My Second Chance Mate is a Vampire

Chapter 12: Sisterly Rivalry

Ellie was determined to spend the day with Megan, hoping to bridge the distance that had grown between them.

The festive air of the village seemed like the perfect setting for a day filled with laughter and lighthearted moments, something Ellie desperately needed. The village square was bustling, market stalls lining the cobbled streets, each one brimming with handmade trinkets, colorful decorations, and the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled cider that hung in the air. Tourists from nearby towns—and even from other countries—had flocked to the village, drawn by the legend of Santa Claus said to live in the area. The influx of visitors added to the lively atmosphere, their excitement palpable as they explored the festive surroundings. Cheerful music played from a nearby corner, adding to the joyful energy that enveloped the square. It was the kind of scene that made it hard not to smile, even with everything that had happened.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Megan said, her eyes wide as she took in the scene, her voice tinged with awe.

Ellie smiled, nodding. "Yeah, it really is." She took a deep breath, letting the scent of pine and cinnamon fill her senses, trying to push aside the lingering unease from the past few days. Today was about her and Megan, and she was determined to make it a good one.

They strolled through the market, stopping at different stalls to admire handcrafted ornaments and knitted scarves. Megan picked up a delicate glass bauble, holding it up to the light.

Megan picked up a delicate glass bauble, holding it up to the light. "This is all so foreign," she commented, her tone a mix of wonder and disdain. "Everything is so different here, not to mention the cold. Everyone moving around freely, no duties or responsibilities."

"It's nice, isn't it?" Ellie replied, her voice light, though a hint of defensiveness crept into her tone.

Megan pulled a face, wrinkling her nose. "Are there any wolves here?"

Ellie shook her head, her patience thinning. "No, Megan, there’s no one here to wait on you or do your bidding," she said, her voice edged with annoyance.

Megan rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, her frustration bubbling over. "Fine, I’ll just find someone," she huffed, her tone dripping with indignation.

Ellie sighed, biting back a retort as they continued through the market. The festive atmosphere seemed at odds with the tension that now hung between them, but Ellie was determined not to let it ruin their day.

They continued through the market, Megan pouting, and Ellie praying that she didn't reveal their wolf secret. Megan's whining set Ellie's teeth on edge, a sense of normalcy returning to their relationship. But that sense of ease was short-lived.

As they approached a stall selling carved wooden toys, Ellie’s heart skipped a beat. There, standing at the stall, was Nick. He was inspecting one of the toys, his expression thoughtful as he turned it over in his hands. Megan noticed him too, her eyes lighting up.

"Oh, look at him," she said, her voice teasing. Ellie followed her gaze and recognized Nick. "That's Nick, the castle groundskeeper," she said, her tone casual. But before Ellie could say anything more, Megan called out, "Nick!"

Nick looked up, his eyes meeting Ellie’s before shifting to Megan. He smiled, nodding in greeting. "Ellie," he said, his voice warm. "And?"

"Megan" replied Megan, her eyelids fluttering as she spoke.

"Are you enjoying the market?" Asked Nick.

"We are," Megan said, stepping closer to him. "You here to buy something special?"

Nick shrugged, placing the toy back on the stall. "Just looking around. Thought I’d take in the festivities."

Ellie watched as Megan leaned in a little closer, her smile flirtatious. "Well, if you need any help finding something, I’m sure Ellie and I could help." Ellie felt her stomach twist, a pang of jealousy hitting her unexpectedly. She forced a smile, stepping forward to stand beside Megan.

"What about you, Nick? Do you celebrate Christmas?" Ellie asked, trying to steer the conversation away from Megan’s obvious interest.

Nick glanced at her, his eyes softening. "In my own way," he said simply. "I think it's more about the spirit of the season than anything else."

Megan tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "What does that mean?"

Nick hesitated, then gave a small smile. "It means I enjoy the wonder of it all—seeing the lights, the joy on people's faces, the sense of magic. It's enough for me."

Ellie couldn't help but smile at his words, feeling a warmth spread through her. Megan, however, seemed intent on keeping Nick’s attention. "You know, we're going to try chestnuts later," she said, her tone light. "You should come with us."

Nick glanced at Ellie, a question in his eyes. Ellie quickly shook her head, her smile tightening. "I’m sure Nick has better things to do, Megan."

Nick chuckled, his gaze lingering on Ellie. "Maybe some other time," he said gently, and Ellie felt a sense of relief wash over her.

They parted ways with Nick soon after, and as they walked away, Megan seemed oblivious to Ellie's feelings, her eyes still on Nick as she spoke. "He's really handsome, isn't he? he might be perfect to service all of my needs," Megan said casually, her tone laced with intent.

Ellie rolled her eyes, trying to brush it off. "He’s just... interesting, that’s all. But honestly, Megan, don't you think that guy selling those scarves looked more like your type?"

"Uh-huh," Megan said, her grin widening. "Interesting enough that you don't want me flirting with him."

Ellie sighed, her cheeks flushing. "Can we just focus on having a good day, please?"

Megan laughed, throwing her arm around Ellie’s shoulders. "Alright, alright. But I’m just saying—I only have a few days to chase Nick, so if you want him, you'd better make a move."

Ellie gave her a hard look, her jaw tightening as she felt Kida stir angrily within her. Kida growled, her voice sharp and impatient in Ellie's mind. "Let me at her, Ellie! She needs to be put in her place."

Ellie forced herself to take a steadying breath, struggling to keep her composure. "Not now, Kida," she thought, her tone firm. "This isn’t the time or place."

Megan, oblivious to Ellie’s inner turmoil, shrugged dismissively. "What? It’s not like he’s your mate," she said, her tone casual as she turned away.

Ellie’s hands balled into fists at her sides, her restraint pushed to its limits. She bit back a retort, the tension between them hanging heavy in the frosty air.

Stifling her rage, Ellie continued with Megan and sifted through the shops, taking in the vibrant displays that surrounded them. The market was alive with color and movement, each stall offering something unique and charming. There were stalls selling handcrafted jewelry, intricate ornaments, and beautifully carved figurines, while others displayed knit scarves, hats, and embroidered linens.

The mood softened, and they laughed together as they debated over different items, teasing each other over the choices they made.

“You should send gifts back for Mum and Dad,” Megan said, her smile fading into a frown. "You know how angry Father can get. Ever since you left, he’s been furious. You should also get something for Scott."

"No way!" Ellie snapped, her voice sharp and unwavering.

"You abandoned your pack and your Alpha," Megan retorted, her tone icy. "It’s only right."

"He cheated on me!" Ellie shouted, her hands balling into fists as Kida growled faintly in the back of her mind.

"He needed to," Megan replied coolly, crossing her arms. "He has needs, Ellie. And he’s so busy running the pack."

Ellie’s laugh was bitter and hollow. "Please, Megan. I ran that pack. He just sat on the throne and acted important."

Megan gave her a questioning look, her brows knitting together. Ellie sighed heavily, the weight of their conversation pressing down on her.

"Fine," Ellie said finally, her voice firm and icy. "I’ll get something for Mum and Dad. But not Scott."

Ellie eventually settled on a handmade ceramic mug for their father—something he could use during his morning coffee. For their mother, Ellie chose a crafted perfume, a light floral scent that she knew her mother would love, something delicate yet refreshing for the warm climate back home in Perth.

The simple act of selecting these gifts tugged at Ellie’s heart, making her feel unexpectedly homesick. Memories of her father, the Alpha before Scott, surfaced unbidden. He had been a strong and just leader, a figure she had always admired. The thought of him believing she had abandoned the pack weighed heavily on her, filling her with guilt and sadness. Ellie wondered if she would ever be able to repair the damage, to make him understand why she had to leave. The ache in her chest deepened as she realized how far she had drifted from the life she once knew. She glanced at Megan, who was busy inspecting a pair of woollen mittens, and felt a renewed sense of hope that maybe, just maybe, she could get back to that place again.

They spent the rest of the day wandering through the market, savoring the festive atmosphere. They stopped to watch artisans at work—one hammering soles onto shoes, another painting delicate ornaments with intricate winter scenes. Megan insisted on trying roasted chestnuts, laughing as she struggled to peel the shells, her fingers turning red from the effort. Ellie joined in, their laughter mingling with the cheerful chatter around them.

As the afternoon faded into evening, Ellie and Megan decided to take a break, sitting on a bench near a large Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights and colorful baubles. The air was crisp, the glow from the lights casting a soft, golden hue over the square. Megan leaned back, her eyes on the sky as it turned a deep shade of indigo, stars beginning to peek through the twilight.

"It's nice, isn’t it?" Megan said, her voice softer now, the teasing tone gone. "Being here. Together."

Ellie glanced at her sister, seeing the sincerity in her eyes. She nodded, her smile gentle. "Yeah, it really is." There was a comfort in this moment, a sense of peace that Ellie hadn’t realized she needed. Despite everything—their past arguments, the betrayal, the uncertainty—this day had brought them closer, and for that, Ellie was grateful.

As the sun began to set, they reluctantly parted ways. Ellie made her way back to the castle, while Megan headed to the motel she was staying at. The lights of the village twinkled behind them like a sea of stars. Ellie couldn’t help but glance back, her thoughts still lingering on her mysterious and unclaimed mate.