Chapter 21, the big day

Finally, the big day came…Christine turns 21! While she’s been away from her room or the house Alex and Apollo have been scheming on how he was going to ask her as an early present Apollo had another present for her.

“Morning birthday girl, he kisses her, happy birthday!” Alex gives her a big hug and smiled with happiness.

“Aww, thanks Alex so you got specials for today?” Christine was smiling too and was so excited for the day.

“Ah, that I can’t tell-it’s a surprise! It wouldn’t be any fun if I told you.” Alex was excited for the day and couldn't wait to see her face.

“Knock, knock, happy birthday Christine your first birthday present is outside of your window.” Apollo and Aphrodite, we're happy for them, and couldn't wait to show her the first present of the day.

“You got me a balcony for my room?!” Christine was shocked and wondered when they made it without her knowing. Probably while she was gone down in the mortal world.

“We knew how much you wanted one that’s one of many surprises today.” Apollo smiled and knew what was going to happen but all he could do was smile. 

“Ooh, I can’t wait I love surprises!” Christine was excited for the day and wondered what the day held for her.

“Then you’ll love today…” Alex smirked as he knew what the day held for them.

“What else you got in store you three? I do love my first gift dad now I can watch your amazing sunsets!” Christine was so happy and it was only breakfast time!

“Glad you do, but Alex got a surprise for you,” Apollo smirked as he knew the surprise too.

“Ooh, what is it!?” Christine was so curious about what the day held for her.

“Again, what fun would it be if I told you?” Alex smirked and enjoyed watching her squirm with excitement.

“The downside to the surprise; sniffs the air, is that bacon I smell?!” Christine was surprised to smell breakfast being cooked from the kitchen.

“Yeah, your birthday breakfast awaits you in the kitchen!” She runs off to the kitchen towards the smell of bacon. As the girls leave to go to the kitchen for breakfast the guys stayed behind.

“Whispers, you got it?” Apollo smirked at Alex.

“Yeah it’s in my jacket pocket, but I don’t have anything with me that’d be fancy enough for the occasion.” Alex was a bit underdressed to propose to his girl.

“Not a problem I got a vest and jacket that might fit you. But I’d say around sunset you ask her.” Apollo kept some mortal clothes in case he ever wanted to go down to the mortal world.

“Ooh, a smart idea I was thinking about the beach at sunset.” Trying to figure out an idea on where to propose.

“On the balcony, you can sing to her with the sunset behind you.” Apollo tried a good idea

“You can do that at the beach as well you just want to be there when she says yes don’t you?” Alex tried as well

“Yeah…she’s my little girl and I had to watch her grow up from afar…it’s the only birthday I get to celebrate with her.” Apollo wanted to be close to the first birthday that he wanted to celebrate with her...it was a sensitive subject to them.

“I’m sorry but her pendant does have some of your magic she can just call you with her necklace.” Alex felt bad for him. Must be hard to watch your only child from afar...

“I suppose so seem to forget that you’d want to be alone.” Apollo sometimes forgets what it's like to celebrate an occasion like this

“For a bit, yeah and my parents wouldn’t be far they’re a few blocks away.” Alex tried to comfort him with the thought of his parents being there to document the special occasion.

“As soon as she says yes have her call us right away.” Apollo smiled as he knew what Alex was trying to do...

“Yes, sir but the question is how do we get down?” Alex wondered about that since they got there...there wasn't exactly an elevator to get down.

“Oh, you fly down just another reason for you to hold onto her and hold on tight,” Apollo smirked as he knew that Alex would look forward to that. “First food and then changing would be a good start. Oh, right I almost forgot to lay down her ball gown to wear!” Apollo knew what she'd like...and smiled when he talked 

“Nice touch and a bouquet of red roses to go with it. This is going to be a good day!” Alex smirked at the idea of the flowers.

“Yes, it is the hugs him, welcome to the family son.” Apollo smiled as he welcomed his new son in law to the family...

“Thanks…dad now let’s join the girls downstairs.” They had Christine’s favorite breakfast…pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon. 

“Thanks for breakfast, but now I’m going to get ready for my special day.” Christine was content and full of breakfast and kissed Alex on the cheek.

“There’s another surprise for you on your bed.” Alex smiled for her next surprise.

“Thanks, Alex can’t wait to see it!” Christine squealed with excitement for her next present.

“Then hurry upstairs if you want to see it! My stuff is down here so I’ll wait for you.” Alex kissed her cheek and let her go get ready for the day.

“Ok see you in a bit.”

“Can’t wait, she leaves and is out of ear reach, ok you said that you had something that could fit me where is it?” Alex asked Apollo...he didn't pack anything fancy with him. Just enough clothes for the visit and training clothes that Ares loaned him.

“It’s in the closet here, looks like a good fit. I do have mortal clothes you think I go around the mortal world looking like I am now?” Apollo laughed at the thought. It'd be a bit strange for someone to be wearing traditional Greek god clothing and he'd stick out like a sore thumb.

“Good point let’s see what you got.” Alex laughs at the idea. They go over to his mortal clothes closet and find a nice black suit for him to try.

“Here see if this black jacket, dark blue shirt, and a blue and silver tie work for you.” He tries it on and it’s a little bit big, but he can deal with it.“Seems to work and if you rip the jacket during the landing you got a nice vest.” Apollo laughs some more he needed the laugh...sad that he couldn't celebrate the whole day with Christine but he was thankful for the time that he had.

“I’ll try to avoid that but my apologies in advance if it does.” Alex a little worried about the clothes, but he was more worried about asking Christine. 

“No worries besides you got a big day.” Apollo pats him on the shoulder. Luckily as they were finishing up Christine joins them.

“And here’s the birthday girl! You look beautiful…” Christine was wearing a light sky blue sweetheart top tulle ballgown. The color made her think of her dad...which both mom and her thought would be a nice touch. Along with the necklace, Apollo gave her and matching earrings.

“Thanks, Alex so are we celebrating here some more, or are we getting down with the wolves?” Hoping to get more details about the day Christine was hoping he'd slip more details than he planned. Alex was too smart for her, so he told her enough details to satisfy her curiosity.

“We’ll celebrate with my family and the pack for a bit…then I get you to myself for a bit and then we’ll figure out from there.” Alex smiled since he knew his plan was working and it was driving her crazy but she was trying to stay calm.

“Ok sounds like fun! Did my dad tell you that to get down from here is to fly right?” 

“Yeah but that just gives me a reason to hold onto your waist,” Alex smirked and hugged her from behind.

“Please not in front of my parents!” Christine laughed as he hugged her, and blushed a little from embarrassment

“No, it’s alright now run along you two; have a fun time celebrating.” Apollo hugs her before she leaves

“Ok, she kisses and hugs him, bye dad. I’ll give you details on what happened later.” Christine smiles at him figuring that he already knew what was going to happen.

“I’m sure you will now go have fun!” Apollo wanted them to have a good time but wanted more time with her...a a little selfish, yes but after 21 years of watching from afar even just part of a day with her on her birthday was more than he had before so he was happy...

“Ok, ok we’re going bye see you later!” when they got to the entrance to Olympus, they were both nervous she hadn’t flown before and he knew it. 

“Well, you ready to fly?” Christine was shaking like a leaf...the flight down was intimidating...

“Yeah, I’m ready there’s always a first for everything.” Alex was nervous for her...

“Ok hold onto me real tight.” 

“That won’t be a problem.” He held on for dear life but still comfortable for her...he was nervous too.

“Sigh, ok here we, jumps, gooooooooooo!” Her first time was scary, but she was so excited! They even had a smooth landing on their beach.

“Not bad if I do say so myself that wasn’t a bad flight.” Christine smiled proudly after the landing they had. Didn't even mess up her makeup, although touch-ups wouldn't be a bad idea...

“Cracks neck, it could have been better, but let’s head to my parents they’re getting antsy.” Alex didn't want to deprive his parents of this momentous occasion either. The birthday party was his mom's idea.

“Ooh, I’m excited!” Christine squealed with excitement. Finally, with the flying out of the way they could relax or so Christine thought.

“Well you should be now close your eyes and I’ll take you to my house.” 

“Ok lead the way I trust you, but before we go should I straighten up?” Christine didn't want to look too shabby for his family. Wanted to make a nice impression even though they've already met before they haven't seen her dolled up before.

“Well getting the sand out of your dress would be good.” Alex laughed as he noticed the sand in her skirt...

“Yeah, your right; shakes the dress, there that’s better ok we go now.” Christine felt better now that she got a good pile of sand out of her skirt and did some light touch-ups on her lip and eye makeup. Didn't want to look like she had gone through a wind tunnel when they more or less did...it was a very windy trip down.

“Ok, I promise you I won’t lead you to somewhere bad, just going to a house full of wolves.” Alex laughs as most people would be terrified by the thought.

“Well, that’s good to know let’s not keep your parents waiting.” He did lead her to his house where not only his parents but the whole pack was there as well.

“Surprise happy birthday!” yelled everybody, and Alex meant everyone.

“Aww, thanks, everyone! What are we starting with first?” Christine was so curious about what they had planned.

“I’ll start with food since someone, cough; cough, Pepe was complaining that he was hungry.” Riff nudged Pepe in the chest in jest.

“Sorry, but they took forever to get here!” Pepe's stomach growled as it was getting close to dinnertime.

“Now that the guest of honor is here we can have a full buffet of food that she likes, cake, and ice cream in the kitchen!”

“Yummy let’s eat!” There was paella, seafood, and some British food that Christine requested that reminded her of her adopted home. The cake was amazing thanks to Anita’s recipe for Spanish chocolate cake. It was gone in about 10 minutes if that. 

“Ok present time everyone to the living room!” Anita announced as everyone shuffled into the living room trying to find a seat.

“Aww, you didn’t have to get me anything!” Christine blushed at the thought they got something special for her.

“You’re like family to us and we wanted to celebrate your 21st right!” Anita smiled and hugged her. She didn't know what Alex had planned but she knew something big was going to happen. She was happy at the thought of Christine possibly becoming apart of the family.

“Aww, thanks Anita that’s sweet of you.” 

“Now open this one it’s from Bernardo and me.” As she hands Christine a small velvet box.

“Ok, she rips the wrapping paper off, aww sapphire earrings! They’re beautiful thank you so much!” She hugs Anita almost tearing up at this gift.

“You’re welcome now this one is from Riff and Carmen.” 

“Oh this one should be interesting; she rips the wrapping paper off, aww how cute it’s a stuffed wolf!” it was a TY beanie dog named Nanook. It was gray and white with blue eyes.

“Though I’d be funny with your present and Carmen liked it as well.” 

“Well, I like it thanks." She hugs them in appreciation. They went on and the wolves were very happy for her...mostly since the pack and Bernardo knew about Alex’s surprise. If mom knew she would've told Christine...

“Thanks for the wonderful gifts everybody but-“ 

“It’s my turn to give her biggest surprise of all,” Alex smirked to everyone but Christine didn't notice.

“Ooh this should be good I must go don’t wanna keep him waiting. Thanks again for the party and the presents I’ll leave them here for now!” She touched up her red lip-stain and waterproof brown mascara again and headed out with Alex.

“Have fun you two…” Riff smirked at Alex but Christine didn't think of it. Thought it was a pack thing.

“Thanks, Riff…well I guess we’ll see you later.” When they got back to their beach there were rose petals everywhere!

“What’s this what’s with the petals? What’s going on Alex?” Christine was in total shock when they got to their beach.

“I can explain, but first a birthday song.” Alex held out his hand for a slow dance. Christine of course took his hand and smiled the biggest smile.

“Birthday song do go on!” The song he chose was ‘Beautiful’ by Wayne Brady and by the end of the song she was crying tears of joy. 

“Aww Alex that was sweet!” 

“I meant every word of it…I know it’s supposed to be your day but my next surprise will affect us both, he gets down on one knee, Christine Rose mi rosa…the past year has been the best in my life…but make me the happiest werewolf…Christine Rose-will you marry me?" He reveals the ring and is beaming with happiness.

“Already in tears, oh Alex this has been the best year for me too…YES-YES I’ll marry you! She kisses him, it’s beautiful!” 

“Nothing is as beautiful as you…here let me put it on you.” As he was putting on the ring she couldn’t stop starring at it and then the perfect sunset happens after the surprise. 

“Aww, mom and dad are happy-guess they heard.” She smiles at the sunset as it was a beautiful golden pink cloud.

“They already knew well at least your dad did,” Alex smirked as he told her.

“They did how long have you kept this a secret!?” Christine was shocked that her dad didn't tell her!

“Since the day your dad wanted to talk to me…that was the day he gave me his blessing to ask.” Still, in shock at the moment and he kisses her. 

“Come on we must tell my new family!” Christine couldn't wait to tell the wolf pack.

“Alright but first I’ll do this.” He spins her, dips her and kisses her, and gives her a rose to put in her beautiful long blonde hair, and get her back up. 

“Well, there’s something you don’t experience every day.” Christine couldn't believe the day she's had, and couldn't stop smiling or staring at her ring.

“Today isn’t any ordinary day mi rosa.” Alex smiles and kisses her again.

“True but can we go and show them now?” Christine wanted to shout it to the world! She also had to remind herself to call her adopted parents about it too.

“Of course let’s go!” They went back to Alex’s house and they were so happy!

“Hey everyone come here we got some news!” Alex and Christine beaming with happiness and Anita comes up to them with a curious look on her face.

“What is it, Christine?” Anita didn't know of the engagement plan so she was in the dark about the day besides the party.

“I want to wait until everyone is here.” Alex wanted to tell everyone at once.

“They’re in the backyard come I’ll take you there.” Once they got to the backyard she started to get nervous. “What is it you wanted to tell us?” 

“Well, Anita…as of oh 20 seconds ago we’re engaged!” Christine flashes her new engagement ring to her and smiles. Anita gives her a big hug, she always wanted a daughter.

“Aww, congratulations! I can't wait to have a daughter!" Anita was so happy for them!

"Welcome to our pack Christine!” Riff smiled at her and hugged her. He normally wasn't a sentimental guy but he thought it was ok just this once.

“Thanks, Riff…well this is interesting combining two completely different worlds…a world of Spanish werewolves and the world of Greek gods.” Christine wasn't sure how that was going to work, but they'd make it work.

“Yeah it’s different, but as long as you’re happy then we are.” Anita couldn't be more proud of her son. He had chosen well with his new bride.

“So when do we start planning?” Christine was curious about that. Do you start right away or wait till after you celebrate? And when you meet my mom, Anita you’ll love her and I think you two will make a beautiful wedding.” 

“I’d love to meet your parents! Both your adopted and real ones!” 

“I can ask them to come down just give me a moment.” In the next two minutes, Apollo and Aphrodite showed up right before everyone’s eyes!

“Bernardo, Anita meet…my parents.” Christine beamed with happiness knowing that her parents were here, but she kinda wished her adopted ones were here too.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you…you’ve got a wonderful son and I’m glad to call him family,” Apollo said with pride to Bernardo.

“The pleasure is all mine and I say the same about your daughter.” Bernardo smiled at the happy couple.

“Well, the reason I called you so I can show you this, and flashes her ring.” Christine hasn't stopped smiling as she showed her mom the new ring.

“You're engaged!? Aww, sweetie congratulations! I’m so happy for you! You sure you want this?” Aphrodite felt a little guilty about Antonio and wanted to make sure this is who she wanted to be with.

“I’m positive...I love Alex and it’s not because of your matchmaking magic!”

“I’m sorry about Antonio! He seemed to be nice, but I guess looks can be deceiving.” 

“So I noticed, but Antonio wasn't your fault.” 

“Enough about him. I’m glad you found happiness the mortal way.” 

“Me too mom…hey dad." She gives him the biggest hug of all hugs.

“Hey, congratulations I’m so happy for both of you!” Apollo couldn't be more proud of his daughter and soon to be son in law.

“Thanks, dad oh how silly of me this is my other family…this is Riff and Carmen, Fernando and Marie, Joaquin and Rosa, Estaban, Chino, and Pepe my wolves but only one wolf matters to me." As she looks up to Alex.

“Nice to meet all of you at least you’ll be well protected while we’re at home.” Apollo was pleased to know that his daughter was going to be well taken care of.

“Of course plus I got my ways…so you won’t have to worry I know mom is dying to tell everyone back home so I’ll call you later I promise,” Christine smirked as she thought of her ways of protecting herself, but Apollo already knew that.

“Ok but call soon ok? Also, don't forget about your adoptive parents. I'm sure they'd like to know.” Apollo didn't want her other parents to be left out on such an occasion and neither did Christine.

“Of course dad it’ll be real soon”

“Ok love you, Christine." He kisses her head and gives her another hug.

“Love you too dad.” And at that moment they were gone and it was just Christine and her wolves. 

“Well it was nice to meet your parents it explains where you get your beautiful looks from…and you got your father’s eyes.” Anita smiles at her and gives her a sympathetic hug.

“Yeah Anita I get that a lot but it’s always a compliment I like to hear.” Christine appreciated the hug it was always rough when they left.

“This is one unique family a goddess and a werewolf, but as long as you’re happy then we are.” Bernardo laughed as he looks at his new family.

“Well, what family isn’t a little weird Bernardo? We’re happy and what my mom said was right…you have a wonderful son and I’m glad to call him my fiancé and eventually my husband.” Christine smiled and look around for Alex.

“Thanks, Christine I’m flattered…but now that we’ve told both of our families can we celebrate on our own?”

“Oh you snuck up on me, but as soon as I call my adoptive parents sure Alex we can celebrate on our own.” 

“Group effort, oooh!” the group laughs as they tease them a little bit. “Oh like you didn’t have fun when you got engaged!” Christine leaves the living room to call her adoptive parents in a quieter setting in the kitchen.

"Hey, mom it's Christine." She almost got teary-eyed hearing her adoptive parents' voices again. Hadn't heard or seen them since she left for Greece almost 3yrs ago...

"Hey, Christine! We've missed you so much! How has your adventure been going!?" Her mom was dying to know all the adventures Christine has gone on.

"I've missed you too mom. It's been great with my real parents. I've gone to Greece to Olympus to the underworld to various other gods' homes to sailing with an old friend to Spain. It's a long story one I'd love to tell you in more detail but I called to tell you I'm about to start a different adventure...while visiting Spain I met someone and after a year of dating...we're engaged!"

"Wow, Christine that's wonderful! We'd love to meet him. Did he ask your dad's permission?" Amelia was sad that it wasn't Andrew but she was happy for Apollo...

"I presume he did, Alex didn't tell me but by the way they were acting this morning I think they were scheming together."

"Well that's good, just wish it was your dad that got to have that conversation."

"I'm sorry to deprive dad of a special moment, but I'm sure my other dad loved it."

"I'm sure he did. So when is the wedding?"

"I'm not sure yet it just happened so we'll fill ya in on the details along with his mom Anita and Aphrodite."

"Alright Christine, just remember we love you too!" Amelia started to cry thinking that her little girl is now an engaged woman.

"I love you too mom. I miss you. You and dad would love Spain! You should come to visit sometime!"

"We'd love to! For now, go celebrate I'm sure your new fiance is waiting for you."

"Yeah, I suppose he is. I just wanted to call and tell you..."
"Thank you for thinking of us. Congratulations sweetie now enjoy your night, also happy birthday."

"Thanks, mom heck of a way to turn 21."

"I'm sure it is. Now go celebrate!"

"Alright, mom I love you. See you hopefully soon!"

"Bye Christine!" Amelia was starting to cry tears of joy for her despite not hearing from her in 3yrs.

"Bye, mom!" Now that she had told her adopted parents it felt complete. Finally, Alex and Christine went back to their beach where they could be alone. 

“Finally I get you to myself…thought that wouldn’t end!” Alex smirked and gave her a kiss

“It wasn’t that long, I was long overdue to call my adopted parents, but I’m glad to have you to myself.” When she got back she took off her dress to reveal a new outfit to him. She comes out from behind the rocks; she waves to him with a little smirk on her face. She reveals a red and black sheer bathing suit cover with a red and black bikini low cut.

“Well, surely I didn’t expect that! For once I’m speechless.” He babbles in shock

“Oh stop your babbling and get over here!” That night well let’s just say it got hotter than usual for them. 

“Hot isn’t it?” Christine was content and got just a tad warm from their celebrating.

 “Yeah…Christine I know we got the ring to show humans and your family that was engaged but we also got to do it my way which is called imprinting.” 

“What exactly does that do to me?”

“It tells other wolves that you’re mine and to keep away otherwise they deal with me…and there are some other stories on what it does…some say it carries the werewolf gene some think to make stronger wolves. We don’t really know what the stories are why it is…just is but from what I see on Carmen it leaves the wolf symbol somewhere on you (for her it’s her shoulder) and then it’s over it’s me doing all the work.”

“I see...so do it I’m not afraid I mean if we got to do it both ways then we have to.” 

“You’d make an interesting wolf if you were one of us.” 

“Oh enough with the flattery let’s continue where we left off. Come on my crazy wolf…” 

“Smirks, alright whatever you want to do.” They kissed and eventually fell on top of their blanket. As the night went on into more than a simple kiss she undoes his shirt and runs her hands all over his muscular chest. Which he didn’t mind that at all. Now it made it easier to imprint on her…and then she had a leg on top of him and he started rubbing her leg and that’s when he got on top of her. Soon it got easier to imprint on her.

“This is the best night I’ve ever had with you!” Christine panting from their fun and didn't want it to stop.

“Well if you shut up Christine it’ll get even better.” He kisses her some more and she had her hands on his chest most of the time. And he kissed her neck, her chest and her waist...she was moaning a little clearly having a good time. Kissing her again for a moment he kissed her deeply, but for a moment he stopped.

“Why did you stop something wrong?” Christine was confused about why he ruined the moment.

“No, I just thought of something that’d make the night perfect,” Alex smirked at his idea

“What would that be?” Still confused Christine had no idea...

“Sing with me…sung, no more talk of darkness forget these wide-eyed fears I’m here my words will warm and calm you.” She knew what he meant and she sang the duet now it was the perfect night and by morning she was imprinted with his symbol which was his initials with the pack logo on her back.