Christmas with the Grumpy Alpha (Feuding Hearts Christmas)

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Lena

You can’t outrun the past.

The thought insidiously slips its way inside my head while I’m leaping over a fallen log.

I snort in anger, baring my teeth and pushing myself to sprint even faster. I can outrun the past.

And I will.

There is a flurry of movement behind me, and I know the werewolves following in my stead have increased their pace to keep up with me.

They’re probably irritated by how fast I’m going right now. This was only intended to be a pleasant run to stretch our legs before the wedding, not an exhausting sprint.

Unfortunately for them, I’ve made it one.

The memories of my past are like wasps inside my head, buzzing irritatingly and stinging my mind with their presence.

If only I can go fast enough, I’ll be able to leave the memories behind. I’ll be able to attend my best friend’s wedding in peace.

AWHOOOO!

The howl erupts behind me, sharp and piercing, snapping me out of my trance.

I know that howl, it’s from Daphne, my best friend and bride-to-be, who clearly isn’t too thrilled with me turning what was supposed to be a casual run into a full-on sprint.

I can sense the frustration in her call, but it doesn’t faze me.

I sigh inwardly, slowing down against my instincts.

I’m not used to running with anyone. Solitude is my comfort, my peace, and out here in the wild, it’s where I thrive.

No pack. No obligations.

Just the freedom to move at my own pace. That’s how I’ve always lived, and that’s how I prefer it. Being a rogue wolf suits me.

There’s no one to answer to, no constant eyes watching my every move, and certainly no alpha telling me what to do.

No alliances, no promises, no responsibilities to anyone but myself. Most importantly no one to let you down. And that’s how I like it.

I’ve never understood how some wolves can willingly submit to that kind of life, constantly surrounded by packmates, always under someone else’s rule.

I slow my pace to a gentle jog, but my heart resists. My wolf still yearns for the wind in my fur, the earth beneath my paws, and the endless horizon stretching before me.

But then there’s Daphne, calling me back to reality, reminding me that I’m not alone this time. I really do care about her.

She’s the only one who’s managed to worm her way into my world without making me feel like I need to run in the other direction. But even as her wedding approaches, I can’t shake the instinct to retreat into my solitude.

I pause, letting out my breath as I slow to a walk. Daphne’s howl echoes again, and this time it’s more playful, less annoyed. She’s used to me by now, used to me slipping away and needing my space.

She’s the only one who understands that a life without a pack doesn’t make me incomplete.

If anything, it’s what makes me feel whole.

Still, I stop, glancing back over my shoulder. It’s time to return, to be with her, to play the part of a supportive best friend.

All around me, the world solidifies back into shape again, turning from a blurry palette of whites, browns, and greens into the sleepy forest nestled right beside Hollyridge Lake.

The fire seeps out of my muscles, taking the adrenaline with it, leaving me standing on soft soil with a pounding heart and burning limbs.

I turn around and watch the remainder of our morning crew coming to a stop before me.

Daphne is right at their head, and her snowy white pelt is blending in with the trees, making it appear like part of the forest itself is moving.

Behind her is Larry, her husband-to-be, panting heavily, his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

I look at him and feel an instant stab of regret. Now I’m sure Daphne isn’t very pleased with me. The groom looks like he might have a heart attack at any moment.

Great going, Lena.

Way to make an excellent first impression at your bestie’s wedding.

I sigh inwardly again and begin walking towards Daphne, letting my human form retake control as I do.

The spotless, snow-white fur on my body shrinks back into my skin, and I feel my claws and fangs retracting, being replaced by human teeth and nails.

All at once, the chill in the air is sharper than before, wrapping around me like a blanket of thorns.

I welcome its painful embrace eagerly, sucking in a huge lungful of frigid mountain air and letting it cleanse me from the inside. Letting it wash away all the dirty remnants of my past, leaving me as new as ever.

You wish, my inner wolf whispers to me as I put all my clothes back on, which we had hidden before we left for our run. Your past isn’t going away that easily, Lena.

Before I can dwell any further on that gloomy thought, I’ve already reached Daphne, and just as I had thought, she looks a bit miffed.

“You okay, Lena?” Daphne asks breathlessly, still panting from the run. Her hands are firmly planted on her waist, something she does when she’s demanding an explanation from someone.

I flash my friend an innocent smile. “Of course, I’m great. Why would you ask?”

Daphne rolls her eyes. “Because you just tried to run us into the ground. Who exactly do you think is chasing us?”

“Oh, you know, just all of my secret admirers.” I toss my auburn hair to the side dramatically, hoping to elicit a laugh from my friend. “They’re obsessed with me, you know.”

Daphne doesn’t laugh, but she does crack a small smile, which is also good enough. “You will never learn,” she grumbles, shaking her head.

“Never learn what?” Larry asks, stepping up to us and throwing an arm over Daphne’s shoulder.

His wiry brown hair is sticking up from his head in disarray. The bridge of his thin nose is red from the cold. And he’s still breathing harshly, much to my embarrassment.

“Everything,” Daphne tells her fiancé.

“Everything that one could possibly learn about being sane and sensible, Lena will never know. She is so used to being a loner that she forgets about everyone around her sometimes.”

“Daphne’s just angry that I made everyone sprint so hard today.” I wink conspiratorially at Larry. “Tell me, Larry. You didn’t mind, did you?”

It takes Larry a few seconds to answer because he’s still panting a bit. “Of course not,” he manages, his breath fogging up the air.

Daphne gives her soon-to-be husband an endearing look before rolling her eyes at me again. “Next time, I’ll be putting a leash around your neck in case you think of trying anything funny again.”

“Oh, come on, Daphne!” I protest, acting like that comment has hurt. “Don’t you think you’re overreacting a bit? It was just a sprint. What’s the worst that could have happened?”

“How about someone accidentally slipping and spraining an ankle?” Daphne answers. “Or better yet, what if it was me? Imagine the bride being unable to walk up the aisle on her wedding day!”

“Then Larry would just carry you up there himself,” I tell her with a sweet smile, glancing at Larry, who seems barely capable of carrying himself right now.

“I think it would make the whole thing even more romantic than before. Don’t you agree, Larry?”

Larry begins to nod again, but Daphne elbows him. “If you find it so romantic, you can always try it out at your own wedding,” she teases me. “After all, you have a whole army of obsessed admirers to choose from, as you just said.”

I laugh, knowing when I’m beat. “Point taken, my friend. You win.”

Daphne grins at me, the crossness gone from her face. Now she’s just back to being my best friend again, like she’s been ever since high school.

I was the orphan in a group home then, and she was the one person who didn’t treat me any differently because of it.

A couple of years older, she took me under her wing and became like an older sister during those difficult times, showing me kindness when I was surrounded by uncertainty.

Daphne knew what I was before I did, and when I started to go through my werewolf transition, she was there for me like no one else.

She knew exactly what I was going through every sprouting patch of fur, elongating tooth, and heightened sense. She helped me navigate it all, ensuring I understood that these changes were normal and nothing to be feared.

Without her, I’m sure I would have unraveled under the pressure of being both an orphan and a werewolf, but Daphne’s steady support got me through it all.

“Come on,” Daphne nudges me, interrupting my stream of thoughts. “I think it’s time we go back to the lodge. It was nice to get out and stretch our legs after all the travel to get here, but maybe we should just walk for a while. I don’t think anyone’s in the mood for more running.”

As a group, we begin making our slow way back to the clearing, where the warm and luxurious Snowhaven Lodge awaits us.

Daphne and I lag behind the group, letting Larry lead them onwards, while we take our sweet time enjoying the forest’s invigorating freshness.

Everything looks so richly textured and suffused with brightness at this early hour of dawn.

The snow is everywhere, draped over the tree branches and blanketing the glistening grass.

Far in the distance, past the forest’s twisting maze, I catch a glimpse of Hollyridge Lake’s frozen surface.

It sparkles like a glittering jewel in the frosty morning light.

What a location to have a wedding, I think with awe, and then tilt my head up to the sky, which is the only foreboding element in this scenic landscape.

Its bright blue canvas is tainted with sullen clouds.

“That’s going to be one hell of a snowstorm, when it finally unleashes,” I comment, pointing upwards.

Daphne follows my gaze.

She makes a noise of agreement. “Yeah, I just hope it doesn’t interfere with the event,” she mutters fretfully.

“Larry and I have been working so hard to ensure everything goes smoothly. You know how much I wanted to have my wedding during a white Christmas, but I don’t want our plans washed away by a stupid blizzard.”

“Relax,” I assure her. “Everything will be fine. You already double and triple-checked all the arrangements, remember? And the whole wedding will be indoors anyways, so you have nothing to worry about.”

“Yeah,” Daphne murmurs. “I hope so. I just can’t help worrying, that’s all. I think it’s part of what they call the ‘pre-wedding jitters.’ Since I can’t do anything about it, I’m just learning to accept it.”

“Smart move,” I grunt, before adding absently. “Some things you can only learn to live with, not get rid of.”

Daphne gives me a sidelong look. “You okay, Lena?” she asks.

“Yep.” I force myself to smile again, although I don’t feel like it. “Right as rain.”

“You don’t look it,” she observes with concern. “It’s Derek, isn’t it? You’re thinking of him again.”

Hearing my ex-boyfriend’s name mentioned aloud is like having salt pressed against a wound that has only scabbed over but never truly healed.

I wince when Daphne utters those words, as if they’ve struck me physically.

“Yep, my guess was right,” Daphne notes, observing my reaction.

“Lena, all jokes about your secret admirers aside, maybe this wedding will be exactly what you need—a chance to move past everything. After all, Christmas is the season of magic and love. I mean, if there’s ever a time to find a little hope and let go of old hurts, it’s now, right?”

Daphne grabs my hand and squeezes it tight like she always does when I need it most and continues.

“I always say there’s something different about love at Christmas. It’s just warmer and cozier. It wraps around you like a big blanket. I think you might find a bit of that magic here too.”

Her words are hopeful, dreamy, as if this whole wedding is more than just a ceremony to her—it’s a way to share the enchantment of the season, the belief that love is somehow brighter, more powerful, at Christmas.

I wish I could believe it, the way she does.

“Daphne!” A voice calls out from ahead of us. We look forward and find Clara, one of Larry’s older cousins, staring back at us.

She gestures up at the sky, which is getting darker at a frightening pace, as if the storm has sensed us out in the open and is hurrying to unleash itself upon us before we can reach the safety of our lodgings.

“It looks like it’s going to snow any minute, Daphne!” Clara shouts. “I think Tanner is still on his way here. What if he gets stuck on the roads? You know how common avalanches are in these areas!”

Tanner? Oh God. I completely forgot.

I groan silently, my mood ruined for the day. How could I have forgotten such an important detail?

That my ex’s brother is both Larry’s best friend and pack Alpha, and will obviously be attending the wedding?

And that after Daphne marries Larry, she’ll become part of that same pack too, all three of them together as one big happy family—with Tanner, the colossal ass, right at the top as the family head?

My inner wolf bristles with frustration. Don’t forget the reputation he has , it growls darkly. Don’t forget the things Derek told you about him.

Daphne and Clara are still chatting about the weather, but I’ve tuned them out. My mind is too busy replaying the last time I saw Tanner—the first time, really, when everything started.

I remember it vividly.

The first time Derek ever mentioned his brother, he told me, with that smug look on his face, that Tanner believed rogues were "inferior wolves." According to Derek, Tanner thought the only reason a wolf would be rogue was if they weren’t good enough to belong to a pack.

I brushed it off then, thinking it was just typical pack arrogance.

But the day I met Tanner for the first time, I quickly realized it was worse than that.

It was during one of those pack gatherings Derek had dragged me to an event I would have gladly avoided.

I was already on edge being surrounded by so many wolves from Derek’s pack, but when Tanner showed up, his eyes immediately locked onto me like a hawk spotting prey.

I could feel his judgment before he even said a word.

He wasted no time.

“So, you’re Derek’s rogue,” he’d said, his tone dripping with condescension.

His eyes flicked over me dismissively, like I was something beneath him. “I guess that makes sense. You were never part of a pack, were you?”

He tilted his head, a mock look of curiosity crossing his face. “Not raised by wolves, I hear.”

The insult hit hard, stoking the fire inside me. I’d never been part of a pack, it was true—I didn’t need to be. But the way he said it, like it made me less of a wolf, less of anything.

I saw red.

“And you,” I shot back, my voice cold, “are just a shitty excuse for an Alpha in training. If your pack is relying on you to lead them, they’re doomed. Maybe that’s why Derek is always cleaning up your messes.”

His smirk faltered, just for a second, before it twisted into something even more venomous. “I don’t need help from anyone, especially not from someone who couldn’t even make it in a pack if they tried.”

I met his glare head-on. “Better to be on my own than follow someone as weak as you. You’ll never be the Alpha your father expects.”

The tension between us was suffocating, both of our wolves on edge, bristling. Tanner had wanted to throw more insults my way, but someone called his name, and with one final scathing look, he left.

From that moment on, the lines were drawn. I couldn’t stand him, and he clearly didn’t think much of me either.

I shake my head, trying to push the memory away, but it’s hard to forget the way he looked at me that day.

Like I was nothing.

And now, I’m supposed to spend an entire wedding with him, pretending like we can coexist?

My inner wolf snarls, her hackles raised.

Daphne and Clara are still discussing the weather, but I can’t focus on anything except the fact that Tanner will be here soon.

This wedding was supposed to be my one chance to forget everything, to just share in my friend’s happiness for once.

But with Tanner here?

This is going to be a disaster.

The only positive thing that came from my relationship with Derek was Daphne meeting Larry. Derek took Daphne and me to one of the pack parties, and they hit it right off.

“Lena?”

Daphne’s voice startles me out of my thoughts. I look up to find her back at my side, watching me intently.

“What?” I ask, suddenly feeling defensive for no reason.

Daphne arches her eyebrows. “You know what, Lena. Tanner, that’s what.”

“Don’t worry,” I tell her sourly. “Maybe he’ll get stuck in an avalanche and won’t be able to attend the wedding.”

Daphne gasps softly and looks around, hoping no one’s heard us. “Lena! Behave! He’s Larry’s best man and the Alpha of my soon-to-be pack!”

“How Larry can have such awful taste in friends is beyond me,” I state, rolling my eyes. “Especially when he has such great taste in women.”

My little piece of flattery works and defuses Daphne’s tension again. But she still doesn’t leave the subject.

“Promise me, Lena,” she says intently. “Promise me you’ll be nice to him, and there won’t be any drama between you two.”

I raise my head slowly and peer through the trees at the clearing, which is now visible in the distance.

“I promise, Daphne,” I mutter thickly, coughing immediately afterward so she doesn’t catch the unease in my voice. Daphne doesn’t look very convinced with my answer, but she doesn’t bring up the subject again during our walk.

Fifteen minutes later, we step through the maze of trees back onto open ground, with the lodge right in front of us, no more than a dozen meters away.

It’s a stunning wooden lodge, with burnished beams and high, arched ceilings, nestled perfectly into the snowy landscape. The large windows reflect the glow of the setting sun, and balconies overlook the pine-covered slopes.

It has the warm, inviting charm of a high-end ski resort—cozy, yet elegant—like the kind of place you’d see on a Christmas postcard. It may not be the Hilton, but for a winter escape like this, it’s picture-perfect.

Daphne and Larry have booked the whole place for the weekend, accommodating all their guests in it.

Now they’re just hoping that the guests actually arrive before the storm blocks all the roadways leading to the destination.

Judging by the color of the darkening sky, it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot of time left.

As we enter the lodge, we find that one of the guests has already made his entrance. He’s standing at the reception with his suitcase by his side.

Judging by his slim frame and sandy hair, he seems to be some relative of Larry’s and arrived just in time to escape the blizzard.

“Hey,” I nudge Daphne in the ribs. “I’ll go to my room to chill and unpack for a bit, okay? That run tired me out more than I expected.”

Daphne is already heading with Larry to greet the new guest. Her face is tired and distracted.

She gives me a quick smile and a pat on the shoulders before walking away, absently fixing her blonde ringlets as she does.

I turn the other way and begin heading towards the stairs. My mind shifts to a savoring thought of how soft my bed will feel when I sink into it and pull that deliciously cozy duvet up to my chin for a short nap.

The morning run of ours was organized as soon as we arrived, so we had a chance to let off steam before being cooped up for the weekend. Now’s a good opportunity to catch up on some beauty rest and get ready for the evening.

I’m so engrossed in my daydream of an uninterrupted nap that I barely notice the lobby restroom to my left open. My eyes are focused ahead, and my feet are briskly striding forward, leading me towards the wooden staircase at the corner of the lobby.

In my eagerness to reach the comfort of my room, I slam right into someone stepping out of the bathroom.

He’s so much larger and taller than me that the collision feels like hitting a brick wall, sending me stumbling off balance and jarring me into reality.

“Sorry, I—” As my eyes fall upon the person I’ve collided with, the apology dies in my throat.

Tanner.

Of course, it’s him. Right here, as solid and imposing as ever.

A ghost from my past, except there's nothing ethereal about him. He’s all hard muscle and annoyance, standing in my way like he owns the place.

“Lena.” Tanner’s voice is low, with a gruff edge, like he’s half-bored and half-irritated. “Didn’t expect to see you trying to run people over already. Thought you’d wait until at least tomorrow.”

“It’s called an accident, Tanner,” I snap, barely keeping the edge out of my voice. “And I wouldn't be bumping into you if you didn’t take up so much damn space. Next time, watch where you’re going.”

His ice-blue eyes flicker with amusement, but there’s a hint of that grumpy undertone. “Watch where I’m going? It’s not my fault you came barreling into me like a freight train. You almost flattened yourself.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. I don’t need to argue with you about who bumped into whom.”

He’s standing too close. The simple V-neck he’s wearing hugs his broad shoulders and strong chest, showcasing the ripple of muscle beneath the fabric. My pulse quickens, but I push it down.

He’s changed so much since we first met. Back then, he was all arrogant and bark, still trying to prove himself and still growing into the role of Alpha.

But now?

Now he stands with a confidence and power I never expected like he’s finally become the man and the Alpha he was always meant to be.

His biceps strain against the sleeves as if the shirt itself is struggling to contain his strength.

And then there’s his lower half—the jeans fit him perfectly, snug around his hips and thighs, leaving little to the imagination.

The way they mold to his legs only amplifies the sense of raw power. I should look away—hell, I need to—but every inch of him screams danger, and I’m caught in his orbit.

“I’d say you’re getting a little too sensitive,” he mutters. “Didn’t think I’d see you all worked up about a little bump.”

“It’s not the bump I’m sensitive about,” I shoot back, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “It’s you.”

“Oh really?” He crosses his arms, and it only makes his muscles more pronounced, like he’s showing off without even trying. “I never realized my presence was such a burden for you. It’s almost like you’re... obsessed. Is that what this is?”

“Obsessed?” I let out a sharp laugh. “Please, you wish. If anything, I’m allergic. You’re like poison ivy—impossible to avoid and just as irritating.”

Tanner smirks, the corners of his mouth twitching up. “Wow, Lena. I had no idea you disliked me that much. How will I go on, knowing I don’t have your... admiration?”

“Try real hard,” I say, gritting my teeth. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” My mind's racing, but his scent hits me before I can say anything else—briny, like sea salt and fresh air.

My inner wolf stirs, hackles raised, making me feel unnervingly alert. And that only makes me more furious.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” Tanner’s voice is taunting, and he leans in just a little, like he’s savoring my frustration.

“What?” I look up, blinking. I didn’t even hear what he said—I was too busy trying to block out the way he smells, like trouble wrapped in temptation.

“I said,” Tanner drawls, his half-smile tilting into that infuriating, cocky angle, “we’re stuck here together for the weekend, so you might want to start being nice. Or at least civil. We don’t have to make it worse than it already is.”

“Yeah, well, I think I'll pass on that,” I snap back, trying to ignore the pulse quickening in my ears. “A better plan is to just stay out of my way until we leave and never have to see each other again.”

Without waiting for whatever snarky comment he’s got lined up, I spin around and march away, my heart pounding and my wolf acting like she’s ready to leap out of me.

The last thing I need right now is to deal with him... and the last thing I want is to admit how much he gets under my skin.

Tanner does not call out after me, but I can sense him still standing there, his eyes on my back, and that irritating grin plastered to his face.

It's going to be a long vacation, I think, with a sigh.