Bab 25: Seventeenth Birthday

Ashton wasn't much interested in celebrating his birthday, but after a lot of persuasion from his mother and his cake loving siblings he gave in. His only condition was no guests allowed. But here he was, inviting a guest of his own. He started to regret it as soon as he invited him.

When he informed his mother about his change of plans she was beyond delighted. She was glad that he was making friends despite what happened last time. She was glad that despite knowing what her son was, and despite being an omega on top of that he still was her son's friend.

The reason Ashton kept his identity secret from everyone was quite the same reason why any werewolf kept this a secret from humans. They were more powerful than the latter, but that is what made them scared. People were afraid of werewolves, the mythical creatures that only exist in fairytales just like the common wolves were afraid of a pureblooded Alpha, the strongest and the most rampant kind of werewolf.

When Ashton showed up with the omega in heat even she was worried about what happened between them. Knowing her son well enough she had hoped that it wasn't worse than it looked and was glad after she found out that she was right. Even though Ashton introduced him as his friend, she knew it was far from the truth. Ashton preferred being alone, which is why it was even less likely. Imagine how happy she must have felt to have the same boy here twice. All she hoped for now is that for the friendship to last.

She brought the cake on her way home when she was returning from her first job. She decided to take a leave from her second one since she wanted to cook properly for her children. They waited for Caleb to show up, but when he was quite late Ashton declared that he might not show up at all.

They prepared the table and set everything. They even started the birthday song and when Ashton was about to cut the cake the bell to their house rang. He paused and opened the door instead to find a breathless Caleb standing in his blue and white striped pajamas. While Ashton was delighted by his presence, not that he would admit it if asked, but he couldn't help but stare at his outfit with a weird expression before bursting out in laughter.

"What is this"? He asked in between his laughs. "I remember telling you it was a birthday party, how on earth did you get it confused with a pajama party"? Ashton asked him while trying to suppress with laughter.

"It's a long story", Caleb sighed in frustration, "Why am I not allowed in these clothes"? Caleb asked while pretending to get offended.

"Suit yourself" He snorted while moving from the door to get him access.

"Caleb, you came"! Both the twins jumped at his arrival. In fact ava ran and gave him a big hug.

"How could I not, I wanted to see you both". He hugged her back. He was very good with children be it of any age. Oftentimes he was asked to train them by his father when they hit the age of adolescence when he was younger.

When he was done greeting everyone he turned around to see Ashton suppress a smile due to his attire. "I still want to know the story behind this," He announced.

"How about you cut the cake first? The candles are already half melted". Caleb rolled his eyes. Ashton blew the candles, made his one and only wish, and cut the cake after which he shared it with everyone. When everyone was having fun and all, with the twins devouring the remainder of the cake, Ashton slipped next to Caleb and asked him again, "Do not change the subject".

"I ran," He sighed.

"That I got from your breathing, why this pajamas"? Ashton asked,

"Let me finish, kid" He gave him an unamused expression. "You see, I lied to my father to tell him I was going to Matt for a pajama party, and that I will spend the night there. He insisted I leave in pajamas instead of just carrying them like a normal person" He rolled his eyes.

"Won't people stare"? Ashton asked in a whisper which Caleb happened to catch.

"A, I have a much spectacular car. And B, he lives like two blocks away from me".

"You took a car for just two blocks," Ashton asked him while Caleb sighed with frustration. "I was saying in case I did travel a longer distance you idiot".

After a while Caleb announced that he would leave for the day but Mrs Parker convinced him to stay for the dinner as she cooked them enough of a meal. The caring nature of Mrs Parker was heartwarming so he found it difficult to say no to her.

After they were done with dinner even Caleb helped them clean up. The whole time he was here, not once did he feel unwelcomed. In fact, this place felt more like a home than his real home. He wished he felt like this with his own family and he was kind of jealous of Ashton on this aspect.

"Ashton, wait for a moment here" Mrs Parker shouted from the kitchen while she was doing the dishes. So while he waited he noticed Caleb with a restless left leg as if he was anxious or something.

"Is everything alright"? Ashton couldn't help but ask. Caleb glanced at him before nodding. "I just hope Matt's parents don't notice I am gone. I did tell him to make a pillow that looks like me, so I gotta be there before they figure it out".

"I see" Ashton nodded. "What if they call you for dinner"?

"They won't. I told them I already ate". Caleb snorted.

"If they think you are sleeping, I think you are good for the night. Might as well stay here" Ashton shrugged. Caleb's eyes widened the moment he heard it.

"You want me to spend the night here"? For some reason that made Caleb a bit anxious.

"NOOO"! Ashton exclaimed. "I was just saying. Please feel free to leave as soon as you can".

"Be Nice"! His mother who heard Ashton shouted from the kitchen

"Wow, really scared of me aren't ya"? Caleb smirked while he teased Ashton.

"Yes, if something happens to you your father will come after me". Ashton said flatly.

"You know now that you mention my father, I think it's safer I spend the night here. Lots of shady stuff happens out there at night, wouldn't want to be caught in any of them since I am supposed to be grounded". Caleb pretended to think.

Ashton sighed with frustration. Before he could think of any other reason for him to not stay here and place it in front of Caleb, he ran up the stairs and shouted from above, "Good night"! Followed by a soft laugh which thanks to Ashton's super hearing he heard that.

A moment later it clicked Ashton that upstairs was supposed to be his room, so he ran as well determined to kick him out of his room. While Caleb was uncomfortable back in his heat it was fine, but he won't sacrifice his soft comfy bed just like that when Caleb is playing around with him.