Christmas Taboo

Chapter 5: Secrets Unraveled

The lounge is still humming after game night, the tension from my trivia showdown with Kayden lingering like a bad smell.

The fire’s crackling, and the sweet scent of hot cocoa hangs in the air, but I’m itching to get out.

ShadowWolf’s message from last night—Miss me, FireVixen? Bet you’re thinking about me right now—has been looping in my head all day.

My phone’s burning a hole in my pocket, and Kayden’s smug face across the room isn’t helping my mood.

Mom’s rambling about tomorrow’s group hike, her voice too cheerful for the mood in here.

Liam’s stacking scorecards with Richard, cracking jokes to ease the vibe. Jess is sprawled on the couch, smirking at me like she knows I’m about to snap.

Kayden slouched next to her, scrolling his phone, his dark hair falling into his eyes. I hate how he looks so calm, like he didn’t just spend an hour trying to humiliate me in that stupid game.

I mumble an excuse about needing air and slip into the hallway. The mansion’s quiet, just the creak of old wood under my boots.

I pull out my phone, my heart picking up as I open the app. ShadowWolf’s message is still there, daring me to respond.

I’ve been dodging his push to meet, but last night’s photo and his words have me curious—too curious. My fingers move before I can overthink it.

“Okay, ShadowWolf, you win. Let’s meet. But somewhere public, and I’m not telling you where I’m staying.”

His reply’s quick. “Smart girl. I’m in the area for the holidays. There’s a coffee shop in town, Snowbean Café, near the old clock tower. Tomorrow, 8 p.m. You in?”

I freeze. Snowbean Café? That’s ten minutes from the mansion. How’s he so close? We’ve never shared personal stuff—no cities, no details, just fantasies.

“How do you know Snowbean Café is close to me” I ask

“I guessed,” he replied with a winking emoji.

My stomach twists, but the coincidence hooks me. Maybe it’s fate. Or maybe I’m being stupid. I type, “Fine. Snowbean, 8 p.m. But I’m out if you’re weird.”

“Deal. Wear something red, FireVixen. I’ll find you.” He adds a winking emoji, and my cheeks heat up.

I’m about to pocket my phone when Jess pokes her head into the hallway, her curls bouncing.

“Caught you,” she says, grinning. “What’s with the sneaky texting? Spill.”

I sigh, leaning against the wall. “It’s… the guy from the app. I’m meeting him tomorrow.”

Her eyes widen, and she steps closer, her grin fading. “Zara, are you serious? What if he’s, like, an old man or a total weirdo? You don’t even know his name!”

“I know,” I say, crossing my arms. “But it’s public, a coffee shop in town. I’ll be fine.”

She frowns, not convinced.

“This is how true crime podcasts start. You sure about this?”

“Not really,” I admit, chewing my lip. “But we’ve been talking for months. I just… need to know who he is.”

Jess sighs, running a hand through her curls.

“Okay, but you’re sharing your location with me.

And if he’s creepy or you feel off, call me.

Promise?”

“Promise,” I say, forcing a smile. She nods, still looking worried, and heads back to the lounge, leaving me with my racing thoughts.

The next day is torture. The family hike is a mess fill with forced smiles and awkward silences.

Kayden’s his usual jerk self, brushing past me on the trail with a smirk that makes my blood boil. It’s as if he’s pissing me off on purpose.

Liam keeps the peace, chatting about the scenery, while Jess teases me about tripping over roots.

Mom and Richard are glued together, giggling like teenagers, which only makes me grumpier.

All I can think about is 8 p.m., the coffee shop, and ShadowWolf.

By evening, I’m a nervous wreck.

Jess and I are in our room, getting ready for dinner.

I’m in a red sweater—on purpose, for the meetup—paired with black jeans and ankle boots.

Jess, in a teal dress, watches me fuss with my hair. “You’re stressing,” she says, smirking.

“This guy better be worth it.”

“Shut up,” I mutter, but I’m smiling. I don’t tell her my stomach’s in knots.

“Umm what about Aaron?” Jess asks, acting all weird.

“What about him?” I ask glancing at her

“Nothing really, just wanted to ask if you are cool since you are going on a date” she says avoiding eye contact with me.

“Jess, for the record—this is not a date and secondly my relationship with Aaron is very much intact. Instead of focusing on me, why not use the time and get yourself a girlfriend” I say with a mocking voice.

Jess opens her mouth wide, surprised. “You did not just say that to me” she throws a pillow at me and I dodge and she chases me around the room.

“Girls, dinner is ready” Ellen calls out and we walk to the dining table.

Dinner’s another tense affair. Kayden’s across from me, picking at his lasagna, his gray eyes flicking up to meet mine once, sharp and unreadable.

I look away, focusing on my plate, but my mind’s already at the coffee shop.

Liam’s telling some story about a ski trip, and Mom laughs, but I barely hear them.

My phone’s in my pocket, silent, but I’m waiting for ShadowWolf to text.

After dinner, I slip out, saying I’m grabbing something from town.

Jess gives me a knowing look but doesn’t rat me out. The drive to Snowbean Café is quick, the Christmas lights and decorations make the snowy streets look extremely beautiful.

The café is warm and cozy, with foggy windows and the smell of espresso in the air. I grab a table by the corner. It’s 7:55 p.m., and my heart’s pounding.

At 8:02, the door jingles. I look up, expecting… I don’t know, a stranger, someone new.

But it’s Kayden. He’s in his leather jacket, his dark hair dusted with snow, his phone in hand. He scans the room, his eyes landing on me.

My breath catches as he freezes, his expression shifting from confusion to something else—recognition.

He walks over, slow, like he’s joining pieces together.

“Zara?” he says, his voice low, almost accusing.

“What are you doing here?” I snap, my hands gripping the table.

He holds up his phone, the app open, ShadowWolf’s profile glaring back at me.

“FireVixen,” he says, not a question.

My world tilts. The messages, the fantasies, the photos—all him. Kayden. My stepbrother. My skin burns, my mind racing to catch up.

“What?” I whisper, my voice cracking. “Kayden is… ShadowWolf?”