Chapter 55(semi final)

One last game(final fight of the year) [Friday, 24th Of December] Christmas Eve, a time of merry sounds and joyous laughter! Usually, none of that was seen in the Rockwood Pack. It was just a normal day for them. They had never celebrated such a season and didn't consider it necessary to do… That was before Roxanne came. It was ironic, how after not celebrating such a season during times of peace, they indulged in it during a time of grief. But, no one could deny the beauty of it. Everyone was busy doing one thing or the other, preparing for the big event called Christmas. They were late in their preparation, but Roxanne had everything covered. She took control of the event, as a true leader and made everything to be in order. She assigned roles to everyone, ensuring proper distribution of work and division of labour. The men were sent to perform the more rigorous tasks, such as cutting down giant trees and gathering the right materials needed for the event. The women weaved thin lines of wood and fibre, as a makeshift object that was necessary for Christmas. The young ones assisted in activities and decorations. Since they didn't live near modern times, and it would take too long to go to procure the materials they needed, they had to improvise. However, Roxanne wasn't deterred by this at all. Rather, she was even more excited. This would be the strangest, weirdest Christmas of her life, but… 'It's going to be the best!" She smiled to herself. After she had addressed them the previous day, even though they all agreed, they didn't know the first thing about preparing for Christmas or what it entailed. But, that wasn't an issue for Roxanne, she had that covered. 'We only have today and tomorrow for preparation. We need to move quickly!" She had said. There was so much they needed. Lights, decorations, music… Food, lots of good food! Roxanne used her head to look for options they could adopt and she finally found it. 'Rita, how did you make your cottages in the middle of the woods?" Roxanne asked. 'Oh? We have expert builders here. Our equipment are also functional. All we need are wood, nails, and time… why are you asking?" Rita replied curiously. 'Perfect! There are no trees that can properly serve as a Christmas tree… So we're going to make our own! We'll build it!" Roxanne declared. The builders were divided into groups. Some procured the necessary materials, tree stems, and branches to serve as the body, while also making use of twigs for attachment. They peeled off barks and painted them to serve the purpose of leaves. The women were in charge of weaving decorations and extensions where the lights would be placed. The question which many asked was… 'What light?" There was no electricity this far away from civilization, and the wolves didn't have any stable source of light other than the moon's illumination. They had lanterns, but they hardly used them, after all, they could all see clearly in the dark. However, a Christmas tree had no meaning without lights! 'No, there has to be something!" Roxanne muttered. Suddenly, she remembered when she first gained consciousness in the cave, and her first time in the village. The first things she noticed while she was there were the fireflies that lit up the room. 'We can use that!" Roxanne declared. The pack members gave her a look of awe, meaning at her ingenuity. Rita and a select few went into the game to procure the fireflies and obtain their assistance for the glow only they could give. Fortunately, the pack had little glass containers which they used to store extracts of nectar from the trees during spring. They placed one or two fireflies within each container, making little holes within them to grant the tiny critters access to air. With the issue of light solved, another challenge was music… Or so Roxanne thought, but that was no problem. The pack had machinations of their own making. While it wasn't fancy, neither did it rely on modern technology that human civilization was known for, it was plenty enough. They brought out their traditional drums and flutes, usually only used for their ancient rites and ceremonies, but this was also important. As for food, the pack had no problem with that. Roxanne bore witness to this, after all, since the moment she arrived all she had ever tasted was good food. The pack had a hidden shed where they kept their livestock, alive and fresh. Among them were the victims of the Christmas celebration. Roxanne knew their species quite well, but this was the first time age had seen anyone up close. Very large creature of huge mass. Bulls, huge and fat ones. Roxanne knew just one would be enough to feed everyone… But since it was a feast, they would go with three of them. There were enough grains and roots to make meals, and the feast was guaranteed to be rich. They broke open the storehouse and brought out some of the nectar they had saved since spring. Of course, it had fermented now and made good wine. 'Well, I am 19…" Roxanne smiled to herself, technically an adult… Though she had never tasted alcohol before. There was a first time for everything, after all. It was a busy day The first day passed, and even on Christmas eve, preparations continued. The weaving was done, so they hung them around their respective homes, putting the little firefly containers around them. It created beautiful lighting, though it wasn't evident just yet. After all, it was not yet dark. A massive campfire was made at the centre of the village. Since they would be celebrating it till night, the weather was bound to be cold. So, to make sure everyone participated equally, even the little ones who had very real resistance to cold, the fireplace would warm everyone up. Roxanne even saw Lenard as the preparations continued. He was diligently chopping wood for the fire that would be set up in the night. But this time he wasn't alone. Several others were with him, chopping the wood together. Roxanne knew it was only due to the season that this was happening, after it was over he would return to chopping wood alone, but she didn't feel bad for him. This was the oath he chose, and since he was happy with it, so was she. It did bring her joy to see him with company, laughing and enjoying himself. She didn't know if the rest of them were Omegas like him, but that didn't matter. Ranks, Roles, Talents… None of those mattered in this preparation. It was just a combined effort involving the whole pack. Even Asher joined in the preparation. With his freakish strength and insane vitality, he helped them with the heavy lifting. The final preparations were being made, the most important object of all and the symbol of their celebration… The Christmas tree. It stood majestically as the builders worked on the finishing touches. While this was going on, Roxanne's thoughts wandered to her mother, Melissa. She would most likely be spending Christmas with Linda. Even though she wouldn't be spending it with them, Roxanne knew that their hearts were connected by the same spirit of the season. As she thought of her family, her mind went to the family of someone else, someone she knew very well and had grown to love. 'John? What about him?" Rita responded as Roxanne asked her about him. 'He hardly ever leaves his house right? I was thinking of inviting him over…" Roxanne said. 'Are you crazy? I already told you how Asher feels about him!" Rita protested. It took some time to do so, but Roxanne finally convinced Rita. 'Well, I'm busy with the final preparations so I can't go with you…" Rita muttered, hoping Roxanne would change her mind. But Roxanne didn't need an escort this time. 'I know the way… I'll go myself." She smiled. And so she did. Venturing away from the village, while everyone continued the preparations, she went to see a special guest of honour, Asher's father. 'Buahhahaha!" John burst out laughing. 'Does Asher know you're here?" He said to her, 'He doesn't need to! And I'm serious… Come to the Christmas party we'll be having." She firmly spoke. 'Interesting. It looks like Asher has quite the interesting mate. You seem different from before. How intriguing… But, I don't think I can make it. Asher wouldn't appreciate it if I came anyway…" 'That's not for you to think about. I invited you, so if you aren't coming for Asher, come for me!" She persisted. 'And who are you?" He asked. Roxanne smiled at the question. She had tried to deny it and run from it, but she can't do that anymore. She accepted it now, her fate. "The Luna of the Rockwood pack, and your future daughter-in-law." She said confidently. John mused as he watched Roxanne leave. It was amusing to see such a girl speak so boldly in front of him, though he knew she was trembling at a point. 'She must really want me to come, uh? Oh well…" He muttered. 'Looks like you found yourself a good mate, kid…" [Friday, 25th December ] The night was magical… The air was clear and the feeling was pure bliss to everyone present. The glow of the moon was no longer the sole source of light. The fluttering fireflies let their bright-colored shine, making everything seem unreal. Roxanne looked around her. The previously sad and downcast werewolves were chattering happily. It took a great deal of work and effort, but finally, she had achieved it. The giant Christmas tree was open for everyone to see. It looked stiff and unnatural for a Christmas tree, but it was perfect. The glow around it and the decorations made all about it made it appear even more majestic. The bonfire was very large, causing the flames to rise, as though dancing to the music played by the wolves who handled the instruments. As the drumbeat and tambourines sounded, the fire swerved back and forth. Everyone danced, they were elated. They laughed. Roxanne didn't recognize the dance, it must have been a traditional one. But she laughed as she watched them. They are to their fill, drunk to their fill. Roxanne could only take one cup, afterward deciding that she had had enough. This was no night to get drunk. As she watched the celebrations continue, someone approached her. It was Asher. 'Hey…" He smiled as he moved even closer, stretching his hands to her. 'Want to dance?" She laughed softly as she took his hand and moved closer to him as well. They moved closer to the bonfire and made a space for themselves among the other dancers there. As they walked there, Asher looked at Roxanne, who also returned the gesture, they laughed as their eyes met. 'I-I saw my dad… He was just standing at a corner and watching us. He probably thinks he is being cool by hiding there, but… He's just embarrassing himself." Asher chuckled. Roxanne also laughed at his words, though she feared that he might disapprove of John's presence. 'I know you were the one who invited him… Thank you, Roxanne" He smiled. 'F-For what?" She said with a short laugh. "For this… For everything. You really thought things through. Initially, I didn't buy into all of this, but you really pulled this off… I'm impressed, amazed even. And I finally understand the reasons behind your intentions. The pack is better off this way." He smiled. Roxanne blushed as he said this. They finally settled on the dance floor. Roxanne hoped for a slow dance, the kind of romantic one she usually saw in movies or read in books, where everyone disappeared, except the dancer and their partner. She couldn't be more wrong. Everyone around Roxanne and Asher stopped dancing, a lot leaving the dancing area as they made room for them. 'W-What is happening?" Roxanne asked, flustered by their sudden reaction. "Heh, it's only natural. Everyone wants to witness this… As the king and queen dance before them under the night sky. Before Roxanne could respond, the beats suddenly changed and the tempo of the music started to rise. The sounds increased as the beat got faster and wilder. The spectators started to clap their hands in a joint rhythm. It was now fast-paced. 'Can you keep up?" Asher smirked. He moved away from her and began his dance, jumping and swerving his body in action-filled dancing. Roxanne's jaw dropped as she saw him making such crazy movements. She could never imagine the stern and awkward Asher pulling off such an impressive dance. He kept his eyes focused on her as he gave her a sexy look, calling her to join him, though it could also be that he was taunting her. The claps became louder and everyone began to cheer as they watched Asher show off his moves. 'Oh, now you're asking for it!" Roxanne said, feeling challenged. She suddenly jumped and made a twist in the air. She landed on her feet and started to make rapid movements with her fear, beating her hands on her body as they made slapping sounds. She turned her face back and forth, swerving her body in sync with the rhythm. Asher's eyes widened when he saw Roxanne's moves. Not only Asher was stunned. Rita, Dax, Damien, Lenard, Larry… Everyone watched with shocked expressions. Suddenly the claps stopped and the cheers. They were all too dumbfounded to do anything but watch as Roxanne was lost in her dance. Even Asher stopped his dance and watched as she energetically kept moving her body. Her eyes were closed now as she removed her focus from everyone and only focused on her movements and enjoying the moment. She did this for so long that she didn't even need sounds or music. She moved to the beats made by her pounding heart. Sweat appeared on her body, but she didn't stop. Finally, with a majestic pose, she finished her dance. She opened her eyes slowly as she wanted, realising everywhere had fallen silent. No beat, no ringing, no cheers or chaos. Everyone was staring at her with amazement. 'Did I overdo it…?!" She panicked. However, before she could complete her thought, a roar of cheers burst forth from everyone as they clapped thunderously. The loud noise covered the entire village as they kept clapping for Roxanne. Asher admitted his loss… She did more than keep up with him. She overtook him. 'How did she learn to dance like that?" Asher muttered to himself The night was still young, as Roxanne called everyone back to the dance floor and they all danced together excitedly. Finally, after they had had their fill of the dance, they stopped. Roxanne and Asher looked above them and gazed upon the moon. They could feel the urge coming from within them and they just had to let it out. In most Christmas celebrations, what people heard were carols and jingles of bells. However, when one had Christmas with the wolves… Things were a little different. 'Awoooooooo!!!!!" Asher gave the first howl. 'Awooooooooo!!!!" Roxanne followed. Everyone let out theirs as well. 'Awooooooo!!!" They all brought forth. The sounds of the joint howls made by these werewolves underneath the moonlight made the best music, exceeding even the best of carols. All the werewolves closed their eyes as they continued this symphony, except Asher and Roxanne. Standing in the middle of the large circle of the pack, they stared at each other. They had stopped their howls, even though the rest continued. Their eyes met passionately, and they instinctively knew what came next. Drawing their lips closer, they merged in one mutual consensus, drowning in each other's desires. They kept kissing, tongue meeting the other as their lips smacked together. Saliva drew from their mouth as they kept this pleasant union going, crossing themselves and indulging in their satisfaction. After they did this, the howls continued. Asher looked into Roxanne's eyes and for the first time since he met her, went on his knees. The wolves had their eyes closed, so they couldn't see a thing. Their howls filled the air, so they couldn't hear any other voice. It was only Roxanne and Asher that we're aware of this occurrence. "Roxanne… Will you be mine, now and forever? Bond with me… I love you,``he confessed. Tears formed in her eyes as she looked at him. He held her hand and caressed it, not for a second removing his eyes off of her. His sincere eyes expected an answer from her, and she already knew it within her, what she would say. 'Asher…. I…" She began. 'Awoooooooo" The howls filled the air as she spoke. 'I can't give you the answer now…" Asher's eyes fell as he heard this. His heart ached, he didn't know what to say… He was in pain, but he endured, he still looked at her, perhaps expecting a different answer. 'Tomorrow… I promise you… Tomorrow, I'll give you the answer!" She declared to him. She used her hands to raise him back to his feet and her smile showed that she indeed loved him, he could tell… All he needed to do was wait for the next day. "Alright, Roxanne… I'll be expecting it" He smiled. She returned his smile too. The howls ceased and for a moment there was silence. They all just took deep breaths and felt the cold breeze surround them. After this brief period, the wolves finally resumed their dance and music and ate and partied. Roxanne excused herself from the crowd and took some fresh air in solitude. 'Ahh…" She heaved a heavy sigh. She had wanted to tell Asher at that very moment how she felt, how she also loved him and wanted to be his… That she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. But she couldn't do that yet, not until she took care of one thing that was holding her back… The one thing she never stopped thinking about since she came to the village. The last match she would be having for the year, the finals for the championship for the season, what she had worked so hard for all year… She thought about it. And it was this very night! She wanted to go so badly and win. She couldn't stop thinking about it, she had to at least have her final match, but this made her feel guilty. She couldn't tell Asher about it because he wouldn't let her leave. Besides, it would hurt him if he found out she would rather have her match than stay even longer in the village. She felt conflicted about what to do. Should she just forfeit the match? But if she did… Roxanne felt that she would regret that decision all her life. She wouldn't stop thinking about it. 'What do I do?" She muttered. "My, my if it isn't Lady Roxanne…" A familiar voice suddenly came from behind her. She looked back and saw the one who spoke. 'Oh, it's you, Larry…" Larry smiled innocently at her, which made her remember Lenard. He truly was like his father in some ways. 'I couldn't help but hear you ask yourself what to do. I guess even you have trouble deciding that…" He smiled. Roxanne gave him a small smile, she couldn't tell him anything. It's not like he would understand anyway. Larry smiled as he saw her look indecisive and uncomfortable. "You should just do what you want to do. Sometimes one has to be selfish. The reason we hesitate to do some things at times is that we are often overly concerned with what people think and how they would feel if we take a particular step. However…" Larry said. '… If those people truly care for us, wouldn't they want us to do what would make us happy? If they truly care and understand you, then they would understand and respect whatever decision you make… And won't stop loving you no matter what!" Larry's words resonated with Roxanne's heart. He was right. Asher loved her, he said so himself. That meant even if she stole away this very night, he would still love her. All she had to do was just compete, win, and return to the lake before morning. Would it be difficult? Yes! But could she pull it off? Also, Yes! 'I have to do this… So I can finally be free of those thoughts and give Asher my answer." Roxanne resolved. "Thanks a lot, Larry, your words helped me a lot!" Roxanne turned to see him, however, he was no longer there. This baffled Roxanne a little, but she didn't have time to think too much about it. She had made up her mind. One last game, her final match for the year… And she could finally continue her blissful time with Asher