Christmas with my Off-Limits Alpha (Feuding Hearts Christmas)

18. Liam Shadds

Liam Shadds

Chapter Eighteen

T he Iron Wolves’ motorcycles rumble into the town square, their chrome pipes gleaming under the Christmas lights. Diggs leads the pack. His red hair flows loose beneath his shorty helmet, glowing as a beacon against the dark leather of his jacket. The crowd parts like water around stones as the MC riders spread into an area on the far side of the square.

Frank steps closer to my shoulder. “They’re testing us.”

I nod, keeping my face neutral, though my wolf bristles beneath my skin. Looking across the crowd, I catch Ava’s amber gaze. She stands between the Iron Wolves and the Shadow Claws, her position a stark reminder of the divisions in our town.

Mayor Jenny Roberts strides onto the makeshift stage, her silver necklace catching the light. “Tonight, we celebrate the holiday season, and the spirit of community that makes Snowy Pines special. Both the Shadow Claw pack and the Iron Wolves have deep roots in our town,” Jenny continued, her voice steady despite the tension. “Together, we can…”

“Save the speech.” Diggs’ voice cut through the air. “We’re here for the celebration, not false promises of unity.”

The muscles in my jaw tightened. Every instinct screams to challenge his disrespect, but I force myself to stay still.

“Let them posture,” Frank muttered. “It’s all they have left.”

But it isn’t that simple. Not with Ava caught in the middle. Her existence bridges our two worlds.

From the shadows of the old maple tree at the edge of the town square, I watch Benny take his victory lap across the stage, accepting his gold medal on the podium. The crowd’s cheers echo off the brick buildings, but my attention fixes on the silver winner, Joe Mooney. Elijah Fireclaw has a tight-lipped frown spread across his face as he waits to accept the bronze third place medal. His eyes dart toward his brother Diggs in the crowd.

Benny’s victory speech booms over the speakers, drawing fresh cheers from the crowd. I remain in my spot, watching, waiting. The special town council meeting I asked the mayor to call is scheduled for an hour from now and thinking about what is to come presses on my mind.

“Your boy did good,” Joe Mooney steps up beside me, silver medal gleaming on its blue ribbon around his neck. “Second place isn’t bad for a human.”

I nod, pride swelling at how well my pack had performed. “Benny says you rode like you were born on that bike.”

“Yeah, well...” Joe’s gaze drifted to where Ava stood near the front, her auburn hair catching the late afternoon sun. “Some of us have more to prove than others.”

“Did you see it when Elijah forced Ava out of the race?”

“He wouldn’t be standing here if I had seen it. Benny did the right thing, though. Made sure she was OK and went on to kick his butt.” His scowl turns to a smile as he thinks about the race. “I took a different path and came out ahead of both of them, not far from the turnaround point. It was a real race back to the finish then.”

“See you later in the council chamber.” He walks off in the direction of an admiring crowd around his bike, parked next to Benny’s and Elijah’s in front of the stage.

The festive atmosphere does not mask the underlying current of tension. Diggs and his Iron Wolves hang at the edges of the celebration like storm clouds threatening rain. My wolf bristles beneath my skin, urging me to act, to protect what is mine.

But this isn’t the time for confrontation. The townspeople and the packs deserve their moment of joy, their illusion of peace. I flex my hands, forcing back the claws that threaten to emerge.

“You gonna join the party?” Benny bounds over, championship medal swinging from his neck. “Or just brood in the corner like a proper alpha?”

“Someone has to keep watch.”

“Come on, man. We won. Two out of three top spots.” Benny clapped my shoulder. “Even made the Iron Wolves to play nice for a day.”

My gaze finds Ava again. She’s talking with the sheriff, but her eyes keep drifting my way. Each time the pull between us grows stronger, more insistent. The wolf in me wants to claim her, mark her as mine. The alpha in me knows it isn’t that simple. But soon.

“The race is over.” I murmur quietly to myself. “The real work is only beginning.”

The Iron Wolves won’t stay restrained by holiday goodwill for long. And Ava... my chest tightens at the thought of her caught between our two packs. Between her family’s expectations and her own desires. Between her world and mine.

My grandfather, Chief’s low growl draws my attention. His blue eyes lock with Frostbite Fireclaw’s icy stare across the square. The history between them crackles like static in the air.

Catching Frank’s eye, I nod toward Chief. He moves quietly to stand near and distract the retired Alpha before Frostbite decides he’s being challenged.

Luca appears at my side, tapping his watch.

“Yeah. I see it. Thanks. Stay here, monitor and let me know if anything gets out of hand. I’m heading to the council chamber.”

The council room doors were open when I arrived. It never fails to impress me, the huge oval-shaped dais that dominates this space. I automatically head to the left, the unofficial Silverclaw shifter side, and watch as the room fills up. Ava shifts uncomfortably between the sheriff and Joe in the center of the room.

The same division I feel is reflected in her eyes. Duty versus desire, tradition versus change.

My grandfather’s voice carries the weight of old wounds as he joins me. “Some bridges can’t be rebuilt, boy.” He nods to the right side of the room where Diggs and his father Frostbite stand. “Some rifts run too deep.”

HIs words echo my doubts. We’ve been locked in this dance for generations, neither side willing to give ground. But then my gaze catches Ava’s. And I remember what the Kitsuné power brings. Change is possible. Balance is possible. If we are brave enough and smart enough to reach for it.

Mayor Jenny Roberts takes her place at the center of the dais, flanked by council members Joe Mooney, Stafani Amani, Chief Shadds , and Jack Paul, as the attentive spectators settle into their seats.

“We have a quorum, as all currently serving council members are present. This meeting has been called at the request of alpha leader Liam Shadds to discuss the presence of the Iron Wolf motorcycle club in Snowy Pines.”

Murmurs spread across the room, not unexpectedly, and I watch my grandfather seated in his council chair. I doubt anyone but me sees the shock as his eyes bore into mine with huge question marks. I feel Chief push against the pack bond, but ignore him. No more secrets. Whatever he has to say about what’s coming will be heard by all.

“Liam, you have the floor. What’s on your mind?”

I step forward into the open space in the arc of the oval dais.

“Madam Mayor, Thank you for calling this meeting. I’d like to clarify two points before continuing. First, yes, it is my intention to discuss the Iron Wolves MC and also the position of the Fireclaw pack in Snowy Ridge. And second, while I asked for this special meeting, I did so at the request of another member of our community whose voice we must hear.”

My wolf bristles with pride as Ava steps up to stand by my side, exactly in the center facing the Mayor, her auburn hair catching the last rays of sunlight. The crowd falls silent, holding their collectively surprised breath.

“We’ve lost too much to this feud. It is time for it to end.” Ava’s voice rang clear across the room. “The Fire Claws and Iron Wolves are both central in the history of this community. They were once important parts of this town. They should be again.”

Frank tenses behind me, and I turn slightly to my pack, raising my hand. Through our pack bond, I feel the ripple of shock and uncertainty, but no resistance.

“My mother told me stories of the days when both packs worked together.” Ava’s amber eyes meet mine, then turn to Diggs. “We were stronger then. Snowy Pines was stronger then. Safer. We can be again.”

The muscles in my jaw relax. She is right. The weight of old grudges has dragged us down for too long.

I take a step and narrow the gap between us, closing ranks. My wolf settles under my skin as I put a hand on her shoulder.

“The Shadow Claw pack supports this proposal.” The words feel right on my tongue. Natural. Like the first breath after surfacing from a deep dive.

Diggs’ scarred face twitches, his red hair blazes in the fading light. He stands and steps up to flank Ava on the other side, his usual sneer replaced by something softer but equally determined. “The Iron Wolves will accept the invitation and request the terms for reinstatement to be a part of this body and active members of the town.”

My grandfather’s growl from his seat on the dais cuts through the murmurs. “You’d trust them, Liam, after everything?”

“Trust must be earned, Chief, by the people of both packs.” I meet his fierce blue eyes. “But I trust her.”

Gently, I nudge Ava forward, pushing her to take a small step to stand in front of both Diggs and me. Ava’s small smile as she turns slightly hits me like a punch to the gut. Beautiful. Fierce. Brave. Brilliant. There are not enough adjectives to do justice.

“Ava Mooney sees a path forward while the rest of us are trapped in the past.”

The crowd’s whispers grow louder. Mayor Jenny pounds her gavel once and leans forward, her silver necklace glinting. “This will take time. And work. From all sides. However, the proposal is in order and can now be discussed.”

“The Iron Claws are ready to be active members of the Snowy Pines community, Mayor. And we promise to work toward being positive influencers rather than disruptive.” Diggs’ voice carries the magnitude of his pack’s hopes.

“Including Frostbite?” Chief’s question is angry, almost shouted.

Diggs keeps it together, although I note he makes a fist as my grandfather speaks, and quickly releases it. “Councilman Shadds, I am the Alpha for the Iron Claws MC and the Fireclaws pack. Frostbite, my father, like every pack member, accepts the rule of the Alpha and is bound by the agreements I make here today.”

The Sheriff moves up to stand between Diggs and me. “As the father of Ava Mooney and the sheriff of Snowy Pines, I also speak in support of this petition, Madam Mayor.”

Ava turns, surprise on her face changing immediately to pride as she faces her father, then turns back to the council table. “It won’t be easy, Mayor, for the elders to overcome generations of spite and hate. But we…” Ava spreads her hands to include Diggs, herself, and me, “are the future of our people and the town we all love.”

“Recently I read a line my mother wrote in her journal, The rift between human, fox, and wolf runs deeper than blood. But bridges can be built, if one is brave enough to take the first step.”

“I am the bridge, asking the leaders of Snowy Pines to be brave enough to take the first step.”

I step forward to stand again beside her. “Mayor, this first step will lead to the next and the next. We’ll build our future one step at a time. It starts here by welcoming our brothers and sisters back into our community and eventually, our hearts.”

Diggs joins me on the other side as we flank Ava with her father standing firmly behind her. “We’ll take the first step, Madam Mayor. The lies and anger end here.”

He turns slightly to stare directly at his father, who has jumped up poised to speak. Diggs’ voice has the will of an Alpha when he continues. “Neither the Fireclaw Pack nor the Iron Wolves MC will be manipulated and lied to any longer. Our eyes have been opened by Ava Mooney and we humbly ask to return to the community we miss.”

Ava reaches her arms out to touch both Diggs and me. “The secrets end today, Madam Mayor. No matter what decision this council makes, we, the leaders of our future, are in agreement.”

“Our strength as a community lies in the unique differences we have. And it’s time for the poorly kept secret of shifters living among humans to be brought into the open. I am Kitsuné. It is my fate; it is the destiny I choose to embrace, to bring unity to our people, human and shifter alike.”

I nod, watching Ava’s shoulders relax as the tension bleeds from the room. She’s done what generations of alphas couldn’t— found a way to heal rather than fight. She truly is the bridge between us, built on bedrock we can trust.

My wolf preens with pride, recognizing her strength as clearly as I do.

Mayor Jenny steps forward, her silver necklace catching the last rays of sunlight. “Council members, I call for a vote. All in favor of lifting the ban on the Fireclaws and Iron Wolves, raise your hands.”

I watch as three hands along the dais rise to join the Mayor’s already held high. Across the crowd applause erupts, at first scattered, then like a wave engulfing the room. Only the Chief dissents. My grandfather’s weathered hand stays down, his blue eyes hard with decades of mistrust remain locked on his nemesis across the room, Frostbite. But the tide of change sweeps through our town.

As the crowd’s applause dies down, replaced by murmurs and whispers, Jenny’s voice rings loudly. “The motion passes. The first steps are taken. Welcome home, Fireclaws.” And the cheers erupt again.

Ava’s amber eyes meet mine, her presence steadying the wolf that paces beneath my skin. Diggs extends his hand to me, his red hair blazes in the fading light. The scar on his face is pulled tight. “For the future of both our packs.”

I clasp his hand, feeling the strength in his grip. The gesture echoes through the crowd, who can’t seem to stop cheering. Tension dissolves into celebration.

Ava’s fingers find mine, twining together where everyone can see. No more hiding. No more choosing between duty and desire. The relief hits me like a physical force, years of carrying my pack’s legacy alone finally lifting from my shoulders.

“To new beginnings.” Jenny raises her voice over the crowd’s enthusiasm. “And old wounds finally healing. Now, who's ready for hot chocolate and gingerbread on the square? Meeting Adjourned!”

I look out over the faces mingling in the room behind us. My pack mixes with Iron Wolves and Fireclaws, townspeople with supernatural beings. Even Sheriff Mooney has a grudging smile beneath his stern exterior. This is what leadership is meant to be. Not maintaining walls, but knowing when to tear them down.

Benny’s whoop cuts through the cheers. “Party at the Iron Wolf clubhouse!” Laughter shared among all. It’s a great sound as the crowd disperses back out into the square where the word is being spread about the change in status for the Iron Wolves and, for those who live here, the Fire Claws. The celebration spreads across the locals in the crowd who have new reason for hope.

Ribbons of Christmas lights across the town square cast dancing shadows through the falling snow. Music drifts from the speakers. White Christmas, an old holiday tune, makes the moment timeless. I reach for Ava’s hand, drawing her away from the celebrating crowd and toward the massive Christmas tree.

“Dance with me?” My voice comes out soft, meant only for her.

Her amber eyes glow in the twinkling lights as she steps into my arms. “I thought alphas didn’t dance.”

“This one does.” I pull her close, breathing in her scent of vanilla and winter air. The wolf inside me settles, content in a way I’ve never known before.

Her fingers trace the scar on my shoulder through my shirt. “You’re different than I expected, Liam Shadds.”

“Good different or bad different?”

“Good. Definitely good.” She rests her head against my chest as we sway to the music.

For the first time since taking on the role of alpha, the weight of leadership feels lighter. Not gone—I’ll always carry the responsibility—but shared. With Ava by my side, I don’t face every challenge alone.

“What are you thinking about?” Her breath warms my neck.

“How right this feels.” I brush my thumb across her cheek. “How right you feel.”

The Christmas lights reflect in her eyes as she lifts her face to mine. I cup the back of her head, tangling my fingers in her auburn hair, and kiss her soft lips, tasting of peppermint and promises. The crowd around us fades away until there is nothing but this moment, this woman in my arms.

When we break apart, her smile outshines the decorations. “Merry Christmas, Alpha.”

“Merry Christmas, my love.”

The music plays on as snowflakes drift around us, but I barely notice. Everything I want is right here. Ava. The peace she brings to my soul. For the first time, I see a future filled with with love, partnership, and possibility.