Today is my birthday.

I am 29 years old and despite the fact that I remain unmated, I am trying my best to keep this day as positive as possible. I want no sad themes, no feelings of inadequacy and especially no mentions of me being mateless.

All I want is to put in my hours at work and have fun at night with my friends. We are going to a bar for a happy hour. It is not much, but it’s what we can do on a Wednesday, in the middle of the week.

We all have to work tomorrow, except for Iris - warriors work according to a schedule and they don’t have weekends or holidays off. The pack security runs twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

I am actually excited to meet my friends in an non working environment. Yes, I am the only person who is going to show up at the bar without a date, but today is my day. It is my party and I don’t want to cry tonight. I want to be celebrated, it is my right.

On a side note, I decided to ghost Owen - the probational warrior who asked me out on Monday - so I did not reply to his text message. Inside the training center, he didn’t approach me yesterday so my hope is that he will take the hint.

Though not everyone has taken the hint and Iris asked me if I was going to accept his invitation. I told her to read the pack employee manual. Yes, I was annoyed at her when I said that.

I was greeted inside the training center by all the warriors wishing me the happiest of birthdays. I was hugged, I was kissed on the cheek, I was handed gifts. It was a proper celebration and I had a lot of people celebrating me.

I cannot lie, this feels so nice. It is so great to be welcomed with so many people wishing me well, there is so much love in this room - which is not always the case with people who work for you. But I really felt the love and I enjoyed every second of it.

Iris welcomed me with open arms and hugged me, wishing me a happy birthday. I thanked every single one of the people present for their love and support. It means a lot to me, it truly does. My parents have already started the day by calling me to celebrate my birthday.

In fact, my phone has been blowing up this morning with calls and texts from my friends, acquaintances and relatives. Unfortunately for me, today is training day. I have to train with Iris to keep my skills sharpened. It is just as mandatory to me as it is for Alpha Phillip.

Iris wanted to go easy on me, but I told her to go harder. I trained with two men attacking me. I cannot slack on this or any other day. It is exhausting at times, but I cannot let my guard down. Not ever.

I entered the locker room for a much needed shower only to find Owen inside changing. I paid him no mind and acted like I was alone. This is not the place for this. Fortunately, I was alone inside the showering area. Personally, I detest taking showers with the rest of the warriors. In my mind, I feel inadequate for taking up this space as a queer unmated man.

It’s stupid to think that way, I know. But I cannot help but to feel insecure about it. Not to say that I have any hang ups or insecurities about my own body, it is not about that. Not by a long shot. But straight men were not always friendly to me growing up.

Of course, I do put on a strong front. I do not get intimidated if I see any undressed individual in my eyesight. I don’t even acknowledge them. I act as one of the boys, which I am. My sexuality should have no bearing on how anyone perceives me in this environment.

Sometimes it is amazing how I am reduced to a teenage boy again, scared to go inside the locker room with other men and the way I would be received there. The vast majority of the men here are straight, so… I am always on the lookout for any misinterpretation of my own behavior.

Some men like to expose themselves to us, queer people. They think it is flattering if I find them attractive. As if… *eye roll*

“Are you okay, Beta? You seem distracted.” Owen asked me as I walked out of the showers wrapped in a towel.

“I am fine, Michaels. What are you still doing here? Haven’t you already changed by now?” I questioned him in a dead serious tone. Considering he was here before I took my shower, he should be out by the time I finished it.

“I did, yeah. I was waiting for you, sir.” He replied in a timid intonation.

“This is highly inappropriate. I am sure there are other places for us to talk to each other that doesn’t involve me being half naked.” I warned him, peeved about the situation. I hate feeling vulnerable, but unless he is reporting a crime there is nothing for us to talk about. Especially here.

Owen got really uncomfortable as I said that. I was staring him down, reprehensibly.

“You’re right, Beta. I am sorry for making you uncomfortable. That was never my intention. Please accept my apology. I’ll leave.” He said, rushing out of the place like he was escaping the police.

Now I feel bad about the whole situation. But I don’t want to risk us being caught in here, even if we are just talking. The last thing I need is for the warriors to whisper about me, to gossip about an inappropriate situation.

I know we are not doing anything wrong. It’s not like men don’t talk inside the locker room, of course they do. If he hadn’t asked me out, this wouldn’t be an issue. But it is. I am held to a higher standard than other men. It is a drag at times, but my father taught me well.

Later that day, I was welcomed with celebratory hugs inside the pack house. Both Alpha and Luna wished me a very happy birthday. The lunch was my favorite in honor of my special day.

“Your father invited us to a dinner party in honor of your birthday this Saturday, but I take it you’re going out tonight?” Phillip inquired in a curious tone, as we were eating lunch.

Every year my parents invite the cream of the crop of Regency Falls for my birthday. But the day of the event rarely coincides with my actual birthday. Not that I mind, it’s their way of celebrating me. Doing it in style.

“Yes, I am. My friends and I are meeting in a bar. You’re welcome to come too if you want, Alpha.” I replied, politely.

“It’s fine, Beta. Go have your fun, you deserve it. It is your special day.” He smiled at me, modestly. He knows people would behave a certain way if he were to be present. Nobody would relax if the Alpha of the pack was there too.

“Thank you, Alpha. I plan to.” I grinned at the prospect.

“I heard a rumor that someone asked to be your date tonight.” Linda spoke in a low tone, catching our attention.

“How in the world did you hear about that?” I gasped in shock at her knowledge.

“Oh, I have spies everywhere.” She snickered, giggling.

Phillip was looking at me intrigued about the subject. I am rarely motive for gossip.

“It was not a real invitation, just a baby warrior enchanted by my position.” I downplayed it, blushing deeply before the Alpha couple.

“That’s not how I heard it. My source said he was really taken aback by you. And he is really cute.” Linda told me with a knowing glance, living for the hot topic.

“You are better informed than I am!” I gaped at her, impossibly shocked about how well informed she was.

“I highly doubt that.” She played coy, bashfully.

Until the end of lunch, I was grilled about the invitation and the person who invited me. I answered them as honestly as I could, always downplaying the invitation as a polite ask. I cannot get involved with one of my warriors. Right?

I am sure Owen is going to go somewhere random and meet his mate. He is only 18.

In the afternoon, I returned to the training center for the remainder of my shift. I wasn’t in the mood to talk, but I like to observe people in action. I like to be close to my people, keep an ear up for any relevant conversation.

At the end of the day, I was feeling bad about my last interaction with Owen, so I approached him before he exited the center.

“Hi. I would like to apologize for the way I spoke earlier. You caught me in a delicate state of mind.” I told him, humbly.

He was taken aback by my words, no doubt not expecting me to address him today. But he smiled at me and it was adorable.

“It was my fault for accosting you inside the locker room. I should know better than that. Of course you couldn’t speak at that moment. What would that look like if anyone catches us? It’s not like we are mates.” He spoke, nervously.

I widened my eyes as he spoke the last sentence, inhaling to catch my breath.

“Exactly. And you literally can’t be my mate. You’re too young for me.” I said, blushing for some reason.

“If only…” He blurted. I gaped in shock at this.

We stared at each other for a moment in awkward silence, both of us sweating in nervousness.

“Good night, Owen. See you tomorrow.” I took my leave, uncomfortably.

I couldn't get out of the room fast enough. I don't know why this young man is making me so nervous. It's not like I was never flirted with before…

Though to be honest, it's been a while. Still, he should be nervous to be in front of me. I am Stephano Cortez, the Beta of the pack.

I arrived home minutes later, eager to relax for a while, but I didn't have time. I am meeting my friends for drinks in just half an hour.

Since I already bathed earlier, I just changed my clothes, spread some imported cologne in all the right places and stopped by the kitchen to have a glass of water. Hydration is important, folks.

It's past 7 p.m. I arrive at the bar to find Tom, Iris, my brother and some other friends of mine all accompanied by their mates.

I greeted everyone and I was welcomed with several wishes of happy birthday from the people who haven't seen me yet today.

Iris' mate gives me a tight hug and I bask in his warmth. He is not only extremely handsome, but he is actually a good man and a great father.

“Thank you everyone for making me feel so special today. It means the world to me, truly.” I thanked my loved ones, feeling appreciative of them. This could go a lot worse if I didn't have any friends.

“Heads up, we are not the only familiar faces you're gonna see tonight.” Iris warned me with a devious smile.

I looked around the room for anyone else, but all I saw were other patrons of the bar having a happy hour, nobody I knew.

“I'm not seeing anyone. Who are you talking about?” I questioned her, puzzled.

Iris kept on grinning at me, maintaining her silence, until finally Owen arrived at our table carrying two pitchers of beer.

“You're here?” I gasped in shock at his presence, staring at him wide-eyed.

Owen puts down the beers and turns to me, as I am freaking out seeing him here all of the sudden.

“OK, I know what you must be thinking right now, but I am not stalking you. This is my mom's bar. I help her out after work sometimes and I had no idea you were celebrating your birthday here, I swear.” He explained in a panicked tone.

“Did you know it was his mom's bar?” I asked Iris, baffled by the coincidence.

“Absolutely not, but it wouldn't make a difference to me even if I did.” She replied, sounding pleased with herself.

I took a moment to take in the situation then turned to Owen and ordered a tequila shot.

“I think I'm going to call in sick tomorrow. I need to drink tonight.” I declared, perplexed by the unexpected situation.

“You earned your drinks tonight. Happy birthday, my friend.” Tom encouraged me with an uplifting tone.

I spent the next hour talking to everyone around me. I inquired about their lives, my brother talked about his beautiful son, I talked to his mate and everyone else's.

It was a fun evening in which I even forgot about being unmated for a while, especially because…

“I don't mean to stir the pot, but the waiter has been eye fucking you for the last two hours since you've been here.” Iris commented with a mischievous grin.

I gulped awkwardly at her phrasing.

“Iris!” I reprimanded her. From her tone and the distance from our table to the balcony, Owen couldn't hear her remark, but everyone else could. My brother giggled at this.

“She's right though.” Tom chimed in with a naughty grin.

“Anyway… I would just like to thank everyone for showing up tonight. You have made this day truly special for me and I really appreciate it.” I told my friends, feeling a bit tipsy.

Everybody replied telling me it was their pleasure and I was more than welcome. They told me I deserved to be celebrated and I deserved love in my life, one way or another.

Yeah… I see where they are going with this… especially when they say ‘or another’. I am thinking Owen is the ‘another’ part. Chuckle. That would never go well…

Owen brings out the três leches cake and the entire bar sings happy birthday to me. I gave a piece to each one of my friends and the bar employees. Why not?

We finished out the night with a round of shots, then made our way out of the bar. I mean, we paid the tab first of course.

“How are you getting home? You can barely walk right now!” Iris questioned me, worriedly.

“Good question. I'll call a cab, then pick my car up here tomorrow.” I replied, wobbling around.

“I can drive you, if you want. I'm done with my shift for the night.” Owen promptly suggested, not far from where we are.

Oh hell no! This will not end well…

“Thank you for your kindness, Owen. But I can call a cab, it's not a problem for me. I don't want to put you off.” I declined, politely.

“You wouldn't be putting me off. It’d be my pleasure.” He countered eagerly.

At this point, Iris and Thomas were giving me a look. As if telling me to go for it.

“Fine, Owen. I accept your ride.” I gave in, causing my friends to look at me with a naughty expression on their faces. *eye roll*

In a moment, we all exit the bar and I entered Owen's car, though not before my brother mind links me:

“Go for it, big bro. You deserve to have fun tonight.” He winked at me, playfully.

Et tu, Brutus?

Owen asked for my address and we arrived at my home in a few minutes. He gets out of the car and helps me along to the front door.

I take out my keys and thank him for the ride.

“Are you sure you're okay, Beta? Do you want me to prepare you a coffee or a tea?” He offered in a kind voice.

Damn! This is much more than I bargained for on my birthday. I hate to admit this to him or anyone else for that matter, but I am so lonely. I live in a werewolf town. There are only a handful of people that are yet unmated at my age. Literally.

He is so freaking adorable… and I am slightly drunk right now.

The next morning, I woke up with a headache. I think I might have exaggerated the tequila shots last night. I take in my bearings, look at my alarm clock and realize I am late for work. I guess it’s a good thing that I don’t clock in.

When I move to a sitting position, I realize something. Actually, several things.

For starters, I am naked under the sheet. There is another scent in my bedroom and I am hearing the shower running inside my bathroom. Oh my Goddess!

I put on my underwear, noticing that my room is a mess and get up from the bed. I am startled, looking around the room in a state of panic. Then Owen gets out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel and smiles at me.

"Good morning, Stephano." He greeted me, radiantly happy.

A|N: BOOM!

Love,

Léo.