Zara

The smile instantly returned to her face. "You shouldn’t have done this, Zara, but thank you. I love gifts."

She removed the ribbon and opened the box to reveal the diamond bracelet I’d bought for her, hoping she’d like it.

"Wow! Diamonds are my favorite, and this bracelet is so unique. Zara, you have such good taste," she complimented me openly, and I relaxed. I was afraid she might not like my gift.

"Look!" She showed it to her son, and Kane nodded approvingly. "Put it on me."

I helped her put the bracelet on her wrist, and she adjusted it to show how it sat on her skin.

I turned to Alpha and said apologetically, "Sorry, I couldn’t buy you anything. I haven’t been out for the last few days."

Luna, speaking, put her hand on my shoulder instead of letting her son speak. This habit of hers irritated me. I knew I had many disagreements with Alpha, but she sometimes ignored his emotions and didn’t acknowledge his need to speak his mind.

"It’s okay, he doesn’t like gifts. You don’t need to apologize."

Alpha smiled slightly, but I saw a hint of resentment in his eyes. "Mom’s right. Why don’t you change, and we can start our day? Marcus will be joining us for lunch."

And I was left a little perplexed. Marcus? How will he come in such a snowstorm? 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Even the Christmas spirit didn’t faze Alpha. He was dressed in his usual black, but Luna had made him wear a burgundy jumper to create a festive atmosphere.

But his eyes widened when I approached in a dress and ruby ​​earrings. I couldn’t wear heels because my ankle hadn’t healed yet.

"Zara! You look stunning!" Luna hugged me, showering me with compliments.

"Thank you!" I said politely as Alpha extended his hand. I placed mine in his, trying to act the part, and he pulled me closer. His warm arms wrapped around my waist.

"You look gorgeous," his sensual voice rang in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

Slowly, I lifted my eyelids to look at him and his yearning eyes. Without meaning to, I drowned in those inky pools.

"Allow me?" he asked, hugging me tightly around the waist, while some random Christmas song played in the background.

I didn’t even understand what he was asking, but I didn’t want to pull away. This feeling was so strange, and I even wanted to hate myself for desiring someone who didn’t want me.

He might be disgusting, but this soft organ in my chest refused to agree.

"Kiss her already. I’ll check the food; Marcus will be here soon," Luna chuckled before heading into the kitchen. I knew she was trying to give us some privacy.

Seeing her, Alpha should have let me go, but he simply hugged me, pressing his forehead to mine. The tip of his nose barely touched mine as he closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.

There was such heaviness in his actions that I couldn’t even push him away. We just stood there, frozen in time, feeling the weight of our hearts.

Clearing my throat, I broke the moment.

I turned my head and saw Marcus standing there, holding gifts. His coat and woolen hat were dusted with snow. And his ever-present smile was wide.

Under his unbuttoned coat, a red sweater with reindeer peeked out.

"Merry Christmas! Lovebirds."

Alpha reluctantly released me and turned to his friend.

"You’re a cool dude. You even survived the snowstorm." He took a few long strides, approached his friend, and they embraced.

Luna returned from the kitchen, and Marcus saw her.

"I would have come all the way here just to meet my beloved." Placing the gifts in Alpha’s hands, Marcus joyfully walked toward Luna.

"Oh! There you are." Luna joyfully raised her arms, greeting Marcus. He hugged her as if they were best friends.

"I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Not even a storm could keep me from coming to you," he said playfully, and I swear Luna almost blushed. Heat spread across her cheeks.

"You always know how to find the perfect words." Luna squeezed his shoulders, returning his smile.

Alpha threw the gifts he’d brought onto the sofa and glared at Marcus.

"Okay, enough. Stop flirting with my mother." The ice devil looked displeased with his friend’s actions. Here was another woman who irritated him when it came to his best friend.

"Relax, Snowman. You know Luna is my favorite. Right, Luna." Marcus winked, causing her to giggle at his antics.

Then his gaze shifted to me, and part of the smile disappeared, replaced by concern.

"How are you, Zara? I heard you twisted your ankle?" Marcus asked worriedly.

"I’m feeling much better, Marcus. Thanks for asking." This deliberate pun on his name was meant to spite Alpha, but it certainly pleased Marcus.

Alpha’s face, on the other hand, froze like a block of ice in a freezer. His possessive gaze settled on me, and I tilted my head in his direction.

"I’m glad to hear it." Marcus began to take off his coat, cap, and gloves. Alpha took them from him to hang them up.

"Come on, let’s talk over Christmas dinner." Luna took Ranald’s hand and led him to the dining table, leaving me alone with an enraged Alpha.

"So you’re calling each other by their first names now?" Alpha asked when they were both a good distance away.

I turned my head to see his handcuffs falling apart and said casually, "That’s none of your business." I followed them into the dining room, and Alpha’s heavy footsteps sounded behind me.

The temporary staff Alpha had hired helped set the table and serve the food. A veritable feast was laid out, and the delicious smell made my stomach rumble.

I was getting hungry, looking at all the varied dishes. Roast ribs and stuffed goose, mashed potatoes with a cheese-rich gravy, gingerbread, eggnog, Christmas pudding, strawberry shortcake, lasagna, and grilled fish.

"A Christmas feast. Now that’s what I call it!" Marcus rubbed his hands, his eyes sparkling as he took in the sight of so much food.

Alpha pulled out a chair for me to sit while Marcus helped Luna get settled.

Once everyone was seated, Luna said the pre-meal prayer and asked Alpha to serve the dishes.

Meat was served to everyone, as is their custom.

Alpha silently picked up a long knife and began carving the goose and spare ribs, plating the large portions onto plates.

I loved meat, but as soon as Alpha placed it on my plate, my desire to eat it vanished. The smell was strange.

Not wanting to be impolite, I silently spooned some mashed potatoes onto my plate, topping it with the sauce from the gravy boat.

Soon, the clanking of knives and forks echoed through the dining room.

"How did you get here in such a snowstorm?" I asked Ranald, slightly perplexed that he had arrived when we couldn’t even go outside due to the howling wind.

"Well, I have a special vehicle. It can drive through any storm because it’s built like an invulnerable machine. Seriously, it wasn’t that hard." He winked at me, and I shook my head.

Marcus and his tactics were just a way to irritate Alpha.