𝙴𝚡𝚝𝚛𝚊 𝟷|𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚜𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚕

 Bright Chivaaree [18 years old]

Albeit cold, Portland started to celebrate thanksgiving at the very start of November — heating up the cold temperature. There were actually things to do during this time around like the Thanksgiving celebration in Wine Country, and the annual Portland Book Festival in downtown Portland, there were also shopping events. We even did our holiday shopping at My People's Market to be able to aid or support minority-owned businesses as what my Mother wanted.

Despite the much-anticipated events every year, my favorite however would always be the book festival — not because I love to read, but because I could actually spend some time with Win even if we're in a group. Win had always been inclined with reading and his nose would always be in between the pages of a book. Not that I am complaining, actually, I even like that side of him and I do enjoy just watching him being in a different world from his reading. Besides, the event draws more than a hundred authors each year since it's the largest celebration of literature and literacy. Knowing Win, despite his adoration to books, does not feel completely comfortable being in such a loud crowd — and that's where I come in.

Thanksgiving had always been such a wonderful time for our family, and for the whole pack, as well. As mentioned, a lot of wonderful things happen upon nearing the said celebration — but the main event always ends up at the packhouse. Our family together with the other families that make up the entirety of the Cyrstal Blood, a one big happy and complete family. Some packs don't recognize this celebration as one of the important things to be able to actually comingle or gather the members, so, we only do that and also Drake's ones.

We were already busy putting up the last decoration on the very large ground where the party will be held tonight. Sky had everything planned out from the amount of food that they'll have to prepare, the decorations that would complement the place, even the amount of juice that we need was also being accounted really well. Of course, she wanted to make everything perfect for our precious pack members and aside from that, it had been her wonderful past time away from all the pressures of her school. I mean, school is school and it shouldn't be that much pressure since we just go there to sit and wait for the last bell for the day — and go home. Now, how hard could that be?

Man, Boss, and I were helping out the other males in preparing the tables for the food that the females made — especially Maeve and Rose, who were both such good cooks in the pack, together with other cooks. Actually, it's still a bit early because the party would start at six in the evening, and were already soaked with sweat at 10 in the morning under the blazing sun. But Sky wanted things to be up and ready even before the main event start, and after this, we would be gathering a lot of branches and stuff for the bonfire later on. That one, I could always agree with her about because it would always give us an excuse to get drunk. Though it would be a little longer and harder on my part since I could consider myself as a heavy drinker.

"Win," Man interrupted my inner thoughts and stopped me from completely wiping the sweat that was already threatening to pass my brows. I turned towards the direction of my best friend's jutted lips and true enough, Win was next to my sister with that lovely bunny smile on his face.

A smile curled the ends of my lips and my heart went pitter-patter as soon as my eyes found him in the midst of the crowd. Win was sporting a striped long-sleeve t-shirt in black and white, that matched his black corduroy pants. Though a male, I would definitely say that he looks gorgeously beautiful, and by the feel of things, Shadow was ready to devour his mate by now. Of course, not that I would allow him — no, I wouldn't because Win was someone so precious to me even before realizing that he's actually my mate.

Win's eyes fell on me and I can clearly see a taint trail of pink against his pale and porcelain skin making my own warmth creep on my face — painting the same crimson on my cheeks. Finally gathering himself, Win gave me a small wave with his hand and a cute smile plastered on his lips — I responded with a nod. Man purposely hit my arm to catch my attention making me mentally groan with his disturbance but he just smirked and titled his head — signaling me to follow him with the chairs that I have in my hands.

Once done with everything, I climbed into my room and showered to wash away the lingering dirt from the ground and the dried sweat from the sun. After a few more minutes of being in my comfort zone, I did quicken my pace and slipped into the articles of clothing that I planned to wear for the evening. It was a black and white striped long-sleeve shirt and black dress pants to match with that and of course, black leather sandals just because I find black to be simple yet elegant all the same.

Going back to the living room, I found Win sitting in the living room together with the rest of our friends who doesn't really have any idea about my secret longings for Win. Finding an empty space beside him, I settled down casually making him turn his head in my direction — and soon another crimson made its way into his precious cheeks.

So cute.

"Hi," I waved a bit and smiled. Win pointed himself with wide eyes and raised eyebrows, probably not believing that I was directing the greeting to him.

"Hi, Win. How are you?"

"I-i-i'm fine Alpha," Win replied and ducked his head down, embarrassed and fidgeting. "Uhm...I saw you were working hard for the party earlier. Thank you."

"It was nothing," I scooted closer to Win making him freeze on the spot. I wanted to laugh but restrained myself because I didn't want him to feel shy.

"What did you bake for us this time, Win?"

"Oh," his eyes lit up. "I baked a pumpkin pie," he mumbled and looked at me in the eyes. "It's your favorite, right? Pumpkin pie with a bit of cinnamon, just the right amount of sweetness. You always take the first slice of that pie every time I bring one. And I also made some cookies," another smile made its way into his lips and my heart collapsed from his cuteness.

Oh, was I that obvious?

"Yes! Whatever you make is always my favorite," I said almost stuttering. "Of course, you make the best pumpkin pie and I also love your cookies. Well, I love the chocolate pumpkin pie," I added.

But I think I love the baker more than the baked goods.

"Really? What about that sour-cream vanilla pound cake with rhubarb compote that I made for your birthday last year? And that pistachio-lemon bundt cake from Luna's birthday? I bet those two were your favorites, as well," Win chuckled lightly, and he's a little comfortable talking with me right now.

I somehow managed to slip my hand on the small of his back making him look at me with confusion and delight at the same time. Slowly, I glided my hand on that portion of his back making Win bite his bottom lip and I felt giddy while my eyes landed on his lips. It might have taken a while for me to recover because Win tilted his head a tad and waved his hand in front of my face.

"Ah..." I looked away and scratched my head with my other hand — feeling dumbfounded from staring at his lips too much. Well, who could even resist those enticing pair of lips? Not me.

"Well, I told you that I loved everything that you cook or bake, except vanilla and pistachio," I pouted making Win laugh heartily.

"I know, I just wanted to see how you'd react once I bring that up."

The rest of the afternoon went by too quickly and right now, we're helping out again in bringing the foods into the tables that we had set-up earlier. And some members were already settled down on the chairs that we laid out on the ground, together with their own families that were dressed beautifully for the occasion. And of course, Win's always with the pups and playing with them like he always does — something motherly, if I am allowed to even describe him as that. Either way, I did fancy that side of him that adores and dotes lovingly to the pups making him their favorite among the other humans that we have.

When everything was done, I made my way to where Win was and found myself sitting criss-cross applesauce on the ground directly across him. Win's eyes flutters beautifully when it landed on me and I nodded. Hiding the growing admiration that I have for him as he continued to indulge the pups with another one of his stories. The pups were even listening to him with wide eyes and anticipation making me smile just by the cuteness going on around me.

"Wow! That's a nice story, Win!" One of the kids exclaimed and run towards Win, eyes shining brightly and hands clasped against his chest.

"I want to marry you when I grow up," he added making Win laugh. I already have a rival.

"Oh, I'd be old and grey-haired by that time you grow up," he gave the kid a pat on the head.

"And besides, Win already has someone he likes."

They all let out giggles and squeals while scooting closer to the subject of their amazement, I did too — I mean, I wanted to know who caught my mate's eyes. Not that I am excited, rather scared that my love would end up being an unrequited one and I'd soon be rejected as a mate even before I could ever tell him.

"Who's it?" One of the little girls squealed like a little mouse and then glanced at me with cheerful eyes. "I know! I know!" Win looked at her and we're all waiting for her to say something.

"Alpha! You like Alpha Bright!"

The kids were now looking at me with their big round eyes, making me want to disappear for a while because there was a sudden loud thump against my ribcage. For a moment, I almost wanted that little girl to be my wingman with Win since she already did. But what made me even happier was how Win's blush scattered throughout his entire face, even to his neck and ears — by the looks of it, that little girl really did a good job. Win casts a glance and the little girl who gasped in disbelief before running towards me and snaked her short arms around my neck.

"No...Win cannot have Alpha. Alpha Bright is for my older sister, Gigi. She likes him a lot, and I like Alpha Bright a lot. So, no! He's my sister's, not Win's!"

She whined making Win chuckle lightly with that same amount of amusement lacing his expression. The butterflies in my stomach were now in utter chaos just listening to that soft giggle from Win, and I wanted to hear more of it — and be able to actually be the reason for those lovely laughs that lightens my heart and brightens my day. Win offered me one of those small curls on his lips and I wanted to just stand up, walk to him, and wrap my arms around him — to let him know how much I fancy him, and to tell him that he's mine. But the small hands forced me to look away and face a pouting young lady who was already shaking her head.

"Silly, Lyra," I pinched her cheeks and she nuzzled on the crook of my neck, very needy and affectionate for a three-year-old.

"Your older sister is only 8 years old, and besides, Alpha also likes someone right now," I looked up and winked at Win, making him blush and fidget before averting his gaze anywhere but my face.

"I like someone who loves to play with pups, who bakes my favorite pumpkin pie with a bit of cinnamon, who bakes cookies for me and for you guys, and above all, someone who's —"

"T-t-that's enough," Win cuts me off making me bite my bottom lip to stop from grinning. "They don't have to know about all the subtle details of your...crush? Anyways, let's all go to the ground now because we'll start eating pretty soon. Lyra, please let go of Alpha Bright because he needs to help me carry the coo—" He pursed his lips in a tight line and just decided to not continue whatever he was about to say. Lyra does what she was told. They all left me standing with a wide beam from ear-to-ear painted all over my face all the while looking at Win's back making his way into the crowd.

Boisterous waves of laughter, unending chatters, incoherent voices, and lovey giggles filled the whole place while we shared the dinner that was prepared by the cooks. Every single one of the pack members was in high spirits whilst they co-mingled and interacted with other members. Some of them were already clanking their bottles of beer and talking about something that amused them — even the females were doing the same thing and I actually feel gleeful. Being surrounded by this kind of warmth and atmosphere from the people whom I consider as my family always makes my heart soft. Each one of them was the very reason why our pack existed in the first place, and also the main reason why other packs couldn't understand the amount of attachment we have.

Soon, the bonfire had started and the pups were playing a good distance around the fireplace, making sure that they're safeguarded well. The rest of the boys and I were already taking our time with our bottles of beer and the girls together with Win were on the other side of the bonfire — as always, he's not drinking. Trying to man up and ask him to talk, I fixed my shirt which wasn't really not crumpled but still thinks that tidying up a tad would be much better. I gave Man a nod before I finally stood up to my full height and trudged all the way to where they were sitting down.

"Win!" My other best friend's voice echoed against my ear and Win looked into my direction, with Zev standing next to me and waving. Win waved back and walked towards us, and for a moment — I just wanted to disappear completely.

"Zev! Didn't see you for a whole day! Where have you been?"

"Just doing some last-minute preparations to look a bit handsome in your eyes," he smirked at me and raised his eyebrows playfully.

"So, do you like the celebration?" By now, Zev was already standing in between Win and I, and my hands were just fisted tightly. Everyone knows that he has feelings for Win, and I already said to him that I was fine with it even if I wasn't.

"Yes," Win replied and made his way right next to me making me look at him with a bit of confusion. Win offered me a small smile and a nod before his attention was back to Zev who had been watching us closely.

"By the way, I need to grab something from the packhouse, Zev. So, go and sit with Sky for now then I'll be back later to talk with you, okay?"

"If you say so. I'll wait for you," Zev shrugged his shoulders and left the two of us still standing next to each other.

Win poked my arm with his forefinger and I whipped in his direction, he was beaming and my mind went into a sudden somersault and before I could even react — he snaked his hands around my arm and pulled me all the way to the entrance of the packhouse, and into the kitchen. Still followed him despite being in great mental debate at the moment.

He tapped one of the stools and I obliged by taking that one before he left me. Win then grabbed some of his cookies from the box that he brought earlier. Once done, he took out two tall glasses and filled the same with warm milk and placed everything on the counter where I was. Win took the seat beside me and pushed the plate of cookie on my side, and one of the milk as well.

"You're already red, how much have you drunk?" He asked and grabbed one cookie, broke it in half before dipping it in on the milk and hovered it in my face.

"Bite."

"Ah, still treating me like a kid. Excuse me, but I'm already 18 years old. And I only had five bottles for your information," I said with a pout making Win chuckle and before me taking a bite from the cookie.

"But thanks. So, what did you need here inside?"

"Nothing," he replied and dipped the cookie once more before making me bite on it again, of course, being such a pitiful big baby that I was — I ate from his cookie.

"I want to eat a cookie with you, and drink milk. Besides, you're already flushed from the alcohol and I don't want to take care of you when you're drunk."

I huffed and poked his cheek making him giggle. "Excuse me sir, but I don't get drunk easily and I'm such a well-behaved young man even if I am drunk."

Win raised an eyebrow and hummed in response before taking a bite from the cookie making me look at how his mouth nibbled it — and my eyes tracing the way his adam's apple moved the moment he swallowed the same. Distracting away my thoughts, I grabbed my own cookie and did the same thing as he did. By now, he's face was full-on red and I can tell perfectly well that the one he likes is definitely not Zev.

"Thanks," he mumbled after taking a bite. "Do you want me to take a slice of the pumpkin pie?"

"You're getting really creepy right now — did you eat something bad? Why are you being so nice to me? Is this going to be my last meal? Were you planning to dump my body somewhere far away from here?" I clamped my hand over my mouth and Win smacked the back of my head hard making me his in pain.

"You're not supposed to do that to your incoming Alpha."

"My incoming Alpha is spouting nonsense, I was just fixing my Alpha's brain."

My? I want to just melt right now.

With his own actions, Win started to burst into an uncontrollable fit of loud laughter echoing inside the empty room and my own heart soared high. True, he had been everyone's little sunshine because of how contagious that laugh is, and at the same time, he's always the nicest among everyone else. Win doesn't know it yet, but even the simplest actions that he does were already making me feel so possessive of him — wanting him to be mine alone. And yet, I needed to wait since he's younger than me, and he might not feel the mate pull because of his human nature. Despite knowing all of those, I never lost hope that he'd end up with me in the near future, and of course, I would try my best to capture his heart, mate or not. I just want Win in my life may it be for the bad days to come, but most especially for the better days ahead.

"Y-y-you've been staring too much, is there dirt on my face?" Win asked making me reel back to earth. "Or were you already planning to dump my body in the lake?"

"You're so beautiful," I answered nonchalantly, and realizing what I said — my eyes widened and Win gasped with that little hint of shyness all over his face.

"Don't get me wrong, everyone here thinks the same."

Win's expression changed from flustered to just plain — disappointment, and of course, I picked up on that quickly because I gave him an excuse for my sudden compliment.

"Thanks, I guess?"

"You're not just beautiful, you're also caring and very warm to everyone you meet," he cast his glance at me and I pointed at the cookie in his hand. He then dipped it in the milk and hovered the piece on my face, I wrapped my hand on his wrist and guided it towards my mouth before taking the whole piece inside — and Win went into a mini-cardiac arrest.

"And I really love it when you take care of me like this and I hope you won't get tired of me soon because that would really break my heart," I uttered and imprinted a kiss on the palm of his hand.

"Let me grab a slice of the pie for us," I said and made my way into the fridge whilst biting my bottom lip.

What the hell was that?! Was I already confessing my feelings for him? What do I do now if he ignores me because I'm not the one he likes? Why did this have to happen? Oh Moon Goddess, it's going to be so awkward after this.

"I won't," Win said and I stiffened in front of the now open fridge. "I won't get tired of you, I promise," and my body felt warm despite the coldness of the fridge in front of me. A smile made its way into my lips and a thin film of tears was about to escape my eyes, but I held back because I didn't want to make a complete fool of myself in front of Win.

"Same here, Win. I won't get tired of you," I answered and heard a hum in response making my emotions into one entity of just merely happiness.

"I'll wait for you," I said in a much softer voice that only I could hear before taking out the box of the pie. Grabbing a plate and one slice landed on the same plate and one fork. I made my way back to where he was sitting down and another one of his smiles made my heart melt.

"Thanks!" He beamed and grabbed the fork, sliced a small one, and offered it to me first.

"First bite's for you, Alpha."

Oh, Goddess, I want to kiss him. "Hmm, tastes good. Just sweet enough for my liking."

"Of course, I made this one for you and I know how much sweetness you prefer. Oh, I used the cinnamon that you — w-w-what are you trying to do?"

Shifting closer, I landed a soft kiss on his forehead and grabbed the fork from the now dazed and broken Win, whilst I felt content with just this little affection that we can have for each other. He touched the part where I pecked, he blushes profusely making him much cuter and my heart died for a moment. Win finally snapping out of his shock, gave me a poke on the cheek making me look at him with a questioning look. He smiled and shifted closer, landing one on my cheek — and I blushed.

"Revenge?" He started to fidget and unconsciously played with his finger, I grabbed his hand and squeezed it gently — he squeezed it back and I smiled.

"Ah, I'd satisfy myself with that chaste kiss from you for now."

Win snickered and we both clasped our hands firmly, not wanting to let go just yet. Win's face was now red all over and I can perfectly tell that it was because of me — and I do love it.

Moon Goddess, please let him be the only one for me.

"Right, for now," Win's lashes flickered against his eyelids and soon, I was being sucked by his lovely discs — making me want him even more to be the one that I'd prefer to be in love with.

"Eat your pie, young man! And don't forget to finish up your milk, don't waste even the tiniest drop of it, or I'll skin you alive."

"So harsh, as always. Win..."

"Hmm?"

"Happy Thanksgiving, thank you for spending it with me this year and I hope we could spend more holidays together," I said and he nodded.

"I love...spending time with you," I added, and Win tilted his head a little with that smile and glow on his face.

"Me too. I love...spending time with you, Bright."

And I love you Win.