Her Christmas Redemption

6: The Stranger

Chapter 6: The Stranger

Zeraphine's POV

The guard walked up the steps of the Starry Night Packhouse, leading a man behind him. I couldn’t see his face right away. The setting sun cast its glow on the concrete floors of the compound, but something about the way he moved caught my attention.

Then he stepped into the light, and my heart stopped.

It was him.

The man from four years ago.

I froze, my breath hitching in my throat. My mind raced as I took in the sight of him. He was taller than I remembered, his presence commanding. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp jawline and clear eyes made him impossible to ignore. The faint scent of cedarwood and something warm—like leather—reached me.

It felt like the ground under my feet shifted. My wolf stirred restlessly. Him… It’s him, she whispered.

“Miss Awanui?” my assistant, Cassandra, nudged me lightly. Her voice was soft, but the words jolted me back to reality.

I blinked and turned toward her. “What?”

“That’s Draven Smith,” she whispered, leaning closer so no one else could hear. “Owner of the Smiths Law Firm and Business Empire. He’s the youngest billionaire in America.”

Her words didn’t fully register. I kept staring at him, my stomach twisting in knots. Draven Smith. I had a name now, but it didn’t help.

Why was he here? Why now?

The guard spoke, pulling everyone’s attention. “Alpha Varin, this man was at the gates with no invitation

Varin raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, his smug expression making me clench my fists. “And who exactly are you?”

Draven stepped forward, calm and confident. “Draven Smith. Ring a bell? ” the man smirked, His voice was deep and steady, and it sent a shiver down my spine. He turned slightly, his eyes locking on mine for a brief second before returning to Varin.

“Why are you here?” Varin asked, narrowing his eyes. “This isn’t exactly a public event for someone like you.”

Draven’s lips curved into a slight smile, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m here on business. I believe my invitation was... misplaced.”

Varin scoffed. “Misplaced? I doubt that. We don’t just let anyone in here.” He looked Draven up and down, his disdain clear. “Even if you are a billionaire.”

I wanted to speak, to say something, but my voice wouldn’t come. My thoughts were racing too fast.

It’s him. The father of my children.

“My Mate! My Mate!” Ata kept shouting and running around in my head.

I felt like I couldn’t breathe. How did I not recognize the mate bond that night? Then it hit me—the alcohol. I had been so upset, so hurt, that I ignored every sign.

My wolf growled softly in my mind. “We felt it. We knew. You ignored it.”

I tried to push the thoughts aside, focusing on the present. But Varin’s arrogant voice dragged me back.

“If you’re not on the guest list, you’re leaving.” Varin smirked, clearly enjoying the situation. “I don’t care who you are. Rules are rules.”

Draven didn’t flinch. Instead, he straightened, his presence filling the space. “You can check your records again. Or,” he added, his tone sharp, “I can take this up with someone more important.”

Varin’s smugness faltered, and his eyes darted to the elders standing nearby. They exchanged uneasy glances, whispering among themselves.

I finally found my voice, my legs moving before I could think, “Varin,” I said, stepping forward. “Maybe you should listen to him before jumping to conclusions.”

Varin turned to me, his expression souring further. “What do you care? He’s not here for you.”

I ignored his words and focused on Draven. “Mr. Smith,” I smiled, trying so hard to control the tone of my voice., “why don’t you tell us what brought you here?”

Draven’s gaze softened slightly when he looked at me, or maybe it was just my imagination. Maybe I was the one overthinking things, but his voice remained firm. “I’m here for business. That’s all you need to know.”

Varin’s temper flared. His nose widening. “Business? With who? I run this pack, and I don’t recall scheduling any meetings.”

I knew Varin more than, well…the rest of the people here. I knew he felt threatened. Because he couldn't seem to understand why someone more powerful would come here. And more so, why Draven's aura was suppressing him.

“Business with you, cousin,” Draven smirked, his words throwing me into a daze.

“Cousin?” The word echoed in my head.

I watched Varin's lips twitch.

they were cousins…

How had I not known? I had never seen him before that night. I have been in this pack since birth, so how come?

My mind drifted back to the kids I left with Rakura. Did Varin know? Was it a plot? Was it a plot with him and Rivara to make me even more miserable? I looked at both men unable to contain my confusion

“Um, Ma'am are you okay you almost tripped,” Cassandra inquired, steadying my shoulders. Her eyes ran over my figure, the concern in them was heartwarming.

I straightened up, not wanting to disgrace Rakura, “ I'm fine, I'm fine,” I assured her.

Before Draven could respond, a guard rushed up to Varin, his face pale. “Alpha,” he said urgently, “there’s another disturbance at the gate. The pack members are trying to get in. They said they are here to see Mr Draven.”

Varin threw up his hands in frustration. “For the love of—fine. Bring them here. Let’s get this over with.”

As the guard ran off, silence settled over the group. Draven stood calm and unbothered, his eyes occasionally flicking toward me. I could feel the tension in my chest, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on me.

I had so many questions. Did he remember me? Did he know about the twins?

My wolf’s voice cut through my thoughts. “We should tell him.”

I stiffened. “No. Not now.”

The scent of pine and evening air swirled around us as we waited. Varin shifted impatiently, muttering under his breath, while Draven stood like a statue, hands tucked into his pocket, his confidence sky high.

I couldn’t stop glancing at him— no matter how much I tried to ignore. Everything about him demanded attention—the way he held himself, the sharp lines of his suit, the quiet power in his gaze.

His mouth was shut firmly in a pout. He seems more like Varin was amusing. I couldn't agree more.

“Should we tell his wolf?” My wolf stirred tirelessly within me.

“No” I insisted firmly, forcing her to whimper and retreat to the back of my mind.

But within me, I was curious— I wanted to know if he knew as well. If he wanted to claim me, if he remembered me. My knees were jelly as I stood beside him, his scent— a mixture of cedarwood and leather, invading my nostrils.

When the guard finally returned, I was only half paying attention. My mind was still spinning, trying to make sense of everything.