Liam POV
I had spent the previous day meticulously arranging every detail for Haylie's birthday. I wanted it to be perfect, a day she would remember forever.
As the sun broke through the horizon, casting its warm, golden glow, I was already up and ready, my excitement pushing me forward.
In my hands, I carried the black mini dress what my mother had given her as a gift, along with a pair of stunning black high heels and a delicate silver diamond bracelet. I headed straight to Haylie's house, where Aunt Camelia had promised to leave the door unlocked so I could carry out my plan without waking anyone.
Quietly, I entered the house, careful not to make a sound, and made my way up to Haylie's room.
Pushing the door open as silently as I could, I stepped inside, the faint scent of her lingering in the air.
She was still fast asleep, curled up on her bed, the soft rise and fall of her breathing the only sound in the room. I tiptoed closer and placed the dress, shoes, and bracelet on the side of her bed.
When I glanced at her, my heart momentarily caught in my chest.
She was wearing a white summer dress, not her usual nightwear. A frown tugged at my lips as I wondered where she had been the previous night.
It wasn't like Haylie to fall asleep like this, her clothes still rumpled from the day before. Concern flickered within me, but I quickly pushed it aside. Today wasn't about questions or worry—it was about making her feel special.
With one last look at her peaceful face, I stepped out of the room, careful not to disturb her. Once I was outside, I broke into a run, my wolf speed carrying me swiftly to the gift shop.
The shopkeeper handed me the twenty light blue helium balloons I had ordered, along with a bouquet of fresh daisies. Haylie loved daisies, their simplicity and elegance perfectly mirroring her personality. Holding the balloons and bouquet, I felt a surge of excitement.
This was going to be a good day, a day to remind her how cherished she was, no matter the shadows of the past.
Returning to Haylie's house, I moved quietly through the door, taking care not to make a sound.
Once inside her room, I released the twenty light blue balloons, watching as they floated gently to the ceiling. They swayed slightly, their strings hanging down like ribbons of joy. The daisies I placed on the bedside table, their soft, fresh scent filling the room.
I set a small card on top of the black dress, a handwritten note telling her how much she meant to me.
On one of the balloon strings, I attached another card, hinting at the surprises that awaited her throughout the day.
For a brief moment, I stood still, glancing at Haylie as she slept peacefully. Her hair was slightly tousled, her face serene, but my heart ached with a bittersweet pang.
She deserved a perfect day, a day to forget the pain of the past and be celebrated for the amazing person she was.
"I'll make this birthday unforgettable," I whispered under my breath before slipping out of her room.
Once outside, I used my wolf speed to return to my house. My wolf, Ace, was still groggy, not quite awake yet, but my energy was buzzing. I couldn't wait to see Haylie's reaction.
Back home, I headed straight to my room and into the shower, the hot water washing away my nervous excitement and leaving me refreshed. I dressed carefully, choosing a white formal shirt, black tailored pants, and polished black shoes.
After combing my hair and adding a spritz of my cologne, I donned my black tuxedo jacket. I wanted to look my best for her today.
Before leaving, I made a quick call to confirm that everything was in place. The flight attendant was ready, the private plane prepared for our destination. Every detail had been accounted for; today was going to be flawless.
Satisfied, I grabbed the keys my father had left me. He had always been protective of his car, but he'd agreed to let me take it under one condition: it had to come back in one piece. I smirked at the thought—it would be fine.
Sliding into the sleek, fast car, I felt the engine roar to life. The power of it vibrated through me, matching the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I gripped the steering wheel and smiled.
Haylie wasn't going to see this coming, and I couldn't wait to see the look on her face when she realized how special today was going to be.
Melody POV
The early morning silence enveloped me as I dressed quickly, knowing time was of the essence.
The room was dark, the world outside still caught in the embrace of sleep. I took a deep breath and prepared to teleport. My heart raced, not out of fear but determination—I was doing this for Haylie, for her safety.
With a quiet whisper of magic, I found myself in her room. The faint light filtering through the curtains revealed the delicate scene before me.
Balloons drifted against the ceiling, their strings swaying gently, and a bouquet of daisies rested on the bedside table. My chest tightened at the thought of Liam efforts—it seemed he was planning something special for her birthday.
Moving carefully, I tiptoed to her bedside, each step feeling heavier with guilt. I knew this was wrong. Haylie was innocent in all of this, but I had no other choice. Protecting her meant deceiving her, even if it pained me.
I gazed at her peaceful face for a moment before pulling out a small silver blade.
The soft, rhythmic sound of her breathing filled the room as I carefully took a strand of her hair between my fingers.
The blade slid through silently, leaving behind only a faint tingling in the air.
Slipping the strand into the wooden pocket of my jacket, I whispered an apology she wouldn't hear and teleported back to my room.
The moment I landed, I exhaled sharply, relief and anxiety mingling in my chest. The dim light of my room felt heavier now, shadows stretching across the walls as I approached my bookshelf.
My fingers brushed the spines of several books before stopping on a worn, black tome. This was my mother's grimoire—filled with ancient, forbidden magic.
Pulling the book down, I carried it to my desk and opened it to the page I had memorized—the clone spell.
My mother's magic was potent and dangerous, but this spell would do exactly what I needed. I would take on Haylie's appearance, her scent, everything what make her Haylie. Liam wouldn't suspect a thing, and I could buy her time.
I placed the strand of her hair on the page, watching as it glimmered faintly under the flickering candlelight. The spell required precision, an unbroken focus to bind her essence to mine.
Standing over the book, I whispered the incantation, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. The words of the ancient tongue spilled from my lips, filling the room with a low hum of power.
I felt the magic coil around me, warm and suffocating, as my form began to shift.
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror on the wall. The transformation was seamless—every detail, every nuance of Haylie's appearance was now mine. Yet, deep inside, I was still me. My magic remained, tethered to my soul, even as I wore her face.
My fingers traced the surface of the desk, trembling slightly. I hated this, hated deceiving her, but it was the only way to shield her from the darkness her brothers and their kind would bring.
Haylie POV
The soft light of the morning filtered through the window, its golden rays gently coaxing me awake.
I inhaled deeply, stretching my body and allowing the warmth of the sun to fill me. As I rose from my bed, I noticed something unusual: cold strings hanging from my ceiling, golden in color, attached to light blue balloons—my favorite color.
My eyes widened in surprise, and my gaze shifted to the bed where a beautiful black mini dress lay, perfectly spread out.
A mix of confusion and curiosity washed over me. How did this dress and the balloons get here? I stood, walking toward the bed with slow steps, my mind racing. There was a golden card on the dress, which I picked up and opened. The message inside was simple, but odd: "Put me on."
This was starting to feel like a surprise I wasn't expecting, but the thought of it being my birthday made me feel a little better.
Someone clearly put a lot of thought into this. The dress was stunning, paired with beautiful shoes and a silver diamond bracelet. Whoever had planned this knew my tastes well.
I changed into the dress, and to my surprise, it fit perfectly—almost like it was made for me. It seemed like a sign to embrace the day, so I put effort into my appearance.
I curled my hair, letting it drape over my shoulder, and added a touch of makeup with some eye shadow and red lipstick to match the boldness of the black dress. On the side of my bed, a bouquet of daisies caught my eye, making me smile. Those were my favorite flowers, and whoever this was seemed to know me perfectly.
After finishing my makeup, I noticed another golden card hanging from one of the strings of the balloons. I walked over, grabbed the card, and opened it. The message read: "Go outside."
A Feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity, I grabbed my small black purse, placed my phone and essentials inside, and made my way out of my room.
Navigating the stairs in high heels wasn't easy, especially on the wooden floors, but I managed it with a little careful balance. As I made my way downstairs, I could smell the rich aroma of coffee coming from the kitchen. My heart skipped a beat in anticipation.
When I entered the kitchen, the last thing I expected was for my three aunts to jump out from behind the door, birthday cake in hand, and shout, "Happy birthday!"
Laughter and joy filled the room as I realized this was all a carefully planned surprise—one that made.
"Happy birthday, Haylie!" My Aunt Amora shouted, pulling me into a warm hug from the side. Aunt Delia joined in, wrapping her arms around me as well, and before I knew it, I was covered in hugs from all directions.
Then, I heard Aunt Camelia's voice, sweet and excited: "Come make a wish." My eyes moved to the light blue round cake in front of me, its intricate decorations glistening under the light, with the number sixteen sparkling atop the cake. The candles were lit, their flames dancing as they awaited my wish.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment, hoping for a perfect year and a perfect day.
I silently wished that this day would be everything I could ever dream of. Once I blew out the candles, I turned to my aunts, curiosity taking over.
"I got a card that told me to go outside," I said, frowning slightly in confusion.
They all started to laugh, the sound full of mischief and hidden knowledge. "Then you should go outside," Amora teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I felt my cheeks heat up with a blush and, feeling both nervous and excited, I made my way to the front door. As I opened it and stepped outside, I turned around—only to be met by Liam.
My heart skipped a beat, and my pulse quickened. A smile tugged at my lips, uncontrollably.
He was casually leaning against a sleek, black car, looking effortlessly stunning in his formal attire. The sight of him sent a rush of warmth through me.
When Liam saw me, a wide grin spread across his face. I couldn't help but smile even more brightly as I walked down the porch steps, my steps light and full of anticipation.
"Was it you who planned all of this?" I asked, the words slipping out as I approached him.
He straightened up from the car, meeting me halfway. "Good morning, birthday girl," he said, his smile as bright as the morning sun.
I felt my cheeks flush a little, my heart racing with the sheer joy of being with him. I stopped in front of him, my eyes lifting to meet his. His hand gently found mine at my side, and a rush of warmth spread through me as he leaned in to press a soft kiss on my cheek.
"You look breathtaking," he whispered, his voice filled with admiration.
I couldn't help but smile even wider, my heart fluttering in my chest. The day was already turning out to be everything I had wished for and more.
Our eyes met, and I heard Liam's voice, warm and teasing. "I see you got my dress and my card," he said with a smile that made my heart race.
I couldn't help but smile back, realizing it was him who had planned all of this. "So it was you who did all the balloons and flowers?" I asked, still in awe of the thoughtfulness behind everything.
Liam chuckled, his laugh a low, comforting sound. He took my hand gently in his, bringing it to his lips and kissing it softly. "That's only the tip of what I have in store for you," he said, his voice full of promise.
My heart skipped a beat, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach as I looked at him. "You're too good for words," I whispered, unable to express just how overwhelmed I felt by everything.
His smile widened, and he led me to the car.
I followed him, still trying to process everything. When he opened the door for me, I slid inside, and the scent of fresh leather and new car overwhelmed me.
As I looked around, I realized this wasn't just any car—it was a Ferrari. smile tugged at my lips, and I couldn't help but think it was Liam behind this elaborate setup.
I turned to Liam, my eyes wide in shock. "This is a freak in' Ferrari!" I exclaimed, not able to hide my surprise.
Liam chuckled at my reaction, clearly amused. He started the engine, and the car roared to life under me, sending a thrill through my body.
I could feel the power of the engine beneath me, and the excitement made my skin tingle.
"Well, gorgeous," Liam said, his voice teasing. "You're going to need to buckle up, because this car has some serious speed." He winked at me as he spoke, his playful demeanor making my heart race even more.
The adrenaline was rushing through me, and I quickly grabbed the seatbelt, buckling myself in. Before I knew it, Liam pulled the car out of the driveway, and I could feel the rush of excitement build as we drove off into the day, with the world speeding by.
It felt like something straight out of a movie, cruising down the road in that sleek Ferrari, with the world blurring around us.
I tried to take in every second of the ride, savoring the thrill of it all. Liam's presence next to me, his playful smile and the sound of the engine beneath us, made it feel like I was living a dream.
We drove for what felt like a long time, and I was just starting to lose track of everything when Liam suddenly halted the car. I looked around and noticed planes overhead.
Confusion crept in as I realized we were at an airport, far from home. My heart raced, and I stepped out of the car, feeling a rush of excitement mixed with curiosity.
"Liam, why are we at the airport?" I asked, my voice filled with wonder.
A smile tugged at his lips, the kind of smile that always made my heart flutter. "You'll see," he said, his eyes sparkling with mystery and excitement.
I had no idea what he was planning, but I could tell this was something big, something special. Liam had always been hard to figure out, but in that moment, his enthusiasm was contagious.
"Are you coming?" he asked, holding out his hand.
I hesitated for only a second before taking his hand with one hand, my other hand clutching my small handbag. Together, we walked toward the plane.
My heart raced as the reality of the situation began to sink in. It was a bit tricky to walk in high heels on the tarmac, but Liam was right there with me, offering support without a word.
When we stepped inside the plane, I gasped in awe. It was nothing like I had imagined.
The interior was fancy and luxurious, with cream leather chairs that looked incredibly comfortable.
There was a large TV on one side and intricate wooden paneling that gave the cabin a sophisticated feel. But what caught my eye the most was the small vase of daisies sitting on the table.
"Liam, this is amazing," I said, my voice filled with awe as I took in every detail.
Liam walked over to one of the chairs and sat down, his gaze soft as he watched me. "The flowers are for you because they remind me of you," he said quietly.
My heart melted at his words. I couldn't believe this was all for me—the car, the surprise, the flowers—and it was all because of Liam. The moment felt perfect, like something out of a dream, and I had no idea what he had planned next, but I was ready to enjoy it all with him.
I walked over to the chair next to Liam and sat down, my gaze never leaving his as I struggled to find the right words. "Liam, all this is too much. You don't have to do this," I said softly, my voice filled with emotion.
But before I could say anything more, I felt his hand gently reach for mine. He took it in his, his grip warm and steady. "You are my everything, Haylie," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I do this because I love you, and I want you to be happy. I want you to forget about everything today and just be a normal sixteen-year-old girl."
Tears crept into my eyes as his words settled in my heart. He was being so generous, so thoughtful, and there were no words to express how much it meant to me.
In that moment, I realized just how deeply Liam cared for me, and I felt an overwhelming rush of gratitude.
Our moment was interrupted when the flight attendant approached us, introducing herself with a friendly smile. She informed us that the flight would take a few hours, and she reminded us to buckle up for safety.
Once she left, I quickly fastened my seatbelt, but before I could settle in, I felt Liam's hand slip into mine again. His grip was firm, as if he wanted to make sure I felt safe.
He looked at me with calm assurance, his voice low. "Hold on to me, Haylie. When the plane takes off, it can be a little bumpy."
I nodded, trusting him completely. I held on to his hand as if it was my lifeline, and when the engine roared to life, I felt a sudden surge of nervousness.
The plane started to move, and my body was pressed back into the seat, as if the force of the takeoff was pulling me in.
I squeezed Liam's hand tighter, feeling the pressure build as we ascended into the sky. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, but I took comfort in his presence beside me. It was like he knew exactly what I needed, and his calm demeanor gave me the strength to hold on.
As the plane leveled out, the tension in my body eased, and the flight attendant's voice came through the intercom, telling us we could unbuckle our seatbelts. I let out a sigh of relief, my hand still intertwined with Liam's as I tried to settle into the flight.
"Are you okay?" Liam asked, his voice gentle but full of concern.
I smiled at him, feeling a little embarrassed but grateful all the same. "Yeah, I'm fine now. Just a little nervous."
Liam gave me a reassuring smile. "You're doing great. Just relax, we've got a long flight ahead of us."
And with that, I leaned back into my seat, feeling both nervous and excited about what lay ahead. With Liam by my side, I knew this was a birthday I would never forget.
Liam POV
I was the happiest man alive, watching the woman I love so excited and full of joy. Just being near her made my heart flutter with warmth. Before I knew it, Haylie grew quiet beside me. When I glanced over, I saw her fast asleep, her head tilted to the side, her expression soft and peaceful.
My wolf, Ace, finally stirred awake, letting out a wide yawn. He was as thrilled as I was to have Haylie by our side and eager about where we were headed.
I leaned my head back slightly against the seat, taking this opportunity to relax. My hand was still resting on hers, both of our hands comfortably placed on the armrest. Everything about this moment felt perfect—having Haylie beside me, sharing this quiet connection.
Now, with her peacefully sleeping, we were on our way to the big surprise of the day.
I woke up as the intercom crackled to life, and a cheerful voice announced that we should buckle up—we had arrived at our destination. Excitement surged through my chest, and I turned to my right. Haylie was awake too, her emerald-green eyes sparkling with life and anticipation.
A bright smile lit up her face as she said, "Sounds like we're here," her voice brimming with excitement.
Seeing her so happy made my heart swell. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze, holding it tighter as if to share in her joy.
We both fastened our seatbelts, and the hum of the plane changed as it began its descent.
The anticipation was palpable. As the plane dipped lower, preparing for landing, I couldn't help but smile, knowing this was only the beginning of the adventure ahead.
The plane came to a halt, and I couldn't help but notice Haylie clinging to my hand as if her life depended on it. A soft chuckle escaped me. "It's okay, Hayl's," I said, my tone reassuring. "We're here, safe and sound."
She turned her gaze to me, her emerald-green eyes alight with excitement. In the sunlight streaming through the window, they seemed to glimmer with flecks of gold. With a shy smile, she released my hand.
Unbuckling my seatbelt, I rose from my chair, and Haylie followed suit.
The friendly flight attendant approached us once again, her demeanor warm and professional. "Sir, we've landed at your destination," she said with a polite smile.
I nodded, a grin tugging at my lips. Taking Haylie's hand in mine, we stepped off the plane together. Outside, a tall man in a black tuxedo stood by a sleek black BMW, its polished surface gleaming in the sun.
"Good day, Mr. Berkley," the man greeted with a slight bow. "I'm Max, your driver. I'll be taking you to your destination."
I glanced at Haylie, who stood beside me beaming with excitement. "Are you ready?" I asked her, unable to keep the smile off my face.
"Totally!" she squealed, practically bouncing on her toes.
Max opened the car door for us, and we climbed into the plush backseat. As I settled in, the rich scent of mint and leather filled the air, adding a touch of luxury to the moment. This was the start of something unforgettable, and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead.