Lily wanted to gag once she heard her step mother's voice. She hadn't spoken to her since she threatened to lie about her to Garrett. Lily had hoped she would never have to speak to her.
'I told you to ignore it,' Dina said indignantly.
'I wanted to know who it was,' Lily responded.
'And look where that got us?' Dina said snarkily. 'No one else calls us. You should have known it was that harpy of a mother.'
'She is not my mother,' Lily snapped.
'That she is not, thank the Goddess,' Dina agreed.
"Are you talking to your wolf again, Lily? What have I told you about that? You need to learn to get better at all. Did you forget your eyes change color? What would happen if a human saw you? And on top of that, it is just plain rude. There is a time and a place for Dina to speak and that is when you shift. Outside of that it is just rude. Tell her that I am flattered that she wanted to speak with me and Merry Christmas to her too," Mandy lightly scolded her.
Lily refrained from scoffing. Of all people, Mandy was telling her that she was rude. The gall of this woman was mind blowing. 'Tell her to shove it,' Dina growled. 'Better yet, let me tell her.'
"Merry Christmas," Lily said flatly.
There was an awkward pause as if Mandy expected to call her Mom. When it didn't happen after a minute, Mandy continued. "When are you coming home? We expected to see you last night."
"Home? I am home," Lily answered in confusion.
"Oh honey, your home is with us. So, when are you coming back? Brandy misses you."
"That is an absolute lie. I am sure Brandy is loving being the center of attention,"
"You know that is not true. I can't believe that you are still sore about the situation with Matthew. You have a mate now or has Garrett not marked you yet?"
'And there it is. She's fishing for information. Don't tell her anything,' Dina snarled.
'I know. I am not stupid,' Lily said.
'I am not saying that you are. She can get under your skin. She is planning something. Just don't give her anything to work with,' Dina advised.
"That is none of your business and I am sure you would be upset too if your sister slept with your fated mate and publicly humiliated you," Lily responded.
"Lily, you didn't answer my question. Has he marked you and when are you coming home?"
"You can't be serious right now. You and Dad basically sold me off and now you want to pry into my personal life and you want me to come home?!"
"That was a whole misunderstanding. Our financial issues have been sorted. Brandy is going to rehab..."
"So, you finally admit that she has a problem. I have been telling you for years that she had a problem and you wouldn't listen to me."
"That's all in the past now. We can return the money and you can come home,"
"No, thank you. I am fine where I am at now,"
"You still should come home for dinner. We really expected to see you last night. It has been so difficult for the kitchen staff to get anything done without you. And you know, you're the only one that can make the ham right. I was telling Kenneth..."
Lily let Mandy continue to talk while she began to zone. She didn't want her home because she regretted how things went down. Mandy just wanted her short order cook back.
"Lily? Lily? Are you there?"
"I am here,"
"So, when are you coming home?"
"Never. You got what you wanted. It is just you, Brandy, and Dad now. Enjoy it. You won't be getting anymore favors from me," Lily said before hanging up the phone and blocking her number.
Arriving at his villa, Garrett took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. He walked up the front steps, the evening air crisp and filled with the scent of pine. As he reached the front door, his heart pounded in his chest.
When Garrett entered the villa, the aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, and the sight before him was nothing short of astonishing. The usually modest kitchen had been transformed into a culinary wonderland, with pots and pans simmering on the stove, and an array of colorful dishes laid out on the table.
"Merry Christmas, Garrett!" Lily exclaimed as she walked into the kitchen. Her voice brimmed with excitement.
Garrett turned to see Lily and a gasp escaped his lips. There she stood adorned in a breathtaking silver cocktail dress. The dress clung to her curves accentuating her every moment, as if she were a living, breathing gift wrapped just for him.
Lily was talking, but he couldn't hear any words. The sweet aroma coming from her outdid the delicious food in his kitchen. He couldn't place the scent before, but she smelled like gardenias. Garrett's heart quickened, his pulse echoing in his ears.
'Mark her now. Make her ours,' Berric howled. Without a moment's hesitation, he crossed the distance between them. His arms wrapped tightly around her delicate frame. Being so close, her natural scent, mingling with the sweet fragrance of her perfume was intoxicating.
"Garrett?"
Garrett silenced her by kissing her, igniting a fire that burned deep within him. Again his body felt like it was humming, craving to get her closer to him. What was this feeling? Lily gasped and Garrett took advantage of her parted lips as he deepened the kiss. Lily's moan urged him forward as he pulled her closer.
He wanted to do more, he needed to do more, but he had to control himself. This was not how it was supposed to be. Garrett stepped back, putting space between them. Lily, flushed, stumbled a little before righting herself.
"I can safely assume you like your gift," Lily chuckled.
"I am sorry. I lost control a little. I..."
"Did I say I was upset?" Lily responded coyly.
Garrett's eyes widened as his eyes dilated as the scent of arousal was in the air and it wasn't from him. He cleared his throat before saying, "Don't play like that. You know that when you amp up Berric, it is only a matter of time before I can't control him. So, unless you want your first time on the kitchen floor, let's calm down a little."
Lily stopped herself from saying anything else as she noticed his eyes were changing colors again which meant Garrett was speaking with Berric. She didn't want to push him too far. 'Scaredy cat,' Dina pouted. 'You were so brave before. What was the point of even wearing this dress if we're not getting any tonight?'