LISA

"Dad, you can't stop her from going."

"Bruno is outside, and you know what that means, princess." Her father turned over to me. "She has been your best friend since when again, and you actually think she would not have hurt you all this time?"

"My daughter is hurting already. Don't make this harder for her. Get a grip on yourself and learn that life is not always black and white."

He left, leaving both of us standing there. I had to look at Emily. He was right.

If she wanted to harm me, she would have done that a long time ago.

"Let's go to your room. You owe me lots of explanations."

******

I woke up when I felt the morning rays hit my eyes. Emily dragged the curtain wide open.

I slept off last night listening to Emily's story about her world. All that it entails.

It felt surreal, but somehow I found it intriguing now. The whole discovery.

"Happy Boxing Day, best friend." Emily dropped two wrapped boxes on the bed.

"Awwww. You got me gifts. Now I feel bad for not getting you any."

"No, it's fine. I know how these few days have been for you," she said, but something else caught my attention: the sadness in her eyes.

Emily is like an open book that I can easily read through. "What happened this time?"

"Ark.. He is sick."

Oh, Ark.. Her fiancé. Or should I say mate? Now it makes sense why I have only seen his pictures all this time. I just learned yesterday that he is an Alpha of another pack.

After this whole chaos, I should probably write a book. Maybe leave my job as a fashion designer and become a full-time writer.

"You should go see him. Don't worry about me. I will be fine."

"Are you sure? Today is meant to be your..." she paused, scared to complete the sentence.

"Wedding. I will not cry because of Josh. Yes, I feel sad and heartbroken, but trust me, I am good. I am peckish now, let's find something and eat."

Breakfast was served. There was so much to eat that I thought they were expecting extra guests.

Why do I feel like Emily's dad is staring at me? I don't even know his name.

He just sat opposite me at the dining table as we ate in silence.

"Dad, I will be going to see Ark today. Can you please take Lisa somewhere fun? I really want her to have a fun-filled day. Please?"

I let out a scoff, hoping it was not audible. I expected him to say no immediately. "Okay, if that is what you want," he said.

Okay... that was fast. "Thank you, Dad."

Time flew fast, and here I was sitting quietly in his car while he drove.

I was having so many emotions at the same time. I mean, this man literally saw me naked and did things to me.

I cleared my throat to get his attention. "So, what's your name and where are we going?"

"Zayne, and we are going somewhere that feels like Christmas."

Was he counting his words, or does he hate talking? At least I know his name now. Finally, the car stopped at a park.

With Christmas trees and lights all over the place. So many fun activities are going on. It was snowing.

I came down and started jumping, and the loud Christmas music made it more fun. "Merry Christmas!" I screamed.

Did he just smile? Zayne was watching me play around.

I dragged him into the circle and made him jump with me. This felt so good.

"Here, have this jacket. It is very cold." He removed his jacket and gave it to me, but I was finding it difficult to put it on because of the gloves on my hands.

"I will help you with that." When his hands touched my neck, I felt an impulse.

What is wrong with me? "Thank you, Zayne."

"Do you mind if I take a photo of you two? Don't worry, it is free." A man with a camera smiled at us, waving his camera.

Before I could say anything, Zayne drew me closer to him and asked me to pose for the camera, which I did, followed by the lens clicking.

"You both look so beautiful. Perfect couple. Merry Christmas," the man said, handing the hard copy to Zayne.

Couple? That sounded so awkward. "You want to take a look?"

"Huh? Y... yeah, let me see."

Zayne gave me the picture, and damn. The man was right. Picture perfect. I must confess he has one of the cutest smiles.

Does he also think I am pretty, or find me attractive? No, Lisa, don't do that.

"You should smile more, you know. It makes you look prettier," he said.

Oh goodness. I have never fallen so hard for a compliment. "Thank you."

Zayne took me to another beautiful sight. Walking with him side by side felt dreamy.

He got me new clothes, mostly jackets, boots, and I picked up this short black gown. I have a thing for black.

It is safe to say I was having the best time of my life. Who would have thought my Christmas would be spent far away from family?

The ride home was not awkward this time. He played music, good Christmas songs that I jammed to, and we were finally back home.

"Thank you for today. I know none of this matters to you, but you still tagged along."

"Someone will bring your shopping bags to you. Goodnight."

Oops. We were back to being hostile. Just a while ago, he was acting sweet, and now... distant.

I came down from the car and went inside the house, straight to my room, and collapsed on the bed.

Today was meant to be my wedding. I could not help but think about how things were back home.

I saw a small laptop on the table and picked it up. Thank goodness it had internet. Maybe I could find a few news posts on blogs. Josh is a popular business tycoon, and I bet many blogs are interested in his wedding.

I typed his name, and a recent video he uploaded hours ago popped up.

I clicked the video and started watching. No way. He has got to be kidding me.

LISA

I replayed the video again and listened to Josh talk: "Hey guys, I never thought a day would come when I would have to do this, but yes, I have to do this."

"My wedding was supposed to be today, but before today, I found out my fiancée, Lisa, has been diagnosed with some mental problem. I don't want to go into details."

"But I didn't mind. I love her a whole lot, and she was responding to treatment. She sometimes exhibits disturbing traits, but I had it under control until Christmas Eve."

"Lisa came around to unwrap the gifts I got for her. It's something I have been doing for the past two years. Out of the blue, she started saying incoherent things and ran off."

"I wanted to give her space, thinking she would come back as always, but alas, my baby never showed up. Not for her surprise bridal shower or our wedding, and I am so worried." The idiot was faking the tears.

"We are currently looking for her. If found anywhere, please kindly call the number on the screen."

"Damn you, Josh. Freaking damn you!" I saw the love emojis and hugs people were sending to him in the comments.

I knew what he was trying to do. To silence what I saw and make it look like I am mentally unstable.

My teeth were vibrating. I had never been this livid. "Oh, I hate you, Josh, and you will pay with your life."

*******

ZAYNE

I was still staring at the pictures. My cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling.

I had never felt this alive like I did today. Watching her play with the snow, dance, jump, and giggle. But that subconscious mind kept reminding me how wrong all of this is.

I heard a knock, and the door opened almost immediately, and Lisa stormed in angrily. I had to hide the photo in my hand.

"I want to use your power to kill that bloody idiot. I want him to ask for help, and none will come."

She was breathing hard and talking too much, but I could tell she was furious.

"Okay, who is this person?" I asked her.

"My fiancé, no, ex-fiancé. I caught him on the bed, pants down, with his step mum on Christmas Eve. That wasn't all. The fool made a video telling everyone that I ran away because I am mad."

She started laughing, but I could tell she was hurting. "Our wedding was freaking supposed to be today."

Shit!  Now I feel bad for sleeping with her. She was nursing a heartbreak.

"Tell me, how do you want him dead? His heart ripped out with his kidney dangling outside, or a painful and slow death?"

"Huh?"

Her eyes almost popped out, which made me smirk. "My daughter said I make the best cupcakes. Maybe you could be the judge. Stay here, I'll quickly bake some for you."

Surprisingly, she went and sat on my bed. I went straight to the kitchen and made some cupcakes I knew she would like.

I headed back to my room with some of it, and there she was, gulping down a bottle of strong liquor.

"Give me that, Lisa. You shouldn't be drinking. This is very strong for you."

Lisa was already palpitating. She touched my face and giggled. "You are so handsome. The best part... You taste so good."

"The sex was amazing that I craved more. Tell me, do you think I am pretty? You know, we could do some crazy things in here right now. See..." She staggered and bent down.

Fuck. My body was responding to her touch. I knew I needed to leave the room right away.

"Put it in already!" she almost screamed.

That was it. I dropped the cupcake and left the room. A bottle of water would help.

My phone started ringing, a call from Scar. "Yes... Okay, I will be right there."

******

"You can't keep on treating me like a prisoner!"

Scar finally found him, Bruno, my twin brother, though we are not identical. He was brought back to the pack, this time with stronger and tighter security.

"You can't keep on killing humans. It has been a whole four years, Bruno. When will you get a hold of yourself and realise this wasn't their fault?"

"It is their fault!" he snapped. "It's convenient for you to say because you didn't lose a child."

"I lost my child. My daughter! I warned her to stay far away from that human boy, but she was stupidly and foolishly in love, just like how my mate fell in love with a bloody human and left me."

This was beginning to sound like a broken record. Every Christmas, Bruno wanted to vent his anger on humans. I just let him talk.

"My enemy got hold of her on that stupid Christmas day because she was with that weak human boyfriend. They killed my baby. Those same humans took her mother away from me. Humans shouldn't exist."

There was no point in arguing with him. Scar came inside. "Alpha, your mum wants to speak with you."

"Okay, I will be with her shortly." Then back to Bruno. "Don't act funny. You know how much I hate repeating myself. You will be fine."

I left to go see my mum in the same space but in another building. She was sitting on the terrace, looking at nothing in particular.

"Your brother's anger is valid. I just don't know why you have a soft spot for those selfish beings. I hope my granddaughter doesn't get infected with their likes."

"Good evening to you too, Mum."

She let out a soft smile. "Twenty years since you lost Elena during childbirth. Haven't you mourned her enough? When will you feel that bond with another? This pack needs a powerful Luna, son."

If only she knew how my wolf has been acting up around human Lisa.

"I'll sleep here tonight. I'll leave tomorrow morning. I need to make sure your son won't make a silly move."

In reality, I didn't want to go back to drunk Lisa. I might end up repeating the same mistake.

*****

It was morning, and I went back to my house. Lisa was lying on my bed.

Her dress barely covers her. I could see her cleavage. I swallowed hard. I was already having a boner.

Her skin was spotless. Everything about her was perfect.

"Dad, what is going on here?"

LISA

I held my head, thinking it would fall apart any moment. My whole body ached.

Slowly, their faces became clear. Emily and her dad, Zayne, were standing there. I couldn't stop wondering why they were both staring at me.

"She had a lot to drink last night. She slept in my room, thinking it was hers. I'm just coming back from Grandma's," he said.

Just then, I remembered what had happened last night, and I wished the ground would open and swallow me. I had never felt this embarrassed.

"Sorry about that, Dad. She has a lot going on in her mind. I'll take her with me."

When Emily stretched her hand for me to get up, all I wanted to do was run away. Zayne's aura was intimidating enough to make me quiver.

I knew I was walking on eggshells when I stepped into her room instead of dragging pillows with Emily. What exactly did I do last night?

The last time I got tipsy, I ended up in bed with him. I took another step just to check if I felt any pain between my legs. Thankfully, nothing.

"Alcohol doesn't sit well with you. I'm even surprised Dad allowed you in his room. He hates letting anyone but me on his bed or in his room. Not even Mellissa. He's strict with his rules."

Yeah, right... she probably needs to know more about him. Mellissa? The name rang a bell.

"Who is she? I mean, Mellissa?"

"Oh, Dad's supposed girlfriend who won't stop trying her luck with him. Trust me, he doesn't want anything to do with her or any other woman, but Grandma thinks otherwise. She loves her and wants her for Dad... so yeah, she might be the lucky Luna."

I couldn't explain why that felt like a betrayal. Stupid of me. Emily's face wasn't bright. She kept blinking at nothing.

"What's wrong, Emily?"

"Ark and two of his brothers are coming for the mate initiation tomorrow. Once the bond is sealed, there's no going back. The mating and bonding ceremony follows next."

I honestly thought she'd be over the moon. She spends half her time on the phone talking to him.

Oh... she was having cold feet. Mum said it's normal for brides-to-be. I had mine too, only that mine was a jerk.

I sat beside her, hugged her, and caressed her hair.

"It will be fine, my love. You'll make the most beautiful bride. You know I'll sew you the most stunning outfit. Let me go make you a sandwich."

Emily always bragged about my sandwiches. Finding the kitchen wasn't hard.

The chef on duty wanted to take my order, but I politely declined and asked for privacy. I wanted to do this myself. I began taking out the ingredients.

The cutter was on the top shelf, so I climbed the small kitchen ladder to get it. Somehow I missed a step.

My eyes shut tight as I prayed the landing wouldn't be painful. But I wasn't on the floor.

Even with my eyes closed, I knew that scent. My body reacted again, my hair stood on end, nerves tightening.

"Do you always have a death sentence?" Zayne said.

He set me down. I opened my mouth to speak, but the words tangled, as I stuttered.

I watched him pick something up and leave the kitchen, and I swallowed hard, wiping the sweat from my cheekbone.

"Calm down, Lisa..."

******

It was D-Day. I could feel it would be a big feast, judging by the table arrangements and the amount of food displayed.

Emily still hadn't shaken off her nerves, but I knew she'd be fine.

I dressed in the simple black gown I bought when I went out with Zayne. The thought alone sent butterflies to my stomach. Funny how this Christmas became the most memorable one of my life.

I stepped out of my room, eager to meet the guests and cheer Emily up. I was excited to finally see Ark, until I bumped into someone.

But it wasn't Zayne this time. A grumpy-looking woman glared at me like I had dirt on my face.

She strangely sniffed the air. "Why can't I sense who you are? Tell me, are you from this pack?"

"No, ma. I'm Emily's best friend. I'm here for the Christmas holiday." That came out too fast.

Damn. I meant to blend in. Would she know I'm human since they don't celebrate Christmas?

The woman stepped closer with a mean expression. I felt my blood drain.

"A human? The nerve of you to..."

"Grandma!" Emily's voice came at the perfect time.

"She is my friend and our guest. You won't misbehave around her, right? You know Dad will be pissed."

The woman gave me one more glare before walking off.

Was that Zayne's mother?

"I'm sorry, Lisa. Grandma can be a hard nut to crack. Come on, the guests are here."

I followed her, though part of me was still scared. Downstairs felt alive.

Zayne was laughing at something, and honestly... I wished he'd do that more often.

"That is Ark, the one in the white suit. He loves white. The one beside him is Ink... his brother."

Finally, she smiled. I had to pinch her to stop her from drooling.

Soon we were all seated around a big round dining table while the maids served food. I was lost in their world.

From what I gathered, the ceremony would commence tomorrow.

"Thanks for the food. My brother and I want to rest. Tomorrow will be a big day," Ark said.

It seemed all werewolves were born beautiful, because the two brothers are also cute.

Emily excused herself and took them upstairs, leaving me in awkward silence.

When I couldn't take her grandmother's stare anymore, I excused myself and went to Emily's room.

Now I wished I had gone to mine instead, because what I saw left my mouth hanging open.