LUKA'S POV

I've always loved Christmas time. Everyone gets together to eat and celebrate a wonderful year. Willow and I get a bunch of presents and in turn we give great presents to friends and family as well. But the one thing I love the most about the Christmas season is the hunt. The annual Winter's Howl hunt that all wolves participate in. It is such an honour to run with both the elders and pack alike. Even my grandmother joins us.

"Luka I want to run with you guys too!" I look over to my baby sister and smile. She's wanted to join the Howl from the moment I got my wolf. Unlike me it's too dangerous for her because she does not have her wolf yet.

"Willow you know you can't join the Howl yet. Besides I heard you're really good at helping to organize the after party and food station set up." She pouts and looks away from me. Blowing hot air onto the glass it fogs up and she draws a circle onto the window.

"I know I just want to be involved too. I'm an Alpha too you know." Standing up I walk to her position and rest my chin on her head.

"I know you're an Alpha and you have a tendency of reminding everyone else of that too. Please don't be upset about this. You'll shift sooner than you know it." Continuing to fog up the glass Willow merely nods.

"Ok Luka. It's just... I feel like no one really cares about me. It's all about Luka! Luka the young Alpha! Luka has a really big wolf! Luka is so smart! Luka killed two rogues on his own! Luka! Luka! LUKA!" The glass heats and begins to sweat lightly at her heavy breathing.

"I didn't realize it bothered you so much Low... I'm so sorry." I wrap my arms around her small body and hold her tight.

"I'm pretty smart too you know? I get B pluses and A minuses in school and the teacher says I am very good in drama class and she thinks I should join the school play next year."

"Have you told mom and dad that?" She shakes her head and I chuckle.

"So how do you expect them to know if you don't tell them?" Shrugging her shoulders she turns to face me and I kiss her forehead.

"So I should tell them?"

"Absolutely Low! Listen there is no competition between us you know that right? Nothing I do will ever be better than the things you accomplish and mom and dad feel the same way." Willow rests her head on my chest and sighs.

"Can you promise me that?"

"Of course I can! Hey why don't you do this, when we come back from the hunt why don't you do a little dance or something in honour of the Winter's Howl? That will surely get everyone's attention and they will see just how special the young Alpha female really is." She jumps back from my arms and runs to the door.

"Thank you Luka!" Slamming the door closed Willow leaves me alone in my room and I continue to look out the window and watch as the newly shifted pups bounce around in the snow. It's such an exciting experience that they must feel like they're going to explode. My first Howl was so embarrassing. I remember running in the wrong direction of everyone else and getting lost half way past the territory borders. Needless to say it took the trackers an hour to find me again.

"Luka are you ready?" I look away from the window and grab my pendant.

"Ready father. I'm on my way down now." Tying the necklace around my wrist I leave my room and head downstairs.

I tie it to my wrist now because of a silly mistake I had made a few months ago. I had just come home from school and was rushing to get to my private training with my father that I forgot the pendant was still around my neck. When I shifted the leather snapped and the pendant was buried into the ground by my paws. I couldn't find it for two days. I thought I was going to go insane. I never told Rae about it because I didn't want to upset her or have her realize the reckless mistake I had made. This necklace means a lot to me... it helped to calm my wolf when she had disappeared three years ago. It's a part of me. So now I tie it loosely around my wrist so when I shift it's like a really tight, and secure, bracelet. Then when I shift back I can wear it like a necklace again. Everybody wins.

Not even halfway down the stairs and I hear the crowd gathered in my living room. Reaching the bottom of the stairs I spot Naal and walk over to him cautiously.

"Hey." I say trying to sound casual. He looks over to me giving me a weak smile and responds.

"Hey." Turning back to his father he dismisses me.

Things have been very strained between Naal and me ever since that incident with Rae. It's only been two weeks but it feels like years have passed by. I apologized over and over again but he just wouldn't forgive me. It's not like I meant to use my Alpha command on him and I know that I should have ran after him to apologize instead of waiting a whole day but... I was having such a good time with Rae that it kind of slipped my mind. But now, now I'm getting tired of chasing after his friendship. If he wants to ignore me then I can ignore him too.

I walk away from him and head towards Keegan and Kyle and they immediately sense something is wrong. Everyone has noticed the tension between Naal and me, even our parents. To be honest I don't think Naal and I have ever had a fight before and if we have it's never been this bad.

"Hey there Alpha! You ready to howl?" Keegan says nudging me. Kyle rolls his eyes and slaps me on the back.

"Don't get lost this time Luka, I want to eat right after the hunt is over." Both brothers laugh together and I hide my face in my hands. I swear everyone knows about that story.

"Very funny guys. I learned my lesson."

"Yeah I'm sure you did!" They laugh even louder and I think about just leaving them there laughing but I choose to join in with them and laugh as well. If you think about it, it is pretty funny. When the laughter dies down the rest of our group joins us with Naal standing with his back facing me. I hate this. I'm about to head to the front when I feel someone link arms with me. Looking to my right I see an older she-wolf smiling at me. I can't seem to remember her name but she is really, really pretty.

"I'm Alina Clover. I heard you're the future Alpha?" Judging by her height, the sound of her voice, and well... the size of her breasts I realize Alina is older than me and she seems to be attracted to me. Cool.

"Yeah I'm Luka Garretson. Have you recently joined the pack?" I ask enjoying her warmth and the smell of her perfume.

"No I'm visiting with my family. They're friends with Mr. and Mrs. Ryon. You know Naal's parents?" My eyes dart towards Naal and I begin to get upset. How could he have hosted such a beautiful girl and not tell me about it? Me! We're supposed to be best friends.

"Yeah I know Naal... he's my best friend." Her eyes widen when I say this and then she smiles.

"Really? He's never really mentioned you before... anyways tomorrow's our last day here and I was hoping maybe you could show me around?" Her question makes my skin tingle and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

"How old are you Alina?" I question. She giggles and pulls me closer to her making us seem almost eye to eye.

"Fifteen how about you?" She's two years older than me?

"Thirteen." I say warily. Her smile brightens and she grips my arm a little tighter.

"Good. So will you show me around tomorrow? It's Christmas Eve and I'd love to give you an early present." She winks at me and begins to release my arm. "Think about it and tell me after the hunt." Alina walks away and stands beside her father leaving me feeling weird. I'm not sure what I feel but it feels good and almost dirty all at once. Keegan hits my arm and wiggles his eyebrows while Kyle gives her a wolf whistle, how ironic.

"SO! Who was she?" Keegan asks getting in my face. I can tell he is bursting with excitement and looking at him so happy makes me feel good too.

"She said her name is Alina and she's visiting here with her family for the Howl. Apparently she is staying with Naal." Both of the twins' eyebrows shoot up.

"You didn't know that?" Kyle asks scratching his head.

"Even I knew there was a girl staying with him. I mean he told us like two days ago. He just didn't say she was hot!" They give each other a high five and quiet down as my father stands on the staircase to speak to the crowd.

"I am honoured to welcome everyone here and around this pack to the annual Winter's Howl. This hunt has been passed through our pack for generations and I am proud to announce that today, this is our 150th Howl." The crowd cheers and my father beams with pride.

"To our guests that are visiting I welcome you on behalf of my mate and family and we hope you enjoy the hunt as much as we have. Now we all know the rules relating to the Howl but I will go through them anyways. The Winter's Howl is always performed as a pack. No lone wolves or wandering off, and that means you Luka." Everyone laughs lightly and I blush hard. I don't think I will ever live that down.

"Next, the hunt is not restricted to any animal but do not take on animals of larger sizes on your own if you know you aren't capable of handling it alone. We are a pack, we work together. The Howl lasts as long as necessary according to the hunt, meaning if we gather enough to our wolves' desire then we are finished. Lastly... let's all enjoy ourselves. We will gather outside in 20 minutes to begin the hunt." Applause is heard all throughout the room and my father drifts into the crowd.

"I'm going to talk to Naal. Be right back." The twins audibly gulp and I roll my eyes. They're so dramatic sometimes. Naal still has his back facing me and seems to be talking to someone and when I get closer I know exactly who it is.

"Well that's not my fault. You said you like spicy food!"

"I do like spicy food I just didn't know it was going to be that spicy." They both laugh and when I reach them they seem to have a glow... it's a little weird.

"Oh hi Luka!" Rae jumps into my arms and I hold her tight.

"Rae I thought you said you didn't want to be here because it's too hot and really boring." She pulls back from the hug and shrugs her shoulders.

"Naal said I could learn from it. History and tradition and stuff like that so here I am." I growl lowly and glare at Naal but Rae slaps my arm making me snap out of it.

"Don't get mad at him Luka. I've been hearing you two have been really mad lately and I don't know why. You guys are my best friends and you're best friends with each other. So kiss and make up!" Naal blushes and I look the other way.

"Um Raelynn it's not that easy-"

"Yes it is Naal. You told me you don't like being mad at Luka and," Rae turns and points her little finger at me, "You said that you feel really sorry for mind-yelling at him so kiss and make up or so help me I will find new best friends." Naal and I look at each other before smiling and bursting into laughter. I'm laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes and when I look at Naal I see he is as red as a tomato.

"Ok ok Raelynn we're done fighting now we promise." Naal says holding his stomach. I wipe at my eyes as well.

"Yeah we're the best of friends." She smiles at both of us and skips off to her parents. When she's gone Naal and I look at each other and smile again.

"I'm sorry Naal I really didn't mean to use my command on you. Seriously it was an accident." He walks up to me and punches my shoulder, really hard.

"That is for being a dick." He raises his hand again and I get ready for another hit but instead he pats me on the shoulder. "And that is me saying I'm sorry for over-reacting. I wanted to respond to you before but my wolf was irritated. Friends?" He holds out his hand and I take it.

"Friends." I throw my arm over his shoulder and we walk to the group waiting by the door.

"Oh thank the Goddess they're friends again!" Keegan yells to everyone. Our weird group of friends clap for us as we shake our heads and head outside.

Almost the entire pack is waiting in our backyard next to the training field, all anxious to start the Howl. Since we can't have our entire pack running the Howl we have forty wolves running the territory and they switch with another forty from the Howl after an hour. So every hour there's forty wolves running the territory allowing everyone a chance to participate in the Howl and still keep our pack safe.

"Gather round everyone and watch as the full moon rises." My father announces and we all look up to see the moon makes its appearance in the sky. Howling in unison we begin to shift into our wolves and begin the hunt. The feeling of the wind rushing though my fur and the snow crunching underneath my paws I feel alive and full of energy. I hear low growls all around me and I charge forward using my senses to locate the first kill. It's always a thrilling experience to be the one to have the first kill. It's an honour and this year Naal and I, before the fight, agreed that we would get the first kill together. I hear him beside me and I grin inwardly.

"Are you ready?" I ask him already catching on to a prey close by.

"Let's do this."

We both run to the right and catch the scent of a deer. I veer left while Naal veers right and we crouch low and quietly to take it by surprise. We're both careful of twigs and tread lightly on the snow so we don't spook it. We watch it silently for a few seconds before I charge forward and it runs in the direction of Naal. Quickly cornering it Naal bites its leg to injure it and I jump forward to injure its hind leg and drag it down with my descend. Tearing at its flesh Naal latches on to its throat and tears as I claw its stomach open.

"We did it." Naal says sounding both tired and excited and if his voice wasn't apparent enough then his eyes say everything. I nudge at the body to make sure it's dead and Naal and I howl into the night signifying the first kill of the hunt.

***

"Can everyone please be seated?" The Winter's Howl lasted three hours this year and we have a lot of kill to cook. Some wolves prefer to eat their kill in wolf form while most people would rather shifting back so they can shower and meet with the rest of their families or friends. Naal and I were thoroughly congratulated for achieving the first kill this year and we were able to run ahead of the pack signifying our rank.

"I can't believe you got the first kill! And so quickly too! That has to be some kind of record or something." Keegan says pulling on a sweater. He and Kyle hunted down their own deer as well and their parents were really proud since last year they weren't able to catch anything.

"I know right? Can you imagine what it would have been like if they weren't friends again? They probably would have been at each other's throats instead of the deer's!" Kyle joins in. The group laughs and I just chuckle. Naal and I not talking must have been a really big deal if everyone seemed so worried about it.

"Well I know I wouldn't have been able to catch it on my own, not yet anyway." Naal says smiling.

"Agreed." I reply easily. "Besides Naal is my best friend, I wouldn't have wanted this to happen any other way than with him." The girls awe at my statement and the guys just nod their heads.

"Hey Luka! Sit down!" I turn to towards the yelling to see Willow pointing her finger at me. Throwing my hands up I sit on one of the foldable chairs and motion for everyone else to join me. When everyone begins to quiet down Willow continues with her speech.

"I am happy to know that this year's Howl was so successful and I can't wait for the day when I am able to join you. But until then I thought it was only fair that I start a tradition of my own for all young wolves that aren't able to shift yet. We will be putting on a little show for you guys in honour of the hunt. I hope you all enjoy!" We all clap as the pups begin to make their way to the front of the crowd and begin to dance around as little wolves. They are dressed up in costumes in the shapes of wolves, deer, rabbits and other animals. It's cute to watch them chase each other around and pretend to be dead. It may sound weird and a little crazy but it was a sign of respect and honour to this ancient tradition. Once they finished they are welcomed with a standing ovation.

"Excellent job Willow I know this will be a fun tradition from now on." My father says as he walks to the front. Music begins to play in the background and people move in and out of the pack house to get hot drinks and blankets for the kids. There are wolves cutting the meat from the hunted animals and serving it to those waiting in line and there are people dancing and enjoying the beauty of the night sky.

My eyes search for Rae but they happen upon Alina faster. She's dancing with an older wolf whose name I can't remember. The way they are moving it's almost like they are humping each other. It looks odd but very sensual and it leaves me curious. Alina sees me watching her and motions for me to come to her but I refuse and walk in the opposite direction.

"Hey!" She grabs my arm and pulls me to the dancing teenagers. It seems as though they have grouped off to their own private area without many prying eyes. Some of them are dancing, some are making out against trees and some are just lying in the snow. It's very relaxing here. And I mindlink my own friends to come and join. Technically we are teens too.

"Dance with me Luka." Alina whispers in my ear. There's a certain tone to her voice that I can't pinpoint. It's not something I've heard often but I have heard it before. Actually I've heard my mom use it sometimes when she's talking to my father. I've never really understood what it implies but it always seemed like she wanted something from him.

"I don't really dance much." I tell her backing away slowly. I can see her eyes flash gold, showing her wolf before she latches onto my arm and begins to sway her hips against my crotch. It feels weird at first, the constant rubbing against me but then I feel something else. It's almost explosive and all of a sudden a growl is evoked out of me.

"That's what I like to hear." Alina says to me as she pushes harder against me. My heart rate begins to race and my body heats up, it's almost like I'm about to shift but my wolf doesn't seem to want to. I can feel my claws slowly coming out and I watch the other guys around me as their canines are out and they are pushing their heads into the female's necks. I do the same and Alina makes a low sound that is almost like a purr and almost like a cry. It sounds really good.

"Whoa look at Luka!" I hear Keegan somewhere close by and decide this type of dancing is a little too overwhelming for me. Pulling back Alina seems to whine a bit but I ignore it and find my friends standing off to a corner. Keegan and Kyle have huge smiles on their faces. Naal is just watching everyone as curiously as I was. Jason seems to be trying to get Art in the same position I was just in. The C Lovers, our new nickname for them, are doing the same dance and Mara and Yuli are drinking punch.

"What was that man? That looked so-"

"Erotic." Yulia finishes Kyle's sentence as she shifts in her spot. I blush at her choice of word.

"Was it really? I wasn't sure what I was doing to be honest. She was leading me the majority of the way."

"And it's called grinding. Get used to it kids because when you get to high school dances this is mainly, if not the only thing you'll see." Alina pops up behind me and loops her arm in mine. Her eyes seem to catch sight of Connor and Catherine and she grins widely.

"See! They seem to be getting the hang of it." She laughs and points her head in their direction. Looking toward them they almost look like they are trying to combine their bodies as one. I don't know how to explain it; it's like they are pressing up against each other until there is no space between them, and then they press even harder. Maybe that's what it's like to be mates. I wouldn't know.

"Now stop acting like such children and come and dance! I love this song." She pulls my arm towards the dancing teens again and something in me begins to get excited.

From afar that type of dancing, grinding, looks uncomfortable and awkward but when you actually try it, well that's a different story. As she pulls me to the dancing I feel an odd sensation in my stomach that ends where my groin is. It's like all my blood, all of my energy, even my thoughts aren't in focus anymore. Everything is like a blur as Alina starts dancing again. All of a sudden I feel a rush of adrenalin flow through me and my body is on fire again. There's this pressure that's building in my groin and it makes me feel dizzy. My claws grow again and I dig them into her waist and pull her closer to me. I've never felt this way before, not even with Aria... oh no. Immediately I jump back from Alina and catch my breath.

"Mmm don't stop Luka. Come back." She purrs again but my throat closes up at the thought of what I was just doing. Is this cheating? Would she hate me because of what I did? I feel so guilty that I don't realize I'm backing into the forest until I am shaded by trees. And I don't come back out until the sun rises.

***

"Where were you yesterday?" Naal asks as he sits on my windowsill.

After being scolded by both of my parents and Willow for disappearing the way I did, I decided I would hide away in my room for the rest of Christmas Eve. Naal's been here for an hour telling me everything that had happened after I left. Apparently all of that "grinding" led Connor to marking Catherine. There was a lot of blood and a few screams but they are officially mates now. I'm happy for them. They are the first couple I've met at such a young age to be bonded. I will definitely have to ask them what it feels like.

"I freaked out. I didn't realize what I was doing until it was almost too late." He turns his head and frowns.

"And what were you doing exactly?" His question is said in the calmest manner it actually relaxes my nerves.

"I cheated on Aria." Naal stifles a laugh and tries to cover it up as a cough.

"No you didn't."

"Yes I did."

"No you didn't Luka."

"Yes I di-"

"Did you touch Alina inappropriately?" I hesitate before I answer.

"No..."

"Did you kiss her?"

"No..."

"Did she kiss you?"

"No..."

"Did you even think of doing anything more than dancing with her?"

"No."

"So how did you cheat?"

"I... I don't know." He smiles softly and turns back to the window. "How are you so smart and you don't even have a girlfriend?" Laughing Naal lays his head back against the wall.

"I read a lot. And I watch the occasional T.V. show and movie." We both laugh and I relax on my bed.

"So what are you going to do for Christmas?" I ask Naal as I toss up a new baseball a friend got me for Christmas. As I continue to toss the ball I still hear no response from Naal causing me to get up to see him better. I can see the side of his face but his expression is blocked by the sunlight.

"Naal?" He turns to me slowly and grimaces.

"I was going to spend it at Raelynn's house..." The caution he uses in his voice is what catches my attention.

"Ok?" I say slowly.

"So that's ok?" His eyes widen slightly and he gets up from the windowsill slowly.

"Yeah why?" Sitting on my bed he sighs and rubs the back of his neck.

"Well with the way you reacted before..." I blush hard and sit against my headboard.

"Yeah... sorry about that. But why are you spending Christmas with them?" I ask, curiosity and a hint, not that I'd ever mention it, of jealousy surfacing.

"Raelynn said her family has the best Christmas morning tradition ever. My family is excited to celebrate a human Christmas and they want to see and experience their traditions." I shake my head in agreement.

"That's... cool... have fun." Naal rolls his eyes and lies on my bed.

"I already know you're thinking of a way to come so just admit it so we can ask your parents."

"I don't want to come." I say defensively. It's actually really annoying that he was able to guess that so easily.

"Yes you do."

"It's not that I don't want to come... it's just... she never said anything to me about Christmas..." Naal scoffs and throws his hands behind his head.

"Don't be jealous. She has more than one friend Luka." I kick his side and huff.

"I'm not jealous. I'm just surprised." I murmur in annoyance. He laughs and jumps up from the bed.

"Come on its Christmas Eve let's do something cool!" Throwing my legs over the bed I sigh.

"What are you thinking?" I ask smiling. His own smile grows.

"Let's go sledding. There's this huge man-made hill in town and everyone says it's icy enough to slide fast and steep enough to last long." I nod and grab my jacket.

"Let's do it."

***

Naal and I spent hours at the hill sledding endlessly. It was so much fun and helped to take my mind off of the many things that had been bothering me that day. Oddly all of them were centred on girls. Alina, Aria and Raelynn. All three of them have given me such a headache. What's a boy to do?

"Oh Luka sweetheart there you are. We were just entertaining the Clover family before they leave later tonight. Come we're about to have dinner. You too Naal. Your parents are already here." Mom walks back into the dining room leaving Naal and I staring at each other.

"Are you ok with seeing her again?" Naal asks slowly taking off his jacket.

"I guess so. I just hope she doesn't try anything." I follow his lead and hang my jacket in the front closet. I can hear the laughter and clatter of cutlery from a few feet away and I feel like my heart is about to explode. I know I shouldn't be this nervous, but what's bothering me the most is that it's not nerves that's getting to me... it's the fact that I'm excited to see her. I'm thrilled to see her. To hear her... to touch her. This is not good.

"Luka hurry up before your food gets cold." Naal and I hurry into the dining room and join the rest of the family to eat. Coincidently I have to sit beside Alina as there are no other spots other than beside her. So with me on her left and Naal on her right I pray to both the Moon Goddess and Rae's God Jesus Christ to give me the strength to get through this dinner.

"So Alina you're going to be sixteen next year, are you going to have a party?" Mom asks smiling gently. Father is beside me at the head of the table while my is mother is opposite to him. With Alina beside me and Naal on her other side, his parents are next to him while her parents are in front of her with Willow directly in front of me. Her hand slides onto my right leg and I shiver.

"I plan on having a huge bash. I am hoping to find my mate at the event..." her grip slide higher up my thigh and that pressure in my groin builds again. "If not sooner." She smiles widely and continues to eat her food as if she hadn't done a thing.

"That sounds wonderful Alina. I do hope you have a pleasant birthday."

"Alina has been looking forward to her sixteenth birthday for it seems like forever..." As her parents and mine begin to converse her hand returns with more force and she rubs up and down my leg. I try my best to focus on my food but I can't seem to think straight. It's like my leg is on fire and it burns, but in a very good way. I feel her breath on my neck and I bite my lip to keep my growl in.

"Luka will be attending high school soon we're very excited for him." My mom says smiling at me. I can tell she is trying to make me speak up so I use this opportunity to push Alina's hand away and focus on the matter at hand, not cheating on Aria.

"Yeah I plan to do my best at maintaining high grades while joining the swim team and any other extracurricular activities I can fit in."

"You sound like you'll be a busy young man." Mr. Clover says finishing his food.

"I want to enjoy as many human experiences as I can before I take over the position as Alpha. It's a plan Naal and I made." Mr. Clover looks to Naal and smiles with pride.

"What will you be doing during high school Naal?"

"I want to try baseball actually." Naal's dad claps Naal on the back and laughs.

"He's going to be great. I know it." Naal nudges his father and finishes his food.

"So Luka you said you want to enjoy every human experience?" Alina asks as her fingers play with my leg again. I nod my head slowly and gulp at my water.

"Yup." My voice is hoarse and raspy. She clicks her tongue and traces a finger towards my groin again pushing hard against the fabric that covers the zipper.

"Well then, do you plan on having sex before choosing your mate?" My father's eyes bulge out while her parents begin to choke on their food. Mom just laughs quietly to herself while Willow covers her ears and Naal throws a hand over his eyes.

"Alina language!" Her mother says dabbing her mouth with a napkin.

"What it is an honest question? Not many male wolves wait for their mates anymore. I mean it's a romantic gesture but totally uncommon. Besides isn't that what most human teenagers do in high school? What's the phrase again, sex, drugs and rock and roll? Something like that." Her father growls for her to show respect and she bows her head and pulls her hands in to her lap.

"That's enough. I apologize but we must take our leave. We appreciate the wonderful hospitality Alpha Gannon and Luna Kiera. Young Alphas may the Moon Goddess shine her radiance on you. I hope the next time we meet we will be able to see one of your swim meets. Young Beta Naal, it was great to see you again. You've grown so much. Mr. and Mrs. Ryon thank you for allowing us to stay with you again." He stands up throwing a glare at his daughter who has already gotten up herself and is keeping her head bowed.

"It was a pleasure to have you. Safe travel back to Blue Moon pack. Give my regards to both Alpha Tremain and young Alpha Wynona." Mr. Clover smiles softly and nods his head before leaving with his family. Once their gone I finally open my mouth and say the thing that's been on my mind for hours now.

"I didn't know we allowed pack members from other territory to join the Winter's Howl." Father looks towards me and smiles.

"The Clover family have been friends of Naal's family for years. Mr. Clover used to be a part of our pack but when he met his wife, well he was a goner. Needless to say they visit every once in a while.

"Now let's clear up and get some dessert before we send you off to bed." Willow jumps up and starts collecting the cups, the easiest thing to do, leaving the large dishes and cutlery to Naal and I.

"Are you ok? I know she was doing something to you I just didn't know what." Naal asks as we clear up the table.

"She was touching my leg and it made me want to... well now that I think about it, it made me want to growl really loud." Naal chuckles.

"So she turned you on then?" We walk into the kitchen and load the dishes in the dishwasher.

"How can you know that so quickly?" I ask leaning against the counter.

"I told you I learn things." He smirks and dries off his hands.

"Yeah yeah." Father walks into the kitchen and watches us closely.

"I swear you guys never talk anymore since you discovered the mindlink." He shakes his head and grabs a bottle of water from the fridge.

"We know how to talk dad it's just easier through the mindlink." I respond as I jump up to sit on the counter.

"You do know that it takes a good amount of energy to use the mindlink right?" Naal looks at me and I look back at him, we're both dumbfounded.

"Really?" Naal asks walking to the island father is leaning on.

"Really. Sure the mindlink is helpful and effective but it takes a lot of energy from the body to focus on finding that certain person's mind, while blocking out the voices from the rest of the pack members you allow."

"I never realized that before." I say throwing my head back.

"Let me ask you this. Have you ever gotten a slight headache at random times?" We both nod our heads. "It's because of the stress you're putting on your mind. Don't over use this gift boys, it's great but it is to be used wisely. Now are you guys going to have dessert?" He takes out the chocolate cake a pack member made for our family and licks his lips.

"I want some!" Willow says running into the kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Ryon and my mom walk in behind her as dad begins to serve the cake. We each eat the cake in silence enjoying the chocolaty goodness. Mom speaks up first.

"Everyone it's almost midnight." Willow squeals and runs upstairs.

"She still believes in Santa Claus?" I ask scraping my plate. Mom hits my shoulder and Naal laughs.

"Don't spoil it for her. She likes the idea of Santa and I know she will let it go eventually. Now both of you off to bed. We have to be early when we leave for the Dawson's house. Jerri makes the most scrumptious pancakes. Goodnight Alma and Jeremiah and Merry Christmas." Mom and dad leave the kitchen and head upstairs. Mr. and Mrs. Ryon bid me goodnight and head to the door. Naal looks up to me and grins.

"I'll see you tomorrow man." I gather the remaining plates and nod.

"Merry Christmas Naal."

"Merry Christmas Luka." He joins his parents and I go to my room to think on what I let happen again with Alina and what kind of person that makes me.

KEEGAN (BLUE SHIRT) AND KYLE (GREY SHIRT) ABOVE >>>>