Christmas Eve was due to be spent at one of my Grandparents friend's manors just outside of London. It was a forty-minute drive and the only reason I was going was to see Jocelyn, as like most people in our circle, these were the kind of events everyone was expected to attend. The last two days I had been busy doing Christmas shopping and showing James the sights of London. Three trips on the Eye had me regretting taking him there, sure it was fun the first time but going around in a circle only did so much for me. James sat between Dylan and I as the pair talked about all the cartoons they'd ever seen. Ahead in the limousine our grandparents rode with Dylan's parents and his sister Cordelia who had just turned sixteen. I had managed to avoid Dylan up until now and I still had no idea what to do about the Andrea situation.

"You've been very quiet tonight" Dylan interrupted my thoughts as James grabbed my black Chanel clutch, getting out my iPhone he opened up Angry Birds. I nodded and looked out the window wishing they had let me ride up front and put Cordelia in this car. I heard him sigh and giving up he was silent the rest of the trip.

I had just stepped out of the car and was in the process of and adjusting the red fifty style cocktail dress I'd picked up yesterday in one of the vintage stores when I was practically tackled to the ground.  If the car wasn't behind me I'd be in the gravel. My wolf went into defense mode as the familiar smell of Daisy by Marc Jacobs hit me.

"Joce, come on!" I whined as I felt James by my side, nervously looking around. Laughing she let me go from where she had me pinned against the car. Her brown eyes were surrounded by a dusting of green glitter which matched the emerald and black brocade of her dress. Her usually pale skin was lightly tanned and her brown hair had been pinned up in a French roll. She looked beautiful.

"Wow Beth, you looked amazing" She hugged me again but with less force and I eagerly responded.

"You too! What is wrong with your skin, is that a tan?" I teased. She poked her tongue out and laughed. God I had missed this girl.

"Jocelyn is right, you do look stunning tonight Bethy," Dylan came up beside us and smiled hopefully at me. Jocelyn looked at him curiously, and back at me. I shook my head knowing what she was thinking.

 "It's Elizabeth Dylan, and thank you" I said courtly, taking James's hand and linking my free arm with Jocelyn left him standing there. My Grandparents had just entered and I found myself comparing it all to William's ball. 'Stop it' I growled, hating her constant reminders. Once inside we left our coats and headed inside.

"God I hate these" Jocelyn complained beside me and I nodded agreeing. It was all a contest really on whose children had done what, how much money made that year and of course the biggest topic was on what ever scandals had broken out. Times changed in many ways but not amongst the wealthy.

"Would Sir like to join the other children in the games room?" One of the staff approached us and motioned to James. I knew he was bored and agreed but left Dylan and Jocelyn to take him. We had just entered the main foyer when I shivered, my wolf pushing through to get me alert. Each day she was getting stronger and the barrier separating us was getting weaker. I was glad she was still there but being able to block out her insistent whining about William was easier with the barrier. I glanced around but not seeing anything kept walking. The games room had a large flat screen set up with a variety of consoles and a pool table took up the center of the room. A few nannies followed after some of the smaller kids and a buffet of party foods like mini pies, hotdogs and junk food.

"You going to be ok in here?" I asked and he nodded excited already itching to get away from me. "Just ask one of the adults to come get me ok?" I wasn't sure if he heard as he ran towards the play station set up. He was going to be fine. I stopped by the restroom and reapplied my lip-gloss, a sinking feeling growing in the bottom of my stomach. Ignoring it I ran my hands through my straightened hair and adjusted it over my shoulders. I straightened up the dress and admired myself in the mirror. It had a black lace insert that covered my shoulders, the red of the dress starting just over my bust. I felt just as glamorous as I did the night of the ball. Groaning at thinking of it again I left in search of Jocelyn. 

Finding her at the bar she handed me a martini winking. We found a quiet corner and sat on the lounge and instantly she flicked off her heels not caring who saw.

"So tell me about Australia!" I begged, I had always wanted to go but the heat put me off. She told me all about Bondi and the lifeguards and how she even headed to Melbourne and see the set of Neighbours. She was trying to describe Vegemite when she stopped talking, her jaw dropping slightly.

"Jo what....?" I turned on the sofa and my own jaw dropped, seeing the familiar face smirking back at me, my blood ran cold. Parker.

"Why Miss Lowell, fancy finding you here" he purred, extending his hand I couldn't stop myself from taking it as he pulled me up to stand in front of him. My heart was pounding hard against my chest as he stepped closer, my eyes closing as he kissed my cheek. This was wrong, so wrong. Jocelyn's awkward cough interrupted as she shuffled closer to me.

"Care to introduce us Beth?" she hinted, looking at Parker as if he was dinner. I opened my mouth to speak but nothing came out. He laughed gently before extending his hand over to her. 

"Parker Canis" she shook it lightly, raising her eyebrow at me curiously.

"Red looks ravishing on you Beth" My cheeks instantly pinked at his words, his eyes running over me.

"Everything ok here?" Dylan broke into the scene and I couldn't help still glare at him but he was to busy looking at Parker who in turn rolled his eyes.

"I was just admiring Beth here" Parker said bluntly. If they were in wolf form I knew their hackles would be up. Dylan stood a little taller and I caught the confused look Jocelyn was giving us.

"Beth, may I have a word?" Dylan asked hesitantly. Parker glared at him now and I noticed Dylan backed down slightly yet he didn't move away. Sighing I nodded, having a feeling I knew what he was wanted to talk about. It wasn't fair on Dylan but I couldn't help myself.

"Sure Dylan" I smiled brightly at him and moved by Parker, allowing my arm to brush against him as I passed. I linked my arm in Dylan and as we walked didn't protest as his arm went around my waist as he held me against him. The growl I caught as we left the room my evidence it had worked.

We smiled as we passed a couple I recognized from another event I had been to and Dylan politely nodded his head as he lead me into a sitting room. He closed the door as I walked in having a look around and in seconds was in front of me.

"You know about what we are?" I nodded, his face was serious and panic was clear in his eyes.

"Do you know about Parker?" I shook my head, biting my lip.

"I know of Parker" I started before his fist made contact with the wall behind me.

"You know he is bad news right? He goes against his pack and Alpha constantly, makes deals with witches and most packs just use him for his services no one else wants to be apart of" I knew most of that but why was Dylan so concerned.

"I know. It's not my choice that he is around. Why do you care so much?" I asked suspiciously. Dylan sighed, running his hand through his hair frustrated. 

"Our Alpha had him bought in to sort out a few rogues that have been making trouble lately. I just don't like him" he snapped. I let it go deciding not to push it.

"I care about you Bethy, I'd do anything to protect you like you used to do for me" he gently ran his hand down my cheek, looking at me hopefully. Disgusted I pushed him away. 

"How could you even do that when you have a mate!" I yelled, surprised he didn't attempt to stop my hand connecting with cheek. His head snapped the side, the red handprint appearing instantly.

"I am glad you rejected her, because she sure as hell does NOT deserve someone like you!" I headed for the door when Parker appeared, seeing my anger his eyes shot to Dylan who stood where I had left him, his hand now on his cheek. Before I could register it, Parker had him by the throat against the wall. A part of me was happy for him to be getting hurt but the rest of me did what I had always done when he was in trouble. I went to help. 

"Let him go Parker" I growled, he seemed to hesitate slightly but despite his efforts Dylan was unable to let go. His shock was obvious though as I came beside him. Looking him in the eye I challenged him further.

"I said, let him go" I knew he didn't want to but finally he did, but threw Dylan down harshly. I shot Parker a look that I was unimpressed and helped Dylan up.

"I am still pissed at you," I whispered, and he nodded.

"I can explain...." I held up my hand stopping him. 

"It's not me you need to explain it to" He dropped his head sadly and I left the room, knowing Parker was right behind me. He grabbed my arm roughly and spun me around so quickly I fell against his chest. His eyes looked into mine as if he was trying to find the answer to every mystery on earth as he held me against him I let him.

"You're one of us" he stated, finding the answer he wanted. I gulped, feeling uneasy about the more people who knew. Especially him. "Don't lie to me. I knew you were something more from the moment I saw you" His eyes darkened with lust as I ignored the feeling to run my wolf was hitting me with. Instead I nodded unable to move. 

"That is.... Interesting" he muttered. He let me go and with the release I found the ability to move again and practically ran from him, into Santa. The kids were being led out into the foyer and I saw the bag of presents beside the Christmas tree. Oh crap. People starting filling in around Parker and I and he was quick to hold me at his side possessively. Jocelyn appeared beside me, looking at Parkers grip around my waist and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. I shook my head and she shrugged not convinced.  After everyone had a present and Santa had left to go and see all the other boys and girls in the world, the kids ran back into the games room and Lord Hadley said a few words and thanked everyone for coming. Giggling started to the left us and looking around my stomach dropped. Some one had the great time idea to walk around with mistletoe. Actually more than someone as people around us turned to look at Parker and I as the other person moved on around the other side of the room. Oh no. Movement above me caught my attention and there was the little green piece of hell.

"Don't be a party pooper Beth," he whispered in my ear teasing, turning me to face him. I shook my head and went to pull away when someone behind us yelled out 'kiss'. Sighing I quickly pecked his cheek and got a 'boo' in response. I blushed and went to try and move away when he spun me around, my back arching as he dipped me low.

"Like this" He looked at me daring to stop him and as my heart seemed to stop, my body bracing for what was to come. The second his lips hit mine they responded. I felt myself being moved upright and a few 'aaaws' were heard around us. As we parted I resisted the urge to throw my arms him and take it further. He smirked down at me as my face heated up and I glared at him. 

"That was hot" Jocelyn interrupted as the crowd started to break up. She looked at Parker wishfully slightly nudging me.

"I think it's your turn to tell me about what I've been missing" she winked and I couldn't help but blush more. Parked looked just as amused as Jocelyn when my grandparents came over to us.

"Elizabeth, we are going now. Say goodbye to your.... friend" My Grandfather gave Parker a cautious look and he only growled in return. I nodded and headed to get James wanting to put space between us. Once I had James we headed out to the cars and just as I finished putting on my coat Parker returned.

"Good night Parker" I mumbled going to the door. He blocked my way and I glared at him to move.

"So, I have been thinking. Where is my dearest brother? I am surprised to be walking after our moment under the mistletoe," he asked, watching me for my reaction. I felt nauseous at the mention of William, my wolf no long sulking since I had thought of him on my own without her reminder.

"You are lucky to be walking. Try it again and I will be the one to make sure you find yourself unable to move" I threatened. My wolf seeping through, giving me the confidence I needed. He laughed amused.

"Don't threaten me little she wolf. You never answered my question" his eyes lingered on my lips a little to long and I shifted uncomfortable. 

"I don't have to answer anything for you" I snapped and tried again to get out of the door. For the second time that night I found him centimeters from my face. My wolf wouldn't allow what he wanted to happen now and for the second time that night I slapped someone. Stunned, not expecting that response, he took the full force of my hit and stepped back. Grabbing the door I ran out to the waiting car where Dylan was anxiously pacing. 

"You can run now Beth, but you can't hide" he called after me laughing. Slamming the door shut Dylan didn't say a word as the driver pulled away. Coming back to London may not have been such a great idea.