Chapter 2

MAYA “Wait?” “Are you surprised?” He chuckled. “Am I too young to have a wife and a child especially?” “Well, I'm just twenty-eight. I happen to be one of the few young geniuses in the world to attend the rank of a professor.” Pride coated his voice, I grinned as I happened to be proud of him too. “We should go on the walk,” Donovan said to me. Upon dropping both his plate and mine on the rack after washing them, I came out and we left together. The walk paths were covered in snow, everywhere. He had put on a thick hoodie with boots just like me before leaving the house. For a while, we walked quietly until the silence was almost getting awkward. I side-eyed him and caught him staring coldly on the path he walked on, his hands in his pocket. I drew in a hard breath. The way I saw it, it would be hard to start a conversation. But I had to. My wolf was screaming hard, besides communication was my thing. I studied Communication Arts in college. “Do-novan,” I stammered, raising his eyes slowly at him. “What about your wife and daughter, why didn't you spend this Christmas with them, I really want to know much about you.” “Why?” His brows furrowed. “We aren't related to that point of being curious about them.” My lips immediately got sealed upon hearing this. I felt I was pestering on him, I didn't say a word again until we met up with Cheryl and her parents. Luckily we did and we had to go on this trip together with some of the villagers who came along. Cable cars were used at some points due to heavy snow and each could accommodate only two persons at once. My blood heated with anger and curiosity being placed in here with Donovan. “Maya, you seem to be glaring at me with cold eyes?” Donovan’s words got me flinching my face so quickly as he caught me, I was so embarrassed. Mistakenly, my hands dropped from the handle of the cable car I held, I stumbled and almost dropped to the floor, some warm hands caught me, one on my left arm and the other around my waist. My breath seized for that moment. I glared without speaking, only the moon goddess knew the sparks his hand draping over my waist sent flying inside of me. I murmured “Thank you.” “I know you might really find me attractive and have some fantasy going on in your mind, but please see me as a big bro.” This was an earnest plea. I gulped down the lump in my throat. “But my wolf wouldn't–” The cable car came to a halt and it was time for us to step out. My words left hanging, I never got to complete it. While trekking through the snow, I realized Cheryl and her parents were engrossed chatting with the villagers. They were ahead of us but I couldn't just walk fast on the snow, they were used to countryside life but I wasn't. Donovan grabbed my hand, taking me carefully through the snow. I deemed it right to ask. “Why aren't you ignoring me like the rest?” “They aren't ignoring you, just feeling you're in safe hands.” These words touched me deeply. I hummed, sighing in satisfaction. It was really a pretty nice Christmas decoration here. The wolves from the woods walked freely on the snow, eyes glimmering like diamonds, furs immaculate white. I shrieked in fear when they directed their attention towards us, I, in particular. “I'm really afraid they could be rogues.” I cried out. “No, they aren't. You're just a stranger to them. You've never been here in this pack before, right?” “Yes,” I stammered. I looked beyond me and Cheryl and the eight others had disappeared. I was walking too slow, dragging Donovan along too slowly to be able to catch up with them. Now one of the wolves was coming directly towards my direction. Immediately, Donovan jacked me off my feet, carrying me. The wolf saw this and deviated back to its former track. “What does it mean?” My curious mind got me to ask while I was secretly fantasizing the way his folded hands supported my ass. My pussy clenched. “They are pack guards patrolling the area. I visit here occasionally, I'm well-known, so they now know you're with me and a good person, not a spy or criminal.” “Uhmm–” “I want you to carry me to the pack square please,” I pretended to cry. “I feel safe this way.” I draped my hands over his neck, inhaling his sweet, seductive scent. It was almost getting me crazy, I had to compose myself since he claimed to only see me as a sister. We soon arrived at pack square where the pre-Christmas party was gonna hold. Donovan released his hands over me, dropping me to the ground. My face twisted into a slight frown. Cheryl came to welcome us when we arrived. “Sorry I left you baby,” she caressed my face. “I knew my uncle would really take care of you and protect you.” She smiled warmly. I wasn't gonna forgive her for leaving me with Donovan at first but now I really thanked her at heart. “Hhmmm,” I grinned widely. I was separated from Donovan however at the party as he mingled with others, including Cheryl's parents. It seemed the elders were on a different track with the young girls. But he's not an elderly man? I protested. We watched the folk dances and songs being performed, then it was time for games. Cheryl was the cheerleader. She stood at the center of the square. “While the elders are off for their own stuff, let's play a game.” She suggested. “For tonight, we're gonna play partner-in-crime.” Fuck! I looked lost as I didn't know what she meant while the rest of the youngsters here, girls and guys cheered. Really hoping she would explain it. “So this is how it goes for those new here, like my best friend.” Cheryl pointed to me. All eyes turned to me, my muscles stiffened, I wished the ground would open up to pull me in. I was just a bit nervous about getting everyone's attention all at once. “We are gonna play a series of games. The guys have the upper hand at first. As a guy, you will choose a girl you would like to play the series of games we have for tonight together.” “No one will choose me,” I whispered to myself. “I'm a stranger here.” I wasn't ready for any heartbreak. I scanned around me and the girls were a bit more than the guys. Not everyone would be chosen, that's for sure and I saw myself already among those that would be left behind. I raised my hand quickly. “What happens to those girls who are left behind?” “They will have to pair up with fellow girls and have their own fun.” My face fell. “It's already so heartbreaking. I guess I'll be one of those,” I murmured quietly. “Why did you bother asking when I'm here for you?” A deep, masculine voice echoed over my side. Donovan. I stumbled to the side. “When did you come here?” I muttered. “I thought you were with the elders.” Shock grimaced over my face. I watch his face fall into a radiant smile. “I came for you, right?” He teased my cheeks. Others cheered. “Woww!” “Possible mates!” “Mates.” “So romantic.” “No, that's my uncle and he's married with a kid.” Cheryl's voice attempted to break through the cheers. “He's starting to like you,” my wolf said. I shook my head in reflex, his earlier words playing in my head. “I know you might really find me attractive and have some fantasy going on in your mind, but please see me as a big bro.”