doomed.

***

sign of Xyrus showing up. Not that I would ask Tash why he's not here nor if he'll be seeing me

Tash, had to go before dinner for her 'girly things' more of girl rituals. You see, she likes to make sure she looks beautiful before going to sleep. She used to say, her prince charming might come while she sleeps. But

around my mind which left me confused. Confused as to why I wasn't marked as I should be: part of the chosen mate tradition. Every male has to mark their chosen to show their claim

a bath and there was none. Only a few gashes I got from the fight, nothing more. And why he didn't show up

not know how to deal with him anyway. I'm still mad after all. Heck, I don't even know if I can forgive him. Maybe never. I do

will become of me

me feel vulnerable. No matter how much I hide it from Tash or