Today the pack has decided to throw Noah a twenty-eighth birthday party.

He didn't even want one, but I told him he deserved it and the pack just wanted to show him how much they appreciated him for all the good work he has done around here.

I told him I would meet him there, so currently I'm walking to the kitchen towards the big French doors that lead outside to the backyard where the party is being thrown.

As soon as I walk out I can hear chatter, laughter, and music. The party is already in full swing.

People are scattered around the enormous backyard in groups mingling and drinking while others are at the buffet or dancing to the loud music being played by the dj.

Lanterns and fairy lights are placed around the perimeter of the yard illuminating the clear night sky and a huge banner stretched across the entrance way reads "Happy Birthday Noah."

My eyes scan the yard looking for the birthday boy himself. It doesn't take long before I'm able to spot him. He must've felt me looking at him because seconds later he looks my way.

I give him a shy smile and a small wave which he returns with his own. He excuses himself from the guests he's talking to and walks my way. When he reaches me he leans down to peck me on the cheek.

"Hey stranger," he says. It feels so good to see him. He was away on a business trip for the past week and a half and I missed seeing him when I entered the office everyday.

I smile at his comment. "Hey. Happy Birthday old man," I tease him.

He chuckles.

"Thank you. You look remarkable," he says eyeing me up and down.

I look down at my attire. I'm only wearing some jeans and a black long sleeve. This party was strictly casual.

"Nothing special," I tell him.

"Doesn't matter. You still always look great to me no matter what you're wearing."

He's says the nicest things that always make my heart flutter.

"Thank you. You look handsome as well."

His eyes twinkle. "Do you want to get something to drink?"

I nod my head.

Soon I have a couple of drinks in my body and I start to feel completely relaxed. I'm having a good time. I even got the chance to talk to some people I hadn't seen since I left. It's so nice to catch up and see all the things I've missed out on while I was away.

Right now I'm at a table with Noah, Grayson, and Em. She and Grayson had came out for the party leaving the kids with her mom. We're both talking about the latest episode of The Bachelor and laughing our heads off about all the overly attached girls on it while Noah and Grayson are talking about some baseball game.

In the middle of our laughter Em's own ceases and she looks over my shoulder.

I turn around to see what has caught her attention.

It's Pierson.

He stands in the doorway, but he's not alone.

Next to him stands a tall blonde women who looks like she could be a freaking victoria secret model, tall, blonde, and fit. She's hanging onto his arm for dear life. Jealousy envades my senses. When I look at Pierson he spots me and his eyes light up. I quickly turn around.

I look at Em and she looks furious. "I can't believe that jerk brought some hoe around here after he told you he missed you," she snarls into my ear where only I can hear it.

It's been about two weeks since I last saw him outside my doorway. I have not seen him anymore after that. Not once. Some of my patients told me he also had some business to take care of out of state.

Not that I was even asking for that matter, but I heard nonetheless.

"He's coming over," she says.

No. No. No.

Seconds later I feel his looming figure behind me.

"Hey guys," he addresses us. Everybody says a quick greeting except Em and I.

Noah offers them a seat and Em glares at him. I kick her shin under the table and she looks at me.

I give her a look that says not to act like anything isn't normal here. She narrows her eyes at me and huffs. A teenager I swear.

They sit down and nobody says anything. I don't know if it's just me, but the air feels tense and awkward.

Em is examining her fingernails like she doesn't have a care in the world. Grayson is on his phone and Noah is just smiling. Not a good time to smile Noah. I take another sip of my drink desperately needing it.

"So, who might you be?" Noah directs his question to the model.

"I'm Victoria," she says shyly. Wow the irony.

Before she can say anymore Pierson speaks up. "I invited her. I met her while I was away in California." He looks towards her and they share a secret knowing look.

The fact that they are hiding something between the two of them makes me feel like my chest is on fire. I already despise the feeling.

We all talk some more. Well everybody else does the talking and Em and I remain silent. We're perfectly fine not engaging in conversation with our guests.

"Oh really, so what are you going to do after your done with your residency here Elena?" Victoria says.

My eyes peek up at my name and I look at her and realize I had no idea what they were talking about. Everybody looks at me for an answer.

"Yeah what is it your going to do after you're done here?" Em says resting her elbow on the table her hand holding her right cheek. There's an evil glint in her eye. What is that about?

"Uhh..." I look at the rest of the table and everybody is looking at me expectantly. Pierson's fervent eyes are boring into me.

I clear my throat. "Well I'm not really sure. All I know is I'm not staying her," I say.

"Oh you're not? Why is that?" Victoria asks scrunching her dark blonde brows at me.

I shake my head. "Don't get me wrong I love my friends and all, but I need to spread my wings some more. There's really nothing holding me back here."

She nods her head in understanding. I really don't want to be here for another reason. It has to do with the handsome man with the green eyes sitting at this very table.

I really don't want to leave Em or even Noah for that matter, but I just can't be here.

Em has always supported my decision and knows we're family no matter what and Noah...

Well like I said we'll see where that goes. We've only been on one date after all.

Suddenly there's a loud bang and the table shakes. I snap my head in the direction of the sound and see Pierson stalking off.

I look at everybody at the table. They're all looking at his retreating figure with shocked and confused faces not knowing what his problem is.

I look over at Em and she's smirking. I give her a scrutinizing look.

Was it something I said?

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