Zara

A snowstorm, as forecasters predicted, hit the Sterling Empire in full force the day before December 23rd, and everything came to a standstill.

People were forced to stay home. Chilling winds blew, carrying heavy snow, blanketing everything. The beautiful garden was completely covered in snow, and I looked out the window, wondering if my life would always be like this.

Alone and frozen, without a partner by my side to devour me with their love.

On Christmas morning, I was awakened by Alpha’s voice.

"Zara!" I stirred and slowly opened my eyes, seeing him standing next to me, a black shirt sewn to his broad torso.

A mighty snowman had come to wake me, wearing the colors of the damned Grim Reaper. He was definitely a reaper of smiles.

"What?" I asked, annoyed that he had disturbed my sleep.

"Merry Christmas! Go open your presents," he said calmly. There was a certain serenity about him today. But for some reason, I felt tired and exhausted and didn’t want to get out of bed. My ankle had healed, and I’d started walking a little.

"There." I sat up straight, pushed my hair back, and pointed to my comfortable nightgown.

"That’s the beauty of it... opening presents in your nightgown. Come on, Mom will be waiting, you can get dressed later."

Luckily, I’d bought a gift for his mother and Asbela; the latter had left on vacation two days ago, before the storm, so I’d already given it to her.

But I had nothing for Alpha.

Crawling out of bed at a snail’s pace, I slowly put on my slippers. Alpha watched me patiently, and I didn’t care if he snapped.

I didn’t even bother washing my face as I went downstairs, and Alpha followed me.

"I can carry you," he offered, staying a step behind me, but I just shook my head.

"No, I’m fine now. I have to go."

We went downstairs, and Alpha immediately wrapped his muscular arm around my back. Luna was waiting for us with a wide smile. The holiday season had truly brought out the best in her.

She was dressed as if she’d just stepped out of a beauty salon.

A soft, draped blouse of the finest silk, a deep cranberry color, paired with classic white trousers. A cashmere cape rested on her shoulders, and a pearl necklace adorned her neck.

Her hair was styled in a luxurious yet sophisticated updo. She looked stunning. "Merry Christmas!" She spread her arms and hugged me tightly, kissing the air around my cheeks.

"Merry Christmas!" I muttered, trying not to lose my cool.

"Come on, open your presents." She took my hand and pulled me toward a huge, fully lit Christmas tree. The base was strewn with presents.

"This big red one is yours." She pointed to the largest box, decorated with intricate gold ribbons and strings. A smaller black box, wrapped in red ribbons, sat on top.

"The smaller one is from me," Alpha whispered next to me. And I knew his mother would likely notice I hadn’t gotten him anything.

Stunned, I moved over, picked up the boxes, and settled on the couch.

Unwrapping the intricate ribbon decoration, I first opened the large box, lifted the lid, and peered inside.

A white dress, and I guessed it was a Christmas gift. Lifting it by the shoulders, I took a closer look.

The dress had a modified A-line silhouette, flowing smoothly into a short train. The red accents created a calming and unobtrusive effect on its wearer.

A single row of ruby-red beading outlined the sweetheart neckline, arranged in such a way that the remaining beads beckoned to be traced.

A raspberry silk sash was tied in a soft bow at the back. The rest of the dress was covered in embroidery with tiny garnet snowflakes. The long sleeves were sheer tulle and hand-embroidered with red thread.

The bodice was made of matte silk organza under satin to avoid excessive shine, and I loved it. My eyes finally moved from the dress to the waiting Luna, and I sighed gratefully.

"It’s beautiful. Thank you so much."

"Oh! Come on, it’s a trifle for my daughter-in-law. Wear it today." A piercing pain flared in my heart, and I tried not to suppress a smile or glance in Mr. Ice Mountain’s direction.

"Open it, Kane, and then change. I’d really like to see you in this outfit and take some memorable photos," Luna insisted, and my trembling hands reached for the box containing Alpha’s gift.

Holding the edge of the knot and tugging, I let the ribbon untie all the way around the box. Pushing it aside, I removed the small lid and was mesmerized by the ruby ​​earrings inside, in all their splendor.

The looped design was exactly how I preferred them. Two weeks ago, I would have died of joy at receiving such a gift from Alpha, but now I’ll just have to pretend to be happy.

It didn’t help that the earrings were so luxurious. I raised my head and faked a smile.

"Thank you! They’re gorgeous."

He nodded, relief evident in his eyes.

"Not like that. Where’s the holiday spirit? Don’t be shy. Kiss her right now." Luna pushed Alpha toward me, and I simply froze, unwilling to get close to him, even if it meant kissing him.

I tried to suppress all the unhealthy emotions and feelings my heart felt for him, and a kiss would certainly bring back bitter memories.

"I haven’t brushed my teeth yet..." It wasn’t a lie, and I hoped it would be enough for luna to dismiss the thought.

But she shook her head defiantly.

"Kane won’t mind. Show your woman how much you love her." She squeezed his hand as he stood there, staring at my frozen face. I silently pleaded with him.

His expression changed, and he turned to his mother.

"Let her get dressed and eat first. Then we can shower each other with all our love," he finally said, and Luna looked disappointed.

To lighten the mood and divert attention, I blurted out, getting up from the couch and rushing to the tree:

"I brought you a gift too." Picking up the cube-shaped box from under the tree, I turned and handed it to Luna.