William's POV
I was finally eighteen. Most people would celebrate with friends, cake, and parties. My birthday felt very different.
I stood by my bedroom window, looking out at the estate grounds. The sky was bright and clear. Birds flew between the trees. Everything outside looked peaceful. But inside my body, I felt restless. A strange ache had started growing in my chest again. The doctors had warned us that my next heat cycle could begin any day now. Knowing it was close made me very nervous.
I rubbed my arms and took a slow breath.
A knock came at my door.
"Come in."
Jax stepped inside. "Happy birthday, kid."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm eighteen now."
"Exactly. You're still a kid to me." He grinned.
I threw a pillow at him. He caught it easily and laughed. That laugh helped ease some of the tightness in my chest.
