Nick's Guide to Surviving High School

Chapter 30

King's POV

"Happy birthday to you."

Izabel looked around, her eyes teary as Lukas approached her with a pretty elaborate cake. Like honestly, I didn't know that man had that much skill in the kitchen. My beta had a secret talent he was hiding from me.

"Happy birthday to you."

I wrapped my arms around Nick, who was standing in front of me, singing loudly and off key for his best friend. He grabbed my arms and hugged them closer to his body.

"Happy birthday, dear Izabel."

I sang along softly, the only light in the room coming from the burning candles on the cake. The reflection shimmered in everyone's eyes. The room was packed to the brim; we tried to stuff as many pack members in here as possible so that Izabel wouldn't feel lonely in her bedroom. She was on bed rest because her cramps were pretty bad today.

"Happy birthday to you."

Izabel giggled as Lukas kneeled by her horizontal form on the bed, his hands holding out the cake to her. She blew out the candles and everyone cheered, clapping enthusiastically as Izabel blushed. Lukas leaned forward and kissed his mate on the cheek.

"Happy birthday, baby." I heard him whisper softly and my smile widened. I was happy for my best friend, my beta. He was starting a family with the woman he loved.

A twinge of jealousy tore at my heart but I ignored it. Now wasn't the time.

"Okay, now everyone get the fuck out of my room."

Some people rolled their eyes, some booed, but once Nick started ushering everyone out they all shut up. Once mostly every one was gone except Nick, Q, Matt, Jayline, and myself, Izabel held up a hand.

"Not you guys. Stay for a little."

We all happily obliged, situating ourselves in various places in the room.

And that's how we spent the next few hours. I think we all realized that, with everything happening, we hadn't caught up in a while. It was nice to just be in a room with my closest friends and hang out. It calmed our wolves as well. Nick was sitting on my lap the whole time, engaging in the conversation in a way that made me proud.

Ever since our very emotional talk earlier, he seemed like a brand new person. He was more upbeat, more expressive, more touchy. I loved it. Granted, it had only been a few hours, but I was hoping that this behavior would stick around for a while.

"You're such an ass, Nick. How could you not tell us that?"

I zoned back in, noticing all eyes on my mate who was squirming uncomfortably in my lap. I tightened my arms around him and he looked up at me, an adorable blush on his cheeks. I cocked an eyebrow, lifting my head to look around the room in confusion.

"Tell you what?"

Izabel and Jayline gasped at the same time, their eyes wide as they looked at Nick.

"Were you not paying attention, King? Cmon. Nick, have you told him yet?"

Nick coughed awkwardly, his body stiffening in my hold. Okay, now I was curious.

"What is it, Nick?"

He looked down at his lap, his fingers fidgeting with my arm.

"Um....I got accepted to Yale? I-I've known since Christmas..."

Huh?

I let out a breath, my mind reeling. Nash was confused, not understanding the importance of the sentence that Nick just uttered.