Connor

I snuck out to buy Hope a gift while she got ready. Who knew it took two hours to prep a girl for a birthday party. I was sitting on the couch talking to her parents after mind linking her for the third time that we needed to go. Her parents were really nice, and her dad offered me a few training lessons. I had extensive battle training as part of my Alpha training, but he had protected Hope for years and I’m not above getting help from someone who can offer it. I could sense Hope before I could see her, I stood from the couch to walk over to the staircase she was descending. She looked gorgeous in a tight black strapless dress. Too gorgeous. It barely covered her ass. My wolf barked at me from the recess of my mind, telling me not to let other males look at what’s mine. I tried to push him back and settle him down, but he started clawing at my mind to come forward.

“No. Absolutely not. Hope, you can’t wear that.” I could feel her disappointment through our mate bond. I knew she had wanted me to compliment her, but my wolf was going crazy.

“Excuse me?” She narrowed her eyes in a challenge.

“Mo stóirín. You look amazing, but it’s way too much skin. My wolf is about to hulk out right now.”

‘And I want to take you up to your room and fuck you.’

I mind linked her just to get my point across. I saw a blush creep up her cheeks and my cock started to get hard just from the thought. I felt her brother and father come up on either side of me, all three of us with our arms crossed and frows burrowed.

“He’s right.” Her father said.

“Yeah, Hope. Go put on a sweater or something. “ Kade added. Hope scoffed and rolled her eyes.

“Mom! Talk to them please?” Her mom gave her a sheepish look and shrugged.

“Connor is a newly mated Alpha male, Hope. I don’t think I could talk him into anything when it comes to you. And really. You shouldn’t be surprised about your father and brother’s reaction. It’s like that dress was designed to piss them off.”

She huffed again and turned to walk back up the stairs to her room with her friend behind her, mumbling about ridiculous alphas and asshole brothers. I sighed and rubbed my face with my hands out of frustration. That was not how I wanted that to go and I felt guilty.

“I’m sorry, I probably could have handled that better.” I said to her mom. She patted my cheek and gave me that understanding smile that all mothers just seem to know how to give.

“I understand, Connor. She might not, but I do. Plus, that dress was way too short. No way was I going to let my daughter go out looking like a hoochie mama. I’m just glad I wasn’t the one that had to burst her bubble.” She laughed as she walked away into the kitchen.

Hope came back down ten minutes later in an emerald green dress with off the shoulder straps and a skirt that flared out and nearly reached her knees with shiny silver strappy heels. Her hair was in soft waves down her back and her makeup was light, very natural. She was beautiful and the color of her dress made her bright blue eyes pop. I stood up again to meet her by the stairs.

“You look amazing, sweetheart.” I smiled at her and held out my hand for her to take.

“Yeah, whatever.” She mumbled as she blew by me, completely ignoring my offered hand and bursting out the front door.

‘We’re in trouble’ My wolf whined and curled into a ball. ‘No shit.’ I replied and followed Hope out. She was already in the car with her seatbelt on, arms crossed against her chest with her body angled away from me. I sighed and ran my hand through my hair.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. My wolf is just very protective of you.” She made no move to answer or look at me, so I reached across the console to try and grab her chin. She leaned away from me and my wolf whined again.

“Hope. Please.”

“Just drive, Connor.” I sighed again and I drove us to where Kade had told me the party was. It was outside on the packhouse lawn. There were lights strung all over the place with tables covered in white linen cloth and beautiful flower arrangements in bright pinks and blues. There was a dance floor with a DJ, and a buffet of food. Off in the corner was a very well stocked bar and a table full of presents.

“Wow, is every eighteenth party like this?” I murmured. Hope shook her head no.

“I’m a bit of the pack’s darling. Not only am I a healer, I’m a midwife and I help teach the younger kids at the school. I always help with events, and usually plan things for holidays. Everyone knew I may find my mate outside of the pack, so this was a small way to say thank you for everything I’ve done over the years. Not that I needed it. I’d do anything for them.” I sighed again. ‘She’s the perfect Luna’ my wolf whispered to me. I reached for her hand. She let me take it this time, but she still faced forward, not looking at me.

“I know you’re mad at me, mo stóirín. If you want me to go back to the house so you can enjoy your party I will.” She spun her head to look at me with wide, surprised eyes.

“No, Connor. I want you here. I just don’t appreciate you trying to tell me what I can and can’t wear. Even worse, you teamed up with my dad and brother. It was humiliating.” I saw tears start to gather in her eyes and I cupped her cheek in my hand.

“I know. I’m sorry. I could have handled that a lot better. I just knew the kinds of thoughts that dress was giving me and I didn’t want any other man to look at you like that. Can you forgive me and let me celebrate with you tonight?” Hope nodded her head yes and I leaned forward to plant a chaste kiss on her lips.

“Good. Then I can give you your present.” Her eyes lit up and a beautiful smile curled it’s way on to her face, making me smile in return.

“When did you have time to get me a present?” I chuckled.

“It didn’t take me nearly as long to get ready as you.” She laughed and turned towards me. I pulled the box out of my suit jacket and handed it over to her. Her mouth dropped and her hands shook a little as she opened it.

“Oh my God. It’s so beautiful.” She whispered. I took the box from her and pulled out the bracelet. It was studded with white and black diamonds and had a small crescent moon charm.

“Can I put it on you?” She nodded vehemently and held out her right wrist for me. After placing the bracelet, I kissed the back of her hand.

“Happy Birthday, Hope.”