Hiding Her Identity: The Wilford Wolf

Dressing for the day, I chose a knee-length red dress, thick black tights, and black flats. After a spritz of perfume, I sat at my dressing table and began applying light makeup, then curled my hair into loose waves that cascaded down my back. I pinned some of it back, clearing my view of my reflection. Satisfied, I donned a thick woolly cardigan that fell to mid-thigh, spritzed some more perfume to mask my scent, and was just about ready when the doorbell rang.

Already? Time really had flown. I hurriedly repacked my makeup bag and curlers into the suitcase, then navigated my way to the corner of my room where I'd kept the presents for the Alpha's family. Each gift was tagged with a card. Collecting them all, I dashed downstairs, placing all the presents on the living room sofa before heading towards the front door. Kendrick and Luna were engaged in conversation with my parents. As I came into view, a little girl with vibrant blue eyes and blonde hair - a mirror image of Kendrick - darted towards me.

"Gia!" Anna squealed, launching herself into my arms.

I scooped her up, spinning her around before setting her back down.

"What's my favourite 'big' girl doing?" I asked, taking her hand.

"I am eight now and got so many presents. You must come and see them," she gushed.

I couldn't help but laugh, noticing the gazes of the others. Griffin glared, but the rest responded with warm smiles.

"Would you like to see your gift?" I asked Anna, her excitement reflected in my own smile.

"Yes, please!" She exclaimed, her energy palpable as she hopped up and down.

Taking her hand, I led her to the sitting room. She eagerly nestled into one of the sofas as I fetched her presents. The adults - my parents, Kendrick, and Luna - had already claimed spots on the other couches, leaving Anna and Griffin to share one.

"Here you go, sweetie. I hope you like them," I said, handing her the brightly wrapped packages.

Anna's face lit up as she tore into the first gift, coincidentally the larger of the two. Upon seeing the gift-a plush, pink teddy bear donned in a white princess dress and fabric tiara-her smile widened even further. She hugged the teddy tightly.

"Thank you, Gia!" she gushed, bounding off the sofa to wrap me in a hug. Her joy elicited laughter from the room, except, predictably, from Griffin.

"I'm glad you like it, sweetheart. Why don't you sit next to me and we can open the other one?" I suggested.

With a nod, she joined me on the sofa, quickly unwrapping her second gift. It was a beautiful silver photo frame adorned with delicate gems, holding a cherished picture of Anna and me.

"Oh, it's so pretty," she whispered, tracing the gemstones with her fingers.

"This is so you can remember me, no matter where I end up in a couple of days," I explained softly.

Her smile faltered slightly as she asked, "You will come back to see me?"

"Of course! Now, let's turn that frown upside down," I reassured her, prompting another radiant smile.

The sight of her admiring her gifts warmed my heart. Just then, Merrick trotted into the room, his playful energy drawing laughter from everyone. My mum scooped him up, cooing softly as she stroked his fur. After sharing a final smile with Anna, I stood up and handed Kendrick his gift.

He opened it to find a sophisticated watch accompanied by a note,

"For an exceptional trainer and Alpha J. Thank you."

Seeing him read the note and smile, I felt a small sense of satisfaction. I then presented Luna with her gift - a playful pink t-shirt emblazoned with the words "Luna at Work." Her light laughter and thanks brought a grin to my face. Lastly, I handed Griffin his present. It was a simple gift: a silver keyring shaped like a howling wolf, accompanied by a heartfelt note.

"For a once cherished friend xxx."

A subtle smile touched his lips as he read the note, before carefully tucking it away. He thanked me quietly, attaching the keyring to his car keys as his customary cold gaze returned.

In return, Kendrick's family bestowed upon us their own thoughtful gifts. One particularly stunning present was a painting by Luna - a striking depiction of a silver wolf howling beneath a full moon in a forest. A personal note was elegantly inscribed in the bottom left corner.

"For a unique and powerful girl, destined to change the world x."

Touched, I couldn't help but admire it. The painting was truly a work of art.

Eventually, Luna and my mum retreated to finish preparing our Christmas dinner. As we gathered around the table, Kendrick claimed one end with my dad opposite him. I was seated next to my dad, with my mom to his left. Luna sat to Kendrick's right, with Anna between her and my mom, who left Griffin to sit on his dad's left, right next to me. Joy.

Remarkably, the dinner proceeded quite smoothly. I managed to avoid interacting with Griffin completely. The meal was simply delicious, and my mum received abundant praises for her culinary expertise. In the end, Christmas turned out to be enjoyable, despite Griffin's presence. As he left, Kendrick hugged me and mentioned he would see me in a few days, at the Mating Ball.

The anticipation was now building; the Mating Ball was imminent. My heart fluttered at the thought of finally meeting my mate. I couldn't wait. I yearned for the change that was coming. The prospect was thrilling, exciting - my mate was just around the corner. I could feel it. Change was on the horizon, and I was ready.