Page 26 of Hidden Fates

“Let’s go celebrate with the rest of our pack.”

And the guests waiting to surprise her.

Chapter Nine

Of course my mates planned a surprise party.

They’re always extra for my birthday, buying me over-the-top gifts or taking me on whirlwind adventures.

Laughter and warmth surround me as I move between our friends and family. Those who could make the trip to New York to join us.

It’s impossible to feel unloved when they’re here.

So why am I so nervous I’m sweating?

My hair sticks to the back of my neck, and my hands shake as I listen to Bellamy’s younger brother, Claude. Butterflies swarm in my stomach, so rambunctious I’m afraid I might be sick.

“You good, bubbles?” Onyx asks, pressing himself against my back. I lean against him, brows furrowed as I try to steal his strength and sort through my wayward emotions.

“I don’t know.”

He hums, arms wrapping around me, but doesn’t ask me to explain. Which is weird because my Alpha never lets me get away without a thorough explanation when he senses I’m feeling off kilter.

Before I can question his lack of response, someone buzzes at the gate. An older black car pulls up the driveway, and my nervousness grows.

It stops near the door, just behind our SUV. Whoever is inside doesn’t immediately climb out. They sit there long enough I expect Onyx to march outside and demand to know who they are.

The breath whooshes from my lungs when the door finally opens and Caleb steps out.

My squeak of surprise startles Bellamy’s family, their conversation coming to an abrupt stop. “S-sorry,” I stammer, feet already moving across the dining room and toward the foyer.

They invited Caleb? And he actually showed up?

I swing the door open before he can knock, startling him as he stands with his hand raised. “Hi.”

“H-hey. Uh, happy birthday?”

He’s so handsome. His bleach-blonde hair is curlier than ever, hanging down over his head and covering part of his face. Uncertainty and something else flash through his steel-blue eyes as he studies me intensely.

He’s wearing a cut-off plaid shirt over a Primordial Covenant band tee. The material stretches across his chest, highlighting just how much he’s bulked up over the years.

“Thanks?”

Why my response comes out as a question, I’m not sure.

“Come in. Please.”

He steps through the open door and takes in the foyer. Swallowing thickly, his eyes drag back to me, and he fumbles the gift bag in his hand, swearing as it drops to the floor. His hands shake as he kneels down to pick it up.

Is Caleb nervous?

…Caleb’s nervous. His face is red and his grip on the bag slips again, sending it back to the floor.

He’s nervous.

The words echo in my head, over and over and over and-

A tear falls from my eye, slowly trailing down my cheek. Caleb’s eyes widen with panic when he straightens and sees me crying. “Skye?”