Alpha Santa

The Fairy and the Alpha

Elijah Lykon

She’s beautiful and small, like a fairy. My fairy. I was whipped before our story even began.

The moment I saw her on that bus, it felt like time stopped. Maybe it did. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my idea of building this hotel—a desperate, last-ditch attempt to find her—would actually work.

I knew my mate wasn’t in our world. I had searched every corner, leaving no stone unturned. The human world had been my last hope, and here she was.

I should be overjoyed. My plan worked. She’s here, but then my joy soured into confusion and anger. Why was she here? And alone? The thought of her coming to a retreat meant for couples, possibly hurt and abandoned, sent a fresh wave of rage through me. No one should dare hurt her.

My wolf growls in my mind, the sound low and guttural. “Shouldn’t you be happy she’s alone? This way, we don’t have to kill anyone.”

“Maybe,” I mutter, flexing my hands into fists. “But I hate that she might have been hurt. No one gets to hurt her.”

Earlier, when our eyes locked through the window, her hazel gaze stopped me in my tracks. She looked... lost. There was a sadness in her eyes that mirrored something deep within me. I know that feeling—loneliness. My pack and I had been drowning in it for years. Seeing it in her made me want to fix everything—to fix her world and mine.

I walk out of the elevator, my footsteps echoing in the long hallway until I reach my office door. Pushing it open, I find Caleb, my gamma, lounging in my chair, his feet propped on my desk. He’s flipping through a file with maddening nonchalance.

“Comfortable?” I ask, voice tight.

“Very,” he smirks, not bothering to look up or remove his feet. “What’s got you looking so murderous, Alpha? Something go wrong with breakfast? Or is it just your usual brooding self?”

I’m across the room in seconds, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him upright. His eyes widen in surprise. “What the hell happened, Elijah?” Caleb sputters. “What did I do?”

“It’s your fault,” I snarl, barely controlling my temper. “She doesn’t want me. She thinks I’m... too good to be true, and it’s because of this.” I gesture to my tailored suit, every seam perfect, every thread expensive. “This ridiculous outfit was your idea!”

“You’re blaming me for looking good?” Caleb chokes out, half-laughing.

I release him with a shove, and he stumbles back, straightening his shirt. “Care to explain?” he asks, brushing imaginary lint off his shoulder.

“I didn’t mean to read her mind,” I admit, pacing the room. “It wasn’t intentional. When our hands brushed, the bond sparked, and for a moment, I heard her thoughts concerning me. She said…” My voice drops, anger simmering. “She said I look like I belong in a penthouse, not faking a marriage with someone like her. That I’m too perfect, too intimidating.”

“Fake marriage?” Caleb whistles low, his tone shifting to intrigue. “What does she need a fake husband for?”

“That’s what I need to find out,” I snap.

Why is she even considering finding someone else for a fake marriage? A fake marriage, when I, her mate, have been waiting for her my entire life.

Caleb leans back against the desk, arms crossed. “Okay, but look at the bright side—she’s thinking about you. And, let’s be honest, she noticed how good you look. Maybe we overdid the suit, but it’s not all bad.”

“Not bad?” I glare at him. “She’s already planning to push me away before I’ve had the chance to explain anything. And she thinks I’m some untouchable, polished...” I trail off, clenching my fists again.

Then, despite my frustration, a smile tugs at my lips as I remember another stray thought I’d caught. She’d pictured children—*our* children. Lots of them. The idea of her carrying my pups warms something deep inside me. My fairy, my mate, dreaming of our future. Even if she doesn’t realise it yet.

“You’re smiling,” Caleb notes, raising an eyebrow. “You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?”

I scowl, turning away. “Shut up.”

“You’re whipped, boss. Completely.”

Ignoring him, I turn to the window, looking out at the vast forest surrounding the hotel. This place had been my last hope—a project born of desperation. For over two decades, we’d drawn humans here with promises of adventure and romance, hoping to find our mates among them. Some of my warriors had succeeded. Even Caleb had found his mate. But me? I’d been left waiting.

Until now. I’ll do whatever it takes to make her stay—to make her mine. Even if it means convincing her to go through with this ridiculous fake marriage with me.

“She’s my mate,” I say softly, more to myself than to Caleb. “She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s mine.”

"So, she thinks you're too good for her, huh?" He chuckles, drawing my attention as he shakes his head. "That’s ironic, considering she’s your mate. But it gives me an idea."

I narrow my eyes at him. "Spit it out, Caleb. No riddles."

He sits up, resting his elbows on the desk. "You need to be less for her. Strip away the intimidating Alpha image. Stop being perfect, Elijah. Make her see you as someone ordinary, someone on her level. That way, she’ll stop seeing you as untouchable and start seeing you as... approachable."

I sigh, crossing my arms. "And how exactly do I pull that off? Everyone here knows who I am. They’ll bow the moment they see me, and that’s bound to blow my cover."

Caleb’s grin widens, mischief sparkling in his eyes. "Simple. Go undercover. Disguise yourself as one of the human staff. Work in the hotel, mingle with the guests—heck, scrub floors if you have to. But act like you're broke, a nobody. Blend in. Make her believe you’re just another guy trying to make ends meet."

I stare at him, a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "Pretend to be a poor church rat?"

"Exactly," Caleb says with a firm nod. "And don’t just pretend—commit. Be a damn good actor. She’ll see you as someone she can relate to, someone within her reach. And when the time is right, let her see the real you. A Wolf."

For a moment, I consider it. The idea is absurd... yet it’s brilliant. My chest tightens at the thought of her looking at me without hesitation, without doubt. Just pure, unfiltered connection. I let out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding and clasp Caleb’s shoulder. "You’re a genius, you know that?"

Caleb’s grin softens. "Of course, I am. But, with you playing the pauper, that makes me the acting Alpha."

I roll my eyes and punch his arm lightly. "Don’t get ahead of yourself."

Before Caleb can fire back, the door creaks open, and Ryder steps in. As always, his expression is stoic. Unlike Caleb and me, Ryder is all business—no jokes, no games, and no unnecessary words.

"Alpha," Ryder says, his voice low but commanding. He sets a wooden box on the desk between us. I know exactly what it is before he even speaks. "These are the wishes I’ve managed to gather from the pack this week. As requested, none of them know it’s you."

My gaze shifts to the box, a pang of guilt tightening my chest. Inside are slips of paper, each one carrying the quiet hopes and dreams of my people. They think the Moon Goddess has sent them a guardian angel, a Santa, but in truth, it’s just me—a flawed Alpha trying to make amends for a curse I caused—or at least that's what I was told.

I open the lid, and the familiar scent of parchment and ink fills the room. My fingers graze the edges of the wishes, and my throat tightens. "Thank you, Ryder."

He nods once, his dark eyes studying me. "The pack believes the curse will be lifted soon. They’re hopeful, but..." He hesitates, which is rare for him.

"But what?" I ask.

"They’re also scared. Five years without a single birth... it’s taken a toll. They don’t know how much longer they can hold on."

I clench my fists, the weight of his words settling on my shoulders like a boulder. "The curse will end," I say firmly. "I’ve found her. My mate. The Moon Goddess’s punishment will be over."

Ryder nods, but his gaze lingers. He knows me too well. He knows I’m not just worried about the curse—I’m terrified of failing my pack.

As Ryder leaves, Caleb claps his hands together, breaking the heavy silence. "Well, Alpha, looks like the clock’s ticking. Time to put on your best ‘poor man’ act and sweep your mate off her feet."

I smirk despite myself. "And you think this will work?"

Caleb grins, leaning back in my chair once more. "Trust me. By the time we’re done, she won’t just want you in her plan—she’ll think she came up with it herself. Now go get changed. You’ve got a mop to handle."

I laugh, shaking my head as I leave the room. For the first time in years, I feel a flicker of hope. My mate is here, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win her heart—even if it means pretending to be something I’m not.