A Grumpy Christmas

I picked myself up from the ground, groaning at the stiffness which had sunk into my bones. I should know better than to sit in one position too long. The tears had all dried up, but the pain in my heart remained.
It was full dark by the time I pulled my car up to my garage. As I waited for the door to raise, I noticed the lights on next door. Max was visible through the window. At first, I thought he had company as I watched him swing his arms and dance around, but his driveway was empty. His mouth moved while his hips swayed to music only he could hear, singing along. His smile made my heart hitch. It was dreamy, and even from this distance I could see he was enjoying himself.
A thought flitted through my head, making me wonder what it would be like to be in his presence, to have some of the joy wash off onto me. It had been so long since I’d been happy. I’d forgotten what it was like to smile. Max had brought that out in me the other day. It hadn’t been much, but it was the first time I’d come anywhere close to having anything to smile about.
Shaking my head, I pulled into the garage and shut off the engine before pushing the button to lower the door. I’d had my chance at happiness. Grant had been my fated mate. The one omega who was made for me. We only felt that bond with one person and mine was gone. I wouldn’t feel that way about another person again and it was foolish to wish for something that would never be.
Besides, I was too old for a young omega like Max. He had his whole life ahead of him. Somewhere out there, waiting, was Max’s fated mate. That mate wasn’t me.

Chapter Six
Max
The month of December was almost over by the time I decided to put up lights. My tree was already up, the inside of the house covered in so many decorations it looked like it had vomited Christmas. I couldn’t help myself. It was my first Christmas in my own home, allowing me to go a little overboard with the holiday trimmings. The vaulted ceilings had encouraged me to get the largest tree on the lot, something I hadn’t quite thought through when it came time to drag it in the door and set it in the stand, but I’d managed.
I’d had to go out and purchase extra lights and ornaments to fill in the gaps. Being the smart omega I was, I thought I’d been extra ingenious by putting the angel on top of the tree before I’d set it in the stand. It worked even if the angel tilted at an awkward angle by the end of the journey.
Since I worked at home, I didn’t go outside every day, reminding me I still had an outside canvas to paint my joy of the holiday. So it wasn’t until today I had purchased outdoor lights. Moving the ladder a few more feet, I climbed the rungs, leaning over to grab the string. The ladder shuddered but held. Soon, I had a little routine going where I squeezed the built-in clips into place a few feet, climbed down the ladder, moved it a few feet and climbed back up to start all over again. Within a short amount of time, the front of the house was almost done. I was quite proud of what I’d accomplished.
I couldn’t help the smile that lit my face as I inserted the plug into the outlet, watching as the brightly colored lights glowed. It was still too early to see them very well, but they worked. Looking at my yard, a feeling of satisfaction came over me as my eyes moved over the wooden gingerbread men I’d planted in the yard. Next to the driveway, I’d hammered in a sign wishing all a Merry Christmas into the ground. The yard was welcoming, sparking a warm glow in my soul.
Folding the ladder, I turned at the sound of wheels on the concrete driveway. Pierce sat there, taking in the yard while shaking his head. “You might have gone a little overboard there.”
I smiled. I couldn’t help myself. “Maybe.”
His lips twitched. I wondered what it would take to wring out a full-on smile from the man.
I was careful of what I said, because the holidays did weird things to people who were alone. The man had apparently lost his omega, so I guessed Christmas might not be a great time for the man.
“You doing anything special for the holidays?”
Pierce shook his head. “No. I don’t celebrate Christmas anymore. That’s a holiday for families. Your family flying in again?”
“Oh no. Thanksgiving was enough. I love my family but they are a bit much to take at times. I’m staying home. I wanted to spend my first Christmas here.”
Pierce nodded, then turned away to head back inside. I wasn’t quite ready for the man to leave so I said the first thing that popped into my head. “You could spend Christmas Day with me if you’d like. I’ve got a small feast planned. Way too much food for just me. I’d love to share it with you.”
“Oh, I don’t know, Max. That’s a generous offer, but I’m not very good company these days.”
“Think about it. I’ll keep the offer open. Just knock on the door if you get lonely and come on over. I promise to feed you way too much good food and sing so many Christmas carols you’ll run screammmmm… oh.” I couldn’t believe that came out of my mouth. My mouth which dropped open as I stood there wondering how the hell I was going to ever apologize to the man. “I…”
Unbelievably, Pierce actually cracked a grin so wide it was blinding. “Believe it or not, I can still run. I’ve got a leg in the house