*****Erika''s POV*****


    Seeing the look in Noir''s eyes when he greeted Alex, I knew the rift between them hadn''t been sorted out yet.


    And with those looks in their eyes, I needed to stop the both of them from taking senseless actions and spoiling the Christmas party.


    "Noir." I called out softly. When our eyes met, I smiled at him.


    He seemed to have understood the meaning behind the sudden call and he nodded.


    Then I turned to Pa again, we all gave her our attention as she was going to be a mother in 5 months time. Yes, werewolves have their babies in 5 months.


    "Erika, it''s time for the couple''s dance, would you like to have this dance?" Noir suddenly interrupted and I turned to look at him. A frown settled on my face, but when I saw his gaze on Alex, I understood that he wanted to make him jealous.


    Was there a need for that?


    Anyways, I had no other choice but to dance With Noir. It was the first dance and as the host, I needed to lead the way for the others.


    I felt someone''s gaze on me and I turned slightly to see Alex staring at me with a clenched fist and a hooded eyes.


    I smirked, seeing he was getting affected by my closeness with Noir.


    "Sure, why not?" I epted Noir''s outstretched hand for the dance and followed him to the center of the ballroom.


    With grace and poise, we both danced to the slow but sensual tune of the violin.


    Noir was holding my gaze with his and I gulped when I saw the look of longing in his eyes.


    I saw all the feelings Noir had for me, but I just couldn''t reciprocate it. Father''s contract still stands and even without the contract, I don''t see myself being with Noir at all.


    "You look stunning tonight, Rika." Noir suddenlymented, pulling me out of my ongoing thoughts. I didn''t know if it was alright to just smile and ignore thispliment, or say thank you and ignore him.


    "Thank you." I chose thetter.


    He nodded and twirled me around, "After this dance, I would like to have a word with you." He said and I raised a brow.


    I already guessed what he wanted to say, Definitely has something to do with marriage and being his Luna.


    I sighed, then nodded. Yes was always a problem solver, but No was a troublemaker.


    Thankfully, the dance ended quickly and it was time to make a speech on the stage.


    I turned to my left when I felt a light tap from someone, I saw Kat smiling at me.


    "It''s time to get on stage, miss, time for your big speech." She said mockingly and I smiled.


    I reached out to pull her in for a hug, it was needed before I got on stage. Since Jace wasn''t here, I just wanted the hug to ease the tension I felt.


    "There, there." Kat cooed, rubbing my back soothingly. "You''ll do great, just chill."


    I obeyed, then pulled away to face her. "You''rete." I muttered and she raised


    her hands in the air in surrender.


    "Sorry, traffic as always."


    I had no choice but to forgive and let go.


    I smiled, then patted her hair softly, "Merry Christmas,"


    A smile blossomed on her face too as she returned the greeting, "Merry Christmas, Alpha Erika."


    After we both had exchanged our usual pleasantries, she went to greet Pa while I walked upto the stage for my speech.


    Now standing before the entire audience, Everyone staring back at me, I cleared my throat with a smile and began.


    "Good evening, everyone! As the Alpha of the Ironw Pack, it''s an honor to stand before you tonight. I want to start by expressing my gratitude for all of you being here and for your unwavering support.


    Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate the joyous holiday season but also toe together as the only people who make up this city, Fangoria. It''s a special asion because this year, I had the privilege of hosting this party in ce of my father, who couldn''t be here due to illness.


    My father has always been the heart


    and soul of our pack, maybe


    Fangoria too, guiding us with his wisdom and love. And while his absence is deeply felt, I want to take this opportunity to honor him and continue the traditions he instilled in us.


    Let us remember the true meaning of this season - love, unity, andpassion.


    It''s a time to cherish the bonds we share, to be there for one another, and to spread kindness wherever we go.


    I am grateful to each and every one


    of you who are a part of this pack and other packs in Fangoria, for your loyalty and love. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will ovee any obstacle thates our way.


    So let''s raise our sses and toast to the spirit of Christmas, to love, to family, to the city and to the Ironw Pack. Thank you, and may this holiday season be filled with joy peace, and endless blessings"I ended the speech in one breath and what followed afterwards was a round of apuse.


    I stepped down from the stage to meet my friends who were wiggling their


    eyebrows at me the moment I stood before them.


    "What?" I asked Kat and she grinned.


    "That was a wless speech out there." Shemented and Pa gave a nod, also reaching out for another wine ss when we both pped her hand.


    "Remember the child." I warned, eyeing her and earning a whine from her.


    "I have this feeling deep in me that you both would bully me in this time of my vulnerability. You guys make me feel left out because I''m pregnant." Shemented and I gave her a confused look.


    "What are you spitting out now? Bully you when we''re trying to keep you away from any potential harm that could befall our unborn little one? Girl you''re heartless." Kat quipped, taking a sip of her own drink.


    Iughed at them both and shook my head.


    "Pa, for the sake of the unborn child, stay away from wine." I said calmly this


    time and it seemed to work because she breathed out and rxed.


    "That''s more like it, let''s go greet more guests." I said and pulled them toe with me.


    We went around greeting all the guests again.


    From one Alpha and their pack Betas to another, everyone was present.


    But for some odd reason, I felt that one person wasn''t here and that was the bitch who liked Alex, Serenity June.


    She was part of Fangoria city and needed to be present at least, but it seemed


    she still feared me enough to never stepped foot where I step foot in.


    After everything had been sorted out for the night, I felt exhausted with Cindy being my only support.


    Noir walked up to me and smiled again.


    I wasn''t even in the mood to discuss, but I still returned the smile.


    "You look exhausted." He said and I nodded.


    "Can we go over to the balcony?"


    I nodded, "Sure." But just as he held my hand to lead me towards the balcony, a


    maid walked forward and bowed.


    "Yes?" I asked and she said, "Alpha Noir''s mother suddenly felt sick and swayed."


    "What?" I and Noir asked in unison and the maid nodded.


    I turned to look at Noir and we both made our way to where his mother sat with


    the others.


    She was trying hard not to close her eyes, maybe to fight off the sleep about to take her by force.


    "I suggest you take her home,e find me tomorrow to discuss what you want to." I said to Noir and he agreed.


    With the help of some guards, Noir took up his mother and we walked her to the


    car outside.


    I waved at them as they got into the car and left for the gate.


    Just as I turned to walk inside, Alex suddenly stood before me, "Can we talk?" He


    asked.


    I blinked, shaking my head and about to walk past him, and that was when we


    heard it, An explosion.


    I turned to the direction of the gate to see that Noir''s car which was heading out


    had actually exploded.


    "Noir!"