22

A couple of months later, on September 16th.

Katerina and her girlfriend Li-Hyeon, whose nickname is Liana, were sound asleep when they were suddenly woken up by Katerina's sister Kassandra bursting into the room, holding a bunch of colorful balloons. Kassandra was followed by Katerina's two friends, Sophie and Emily, who were also holding balloons and cheering loudly.

Katerina rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed, still a bit groggy from sleep. She was surprised to see her sister and friends in her room so early in the morning.

"Happy birthday!" Kassandra exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Katerina's eyes widened as she realized what day it was. She had almost forgotten that it was her birthday. She looked over at Liana, who was still half-asleep and looking a bit bewildered.

"I'm sorry I didn't know it was your birthday," Liana said, looking apologetic. "I promise I'll make it up to you."

Katerina smiled and leaned over to give Liana a kiss. "Don't worry about it," she said. "I'm just happy to be celebrating it with you."

After Kassandra, Sophie, and Emily left the room, Katerina and Liana got dressed and freshened up before heading out to the living room. When they arrived, they were greeted by a sea of presents stacked against the floor-to-ceiling window. Katerina's eyes widened as she took in the sight of all the beautifully wrapped gifts.

As they took a seat on the couch, Kassandra, Sophie, and Emily began to pass presents over to Katerina to open. The first few were different luxury brands of perfume, which Katerina loved. The next few were some of her favorite horror books, which made her smile.

After about fifteen minutes of opening presents, Katerina and Kassandra's parents arrived to join in on the party. Paul and June congratulated their daughter on her birthday and gave her a big hug. Katerina introduced Liana to her parents, who welcomed her with open arms.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," June said, beaming at Katerina. "We're so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom," Katerina said with a sarcastic tone, feeling a warm glow in her chest. She looked over at Liana, who was smiling at her. "Another year older and still no wisdom. What a great achievement," she said with a smirk.

Paul and June gave her a look, but Katerina just shrugged. "I'm just kidding, guys. You know I love you," she said with a grin.

Liana laughed and wrapped her arm around Katerina's waist. "Don't mind her, she's just being charming," she said, giving Katerina a playful squeeze.

Katerina rolled her eyes but leaned into Liana's embrace. She was so grateful to have such a wonderful girlfriend, and such a loving family and friends to celebrate her birthday with. "Thanks for making this a great birthday, guys," she said, smiling at everyone.

Paul and June left accompanying Kassandra to Demetrius's house for a get-together.

"Hey, Katerina, how old did you just turn?" Sophie asked.

Katerina smiled. "Technically, I'm 29 years old now," she replied.

Sophie laughed. "Wow, you're getting old," she teased.

Katerina rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Sophie. You always know how to make me feel better," she said sarcastically.

Emily giggled. "Don't worry, Katerina. Age is just a number," she said with a smile.

Liana nodded in agreement. "And you're still the most beautiful woman in the room," she said, giving Katerina a sweet smile.

Katerina felt her cheeks flush again and smiled at Liana. "Thanks, babe. You always know how to make me feel special," she said, feeling grateful for Liana's love and affection."

Sophie and Emily exchanged a knowing look and grinned at each other. "You two are so cute," Sophie said, making a heart shape with her hands.

Katerina and Liana both laughed. "Thanks, guys. We try," Katerina said, feeling happy to be surrounded by such great friends.

Katerina took a sip of her drink and smiled. "Guys, I have to tell you something. Liana is a kitsune," she said, feeling excited to share her girlfriend's secret with her friends.

Sophie and Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's so cool!" Sophie exclaimed.

Emily nodded in agreement. "Wow, Katerina. You and Liana are like a match made in heaven," she said with a smile.

Katerina grinned. "Actually, we are both goddesses," she said, feeling proud of her divinity.

Sophie and Emily looked at each other in disbelief. "What? That's amazing!" Sophie said, feeling impressed.

Emily smiled. "You two are so lucky to have found each other," she said, feeling happy for her friends.

Katerina felt grateful for her friends' support and encouragement. "Thanks, guys. We feel pretty lucky, too," she said, feeling content.

Later that night, Katerina pulled Liana aside and whispered, "Hey, I have a secret to tell you. Sophie and Emily are actually demons that I created by reincarnating them," she said, feeling mischievous.

Liana's eyes widened in surprise. "What? That's crazy!" she exclaimed, feeling shocked.

Katerina nodded. "Yep, it's true. But don't worry, they're both good demons, well they do what they are told" she said with a smirk.

Liana laughed. "I don't know if that's supposed to make me feel better or worse," she said, feeling amused.

Katerina grinned. "Don't worry, babe. You're the only one for me," she said, feeling grateful for Liana's love and support.

Liana smiled. "I better be, or I will eat them!" She said, laughing.

Katerina. "Likewise babe."

Katerina and Liana hailed an Uber and headed to a local nightclub to dance the night away. They arrived at the club and were greeted by the sound of loud music and flashing lights. They made their way to the bar and ordered a couple of drinks before hitting the dance floor.

As they danced, they talked about their future plans and their goals. They laughed and joked with each other, feeling free and happy. The music was loud and the crowd was wild, but they didn't care. They were lost in their own little world, enjoying each other's company.

After a couple of hours of dancing and drinking, they decided to take a break and sit down at a nearby table. They ordered another round of drinks and chatted about their relationship, their past experiences, and their future together.

Katerina felt grateful for Liana's love and support. "You know, Liana, I feel so lucky to have you in my life," she said, feeling emotional.

Liana smiled. "I feel the same way, Kat. You're literally my soulmate," she said, feeling happy.

Katerina took a deep breath and looked into Liana's eyes. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I've honestly never felt this way before about anyone," she said, feeling serious.

Liana's heart skipped a beat. "I want that too, Katerina," she said, feeling overwhelmed.

As they finished their drinks, they knew it was time to head home. They ordered an Uber and headed back to Katerina's place, feeling happy and content. They cuddled up in bed together, continuing to talk.

As they cuddled up in bed together, Katerina felt comfortable and safe in Liana's arms. She took a deep breath and started telling her a story. "You know, Liana, I've never told you this before, but my ex-boyfriend was a shapeshifter," she said, feeling hesitant.

Liana looked at her in surprise. "A shapeshifter?" she asked, feeling curious.

Katerina nodded. "Yes, exactly. He was able to turn into a wolf if he wanted. It was amazing at first, but then things got complicated," she said, feeling sad.

Liana listened intently as Katerina told her the whole story. She talked about how she had blessed him with the power to turn into a werewolf, and how he had eventually betrayed her and cheated on her with his ex-girlfriend. She talked about how she had dumped him and moved back home to be with her family, feeling hurt and betrayed.

Liana listened with empathy and understanding, holding Katerina's hand tightly. "I'm so sorry that happened to you, Katerina. You didn't deserve that," she said, feeling sad for her.

Katerina smiled weakly. "It's okay, Liana. I had Sophie and Emily cut off his and his little girlfriend's head off. I'm actually thankful that it happened. If it wasn't for that, I would have never moved back here and met my actual soulmate," she said, feeling grateful.

Liana hugged her tightly, feeling happy and content. "I'm glad you're here with me now, you are such a beautiful savage just like me, Kat. I love you," she said, feeling grateful.

Katerina smiled. "I love you too, Liana. You're my soulmate," she said, feeling happy and content. They cuddled up together, feeling grateful for each other's love and connection.