Enya POV
Luna and I returned to the pack house about an hour before the party was set to start. I thanked her for her help today before my mom and Aunt Ally rushed me upstairs to help me finish getting ready.
We don't go to the forth floor where my room is. They take me to the second floor common room. It's been slightly converted into a dressing room where Jemma and Kate were getting ready. Even mom and Aunt Ally had gotten ready in here.
As soon as we are in the room Kate and Jemma squeal with excitement. Jem is even jumping up and down with the biggest smile I have ever seen.
Kate spoke first, "E...oh my...Goddess..." She places her hand over her heart. Kate is a woman of few words.
Jemma is the total opposite. She starts spouting off how beautiful I am, she loves my hair and makeup, oh and my nails! The triple Moon hair pin, it's so so perfect!
"Are you excited? Of course you're excited, how can you not be?", she chirped.
"Jemma honey, relax!", Aunt Ally chuckled as she held her daughter by the shoulders and told her to breathe.
I couldn't help but giggle at their joy. Tonight is going to be so amazing.
Once Jemma and Kate are dressed, they leave the room with Aunt Ally so my mom and I can have some time alone before the party starts. She helps me into my dress and zips up the back.
Her fingers lightly adjust my curls, and I can see in the mirror the pride that is shining in her eyes.
"You are so beautiful my miracle wolf.", she whispers.
I turn around facing mom, "Don't make me cry! I'll ruin this amazing makeup!", I gasp.
"I'm sorry my love. I'm just a little overwhelmed. Your father and I are so proud of you honey.", she coos to me.
I blink back more tears and fan my face in an attempt to get rid of them. My mom gently places her hands on either side of my face and pulls my forehead to her lips. She places a gentle kiss on my brow.
I can feel all the love she has for me in that single act. My heart expands in my chest and I catch my breath.
"It's time honey.", she says as my dad knocks on the door. "Come in Ric, she's ready!"
Dad walks in sporting his midnight blue suit that matches my mom's floor length chiffon gown. He paired it with a white button up, no tie, and a black handkerchief in the jacket pocket which makes me smile brightly.
"Hi Dad.", I greet him. I haven't see him all day and I didn't realize how much I wanted to see him. I feel myself relax knowing he is here by my side.
He stares at me taking in my appearance. He clasps his hands together and brings them to his mouth covering the tremble of his chin. His chocolate eyes brim with tears, but he blinks them back.
"My sweet girl, you look...marvelous.", he chokes out.
He clears his throat and closes the distance between the three of us. He wraps his arms around us and we stay embraced for a few moments.
"My beautiful girls. What did I do to be so blessed by the Goddess?", he wonders aloud.
*****
Ten minutes later I am at the top of the staircase outside of the ballroom doors. My dad is on my right, while my mom stands to my left. My ears are ringing so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts.
All of my senses have been overloaded for the last 5 minutes, but I remember what Erik said this morning, concentrate and force the noise to quiet down. Taking a few deep breaths, I focus on my heartbeat.
After a few seconds I have managed to ease the intensity of my hearing. I exhale a deep breath, relaxing my shoulders.
"Are you ready princess?", dad asks me.
My throat is too dry to respond, so I just nod my head. I smile brightly at them and we begin to descend. Halfway down the stairs the ballroom doors are opened.
Our entire pack is in attendance. To see all of them here for me brings fresh tears of gratitude to my eyes. They turn their attention to the opening doors and begin applauding our entrance.
It is not lost on me the amount of pride, acceptance and love that is outpouring from my pack.
My parents each have one of my arms looped through theirs, I could not be more grateful they are by my side tonight. There is no way I would be able to still be standing right now if not for them.
My mom and Aunt Ally really took to heart the colors I chose for tonight. Every inch of the room is covered with streamers in black and turqoiuse.
Balloons that touch the ceiling, black table cloths, the light display is nothing but varying shades of blue. A 'Happy Birthday Enya!' banner is displayed above the stage. It's perfect!
The pack parts for us and we reach the center of the dance floor. We are joined by Jemma, Aunt Ally and Uncle Troy shortly after making our way in.
They each hug me before Lukas, Beta Caleb, his wife Melanie, and their little girl Lillian join our group.
Kaiden comes up behind me and pokes my sides making me jump. I turn around and he gives me a bear hug that lifts me off the ground. He spins me around before placing me down. Kate pulls me in and squeezes me tightly.
Their parents, Gamma Matthew and his wife Helen join the close circle, continuing to applaud with the rest of the pack. I find myself searching for Erik, but my eyes don't find him.
The clapping dies down as Alpha James and Luna Lizzie appear on the stage across the room. I felt relief when I saw them. 'Erik must be with them.' I scanned the stage for him, but again he is no where to be found.
My heart starts to crack a little. 'He should be here...'
Alpha James' booming voice stretches across the room. "Welcome Blood Moon pack!" This time howls and whoops fill the room before Alpha raises his hands to signal the room to quiet down.
"As you all are aware, today is Enya Anders 18th birthday! And as she is our packs future Zeta, you are all here to celebrate this momentous occasion!"
More applause breaks out momentarily. "We honor the birth of Enya and her place among our ranks!"
He continues, "When the Moonrise begins at 9:09 tonight, we shall gather on the pack house lawn to witness the first shift of Enya Anders!" The room erupts in applause once more.
I can feel the goosebumps rising on my arms as he addresses the pack and my hands begin to tremble slightly. Kate takes notice and laces her hand with mine as if to say, "You'll do great, I'm right here with you."
Kate and Kai's shift ceremony was only a short 6 weeks ago, she knows exactly how I am feeling. She squeezes lightly and smiles warmly at me. My nerves begin to settle.
'I can do this.'
"Now, it is customary that an un-shifted, unmated wolf have their first dance of the evening with an umated partner of their choosing."
His eyes fall to me as he finishes,"Choose wisely young Enya."