56.
On my 18th birthday, I jolted up and tore the blanket away. It was still dark but I felt him stir. I haven't felt Jacob this strongly through our mate link for years. Long painful years. It almost brought me to tears, as I covered a sob with my hand.
"I miss you," I whispered in the wind. My window was opened, the curtain swaying in the early morning breeze. It overlooked the mighty forest of my childhood. Dark pine trees compact against a pink sky. Soon the fiery disk would rise, bathing the clouds with colors. This forest, one I had shared so many memories with Jacob. The gentle brown-eyed wolf that guarded me as a child as I strode, picking up flowers and pebbles. My hand brushed his fur as he trotted next to me. The soft texture of the underbelly, lighter in color, and the coarse, thicker pelt on his back. He has the habit of snuggling against me as he walked. I used to giggle not understanding the mate bond. He was patient with me and always had. Eyes watching my every movement. Kind. Caring. Right now, he was the mature one. Giving me space and time to grow on my own. To sort my own strength and dreams. For the longest time, I hated him for that. Now, I know better.
"Come meet me tonight," his soft voice startled me. I haven't heard him for so long. It left me shivering, hugging myself as I sat on the edge of my bed staring out the window.
"Where?" mine broke, heavy with emotion. I waited and waited for his answer. When I was about to ask again he answered. His voice was a whisper in my ear that made my toe curl.
"I'll guide you," then he was gone. His presence and his scent lingered. My heart thumped and my breath raspy. Jacob. My Jacob. My mate. I'm meeting him tonight. At last.
I let myself fall back into the tangled sheet, rolled, and buried my face in it. I muffled a scream while giggling and kicking. I couldn't contain my joy. The door slammed open, I jolted up in alert. My bare feet planted on the cold floor, and my training kicked in. I stood in a defencing posture ready to take on the enemy. Dad was standing in the doorway eyes wide with fright. He was still wearing the same suit from last night.
"I heard you scream?" he said a little out of breath. A smile stretched on my face.
"Today is my freaking birthday," I threw my arms in the air and wiggled my hips around. Dad rolled his eyes.
"Teenagers," he sighed and squeezed the space between his eyebrows with two fingers.
"That's right," I grinned, I looked up at him with my chin high, meeting his amused gaze. "I can now own my car. I've already told Charlie about the papers and he agreed to give me lessons," Dad pursed his lips.
"Oh, about that..." I didn't give him time to add more.
"Aunt Alice already told me she will buy me a car," I added slowly, tentatively. I knew Dad will throw a fits about it.
"Damn it," he said under his breath.
"Language," scolded Mom from the corridor. She peered in with a smile. Her arm snaked around his waist. She was also wearing the same clothes as last night. Didn't they sleep? Were they out and just came back? "Today is a big day," she let go of Dad, crossed the distance between us, and pulled me into a hug. Dad did the same and joined us. He let out a sigh, almost of regret as he wrapped his arms around both of us.
"What's up with the drama this early," I said as I pulled away from them enough to study their faces, it was now easy to see through the Pokerface, probe the minds, and find the answers. I kept the majority of my powers hidden even from them. Benjamin was the only one who knew the truth. He advised me to tone it down. To lay low.
"Hey, how many times have I told you not to do that to your own parents," Dad warned. I tested his shielded mind, pressed against his weak barrier. I grinned at him and he tousled my hair. Mom has a buzzing membrane wrapped around her. It kept prying eyes from intruding. She narrowed her eyes at me. So weak and fragile. I was immortal. I was a different breed. If I drink blood I'll not only gain more power but will probably rule over them all. It was a scary thought. Benjamin warned me against the fear of immortals. Was I ready for that kind of life? Was I mentally prepared?
"Doesn't the birthday girl get immunity?" I smiled, running a hand in my hair, pushing stray curls away from my face.
"No way, you'll make everyone go crazy," Mom pouted. "Esme will kill me since she already planned a big party for her little girl," Mom turned to the door. "Hurry up and wash that stinking mouth. I'll get your breakfast ready," she peeked over her shoulder and wrinkled her nose at me.
"Hey!," I threw my pillow at her that Dad intercepted before it reached her. If I'd really wanted to, I'd knocked Mom out before he even blinked and he couldn't do anything about it. Dad wants me to blend in. I will. But deep inside, I knew something greater awaited.
"Manners," he warned and threw it back at me. I giggled while I caught it.
"Says that man who swears under his breath in front of his innocent daughter," I faked blushing. They both laughed and went to the door. Dad reached his hand and pulled Mom by the waist. Her face lit up.
"She reminds me of a certain human girl," he whispered in her neck.
"Gross! Go hide somewhere I can't witness your lovey-dovey. My eyes bleed," I covered my face for emphasis. They laughed their way to the kitchen. I pushed out of bed and into the bathroom to freshen up.