(Emily POV)

I was sitting in a field surrounded by wildflowers. The sun was streaming down in warm rays onto my skin, a fresh breeze billowing through my hair. I smiled to myself as I looked around the tranquil scene. I laid down on my back in the field, closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, expecting to be greeted with the smell of the flowers. Instead the smell of death and rotting flesh creeped into my nose. I sat straight up looking around to find the smell when I realized that I was no longer in the field. I was in a dirty and dark warehouse. I stood up quickly and tried to get my bearings. I spun around at the sound of a baby crying in the distance. I followed the sound to a door, as I pushed it open my foot slipped and I fell onto the floor. I looked down to realize I was laying in a puddle of blood. I tried to scramble up to my feet but couldn't gain any footing on the slippery floor. The babies cries became frantic as I started to crawl into the room, my brain pushing me to get to the sound. I entered the room and looked around for the baby, only to be greeted by a grizzly sight. The whole pack was laying in the room, torn to shreds, the life drained out of every face I saw. Suddenly the babies cries stopped and I whirled around at the feeling of hot breath on my neck. I felt hands wrap around my throat as a gurgled scream escaped my lips. I looked up to see my attacker, but there was no one there. I struggled to gain the feeling of air in my lungs as the word started to spin. I could feel myself slipping into unconsciousness as the babies cries started again, frantic and gurgled. Just before everything went black I saw him, the one who had caused so much pain in my life. He was holding a small blue blanket, smiling menacingly at me.

I jumped awake and gasped for air. Warm sunlight was steaming through my windows. It was just a dream. I blew out a sigh of relief as I turned to look at the time. 10:30 am. Who had turned my alarm off? It was my turn to make breakfast and I know for a fact I set an alarm for 6am before I went to bed last night. I sniffed the air tentatively as I sat up to untangle myself from my covers. Reese's scent was at least a few hours old, he must have been the one who turned off my alarm. I sighed as I heaved my legs over the edge of the bed and walked into my closet to grab some clothes for the day. Once I was dressed I walked into the bathroom and quickly scrubbed my face before putting on a small bit of makeup. The smell of food wafted up from downstairs and my stomach grumbled loudly. I rolled my eyes and smiled, Reese must have decided to make breakfast this morning. I froze when I got to the hallway. Delicate flower petals were strewn around the floor, making a trail down the stairs. I cocked my head to the side in confusion as I followed them down the stairs, through the kitchen. The trail ended at the back door. This is odd, am I still dreaming? I thought to myself as I quietly opened the door. When I stepped out I was greeted by unseasonably warm air. I shivered a bit as the warmth from the sun hit my skin.

I looked around and my jaw dropped when my eyes landed on a beautiful setup. On the side of the patio there was a large table with ornate chairs placed around. A crisp white tablecloth fluttered with the light breeze whipping through the yard. There were bunches of flowers surrounding the table, with the same beautiful petals from the hallway scattered around the top of the table. It was piled high with my favorite foods. Ham, bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausage; it was a smorgasbord. I was breathless taking in the beautiful scene in front of me. I walked over to the table and smiled as I reached out to touch the beautiful flowers in the middle of the table. What's going on? I pondered as I walked around. I was snapped out of my thoughts as I heard the back door open and everyone stepped out. Antonio was carrying crepes and berries, Nick had a large pot of coffee and creamer, Noah was carrying a fresh stack of pancakes, and Reese had another large bouquet of flowers that matched the one on the table. They walked toward me, grins on all of their faces.

"Okay" I giggled "Can someone please tell me what's going on? What is all of this? It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." I questioned as Reese reached out to pull me into his arms while everyone else sat at the table. "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen" Reese whispered into my hair as he wrapped his arms around me. Nick cleared his throat behind us, I turned to look at him with confusion written all over my face. His grin widened as he realized I had no idea what was going on. "Do you know what today is?" He asked cheekily. I shook my head no as I scooted my chair up to the table. Antonio chuckled softly as his twinkling eyes met mine. He and Nick shared a similar look of amusement, it seemed like they were waiting for me to realize something. "Uh I mean it's Saturday? Is it like the first day of spring or something?" I was utterly confused by now, I have no clue why everyone was in such a good mood or why they'd obviously gone out of their way to surprise me with breakfast. The table was quiet for a moment before Nick couldn't contain his excitement anymore. "Happy birthday!" He beamed at me as realization dawned all over my face. Oh my god, I've been caught up with studying and so preoccupied with helping Noah I didn't even realize it was today.

I looked around at the smiling faces around me and felt a blush creep into my cheeks. They had gone through so much trouble just to make me feel special on my birthday. I'd been dreading this day ever since I lost my parents. Being an only child I'd just assumed that this would be my first birthday spent all alone. Looking around the table I realized that this was my family now, and that I would never spend a birthday alone. I couldn't help the quiet tears that started to fall down my face. Nick and Noah immediately looked concerned at the sight of my tears, but Antonio and Reese just gave me knowing looks. I wiped my eyes and took a deep breath, if I know anything it's that my parents wouldn't want me to spend the day crying. "Thank you. This is all so beautiful, you've all gone to so much trouble just to make me feel special." I paused before adding "I love you guys so much." Everyone returned my sentiments before we started dishing out the buffet of foods around us. We spent the morning laughing and talking, enjoying the beauty of the day around us.

I tried to help with cleanup when we were all done, but I was shooed out of the kitchen before I could pick up a single dish. I can't believe I'd forgotten my birthday, all I was worried about all week was passing my finals. Speaking of, I bet my grades are posted. I ran upstairs into my room and pulled my laptop onto the bed. My fingers shook as I logged into my account and waited for the grades to load. It seemed like it took forever, but finally they popped up. I couldn't believe it, I'd nearly aced all of the tests. "Well what's the verdict?" I heard from the doorway. I looked up to see Reese leaning on the door frame watching me. I waved him over in mock sadness and his face fell a bit. He knew how hard I had worked to get back on track, and had been trying to help me as much as he could between work and his own classes. He stepped around to the side of the bed as I slowly turned the screen toward him. He studied it for a minute before he looked back up at me with a goofy grin on his face. He pushed the computer to the side and grabbed me into a bone crushing hug. "I can't tell you how proud I am of you love." He muttered into my neck while placing feathery kisses all over it. "You're brilliant."

I tried to reciprocate the kisses but Reese shook his head at me and grinned "As much as I would love to keep you locked in this room all day, we have some things to do. But don't worry" he winked "I have something special planned for you tonight." With that he pulled me up off the bed and turned me around so I was facing away from him. I jumped when something silky went over my eyes, blocking my view of everything. He carefully tied it around the back of my head before I felt myself being scooped off the ground. I giggled as I felt us start to descend the stairs and begged him to tell me where we were going. I tried to wriggle out of his arms, to which he responded by acting like he was going to drop me, causing a fit of laughter to roll from me. Finally, after I'm sure he walked into random rooms and then back out to throw me off, my feet were gently placed onto the floor.

I fidgeted around as I heard footsteps coming into the room we were in, asking if I could please take the blindfold off now. I heard Nick chuckle from behind me as he reached out to grab both sides of my waist. He guided me forward and to the left. I couldn't help but break out in a smile, of course Nick would have some sneaky surprise planned. He told me to stand still as I heard him walk a few steps away, followed by the sound of fabric rustling. I felt hands reach around to untie my blindfold, a small sniff told me it was Antonio. As the blindfold fell I blinked slowly a few times to adjust my eyes. My jaw dropped at the sight in front of me. Nick stood a few feet in front of me, beaming with happiness. Beside him was a car. No not a car. The car, the one I had told him about in our little "game" a few months ago.

I was speechless as I slowly made my way to the breathtaking car in front of me. I don't even understand how it was here, it wasn't even technically for sale yet. I tentatively reached a shaking hand out to touch it, almost afraid it would disappear. It was my dream car. A brand new BMW concept 4 in forbidden red. It was sleek and shiny, the flawless paint job reflecting off of every light in the garage. Topped of course with a huge sparkling silver bow. The car I told myself I would buy when I was finished with school and could actually afford to buy something like that. I spun around to see Nick watching me, barely able to contain his excitement. "Nick" I said as I shook my head. "Nick, how? Why? I- I can't accept this. This is way too much, I wouldn't feel right about taking something like this from you." A fresh stream of tears flowed from my eyes as I tried to grasp why he would do something like this for me.

Nick stepped forward and wrapped me in a bear hug. "Emily, if you only knew how much joy you've brought into our lives you would understand. You've completely changed things for the better just by being you. The car is from me and dad, you are our family now and I couldn't think of anything better to get you to show you just what you mean to us. So-" he jingled the keys in his hand "how about we try this bad boy out?" I couldn't stop the smile that spread over my face as I took the keys in my hand and opened the door. The car roared to life and a squeal flew out of my mouth as I revved the engine. Nick hopped into the passenger seat beside me as the garage door started to open. "Let's see what she's got"

He grinned. I didn't need anymore persuading, with a quick glance over at Reese who winked and waved, I pressed on the gas and we were off. I had to be dreaming, this was quickly turning into the best day of my life.

By the time we made it back from our drive it was a little past lunchtime. I have no idea how far we drove, but eventually we made it back to the house. I noticed a few new cars in the driveway when we pulled into the garage. Before we walked inside I gave Nick another hug and he kissed the top of my head. He grabbed my hand and led me into the house. I was tackled the minute the door closed behind me by two giggling pups. "Emmy! Happy birthday! Can you take us for ice cream in your new car soon?" Kate questioned through her giggles as I lifted her up and tickled her belly. "Happy birthday Emily" followed by a very grown up sounding Logan. I thanked him as I ruffled his hair, earning a Clay worthy glare from the young boy. I continued on into the living room to see everyone was here. Jeremy was sitting in a chair by the window talking to Antonio, Elena and Clay we're snuggled up on the couch watching tv, I could hear the faint sound of bickering and gunfire coming from the game room where Noah and Reese were undoubtedly playing on the Xbox. I was greeted with a flurry of hellos and happy birthdays as I made my way to an empty chair in the corner of the room. "Now mommy?" Kate asked as she tugged on Elenas sleeve. She nodded and got up following her daughter into the kitchen with a sneaky smile. I was lost in my own little world when they came back in with a beautiful cake, decorated with lilac purple icing, cream colored flowers and a hoard of sparkling candles. Nick must have slipped out of the room during all of the commotion, because he came back in with Noah and Reese on his heels. Clay jumped up and grabbed a small table to sit in front of me as everyone made their way around me. They sang happy birthday and the kids both cheered when I blew out my candles.

Once the cake was done, which was delicious I must add, I was informed it was time for presents. I wasn't sure how to feel about all of the attention, and I smiled nervously as I watched them pile up in front of me. Kate insisted her present be the first. I opened the bubblegum pink wrapping paper to reveal a beautiful glass jewelry box embellished with sparkling diamonds. Next game Logan who handed me a green package containing everything I might ever need for my car including jumper cables and flares. Of course he would be a practical gift giver, I smiled to myself. Next was Noah, who blushed when he handed me a small silver package. Inside was a charm bracelet with a beautiful wooden brown wolf charm "I made it myself, sorry if it's stupid I'm not good at gifts" he said lowly. I hugged him and had him help me put it on, my little brother was so kind. Elena and Clays gift was next, it was an all inclusive trip for two to the Bahamas, good for a year whenever I wanted to take it. I looked up confused and Clay gave me a small smile "You're ready" he said matter of factly. I beamed at the compliment from the grumpy wolf and thanked them for the generous gift. Reese stepped up and reminded me that his gift would come later, followed by Jeremy who told me he had two gifts for me. He left and returned a few minutes later with a large box wrapped in red paper. I gasped as I opened it and saw all of the medical equipment I could ever need, stethoscope, blood pressure cuffs, suture kits, trauma kits. He told me he intends for me to step into the role of the pack doctor once I get far enough in my schooling. I profusely thanked him and felt tears pricking at my eyes again. For his second gift Jeremy placed a very large, very heavy, book on my lap. I looked at him confused as he he explained this was the entire lineage of the North American Pack. He flipped through the pages until he stopped on the last page that had been written in. I saw the names of everyone in the pack, traced back to either their wolf heritage or stood alone if they were bitten. I skimmed the page before my eyes landed on my name 'Emily Richardson' with a thin gold line connecting my name to Reese.

This was my official notice that I was a recognized member of the pack, and that Reese was my mate. They had accepted me fully into this amazing family. I knew what my place in the pack would be. I didn't hesitate when I hopped off the chair and wrapped my arms around Jeremys neck. He stiffened for a moment at the sudden burst of movement before he gently hugged me back. I stepped back and blushed "sorry" I muttered. He simply smiled at me and reassured me it was okay. In an instant hands grabbed both of my arms, dragging me toward the stairs. I looked confusingly between Nick and Elena as they led me up the stairs. "It's your 21st birthday Emily" Elena smiled, "I've made reservations at my club tonight. Now we're going to help you get ready" Nick finished for Elena as they led me into my room. I could see bags of new clothes and shoes on my bed, but I was whisked away before I could look at them and led into the bathroom where a bath full of flowers awaited me. Everything was going so well today, too well. I couldn't shake the sinking feeling in my stomach that something was going to go wrong, I just wish I knew what.