Alpha Kane

To my surprise, Zara struck up a conversation with me on the way home. She mostly ignored my presence and simply stared out the window.

"Aren’t you tired of making things difficult for others?" she asked, looking at me like I was a clown.

Where did she get that from?

"What do you mean?" I leaned over to get a better look. From the moment I set her on my lap, she had been fastening her seatbelt without even waiting for my instructions.

"First me, now Nasia. Do you have some strange habit of making others suffer?" She looked me straight in the eye, impassively, disappointment evident on her face.

It struck a nerve, but I had to continue pretending not to care. "Maybe people should quit if they can’t handle criticism?" I shrugged.

"Constructive criticism is always welcome; humiliation, on the other hand, is not. Try harder if you don’t want to die alone," she retorted, giving me one last glare and turning away.

That was rather harsh.

"Better to be alone..." I muttered, unsure what to say without angering her, but perhaps Nasia needed to be quieter.

The girl was genuinely trying and wasn’t one to overstep her bounds. Still, I didn’t like anyone else’s presence, especially hers in my house, and I wondered how I would live without her.

We arrived home, lost in these thoughts. Mom was waiting for us in a tweed coat and flannel trousers.

"I’m so glad to see the city," she rubbed her hands, and I smiled at her enthusiasm. Coming down, I held the door for her so she could get in with Zara. Once she was settled, I climbed into the passenger seat with Olfi.

"Let’s go. We’ll stop at a restaurant later," I told him as we set off.

"I want to do some shopping, so stop by the mall too," Mom called from behind, and Olfi nodded.

We drove off, and the city had become one huge Christmas attraction. Christmas trees had sprouted here and there, and the buildings, roads, shops, and houses were decorated with vibrant decorations, so many colors against the winter whiteness.

We pulled up to the mall and helped the women out of the car. Mom immediately took my hand, leaving Zara a step behind us. I nodded to Olfi to keep an eye on Zara.

Mom led us from store to store, completely immersed in buying and wrapping presents.

Sometimes my gaze fell on Zara. She was silent, but showed interest in my purchases. When I tried to pay for her, she glared at me without saying a word. I refused to look her in the eye and calmly paid, knowing she wouldn’t say a word in front of Mom.

She wasn’t pleased with this decision, as she didn’t buy anything else after that and only pretended to be interested in Mom’s work.

"We should put up a Christmas tree," Mom said, trying on jewelry from one of the best brands.

"I’ll ask Olfi to arrange everything," I assured her, and my gaze fell on Zara. She was examining the rings. The bright light highlighted the rich color of her beautiful hair, and I wanted to touch it.

"Anything you like?" I asked, moving closer, knowing she wouldn’t make fun of me in front of my mother.

"No," she simply shook her head, but I saw her eyes sparkle with interest. Women love jewelry, and I wanted her to buy anything she liked. But then I remembered how she’d returned the necklace she’d given me. That memory must have been haunting me, so I didn’t insist.

"Zara, would you be so kind as to help me choose gifts for my mate and Brandon?" my mother called, and she immediately stepped aside to help.

Taking the opportunity, I asked for some ruby earrings with long loops. The salesperson kindly showed me his best collection, and one set with large rubies in a loop caught my eye.

I imagined Zara wearing those earrings and knew they’d suit her perfectly. With my mother here, I knew she’d have no choice but to accept my gift.

"Can I wrap these?" I asked, and the saleswoman smiled warmly.

"Right away, sir."

By the time I finished choosing Christmas gifts for Zara and Mom, the ladies had finished as well.

"Buy something for Asbela. She’s going on vacation for Christmas, and I want her to have a present before then."

Zara nodded silently, and we continued shopping. I picked out gifts for Mom, Dad, my siblings, Ranald, and Olfi, wrapped them, and finished. The ladies also looked tired, and Olfi had his hands full.

"I’m tired and hungry. Let’s call it a day and go out to eat," Mom suggested, and everyone unanimously agreed.

We arrived at my favorite restaurant, and I showed the ladies inside. The waiter took our coats, and the steward greeted us with a kind smile and flowers for my Luna and Mom.

"Welcome, Mr. Sterling. Your usual table is ready." He led us to a secluded table.

By the window. The best view was here.

The lighting was dim, and soft jazz music played, invigorating the senses. I loved the atmosphere of this place, with its muted colors and neat furnishings. Plus, the food was just the way I liked it.

"I love this place, Kane," Mom said enthusiastically. Every time she came, I always brought her here.

We settled in, and Zara brought the small bouquet closer to her nose, inhaling its scent with her eyes closed. Her long eyelashes brushed against her delicate skin.

Time stood still as I gazed at her beautiful face, at her petal-like lips, slightly parted. I could still remember their taste and wondered if she would ever let me kiss her again.

She was so soft; every part of her was like cotton candy, and I could never get enough of her. But whatever we started, it was over before I could fully comprehend the meaning of what was happening.

My fantasies continued, and I didn’t notice someone sneaking up on us and spouting nonsense.

"Mr. Sterling, Miss Zara. Are you dating in real life? Are the rumors of your secret engagement true?"

Zara’s eyes widened, and her delicate features reflected such pain that it seemed to have turned them to marble. Her worried gaze fixed on me. She is my Luna, my pack’s no this, but in the human world, I wish no one knew this forthe security of my heir and my Luna.

I seethed with anger, wanting to stand up and punch this bastard who was trying to ruin my evening with my family.

"Don’t you have anything better to do than sneak up on people in their private time?" I muttered through clenched teeth, clenching my fists and leaning on the table. I restrained myself from standing up and punching him.

My angry wolf completely blinded me because I hated this violation of personal space.