42 Festive Fun...
For a few seconds, I stared up at the sky to calm my emotions and hold back the tears welling up. I felt a certain relief and, at the same time, anxiety, because I knew how persistent wolves could be when it came to their mate. And my sister was still so young and naive!
It seemed that this year, my New Year’s wish would be for that couple to hold out without sex at least until Tanya turned seventeen. Otherwise, I’d deal with this Zavir with my own hands!
With just a couple of minutes left before the New Year, the crowd began actively pouring their festive drinks, preparing to welcome the first day of the new year.
I admit, I had never celebrated this holiday in a public place with so many people before. It was quite atmospheric and somehow interesting. You just can’t experience such collective emotions at home.
The countdown began, and everyone together chanted the numbers, lighting sparklers and other garlands. When the clock struck twelve, the park seemed to explode with joyful cheers, fireworks, and congratulations.
Music played, people laughed, had fun, danced, and freely exchanged wishes for the new year. Some kissed, some hugged, and some simply enjoyed themselves in the whirlpool of shared celebration.
We were having a great time too. Even Zavir no longer seemed like a world villain to me — I think we’ll get along in the future. Where else could I go?
“Hey, you know there’s an ice rink nearby!” Lakisha suddenly remembered. “Want to go skating? I wouldn’t mind. Alerko? Alina, Tanya?” — she looked at us mischievously.
The Alerkos declined; I was in a dress and wasn’t really eager today either. But Tanya’s eyes lit up at the word “ice rink,” and she looked at me with puppy-dog eyes.
“Alin, can I go with them?” — she bit her lip and made a pitiful face, the little troublemaker. She knows I can hardly say no to her.
“We’ll keep an eye on her,” Zavir smiled, beaming with satisfaction. “I promise I’ll bring her back safe and sound.”
“Watch yourself,” I warned the guy threateningly and added quietly, knowing full well the werewolf would hear me. “If you get too free with me, I won’t care that you’re the beta of the pack. I’ll tear your balls off, twist your tail, and hang them on this Christmas tree like ornaments.”
The wolf looked at me understandingly and nodded firmly, following behind me and my sister, who had surprisingly hit it off well over the last hour.
The oracles were talking with someone, people had split into a few cheerful groups, everyone felt cozy and comfortable in the festive atmosphere, and I decided to step closer to the beautiful Christmas tree, admiring the expensive decorations and themed installations nearby.
“Happy New Year,” I heard a shaky, husky voice near my ear.
My breathing instantly caught, and my heart started sprinting when I felt the alpha’s close presence.
Turning around, I saw the man standing in a stylish open coat, black shirt, and dark trousers, his hands casually in his pockets.
Surprisingly, I noticed no arrogance in his gaze or voice. He looked quite friendly and interested, with a slight smile that completely threw me off. I had never seen him smile before.
Maybe he had a drink? After all, it was a celebration.
“Happy New Year,” I barely managed to say in response, clearing my throat.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, looking deep into my eyes, making it hard for me to breathe.
“Lena and Artyom invited me to the celebration.”
I saw the leader tense up at the mention of that couple. His smile immediately faded, replaced by the anger I knew so well.
“And why are you here alone? Where is your man?” the leader asked with a slight growl, not even looking at me.
“Oh, about that...”
“Happy New Year, Wayland!”—the very same family couple, the Alerkos, suddenly appeared near us, not letting me finish.
“Oh, you must kiss!” Lena blurted out happily, with a noticeable sparkle in her eyes, which took us by surprise. “You’re standing under the mistletoe!”
We slowly look up and see a bunch of decorated mistletoe right above us. Looking closer, I notice there are quite a few mistletoe decorations all around.
“Lena!” the alpha growls at the brunette. “That’s all nonsense and human superstition.”
“Well, I’m human, and so is Alina. Plus, I’m an oracle and I know what I’m talking about! You have to kiss her now! That’s the rule!” the brunette shrugs, standing her ground. "This kiss is a promise of happiness and the beginning of eternal love for Alina’s future.
If you don’t kiss her, you’ll doom the girl to a life without marriage—
and that wouldn’t be fair to her. She’s still so young and beautiful,” Lena starts to get fired up with anger. “Alina deserves to have a real man in her life who will love her just as she is. Don’t you want that for her? That this man will appear in her life? His lips will kiss her tender skin, his strong hands will gently caress and touch her delicate girlish body. And then, this man will fully claim her and make love to her passionately…”
I only caught a glimpse of Lena and Artyom’s satisfied expressions because she didn’t get to finish. Suddenly, the alpha’s lips crashed down on mine with a guttural growl and an unbearable storm, delivering a greedy and demanding kiss, not even leaving the slightest chance to breathe.