Merry christmas

I was right it was a long night. Luke became my personal slave and if 'sorry' was a form of currency, i'd be a millionaire. The pack doctor was called and my ribs were tended to. There's nothing he could do about my lip but I knew that anyway. Sandra cleaned it up as best she could. It has to heal itself.

At first I was restricted to the couch but after ten minutes I got sick of not being able to move. I couldn't even lean over to reach my glass off the coffee table. I felt like a baby, someone was constantly watching me. I then tried to decorate the tree but could only decorate at my height. Stretching or crouching was not an option which I learned the hard way. So I spent Christmas Eve in the kitchen following the instructions of a stressed out Sandra. My hair was in a messy bun and my apron covered in various ingredients. I didn't know half of what I was making but I realised it wasn't a good time to ask. So I carefully listened and executed her recipes to a T. Just praying that I wouldn't give anyone food poisoning.

It was a big jump from how i've spent previous Christmases. I always had a sense of family but this is different. This is like the family Christmases you see on TV and in movies. It's a stereotypical American meal, bigger and better. I tried to suppress the feeling of isolation. These last few days there's a little voice in the back of my mind telling me I don't belong. I've never had a proper family Christmas. I'm out of my comfort zone. Despite their best efforts and constant reassuring their words fell on deaf ears. Of course I never let any of this show. I put on a brave face. A fake smile can hide so much and fool so many.

I see no need to broadcast my insecurities and doubt. Family life has always been a sensitive topic. I guess you can't miss what you never had but being here it shows me what I missed out on. I don't resent my parents for choosing the military because that's what got me here today. But I will not deny that there is that little part of me that wishes we could have had family barbecue's, been together as a family every holiday and birthday. A part of me that wishes we could have had a white picket fence and a mini van......Not literally but just be your everyday typical family. The things most people take for granted like home cooked meals most nights.

After a long days work we called it a night. The house had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Who knew preparing for christmas could be this difficult. It should be a sport. You should get warning to train for this.

At 11pm I crawled into bed, hair still in a messy bun and flour on my pants. A few minutes later I heard the door open. It was Luke, my face was buried in the pillow and I was sprawled out on the bed like a starfish so I depended on my hearing. I've become accustom to his footsteps. He's heavier on his right foot due to an old injury. He walks with conviction, almost slamming his heel on the floor with each step. Knowing it was him I refused to move, i'm good here. I heard him chuckle

"you know you're fully dressed right?"

I attempted to be sassy with my reply but my words drowned in the cushiony softness of the pillow so instead it came out as a mumble.

Seconds later I was shifted. Instead of the pillow I previously had, I now had Luke's large frame. There's no point fighting it so as my training taught me, sleep only when you need it and right now I need it.

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Why is it so bright at 6am? I got out of bed slightly disorientated. The sheets are very flat for hiding a 6ft3 giant. After debating with myself I just said fuck it and jumped on the bed. I landed on nothing but linen. Well this is peculiar. It's a Christmas miracle, Luke is up before 11am.

Walking into the bathroom it seems i'd be better suited to Halloween then Christmas. I was about to throw on a random outfit when a mall box caught my attention on the now made bed. I froze, I wasn't in the bathroom that long....was I? Shower 12 minutes. Washing my face 3 minutes. Brushing my teeth 2 minutes. Plus 3 minutes for dawdling. I was only in the bathroom 20 minutes in total. They were quiet and they were quick.

With my towel securely around me I sat on the bed with the box on my lap. There's a little label. Quietly I read it,

"Merry Christmas Alex,

Please wear me,

From Santa

Xoxoxo"

You've got to be kidding me. It made me laugh. I'm a bit old for Santa but I guess I can't disappoint. Opening the box I found a dress. Not just any dress. You know the jumpers you get from your Granny at christmas? Imagine that just a little bit longer. That is the kind of dress i'm holding right now. They just love to torture me. But joke's on them. I will wear this and I will rock it......hopefully.

It seems in a split second the house went from rest to rave. I can hear the clatter of pots, out of tune singing and laughter. Taking a deep breath I walked down the stairs.

"Yeah don't worry I'll keep her bus-ALLLLLEEEXXX well don't you look like a ray of sunshine. Have you done something new with your hair? That dress.....um...wow. Actually that looks really good on you. How come you can pull that off and I look like a troll? Merry christmas. Hahaha ha ha.....mmmm" Bonnie slowly gave up on her act as she realised it was not working with me.

I rolled my eyes and walked passed her. She was hot on my tail and as I went to push the kitchen door open she screamed. I twirled round to find her staring at me with big bug eyes.

"Are you ok?"

Something is definitely going on. She hesitated then lifted her knee to her chest and grabbed her toes.

"I uh hit my toe.....ow"

Bonnie is not good on the spot. I gave her a look then attempted to walk into the kitchen but as I pushed the door it made contact with something hard and wouldn't budge. They're definitely hiding something.

Time for some answers.

"No no don't look at me like that Alex" so I crossed my arms

"ok ok just stop giving the death stare. Luke is sorting out your present. That's all i'm allowed to say"

I quickly changed the subject because I don't want to ruin the surprise that he is working so hard to keep.

"So what do you do Christmas morning?"

"Well princess" his arms snaked around my waist. I jumped a little not expecting the psychical contact from what I believed to be a door behind me. I don't like how people are sneaking around today.

I turned around and realised his jumper matches my dress.

I questioned him, "didn't think i'd make you do it alone did you?"

I couldn't help but Laugh. I also noticed that Bonnie is wearing a similar dress. I looked at her oddly, in unison they replied "tradition". No one messes with tradition and i'm not in the mood to start a trend.

Finally answering my question Luke explained that it was going to be a relaxed day, people from the pack would be visiting. We'll open presents and just have a normal christmas. If only he knew that to me this is far from normal.

We all sat in the front room with our little pile of presents. There's a Christmas movie on but no one's paying attention as we're all watching Zach and Aaron engage in an intense test of skill, accuracy and aim. Or if you're in our position, watching two grown men throw chocolate at each other and attempt to catch it in their mouths.

The doorbell rang but no one moved. Luke's grip on me loosened to virtually nothing and he was supporting my weight I slipped off him. Stuck between Luke and Aaron with the doorbell going mental I got up.

"It's alright don't exhort yourself, I'll get it."

A chorus of chuckles and thank you's followed as I walked down the hall and towards the front door.

I could make out the silhouette of two large bodies, presumably male by their height and build. Unfortunately that's all I could deduct without opening the door. Apprehensive I slowly applied pressure to the door handle and pulling the door open. Two sets of eyes were on me, faces void of emotion but their eyes held excitement. I stopped analysing and took in the scene in front of me. This has to be a dream. Suddenly I was pulled into their chests as the tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Merry Christmas" they said in unison.

"Wha-what are you guys doing here?" They smiled down at me.

"Luke called us, we're part of your present. Also we had to come her as we have a question to ask and a present to give."

I pulled the sleeve of the dress over my thumb, using it as a make shift tissue to wipe my tears. Scott reached out grabbing my shoulders and turning me 180°. Standing at the end of the hall was Luke with a small smile on his face. I ran up to him and wrapped my arms around his neck, burying my face in his shoulder. After a minute or two my feet touched the ground again and I let go of him. His arms still around my waist I leaned back to make eye contact.

"How?" He laughed

"with a little help from santa's elves".

If only he knew how much this meant to me. I'm not on my own anymore. Sure i'm constantly surrounded by the pack but they don't know what it's like, to feel like you don't belong. As if you're an outsider, trying your best to fit in. Sure in the human world it's difficult for them but at the end of the day they have each other. Fellow pack members, family and other werewolves who understand them. We all have a past but mine just happens to haunt me. All of this is new to me and frankly terrifying , both the human and werewolf world, all I know is the military. Just seeing Scott and Dave reminds me of what i've gone through. That I can adapt and survive, that I can do this.

Scott told us that they'd join us in a second. I cleaned myself up a bit before entering the room. All eyes were on me, my puffy eyes and pink cheeks must of given it away as Bonnie jumped to her feet and hugged me "Merry Christmas". I have no words to express my gratitude so I just hugged her. Luke told me she was the brave individual that risked her life by taking my phone to get their numbers and kept me busy so he could arrange all this.

We resumed our previous seating arrangement but barely had time to get comfortable. Sandra was back in the kitchen. Bonnie and Aaron challenged each other to a dance off, choreographed by the makers of the popular game just dance. Zach actually made a bowl of popcorn to watch the couple dance it out. Just as I gathered what was happening around me I heard voices in the hall and the door open.

I kept my eyes on Bonnie and Aaron as they began trash talking. There was a shadow cast over my head then a blur of pink fabric. A small child was placed on my lap. A little girl, no older than 3 with blonde ringlets that are currently tickling my nose. I supported her and started bouncing my knees a little to keep her from fussing. I lifted her up and turned her to face me before sitting her back down. I could feel everyone staring at me but the eyes that caught my attention were those of this mysterious little doll. Her big brown eyes pulled me in,

"well hello there, who might you be?"

She shifted her gaze from my hair to meet my eyes. She giggled then started playing with my hair, wrapping it around her baby fingers.

"Aubrey"

she kind of struggled with the name but the poor thing was barely awake.

I craned my neck to look at the happy couple.

"And why is Aubrey sitting on my lap?" They walked around to sit down next to us. "Well um well Dave you tell them i'm too nervous" Scott lost for words? This must be enormous and important.

"Well Alex and Luke we were wondering if you'd say yes to being Aubrey's godparents?"

My mouth dropped.

"Wa-wait a second. Did you? Did you actually finally a-d-o-p-t?"

I spelt it out because we are in the company of tiny and sensitive ears. They nodded, "she's the light of our lives. Your not the only one who's been busy these past few months Al."

I put Aubrey on Luke's lap and jumped onto them, squeezing them. They've wanted a child for so long. Tears started filling my eyes. I'm an aunt, not biologically but I will challenge anyone who says otherwise.

I turned around to see Luke terrified. The little girl is using him as a climbing frame, messing his hair and poking his face.

"Just hold her" he looked at me

"I-I can't" his voice shaky and weak. I tilted my head looking at him quizzically

"I don't want to break her."

At that moment my heart swelled, he thought he was going to hurt her. I lifted her into my arms bounced around the room.

"So are we getting an answer?" I stopped messing around and looked at Luke, he smiled and I knew I had my answer

"YES." Aubrey giggled at my sudden outburst then yawned. I held her on my hip and began to slowly rock from side to side.

She tried to fight it but her eyelids were too heavy. Soon she was sound asleep.

"You're a natural" I looked at Luke,

"and you need to learn." I attempted to pass Aubrey over but he was having none of it. "Luke you will not crush her. Hold her like you hold me. Support her and keep her safe. She will make herself comfortable. Do it for me, my arms hurt." They didn't hurt, I'm well able to hold her but I want him to do this. Scott and Dave knew better than to interrupt. I slowly lowered Aubrey into his arms. He tried to hide his nervousness but I can read him like an open book. At first he was tense but soon it was like second nature although I noticed he didn't move. No even a centimetre.

I took my seat on the increasingly crowded couch.

"We're so glad you said yes, thechristeningistomorrow." They know I hate short notice, the little bastards. Before I could reply Sandra came into the room shouting.

"COME ON LADS AND LASSIES I NEED THE TABLE SET AN- oh um sorry, are you three staying for dinner?" I looked at Sandra who looked mortified and now has a slightly red tint to her face. Then glanced at Scott and Dave who look extremely awkward, they don't want to intrude. So I answered for them "yes".

Sandra went from an embarrassed pink to a furious red. Going back into the kitchen.

"3 extra meals, 3 extra mouths to feed and no one mentions anything to the cook. Noooooo of course not. YOU CAN ALL STARVE FOR ALL I CARE.........well no that was harsh. Dinner will be ready at 3. DAMN 3"

We all chuckled at her moment of temporary insanity and loosened our pants, preparing for a luxurious meal and family time. All in the Christmas spirit.

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Author's Note :

Hope you enjoy this out of date and season chapter but sure shhhh it's all fiction anyway.

Comment, vote, eat pizza and enjoy