MAYA

Sitting by my window in my lonely one-room apartment couldn't be any interesting for this coming holiday. I had nowhere to go and no one to spend Christmas with. I wasn’t living in my pack but a foreign pack for school, without families and friends. I could only imagine how Christmas would turn out in my hometown at Denver Pack.

I'm just here at Hollyville Pack for college, the cost of traveling back would be quite high for a college student like me but I wasn't even planning on going back. I would stay here till the new year, celebrating it all by myself.

I blinked my eyes, sighing as thoughts of a mate came through my mind. It would have been pretty much romantic with a mate by my side. Christmas will mark my end of being eighteen and yet I couldn't stumble upon a mate. Werewolves usually find their mates by eighteen, only rarely do they find above this year. Without a mate after eighteen, it would seem in the eyes of everyone she's cursed or not a virgin. Here in the world of the werewolves, these could be the possible two reasons.

“Goddess. This is sad!” I shook my head sadly.

Almost dropping to my bed, my phone buzzed.

Who's it?

I peered through it and it was my best friend, Cheryl. The only friend I had here in Hollyville. My face lit up with an expectant smile. She is the closest person I have here in Vermont. Without her, my stay here would be gloomier.

I tapped on the Accept button quickly.

“Hello bunnie,” I chuckled. I loved calling her bunnie when I'm not calling her real name, she loves rabbits so much, loves using their emojis.

“Yesssss,” she dragged, ending in a chuckle. “I have a request, can you spend this Christmas with my family and I?”

Goooo!

My wolf suddenly came up. I shrieked.

“Is this really a coincidence?” I questioned myself. I was just thinking about this and now it's happening. She's inviting me over to the countryside. First thought that came to mind.

Would I find a mate over there?

It seemed I was just unlucky in the city and changing location could bring a turn of luck.

“Yessss!” I didn't wait to reply, I couldn't hide my excitement as I jumped up, squealing and dancing.

“Wowww,” Cheryl's voice came up, stunned as I showed so much excitement. “It's three days until Christmas week. I'll be driving to pick you up the day after tomorrow. Get prepared.”

I giggled, nodding.

Christmas in the Province of Vermont, here in Hollyville, was acclaimed as the most beautiful adventure to experience. With the calm, serene atmosphere, blessed by perfect green fields and valleys extending to the borders of the pack, it stood out as unique. The streets barely had a car or people walking, it’s pretty much calm and reserved than the buzz of city life, the noise and loud music. Being an introvert, I much prefer this. Christmas in such a setting was sure to be memorable.

This was where Cheryl lived with her mom and dad, she's the only child. Being here before, I couldn’t decline making a visit again.

Without a delay, I packed all that I would need for the journey, got my travel ticket at the train station. When the train drops me off at the station in the countryside, Cheryl would be here to pick. I couldn’t let her drive all the way, about three hours to come pick me in the city after eventually traveling to the countryside.

When I arrived, just as I expected, she was there. She got my stuff into her boot and then we were off. Thirty minutes later, we arrived at her home, Cheryl packed the car at the garage and we stepped out. Snow had already covered the ground and the sun was already up shining brightly on the snow-covered ground and tree leaves.

Before us stood her parents, they were already there to welcome us with smiley faces.

“It's the start of a bright day,” I said to Cheryl.

“Uhmm–”

“Yes, it is.” She uttered with a bright smile, then came over grabbing my luggage and walking ahead of me to introduce me to her parents.

They were quite pleasant and welcomed me warmly. “Guess, you will add to this season's spark, homie?” Her dad said, laughing.

“Of course,” her mom affirmed. “We were only three, now we have you and one left to complete a five, our cherished number for this Christmas.”

“Really, one other will join us?” I got excited and curious which relative it would be.

“Yes, my uncle.” Cheryl replied.

“Wowww!”

“Wishing you don't fall for him when he arrives, he's arriving today.”

I narrowed my eyes, giving her a witty look. “I don't fall for older men,” I chuckled.

“You may be shocked, he’s a charming prince.” I laughed it off. She turned around, walking out of the room with a witty smile.

“Let's get us what to eat.” She said.

We later settled in the dining room having our breakfast when the doorbell rang. I elbowed Cheryl.

“It must be her uncle,” her mom volunteered, rising up to go answer but Cheryl stopped her.

“Mom, don't worry. I'll go.” Saying this, she sprang up immediately. I kept on eating, composed to meet this new relative of hers.

Cheryl opened the door. My heart instantly froze as I looked up to see the uncle she was talking about.

Seven feet, muscular, slim young man with a cute, charming face which looked masculine from the other angle. A rare beauty. Natural pink lips. Short spiky haircut that looked so perfect on him. His strong scent of hyacinth mixed with his deep cologne scent, together pulling a scent that turned me on. I clapped my legs tight feeling some sensation rocking my core.

He first scanned the room, upon hugging Cheryl with a greeting that showed his perfect set of white teeth. I was already imagining how kissing him would feel but more of what I needed to deal with was my emotions which were scaling at an alarming rate together with my wolf that was giggling inside of me.

His face turned and the first person his eyes landed up turned out to be me. I flared up.

What?

My fork fell off as my eyes came in contact with his sea-blue eyes. I jerked back, pulling in a deep breath. I caught Cheryl grinning from behind him while his lips spread a bit, his pupils dilated.

Did he just react to my nervousness?

“I told you!” Cheryl seemed to tell from the way she looked at me with an amused smirk.

I shook my head to make the tension go away but I was rescued by Cheryl's mom as she stood up to greet him. “Little bro, welcome back. You've been in the city all through the year.”

Woww, so he's her brother.

I thought he's gonna be her dad's brother or something.

Until Cheryl returned to sit beside me, I never noticed. My eyes kept on following this gorgeous man who looked like the prince charming from my favorite Japanese Anime series.

Beauty was an understatement for him.

From Cheryl's mom to dad, he exchanged pleasantries with them. Cheryl rose up, elbowing me as he walked towards us. I stumbled almost falling on his chest if not for the fact that he grabbed my arms to support me.

Goosebumps instantly popped up, my blood boiled.

Cheryl chuckled, pulling over her hands to suppress the laughter. She wasn't even helping matters. My cheeks reddened with embarrassment.

“Uncle, this is–”

“Donovan,” he said. “Be informal for once.” His smile captured me, his voice was really gentle and deep.

“This is my shy best friend,” she chuckled. I hit her, narrowing my eyes. Cheryl's uncle, Donovan, as he introduced himself as chuckled.

“Woww, nice meeting you.”

She pulled Cheryl and myself into a light hug that sent sparks flying inside of me.

“Let me go in to shower and pack into my room, I'll be back to join you guys.” His deep voice loomed, making me take a quick breath. It would surely be another battle when he comes out.

My mind suddenly shifted to imagining him in the bathroom naked. No! No!! No!!! Away with the dirty thoughts.

I couldn't afford misbehaving any further, my body was starting to shake as my wolf really got excited. Really glad I put on hoodies and joggers that really covered me, her parents would have surely noticed.

“Has he been here before? I heard him talking about his room like he knows it already.”

“Yes–” Cheryl took a sip of her drink.

“Maya baby,” she casually said. “The room opposite yours is his room. We have only two guest rooms here. In the future, we'll think of expanding.”

“What?” I gasped, cocking my head.

Cheryl's parents paused eating, giving a curious look.

I chuckled, quickly thinking of what to say to cover up the awkwardness. “I mean from the outside, this seems like a very big house. I didn't know there were only two rooms.” I forced my voice into sounding amused.

Donovan returned thirty minutes later in a sleeveless white jersey and a pair of black trousers with tiny droplets of water trailing down from his hair, down his body.

He must have been too eager to join us without drying his hair well.

When he sat to join us, my eating mode changed, I was picking up on my food. I did this, anytime I was nervous or distracted. Right now, I was fighting with both.

“Hurry up, Maya.” Cheryl pressured. Her plate likewise that of her parents was almost empty now, only Donovan who joined late.

What now?

“We are going outside on a trip around the countryside. You may join us later.” She said with sarcasm. “You slow eater.” Her catching fun of me has always been an enjoyable part of our friendship until today where I watched her leaving me behind with Donovan.

“He can bring you along when you're done,” Cheryl's mom said, patting my shoulders.

Goddess why? Don’t tell me they are doing this to me!

“Sorry,” Cheryl's dad cleared his throat. “We are supposed to meet with our friends who are back from Christmas in the next thirty minutes before the trip begins.”

“We don't have to disappoint–”

I cut him short. “Don't worry, I will come later.” This slipped off my mouth without thinking but deep within I was begging them not to leave me, just at the same time my wolf was screaming hard for them to leave.

“I will bring her along.”

MAYA

I got to replay his voice. His tone was protective, I glared at him again, his eyes were warm. I breathed in. He caught me. His lips twisted into a smile, caring, at the other end, serious like a big bro. His dual personality was killing me. My heart drummed as I continued eating, just to distract myself.

“Uhmm–”

They nodded and left.

Now I was alone with him and my pace even got slower. When I realized, he was already done with his meal.

I sprang up, carrying my plates.

“Where are you–”

“I'm not eating again,” I grunted.

“Why?” He looked at my plate and there was still much, then the food was really delicious, worse still, I was so hungry. I barely ate before arriving here and I'd planned to consume everything before he arrived, seizing my senses.

“You still have a lot in there to finish or should I help you finish it?” He leaned, giving an amusing sneer. I pulled back, shocked. Does he really mean this? A blush was forced out. I could not suppress it.

My eyes lingered on him and I sat back.

“Were you nervous?” He asked. I grinned nervously, looking to my side, then back to him.

“Maybe!” I snapped, only to regret it.

“Why?” He tilted his head, frowning at me.

I glared at him for a pretty long time, then said nothing. I chuckled nervously then began to pick on my food again.

His hand slid forth, dropping on my left shoulder. I jerked up, feeling uneasy. Donovan dropped it immediately with a tight smile. He was just getting caring but my body was overreacting to it, my wolf couldn’t contend with it.

“Because I'm a stranger–” he suggested. “Or because I'm attractive?” A light laughter rang through his lips and his face fell.

His light mode just popped up.

I paused eating, staring deeply at him.

“I'm a professor of Psychology at Vermont Research University.” He nodded his head thrice, this time with a serious face. “So I can see it.”

“But you have to see me as a big bro, something like that.” He urged and kept on eating. “You have to eat your food, lest I'll finish it for you.”

I chuckled.

The big bro mode was activated and he began relating with me like a bro and I was his sister but I wanted more than that, only if I would get the chance because my wolf is seriously beating.

Rather than just sitting here after we were done eating and resting for a while, I thought it would be nice knowing much more about him. Most importantly if he already had a mate.

My desire to start a conversation began with a shy smile.

I knew what he was going to say next.

“What's it?”

“I just wanted to know a little about you?”

“A little?” He sneered. “Come on, you can get to know as much as possible. I'm like a family being that you're Cheryl's bestie, already looking like a sister.” He rushed over his words.

I blushed.

“Where do you live, in the city?” My first question came through already sounding lame.

But he nodded.

“Woww.”

I pushed through the next question.

“So how's your family doing over there, I mean your parents and probably siblings? Why didn't you spend your Christmas with them or you love the countryside?”

I didn't let him respond when I added my story so as not to look so awkward. “As for me, I live abroad here alone for college. I live in the city alone,” I repeated. “But I love the countryside and Cheryl happened to invite me.”

“Woww, that's actually great.” He grinned. “My parents and siblings are in another state. I just love the countryside and wanted somewhere to cool off my mind.” He huffed at this point, feeling frustrated.

“But my daughter is with her mom in the city.”

“Urrghhh–” I gasped.

“Wait?”

“Are you surprised?” He chuckled. “Am I too young to have a wife and a child especially?”

I shook my head but my forehead twisted with a disappointed frown. I wasn’t expecting this. Could this be why he asked me to see him as a big bro? He knew I was feeling for him but he’s already taken?

Why didn’t my wolf detect this?

“Well, I'm just twenty-eight. I happen to be one of the few young geniuses in the world to attend the rank of a professor and I’m Alpha by rank.”

“Alpha of which—“ I was already asking.

“By rank!” He snapped with a witty smile, cutting me short. By rank, he was just born into an Alpha family, probably his dad or grandad was an Alpha and all males of the family are Alphas. It’s quite different from the traditional Alpha that rules a pack, the firstborn son.

“We should go on the walk,” Donovan said to me. Upon dropping both his plate and mine on the rack after washing them, I came out and we left together.

The walk paths were covered in snow, everywhere. He had put on a thick hoodie with boots just like me before leaving the house.

For a while, we walked quietly until the silence was almost getting awkward. I side-eyed him and caught him staring coldly on the path he walked on, his hands in his pocket.

I drew in a hard breath.

“Maya, you seem to be glaring at me with cold eyes?”

Donovan’s words got me flinching my face so quickly as he caught me, I was so embarrassed. So he has been staring at me with his side eyes without me noticing? My eyes stirred, I stumbled, tripping but suddenly I felt a strong hand drape over my waist. My lips stopped mid air.

My breath seized for that moment.

“Thank you.” I stammered.

“I know you might really find me attractive and have some fantasy going on in your mind, but please see me as a big bro.” He repeated, rather gently and I wondered what he really meant.

“Because you have a wife already,” I threw it up as bait, eagerly waiting for his response.

He said nothing. My pulse only went higher.

“What’s going on with him?” I asked my wolf as he left me suspended in thoughts.

While trekking through the snow, I realized Cheryl and her parents were engrossed chatting with the villagers. They were ahead of us but I couldn't just walk fast on the snow, they were used to countryside life but I wasn't.

Donovan grabbed my hand, taking me carefully through the snow.

It was really a pretty nice Christmas decoration here. The wolves from the woods walked freely on the snow, eyes glimmering like diamonds, furs immaculate white.

I shrieked in fear when they directed their attention towards us, I, in particular.

“I'm really afraid they could be rogues.” I cried out.

“No, they aren't. You're just a stranger to them. You've never been here in this pack before, right?”

“Yes,” I stammered. I looked beyond me and Cheryl and the eight others had disappeared. I was walking too slow, dragging Donovan along too slowly to be able to catch up with them. Now one of the wolves was coming directly towards my direction. Immediately, Donovan jacked me off my feet, carrying me. The wolf saw this and deviated back to its former track.

“What does it mean?” My curious mind got me to ask while I was secretly fantasizing the way his folded hands supported my ass. My pussy clenched.

“They are pack guards patrolling the area. I visit here occasionally, I'm well-known, so they now know you're with me and a good person, not a spy or criminal.”

“Uhmm–”

“Maybe I will carry you to the pack square. Right?” He suggested but I pretended not to hear. Like? He’s for real? He wants me to see him as a big bro, yet he was suggesting things like this. How would I cope?

I couldn’t deny it. With a quick pull, I was in his arms, shifting slowly with butterflies in my stomach as I fought hard to suppress the crazy feeling that was rocking my vein.

We soon arrived at pack square where the pre-Christmas party was gonna hold. Donovan released his hands over me, dropping me to the ground.

My face twisted into a slight frown. I wanted him to still carry me, I didn’t want that to come to an end.

Cheryl came to welcome us when we arrived. “Sorry I left you baby,” she caressed my face. “I knew my uncle would really take care of you and protect you.” She smiled rather mischievously. As her best friend, I could tell she meant more than that.

We watched the folk dances and songs being performed, then it was time for games. Cheryl was the cheerleader. She stood at the center of the square.

“While the pack elders are off for their own stuff, let's play a game.” She suggested. “For tonight, we're gonna play partner-in-crime.”

Fuck!

I looked lost as I didn't know what she meant while the rest of the youngsters here, girls and guys cheered.

Really hoping she would explain it.

“So this is how it goes for those new here, like my best friend.” Cheryl pointed to me. All eyes turned to me, my muscles stiffened, a bit nervous about getting everyone's attention all at once.

“We are gonna play a series of games. The guys have the upper hand at first. As a guy, you will choose a girl you would like to play the series of games we have for tonight together.”

I scanned around me and the girls were a bit more than the guys. Not everyone would be chosen, that's for sure and I saw myself already among those that would be left behind.

“No one will choose me,” I whispered to myself.

I looked back, Donovan stood from a distance watching, not being our age mate, he didn’t join. I couldn’t even think of him pairing with me for the game, he had already asked me to see him as a big bro.

I raised my hand quickly. “What happens to those girls who are left behind?”

“They will have to stay alone for the rest of the night, alienated from groups as their punishment.”

That would be horrible!

My face fell. “It's already so heartbreaking. I guess I'll be one of those,” I murmured quietly.

“Why did you bother asking when I'm here for you?” A deep, masculine voice echoed over my side. Donovan. I stumbled to the side. Surprised.

“When did you come here?” I muttered. “I thought you were with the elders.” Shock grimaced over my face.

I watch his face fall into a radiant smile. “I came for you, as a big bro, right?” He teased my cheeks. Others cheered.

Oh goddess.

My cheeks turned deep red. It felt like a dream. “Stop calling big bro!” I protested within me, the more he did, the more I even longed for him. Our forbidden relationship would even make more sense but it was a mystery, telling if he meant this.

He seemed to be hiding a lot as a psychologist. Maybe I needed to do more to make him speak up.

MAYA

Even when I returned to the house, I couldn't stop thinking about Donovan despite his indirect rejection. I was eager to know why he wanted me to see him only as a big bro but kept pulling my romantic strings. The crazy, steamy moments which made me think he has feelings for me and the cold, serious ones which got him looking like my over-protective big bro.

It was so surprising that he didn't let any guy come close to me. This meant a lot, like he wanted me but then he couldn’t have me. Let alone this, he didn’t want to talk about his wife, which could mean he had issues with her.

I remembered asking him, “Why? But you want me to see you as my big bro.”

“A big bro is meant to protect her sister,” he growled. He didn't want to admit it even when his pupils dilated looking at me. I shrugged helplessly.

Now I was in bed, naked under my blanket touching myself. My sex toys were one of those things I brought in my luggage. I had no mate but that didn't stop the urges from coming. It was crazier now as I kept thinking of Donovan. With his charms, no girl would evade thinking about him at such a moment of want like this.

I bit my lower lips to restrict myself from screaming but who am I trying to deceive pleasure?

Oh, yeah!.

With my grip tight on its handle, I made the dildo vibrate as I explored myself. I could say I was selfish but I had never been satisfied. I really wanted a cock in my pussy. I wanted to feel how it goes. I'd never have the experience.

Slowly, I caressed my clit with the sex toy.

Dammmmmn.

I have always wanted this, from a capable person, from someone I felt something for who had similar feelings for me.

I spread my legs wide open as I licked the four long fingers of my left palm and rubbed them on the opening of my body. At this point, it’s not really necessary as I am already wet but I just want it to be super slimy.

A faint gasp escaped my throat as I slowly moved the toy in and out of me, moaning slowly with my back jerked up and face pointing towards the ceiling.

I liked the size, I liked how hard it was

The issue is, I wasn’t concentrating.

Donovan, my bestie’s uncle kept recurring in my mind and I felt like screaming his name out of my lungs.

He looks fucking hot.

“But it's forbidden. Even if Cheryl would accept it, her parents won't be happy if they hear of it. They would be disappointed in both of you.” Some voice came in between my thoughts. It was the major challenge between us now but if my wolf was really crying out for him, who cares what Cheryl and her parents would say?

“Their disappointment won't change the fact that I'm craving for Donovan inside of me.” I snapped back at the voice. He's so super attractive.

Then I resumed my pleasure.

“Yes. Donovan!” I groaned sweetly.

Thinking about him alone made my body shake.

With my eyes closed, I imagined Donovan’s face. His blue eyes staring back at me as he moves his long fingers in and out of me.

I squeezed my toes as I lifted my waist to meet each of his finger thrusts. Right now what I need is him.

Yes! Him in person.

I can take him, all of him.

I want him to choke me, spank me hard, and do all sorts of naughty things to me while I gaze at those possessive seemingly cold eyes of his. I wanted him to touch me in a forbidden way, to thrust, thrust, and thrust until I went senseless. To want me badly, the same way I wanted him.

A jolt of pleasure explored the body as I raised my hips and moaned loudly.

It’s coming.

“Fuuuuck, Donovan.” I cried as I bit my lower lips hard.

My whole body vibrated and I couldn’t hold it any longer. That sensation, burning inside of me, eating me up, yes…

Increasing the vibration speed of the dildo, I wiggle my left index on my clit for a while before squeezing my hard nipples.

No, Donovan did it.

My dream man squeezed my nipples as he moved out his fingers to replace them with what I have been waiting for. For what I have been hoping to get and I know I will never get it.

A satisfying loud moan escaped my throat as I held the hem of the duvet tight and thrust my pussy faster. I thrust as fast as I could and I could feel it.

I am about to cum–

“Maya?”

I didn’t hear the door open but the next thing I noticed was someone walking in. My chest nearly bursted. Before me was Donovan, standing in only a pair of tight black shorts, abs perfectly set, face, charming and sweet with a touch of worry.

“I heard you scream my name, I thought you were having a nightmare?” His voice was laced with deep concern. My breathing became hard. My lips parted as I thought of what to answer him but when I realized what I’d been doing, more shame caught up with me. I was looking for where to hide my face.

Even with a bed sheet covering my naked body, it felt as though I was naked before him with his piercing eyes glaring at me.

“What?” I shuddered, acting as though it wasn't me who called his name.

“I heard you call my name.” He repeated. “Hope nothing is wrong?” His eyes seemed really suspicious.

I was left speechless with hormones rallying up and down as his firm eyes cascaded over me, from my head to my toe. His scorching gaze penetrated deep below the bed sheet, making it seem as though I was bare before him with nothing to cover my naked body.

Even my silence made me look suspicious. The air in the room thickened.

His eyes roamed around the room as if he was expecting or looking for something else.

“Are you looking for something?” I growled, “I guess it must have been a dream you heard me calling you.” I murmured, forcing a serious face.

I wasn't gonna sell myself so cheap. Even though I wanted him badly, he ought to take the steps. I've already given him a green light to approach me. Him, coming said a volume but if he wasn’t gonna pick it up from there, then I would say nothing.

Donovan rolled his eyes, looked at my door, and walked out without saying a word. My eyes flickered with disappointment. I thought of calling him back, telling him that I wanted him but somehow, my lips couldn’t pull out the words.

Hold your peace!

Don't!

My other voice growled.

I thought now that since Donovan had seen me doing such a naughty thing, he would ignore me. My heart was filled with shock the next day where he invited me into his room.

Naughty thoughts filled my mind but I composed upon going in. He sat on the bed, my eyes met with his. They looked pale and his hands were clenched before him.

“What's wrong?” I asked, rushing to him.

He sighed. “My friend told me that he caught my wife going to a hotel with a man, supposed to be her long-time secret lover.” He paused, his face serious and cold at the same time.

My wolf instinct got me sitting beside him and draping my hand over his shoulder as I sought to console him.

“What's it?” My heart thumped at the same time, this wife of his with Cheryl's parents were my main obstacles of him getting to me, I guess.

He turned swiftly, facing me. I jerked back, my hand snapping off his shoulder with the stiff face I saw.

“Will you go with me to the hotel? I'll make sure she sees me.”

“Huh?”

In my chest, the tension tripled. Did he trust me this much? I wanted to tell him, “Remember, I’m your lil sis,” but I couldn’t.

“Where will I tell Cheryl and her parents we are going?” I asked myself, not wanting to lie in case the secret later spilled out, it would be quite complicated for me to bear. This haunted me. I wished I was just a normal friend to Cheryl and they didn’t see me as a family, then I could be more free with Donovan. This was a battle I had to overcome, now I realize perhaps this is why Donovan asked me to see him as a big bro. He wants to avoid scandal.

It became obvious, we are both facing the same challenge even when our wolves match and want each other so badly.

Fear cruised my heart.

“We are going to visit Vikky too.”

“Who's Vikky?” I asked.

“My daughter,” he snapped.

“Oooh. Where's Vikky right now?” My attention shifted from going with him.

“Probably at home alone.”

“That's really sad, let's visit her first.” I suggested. My interest for once was shifted to his daughter, I imagined how petite and beautiful she would look. My mind was just too curious about anyone related to him.

“Okay,” he agreed and we quickly dressed. He told Cheryl and her parents the same thing he earlier told me that he would be telling them.

The drive to his rented apartment in the city was thirty minutes. When we arrived, the front door wasn't locked but the environs were lonely, only a few neighbors some distance away. The white bungalow stood alone in the middle of the green grass.

“Vikky?” Donovan called out from the stairs.

“Daddy!” The excited voice of a little girl came up. I watched as a little blonde girl rushed out, running to meet her dad. Tears formed in my eyes, I quickly raised my hand to wipe it but Donovan was too quick to notice. How could such a little girl be home alone?

It was sad seeing such a three to four year old girl abandoned by the mom. She abandoned a man I was so much dreaming for.

Wait? Why did she even leave him?

I thought to ask.

“Donovan,” I leaned towards his ear. “Why did she leave you?”

“I'm a college professor, working 8-3 PM and sometimes spending off school hours researching, I can't give her all the attention she needs.”

“What's that?” I sneered. “Really clingy!” I murmured, nearly inaudible.

I smiled as my eyes clashed with the little girl, I shook her hands from behind. It's thrilling how she smiled back at me.

“She really likes you,” Donovan claimed.

“How?”

“Ever since her mom parted with me to be a single mother, she has never smiled with anyone, not even me when I come there to visit.”

“Hmm.” I lowered my face, trying to hide the blush as my mind suddenly came up with a thought too deep to be brought up now.

“Dad, who's she? Your new wife?”