Cody's POV

I sit in my swing, my legs tucked beneath me, my favorite stuffie placed on my lap as I watch James scurry around my room, gathering all the things he thought I didn't notice.

For the past week now, James has been sneaking around, clearly trying to put something together for my birthday, but I didn't say a word. Partly because I recognized how much effort and trouble he went through to surprise me with whatever his plan is, and partly because it feels nice, admittedly, to have someone care so much and pay so much attention to something you yourself have barely noticed for the past six years.

Before I would have claimed that it was only because he thinks I'm his Mate, but I know without a doubt that James loves me, Sloan, too. It would be an insult to them to think they want to do anything but love me.

Something I'm still getting used to.

All of us share a big table at lunch now, the royal Faeries still having to remind me to drop the formalities. At home, I'm either hanging out with James and Sloan, training with one of his- our- commanders, or going out with Taylor and Enza.

My life is so full.

For once I don't shy away from the idea of my family somehow being able to watch me from their resting place in the Eternal Forrest. Instead of shame and regret, I carry pride on my shoulders as I view the life I've managed to build with the help of James.

He leaves to go put some bags into the car he rented, claiming the car ride is an essential part of the journey.

I stand up, placing my stuffie in my bookbag full of snacks, walking towards my dresser along the wall. I pick up one of the pictures displayed along the top, smiling down at the last family photo we took, my glasses askew and my hair unruly, bunny ears peaking from behind my head thanks to Casey. Our smiles are bright and big, our family never knowing heartache or strife until that day. I used to hate looking at this, and all of my pictures. They only seemed to remind me of a time long gone and a love lost in the past. But now, now I look at my family in fondness, grateful for the time I had with them, thankful to Celeste for leading me towards James when we needed each other the most.

I place the picture back and turn around just as I hear steps coming down the hall, James opening the door with an excited smile before coming towards me.

I wrap my arms around his neck, his touch comforting and stimulating all at once, the essence of him all consuming and not enough.

"The car is packed. I just need to grab your book bag and your adorable ass." James tells me with a kiss, letting me go to pick up my bag, swinging it on his shoulder.

"Well, I hope you plan on bringing me, too. If my ass doesn't take up too much space, that is." I joke back, enjoying the teasing that we've fallen into.

James laughs, shaking his head at me as he steps into the hallway, waiting for me to close and lock the door behind me, placing my keys into my bookbag before we're off. We walk downstairs in comfortable silence, my mind preoccupied with guesses of where we're going hoping to stop myself from freaking out and giving my anxiety free reign. We make it to the last floor and I jump in shock when dozens of voices suddenly shout: "Happy Birthday, Luna Cody!"

Stunned, it takes me a moment for my brain to catch up, realizing that the common space is decorated with balloons and streamers, a banner hung from wall to wall against the tall ceiling.

My eyes water as Zee and Alex approach me first, Zee moving in for a hug while Alex just stands there like a proud dad, his arms crossed in front of his chest as he smiles broadly. "Happy Birthday, Luna. You deserve this. You both do. Don't loose faith now." Zee tells me, raising my hands to kiss them luck before she steps aside with a wink.

Johnathan spawns from thin air and pushes Timari out of the way, throwing his arm around my shoulder as he ignores her whining complaints. "Don't think because you'll be Luna soon, and you're eighteen that you'll be able to beat me. I'm training your ass even harder when you get back. If it's not destroyed by then." He snickers, and I punch him in the arm, Timiari slapping his back and pushing him away as he cackles in glee.

The Commander seems more excited for my birthday than I am, practically vibrating on the spot as she sighs dreamily.

"I'm so jealous that you already know who you're Mate is. You guys are going to be great together and great for the pack. Just relax and enjoy your day. We'll handle everything here." She affirms with a wink and a wave before joining some of her friends who are dancing in the middle of the living room. I spend a few more minutes accepting birthday wishes and welcomings before James finally cuts them off, effectively saving me from melting down in the middle of it all, quickly getting overwhelmed with it all, but I don't complain, completely aware of the effort and love out behind the whole ordeal.

Alex and Zee walk us to the door and wave us off as James walks us towards the parking lot, showing me a sleek black mana fueled car before opening the passenger side door for me.

I slide into the seat and grab my bag that James offers me, placing it at my feet. James rounds the car and gets into the drivers side, starting it up and pulling away from the pack house. I notice that we're going South, my curiosity peaked as I watch the scenery, enjoying the fresh summer sun that warms my skin to the touch. James eventually rolls the windows down and I find myself smiling widely as the wind funnels through my hair, throwing it around.

It's a freedom I can't remember ever feeling, the amount of times I've ridden in a car higher in this past month than my entire life. And I never got to roll the windows down.

At first James and I just talk about random trivial things, but after a while he seems to sense something, reaching over to place a hand on my thigh, squeezing it before asking if I'm okay.

"I'm okay. I just can't seem to keep my mind to quiet down." I admit to him, and I expect him to brush it off or laugh, but he sighs quietly, nodding his head almost as if to himself.

"I know what you mean. A part of me is terrified. It was me who convinced all of us that we're Soulmates. And what if we're not? What if I was wrong?" He tells me, his voice low as if afraid to say it out loud, like that will change the odds. I play with James's hand that's on my lap, using it as a distraction from the anxiety trying to drown me.

"I know I didn't want to be Luna. That I was happy being alone. Unseen. Forgettable. But after living life again and remembering what it's like to feel so connected and love... I don't know if I can handle that being taken away from me. Not again." Fear has me in a chokehold and I struggle to swallow as I try to hold back my tears.

"I can promise you right now, Cody. It doesn't matter if you're my Soulmate or not. You are the love of my life and it will stay that way." James assures me.

"Even if that means giving up your title as Alpha and leaving Autumn Falls to pick a new Alpha Line?" I ask him, the magic rule of what he's saying nothing to take lightly, and I can tell by the tightness of his jaw and determination in his eyes, that he's full aware of that when he answers.

"In a heartbeat." He doesn't even hesitate.

A part of me is happy, but another part of me feels uneasy, hating the idea of having to live with the fact that I would be keeping James away from finding his true Soulmate.

My heart squeezes and I try to lock the thoughts away, praying that I won't have to think about the idea any more.

Thankfully, James doesn't miss a beat allowing me to change the subject as we enjoy the rest of the ride, trying our best to keep our anxiety at bay.

Twenty minutes later, I'm looking out of the window, laughing at a dumb pun James told me, when the line of trees starts to thin out before suddenly falling away, and I'm rendered breathless. Right outside my window, below the edge of the hill we're driving around, is a full blanket of rolling blue waves, the noon high sun sending the blue water sparkling. I've seen movies set at the beach, but for the first time, I'm able to smell the salty air of the ocean, the call of seagulls above the car making me laugh in astonishment. I see the Vilin border sign on the side of the road, a lookout station across the street, and resist the urge to roll my eyes, instead looking back on the beautiful sprawling ocean.

The feeling lasts the twenty more minutes it takes to drive through the little town of Trident Beach and find the beautiful beach front house James was able to get for the long weekend.

I step out of the car, stretching me legs, not used to being cramped up for so long, admiring the view. The sun feels amazing and I can hear the sound of rolling waves crashing onto the sandy beach. The warming noise of children playing and screaming reaches my ears over the small sand dune that separates the private backyard and walkway for residents. The house isn't huge, but it's cute and has the perfect porch for enjoying the weather and the view.

I walk up the million and one steps and round the porch to find the front door stepping inside to see James already setting down our bags on the couch.

He walks towards me with open arms and kisses my temple before stepping back with that warm charming smile of his. "I know it isn't until tomorrow, but Happy Birthday, Cody. I wanted to make sure you got that beach trip to remind you that your life starts now, you don't have to be stuck anymore. No matter what, I'm here and we're in this together." He tells me and I believe him.

I'm not sure if it's because I want to, or if it's because I truly believe that he'll be there, but I trust him nonetheless.

"Thank you. I'm honored and proud that you would even look twice at me before tomorrow. You're so strong and compassionate and kind. I hope I can spend the rest of our lives returning the favor." I tell him, meaning every word, my heart pounding, my mind going nuts despite the remaining ten plus hours that remain in the day. I think about suggesting the water to help pass the time but before I'm able to, James has something else to say.

"Cody, can you let Jessie, come forward? I have something I want to say to him, too." James tells me, and I notice the way his ears darken with the admission, and I try not to tease him as I swoon inwardly at how flustered and cute he always looks.

"Of course." I tell him and he thanks me with a kiss as I fade away, granting him his wish with a full heart.

✨✨✨

Jessie's POV

I'm surprised when I open my eyes, not expecting James to ask for me. His cheeks and ears are aglow and his eyes struggle to hold mine for more than a few moments, but he doesn't pull away.

"Hi, Jessie." He greets me, his hands holding mine softly.

"Hey, Jamie. What's up, baby, you wanted to talk?" I prompt gently and he nods.

"Yeah, I- uh." He clears his throat, taking a deep breath before he straightens his shoulders and his eyes find mine. There's fear still there, but there's also determination and passion so deep my eyes start to tear up before he even talks. "Jessie, you drive me crazy with how fine you are. And you're funny, and kind and sexy, and so smart and compassionate. Even now I can't list a single thing that doesn't make me adore you even more. I'm scared of being left behind and getting hurt, but I'm more scared of pushing you away, especially when all you've asked to do is love me, and make you feel wanted in return. Well, I do want you. I want you to touch me, protect me, love me, help me, fight by me, fight for me, and just be here. After taking care of an entire pack and the love of my life, there's nothing that is better than coming back to your arms and knowing everything is going to be okay. I won't promise I won't freeze up and pull away sometimes, but I promise I'll always come back, and I will always want you here." He confesses and my heart is so full it nearly breaks, and I let my tears flow, not needing to hide how much his words mean to me.

I grab him in my arms and kiss him passionately, his arms wrapping around my shoulder, nothing compares to him being in my arms like this.

I pull away after a few seconds, so scared and yet so happy in the moment for what's to come.

"Thank you. You mean the world to me, James. You and Sloan. I'll always here there for you in any way I can. Just make sure you let me." I remind him with a kiss and he nods as he clings on to me.

We sway slightly and dance without music or talking, the anticipation of what's to come a silent song we both seem to hear. As we wait for the rest of the day to come I hoard the memories I've gathered over these last few weeks and place them in my heart, hoping it'll be enough to save me from heartbreak if we're wrong.

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Guyyyyyys it's almost Cody's birthday!!!! Wow I can't believe how similar yet how different these two books are. I'm really loving it.

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QOTD: Did you parents keep your baby teeth?