First Kiss

Daniella POV:

It was Christmas Day, December 25th. Every corner of the world seemed to celebrate the holiday, and children eagerly rushed out of their rooms to check under the Christmas tree, hoping to find the gifts that Santa had left for them. But I knew better, Santa wasn't real. Those gifts were from their parents, and I wasn't about to pretend to believe in such childish myths. How could Santa travel the world in one night and deliver presents to every child? How could reindeer fly across continents? It was just a story made up to bring joy to kids, but for me, the magic of Christmas had long disappeared after I lost my parents. Christmas had never felt the same since I was sent to live with my aunt, who often forgot I was even there.

Luckily, my father had set up a substantial educational insurance policy, which I accessed when I turned seventeen. With the money, I bought a small house and I also received a fully funded scholarship for my studies. I was smart enough to earn it, and it gave me the freedom to pursue my dreams without worrying about tuition fees. It was a new chapter, and I thrived on my own. I worked hard to earn my place at Lawson Firm, where I spent five years climbing the ladder, winning multi-million-dollar cases. Mr. Lawson, Brandon's father, always spoke highly of me, especially when Brandon and I got engaged. He said he would be at ease handing over the firm to me and Brandon once we were married.

But life had other plans.

 One night, just before New Year's, I caught Brandon in my office, sleeping with my best friend and secretary, Alana. They didn't even have the decency to hide it. I was devastated. I wanted to quit immediately, but Mr. Lawson, ever the pragmatist, transferred both of them to the Boston branch and promoted me to the youngest partner at the firm. It wasn't a cure for my broken heart, but it helped. Still, that betrayal stung like an open wound.

 "Ehmm... Ehmm" Alpha's voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the present.

 "Yes, Alpha?" I turned to look at him.

 "Sorry, but can I cook for us today? For breakfast?" he asked, his voice hesitant.

 I raised an eyebrow. "Can you cook?"

He looked at me, his emerald eyes hopeful. "I found a recipe book yesterday, and I thought I could try making pancakes. I saw eggs, flour, and honey in the storage. Can I make them for you?"

 "Okay," I said with a smile. "Just don't blow up my kitchen."

 He chuckled. "I promise," he replied confidently.

 I watched him head toward the kitchen, but then paused and called out to him.

""Wait."

He turned around, his eyes locking with mine. "Yes?"

 I hesitated. "You've been here a week, and it seems like you haven't asked my name yet."

 He scratched his head sheepishly, then answered, "I know your name, Daniella. Isn't it?"

 I blinked, surprised. "How do you know? You've only been calling me 'ma'am' or 'lady.' I feel old," I said, laughing.

He smiled, his expression softening. "Sorry. I thought it was the gentlemanly thing to do. I know your name from when you were filling out the police report for me."

 I rolled my eyes. "Nonsense. After a week of living together, doing yoga together, eating together, and reading together, I think you can just call me by my name."

I extended my hand toward him. He stared at it for a moment, then reached out and took it.

"I'm Daniella, 29, lawyer."

"I'm..." He paused, looking lost. "Alpha. I don't remember my name, or my age... sorry."

"Never mind," I said, not wanting to push further. "Let's try again another day."

I let him continue to the kitchen, and I settled back on the couch, my mind wandering again.

To my surprise, Alpha was a quick learner. In no time, he had made a perfect batch of pancakes, fluffy, golden, and with honey drizzled into a heart shape, just like the recipe book had shown.

"Wow," I said, impressed. "You're great."

"Thank you," he replied, blushing a little.

"You really are a quick learner," I said, taking a bite of the delicious pancakes.

"I think so," he laughed, and we ate breakfast together. As we did, I talked about my job, the spectacular cases I had won, and the corporate world I had thrived in.

After breakfast, I decided to change the mood. "Do you want to watch a movie?"

"What movie?" he asked.

"How about Twilight? It's about werewolves, like the one you claim to be. Maybe after watching it, you'll remember something."

"Okay," he agreed.

I set up the TV, and we started watching. As the scene played where Jacob transforms into a werewolf, I glanced at Alpha to see his reaction. But he just stared at the screen, as if it was nothing out of the ordinary.

"Wait... do werewolves, when they transform back into human form, end up naked?" I asked, remembering when I first found him.

"Of course," he said, nodding seriously. "Their clothes wouldn't fit when they transform into wolves. Usually, I'd take my clothes off before transforming."

I stared at him, incredulous. "I don't believe you. You must be hallucinating."

He sighed, unable to prove his point, then said softly, "Yeah, maybe it's just part of my hallucination."

I laughed. "I'm glad you're not stubborn. That's a plus point for you. If you were the stubborn type, we'd be arguing all the time."

 He smiled, and I returned my attention to the TV. The movie showed Edward and Bella sharing a passionate kiss, and I couldn't help but glance at Alpha beside me. He was watching me intently, and our eyes locked. Neither of us spoke, but the atmosphere between us shifted. Slowly, we leaned toward each other.

I didn't know who started it, but our lips met, soft and tentative at first. His kiss was gentle, almost as if he were afraid to break me. It was a kiss that sent shivers down my spine, one that felt tender and sincere. There was no urgency, no hunger just a quiet connection, a moment of pure emotion.

 And as we pulled away, both of us breathless, I knew things would never be the same between us.