The Alpha's Contract: A Baby For Christmas.

What I Need To Do

[Noel's POV]

Later, I sway on the dance floor with Nick's arms wrapped around me while everyone else watches. Who knew there would be a couples dance between us? Not me, and honestly, I wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole.

I didn't know how to dance. Never had any reason to learn since I was usually not allowed to attend pack gatherings after my father's death. And it was obvious given the amount of times I have already stepped on Nick's feet.

However, despite my apologies and insistence that this was enough, that we should allow everyone else to join, Nick kept assuring me that it was fine and that he wanted to have this special moment with me. And, just like before when he called me wife, I couldn't stop the comfort I felt over having someone who was trying to make me special.

How was it possible that in the span of two days he was already able to begin erasing the bad feelings my pack and family left inside of me? And was I being too naive to let my guard down because of such things? I didn't think so, especially when Nick looked at me like I was the most special thing to him, but this too could all be an act to make everyone think that we married for love instead of necessity.

As these thoughts swirl, the song we are dancing to ends and another begins, this one more upbeat, and it ushers everyone else onto the dance floor while Nick spins me and pulls me back against his body.

Together, we move to the music, any unpleasant feelings that remain disappearing, leaving me only with a feeling of calm that I'm not used to feeling but am ready to experience since things would finally be falling into place.

I don't know how many songs we dance to, weaving in and out of the crowd around us before I need a break, but by the time I take a seat, I suddenly feel exhausted.

“He has so much energy.” I murmur, watching Nick dance with Glenda while Fritz spins around a young girl with golden hair.

“He does, doesn't he?”

Flinching, I slowly turn my gaze to find Anna taking a seat across from me and holding out a glass of wine.

“Thirsty?”

“Sure,” I say quietly, reaching out and taking her offering. “Thank you.”

“Don't mention it.” She beams, taking a sip of her own and turning her gaze to Nick. “We're family now, aren't we?”

Family. What on earth did she mean by that? Was she saying it because she assumed I too would become an unofficial member of her pack, or was she hinting at something else? I didn't know why, but something about her tone and the way she stared me down like a predator earlier on left me uneasy. I was certain that she wasn't someone I could let my guard down around.

“Or,” she continues when I don't speak. “Do you plan on taking Nick away from us?”

Oh, so this was her game, but I was surprised that she wasn't bothering to hide her hostility.

“Nick is an adult,” I say slowly, a kind smile spreading across my face. “He is more than able to do what he wants.”

“Do you think he would do that?” Anna counters, her eyes flashing. “Nick's a nice guy and will do anything to help someone. How do you think he came to be part of the pack to begin with?”

“I don't know,” I admit, feeling my heart squeeze. “As far as I knew up until a few days ago, he was dead.”

“Right,” Anna growls. “Since you thought he was dead, you must know what happened to him back then. What he suffered and how he had to fight to survive.”

“No,” I whisper, turning my gaze to Nick while realizing that I was so caught up in my own s**t I didn't bother even asking him about what happened in the past. “I don't.”

“But you married him.” Anna spits. “Or rather,” she continues, her tone icy. “You tricked him into marrying you by taking advantage of his kindness.”

“What?” I hiss, unable to keep my composure after her accusation. “I did no such…”

“Do you think I don't know how you got him to marry you?” She laughs. “He told us you know. He told us how he was marrying you so that you can fulfill some stupid f*****g will to take back your pack. And then what?” She pushes. “You're just going to throw him aside and go back to living your life while he continues to have to fight for his own?”

“That,” I begin, but stop as I realize that I don't actually have a plan for after that.

I knew that mine and Nick's marriage was one of convenience for both of us, but when we agreed to marry, I never actually agreed to having his pup so that he too could claim his pup.

Was I actually willing to do that? Would I do that? Or would I end things and leave him to find someone else?

No. I wouldn't do that. He was doing all this to help me, so, of course, I too would do what I had to to help him. But what would come after that? Would we simply stay together for the pup? Would we split up? Would he keep our child while I moved on with my life?

“I acted too rashly.” I whisper, the reality of what I have done slamming into me. “I was mad because of everything, and I…”

“Took advantage of his kindness.” Anna finishes for me, satisfaction clear in her eyes. “If I were you, I would feel too ashamed to even look Nick in the eye. I would simply disappear from his sight and never appear again and then…”

She's right. I think inwardly, feeling myself beginning to tumble into that dark place again. She was right. I took advantage and...

“Anna.” Nick's voice pierces through the tense atmosphere that has formed around us, and it causes a chill to race down my spine.

“Nick!” Anna gasps, her demeanor changing entirely. “How long have you…”

“Long enough,” he responds, his voice cold as ice. “I thought I told you to behave yourself if I allowed you to come tonight.”

“Y-you did,” she confirms, turning into a completely different woman from a few moments ago. “And I am. I was just having a chat with Noel, right?”

As she speaks, she reaches out, grabbing my hand and snapping me out of my daze.

“Isn't that right?” She pushes when I don't speak. “We were just having a friendly chat.”

“Y-yeah,” I respond before I can stop. “That's right.”

I don't know why I'm agreeing with her when I should just admit that she was trying to push my buttons. Maybe it was because of the pleading in her eyes or maybe the clear anger I felt radiating from Nick, but all I wanted to do was remove myself from the situation so that I didn't have to face the accusations that she made against me because deep down, I knew that she was right.

“Thank you for keeping me company.” I say now, smiling. “I hope we can become great friends in the future.” Coward. “Nick,” always running away. “I think I'm ready to dance some more.” Backing down when things get messy. “Shall we?” weak.

All these thoughts flash in my mind as I stand and gently grab Nick's hand. And after giving Anna one last look, I begin to move, pulling him away from her and toward the room's exit so that we could be alone to have a proper talk.