Omega Christmas Page 2

  Bruno’s words ring true, but Clara’s expression falls. She’s been defeated and she knows it. My heart breaks for her at that moment. All the responsibility of this laid at her feet. It’s all up to her.

  “What would we have to do to secure you as head alpha? I don’t want to complete the mating by force, but if it’s between saving our wolves and possibly having to go to war with the vampires without protection, I’ll choose to strengthen the bond.”

  “We didn’t want it to be this way. We wanted to take our time, and have you feel comfortable about the whole thing. There’s just no other way,” I add. My wolf whines at the possibility of making her feel tense. We want our mate to feel secure and loved in our bond.

  “It’s not only about the sex, Clara. Even though having your scent on us is important, it’s also about our wolves finishing the connection. You need to let us in. Not just physically, but mentally. We’re only secure when we shift. In human form, it’s like we’re strangers,” Bruno says, watching her face for any sign of remorse.

  “How do you propose we get there? I understand there is a lot at stake, but this is so hard for me — to forget the years of torture.”

  She sighs and takes a bite of her food. She has a point, but we don’t have time.

  “Let’s get to know each other. What if you went out on a date with each of us? It might help ease you into the process and maybe help you become more comfortable around us. And before you say anything, we don’t have to sleep with each other. Although, I’m not opposed to that because my wolf is driving me nuts, but if we can pull off the relationship part, we might have a chance.”

  My suggestion weighs in the air. She considers it for a moment, her face displaying the moment when she makes the decision. Picking up the glass from the side of her plate, she takes a sip. The moment her lips wrap around the glass has me shifting in my seat. She’s torturing me on purpose.

  “It sounds fair. I think that getting to know you all first will help. I don’t want anything to happen to the pack, especially the children. I’d like to do what’s in my power to not start this war, and if the vampires are coming then we need to be strong.”

  A sigh of relief whooshes out of all three of us. Ralph smiles big, he’s the one who has been the most anxious. I think it’s because his mother was an omega, died in childbirth and was forgotten. His fascination with Clara has been apparent since we knew about the mating.

  “I go first,” Ralph exclaims, practically jumping out of his seat.

  “Alright, when would you like to do this? I need to refer to my schedule.” She smiles and holds it for a minute waiting for him to get the joke.

  “Tomorrow. We’ll leave pack lands. Put something warm on and prepare for a full day of … activity.”

  A beautiful blush creeps up her cheeks, as she takes in the innuendo. “Warm clothes ... got it,” she states, returning to her meal.

  Now to plan our date.

  3

  It’s a Date

  Clara

  Morning comes too quickly. My stomach rolls with anxiety and anticipation, as I think about spending the day with Ralph. I’m not ready to have one on one time with any of them, but the thought of doing something fun with my mate, makes me see the silver lining. I don’t want to admit it, but part of me does want the bond to be complete, but my brain can’t get past the old memories. I haven’t been off pack lands since the lunch I first had with the guys at Manny’s. Maybe getting away will make me feel better about this whole mess. There’s a threat looming and I would never forgive myself if something were to happen to the pack.

  Putting on the warm flannel and jacket the guys bought me, I make my way down to the kitchen. Being up at seven in the morning means I’m able to have a small breakfast by myself and get prepared. The house doesn’t usually wake up till eight, so the kitchen is empty.

  I start a pot of coffee and crack some eggs over a hot pan. Two slices of bread go into the toaster, and I cut up some strawberries while I wait. The whole process takes less than ten minutes. With a steaming cup of coffee in my hands and a belly full of food, I’m starting to feel better about the day.

  “Ready to go?” Ralph says, from behind me. I turn around and take a good look at the pack beta. He’s magnificent in his buffalo plaid flannel and ass-hugging jeans. His nubuck skinned boots stand out making him look tall and put together in a rugged way. Add to that no shaving for a few days and I’m toast. My heart rate picks up and he gives me a lopsided smile in response.

  “Um … yeah.” My smile is small and quiet. My wolf wants so badly to run into his arms and rub against him. It’s getting harder to control her.

  We walk out into the crisp morning. The trees have lost their leaves, but there is a beautiful frost attached to the branches. The sun is bright, and the sky is cloudless. It’s a perfect day to be outside.

  The drive takes a little over an hour. He doesn’t tell me where we’re going, but I’m okay with the silence in the car. It gives me plenty of time to think of what to say to him. My brain is working overtime with scenarios of sexy standoffs and seductions.

  “Get out of your headspace. Nothing is going to happen today. We’re going to hang out and talk. Do something fun. There are no expectations, Clara. None of us are going to force you to do something you don’t want.” He places a hand on my thigh, and I don’t flinch. It shocks both of us as we stare at each other for a short moment. He removes his hand from my leg, but the smile that’s on his face can’t be forgotten.

  “Deep down I know that. It’s an instinctual reaction at this point. As you said, I have to get out of my headspace.”

  Turning to look out the window, I notice we’ve stopped at the entrance to a parking lot. There are cars and people all over. My wolf cringes at the sight of so many, but my human half gets excited.

  “How do you feel about snowboarding?”

  “Snowboarding? Are you kidding me? I haven’t done any kind of sport in ages. I don’t think I’ll be able to do it.”

  “Don’t worry, we're going to learn together.”

  A laugh bursts out of me. “Why would you take me to snowboard if you don’t even know how?”

  “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and no one would ever go with me. I figured if you liked it, it could be our thing.”

  It’s the sweetest thing he has said to me. My wolf chuffs in my head and mentally rubs up against me. She’s into this idea. Actually, I think I am too.

  Offering him a smile, we get out of the car and make our way over to the entrance of the park. People of all different ages mill about. Some on boards, others on skis. Powdery snow crunches under my feet and the feeling of freedom comes over me. I haven’t felt this connected in so long.

  “It’s all so beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.”

  His face changes into something softer, more caring and my heart does a skip. It’s nice to see this side of him. Our eyes lock for a moment and the mating bond kicks in. Mental pictures come across, and while they lean toward intimacy, there is a tone of love underneath.

  Clearing his throat, he gestures toward a small building off to the side of the entrance. “The rental place is over here. I pre-ordered our gear and hired an instructor for the morning. I figured we can give it a go until lunch and then we can get something to eat.”

  It takes forty minutes to just get all the gear in order. Apparently wearing a flannel and a jacket is frowned upon. I feel like a snowman in layers of down and polyester. My head is covered in wool and they have me wearing these ridiculous goggles that make my eyes look like a bug.

  “The first thing we are going to learn is how to skate with the board. It’s simple enough. I’ll strap your right foot into the binding and leave the left foot free. You’re going to push the board with the left by gliding it behind your right leg. It’s like making an “x” with your legs.”

  The instructor is nice enough, offering smiles and words of encouragement. Learning to snowboard i
s a lot harder than it looks. I didn’t know there were so many rules to follow. I thought we’d be at the top of the mountain and be pushed down.

  “You’re a natural at this, Clara. You’ll be on the bigger slopes in no time!” the instructor exclaims encouragingly.

  “Thanks. You’re a good teacher,” I respond returning his kind smile. It’s the first time I’ve been complimented in a long time. It feels good to be recognized by someone outside of the pack. It makes me think of what life was like before I became the pack’s servant.

  A growl ripples from Ralph’s chest so low the guy can’t hear it, but I spin my head toward him. Giving him an are-you-kidding-me look, I turn back to practicing my one-footed riding. Having only one foot in the binding still, I glide around following the flow of the slope, which is really not a slope at all. It’s more of uneven ground.

  “Ralph, want a turn to see if you can do the same as Clara?” the instructor asks, facing my would-be mate.

  “Yeah, sure. I’ll give it a try.”

  With that, he pushes off with his left foot a little too hard. Placing it completely on the board instead of half on and half off, he goes sliding down the slope faster than I could have imagined for such a small incline. Flailing his arms trying to find purchase he falls face-first into the talc-like ground.

  My giggling is infectious and soon both the instructor and the surrounding people are laughing with me. Ralph’s scowl makes me laugh harder, as he rolls onto his back and gets into a sitting position. He removes his foot from the binding and stalks over to me.

  “You think that’s funny?” His stare is all for me, and a pang of fear races through me. My body clenches, but when he reaches me, his hands go around my waist and he spins me around. A laugh comes out of my mouth as I let go at that moment, of all my feelings and all the tension. In this moment there are no matings or Christmas Summit. It’s just a couple enjoying each other.

  “Stop it, put me down. I’m getting dizzy and the board is still attached to my foot.” I’m not serious though. I like his hands around me.

  “Take it off and let’s get lunch. I’m done learning today.”

  Smiling, I bend over to unsnap my foot from the binding. We thank the instructor and make our way over to the rental cabin to return the gear. I feel better about the day, I’m not as anxious as I was before. Snowboarding was the perfect outing for us, and I’m glad we took the plunge.

  “Sandwiches? Or do you want something else?”

  “Let’s go to Manny’s,” I say, grinning again. “I could go for a bacon cheeseburger.”

  It’s his turn to smile as he grabs my hand and we walk out to the car. Inhaling the fresh mountain air, I close my eyes and memorize this moment. The moment when I fall a little bit more for my beta. Ralph’s ability to bring my inner kid out; making me laugh and be silly is exactly what I needed. I’m hoping all of the dates go as well as this one did. If so, there might be hope for us.

  4

  The Drive

  Clara

  When we get back to the cabins, Ralph still has a smile plastered on his face. The guys notice his grin and suddenly looks of jealousy cross their faces. Not wanting to be a part of the conversation that will follow, I walk toward my room and find the shower I so desperately crave.

  An hour later I’m in the main living room reading a book I found in Bruno’s office. It seems that our alpha has a liking for romance novels, just as much as I do.

  “Any good?” His timber voice sounds from behind me. I don’t jump, as I could feel his approach. It’s like a freight train punching me in the gut. Most times it’s overwhelming, but today it feels like security. My heart skips a beat and I take a deep breath to steel myself.

  Turning my head to him, I offer a rare smile. “It is actually. I’m about to find out if the Viscount is going to marry the sour Baroness or if he will follow his heart and run away with the maid.” He smiles and looks down at the book. His demeanor is relaxed, and he feels more like a mate than an alpha. I like him like this.

  “That’s a crucial part. It’s also a bit sad.” A smirk comes over his lips as he’s about to say something else. I hold up my hand preventing him from spilling it.

  “Don’t you ruin it for me!” I can’t help the smile that comes over my face. A teasing exchange like this is exactly what we needed.

  “What? I didn’t say anything. I simply gave you my opinion.”

  “You were about to. It’s written all over your face. You want to tell me.”

  His laugh is like the sound of birds in the early morning hours. My face blushes with the notion, that I made him smile.

  “I would never ruin such a complex novel for you. I’m sure it will be full of surprises.”

  I’m enjoying this banter we have going on. He’s a different person when he’s with me and the guys. The hard alpha that I was used to for so many years is gone.

  “I appreciate that.” My smile is genuine, and he knows it. There’s something about Bruno when he gets what he wants. His whole demeanor changes. It’s nice.

  “Our date is tomorrow evening. I want to take you somewhere, but unlike Ralph, this doesn’t need to be a surprise. I’m not the drama queen of this mating.”

  It’s my turn to laugh. Ralph is a drama queen. Always feeling left out and having the need to top everyone.

  “Where are we going?” I shift my position, and I lean over more to get closer to where he’s standing at the end of the couch. His scent wraps around me, and my wolf whines. He’s like a midnight run with a bit of smoke. It’s intoxicating.

  “There is a play in the city. It’s called Cursed Child. It’s about the life of Severus Potter.”

  My jaw practically hits the floor. I can’t believe it. He’s taking me to see the continuation of the Harry Potter story! It’s like a dream.

  “Wait, you like Harry Potter?”

  “Doesn’t everyone? The fight between good and evil. Revenge, magic, and doing what’s right. The only part I don’t like is when they portray Remus. I mean werewolves aren’t ugly. I happen to think I’m pretty gorgeous.”

  “You are.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. I swallow my embarrassment and glance toward the fireplace. There’s no way I’m looking at his face again. For as long as I live.

  “Um … well, be ready by five tomorrow night so that we can make the drive into the city.” He doesn’t make it weird by staying. His retreating back is all I see before I throw the book over my head and groan into the couch. I’m turning into a fool around these guys. I need to stop.

  It’s times like these, where I wish I had a friend to help me. My wardrobe isn’t extensive, but I’m not sure if I should go with a black spaghetti strap dress or a pink blouse and dark jeans.

  I’ve never been to the city, as I grew up in the upstate area, but I’d assume it’s fancier than a night out to Manny’s.

  Choosing the black dress, I appraise myself in the mirror. My plain blond hair falls in waves around my shoulders. After eating properly for a few months, it’s regained its shine and luster. My body has filled out some and I feel strong and confident, or as much as I can.

  Bruno is waiting for me in the front hall. He looks amazing in his black slacks and a blue button-down shirt. His sleeves are rolled up to the elbow and his sculpted forearms are on display. I don’t know what it is about a man who’s dressed this way, but it has my heartbeat picking up.

  “You’re magnificent. The way you wear that dress — it’s everything.” He stares into my face. Our magic not making the impact it once did. We can control it better now. The energy bounces around between us. My blood seems to be on fire, traveling right down to my core. It’s nothing I’ve experienced before.

  “Thank you.”

  “The car is waiting outside,” he says, gesturing with his hand. Guiding me into the brisk evening air with his hand on the small of my back. A limo is parked in the driveway with a driver standing outside the door. He’s tall and mus
cular. I give an inconspicuous sniff and identify him as a wolf.

  Smiling at me as I climb in, I take in everything around me. The texture of the soft leather cupping the back of my body, the dim lighting, and a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket underneath the massive window that gives a nice view of the pack forest.

  “Ever been in a limo before?”

  “No. We were poor and when I got to the pack — well you know the rest.” I look out the window, ignoring the sadness from him that creeps through the bond.

  “I’m glad to be your first in something,” His voice betraying that he is a bit jealous.

  “Are you mad that Nile took my virginity, Alpha?”

  “Of course not.” The lie floats in the air, as a smile spreads across my face.

  “You totally are! It’s ok, someone has to be second, right?” That heat that I experienced before comes creeping back. His growl is seductive as he slides closer to me. I don’t shy away this time. The pack is more important, I repeat in my head.

  His face is so close to mine, that I can feel his sweet breath on my lips. I lean in a bit closer and put us together, pressing my mouth onto his. He holds perfectly still as he lets me take the lead. It’s a sweet and unrushed kiss. Something I’m enjoying. I scoot closer and my thigh meets his. He wraps his hands around my shoulder and adjusts himself to face me.

  “If we don’t stop, I’m not sure what will happen.” His wolf making an appearance in his eyes. They glow a burnt yellow with flecks of brown in the center.

  “I’m not ready to stop.” Pressing the button to the divider, I straddle him, hiking my dress up my thighs. His hands replace where the material once was, and I shiver at his touch.

  Our kiss becomes something more. My body taking over and leaving my brain not functioning. I raise my hips and nudge closer to him. His hardness pressing into my softness. A groan passes his lips as I rub up and down him. His hands fly to my waist and make their way up to the top of my dress. A caress of his thumb across my breast has my core contracting. I know when I bed my alpha, it will be rough and dominant.