The Alpha's Contract: A Baby For Christmas.

A Familiar Face

[Noel's POV]

I ignore the shouts and yells from behind me as I’m certain my family curses me for my leaving the venue and not daring to look back while pain rips through me as my heart breaks into a million pieces while sweet memories of my time with Hunter start to come to me.

From the moment we met, I fell in love, but I guess that it was only me. All the smiles, all the touches, all the kisses—they were all fake, and while he was doing such things to me, he was doing other things with Joelle.

Instantly, a pang of pain shoots through me, causing my hold on the man in front of me to tighten, and to my surprise, one of his hands reaches down and wraps around mine, holding it tightly while we head into the heart of the city.

I don’t know how long we drive before we pull in front of The Gold Club, one of the hottest and most exclusive bars/strip joints in the city. Only the top tier gathered at such a place, and I couldn’t stop myself from wondering why exactly my hero brought me here.

Was he some type of creep who thought I was going to let him do whatever he wanted with me because I climbed onto the back of his bike? Or… Was he going to attempt to sell me?

Shit. Did I run away from my own wedding with some sick pervert?

Eyes widening, I sit back and wait until the man in front of me peeks at me over his shoulder.

“What?” He asks, his voice filled with amusement. “Now that I’ve taken you away from your wedding, you’re finished with me? I’m hurt.”

Flinching, I realize that was exactly what I was doing, but I didn’t bother mentioning the part where I thought that maybe he was some bad guy who was going to try to have his way with me. That part could remain a mystery since I didn’t intend to go into that building with him.

“Thanks,” I say slowly, beginning to try to climb off the back of the bike. “I appreciate you helping me and will…AH!”

I don’t get to finish my words before I trip on my skirt and begin to fall forward.

Closing my eyes, I brace myself for an impact that never comes, and when I open them once again, I find that the man’s arm is wrapped protectively around me.

“That’s twice now, Angel,” he chuckles, causing a shiver to rush through me.

“I don’t know what you mean.” I manage while hoping that my nerves are noticeable in my voice.

“That I’ve saved you.” He responds, grabbing his helmet and pulling it off so I’m left staring into the same blue eyes as Hunter’s.

“You’re,” I gasp, taking in the man’s handsome face that also resembles Hunter’s, minus a long scar that starts at his eyebrow and travels down to his cheek. “But, I thought you…”

Instantly, memories of the past begin to erupt, taking me to one of the most painful moments of my life as I was told that someone who I cared deeply for was ripped away from me much too young.

“Died?” He asks, causing shock to rush through me. “I guess you would think that since it was what my family wanted everyone to believe.”

I don’t speak as I continue to take in the man in front of me, from his messy blonde hair to his chiseled cheeks and chin, even his body that was so damn easy to make out through the suit that he is wearing, but how could he be here sitting in front of me?

“It’s been a while, angel,” he says now, giving me a million-watt smile.

“Nick,” I breathe as more memories of the past rush toward me. “You’re really here.”

Nick was Hunter’s older brother and my first love, at least, I convinced myself in the past that he was, but when I started to fall in love with Hunter I couldn’t help but question all those feelings I had for him.

“I am,” he confirms, climbing off his bike and offering a hand to me. “And if I wasn’t, you would still be stuck walking down the aisle to say I do to that prick.”

“I wouldn’t,” I grumble, accepting his offering. “There’s no way I would marry him after that.”

For a moment, Nick doesn’t speak as he stares at me, taking me in with an unreadable expression on his handsome face.

“What was that anyway?” He pushes, breaking the silence that falls around us. “I didn’t know that when I showed up for my brother’s big day, I would have his bride ask me to take her away.”

“That makes two of us.” I admit, flushing slightly. “But you had perfect timing, and I owe you one.”

“Then how about you repay me by joining me for a few drinks?” He suggests, nodding toward the building behind us.

“That…” I begin, looking down at the dress that I’m still wearing. “I don’t know how it will look if I walk into a bar with a wedding dress on.”

Now that things were beginning to settle, I was realizing just how crazy all of this must look to those around us. Even if it was the holidays, no one would put on a wedding dress to enjoy a night of drinking, not even the most festive of biddies.

“You’re right,” Nick agrees after a long pause. “We should get you something else to wear before going in; luckily, there’s a boutique just down the street.”

Not waiting for a response from me, he grabs my hand and begins to lead me forward in such a Nick-like way that it causes many emotions to flare up in me. But I can’t deny that I suddenly feel happy despite the circumstances that led us to be like we are because in the end, my best friend was here in front of me when I needed someone the most.

“Ladies first,” Nick announces when we reach our destination, which is decked out in Christmas decor even though it is a week until December. And despite the bright and cheerful atmosphere that is displayed before me, I can’t seem to find the spirit to really be happy.

“Or do you want me to pick something out for you?” He continues when I just stare ahead. “Just know that I like my ladies in skimpy things.”

“No!” I hiss, shaking off all the emotions that are threatening to drown me. “No, I can pick out my own clothes.”

“Then head inside and pick whatever you want.” He tells me, nodding toward the inside of the store. “And don’t worry about p*****t; tonight, everything is on me. Consider it as a gift of our reunion.”

Opening my mouth, I prepare to tell him I can’t possibly let him do such a thing until I realize that I can’t afford to buy anything, not when all my money and properties were being held by my stepmother back in Azure Moon. I guess I didn’t have any choice but to go along with him this evening.

“Thanks,” I say, stepping inside and drawing the attention of a store clerk. “But I’ll absolutely pay you back.”

“I’m sure you will.” He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with unspoken emotions. “I’ll hold you to it, angel. Now, go and find the perfect dress so that you are the most dazzling this evening, and know that I won’t let you off until you do.”