Chapter 8 - Cayden
My mood soured further as I drove to the mall where we were holding the event. But at least I wasn't the only one that seemed unenthusiastic about the outfit.
"Well, don't you look like a happy elf," Owen said, stopping next to me.
"I look ridiculous in this," I grumbled, waving my hands around. "Can we please change?"
"I think it's great," Owen said, adjusting his ears. "Really puts you in the Christmas spirit."
I rolled my eyes and glanced at the others. Miles was laughing at Lucas, who looked just irate in his outfit. Thomas was on their phones while we waited for Ayden and Wendy to arrive.
We stood in the middle of a makeshift village with a large chair put out for Ayden to sit in. There was fake snow all over and a line of children already eager to see Santa. We arrived a little early, and I thought Ayden and Wendy would have already been waiting here.
"Would you guys perk up," Owen said, waving at the kids. "We don't want to look like unhappy elves."
"We are unhappy elves," Lucas grumbled as he crossed his arms. "And why is Ayden late? He's never late."
Before anyone could say anything, we heard the jingling of bells. We all turned and watched as Ayden and Wendy started to walk toward us, away from the parking lot. The kids squealed, and Wendy and Ayden waved happily at them. Both of them were dressed as they said they would—Santa and Mrs. Clause.
"You know what, that outfit suits him pretty well," Miles chirped, and we all snorted at the remark. It was true. Ayden played the role perfectly, and Wendy beamed as she stopped patting a few kids on the head.
Ayden looked at them and started to laugh. He then waved a hand at them. "When I asked you all to be elves, I envisioned some happy faces. You all look great, why so sour?"
“Have you looked at us? We look ridiculous." Lucas said.
"I thought we looked pretty good," Miles quickly added, running his hands over his outfit. "I look sharp."
"It's for the kids," Wendy said, glaring at each of us. "And you all better start smiling. I didn't agree to wear all these layers for you all to complain about wearing pointy shoes and ears. I'm in a corset. You can all suffer with the shoes for a few hours."
Ayden snorted and waved a hand. "All right, we're all here, so everyone get to your places."
"You're the boss," Owen said, waving a hand. "And the chair awaits you."
"Smartass," Ayden grumbled back, walking past him. He jingled with each step, and Wendy walked with him, happily giggling.
Everyone went to their places. We each stood around and helped keep the line moving. I stood next to Thomas, who didn't seem to mind the outfit.
I rolled my neck when I spotted Riley across the food area. She looked around, taking the event in, when her eyes landed on the Santa area. She smirked, and as she walked, the smirk grew.
"You know her?" Thomas said, seeing I was staring.
I sighed with a nod. "Yeah, she's my sister's best friend."
Riley spotted me, and she started to laugh. My wolf purred at the noise, finding it was the most amazing sound. I wanted to always hear it.
"You know this is even better than I imagined it," Riley said, stopping in front of me. "I have never been happier than I am right now."
"If you want a photo with Santa, the line is back there," I teased, pointing to the line.
"Oh, I don't want a photo with him," she said, still chuckling. She pulled out her phone and pulled it up. "Smile because this is totally going to make your sister's day."
I could hear the phone beep, and Thomassnorted next to me.
I rolled my eyes. "It's part of our Christmas agreement with the town this year. It won't be happening again. So, get the laughs out now because you'll never see this again."
"See, that is where you are wrong." She waved her phone. "I get to look at this whenever I want." She looked over towards where Ayden and Wendy stood happily, welcoming the children. Parents were helping kids onto Ayden's lap and snapping photos. Laughter filled the space. " And I wouldn't say that you won't be doing this again. Your boss looks pretty happy over there."
Thomas and I both looked because it was a fear of ours. He could see Wendy making it happen every year if they liked it too much. Wendy had made sure that they were all more involved with the pack over the years. She explained it was important that all of them were as trustworthy and hard-working as Ayden.
"So, how long are you guys stuck here?"
"We have shifts," I said. "Thomas and I are here, Miles and Lucas are on the other side, and Owen is at the exit."
I watched as her eyes sparkled, taking the names in.
"We are going to have lunch in about a half hour. I can meet you.."
Before I could finish, someone threw their arm around my neck. "Who do we have here?"
Riley's eyes flickered around, and I realized Thomas, Owen, Miles, and Lucas had all moved closer.
"This is Riley," I explained. "Riley, this is Thomas, Owen, Miles, and Lucas. Weslie is out on vacation. They all work at the fire station with me."
Riley gave them a soft smile. "Nice to meet you all."
"So, you grew up with Cayden? Does that mean you know all his deep, dark secrets?" Miles asked, stepping closer to her. "You can tell me."
I rolled my eyes. "And this is why I didn't introduce you to anyone."
Riley laughed. "I have nothing to share."
"Are you sure? Nothing at all?"
Riley looked at me, and I quickly decided to change the subject. "How about I meet you in the food court in twenty minutes? We should be taking a lunch break."
Riley nodded, still smiling as she looked at the others. "It was nice meeting you all. Have fun."
Riley turned and started to walk towards the food area. She peeked back a few times, still laughing as she moved.
Thomas elbowed me. "So, what gives? She’s your sister’s friend? That’s it?"
I felt my heart skip a beat. "Yeah, that's it."
About half an hour later, we took a break for lunch. I left the makeshift village and made my way to the food area. I spotted her standing near a bush, flipping through her phone. I walked towards Riley, who smirked as she spotted me walking towards her. I stopped in front of her. "Are you going to laugh every time you see me?"
She nodded. "I am because it's just too perfect." She reached up, her fingers pulling at the hat that I had on. She didn't press against me, but I could feel the heat radiating off her, and my heart skipped a beat.
"Your hat was coming off."
I stared into her eyes, aching to have her. Her eyes stared back at me, and I swallowed. "Thanks."
I shook my head and pointed. "Let's hit the food. I'm starving." Riley nodded, walking with me.
We stopped and grabbed some hot chocolate and burgers. After we finished eating, we walked around, enjoying the sights. It wasn't too cold outside today, so the festival went extremely well.
Kids watched as I walked by, and I knew the others likely had the same problem. A little girl squealed with her mother, and Riley chuckled. "You guys are a big hit."
I glanced at Riley. "Oh, are we?"
She nodded. "While I was walking around, everyone was talking about you guys. You seem to have made a very good life here and found some good friends."
I knew she was saying the words kindly, but I could see the sorrow in her eyes and knew that something was wrong. There was a reason that Riley came down.
"And you don't have that back at home?" I asked.
She paused for a moment before she shook her head. "I have things. I have your sister, for starters."
I snorted. "While she is such a catch, I don't think she makes up every aspect of your life."
Riley smirked. "I have a boyfriend. Or… had a boyfriend. That's why I came down with April. I needed a little break."
I can't hide the shock that hits me. She was dating someone? Well, of course, she was dating someone. She's old enough to be married and have children now. She wasn't little anymore.
"Why did you guys break up?" I asked.
She shrugged. "We weren't a match."
I could tell there was more to it, but she didn't want to say, and I knew better than to pry. I was happy she was telling me anything at all.
"Well, it's his loss," I said, offering her a smile.
She snorted, rolling her eyes. "And what about you? No girlfriend?"
I wondered why she'd ask, but she was probably just keeping the conversation going.
"I've had girlfriends, but nothing that stuck."
She glanced at me. "Sounds like their loss."
I knew she was just saying my own words back at me, but my heart stopped beating as she looked at me. A small part wondered if she meant more.
"Ohhhhh," an older couple stopped next to us. "You guys are under the mistletoe! You have to kiss."
We both looked up, and I didn't even realize we were standing under one of the big oak trees. There were a couple of mistletoe bunches strung up in different spots.
Riley grew red in the face and shook her head at the couple. "We aren't together. It's not like that."
"Are you sure? You guys walked right toward them." The old lady said with a smirk.
Riley continued to shake her head.
I stepped closer to her and leaned forward. Her eyes snapped to me as I kissed her cheek.
Every part of me wanted to kiss her lips. I wanted a lot more than just that, but that wasn't happening. Not with the knowledge that she was just getting out of a relationship.
I leaned back, and Riley's face was beat red. She pulled a hand up, placing it on her cheek. I smiled at her. "Well, I hope you find what you're looking for, Riley. You deserve it."
She swallowed as she stared at me. I felt that tug. My wolf wanted her so badly.
I wanted to test the water. What would she do if I leaned down and kissed her? What would she do if I pushed her against the tree and deepened the kiss? Would she push me away? Would she pull me closer?
"Cayden!"
We both jumped at my name, and I turned, finding the guys standing there. "Lunch is over. We have to get back to our post."
Shit.
I turned back to Riley. "Well, I have to get back to my post. You going to be okay?"
She nodded, chewing on her lower lip. "Yeah. I'll be okay."
I smiled before I turned and headed back with the guys. I felt that tug, suddenly wishing I had kissed her one more time.