Let's get back to the present…
Christmas had arrived, bringing joy and love to two new couples who had finally found their long-awaited mates.
There was Vincent "V" Reigel - the Alpha and CEO of the Silvercrest Pack - spending his Christmas season with his Siel and her twin three-year-olds, James and Rose. Although he preferred to call his new found mate Elena intimately, he gladly referred to himself as her Christmas wolf.
And their story was quite a worthy tale to tell…
Meanwhile, Diwa and Aaron were in the middle of their own whirlwind romance. They found out that they were mates while helping V and Siel - who happened to be Diwa's closest friend - finally get together.
The two werewolves have been spending time together, taking advantage of Di's Christmas vacation. This came as a bonus to her, for being the mate of the Silvercrest pack's Beta and the new division manager of Silvercrest Enterprises' IT department.
"Hope you like my place," Aaron smilingly stated while driving his Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet in Dolomite Silver Metallic. This car had been his baby, partner, and sidekick all throughout his single life. It was a good thing that its black leather luxury seats didn't talk about the many things that had happened inside the said sports car in the past.
Well now, his snazzy ride would see only one lady… Diwa Denar.
"I don't think I'll pay much attention to your apartment, to be honest," she tried a seductive smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"What's happening?" Aaron said, noticing at once. "Something wrong?"
"No… it's just been a while since I went to the Packhouse. I'm not sure I like the place that much anymore," she said.
"Oh, but that was before we knew you were my mate, right?" He replied, his charming, wide grin making her feel safe and comfortable.
"Yes. You're right. I'm sure everything will be fine," Diwa said, echoing her mate's enchanting smile with a softer and more tender version of her own.
The Packhouse, at that time of the year, was very lively, with plenty of decorations and activities, starting from the Yule Ball, on the day of the Winter Solstice, and until two days after the New Year's night. It included story contests, storytelling, and big bonfires right after Christmas and the night of New Year.
"Why is it again that the Bonfire is not celebrated exactly during Christmas eve?" Di asked. "I can barely remember being so far away from the pack for more than a decade."
"Because Christmas is meant to be celebrated in private, with family, mates and close friends. The bonfire is for the whole pack."
"True… I remember now. The pack ways…" Diwa sighed, not really wanting to remember.
"Well, this year will be special. First, because I found you, and we have time to be together.
Then, during the bonfire, the Alpha will be announcing that he has finally found his mate. And so will I. So, all three of us, including your brother, the Gamma, are finally with our mates. Everyone at the house will be so excited about that news."
"Oh, really? I don't believe the she-wolves will be so "excited" to meet the Beta's mate," Di said, raising one eyebrow. "I mean, you did say that some of those you had 'dallied' with…"
"Cherry tart, come on. They really are happy for us, believe it or not. Our story was even submitted to our bonfire celebration storytelling contest."
"Oh, really? Why?"
"It's a story of pure love and transformation. I mean, look at me, I'm a changed man because of you," he crooned, putting on his most innocent and angelic look.
"Whoever sees you now would really think that you're harmless and innocent," Diwa laughed.
"I am! Well, now I am…"
"Sure you are, my love, of course," she interrupted, still giggling.
When they finally arrived at the Packhouse, it was already dark. He took her hand in his then raised it to his mouth and kissed her fingers without breaking eye contact. He let her see the passion in his eyes and in how his lips lingered on her knuckles…
The tickling sensation that the contact produced and the way he was behaving made her giggle again. She was completely happy, without any worries, and felt truly protected.
Such a contrast to how she felt the last time she was at the Packhouse.
It was a feeling that she kept burying by concentrating on how her mate made her feel. But no, it kept peeking out despite her trying to ignore it.
They took the lift to the upper floors of the Packhouse, where the apartments of the higher ranks were. As soon as the elevator doors closed, he attacked her. Pinned against one of the mirror walls of the small metallic box, she hungrily returned the kisses that he was impatiently saving all throughout their long drive.
Her wine-colored dress, shorter in front, long in the back, covered the masculine hands that were now about to remove the small thong that she was wearing. Nothing would have stopped him, not even the bell that indicated that the elevator has arrived at their floor. "Isn't this our stop?" she said, almost laughing, between hungry kisses.
"It is," he said without stopping.
"Then, shouldn't we go?"
"In a minute…"
The elevator closed, and his hands continued teasing her weak spots, making her moan and writhe against him. He had already released his own hardness from his pants when the lift's doors slid open again…
A guy and a girl, seemingly friends, stood right outside the elevator.
Nudity was no problem for wolves, nor public displays of affection, lovemaking included. Yet, it was still uncomfortable to be watched while you were in the middle of so intimate a moment.
That went double for Di, and it had nothing to do with the fact that the pack knows that she's the Gamma's sister…
"Excuse us," Aaron said, rearranging his clothing and trying to hide his hard-on from sight.
Too late, though. The lady who had boarded the lift with her male friend had a hard time looking away. Unfortunately, for the guy by her side, he didn't seem to be able to look away, either. Obviously, the lad was totally uncomfortable with his reasons for staring.
The two mates finally arrived at their floor again and were swift to leave the staring couple behind. Aaron used his key first to open his front door. After he pushed the door wide open, he placed an arm around Di's shoulders and the other behind her knees. In one smooth, unexpected movement, he took the lightweight girl in his arms.
Di squealed and buried her head into her mate's shirt, her moist lips and warm breath, raising Aaron's passion several levels higher. Expertly and carefully, he managed to bring her through the doorway despite her putting up a fuss.
"Aaron, wait… Oh my gosh, don't drop me…"
The door closed behind them as he silenced her with a hungry kiss while still holding her in his arms.
"Never my sweet… I will never let you go…"
* * *
Ma'Heron was happy to have Alexia back at their packhouse apartment for more than the usual weekend, thanks to her Christmas break. V has always been more lenient with his wife, and for good reason…
He is the Gamma of the Silvercrest pack, after all.
Besides, they were mostly busy with their chosen careers, so they hardly had time for each other even when they were together during the weekends. She being a psychiatrist, and he a lawyer, they have been known to work on cases together, even on their days off.
And today was no exception, apparently.
"I'm glad that you're willing to meet with me despite the holidays, Myron. You too, Raquel."
"Hello, Mister M. Long time no see. Missed our missions under you."
"Indeed, Gamma. We are wondering if you'll be giving us a chance to work for you again now that the CEO's office is on break until a few days after the New Year season."
"That's exactly why you're here. I believe that my sister and her 'mate' are about to encounter quite a huge problem in the next few days. As you both well know, my sources are hardly wrong, and my analytical conclusions have very high chances of actually happening. So that being said, your services are greatly required." "Ohhh, is this like the mission with Mr. V when he wanted to win his mate?"
"No, this is of a different nature and should be considered highly classified. Here is the USB drive that contains all the details of this case. And you are never to share this with anyone, under any circumstance."
"Wait, not even the Alpha?" Myron stated, surprised.
"No. At least, not yet."
* * *
"Come to the table!" Aaron called. "Dinner is ready!"
"I don't want to eat!" Diwa said from his bed, wrapped in silky sheets.
He walked to her, wearing only his silken black pajamas, and carefully dropped himself on top of her.
"You don't want to try my cooking?" he said, kissing her lips and then biting her neck, where he hoped his mark would be at some point soon.
"I want to try many things with and from you, but right now… food is not one of them."
"Di, you said you were hungry…"
"Not for food…"
"Ahaha, but how long ago did you eat? Come on, join me. After that, we can continue where we left off."
"I don't wanna get up," she said, pouting.
"Okay, then…" he shrugged. He then took Di into his arms - still wrapped in his blanket - then stood up to bring his protesting and reluctant 'bundle' to the dinner table.
"Aaaaah! Oh no, Aaron… okay, okay… let me put my clothes on first!"
"Are you sure? I think this sheet suits you. You look beautiful in it."
She shyly smiled and whimpered, her cheeks turning a bit red. "Please, put me down. I'll get dressed, then join you at the table."
"Alright, but if you take too long, I'll come and get you. Without the sheet… and maybe with some ropes and a gag…" "Okay! Okay, understood!"
Soon she was walking into the dining area as she was slipping into her dress and leaving her underwear in the bedroom, "I can't believe you cooked all this!"
He had a bottle of "Whispering Angel" Fruity Rose in his hands. At her approach, he turned and offered her a glass. A wink and a charming smile later, and she melted her completely. He then placed the bottle on the table while guiding his lady to her chair.
"Thank you," she said.
In front of her rested a sumptuous plate of medium-rare grilled salmon on a bed of mashed sweet potato and parsnip. The roasted green beans, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus, slightly seasoned with aged balsamic vinegar were all looking so fresh and inviting.
She was thoroughly delighted with how he was taking all the time and energy to make sure that she was pleased in every possible way.
And he was definitely succeeding…
"This is amazing, Aaron, but… you put so much effort into all this and…"
"Nah. Treating my mate is no effort. Your smile is the perfect payment that you can give me right now."
Aaron took his place by her side as they ate. They chatted and laughed while looking at each other in ways that words cannot describe.
He's perfect. He's the only man in the world that can make me feel like this, she said in her mind.
She's perfect. I know she's the only one in the world that can make me feel this way. he thought as well. That's why they're mates.
After the main course, he quickly went to the kitchen and came back with two smaller plates.
"Fruit and custard tart with sugar glaze! How did you know?"
"Oh, I have my sources."
* * *
"That's sweet of you to actually help your Beta out, V."
"Well, he deserves a break, Elena. After all, he plans to turn over a new leaf and he needs all the help he can get," said the Alpha as he checked his phone for Aaron's reply.
Thanks, V! And tell Siel I'll be buying her kids something special in exchange for all the info she can give! Love you both!
Siel checked Aaron's response and sighed. "Why do you Silvercrest men seem to always show your appreciation by buying stuff?"
"It comes naturally. I'd even give you my Roadster as a Christmas gift if you want it."
The single mom's eyes popped open, "WHAT?! WHY?!"
"Because I love you, I only need one car, and I know you love the Roadster. So, are you interested?"