Christmas with the Grumpy Alpha (Feuding Hearts Christmas)

22. Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Tanner

“Are you ready for round three?”

Lena laughs and dodges my outstretched hand. “Enough, Tanner. I need some food.” She winks at me slyly. “To fuel my body for further…. activities, you know.”

“Oh, I understand completely.” I jump up from bed with an enthusiasm I’ve rarely shown. “In that case, we need to stuff you full of energy. Because I have a wild itinerary planned for us tonight.”

Lena laughs again. “Stop it. You’re such an animal.”

I let out a fake growl. “You are, too, don’t forget that. That’s what makes us fit so well together.”

“Indeed, now shall we leave?” She taps her watch. “Everyone is probably gathering outside for goodbyes.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot today’s the last day. Let’s go.” I smooth down my shirt and grab my phone, before turning to Lena with a more serious look. “My family’s going to be there too, you know.”

Lena shrugs. “So what?”

I pause. “You’re not nervous anymore about being around them, right?”

She laughs. “No, Tanner. Almost freezing to death gave me a good priority check yesterday.” She comes forward and kisses me on the lips, wrapping her arms around me.

I grin, both relieved and turned on by her confidence. “Great. That’s the best thing I’ve heard all morning.”

We head downstairs as a pair, where the guests are all gathered in the lobby, their suitcases in hand.

A bittersweet feeling hangs in the air, the end of a great weekend and the beginning of new possibilities.

Daphne and Larry are at the front of the crowd, meeting everyone turn by turn, asking if they enjoyed the wedding, and then expressing their gratitude to the guests for coming.

My family is near the entrance.

I spot them and turn around to see that Lena’s spotted them as well. To my mild surprise, I don’t see her giving any reaction.

None of that nervousness I was expecting to see.

I just think Lena’s stopped caring now. She knows who she is, and what she deserves. That’s enough.

“Hello, you two lovebirds!” Daphne comes towards us, grinning. “I thought Larry and I were going to be the dewy-eyed romantic couple this weekend, but you guys have stolen the prize from us!”

I laugh. “Don’t worry. You and Larry can take your revenge when it’s our wedding.” The words coming from my mouth feel strange and thrilling at the same time. I have to fight back an excited shudder.

Our wedding.

“You bet I’m going to hold you to that promise.” Daphne’s grin widens, before fading a little as she regards me seriously. “Thank you for attending our wedding, Tanner,” she tells me politely.

I solemnly place a hand over my chest. “You’re welcome, Daphne. Thank you for inviting Lena to your wedding.”

Both Daphne and Lena laugh.

Then it’s time for her to meet the others, and Lena and I are moving again, navigating the tides of people as they slowly bring us closer and closer to my family.

Mom and Dad stand watching. Their expressions are neutral as ever.

“Good morning, guys,” I greet them politely, giving a brief smile.

They return my gesture with equally curt nods before turning their attention toward Lena.

I see a flicker of something in my father’s eyes. Regret? Hesitation?

It’s hard to tell with how closed off he always is.

Mom’s no different right now, though I know she must have been shaken by the fight with Derek. She’ll likely talk to me about it later, in great detail.

At least she has come around to see Lena for who she is.

“Well, Tanner,” Dad asks, his tone conversational, as if yesterday’s fight with Derek never happened. “What are your plans now that the holiday vacation is over?”

“House hunting,” I answer promptly, without hesitation. “Lena and I are going to need a new place—a fresh start. I’m thinking one of the cabins near the pack lands would be a good option.”

I watch my parents carefully, waiting for a reaction.

But of course, they give none, remaining tight-lipped and inscrutable as ever. If they’re disappointed by my choice, they’re hiding it well.

I chuckle, shaking my head at the tension hanging in the air. “Guys, Lena and I are together, and there’s nothing anyone can do about that. Sorry.” I step forward and clap both my parents on the shoulders affectionately. “I know it’ll take time for you to accept it, but you will. I have full faith in you.”

Just as I finish, Derek and Joana walk up to join us, their presence instantly souring the mood.

Derek’s eyes flick between Lena and me, and even though he tries to hide it, I can see the bitterness still simmering beneath the surface.

“Tanner,” Derek says coolly, his voice laced with barely concealed resentment. “We need to talk.”

I step forward, my stance firm, my wolf rising in me as Alpha. “No, Derek,” I say, my tone cold. “You’ve said all I need to hear.”

Derek’s eyes widen slightly, but I don’t give him a chance to speak. “After everything that’s happened, you have no place in my pack anymore.”

I let the words hang in the air, the finality of it sinking in. “You’ve shown your true colors, and you’ve lost my respect, Derek. You’ll need to go and join Joana’s pack, make your place there.”

Derek’s face twists in shock and anger. “You’re really going to kick me out? Your own brother?”

I hold his gaze, unflinching. “Yes. This isn’t just about what you did to me, but what you did to Lena. You didn’t just challenge me as Alpha—you crossed a line. You disrespected my mate.”

My voice grows sharper, more commanding. “And that, Derek, is unforgivable.”

Derek looks like he wants to argue, but I cut him off. “I’ll remain cordial with you, for the sake of the family, but you’ve lost all respect in my eyes. You no longer belong in my pack, and that’s final.”

Joana, who has remained quiet, steps up beside Derek and grabs his arm. “Come on, Derek,” she says softly. “It’s time to go.”

He glares at me one last time, but I don’t flinch. I’m Alpha, and I’m choosing my mate over him. That’s something he’ll have to live with.

As they turn to leave, I feel Lena’s hand slip into mine, grounding me. I glance down at her, and her expression softens.

I turn back to my parents, still unreadable, and smile. “Lena and I are starting a new life together, and that’s all that matters.”

With that, I stretch my hand out to Lena, and together, we walk out of the hotel.

Into a new life.

A new future.