I hated big parties—especially Christmas parties. I’ve never been a fan of celebrating this particular holiday. It was only a reminder of the family I dreamt about while growing up. I had a shitty life before I met Devon. It was probably why we became friends. I dreamt of having a family like his, and he just wanted to get away from the family he had. He had siblings and two loving parents. He had an education and friends. He was something and I, I was nothing. A runt, but I had learned later on that not everything you see was true. His family put up a front for everyone to see, but behind closed doors. . .
I sighed and forced a smile onto my lips. Smile and wave. Be happy and don’t let your feelings show. I glanced around, searching for Val. She would make a perfect Alpha female to our people. The announcement hasn’t been made yet. I glanced down at my watch. It’ll be made at midnight which was about twenty minutes away. I needed to find her before then.
“Hello, Alpha.”
I paused and turned to face whoever had greeted me. My eyes darted down to the little girl hovering in front of me. My eyes took in her tear-stained cheeks. Swallowing, I crouched down so I was somewhat the same height as her. My smile was a little forced but I hoped she couldn’t see it.
“Hello, darling. What’s your name?”
Her bottom lip started to quiver. “A-Abby.”
“Well Abby, what can I do for you?” I asked softly.
She took a small step closer and then hesitated. Uncertainty flashed through her eyes. “I can’t,” she paused. “I can’t find my mommy.”
Oh boy. “Where did you last see her?”
“W-we were playing at the ball game. The one where you have to try to throw the ball into the hole.” I nodded for her to continue. “Mommy said that she’ll be next to it. I looked but she’s not there.”
I straightened and held out my hand for her. “Let’s see if we can find your mommy.”
She slipped her small hand into mine and allowed me to pull her closer to my side. I guided her through the crowd towards the games that were set up for the kids. It was almost deserted, and only a few pack members still lingered. I bent slightly toward her.
“Do you see your mommy?”
Her big blue eyes darted around. She shook her head and glanced back up at me. I winced when her eyes started to fill with tears. Any second now she was going to burst into tears. Had I mentioned that I wasn’t any good with comforting children?
“What does your mommy look like?”
I listened intently as she described her mother. Giving her a nod, I straightened and turned towards one of my enforcers hovering close by. He instantly stepped forward.
“Search for Abby’s mother,” I ordered softly. “Bring her to the stage if you find her.” I gave him the description the little girl gave me before dismissing him.
Abby was staring up at me. It was the most natural thing to do to bent down and pick her up. She wrapped her thin arms around my neck and snuggled closer. I hesitated before wrapping my coat around her to warm her up. Pack members stopped to stare at us as we passed them. I supposed they found it strange to see me carrying a child.
My eyes were instantly drawn to Val when we entered the square where the big Christmas tree was set up. She was staring up at it with what looked like awe and some other emotion that was hard to make out so far away. I moved closer and paused next to her. She turned her head and gave me a smile that made my knees weaken.
“Do you like it?” I asked her.
“Yes. It’s beautiful.”
Yes, you are. My smile widened. She glanced back up at the tree before turning to face me. Her eyes dropped to Abby when she pushed up to get a better look at Val. She gave the girl a small smile and stepped closer.
“Hi,” Val said softly. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”
“A-Abby.”
“Hello, Abby, my name is Valeria. Has something happened?”
“We can’t find my mommy.”
Val’s eyes snapped up to mine. “I have men out there looking for her parents,” I quickly reassured her.
She nodded before turning her attention back to Abby. Slowly the little girl’s body began to relax against mine as Val continued to ask her questions. She started a game that made Abby giggle every few seconds. By the time the clock struck midnight, they were best friends. It was time to make the announcement. Like Val had suggested, we told the elders first. They weren’t the least bit happy about it, but no one said anything. I suddenly felt nervous. This was a whole new nervousness. I didn’t feel it when we showed Val the playroom.
Of course, our trip to the playroom was cut short because Devon got a call from another pack who wanted to send some members over for training. The offer was declined but we talked about allowing that once everything was settled in the pack. The last thing we needed right now was more trouble than what we already had.
“Val and I need to go up on stage to make an announcement,” I said softly to Abby. “I’m going to hand you over to the caretaker, okay?”
She nodded, but it was clear to see that she wasn’t very happy with my decision. I handed her over and then reached for Val’s hand and started leading her towards the stage that was set up a few feet away from the tree.
“Are you having fun?”
“Yes,” she exclaimed, smiling up at me. “It’s so much different than my old pack. They don’t run the other way when I approach them. They actually talk to me!”
“Devon told you that we aren’t like other packs.”
“Yeah he did, I just wasn’t sure if he meant it.”
I stopped next to the stage and glanced up at Devon who was already on it, trying to get the crowd’s attention. He raised his hand and made everyone fell silent. A glance in our direction assured me that he was waiting for us to join him. I squeezed her hand as I glanced down at her.
“Are you ready?” I asked.
She sucked in a deep breath and slowly blew it out. Our eyes locked for a few seconds before she turned to focus her attention on Devon. She squared her shoulders, raised her chin, and then gave me a firm nod. I smiled. Our strong girl. I kept a tight hold on her hand as we climbed the steps and walked across the stage. We stopped next to Devon and turned to face our pack. Curiosity flashed across some faces. Some frowned and others looked downright displeased.
Devon cleared his throat. “I hope all of you are having fun?” They cheered. “This year has been rough. There were a lot of changes made, and a whole lot of other things I won’t discuss in detail. Since this party was such a success, I now pronounce it an official tradition.”
I rolled my eyes but smiled. Everyone already knew that the party was a new tradition. It was planned that way from the start. Christmas day would only be for family members. This was a way for all of us to celebrate together as a pack.
“I have an announcement to make.” The pack fell silent again. “David and I would like to introduce you to Valeria, our mate and your future Alpha Female.”
It was deadly silent. Val shifted from foot to foot but kept the smile on her face. We waited. Nobody said anything. I swallowed and glanced at Devon. Our eyes locked for a few seconds.
The wind changed direction. A sound suddenly reached my ears, and a second later the smell of humans filled my nostrils. It took all but five seconds to realize what was happening, but by then it was already too late. All hell broke loose. There was a sudden silence and then a grunt as an arrow made contact.
I gripped Val around her waist and pulled her against my chest as I spun around. I didn’t look back to make sure that Devon was alright. She was my priority. Gunshots echoed around the forest followed by screams. Everybody was scrambling to get to safety. I spotted a few men shifting forms to protect their families.
My hold on Val tightened. I ran to a group of women who were grabbing the children. Placing Val on her feet, I grabbed the nearest woman’s arm to get her attention. “Take Valeria with you. Protect her with your life.”
I turned towards Val and gripped her cheeks to force her eyes up to mine. “Go with them and stay with them, Val. Do you understand me?”
She nodded but tears filled her eyes. The urge to stay with her was strong. I wanted to take her and flee towards safety, but my pack needed me. I needed to help Devon. I leaned down and pressed my lips against hers. Forcing myself to step back, I gave her cheek one last stroke before I spun around. Clothes tore as I allowed the shift to take over. I had to fight to protect my pack and Val.