The Alpha Who Stole My Christmas

"Josh!"

The little Christmas trees in my hands fell. I could not believe my eyes, my soon-to-be husband with his pants down with his mum.

He quickly got out of bed. "It is not what you think, Lisa. I can explain."

My feet got stuck to the ground. Not in my wildest imagination would I picture my Christmas Eve like this.

I did not know where I got the strength to drag my feet out, ignoring his voice calling me to wait.

I was close to getting into my car when he dragged me, putting a halt to my step.

"Lisa, just listen. You did not have to see that. I am sorry about being careless."

Being careless? I scoffed. It only meant this was not the first time.

"Our wedding is in two days, and you know what that means: fucking the same hole till whenever. I just wanted to have the last taste."

I could not utter a word for some minutes. I had to pinch myself so hard. It dawned on me it was not a bad dream after all.

"How long have you been sleeping with your mum? Do you not have any shame?" The words came out more like a whisper than a question.

"Step mum. She is my step mum." He tried holding my shoulders, but I shrugged him off. "We do not need any of this distraction, Lisa. Let us talk about this after the wedding."

I started laughing hysterically. I had been a fool. The signs of his misbehaviour had always been there, but I was foolishly clouded by love.

I took a step to enter my car, and he stopped me. That was it. I let my hands leave a blueprint on his face. The effect of the slap made him stagger.

"You must be a joker if you think I will walk down the aisle with you after everything I saw today."

I entered my car and was about to drive when I heard him screaming out loud. "You cannot tell anybody what you saw. You know they will not believe you, Lisa. Your family needs me more than I need them."

I did not wait to listen to any crap he had to say. I hit the road with nowhere in mind, struggling to remain focused even when the tears would not stop flowing.

I just wanted to surprise him and spend Christmas Eve with him. Silly me. I let out a slight chuckle.

What do they say about alcohol making you feel numb? Not a fan of it, but tonight is different. I only want to feel numb.

I stopped in front of a club and went inside and straight to the bar. "Give me the strongest cocktail. Something to make me feel numb."

Within two minutes, my order was placed in front of me, and I gulped it down.

"Arghhh." My throat burned. Why was it so bitter? I opened my eyes to place another order, but saw a bottle of wine inside the ice bucket placed in front of me.

"Excuse me, I did not order this. Just give me another shot."

The barman smiled at me. The Lisa of yesterday would have found it cute, but right now it irks me. "The man over there paid for it. You are lucky, he is our VIP guest."

I turned in the direction of the man he pointed at, expecting to see an old, grumpy-looking man, but I was left disappointed.

Was the alcohol taking a toll on me already, or was he this handsome?

In seconds, I found myself sitting next to him with my legs crossed, flaunting my favourite part of my body, my thighs.

I had intentionally worn this short black gown to visit Josh just to spice the surprise. Too bad he would never have a taste of this wholesome.

"You got me a drink. Thank you. You are very handsome. Lisa here."

It was either the alcohol talking or the heartbreak, because I had never been this bold. I got no response. I took back my stretched hands.

"Fine, you do not like pleasantries, so I will go straight to the point. I find you very attractive, and just maybe we could do some wild and crazy things."

My fingers were trailing down his body, and he did not stop me, nor did he say anything.

Urghhh. This was getting frustrating. I sulked at this. I stood up to leave. "Are you sure about this? I have a huge appetite, and I do not stop until I am full."

His voice was even more sexy than I imagined, husky, deep, and masculine.

I bent down and licked his earlobe and whispered, "That makes us even. The night is long. Use me as it pleases you."

*******

I slowly opened my eyes, and for a few minutes, my brain was blank, and my head hurt. It took me another few minutes to remember what happened last night.

Damn! I slowly raised the duvet, and of course, I was naked.

"Oh no. What have I done?" The memories of last night came rushing back. I followed him to this room. We started making out in his car and ended up in this room. As much as it was embarrassing, it felt so good that I wanted more.

Just right. Look at what your life has turned into, Lisa. A one-night stand with a total stranger.

My eyes caught a glimpse of a note on the lamp table. I picked it up and read it: Last night was amazing. Some cash for your service.

I felt rage boil through my veins. He thought I was some service girl. I angrily flung the dollar cash away and cursed under my breath.

In another ten minutes, I was done dressing up. Thankfully, my phone was still in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw tons of calls and messages from Josh, my family, and my best friend Emily.

I smiled. Happy Christmas to them too.

*******

Emily was facing the wall, holding her fist, clearly angry. She had never liked Josh for me. When I told her about last night, she completely lost her cool.

Now she was taking too much time to calm down. I went over to her and touched her. I felt this heat in her body that made me remove my hand immediately.

"Are you okay, Lisa?"

"Y... yes. I think the effect of the alcohol I took yesterday is working overtime."

She smiled at me and hugged me. I did not know how much I needed the hug until I broke into tears. Emily and I have been best friends since high school, and we have been through thick and thin.

"I do not want to go home now. My parents will practically force me to marry Josh tomorrow. Emily, can I come and spend Christmas with you?"

"I will finally get to meet your father, other people, please. I will buy whatever I need on our way. I need a fresh start."

She was hesitant for a while before she nodded.

"Thank you."

Hours later, we are already in her house.

"Welcome to our house."

OMG, this was paradise. "Tell me already, how rich are you people?"

Emily dragged my hand to the other part of the building I think should be the main building.

"Daddy, meet my best friend Lisa. She will be spending her holiday with us."

I was staring at the man she just called Daddy, and my heart dropped. No, it could not be him.

LISA

"Good to finally meet you, Lisa. I have a meeting to attend, Emily. See you soon." He left.

This cannot be happening. That is him, the man from the other night. That same husky voice. Why is everything going wrong?

"You should see your face right now. Trust me, I get that reaction a lot when I introduce him as my father. He and my mum had me when they were 18. You already know she died during childbirth." Emily's voice jerked me back to reality.

I was finding it difficult to say anything. Should I tell her that I had a one-night stand with her father?

Arghhh. Why does my own Santa have to come bearing bad luck?

"Lisa... my daddy is off limits. I saw the way you were looking at him. Do not even think of using him as a rebound. Trust me, your heart will be shattered into pieces."

I did not know I was still looking at the place he just left, and my mouth was still dropped open until she dragged my nose playfully.

"Huh... no way. I do not want to deal with any man right now." I stuttered, hoping my voice would not betray me.

Someone came and helped me with my luggage while I followed Emily to the room where I would be spending my holiday.

The room looked like it would contain an extra ten people. It was spacious, with a king-size bed. Everything about this space screams luxury.

"So, this is your room. I want to quickly freshen up. Just ring the telecom if you need anything." She said.

She was about to go, but I requested her phone. Mine was switched off, and it should remain that way, but I needed to speak to my brother and fill him in.

He is the only person in my family who genuinely cares about me.

Now all alone, the sad reality dawned on me again. My life is not as peaceful as it used to be.

Has Josh said anything to my parents? I was meant to have my bridal shower tonight, where the extended family would possibly present their gifts to me.

What will Daddy's reaction be when I do not show up tomorrow? I collapsed on the bed, clearly going through a lot.

Josh's family had promised to help Daddy's company from going bankrupt after the wedding, but if I am out of the picture, things might never be the same.

I stood up and walked over to the tall mirror placed in the middle of the room to have a proper look at myself.

Maybe if I were slim like his step mum, Josh would have stayed with me. I have always been on the chubby side. Fat ass, round boobs. The only thing slim about me is my face and tummy.

No, I would not do that to myself. He is an asshole. I picked up Emily's phone and dialled my brother's number, saved as John, and he picked up almost immediately.

John: Emily, I have tried calling you. Do you know where Lisa is? Everybody is worried.

Me: Do not draw any attention. It is me. Move to a place where you will be alone.

Just like that, I told him everything that was happening, excluding my one-night stand story.

As predicted, he was furious. Just like Emily, he has never liked Josh for me. The call ended, but not without me letting him know not to let anyone know what happened.

I quickly had my bath and changed into something more comfortable. Today is Christmas, and I will have a fun-filled evening.

It dawned on me that I did not see any Christmas trees hanging around anywhere. Nothing feels like the season around here.

Everywhere is quiet. I might as well shop for a Christmas tree with my best friend and light up the house.

I left my room, hoping to see someone who would show me her room, but something caught my attention.

A door was slightly open, and I saw a painting that caught my eye, so I went inside.

A moon crescent. The painting felt so real. I got more curious and started looking around at other paintings.

Werewolves, crowns. Now I understand where Emily got her crazy fantasy about werewolves. She has always believed in this funny story about packs, werewolves, moon.

I find it funny because none of that exists in the actual sense. Just crazy fantasy that most writers come up with.

There was another painting, but this one was covered. I guess it must be really beautiful. I moved towards it to open it, but stopped immediately when I heard that same voice.

"Snooping around is not such a good trait."

It felt like the moment froze. He has this strong aura that makes me quiver even without trying much.

"I... I was just looking around."

The more he came close to me, the more I could feel my heart beating.

"I will forgive you this once because you are my daughter's friend, but I do not give second chances... Lisa." He tugged the tiny hair strand behind my ear.

How can someone sound so deadly and sexy at the same time? He moved towards the covered painting.

"You will not tell my daughter what happened. Not now, not ever."

I had to chuckle. It was my time to make him fear. "Oh, I should not tell my best friend that her father randomly has one-night stands with girls and throws out some wad of cash as compensation."

"Is that what you think of me, Mr..." Yeah, right. I do not even know his name.

"Her room is second wing on your left," he said.

Just how did he know I was looking for her room? I did not bother asking. I followed his direction and went to Emily's room.

She was arranging her clothes when I came in. "Hey, you. I thought you would probably be nursing your heartbreak or sleeping." She winked at me.

"You wish. Here does not feel like Christmas, so let us go shop for Christmas trees, flowers, and lots of roses."

"Put those clothes down. Let us go." I was about to drag her out, but she stopped me.

"We do not celebrate Christmas around here, Lisa."

Huh? What was she saying? I noticed that she was twisting her fingers. She only does that when nervous. Are they pagan? That explains it.

"Here is the Silvercrest Dominion pack, the strongest of all packs. My father is the Alpha... we are werewolves, Lisa. It is high time I come out of my closet."

I burst into laughter, holding my ribs. "You should consider acting."

I stopped laughing when I saw fangs forming from her hands, her eye colour drastically changing, and the sudden glow.

"Nooo." That was the last thing I remembered saying before I passed out.

Emily could not stop pacing around. She was clearly tense. Looking at my daughter right now, for the first time, I regretted letting her go live with humans when she was just 11.

But Emily has always been an inquisitive child who wanted to explore outside the pack, so I did what I thought was best for her.

"You know she will be fine. You really need to take it easy, princess."

"Just what was I thinking, Dad? Lisa has really had a rough day. I should not have taken her unawares. I should not have tried to show her my werewolf form. I just wanted her to believe me."

"I was just tired of hiding in the closet. Gosh, why do I feel like I have lost my best friend?"

She finally sat beside her friend, tapping her feet aggressively.

Times like this, I wish her mum were alive. She would have known the best words to use.

"Come here, baby. None of this is your fault. She will come around to this reality. Go get some rest. I will be in my room."

I looked at her friend who was lying down peacefully, and I felt it again, that mate bond.

I immediately left the room and went over to the place where I draw out my feelings.

I have a gift of sketching and painting anything I lay my eyes on to perfection, even if it is just a glance. My memory retains every single detail.

I went over to the covered portrait and slowly removed the cover, revealing her... Lisa in that black short gown she wore last night.

I was only meant to unwind with cool music and some drink, but immediately I set my eyes on her, I felt something I thought I had lost 20 years ago when Emily's mum died.

That strong bond that keeps pulling me to mark her at that spot.

When she came over to me and used her hands to trail down my chest, I lost it.

I do not do one-night stands, but I made an exception with her because my body betrayed me without putting up a fight.

But everything about the way I feel is wrong.

I am not just an Alpha but the king of Alphas of the strongest pack.

It is against the rules for me to have this bond attraction toward her. She is a human, not just any human, but my daughter's best friend.

No matter how much I try, how her body melted into mine refuses to leave my head.

I covered the portrait again, this time I hid it and made sure I locked the door on my way out.

"Alpha Zayne, we have an issue. Your brother has escaped."

I stayed still for some seconds. "Scar, to my room."

He followed me straight to my room. "I made it clear that he should be placed on house arrest till after the Christmas celebration. He being outside there means danger, damn!"

"I am sorry. Our men had it under control, but he killed one of them, took off his clothes and identity, and left."

If Scar was not my most trusted aide, I would have had my fist on his face.

"I need him back before 24 hours."

"Scar, I do not need any mistakes this time."

He took his bow and left.

******

LISA

I opened my eyes and realised it was all a nightmare. Emily's eyes were shut as she sat beside me.

I sat up, making her wake up. "You are awake. How are you, Lisa?"

Was it concern, or did she look and sound frightened? "I am good. You do not want to believe the horrible dream I had. You had funny claws. I think I should throw away all the crazy werewolf books you read."

I was expecting her to laugh as usual, but this time she did not. She was avoiding my eyes.

"What is wrong, Emily? Did something happen? You do not look good."

She bent her head. "It was not a dream, Lisa. I am sorry for hiding it from you. You never believed in any of this. I just wanted to prove to you that I was not joking."

"What you saw was real. We are werewolves, and my daddy is the Alpha of this pack."

My knees started buckling as sweat formed on my forehead.

It was not a dream... I stood up and ran over to the wall. Just where am I? Why is my entire life taking a 360 turn? How did I go from living with humans to demons?

"Calm down, Lisa. We will not hurt you, not while you are here. I know this is a lot for you, but please, be calm."

Emily tried coming over to me. I picked up the flower vessel close to me and aimed it at her. "Do not touch me. I will use this. Move back right away."

She stepped back with her hands up, and I took to my heels and bumped into someone outside the room.

Oh no. Her dad. If there are demons, it simply means I slept with one.

I gasped and covered my mouth, then Emily ran out to meet us.

"I am so sorry, best friend. Look, we will not hurt you."

I could not stop my body from trembling. I should have stayed back and gotten married to Josh. Now I will be slaughtered like a goat.

"Please... just let me go. I will not say a word of this to anyone. Please."

"It is fine. If that is what you want, Lisa, I will ask someone to drive you back home safely. I am sorry again. We can talk once you are calm."

Emily's words were relieving. I wanted to run off as usual, but his hands stopped me.

"Unfortunately, you cannot go now. It is not safe out there," he said.

I removed my hands from his grip immediately. "I do not care. I cannot stay here with demons."

"Okay then. It is your choice. Go outside and get killed, Lisa."