Page 1 of Howling Holidays

Chapter one

Logan

Thefrigidmorningaircuts through me like a knife as I charge through the snow-covered forest. Each stride sends plumes of frosty breath into the air, a stark contrast to the fiery determination coursing through my veins. The wind whips through my silvery fur as I race through snow-covered trees.

Everwood's forest is my refuge, a place where I can momentarily shed the mantle of responsibility that comes with being the alpha of our wolf shifter pack. It has been a ritual of mine for years, this daily run, a way to clear my mind, to remind myself that I am more than just an alpha shouldering the weight of an ancient curse. For a fleeting moment, I run free, feeling like any other wolf in the pack, a creature of the wilderness.

The snow crunches beneath my paws as I race through the winter wonderland, my heightened senses attuned to every rustle of leaves and the soft whispers of the wind. My breath mists in the chilled air, a testament to the raw power of the wolf that lives within me. The forest is proof of life's simplicity and beauty, a far cry from the complex world of secrets and curses that surrounds our small town.

"Logan!" Ethan, my loyal beta’s voice echoes in my mind, our telepathic connection allowing us to communicate even when I'm in my wolf form. "Everything all right?"

"Fine," I respond curtly, not wanting to break my focus on the run. Even though this is supposed to be my time to let loose, I can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. The woods have been unusually quiet lately, and I can't help but wonder if there's a threat lurking just beyond my senses.

"Keep an eye on things at the tree farm," I tell him as I push myself faster, leaving nothing but a blur of fur and snow in my wake. I need to clear my head, to reassess my priorities. There's too much at stake for me to be distracted.

"Will do," Ethan replies, his loyalty unwavering. It's good to know I can count on him, especially with so many responsibilities swirling around in my mind.

The snow-draped branches of the evergreens seem to sparkle in the cold winter sunlight, their shadows dancing playfully across the pristine white landscape. A gust of wind sends a flurry of snowflakes pirouetting gracefully through the air, swirling around me like tiny, icy ballerinas. My amber eyes scan the surroundings, taking in the beauty of the scene before me. In these moments, I feel a deep connection to the land and the spirits who have walked these woods before me.

As I continue bounding through the snowy forest, the silence is suddenly broken by the sound of another set of paws hitting the ground, the rhythm matching my own. My senses go on high alert as I realize that I'm not alone.

"Who's there?" I growl, mentally preparing myself for a confrontation. The woods are my territory, and I won't allow any unknown creature to threaten the safety of my pack and the town I've sworn to protect.

The only response is a faint rustling in the trees, and then silence again. Without hesitation, I change course, following the sound with determination. Whoever – or whatever – is out there, I'll make sure they know not to cross me.

My pace slows as I navigate the terrain with an uncanny grace, my senses locked onto the unfamiliar scent and sounds. I move stealthily, instincts taking over as I stalk the intruder. The forest grows eerily quiet, as if nature itself held its breath, waiting to see how this will unfold.

And there it was—a dark flash of movement, a fleeting shadow among the trees. My heart thundered in my chest as I gave chase, my body moving effortlessly through the snow-covered terrain. I slow to a halt as I come to a clearing in the trees, having lost sight of the intruder. A low growl rumbles in my chest, my hackles rising instinctively. My senses are on high alert as I suddenly catch sight of a large black wolf emerging from the shadows between the trees. Its eyes seem to glint with malevolence, and its posture is tense, ready for confrontation.

"Who are you?" I demand, my voice firm and unwavering. "Why are you trespassing in my territory?"

The black wolf remains silent, studying me with an unnerving intensity. The air between us crackles with tension, and I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck still standing tall.

"Answer me!" I snarl, taking a step closer. "What are you doing here? Are you the wolf that killed my father?!"

I try to remind myself not to be too hasty, trying to temper my aggression. I need to find out more about this wolf before jumping into a confrontation, especially since they’ve been proven fatal for my family in the past. The black wolf narrows its eyes, seemingly evaluating my words. Then, without warning, it turns and darts back into the shadows from which it came without a trace.

I’m left with an ominous feeling about the encounter. I can't shake the feeling that something is very wrong, and I need to check in with my pack immediately. Pushing aside my lingering thoughts about the rogue wolf, I focus on my responsibilities as the alpha. My pack's safety is my top priority, and I won't let anything threaten them. I dash through the snow-covered trees, my powerful legs propelling me forward with ease. The tranquility of the forest is now a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me.

The tree farm awaits—the symbol of our pack's legacy and the linchpin in our facade as ordinary townsfolk. As I near the edge of the forest, Everwood comes into view, a picturesque town blanketed in pristine snow. Cobblestone streets, charming houses adorned with twinkling lights, and the scent of pine from the Christmas tree farm defines its winter charm. Yet underneath the lovely exterior lies a shadowy history - one intrinsically tied to my kind.

Everwood, my home, is a town shrouded in secrets, a place where ancient curses and hidden histories whisper in the shadows. The townsfolk celebrate their traditions, ignorant of the supernatural world that lurks beneath the surface. They’re the unwitting guardians of our mysteries, and it’s my duty as alpha to ensure those secrets remain buried. Generations ago, a curse was placed upon the wolf shifters, binding us to the surrounding forest and preventing us from fully assimilating with the humans of Everwood. The curse forces us to live in secrecy, and we are doomed to watch over the town we can never truly be a part of.

The mystery surrounding the curse has fueled the folklore and rumors that the locals love to share. To them we are creatures of legend, not flesh and blood. Only a few descendants of the founding families know the truth - that we walk among them as both man and wolf. They keep our secrets in exchange for protecting the town from any danger lurking about.

Responsibilities call, and I begin the shift back into my human form. As alpha, it’s a relatively quick and mostly painless process, but I love the energized feeling that courses through my veins after a shift. I start with my legs, the loud snapping of bones cracking back into place is enough to scare anyone had they been nearby. My fur begins to melt away like pudding, revealing my smooth skin underneath. The last to morph back into place is my head, with my ears melding back into my tousled chestnut hair. As my vision reverts, I spot my old truck nearby where I left it. I sprint over to get it started and warmed up while I pull my clothes out of the driver’s seat and get dressed. The cold air doesn’t bother my naked skin as much as it would a human as wolves always run hot, but the snow still feels frigid against my toasty skin. I pull on my regular uniform of a warm long-sleeved flannel, a pair of old jeans, and black boots. I throw my arms into my brown sherpa lined jacket and climb into the truck.

With the forest behind me, I reach the tree farm, where Ethan and the rest of the pack await amidst the rows of evergreens. His short hair is dusted with snow, and his bright green eyes hold a glint of mischief as he greets me. "Morning, Logan," he chimes, his voice warm with camaraderie. "Any excitement during your run today?" I gave him a wry smile, well aware that he knew of my encounter with the wolf. "Just a false alarm, Ethan. No cause for concern." Still confused about the encounter myself and wanting to make sense of it first, I didn’t want to tell him and cause a panic over nothing. Ethan nods, but there is a flicker of unease in his gaze. He understands the fragile balance we maintain, the thin line between secrecy and exposure.

Reluctantly, he turns back to watch over a team of shifters loading trees into trucks. "We've got a solid selection this year.” He states as I follow alongside him. “The pack's been working hard to make sure everything's ready for the townsfolk this season."

I survey the scene, watching as pack members trim branches and bundle the freshly cut trees, preparing them for sale. It’s a well-oiled machine, each person knowing their role and executing it with precision. Even my grandmother Iris, an elder in the pack, had come to lend a hand - her crafty fingers tying bows and decorating wreaths with ease.

"Good work, everyone," I praise, feeling a swell of pride for my pack. Their unwavering dedication to the town's well-being strengthens our bond and make me even more committed to protecting them from any possible threats.

"Thanks, Alpha," they chorus, acknowledging my praise with smiles and nods.

As I stand there, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling tree farm, I can’t help but feel a sense of warmth and contentment despite the frigid winter air. Everwood is a picturesque town, its charm and beauty never failing to captivate me. Snow-capped rooftops and twinkling fairy lights adorn the quaint buildings, casting a magical glow over the cobblestone streets.

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