"What is this feeling, so sudden and new? I felt the moment, I laid eyes on you. My pulse is rushing. My head is reeling. My face is flushing. What is this feeling?"

~Wicked, 'What Is This Feeling?'

~~~

*Kai's POV*

"Kai," Xander whines as I drag him around town.

"Come on, just one more store!" I beg, tightening my grip on his arm. As an Omega, I'm typically not as strong as other wolves. If this was anyone else, they'd probably be able to break out of my hold without issue. However, this is Xander we're talking about. He's not an Omega — surprisingly — but he's still smaller than the average wolf.

"Don't I have any say in this? It's my birthday."

"Shut up and humor me," I ignore his remark. I'm very aware that it's his birthday. In fact, that's the only reason why I've been dragging him around town all day. Our families and friends are setting up a surprise party for Xander, and it's my job to keep him distracted until then.

I tried to pick out stores that I thought Xander would at least be interested in. Video games, clothing, and now our last location — a toy store.

Being Xander's best friend, I've learned some things about him that no one else knows. Included in that is his love for toys and stuffed animals. Well, he claims the fascination comes from his wolf, Xavier. Xander has been fairly secretive about his wolf, but he's told me a few things here and there. And today is Xavier's birthday as much as it is Xander's; he should have fun too.

As soon as we're in the store, Xander halts his steps as his jaw drops. Blood rushes to his cheeks as he stares at the wall of stuffed animals; his blue eyes flashing brightly to signify Xavier's excitement.

"K-Kai..." Xander stammers, unable to look away from the wall.

"Is this okay?" I ask nervously. Without taking his gaze off the wall, Xander nods slowly. Grinning, I tug on his wrist and lead him to the stuff animals. "Pick a few out, I'll buy them."

"I can't!" He squeaks. "Do you know how much I'll get picked on if I show up to the pack with stuffed animals? The others already think I'm weaker than them. I don't need to add more fuel to the fire."

"Xan," I sigh, placing my hands on his shoulders. "Think about Xavier. You're bound to get presents from your family, but is anyone going to buy anything for your wolf?"

He tilts his head to the side in thought. "Vincent and Isla might," Xander ponders, referring to his parents' wolves. "They're his parents, after all."

"Okay..." I drag out. "But they don't really know him, do they?"

Xander squirms and nods his head guilty. The curiously sits on my tongue, begging to be unleashed. What could have happened with Xavier to make Xander cut him off from everyone else? I can't imagine being so secretive about Kieran. The only time I've seen someone act this way about their wolf was Ryland...

"Xavier's not feral, right?" I blurt out.

His face pales. "No! I-It's nothing like that. He's just... different. I don't want to talk about it."

Reluctantly, I decide to drop the subject. I don't want to upset my best friend, especially on his birthday.

"My point is, I'm the only one who might get Xavier something he actually wants," I point out. "Come on, I'll help you sneak them in when no one's around. No one will see. Just let Xavier pick out a few for his birthday."

The blonde's shoulders relax as he gives in with a quiet, "Okay."

Beaming from my victory, I give him some privacy for a while. I head to the section with board games, whistling in awe over how many types of Monopoly are available. Simpsons, Rick and Morty, Marvel... damn, even a Sailor Moon one! I need to move on before I spend all of my savings here, and I don't even like Monopoly.

After a few minutes of perusing the games and toys, I hear Xander's soft voice from behind me saying, "We're ready."

Turning around, my eyes widen at the multitude of stuffed animals filling Xander's arms.

"I said a few," I protest, trying to tally the cost of all those toys in my head. "Not the entire fucking store."

The pink in his cheeks turn dark red as he hangs his head shamefully. The embarrassed look on his face makes my heart crack, and I immediately regret saying anything.

"Sorry," Xander whispers. "Xavier... got overexcited. I'll put some back."

"Wait!" I throw my hands up to stop him. "I-It's okay. I'll buy them for him."

Snapping his head up, his blue eyes flash in surprise. "You will?"

"Mhm," I hum in confirmation. "But no more than what you already have. Got it?"

Xander nods excitedly; his lips stretching into a cute grin that sends my heart into overdrive. These feelings for my best friend... they're ridiculous. And dangerous. I would've known from the moment we met if we were mates, and Xander turning eighteen today only squashed any hopes I had that maybe we were mates, and I just couldn't feel it. But since neither of us feel the bond, it's hopeless. We're not destined to be together, no matter how cute I find the blonde.

He'll eventually find his mate, and I'll have to deal with that. Even if it kills me to watch him be with someone else.

'You know, we have a mate too,' Kieran reminds me. 'It's not like we're going to be alone for the rest of our lives. Sure, we won't be with Xander and Xavier, but we'll have mates who were made to love us!'

My chest feels lighter at the reminder. He's right! While it sucks not having my crush as my mate, I can hold onto the fact that I'll eventually find the person I'm supposed to be with for the rest of my life.

'I bet he's hot too,' Kieran sighs dreamily.

'How do you know our mate's a he?' I question, even though I think I would die if the Moon Goddess made my mate a girl.

'Babe, there's no way in hell the Moon didn't take one look at you and instantly knew you're gay,' Kieran snickers. 'You're the definition of a twink.'

'You're lucky I can't punch you, because I would beat your ass for saying that,' I growl back.

Kieran barks a laugh. 'I stand corrected. A bratty twink.'

"Kai!" Xander calls my name before I can attempt to mentally strangle my wolf. "Are you ready?"

Grumbling to myself, I scurry over to the counter and hand the cashier my debit card to pay for the stuffed animals. The entire time, Xander's face is on fire as he tries to suppress a secret smile.

"Xavier says thank you," Xander tells me softly as we walk out of the store.

I look into his eyes deep enough to make him squirm, but it's necessary for Xavier to know I'm specifically talking to him. "No need to thank me. I'm happy to do this for you. Happy birthday."

Xander's eyes glow with Xavier's presence, and I grin at him while ruffling his blonde hair. We share the load of carrying the bags back to Ryland's car, which he let us borrow for the day.

"Can we go home now?" Xander pouts, leaning his head back against the car seat.

"No," I quickly say.

"Why not?"

"Uhh..." What am I supposed to say? That we can't go back until I receive the green light to come back?

As if on cue, my phone chimes with a text. I discreetly pull my phone out and peek at the screen.

{Ronnie}

You can start heading back now

"Actually, sure," I shrug casually, slipping my phone back into my pocket.

"Really?" Xander blinks in surprise.

"Why? You have somewhere else you want to go?"

He shakes his head furiously. "Nope. I'm ready to go home. Too much socializing for today."

I chuckle humorlessly, holding back a wince. Hopefully the party isn't going to be too much...