ALPHA

Merry Early Christmas to my readers! I wanted to give you all a bonus Holiday chapter as my Christmas present to you!

So I hope you like it!

This takes place 4 years before ALPHA so Lucas is 19 and Selene is 16.

There is also some language be aware, Selene has a potty mouth haha.

Usually the holidays are the time of year where people want to be with their families. To enjoy the winter nights by the fireplaces creating new memories and continuing traditions passed on from generation to generation. A time to relax.

That isn’t the case with my family. In fact it’s the complete opposite all thanks to dear mom who insists on throwing an extravagant Christmas party every fucking year.

As I’ve gotten older there has been more expectations for me to help and play the part of a doting Alpha’s daughter.

Fuck that. If it was my choice, I’d be on the training grounds not stuck socializing with my parents friends.

“Selene go into the kitchen and make sure Adira plated those cookies for me.” My mother called out from the dining room. I groaned from my place on the couch earning a chuckle from Dad who was sitting in his lazy boy with a book in his lap.

“I told you you wouldn’t get away with not helping this year, kid.”

I stuck my tongue out and rose to my feet. “Don’t worry old man, she’ll get you too.”

Dad smirked and shook his head “Not a chance-“

“Emilio! I need your help please!” And right on cue mom. I let out a laugh seeing my father’s defeated look then scurried off to the kitchen.

Entering the kitchen I spotted my oldest sister who was placing Santa shaped cookies onto a display plate. Her focus was completely on her task and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “Well I guess you got this cookie situation handled.”

Adira’s green eyes looked away from the plate to glare at me “Did mom send you here to check on me?”

“Yep.” I bounced over next to Ad “I don’t blame her though, you’re a total klutz.”

“I spilled something once and mom doesn’t let it go!” She all but snarls, annoyance evident in her voice.

A chuckle escaped my lips and I leaned back against the counter “These parties get more and more lavish each year. Do you think mom will ever quit?” I asked stealing a cookie from the plate.

Adira narrowed her eyes at me and stood up straight “Nope. You know how mom is. She loves her parties.”

“I know. Just for once I’d like to have a normal Christmas.” I complain leaning my head back then moving to help my sister finish setting up deserts.

“This is a normal Christmas for us.” Adira pointed out just as mom walked into the kitchen to join us.

“Selene, Adira, why are you girls not ready yet? Our guests will be here soon.” She chided while clipping on her ruby earrings in. I couldn’t help but admire how beautiful my mom really was. With the same brown eyes and dark hair as Nat, Em and I while having the same facial features as Adira, mom was definitely the reason for our good looks. Her red dress was stunning against her tan skin and shimmered with each step.

“I think I’m just going to stay like this.” I say gesturing to my simple black sweater and jeans.

Adira shot me a look that screamed “Yeah right.”

Mom merely let out a light giggle and began pushing me up the stairs of the pack house “Very funny my beautiful girl, now go up stairs and get dressed. The Steele’s should be here soon, Lucas is back and is very excited to see us all.”

“Luc is back?!” Adira all but shouted, a large grin formed on her face. Ad didn’t smile too often but when she did, it was usually due to her best friend Lucas Steele.

“Yes, now please get ready before our guests arrive.” She shooed us away.

“I can’t believe Lucas is back already. I feel like he just left for his Beta training.” Ad says as we walked up the wooden stairs.

“Uh huh.” I mumbled trying to hide my excitement as well. It was not hard to be thrilled to finally see the boy I had been missing for the past 12 months.

Lucas Fucking Steele.

Luc had been away with his father for the past year to begin his training as the future Beta of the Ash Pack. While Ad was able to stay here and train with Dad, the current Alpha, Beta Steele wanted to teach his son the old fashion way.

A whole year out in the woods learning the ways of a wolf.

But now his intense training is complete and he would be back for good and to continue his diplomatic lessons.

My heart began to speed at the thought of Lucas. Since I was a kid I’ve had these stupid feelings towards my sisters best friend and I didn’t understand it. I mean, I’ve seen Luc at his worst and I still have a fucking crush.

I shook my head pushing all thoughts of Lucas to the back of my mind. I doubt Luc would even give me a second glance. I’m just his best friend’s kid sister anyways.

It’s not like I had to talk to the guy, I can just mingle for a bit then hopefully sneak away when no one was looking. Easy as pie.

After digging through my closet for sometime to find something suitable I decided to pick a simple red sweater and jeans, to appease my mom I picked a nice pair of combat boots. Okay I was more likely appeasing myself with my choice of footwear.

Not one for makeup I applied mascara before throwing on my leather jacket and trudging down the stairs.

Voices filled the lower floor letting me know that our guests had begun to arrive. A deep booming laugh had me halting in my steps. I knew that laugh anywhere. Lucas. A flutter of emotions ran through my body for a moment at the sound of his laugh before I shook it off.

Weird. Maybe I’m getting sick.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs I took note of my parents welcoming their friends with warm hugs and firm handshakes. The house looked mesmerizing, mom did an amazing job decorating. There were garlands and lights lining the ceiling and floor boards. Different decorations in the shape of Santas, Reindeers, and Snowman that were scattered in different parts of the house.

But the staple of our home was the 8 foot Christmas tree in the center of the entryway that was lavishly decorated with golden and red ornaments. Underneath were what seemed to be hundreds of presents. It was breathtaking.

I spotted Betas Lawrence and Clara Steele in deep conversation with another couple but didn’t see Lucas anywhere.

He must have found Adira.

I inwardly rolled my eyes and was momentarily stunned at my annoyance. I had no reason to be upset. Lucas was nothing to me after all. We weren’t even friends.

I strolled through the house lazily avoiding running into any guests before finding my sisters hiding in the corner of the living room. Their eyes roamed our home watching the different wolves curiously.

“Where have you been?” Nat asked taking a sip of her soda in a cup.

“Avoiding people.” I grumbled leaning against the wall crossing my arms “I wish mom would let us skip this fucking party.”

“Don’t let her hear that Sel, you know this is her favorite time of year.” Nat chided before smirking “But yeah, these parties blow.”

“I think they’re fun.” Em states with a pout.

“That’s because you’re a kid who loves to suckup to mom.” I replied with boredom.

“I’m 14! I’m not a kid.” She argues before stomping off.

My lips lifted in amusement at how easy it was to rile Em up. It never gets old.

“You know you’re not much older than her.” Nat pointed out.

I snorted through my nose “Please I’m 16, practically an adult.”

Natalia rose a brow and chuckled “Right. So have you seen Adira? Don’t tell me she got to ditch?”

“Nah. Lucas is back so they’re off doing who knows what.” I explain eyeing a guest wearing a brightly lit Christmas sweater as he walked by.

“Ah Luc is back? For good I assume?” She asked.

I shrugged uncaringly “Don’t know, don’t care.”

She stared at me with slight disbelief “I’m guessing you’re over your crush?”

My eyes widened at her statement and glanced around in a panic to make sure no one heard “Shut up! Do you want to the whole fucking party to hear you?!”

“Frankly yes.” Her sarcastic response was not needed.

“Yes I’m over it. Completely and utterly over Lucas Steele.” I say confidently.

“Good. Cause here comes Luc now.” She nods her head towards the walkway of the living room where Lucas stood. My mouth all but dropped at the sight of him.

Fuck. My. Life.

He’s gotten hotter. How is that possible? Did he get taller? He definitely did.

Lucas, the once lanky boy now looked like, well, a man. Still sporting his boyish facial features and strong jawline, his body had changed. Now donned with muscles and what seems like zero body fat, he was drop dead gorgeous and made me insanely attracted to the future Beta. That must have been some training he went though. My heart sped up at the sight of him.

My eyes went from his obvious new six pack to his muscular arms all the way up to his deep brown eyes that were staring right at me with such an intensity I all of a sudden felt myself grow hot. Fuck, he caught me looking. Now he’ll really think I’m weird.

I needed to get out of here before I do something stupid and embarrass myself even more.

“I think I hear mom calling, I better go.” The words left my mouth quickly as I pushed off the wall.

“Mom didn’t say anything-“

“See ya later Nat!” I called out inserting myself into the crowd of guests.

The rest of the party went by uneventfully. The adults exchanged presents while my two sisters and I hid in the kitchen eating most of the desserts.

I did a fairly good job at avoiding Lucas. I saw him from time to time but each time I managed to hide amongst the crowd. All night it felt like someone was watching me but merely pushed the feeling away.

Now the party was at its peak and most of the adults were tipsy after many many glasses of wine. It was getting a little too much and I knew I could get away with making an escape.

The cold air hit my face as soon as I stepped outside. I welcomed the cool feeling and sighed in contentment.

The porch was decorated with twinkling Christmas lights wrapped around the posts and wooden bars. With snowfall in the background and lights around me, I had the picture perfect Christmas setting.

I was enjoying my time alone when a voice interrupted my thoughts.

“There you are. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Lucas stood at the doorway with his hands tucked into his pants pockets. His black and gray striped scarf blew in the wind. My eyes quickly wandered his body again. I really need to control myself.

Okay Sel, just keep your cool.

“Oh hey Lucas. You’ve been looking for me?” I greet with a small smile.

Was that cool? I can’t tell. Holy fuck he makes me nervous.

“Of course. You’re the only Angelo I haven’t gotten to talk to all night. If I didn’t know any better I’d think you were avoiding me.” He jokes moving to stand next to me.

I felt my cheeks heat up at his proximity “Why would I avoid you? You must not have been looking hard enough.”

Lucas chuckled, the lines around his eyes crinkled at the movement “Maybe you’re right. I’ll try harder next time.”

Things got quiet for a moment and I wasn’t sure if I should break the silence or not. While I was enjoying just being next to him with white winter scene before us, I wasn’t too sure what Lucas was thinking. I didn’t want him to be bored.

“Are you glad to be back?” I asked looking away from the snowfall.

“Oh yeah. While training was fun, being stuck in the woods with my dad wasn’t.” He shuddered at the thought. I wonder what happened this past year?

“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.”

“You would think that, but it was.” Lucas grinned before his smile softened at the sight of me “I missed everyone here the most. There were certain people I missed more than others.”

I blushed under his gaze and nodded “Yeah Ad missed you too.”

“I wasn’t talking about her Sel.” He says, the humor in his eyes were gone and was replaced by another emotion, one that made butterflies erupt in my stomach.

“Oh.” I didn’t want him to elaborate. I’m sure there was a girl around here that had caught his eye. I wouldn’t doubt he’d find his mate soon. The last thing I wanted to know was about his latest crush. That would kill me.

“Anyways.” He scratched the back of his head nervously and pulled out a small box from his coat “I wanted to give you this before I head out.”

My mouth opened in surprise at the neatly wrapped present and gently took his from his hands “For me?”

“Uh yeah. Well I um missed you this past year so I just thought a gift would be nice.” His ears turned red and I knew he was embarrassed.

It was cute.

“Thanks Lucas.” My face was equally as red. He missed me? Plain Selene Angelo? Fuck my heart is a puddle right now.

“Open it.” He says in excitement making me giggle and begin to tear the wrapping paper.

A small blue velvet jewelry box appeared in my head and I glanced up curiously at Lucas who merely nodded for me to continue.

Opening the lid I was once again left in shock.

There displayed against the black velvet was a thin golden necklace with a small crescent moon shaped pendant.

It was something small, delicate and simple. A perfect gift for me. How did he even know?

“Lucas.”

“I saw it at one of the shops in town and thought it suited you. Do you like it?” He asks hesitantly as if he was afraid I’d hate it.

“I love it.” I lifted the chain to admire the tiny pendant closer.

Lucas let out a sigh of relief before he smiled brightly “I’m glad. Here let me help you put it on.”

He takes the chain from my hand and gestures for me to turn around. Feeling in a daze, unable to believe this was really happening, I turn and lifted my hair allowing him to place the necklace around my neck.

“Well how does it look?” I ask turning around once he secured the charm.

“Beautiful.” His eyes roamed from my neck to my face.

Once again my face heated up and I wanted to scowl. This was the most I’ve blushed in my entire life I was fucking over it.

Fuck Lucas and his incredibly sweet gift. He’s making me look soft.

“Thank you again.” I say bringing my hand to the charm and clutching it protectively.

I was met with a dazzling smile from Lucas that made my knees weak “You’re welcome Sel.”

He looked like he wanted to say more but stopped himself. Instead he cleared his throat and tucked his hands back in his pockets taking a step back “Well uh, I should probably head back in and find my folks. They get kind of crazy when alcohol is involved.” He cracked his famous side smile.

“Right I’m sure my mom is looking for me too. Hopefully she doesn’t kill me for ditching.” I joke moving to follow Lucas back inside.

I nearly bumped into his back when he suddenly stopped walking “Luc?” I asked curiously.

He whirled around where we were nearly chest to chest “There’s one more thing I almost forgot.” He murmurs before leaning down and pecking my cheek “Merry Christmas Selene.”

Not waiting for a response he went back inside, leaving me stunned for the third time tonight. I bit my lip trying to contain the giddiness I was feeling inside.

Merry Christmas Lucas.

Maybe my mom’s holiday parties weren’t so bad after all.

This was such a fun little bonus chapter to write and I hope you all enjoyed it as well!

Don’t forget to comment and share your thoughts! I’d love to know what my readers think!