The White Wolf’s Mate

m her neck. A twinge of fear knotted in her belly. She wanted to scream

ll rise below. The world will nev

rhythm of work, careful not to make mistakes because she was sure that the only reason that she hadn't been fired, was because she was such a hard worker. "Thanks for coming, " she smiled to herself as she collected a few tips from her tables and cleared and cleaned them as quickly as she could. "Hello! Welcome to Betty's! " she greeted without looking as the jingling sounds of the door rang as customers entered. Loud laughter and loud voices began to take over the other sounds in the diner. "Rayyyyyyyyyy!" a familiar shrill voice yelled. Filled with excitement, Raven turned sharply, almost dropping the dishes she was carrying. It was her roommate Janice and a couple of her friends. She was holding several bags and boxes. " Shopping? I see," Raven asked, smiling genuinely. " Let me get you guys a table so my boss isn't a jerk." Seating her friends at the nearest booth, she quickly prepared to take their drink orders. "Girl, what are you doing, " Janice said giggling. "Do you even remember what I'm doing here?" All of their friends were smiling and looking at her so mischievously, Raven started to feel nervous. "Umm, I was hoping you brought me something to eat other than diner food," she said with a laugh. " I thought you were out getting breakfast this morning!" Janice and her friends all looked at each other and laugh. Confusion and excitement were growing in her but having her friends all laugh at her was a little uncomfortable. Noticing her that they were making her uncomfortable, Janice got them all to settle down. "Ray!! I really can't believe you forgot your birthday!" Suddenly Janice, their friends, and the entire Betty staff began to sing "The Happy Birthday Song". Covering her face with both hands, Raven began to blush viciously. She looked around and even, MARVIN was singing. "Okay! Okay, guys, back to work, " Marvin said with a laugh returning but always serious about productivity, going back into his office after seeing everyone returning to their duties. Waiting for the sound of Marvin's office door closing, Raven finished cleaning up her tables with a smile. "You guyyyyys! You know how I am about surprises! " Raven said to her friends, unable to hide how happy she really was. "It was just a teeeeeeeeny tiny one, " Janice laughed. "Sooo.. about this party, Ms. Finally 18." Raven had only been to one party in her whole life and had never thought much about having one of her own. The whole idea was kind of exciting. " Me? Have a party? Really? " Raven scoffed, but the excitement was ever present in her expression. "Yep! It's happening TONIGHT! I honestly just wanted to see how you felt about it because I've been planning this for weeks!" "JANICE!" Raven was shocked. She had never had anyone celebrate her before. Raven only had nightmares of her real family and had always been from foster home