Mr. Valentine's Heart

~Caleb~ “Happy New Year, Alpha.” “Happy New Year, Sir.” I nod as I walk through the building. Yes, I’m happy to see another new year, but I actually hate this time of year. Starting a new year isn’t an issue, but what comes after always gets me. I try to keep my disdain to myself because it would do no good to make it noticeable to others. I sigh and plop in my office chair, trying to focus on the work in front of me. As usual, the holidays went by too fast, and now, the time I dread is even closer. If I could find a way to make the holidays drag, I swear I’d sell my soul to make it a reality. I know that sounds like overkill, but if you knew my story, you’d understand. I'd even venture to say that if you knew my story, you'd completely agree with me, and you'd feel the exact same way. Bold words, I know, but I believe them nevertheless. I shuffle through the paperwork in front of me, but I can’t seem to focus on any one piece. “Sir?” I look up and see my assistant at the door. I motion for him to come in. “We have a focus group scheduled and I wanted to run the participants past you.” I nod, and he begins to drone on and on. I can honestly say that I’m not paying any attention. The fact is, this business can run itself. I’m in the business of adult toys, and I can’t begin to tell you how lucrative it is. We come out with toys all the time, be they toys for men, women, or those that a couple can use together. We always get good reviews and have amazing customer service. It’s a business I take great pride in, and it makes sense if you consider what my life business is. My assistant, Roman, finishes his spiel, and my restlessness gets the best of me. I stand and put my phone in my pocket. I need to go for a walk to clear my head, and I also need to check out the products that are out right now. I walk by my secretary, Breyanne, and let her know I will be out of the office for a while. I decide to hit the streets rather than take a car. I walk with my hands in my pockets, feeling the energy that a new year brings. As I walk past a dollar store. A slew of red catches my eye. I decide to make a detour to go into the store. I stop at the door and try to collect myself before going in. I slowly walk into the store, and the merchandise immediately catches my eye. Fu.ck! It never fu.cking fails. I knew it would be like this, but sometimes, I just wish it were different. The aisles are filled with Valentine’s Day merchandise, and it’s disgusting. This stuff was out right after Christmas, and honestly, I feel it’s a bit overkill. I walk down the aisle, viewing the many hearts and pictures of Cupid, not trying to hide my disgust. Love is not all it’s cracked up to be, and I know that firsthand. It isn’t as easy as movies and TV make it seem. You can love someone with your entire heart and soul just to end up with egg on your face. You leave yourself exposed and vulnerable when there are too many people who would jump at the chance to break you down. Then the entire idea of a fu.cking baby with wings! I can’t stand that sh.it, yet here it is, year after year. If only they knew what the person behind Valentine’s Day really looks like. Before anyone gets up in arms, let me be clear. That story about Valentine being a priest who was killed for doing whatever they were doing… false. The origin of a Greek God of love and whatnot… false. All of the origin stories you have heard are a load of crap; sorry, but it’s true. It’s been my family, more specifically the men in my family, that have been carrying Valentine’s Day all of these years. It’s been our family that has been at the forefront of matching up people on this day and all through the year, and I’m sick of it. I’m sick of leading humans to their most sacred loves when I’m sitting here wishing my heart hadn’t been ripped out of my chest. I’m not anti-human; I want that to be abundantly clear. I am, however, anti-love. My name is Caleb Valentine, and I’m the Alpha of the Gold Heart Pack. My pack has been around for centuries, and we are why humans believe so fiercely on February 14th. I’ve matched up so many people, even though I know love is crap. I’ve only been in charge for the last ten years or so, having taken over for my father. We live long lives because we aren’t just werewolves. We have a touch of magic in our genes, which leads us to be able to do what we do. I’m able to look at someone and immediately know where their hearts are. I can tell if someone has good intentions or not when it comes to loving another. I immediately know what someone needs to be happy and in love. My job is to guide them to what will put them in the best loving situation. Sometimes, I have to hit them upside the head with the opportunity rather than be timid about it. I would love to quit my job, but I have no one to take over for me. I’m an only child, so it’s all on my shoulders. Given the path my life is on, I’m the last person who should be pointing people in the direction of love. I may be cynical and full of darkness right now, but I still do my job diligently. The fact is that my pack and its legacy are important to me, no matter what I’ve been through. I couldn’t look my pack members or family in the face if I let everything fall apart in my spiraling personal life. When it comes down to it, what I feel and want comes before everyone and everything else. I sigh and leave the dollar store, disgusted at the entire display. I really fu.cking hate this time of year and what it means for me. More than anything, I wish I could skip this time and come out on the better side of March. Life just isn’t that lucky for me, I guess.