41 Festive Fun
The few days leading up to New Year’s flew by in a whirlwind of holiday fuss.
I went to clean the Alpha’s house two more times, and he wasn’t there. Judging by everything, he hadn’t been home at all during those days — which, on one hand, I was glad about… but on the other hand, I couldn’t help but feel a tiny sting of disappointment at finding the house so empty.
Women — go figure. I couldn’t even understand myself.
Maybe it was because Wayland hadn’t left my dreams for even a single night?
Today is the thirty-first, and we’re on our way to the Alerko family’s home. Tanya was thrilled that we wouldn’t be stuck at home alone again and enthusiastically agreed to finally spend the holiday somewhere else.
We’d agreed not to exchange gifts, but still — good alcohol is always welcome. So I picked up a bottle of quality whiskey, made a couple of salads and a few appetizers. I couldn’t show up to someone’s house empty-handed!
The oracles, Artyom and Lena Alerko, lived in a lovely little house on pack grounds. I’d driven past it countless times on my way to the Alpha’s place — never realizing that it was my old friend’s home.
Inside, just like outside, the house was decked out with festive decorations. A giant artificial tree stood proudly in the room, surrounded by all the classic holiday charm.
The hosts themselves were dressed in matching outfits and looked absolutely adorable together. They truly complemented one another.
Lena — delicate and gentle in appearance, yet with a fiery character, which was clear from her tattoos and piercings.
Once, we asked her why she had altered her very pretty appearance that way, and Lena answered that due to a difficult past, for a certain time she needed to hide from the world.
Artyom, on the other hand, was a burly warrior with a sweet face. He used to serve in special forces, and now trains the warriors and young wolves of the pack. Despite his rather massive and intimidating appearance, he has a great sense of humor and a kind heart… well, unless you manage to anger him, of course.
By the time we arrived, nearly everything was ready. We helped the hosts set the table, put out the treats we brought, and prepared to properly say farewell to the outgoing year.
Contrary to expectations, there were only four of us at the table. Although, I’m not sure what I had been expecting. Even so, we were having a great time talking and joking around. Artyom was in high spirits and kept cracking jokes, especially about the “flower garden” of lovely blooms gathered around him that evening.
With just half an hour left until the New Year, we suddenly decided to welcome it outside, by the huge Christmas tree in the pack’s square. Laughing and hurrying to get ready, we grabbed some alcohol and juice for Tanyusha, and headed toward the green beauty.
The tree stood in the park, which stretched out right in front of the Alpha’s house. It was tall, lush, and magnificent—but not only the tree impressed us. The area around it was filled with decorations, garlands, and little booths offering all kinds of treats and drinks. All of this had been brought and shared freely by members of the pack.
The air was filled with the scents of frost, pine, gunpowder, and gingerbread.
I had never seen such a warm and united gathering of people—or more accurately, werewolves. They truly were like one big family, and almost everyone seemed to know each other by face.
Laughter rang through the air, and children were running everywhere, tossing snowballs and shrieking with joy.
As we made our way to the tree, we were constantly greeted with congratulations and offered treats. Naturally, the oracles received most of the attention, but we were welcomed warmly too.
That’s when I saw Zavir, accompanied by Lakisha, walking in our direction. I immediately noticed how Tanya tensed up at the sight of the werewolf who hadn't taken his eyes off her.
"Happy New Year!" Lakisha greeted us cheerfully, as did Zavir—while I shot him a piercing glare.
“She’s Lakisha—you’ve already met her, I think. She’s my sister,” the beta quickly explained, seeing the way I was glaring daggers at him.
I’ll admit, that immediately calmed me down a bit. Although, a new wave of worry hit me when I caught the way he was looking at my Tanya. When I turned to look at my sister, I saw a faint blush creep up her cheeks as she stole shy glances at the guy.
“Yes, I’ve met Lakisha,” I sighed, but offered a smile anyway. “And this is Tatyana, my sister,” I introduced my younger sibling, and she greeted the blonde awkwardly, who responded with a wide, warm smile, clearly examining her with interest. It was obvious the guy had already told his sister who Tanya was to him.
“I’m Zavir,” the guy introduced himself to Tanya, visibly nervous, and extended his hand for a handshake. After a slight pause and a quick glance in my direction, as if asking for permission, my sister timidly offered her delicate hand. He took it gently and brought it to his lips, placing a kiss on her knuckles.
I sighed heavily and looked at Lena questioningly, full of hope. She just smiled and nodded firmly, confirming they were indeed mates.