CHAPTER 2

“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 dialed 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 color drastically changing, and the sudden glow.

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