Chapter 6

Jasmine's POV

It's what humans call Christmas, so here we are celebrating it because we are part humans.

Actually it's just a reason for all off us to come together in this gigantic hall that can fit about 2500 people to eat roasted turkey and grilled meat with so many deserts that can make you turn diabetic in one day.

So here I am laughing loudly at the lame joke that my father has been saying while everybody else's face is red with laughter.

"What do you call a chicken you see by your side" my Dad asks our little audience as Tobias starts with a drumroll beat on the table.

"Any guesses?" my Dad asks as he looks around the table. A murmur of 'no's and no idea' echo around me as I keep a goofy smile on my face.

"Its a....." he pauses for some dramatic effect while I roll my eyes and snicker.

"Its a side chick" he says bustling with energy while everyone else bursts out laughing.

Then Tobias falls to the ground laughing earning amused glances from everyone.

Even Jerry can't stop himself from laughing and hitting the table. As the laughter dies down Tobias stands from his position and straightens himself out.

"Man! that was the best one yet" Tobias comments while taking his seat next to me.

"I know right" Jeremy agrees with a grin on his face. His girlfriend Alexa is also here. She's totally cool though she's like the elder sister I never had with her kind, funny, jovial character I can't help but like her too.

"No way this one just didn't make any sense at all I mean side chick really!" Jerry says, he then looks over to Dad with his hand at the back of his neck "no offense Dad" he adds looking over to Dad.

"None taken" Dad says intertwining his hands with Mom's on the table with a smile on both their faces.

"I actually formed that one myself" Dad says proudly while everyone else snickers.

"What did you think about it honey?" he asks looking into my Mom's sparkling eyes.

"I think it was funny sweetie" my Mom says looking right back into my Dad's eyes.

My Dad then turns back to Jerry opposite him "As long as my mate says she thinks its funny nobody else's opinion matters" he finishes off by kissing my mom right in front of us.

Come on guys seriously! I say in my head as a murmur of awwns and that's so cute revolve around me except Jerry who scrunches his face and excuses himself, he gives me a pat on my head telling me we'll see later at home.

If you're wondering Jacques and Gillian were here earlier but they had to go home because Gillian wasn't feeling comfortable. She's as big as a whale, she's going to pop any day now and then there will be a new addition to the family and I will be an aunt.

Oh the joy of not being the youngest!

"Bye Jer" I yell to Jerry as he stalks off with a piece of caramel vanilla cake in his hands.

"Where is he going?" his twin Jeremy asks.

I shrug my shoulders as a response as he throws a piece of sugary croissant at me which I catch with my mouth.

"Atta boy" Jeremy says as Alexa giggles while I throw a playful glare at him.

"Alexa and I want to head somewhere else" Jeremy says loudly enough to break my parents out of the silently conversation they've been in since their public display of affection.

My Dad turns to him "Oh didn't know you were still here you can go" he looks over to my Mom then back to Jeremy "we are also heading home your Mom says she's a little bit tired" he continues.

"I'll be home a little bit later tonight" Jeremy concludes as he puts his hand behind his neck nervously.

Our parents never really let us stay out late even though we are underground.

"Okay then just make sure you are back home early not too late" he says with him and Mom rising to their feet.

He then looks over at me and orders Tobias to 'whisk me away' but to have me back home early, Tobias replies with an enthusiastic 'yes sir' to my parents while I give my parents and Alexa a quick hug and give my brother a pinch to his side which he totally ignores like as if it was nothing.

I say bye to my parents and Jeremy and his mate as they head in two different directions.

I turn my head to my side to find Tobias making kissing faces at me. I slap my hand over his mouth and as soon as it lands on his mouth I remove it immediately. Rubbing my hand on the side of his jacket.

'What is wrong with you?" I say disgusted.

"Erm...nothing" he says while running his hands through his blonde hair.

"You have issues you know".

"Yeah I know right". I just face palm myself as a response.

"So how about we go somewhere else" I ask him

"Yeah sure that's cool with me." he replies getting to his feet as I do the same.

We stroll around our massive underground bunker which is like a small city. We make little jokes here and there reminiscing about our childhood and other memorable memories.

"We could have gone to hang with Emma and Leila but I doubt you would want to watch them making out with their mates" he says and I grimace.

"Nope that would just be super awkward" I say snickering.

"So.. " he says trailing off with his hands running his hands through his messy hair.

Now that I think about it I feel nervous vibes emanating off him.

"What is it Tobias?" I ask him as we stop under a streetlight.

"I...I..." He stutters.

"Talk to me, what's bothering you" I say putting my left hand on his right shoulder. He then proceeds to take my hand and try to pull me closer but I stay rooted to my spot.

"I actually wanted to ask you something" he said looking into my eyes. I look away from him and he takes that as his cue to continue.

"Will you be my date to the Winter dance" I'm about to say that I can't when he cuts me off "as friends" he asks looking crestfallen.

Oh the winter dance how could I forget everyone our age will probably be there with their mates or whoever they are dating.

Its one of the most anticipated celebrations here in our pack for we young adults.

"Okay I'll go with you then.. I'm sorry I can't be what you want me to be I'm your best friend, we are best friends we've known each other for a long time. I hope that someday we will be free from this bondage and the rest of the were-race will accept us for what we are, then we will have all the time in the world to explore to find our other halves. You might have lost one but I believe that your second chance is still out there waiting for you to come and whisk her away and I also have a mate of my own I'm dying to meet" I pause for a few seconds "I'm sorry I can't be who you want me to be I'm so sorry" I mutter to him.

Unable to say anything, he wraps me in one of his famous bear hugs.

We embrace for what feels like hours but just a few minutes listening to his quiet sobs and me muttering its okay.