Chapter 51: 51: Turning Twenty-One

MAX

Four days later, I’m back home, sinking into the familiar comfort of my own bed. Tomorrow’s my birthday, and Mom’s planned a grand barbecue and a midnight run for the pack.

The thought of a juicy steak and a cold beer is what I’m looking forward to the most. It feels like forever since I’ve let loose and enjoyed myself without a care in the world.

Fresh from the shower, I pull on my pajamas—a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. I’m on a snack mission, heading toward the kitchen when I hear a squeal.

Suddenly, I’m tackled from behind. I barely manage to stay on my feet.

“I’m so glad you’re home Max,” Melanie’s voice rings in my ear. I reach back, pulling her off and turning to face her.

I wrap her in a big hug, maybe squeezing a little too tight before letting go. “Good to see you too, sis. I’m off to grab a snack. Want to join?”

I don’t wait for her response, turning and heading down the stairs to our living area. Inside the refrigerator is a massive, untouched chocolate cake.

A grin spreads across my face as I glance over my shoulder at Melanie. Her eyes widen, and she shakes her head in protest.

“Mom will kill you! That’s for tomorrow, Max.”

“Mom always knew chocolate was my favorite. Can’t wait to devour this tomorrow. Hope she got another one for the rest of you.”

Melanie smacks my arm, “Ewww, pig.” She pushes me aside, opens the freezer, and pulls out a tub of rocky road ice cream.

“We can eat this though!” She grabs two spoons from the drawer and waves them in my face. “Come on, sit down and let’s eat. You have a lot to tell me, Max!”

We perch on the bar stools at the counter, a spoon in each hand. We don’t bother with bowls, just dig into the ice cream as we chat about my recent adventures.

Melanie occasionally interjects with a question, but mostly she listens, her eyes wide with interest. It feels good to be home, and even better to be with my best friend.

MAX

I wake up on my birthday, stretching and trying to figure out if I feel any different. Lying there, staring at the ceiling, I decide I feel exactly the same.

I throw off the covers and start to get dressed. The aroma of bacon wafts up the stairs, making my mouth water in anticipation of a hearty breakfast.

I fling my door open and practically leap down the stairs. The table is set for the entire family, and everyone is milling around, waiting for breakfast to be served.

As I enter the dining hall, everyone yells, “Happy Birthday,” taking turns to hug me. Birthdays are always a big deal in our house.

The day is packed with plans. Everyone from the pack will be dropping by for the barbecue.

Mom hinted that I might find my mate today, if she was from our pack. My thoughts drift to Ginger, and a knot of fear tightens in my stomach.

I’m not usually scared of anything, but the thought of never seeing her again makes me nauseous. I can’t think of a single girl in this pack that I’d want to be mated to.

But if it happened, I knew it was the Moon Goddess’s will, and I would feel nothing but love for the she-wolf. As the day progresses, I shake hands with countless pack members wishing me a Happy Birthday.

Hundreds of people have come throughout the day to share a drink, grab a bite, and extend their well wishes. By ten at night, I’m exhausted, yet people are still hanging around.

The sleep deprivation from training and helping the Half Moon pack is catching up with me. Leaning against the fence with a drink in my hand, I barely notice when Melanie joins me.

She doesn’t say anything for a while, just stares into space like I am. When she finally speaks, she states the obvious.

“So no mate in this pack for you, Max.”

I glance at her and smile. “I’m actually okay with that. I’m not in a rush.”

“You’re not?” she asks, surprise evident in her voice.

I turn to face her. I realize I haven’t told her everything about my time away.

It all seemed so overwhelming that I only shared the key moments, but now I see she needs to know more. “I still have more training to go through. I wouldn’t want to be separated from my mate during that. There’s an alpha with me who met his mate in Italy. He’s been miserable without her. I don’t need that.”

I sigh, then decide to share more with Melanie. “Besides, I met a girl, and I’m hoping she’s my mate.”

Melanie gasps, “You did? Who? Where? When? I want details, Max.”

I chuckle at her sudden interest in gossip. “Okay. That’s a lot of questions. Her name is Ginger. I met her in Phoenix, and you know when I was there. As for details, let’s take a walk away from prying ears.”

I push off the fence and head toward the house, intending to take this conversation indoors. I don’t want anyone overhearing and starting rumors that might reach Ginger’s pack.

***

Two months fly by, and it’s time to return to my training. I spend my time in Montana doing all the things I love.

I spend time with my family, swim at the waterfall, hike the mountains, train with the warriors, and hone some of my skills that I will need in the coming years. But mostly, I think about Ginger.

I don’t call her once, even though I pick up the phone several times. Melanie keeps telling me to just talk to her and check in, that she would appreciate it.

But I don’t want anyone to get hurt—neither her nor me. So, I don’t.

Saying goodbye is always the hardest. As I stand at the curb outside the airport, my mother wraps her arms around me, tears streaming down her face.

“I can’t believe it’s time for you to go already. Be safe, Max.” I give her a tight squeeze and then let go.

“It will be fine. I’ll be home in a year, and then I’ll be home for good.” She nods and climbs back into the truck as my Dad comes around from the driver’s side to bid his farewell.

“Proud of you, son. We’ll see you soon.” He gives me a quick hug, squeezes my shoulder, and then he’s gone.

I walk into the airport, ready to board my flight and resume my training. Once I’m settled in my seat on the plane, I pull out my phone and bring up Ginger’s name.

I quickly type a text message before I can lose my nerve.

Max

Didn’t find my mate this summer. On my flight back to Italy. Hope you’re well.

I flick my phone over to airplane mode, cue up a playlist, and tuck my earbuds in. I settle back into my seat, bracing myself for what I pray is my final flight to Italy in a while.