A fuck you for Christmas.

Luka pov

Even though Lazarus and I know mom wants to spend quality time with us, we’re equally weirded out about her closeness to the demon. 

Lately, she’s been absent from our lives, focusing on the little ones and her five husbands. That’s right, somehow, they managed to marry Than into our family. 

Don’t get me wrong, I like the guy, he’s good for mom, but it is a little weird to know so many men surround our mother and that all of them are sexually attracted to the woman who gave birth to us. 

Perhaps it’s not as weird if we think about our own situation, but then again, it’s different because that’s our... well, our mom. 

As soon as we step out of the building, I suck in so much air it nearly makes me dizzy. Call me a drama queen, but I needed a moment away from the madness. 

Lazarus just stands at my side, his eyes closed, and hands hidden in the pockets of his jeans. While my brother is stuck in his thoughts, my eyes scan the surroundings. 

Something’s off. My skin itches, and I have a feeling that someone’s watching us. Trying to appear as casual and unbothered as I can, I whisper, “Not to be the asshole who ruins amazing moments, but don’t you think it’s too quiet?”

Lazarus doesn’t react. He still looks as relaxed as he was a moment ago. Only someone who knows him would notice the vein slightly popping out of his neck as he exhales and whispers, “What do you mean?” 

“I need you to act the same, don’t show any signs that you caught on something, but stay alert and look around. Like you’re looking for someone, but don’t raise suspicion. I have a feeling someone is watching us. The overall feeling here is odd, somehow off. Don’t you feel it? Eyes on you? Or am I losing my mind?” I explain. 

If it were Lenox who stood next to me, the lunatic would have caught on to the suspicious activity before I did. Usually, Lazarus is the one who notices everything, but sometimes even he misses some details. Lenox, however, is one of a kind. If anyone would care about my opinion on the matter, I would claim that my youngest brother has a microchip built in his brain. 

Lazarus hums, “You’re right. I didn’t pay much attention since I’m still a bit worried about Sarah and the baby. What’s our next step? Are we staying, or should we check out what exactly it is that keeps watching us?” 

“Lenox is inside, so they’re safe. God save the fool who tries to get close to anything Lenox loves, 

especially his child. I think it would be better if we checked the perimeter. Safety measures, brother.” My suggestion seems like the most logical thing to do, but Lazarus doesn’t seem too fond of the idea. 

His eyes scan the forest line, and just in his true nature, all emotions cross his face before my brother frowns like a grumpy old fuck. 

“You look like someone just gave you a fuck you for Christmas,” I laugh at my brother’s expression just to ease the tension that surrounds us. 

I wish I could remind him how important it is for Laz to act casual, but some things like these aren’t under my control. 

“Quit with the jokes, Luka, and start acting your age. You’re not Lenox; you don’t have a maniacal demon and creature of hell inside you, so you have no excuses for your behaviour.” Lazarus grumbles his disapproval, and I roll my eyes at his words. 

I don’t need a demon or that creature to live inside me if I want to be funny. Sure, the attempt to joke came across as something Lenox would say, but we’re brothers; he’s rubbing on me. 

“Alright, mister grumpy-pants, why don’t you go back inside to check on Sarah while I survey the area? You’re clearly unable to act like nothing’s going on under this amount of stress.” 

By all means, my intention isn’t to offend my brother or make him feel less than he is, but Laz has to understand how important it is to avoid raising suspicion. If there really is someone watching us, it’s better if we let this someone believe we didn’t notice it. 

Laz scoffs, turns around and walks back inside the building. When he does this, I feel like an absolute piece of shit since the behaviour shines through because of my actions, but hopefully, he’ll calm down and drop the act soon. 

Fighting the instincts that scream I should run off and check every speck of dirt; I slide my hand into my pocket and grab my phone. As casually as possible, I pretend to scan through my contacts and stop on one just to fake hitting the call button and bring the phone to my ear. 

Slowly, I walk away from the building, waiting for the imaginary call to start. After a couple of steps, I force a smile and speak out loud, “Hey, buddy, how are you doing?” 

I wait a few seconds to speak again, “Yes, it’s been a while. Tell me, what’s new with you?”

By pretending to have someone on the other side of the line, I gain time while this imaginary person updates me on their life and walk closer to the forest line. Closer to where I still feel the eyes on me. 

It might seem stupid for an Alpha to pretend to be a careless, unsuspecting victim, but if I want to play my cards right, I need to ensure no one notices my suspicions. 

Once I get close enough, I chuckle. “That’s what she said, right? Tell me, how’s your family?”

I feel stupid speaking to myself like this, but whatever is hiding before me still stands there. Sucking in a deep breath, I take the risk and turn around, so my back is facing the enemy. It’s bait- if this something came here to attack, they won’t let the opportunity pass. Especially such an easy one that I’m literally presenting them without a struggle. 

I listen in and smile. Just like I thought, there is movement; I can hear the ruffling of the leaves and feel the presence getting closer to me. One heavier step and I know what I’m supposed to do. 

I let the phone fall to my feet as I spin around and extend my claw, catching the attacker by their throat mid-air. My eyes widen as I watch the struggling, enraged form. “A woman?”