Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A branch snapped in the silence of the night.

No light filtered through the threes, but the dark was no problem for the advanced eyesight of the wolf.

The wolf, however, didn’t turn to see what or who caused the disruption.

Didn’t even wait for another sound.

Muscles bunched, paws struck earth and bolted in the opposite direction.

One growl.

A loud warning to leave the wolf alone.

Fog poured from its nose with each ragged breath, steaming in the icy air.

A relentless shadow followed, almost matching speed.

The hair on the wolf’s neck bristled, but instinct controlled the body and the curiosity wasn’t enough to stop the flight.

One snarl.

Annoyance laced with fear.

Rain clung to the fur, heavy, and cold, shaken loose in violent jerks of her head.

Another day being the same.

Still running.

Still hunted.

Tired.

So, so tired.

The brief distraction on random thoughts doomed the wolf and the path cut off to a stone wall, nowhere else to go now.

A low rumble clawed up the wolf’s throat after quickly turning around to face the chaser. The sound echoed in the darkness like a thunder.

“Back off” the wolf warned without words.

The bark certainly had teeth if the chaser dared to get closer.

But the steps kept coming.

The wolf’s nose detected a different scent to the right, but before focusing on that, a pair of black eyes emerged from the shadows ahead.

Dark, steady, merciless.

‘Surrender, please’

They pinned the wolf and held it there.

A whimper.

The wolf recognized the eyes.

Ears flattened against the skull.

“Enid…” the voice she had only ever known as steady, trembled for the first time, “I will apologize for this later”

Confusion.

A sharp hiss of wind from the left. Then something pressed cold against her neck. Not painful, just alien.

Her legs buckled. ‘Had they always been made of jelly?’

Couldn't ponder that for much longer, while the eyes closed and felt the body crumbling against the cold snow.

Footsteps to her right.

Footsteps to her left.

Footsteps at the front of her getting closer and closer.

“Owhoo?” the wolf whimpered weakly.

“I’ve got you, Enid” was the last thing she heard before the world went black.

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Cold.

Her bones felt like popsicles. Her body dragged through snow, fur catching on roots, every bump and jolt rattling through her frame.

Voices muffled. Like if they were underwater. 

Maybe she’d finally drowned in the frozen lake.

“…this time I wasn’t going to miss my shot” a crackling voice announced with barely contained glee.

More dragging.

“… shouldn’t we…” a small and uncertain voice intervened. 

She caught only fragments, words not meant for her.

“… a few more kilos than I expected…” a third voice answered.

‘Wednesday?’ 

“… you meant pounds?” the small voice asked.

“… nonsensical measurements. Not even I am anarchic enough to insist the rest of the world must change…” the third voice answered sharply.

‘Wednesday!’

That was all she clung to, for however long the dragging lasted.

Next thing she knows, the cold was gone.

The fogginess remained though. She felt dizzy and out of her body, but her eyes too stubborn to open.

The wolf whimpered.

“… ask mother about how…” the male voice again, glee tinged now with doubt.

“… necessary. I can take it from here. Leave us” Wednesday commanded, tone brooking no argument.

Another whimper. 

Whatever was making her jelly, it began dissipating, and the discomfort was coming back full force.

Run.

She needed to run.

She needed to escape.

“Enough!” Wednesday demanded firmly, “you are not alone, Enid. You are not abandoned. You are mine to command, so stop with this nonsense and come back to me. Now!”

Her mind went silent.

She felt it just before she heard her bones reshaping. Snapping and taking a different form.

Fur pulling back into skin.

The agony of becoming smaller, softer, weaker.

The weight of humanity forced on her again.

What a blessing.

She felt colder.

There she finally was out of wolf form. Naked, trembling. A myriad of bruises with different colors adorning her skin.

She should have had enough conscience to felt embarrassed, but the only thing she could feel was warmth.

She was safe.

She was with her pack.

Heat flushed her forehead

The fever announced itself before her eyes even opened, though they did open for a blink.

“… nes!” Wednesday barked to the side, before focusing again on the trembling blonde girl in front of her, “it’s not worse than I expected, but is still bad”

Oh, how she missed that flat tone of voice, that betrayed nothing.

Except Enid had heard her voice tremble once tonight.

She clung to that.

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A loud engine made her ears twitch.

She tried to open her eyes, and for a moment, thought she saw fire and lighting.

“I’ve got her arm” the soft voice whispered.

Hands lifted her. Several, fumbling.

The male voice cackling again.

She could feel Wednesday. Silent, but somehow she knew that was carrying most of her weight.

There was a steady rumble.

“Stop worrying, my dear niece” the voice male teased, “she’s stable. Or at least stable enough until we make it home”

“Lurch, faster…” Wednesday said, ignoring him.

“Faster than this?” the quiet voice asked, fear creeping in.

“Now, Wednesday, where are your manners? Is that the way to ask Lurch?” the male voice chastised her.

“Drive faster, or else…” she warned.

“Better!” the male voice cheered and started laughing again.

Enid’s head spun, but she felt it guided to rest against a warm body.

Which was weird, because she knew for sure she was on Wednesday’s lap, being held close by strong arms, but Wednesday usually ran cold as dead.

‘Was her fever worsening?’

A hand brushed her cheek and tuck a few loose hairs behind her ear. 

The hand stilled there.

It felt good.

She dared a sniff, confirming what her eyes refused to see.

She spiraled into unconscious one more time.

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There were voices again.

And more lifting.

“Don’t worry, mija” a raspy male voice said, “tu lobita es fuerte. She will come back to you”

Warmth again, but not oppressive as her fever.

It almost felt comforting.

“Poor sweet flower” a silky voice added, perfumed like midnight gardens, “she’ll recover beautifully, you’ll see”

Head bowed to cool cloth.

A hand pressed into hers.

Creak of wood and suddenly being surrounded by a hush of velvet.

It felt like a fresh shower after a hot summer day.

A foreign hand grabbing her jaw, not roughly, but definitely firm.

A warning growl.

“Oh, none of that, wolf!” an amused voice answered, “now drink this, wolf, and save my grandchild from her despair”

A bitter taste traveled across her tongue. She swallowed. If this was poison, at least it would end the dream one way or another.

A drum echoed through her body. 

Her eyes snapped open.

Different shadows took form in the room, but she could only concentrate on the pair of black eyes in front of her, and the warm hand still holding hers.

“I’ve got you, Enid”

Her eyes rolled to the back of her skull and she passed out once again.

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The first thing she noticed was the absence of the pounding headache.

Then she heard a very familiar and steady heartbeat.

Enid forced her eyes open.

She was in a room she hadn’t seen before in her life, but in her mind there was no doubt who it belonged to.

“About time” Wednesday said.

Enid could have said so much. So many things to address. So many smart ass comments regarding the worry frown on her usually schooled expression roommate.

Instead, she greedily took sight of Wednesday sat beside her, posture perfect, tired eyes and their joined hands.

Enid simply tightened the grip and smiled weakly before falling asleep, this time sure it was to dream and not to have nightmares.

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Enid’s eyes fluttered open. A soft light fell across the room. No clock was in sight, but the faint blue glow suggested it couldn’t be past five a.m.

She stretched slowly, reacquainting herself with human limbs. Certain parts of her body complained, soreness shooting through her muscles. She’d need a full check of the casualties later.

A subtle movement to her right caught her attention. Morticia Addams stopped the rocking chair and closed a thin leather-bound book before meeting her gaze.

“You finally look like your mind is among us, my dear” Morticia said, smiling with gentle warmth.

“Uh…what… what happened?” Enid croaked, her voice hoarse. 

Morticia leaned forward, her fingers brushing Enid’s forehead to check for fever.

Enid’s cheeks tinged pink at the motherly action.

“You were a magnificent specimen to chase” Morticia answered, serene as ever, “I’m certain Wednesday would want to reveal the details of the hunting herself”

Enid’s pulse quickened.

“Where… where is she?” 

Morticia’s dark eyes met her gaze and smiled knowingly.

“Currently… unconscious in a guest room” she said with no concern, “you see, she refused to leave your side, so Grandmama had to trick her with one of her strongest potions to make her sleep. That was an hour ago, so she’ll likely rest for a few more. How are you feeling, darling?”

“Better… I think” Enid answered hesitantly, “thank you for watching over me”

“But of course, my dear” Morticia cooed, gently patting Enid’s hand, “you are family. And Wednesday would never forgive us if you woke alone”

At that moment, the door burst open.

Wednesday stood there, just slightly… altered. Or as much as Wednesday Addams would show being altered. Her heart beating faster than usual and her breathing betraying the speed of her arrival.

Gomez marched right behind her into the room, chest puffing and almost out of air.

“I couldn’t keep her down” he announced proudly, “she woke up suddenly and insisted on coming to watch… oh, lobita! You are awake!”

“Enid…” Wednesday remained frozen just a few steps away from the bed.

Morticia stood, gathering a few things and placing them into Wednesday’s hands before gently ushering her husband out of the room.

Enid grinned and felt her eyes watering.

“You found me…”

Wednesday blinked, clearing her throat, then walked the remaining steps to sit at the edge of the bed. Not touching, but leaving barely any distance between them.

“I am your pack, am I not?” she said, trying to keep her voice emotionless, but Enid knew better, “it’s part of my duty, regardless of how stubborn and childish this chase was”

“You are my pack, Wednesday” Enid said, sitting with difficulties and grabbing one of Wednesday’s hands on hers, “I’m sorry for giving you a hard time, though I can’t barely remember anything”

Wednesday cleared her throat again and squeezed her hand before opening the kit Morticia had given her.

“It was a good exercise to polish my hunting” she said, avoiding Enid’s eyes as she pulled out clean bandages and disinfectant spray, “this may sting a little, but your wolf has taken care of most of your injuries. We just need to make sure there’s no infection”

“Sure” Enid agreed, knowing not to push anymore.

Wednesday worked in silence, removing old bandages from her arms and leg. She cleaned each cut carefully, methodically applying ointment before covering them with fresh bandages.

“Ugh, I look like a clown with all these bruises and cuts” Enid complained, watching Wednesday wrap her hand. The red was too bright against raw skin.

“That’s preposterous” Wednesday argued, offended, “your blood has a magnificent color”

“Do you ever give normal compliments?” Enid groaned, blushing despite herself, basking in the warmth of Wednesday’s touch.

‘Seriously, when did she stop being so cold to touch?’

“That was one of the most normal ones” Wednesday replied serious as ever, but the angle of her face while working hid a tiny smirk.

Before Enid could reply to that, a soft knock at the door interrupted. The sound felt polite and very small, so definitely not an Addams.

The door creaked open and Agnes peered in with a timid smile. She slipped inside balancing a tray with three cups. She handed one with coffee to Wednesday and tentatively offered the biggest one to Enid.

Smoke rose from it and Enid was certain that it was not a light trick that caused for the liquid to move like that inside the cup.

“That smells like something that crawled out of a swamp” Enid wrinkled her nose at the scent.

“Grandmama is sending it” Agnes said, taking a cautious sip of her own to disguise a laugh, “she said it will help you”

Enid leaned in and sniffed, reluctant to drink it. There was something herbal, like lavender, but with a distinct sharpness underneath, earthly and something medicinal.

“It’s safe” Wednesday added, “no one here would try to harm you. Not deathly, at least”

Pinching her nose not to smell, she finally took big gulps of the liquid until the cup was empty.

“Eesh” Enid complained with distaste, placing the empty cup on the side.

Wednesday nodded pleased.

“It’s too early for breakfast, but if you are hungry, I can procure something from the kitchen” Wednesday offered.

As if on cue, Enid’s stomach growled loud enough to fill the room. Her cheeks bloomed hot.

“Very well” Wednesday simply said before standing up to leave the room.

The door closed softly behind her, leaving Enid and Agnes in a charged silence.

“So…” Enid started, trying to get comfortable against the pillows.

“I…uh… should probably explain how I ended up in all this” Agnes hesitated before pulling up a chair.

“Yeah, I’d like to know how you got dragged into wolf-hunting” Enid tilted her head with curiosity.

“I honestly didn’t want to be alone” Agnes admitted, twisting her fingers nervously, “so… I followed Wednesday. It only took me a couple of days to find her, and I stuck around since she only asked me to leave twice”

“Right… three means I don’t want you here, two means stay…” Enid retorted.

“Exactly!” Agnes cheered up, her lips quirked into the faintest smile, “mostly I helped with tech stuff…”

“Wednesday’s Achilles’ heel” Enid said with understanding.

“Yeah. Pretty basic. Hacking cameras, traffic feeds…” Agnes continued.

“Please don’t tell me you…” Enid started.

“Police ones and public CCTV” Agnes brightened and then shrugged as it was nothing, “once we had a solid lead, we went after you. But every time… you ran. Even when I was invisible and tried to get near, you know, stealth mode and all, you always detected me and bolted”

Enid groaned covering her face.

“Oh, so I did give you guys a hard time” she said laughing with embarrassment.

“Just a little” Agnes’ smile softened, shaking her head, “it was fun though. Spending time with Wednesday and her uncle. Learning from both. It just wasn’t fun to see her so…”

She hesitated.

“So what?” Enid pressed.

“Sad…” Agnes said finally.

“Wednesday was sad?” Enid sat straighter, her own memory of Wednesday’s mood flared.

“Yes” Agnes watched Enid with earnest, furtive eyes, “you know I’ve spent a lot of time observing Wednesday, so I know her default moods by now, but every time you…” she hesitated, searching for words, “she looked smaller every time you bolted. When we were so close, but you managed to run”

Guilt twisted in Enid’s chest. The worried, black eyes from her dreams, those had been Wednesday’s.

“I was sad at the poor quality your presence contributed to the operation” Wednesday’s voice cut in from the doorway.

Enid bit back a laugh, eyes darting between the two.

“Don’t be rude, Wednesday!” she reproached, feeling protectiveness blooming, “I’m sure she was most helpful”

Agnes blinked, a small flush burning at the tips of her ears.

“I can’t believe you haven’t had proper training for your skills” Wednesday said, ignoring Enid’s comment and gently placing a plate with buttered bread at her lap, “I will remedy that”

Agnes seemed half excited about the idea and half scared.

“Wait…” Enid blinked, frowning, “what about school? How did you get free days? I’m assuming once the zombie issue was resolved, classes went back to normal”

Agnes shifted in her chair, almost sheepish and shared a look with Wednesday.

“Classes actually ended three days ago” she explained, “we didn’t miss much, just a few classes and final exams”

“What… what do you mean classes are over? The semester is over?!” Enid asked, horrified at the thought, her sense of time completely skewed, “but it’s November!”

“We chased you for five weeks. It’s December twenty-third. Try to contain your grief for academic loss” Wednesday declared, “I wasn’t going to let something as irrelevant as classes delay your hunting, Enid”

“But…” Enid tried to process the information, now paying attention to the baggy eyes on Wednesday and Agnes.

“Nothing was more important than finding you, Sinclair” Wednesday said with finality.

Enid’s eyes filled with tears at the soft but determined gaze on Wednesday’s eyes and the timid but honest smile from Agnes.

The buttered bread tasted like a thousand bucks.

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Enid shifted for the tenth time, trying to find a position that didn’t make her legs itch with restlessness.

Knowing better than to engage, Wednesday continued reading from her chair, making just small pauses to scribble on a notebook.

A pair of bright blue eyes bore into her profile, desperate for attention. When they earned nothing, Enid huffed dramatically and flopped against the pillows.

“Are you attempting self-harm, Enid?” Wednesday finally relented, closing her book over one finger as a marker.

“My bones are fossilizing here, Wednesday!” Enid shot back, the whine outweighing the bite.

“You are injured” Wednesday tried to reason.

“I know but…”

“And you know you need to rest for at least a couple more days” Wednesday continued.

“Yes, but…”

“And you grew exhausted just from two trips to the bathroom earlier” Wednesday interrupted again.

Enid pouted, glassy-eyed.

“I do know, but…” she attempted.

Wednesday held her gaze in silence before sighing.

“Agnes…” she called, still keeping her eyes on the werewolf.

Agnes appeared at the opposite side of the room, leaning against Wednesday’s desk, sheepish.

Enid jumped, nearly tangling herself in the blanket.

“Wha… how long have you been…” Enid sputtered.

“Long enough” Wednesday said, deadpan, closing her notebook with a snap, “honestly, even when you’re invisible, your breathing is so loud I’m astonished you weren’t hyperventilating. Not to mention that your shadow is obvious. And you…”

Enid shrank under the weight of her stare as Wednesday rose and moved to the bedside.

“You are a werewolf” Wednesday continued, “in recovery, but a werewolf nonetheless. The fact you failed to smell or hear her is frankly concerning. It casts doubt on the vaunted reputation of alphas”

Enid’s ears burned red.

“Hey!”, she snapped fiercely, though obviously ashamed, “I was distracted”

“Boy if I can confirm that” Agnes murmured, “you spent an absurd amount of time staring at Wednesday’s face”

Wednesday arched a brow at this and Enid flushed even deeper.

“The new phone I ordered for you should arrive tomorrow” Wednesday said briskly, turning to deposit her book and notebook on the desk, “then your boredom can be appeased by the endless stupidity of social media”

“I wasn’t staring that much to your face… I just was…” Enid tried to argue, “distracted…”

“So you have said” Wednesday nodded, walking back to stand near the bed, offering her hand to Enid, “in any case, I’d be a negligent host if I didn’t address the matter at hand”

Enid hesitated, then slipped her palm into Wednesday’s. 

‘So warm’, she thought, startled by the steadiness of the touch.

Wednesday bent, sweeping the covers aside with her free hand, then eased Enid’s legs over the edge of the bed before slipping an arm around her waist.

“Ready?” she asked quietly, her face just a few inches apart. (centimeters! I’m sorry, Wednesday)

Enid yipped, the sound bursting from her throat before she could smother it, unused to such care from her friend.

The gesture was casual and smooth, but Wednesday’s grip was firm as she guided Enid upright.

Her knees wobbled briefly, forcing her into a half-hug, clutching at Wednesday’s shoulders until the tremor passed. When she could stand on her own, she didn’t let go, both hands slid down to cling to Wednesday’s left arm.

Wednesday did not comment, only adjusted her stance until Enid found her footing and started walking towards the door.

“We’ll kill two proverbial birds with one stone, Agnes” she announced.

“Birds?” Agnes echoed, bewildered, but hurried ahead to open the door for them.

“We are not killing birds, Willa!” Enid cried, alarmed.

Wednesday rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything else, just turning briefly to tight Enid’s robe and make sure she was well covered.

They made their way down the long staircase, with Enid walking slowly and Wednesday keeping her secure. Agnes trailing behind. The house creaked as Wednesday led them in the silence of the night through the house and a side door, across the yard and further, until the Addams Family graveyard loomed ahead.

The moon washed the crooked headstones in pallid light, and the air hung cold and still, biting at their cheeks as white puffs of breath escaped with every inhale.

“Um… Wednesday?…” Enid ventured, concern creeping in, “I’m all about sharing hobbies, but I don’t think I can stomach digging graves right now”

Wednesday’s eye twitched. She stopped before two headstones flanking a marble pillar, guiding Enid down to sit on the stone. She didn’t let go until Enid was settled.

“You said you want it to get out of bed” she explained matter-of-factly after Enid was completely seated, not trusting she could take the action on her own, “and Agnes’ skills are mediocre at best, so, lesson one, breath control…”

Agnes straightened, eager.

“I’ve been practicing since your uncle mentioned it!” she inhaled deeply before disappearing, then after a couple of seconds she added, “see? You couldn’t tell I’m here”

“Pathetic” Wednesday replied without hesitation, “silence isn’t simply the absence of speech. Even my halfwit brother could track you with how loud you are”

Agnes reappeared and seemed defeated at Wednesday’s comment.

A cluster of bats chose that moment to burst overhead, their wings beating the air. Agnes shrieked.

“Point proven…” Wednesday said, but then her tone change to a more neutral one, “control of breath is tied to control of heartbeat. Panic ruins both. Again. This time without vanishing. Focus on disguising the sound of yourself amid the noise around you”

Agnes nodded and closed her eyes, drawing in a slow, measured breath.

Wednesday walked to stand in front of her in silence. It was clear the moment when Agnes felt her approaching, not able to keep her eyes closed and gasping quietly.

“Again” Wednesday said, no roll of eyes this time, simply circled around the girl.

Agnes set her shoulders, inhaled, and kept her eyes shut.

“Don’t hold your breath” Wednesday warned.

Agnes blinked, but obeyed, breathing through her nose, deeply concentrated.

“Better” Wednesday conceded, stopping directly in front of her.

Agnes bit down on the urge to squeak at the praise, lips pressed tight, but not wanting to break the quiet until being told otherwise.

With no warning, Wednesday flicked a knife from her sleeve and lunged. 

Agnes yelped, clutched her chest, heart hammering.

“That’s cheating!” she complained.

Wednesday slid the blade back into her sleeve, unfazed.

“You won’t be comfortable all the time, Agnes” she explained, sounding more patiently that anyone ever heard her, “you are not even invisible now and could not keep your concentration. Not always you will be in a position where the danger will be as careless as Tyler was. Control means nothing if it collapses, and you can’t rely on it during your worst moments”

Her voice was calm, but Enid caught the faint crease between her brows. She knew Wednesday was thinking about Agnes trapped in the car with a corpse, hands clamped over her own mouth to stifle a scream and prevent the Hyde to notice her.

Agnes must have remembered too. She shivered before setting her jaw and resuming the exercise with new resolve.

The lesson stretched on until Wednesday noticed Enid stifling a yawn.

“If you are bored, Sinclair, you might as well take the time to practice” Wednesday said with a monotonous tone, “your own impulse control is no less questionable than Agnes”

Enid huffed.

“My breathing control is excellent, thank you very much” she gloated, “you forget that I’m a werewolf. Werewolves are built for it, we regulate breath while running. Watch this and learn”

Her ears twitched as she drew in a slow breath, senses sharpening. The damp moss. The iron tang of weathered stone. The faintest wind stirring through the trees. 

Funnily enough, this time she did hear Agnes’ breathing, though she couldn’t hear Wednesday’s. Only when she strained could she catch the slow, deliberate rhythm of the raven’s heartbeat.

“Mastered” Enid declared smugly, flashing a grin.

Wednesday’s fingers shifted near her sleeve.

“Your knives don’t scare me anymore, Wedns” Enid said, closing her eyes with exaggerated confidence.

For a long moment, Wednesday only studied her. Then she stepped forward noiseless, so silent that the wolf didn’t hear her leaning close until her lips hovered just beside Enid’s ear.

“Your pulse is showing…” she whispered.

The warmth of her breath lit a spark through Enid’s veins. She jolted, eyes flying open, her inhale stumbling as scarlet flooded her cheeks.

“Un…unfair” she stammered.

Wednesday drew back, perfectly composed, the tiniest quirk ghosting her lips. Enid eyes followed those lips like her life depended on it.

“Mastered?” Wednesday repeated, voice as flat as ever, but the glimmer in her eyes betrayed her satisfaction and something else that Enid hadn’t seen before.

Agnes giggled softly, only to stop when Wednesday’s eyes flicked her way.

Enid folded her arms, trying to recover, but the memory of warm breath lingered against her skin. Another shiver betrayed her.

Wednesday saw it immediately and her gaze softened.

“Enough for tonight” she declared, “your wolf is strong, but your body is not yet recovered”

Enid blinked, caught off guard by the softness in her voice. She nodded, unwilling to confess her trembling had little to do with her injuries.

“Come” Wednesday added, offering her hand like it was an everyday occurrence, “you need rest more than practice”

Enid accepted Wednesday’s hand, warmth blooming in her chest despite the chill of the air.

‘So freaking warm! What’s going on!?’

“Bossy” she muttered, cheeks crimson.

Wednesday only tightened her grip.

“Efficient” she corrected.

Agnes pretended not to notice the softness in Wednesday’s tone and their charged glances, and occupied herself looking around while Enid clung again from Wednesday’s shoulders to stand up. 

She waited patiently until Wednesday carefully guided Enid across the damp grass, one arm steady against her elbow, the other arm gently holding her by the waist and followed them, trailing just a few paces behind.

They had only just crossed into the courtyard when a low whistle broke the silence.

“Well, well” a voice drawled, “look who snuck out for a midnight stroll”

Wednesday’s dagger flashed, pinning the intruder’s sleeve neatly to the wall.

Enid growled warningly before her wolf eyes recognized the figure in front of her smiling with a lopsided grin.

“Pugsley?” she retracted her fangs and claws for a second.

He yanked the dagger free with some difficulty, stepping into the moonlight with a fishing rod in one hand and a sloshing bucket in the other. His grin was all teeth.

“Didn’t know romantic walks included chaperones now” he teased his sister, eyes flickering between Enid and Agnes.

Enid froze and went crimson again.

“We weren’t… we didn’t…” she fumbled, glancing desperately at Wednesday, who offered her no rescue.

Agnes gave the tiniest wave.

Pugsley’s grin widened.

“Invisible girl” he waved back with the bucket hand, the faint squelch of movement inside suggesting something was still alive, “so my sister decided to keep you, huh? Ready for the initiation?”

“Keep me?” Agnes blinked again, startled.

“Pugsley” Wednesday said coolly, “shouldn’t you be drowning something right now?”

“Already did” he said proudly, lifting the bucket just enough for a tentacle to slap the rim before dropping it again, “thought I’d save the dissection for later”

Enid wrinkled her nose. Agnes, however, tilted her head with genuine curiosity.

“What is it?”

“Wanna see?” Pugsley’s grin turned conspirational.

“Absolutely not” Wednesday cut in, but she noticed Agnes’s lingering interest. A sigh slipped from her, “fine. Just don’t let her touch the venomous parts. Now is not the time to test her immunity”

Pugsley beamed and walked to show the bucket’s content to the redhead.

Wednesday adjusted her hold on Enid, steering her firmly toward the house.

“Enough interruptions” she said firmly, “you’ve had your walk, now bed”

“Yes, ma’am” Enid teased, though she leaned into the support.

Behind them, Pugsley and Agnes fell into step, the boy explaining everything about tentacles and the best solvents for bone-cleaning while Agnes listened with wide-eyed fascination.

Enid barely heard them. Her focus narrowed on the faintest curve of a proud smile tugging at Wednesday’s lips.

She decided not to point it out though. For everyone’s sakes. Specially her own heart.

By the time they climbed back upstairs, Enid’s legs felt like overcooked noodles, so she didn’t protest when Wednesday guided her directly towards the bed, almost carrying her up to help her lay on the mattress and pulled the covers back.

“Lie down” Wednesday ordered softly.

Enid obeyed, her eyes shinning with amusement, sighing as she sank into the pillows. 

Ever used to have energy to spare, she didn’t know how worn out she actually was until her body relaxed, thanking her for going back to bed.

She watched Wednesday fuss with the blanket edges, smoothing every crease.

“Hey, Wedns?” Enid’s voice was groggy but curious, the thought only now surfacing, “why are you in a guest room and leaving me in yours?”

Wednesday paused, her hand resting on the quilt.

“This is the only room in the house Aunt Debbie doesn’t dare to enter”, she explained, avoiding her eyes, “I don’t want you disturbed. Strategically, it is the safest option”

Enid’s lips curved.

“For my sanity, of course” Wednesday continued, “I wouldn’t be able to sleep through your multiple complaints if that were to happen”

“You could’ve just said you wanted me comfortable” Enid teased, endeared at the same time.

“That would have been redundant” Wednesday countered, eyes flicking away.

Enid lifted her brows in surprise at the minor deflection, expecting her friend to outright deny she cared.

Wednesday continued arranging the quilt, stopping only when reaching Enid’s side, the blonde girl grabbing her hand gently.

“Stay?” she murmured, “please?”

For a heartbeat, Wednesday didn’t move. Then Enid shifted slightly under the blankets, patting the space beside her.

Wednesday’s brow furrowed a bit, as though calculating.

She turned around and walked to flick the lights off before returning to quietly slip off her shoes, unfastened her robe and slid onto the bed. She stayed stiff, perched atop the covers, leaving a respectable inch of distance.

Enid waited a beat before scooting closer, resting her head on the same pillow, her temple brushing Wednesday’s shoulder. Their hands hovered near each other, fingertips grazing.

“See? More comfortable” Enid whispered, waiting for the moment Wednesday would decide to move her hand.

Wednesday’s dark eyes lingered on her, unreadable, yet softer than Enid had ever seen them. She flicked her eyes down to the brushing hands, then quietly reached up instead, tucking a stray lock of blonde hair behind Enid’s ear before lowering her hand to rest beside hers with the faintest touch.

Enid’s heart thudded and decided to take the risk, threading her fingers through Wednesday’s stiff ones.

Wednesday didn’t argue and Enid smiled again before letting exhaustion take over, her breathing evening out against Wednesday’s shoulder.

“Sleep, Enid” Wednesday whispered, “you are not alone, you are my pack and I will be here once you wake up. I always will”

Enid smiled in her sleep, unaware of Wednesday at last intertwining their fingers fully.

Chapter Text

Accurate to December, morning arrived to find the Addams manor wrapped in its own brand of winter hush.

Beyond the iron gates, the woods lay buried under a fresh fall of snow, white stretching endlessly in every direction. Through the tall windows surrounding the dining table, the sky showed pale and washed-out gray, the charged air hinting at more snow to come.

Only Wednesday, Enid, Agnes, and Pugsley occupied the room. Gomez and Morticia had left on an impromptu recovery trip to retrieve Fester from the Hoboken morgue, after he and Thing’s excursion ended in complications, and the faking of their own deaths. Grandmama just grinned suspiciously when she saw them and then disappeared to who knows where.

“Thank you, Lurch” Agnes said brightly as the Addams’ tallest member set another plate of fluffy pancakes on the table.

With a low groan, Lurch left the room.

“Was that a thank you?” she asked, sitting across from Enid and beside Pugsley.

“It was” Wednesday replied, stacking more food on Enid’s plate.

“Wedns, I think I have enough food here to last a month” Enid protested.

Wednesday met her gaze silently. Then, without a word, she reached for the sausages and deposited half the plate onto Enid’s growing pile.

Enid huffed in mock annoyance, though her cheeks betrayed her with a pink flush.

They ate in silence until Pugsley nearly choked trying to cram five pancakes at once, a self-imposed challenge. 

Agnes and Enid broke into laughter when he finally swallowed.

“If you’re going to die, at least pick something less humiliating, brother” Wednesday said with an eye roll and then set down her fork, “ready, Agnes?”

Agnes immediately dropped hers, wiping her mouth in anticipation, eyes alight as she nodded eagerly.

“What’s going on?” Enid asked, suspicious.

“Lesson two” Wednesday answered, standing up, “I’ll help you back to bed first. Then Agnes and I are taking a walk to the woods. The snow will serve as a perfect aid in teaching her to conceal her footprints”

“Wait… no!” Enid complained, “I want to come too”

“Absolutely not” Wednesday said flatly.

“Absolutely yes” Enid argued back, also standing, though she swayed on her feet until Wednesday instinctively steadied her, “I need fresh hair”

“You need to rest, Enid” Wednesday countered, though her tone softened.

“It was doctor’s order!” Enid shot back.

Wednesday frowned.

“That’s right” Pugsley chimed in around a mouthful of sausage, “Dr. Pugsley prescribes being buried under a fresh layer of snow until hypothermic. Best treatment for nearly dying from going feral”

Enid cringed at the phrasing, but she grinned back at him all the same.

Wednesday rolled her eyes and mumbled a “Children…”, but didn’t argue further and went upstairs to fetch a fur coat for the werewolf.

At the back door, she refused to let Enid step outside until she was bundled in the coat, two scarves, and a wool hat. Every time Enid tried to tug it back, Wednesday tugged it lower, covering her ears.

“I’m a wolf, Wedns” Enid blushed at the closeness, “I don’t need all this, I run very warm”

Wednesday narrowed her eyes, then took Enid’s hands in hers.

“I’ve touched corpses warmer than these” she said, while Enid flushed deeper, her voice stolen.

‘What the heck! Why are her hands so warm!?’

“Doctor says to move it!” Pugsley teased from behind, “you are taking forever!”

He darted past, barely ducking in time as a dagger whistled over his head.

“Predictable!” he laughed, before tripping over an unseen obstacle and rolling into the snow.

Agnes reappeared, laughing with delight, and Wednesday gave her a single approving nod.

Enid shivered, chin tucked into the collar of her jacket, leaning subtly against Wednesday, who of course strode forward unaffected by the cold wind, but was aware to match Enid’s pace.

Agnes, a little chill herself but glowing with anticipation, followed close behind.

The four of them left the manor lawn and trailed down a narrow path into the forest’s heart. Pugsley making as much noise as possible, his boots crunching through the snow. Agnes laughed and clapped when he used his electric powers to zap at the flakes drifting down, the sparks dancing briefly in the white haze.

By the time Wednesday halted in a small clearing twenty minutes later, the snow reached nearly to their ankles. The untouched surface stretched wide and perfect in front of them, drawing a soft gasp from Enid.

Wednesday’s gaze swept across the clearing, clearly calculating how to begin, only to get distracted by the snowflakes caught in Enid’s hair.

Sensing the stare, Enid turned, and the moment her eyes met Wednesday’s, she forgot the cold, the ache in her bones, how to breathe and even her own name.

“Wedns…” she whispered, the word barely a sound.

Wednesday raised a hand and brushed a stray snowflake from her cheek.

“Warm…” Enid sighed.

Wednesday didn’t reply, but her expression softened, the corner of her mouth curving into the smallest smile.

“Okay, okay! We get it!” Pugsley groaned, dropping a large rock near a tree with a thud, “you are worse than mother and father, I swear”

Enid flushed, tensing slightly, but Wednesday held her gaze another heartbeat before caressing her cheek once more and guiding her to sit and just briefly giving a ‘Thank you’ nod to Pugsley.

“You’ll tell me the moment you feel unwell?” Wednesday asked, almost kneeling, her face unusually tender.

“Tots…” Enid grinned. Emboldened, she lifted their joined hands to her lips, pressing only the faintest touch against Wednesday’s knuckles, “so warm…”

Wednesday’s eyes flickered with mischief and stroked Enid’s cheek and jaw one last time before standing, signaling Agnes to join her.

Pugsley plopped down beside Enid instead of following them.

“I think it’s totally cool” he said out of nowhere.

Enid blinked, confused.

“You and my sister…” he added with a knowing grin.

Enid let out a strangled whine.

“That you’re a pack, I mean” he clarified quickly.

She gave a shaky laugh of relief, though something in his eyes made her wonder if he’d meant only that.

At the clearing still untouched in front of them, Wednesday stood in the center with Agnes at her side.

“But are you okay, though?” Pugsley pressed, his voice more serious this time, “because if you’re planning to bail on my sister again…”

He distractedly sparked electricity between his fingers, watching it crackle against the snow.

Enid raised her brows in surprise.

‘Am I getting THE talk?’ 

“Um… Pugsley…” she hesitated, fumbling for words when nothing official had ever been said between her and Wednesday, “I didn’t bail on your sister. It’s a long story, but it has to do with my werewolf and…”

“Yeah, I know” he cut in, unfazed, smiling and aiming his lighting to the snow in front of him, “you are an Alpha or whatever. I think we both know my sister can handle you perfectly fine if you go feral so… no need to run again, right?”

Enid recognized his awkward brand of caring. Smiling, she set a hand on his shoulder and gave it a playful shake.

He beamed at her once more before they both turned their attention to Wednesday.

“Your invisibility is a great gift, but to be unseen…” Wednesday began, her tone calm, “one must erase the evidence of having ever been present. Any fool can disguise themselves, but not everyone can go unnoticed”

Agnes paid rapt attention and straightened, her smile dimming into a serious nod.

“We start with the obvious” Wednesday gestured at the ground, “footprints”

She took a slow, deliberate step, leaving the neat imprint of her boot behind.

Enid was surprised by the lack of condescension in her tone.

“Snow, mud, wet soil, they betray you instantly” Wednesday continued, “the trick isn’t to stop walking, but to walk where others have already passed or where the path has no memory. Stone, firm ground, carpet…”

“So… step where no one will notice?” ever the dedicated student, Agnes crouched to study the print and looked up determined.

“Step where no one can prove you were there” Wednesday corrected.

“This is starting to sound like criminal behavior” Enid muttered to Pugsley.

He looked delighted at the thought, but in the stillness, her voice carried farther than she meant.

Wednesday heard her but decided to ignore her comment, though her eyes lingered on the blonde girl for a second too long before she shifted her boot sideways, brushing snow back into the imprint until it nearly vanished.

“And if you must leave a trail” she added, “you erase it every time”

Agnes mimicked the motion to step ahead, then back and push some snow with her boot. Her small prints blurred but still faintly remained.

“Snow is somewhat easy” Wednesday said, kneeling to sweep aside a patch until dead foliage showed beneath, “now consider grass or leaves. Crushed vegetation is your worst enemy. A broken stem can sing louder than a bell”

“So… don’t step on it?” Agnes guessed.

“Or step lightly enough it survives” Wednesday replied, demonstrating, “there is always a choice, unless you are as careless as my brother”

Agnes blinked and glanced back to see how Pugsley had stood up still next to Enid, but was trying to mimic the lesson, stomping circles into the snow.

Enid giggled when his wide-eyed stare caught the others watching.

“I’m a different kind of camouflage” he grinned wider, pleased at having the attention, “nobody expects me to sneak, so I just go ahead with chaos”

“You are indeed useless for stealth” Wednesday conceded with a dry nod, “but it’s wise to know your strengths and use it on your favor”

Agnes tilted her head thoughtfully.

“But I’ve never been caught before” she said at last, “well, your uncle being the exception…”

“You weren’t caught because you hid among careless children” Wednesday replied evenly.

“I wasn’t detected by Enid” Agnes teased with a giggle, “several times…”

“Hey!” Enid protested, her cheeks burning at being called out.

Wednesday slid her a sidelong glance.

“Like I said…” she continued, “her wolf, however, was able to easily track your scent, your sound and likely even your shadow”

This made everyone pause.

“What do you mean shadow?” Agnes asked, frowning, “I’m invisible, I don’t cast shadows”

Wednesday studied her intently.

“You bend light, not vanish or disappear” she explained, “you convince the eye there is nothing to see, like refraction. I’m not surprised the imbecilic academic ‘experts’ at Nevermore failed to explain this to you”

“So… I’m light?” Agnes’ eyes widened.

“More like a distortion” Wednesday corrected, but as with every subject that intrigued her, a spark lit in her gaze, “we’ll return to that another day. Your ‘light’ can erase more than footprints if trained well”

Agnes practically glowed at that.

Wednesday sensed slow steps behind her and turned slightly. Enid was edging closer, nudging her shoulder before looping an arm through hers.

“You know you have your crazy eyes, right?” Enid whispered, nose cold against Wednesday’s coat, almost hiding in her neck, “you’re kind of terrifying when you are scheming”

“I am kind of terrifying when I breathe” Wednesday replied evenly, though she leaned closer and let her hand drift to cover Enid’s.

“So… what’s next?” Agnes cleared her throat, not wanting to interrupt but unable to hold back.

Wednesday shifted, guiding Enid with her to a space between the trees where the snow laid thinner.

“Your goal is to cross to that tree without leaving a trail” Wednesday pointed with her finger an imaginary line from Agnes spot to a tree about twenty meters away.

Agnes’ eyes widened and the urge to say that it was impossible flickered, but knowing better than to argue, simply set her jaw and nodded.

“Begin” Wednesday gave the signal.

Agnes stepped carefully, pressing her foot too firmly at first. The snow sank deep, leaving a clear mark. She winced.

Pugsley wandered over to stand beside Enid, who was focused on Agnes while absently rubbing her cheek against Wednesday’s shoulder.

“Lighter” Wednesday instructed calmly, “distribute your weight…”

Agnes tried again, easing her foot down without committing the step.

“You need to walk eventually” Wednesday observed without malice, “think ahead, each step as consequence of the previous one. Plan three in advance”

The indentation this time was shallower, already blending when Agnes dragged a bit of loose snow over it.

“Better” Wednesday recognized, pleased.

Agnes lit up, and Enid grinned, glancing up at the pride hidden in Wednesday’s face.

“You’d make a good teacher” she whispered, brushing against Wednesday’s ear, “even when you’re bossy.”

Wednesday tensed her grip on Enid’s hand and Pugsley snorted next to them.

Agnes remained concentrated, moving slower, stepping where the snow looked firmest. At one point, she shifted skillfully to a fallen branch, balancing across it but making no sound.

“You get it now” Wednesday’s voice carried, “you use what you have at hand, even when unplanned. Walk where nothing breaks”

Agnes landed softly on the other side and moved forward, only slipping once. She corrected herself quickly, sweeping a bit of snow over the skid. By the time she reached the designated tree, her cheeks were flushed red, her smile wide.

“That was great, Agnes!” Enid clapped enthusiastically, fully invested like a proud mom.

Wednesday said nothing, only checked with Enid that she could stand on her own. At her nod, Wednesday crossed to the tree, inspecting the ground along the way.

“It was a decent attempt” she said with a tone that stayed flat, but approval threaded unmistakably.

Agnes was clapping in celebration when Wednesday lifted a hand.

“Again” she ordered, “but this time think about lesson one too. Control of your breath. Right now even my imbecilic and unfocused brother was able to hear you gasp on each step. Calm your heart before starting”

Agnes nodded, inhaling deeply, her exhalation clouding in the cold. She shifted onto a rock, paused, then slid lightly back into the snow, brushing over the faint dent with her boot. Her pace quickened, but her frown showed her concentration.

“Inhale… step. Exhale… cover. Step and repeat…” Wednesday indicated with each step.

Agnes reached the tree faster this time, her trail nearly invisible. She turned back, a little breathless, but her grin said everything.

Wednesday examined the ground, her sharp eyes following the half-hidden path. Finally, she returned her gaze to Agnes and gave the faintest nod.

“Marked improvement” Wednesday conceded.

“That sounded way cooler in your voice than in my head” Agnes laughed, triumphant.

Wednesday rolled her eyes in mock annoyance and returned to Enid, this time taking her arm openly. She gestured for Agnes to go again.

By her fifth attempt, Agnes was flushed but glowing, nearly running without a trace, when Pugsley dusted snow off his coat and walked to the imaginary start line.

“My turn” he announced.

Wednesday arched a brow but didn’t comment.

“It’s not exactly a competition” Agnes blinked.

“Everything is a competition” Pugsley grinned, “if you can do it, I can do it”

Enid perked up instantly.

“Looks like you’ve got little siblings competing for your attention” she whispered with a giggle.

Wednesday folded her arms and sighed.

“Very well” she conceded, “the rules remain for your delusional confidence. Reach the tree without leaving a trail. Begin…”

Pugsley charged forward too fast, planting heavy steps that sank under his heavy boots into the snow.

Enid winced in sympathy.

“Too obvious…” Wednesday called.

“I’m just warming up!” Pugsley shot back and trying to leap into a log, but his foot slipped, sending him flailing before he caught himself on a low branch.

“Too loud…” Wednesday declared, unfazed.

Pugsley pressed his lips together to choke down another retort.

Agnes looked between him and Wednesday. The raven’s gaze was severe, but it was clear she was pushing him harder on purpose.

“Pugsley, lighter! Spread your weight like she said!” Agnes cupped her hands, calling from the goal tree.

He tried again, stepping softer. The snow still sank, but less. He adjusted, brushing snow back with his boots, mimicking Wednesday’s earlier example.

“C’mon Pugsley!” Enid cheered.

He hesitated, uncertain before his next step.

“Think three steps ahead, not one” Wednesday said, narrowing her gaze, “and breathe”

He slowed, his breaths more measured now. Each step steadier, less clumsy. He stumbled again near the tree but caught himself, sweeping snow over the mark before standing tall.

“You did it!” Agnes cheered, throwing her arms around him.

“Hardly” Wednesday said, her sharp eyes scanning the ground, “but… you could have been worse”

“So I did it?” Pugsley’s grin widened.

“You didn’t fail horrifically” Wednesday corrected, “try again”

Pugsley beamed brighter, practically glowing, and tugged Agnes back to the start line by the hand.

“‘Didn’t fail horrifically?’” Enid mocked Wednesday quietly, “is that Wednesday’s way to say you are proud?”

“Alright, sis!” Pugsley puffed out his chest, “next round, I’ll beat Red. Time us!”

“Bring it on!” Agnes’ competitive spark lit instantly.

Wednesday’s eyebrow arched, her lips twitching just shy of a smirk.

Agnes and Pugsley exchanged determined grins as they took their places.

Wednesday stepped back, guiding Enid to sit while she remained standing beside her. When Enid laced their hands together and held firm, Wednesday didn’t pull away.

“Begin…” she gave the start.

She watched in silence as the two moved forward, eyes flicking between them while Enid idly traced her thumb across her hand.

The snow kept falling, and the clearing grew quieter, save for the distant crunch of snow sliding from a tree to the ground and the occasional muffled laugh when Agnes or Pugsley slipped. Time flew by unnoticed.

By the time a familiar voice carried through the trees, the sun had already crested high, hours gone without notice.

“Lobita!” Gomez called warmly as he strode into the clearing, “you’ve got a package delivered!”

“Oh! Thank you, Mr. Addams” Enid straightened from the log, clutching the box with her free hand. A blush touched her cheeks, but she didn’t let go of Wednesday’s.

Wednesday ignored her father entirely, eyes still fixed on Pugsley and Agnes.

“Don’t thank me” Gomez waved grandly, barely containing his grin at their linked hands, “I merely carried it a few meters. The delivery man did the heavy lifting”

“I’ll make sure to thank him next time, then” Enid said with a smile.

“Ah, well… I don’t think Kitty Kat would like to share him, but you’re welcome to try” Gomez replied, polite but faintly confused.

“Kitty Kat?…” Enid blinked.

“Our lion” Wednesday supplied calmly, without looking away from her ‘students’.

“Oh… right…” Enid’s smile froze for a second.

“Enjoy, lobita!” and with that, he turned back toward the manor, whistling cheerfully.

“So… is the mailman dead?” Enid clutched the package to her chest.

Wednesday tilted her head just enough to meet her eyes, expression unreadable. 

“If you had to guess…”

“He’s fine… Totally fine… Very much alive….” Enid groaned softly and decided, firmly.

She tore into the package before she could overthink it, pulling free the sleek new phone. Her shoulders softened, and she looked up at Wednesday with a grateful smile.

“Thank you” she murmured, squeezing their joined hands.

Wednesday gave only a curt nod, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of quiet satisfaction.

Enid powered it on, the screen’s glow reflecting in her eyes.

“Alright… Time to call my mother” she drew in a deep breath, bracing herself.

Wednesday gave her hand one last squeeze before walking a few steps ahead, granting her space.

Enid stared at the glowing screen, thumb hovering over the new phone’s dial pad. Her breath puffed in small clouds, and her chest rose with nerves.

“She’ll be happy to hear from you” she murmured to herself, “they’ll be happy I’m okay”

Her fingers moved, the familiar numbers flowing from memory. She pressed call.

The ring felt endless, each tone winding her tighter until, finally, a sharp click.

“Hello?” Esther Sinclair’s voice crackled through, “Enid? Is that you?”

Enid bit back the retort that it was obviously her. Wednesday had managed to have her number sent on the new SIM.

“Hi, mom…” she began.

“Do you have any idea the shame you’ve put this family through?” the voice in the phone interrupted her.

Enid blinked, her smile faltering.

“Mom, I… I just wanted to let you know I’m alright. I’m recovering, and…” she tried.

“Recovering?” Esther’s voice rose, incredulous, “from what? From your outburst? From humiliating us in front of everyone? Do you have any idea the calls we’ve had to take because of you?”

“I didn’t mean to…” Enid’s throat tightened. She swallowed hard.

“You never mean to, Enid. That’s your excuse all the time” her mom kept barking, “you’re always too much. Too emotional. Too loud. Too… you. When are you going to grow up, child?”

Her mother’s words struck sharp, leaving no space for defense. Enid sat rigid, her shoulders curling inward, fingers tightening on the phone.

“Mom… I just couldn’t control it, but I’m gonna get better” she tried softly, almost pleading, “I’m stronger now and once I fully recover, I will try to improve my control… I will make you guys proud”

“You’re an embarrassment” Esther snapped, ignoring every word pleaded by Enid, “we raised you better than this. Do you think clawing around like some feral beast makes us proud? It makes us a laughingstock…”

The silence that followed was filled only by the faint sound of Murray Sinclair’s breath in the background, obviously standing next to his wife listening to the conversation.

Enid’s lips trembled.

“Dad?” she whispered, so low it barely carried.

But Murray didn’t answer.

“Honestly, I don’t even know why you bothered calling” Esther filled the silence instead, “if you cared about us at all, you would have behaved”

Enid closed her eyes, pressing the phone tighter against her ear. She wasn’t going to cry and arguing was pointless. She just let it land, each word another blow she convinced herself she deserved.

A few steps ahead, Wednesday stood by, hands folded behind her back, her gaze fixed on Agnes and Pugsley as they practiced. She gave no sign of interference, yet her eyes flicked once toward Enid, toward the phone, toward the cruelty spilling through it. Her posture tensed almost imperceptibly, a silent acknowledgment that she heard everything.

Enid’s throat burned.

“Okay, Mom” she said quietly, voice soft and small, “I’m sorry. I’ll… I’ll do better…”

It should have ended there.

“Better? Better?! You think mumbling apologies is enough? You’ve humiliated us, Enid. You’ve dragged our name through the mud with your dramatics” Esther rant kept speeding up and volume raised, “and now you think one pathetic call makes it right? You will never learn, will you?”

Enid bit her lip, but the tear slipped free anyway, tracing her cheek before she could stop it.

Wednesday saw red.

Her jaw tightened, and her fist coiled at her sides. She moved without hesitation.

She plucked the phone from Enid’s trembling hand.

“Mrs. Sinclair” she said with disdain, holding it to her ear, “I’ve seen ghouls with more compassion. Your daughter is recovering. She is alive. After so many weeks without knowing from her, that’s the only thing should matter to you and yet…”

Enid’s glassy eyes were the only anchor that restrained her from shattering the phone down in pure rage.

“You do not deserve her…” Wednesday finished, voice low, almost trembling, “and you will not get her back”

Before Esther could reply, Wednesday ended the call with a firm press of her thumb.

She lowered the phone and knelt to Enid’s level. Without hesitation, she brushed away the tear with the back of her hand.

For a long moment, they simply stared. Enid’s lip trembled, but her breathing evened under the weight of Wednesday’s unspoken vow. Something she didn’t understand somehow echoing from the raven’s core to hers.

“Practice is over” Wednesday announced, loud enough for everyone to hear, “we’re going to town”

“Town?…” Enid blinked, still dazed.

“All of us? Really?” Agnes nearly tripped over herself as she ran up, “like a family trip?” 

She bounced with excitement, not waiting for an answer before tugging Pugsley’s sleeve.

“Town on Christmas Eve?” his eyes narrowed, already scheming, “oh, I can work with that. Count me in…”

“Yes. All of us…” Wednesday stood, extending a hand to help Enid up.

Enid rose unsteadily, clutching Wednesday’s hand as though afraid the floor might vanish. Her shaking had nothing to do with her injuries this time, and everything to do with a mother who saw her as a failure, and a father too weak to disagree.

Wednesday said nothing more, only guided her back toward the house.

By the time they crossed the threshold, she had set her mind in the best plan to distract Enid, walking to face Morticia and Gomez looking at each other adoringly.

“We’re going out” she informed her parents flatly, arms crossed, “I’m taking the car into town to buy… Christmas decorations”

“But my little storm cloud” Gomez said confused, breaking free of Morticia’s eyes, “we canceled the Addams festivities at your request! There’s no time to summon everyone from Cousin Itt’s”

Morticia tilted her head, her gaze sliding past Wednesday to Enid, who lingered close and red-eyed but silent. Suspicion glimmered, but Wednesday met her mother’s eyes without flinching, communicating without words. 

‘Don’t ask’

Morticia’s lips curved into the faintest, knowing smile. She said nothing of Enid’s obvious distress, nor of Wednesday’s earlier order to move Christmas to Cousin Itt’s for the sake of the recovering werewolf. Instead, she rose with fluid grace, Gomez instantly at her side, their arms entwining.

“What a wonderful idea, my dear child” she purred, “a small family celebration since Fester and Thing have returned. So thoughtful of you”

Gomez’s eyes lit up in delighted surprise.

“My brother will love it!” he cheered loudly, “once him and Thing are done with their electric chair session, they can help with decorations. Now, to the mall!”

“You are not required” Wednesday warned, eyes widening in horror, “nor invited.”

“My darling, we wouldn’t miss it for the world” Morticia cooed, patting Enid’s shoulder and ruffling Agnes’s hair as she passed, “watching the new generation participate in the foundation of this nation’s corruption. How could we resist?”

“Capitalism!” Gomez declared, nearly vibrating with glee, “on Christmas Eve, no less! Why, it’s practically warfare!”

And that was that.

Within the hour, the Addams Family car rumbled into the parking lot of the local mall. Doors creaked open in unison, spilling out the procession of Gomez bounding out first, brimming with exuberance as he offered his hand to Morticia, gliding elegantly behind him.

Wednesday stepping out with Enid at her side, their hands faintly brushing.

And finally, Pugsley and Agnes, tumbling out with barely contained anticipation.

The mall swallowed them in a tide of frantic shoppers, no one sparing more than a glance at the extravagant procession. Christmas carols blared from overhead speakers, drowning conversations, while garish lights blinked in frantic patterns meant to confuse.

“And the torture begins. Magnificent!” Gomez declared, clutching Morticia’s hand, “the desperation, the greed. The smell of peppermint and despair. Oppugnant!”

Agnes, still riding high on the thrill of inclusion, darted from display to display, dragging Pugsley behind her. Wednesday and Enid followed at a slower pace, the raven allowing the wolf to set the rhythm.

At the first stall, Gomez outburst was met with a weary teenager too stressed or too desensitized manning the register.

“Two for twenty” the cashier repeated.

“Two for fifteen!” Gomez countered, “and I will throw in my eternal gratitude”

“Twenty” the teen just blinked.

“Seventeen and a half!” Gomez bellowed, “and it’s my final offer”

Enid covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, while Wednesday pinched the bridge of her nose.

Morticia, meanwhile, drifted into a shop draped in black curtains and red neon lettering. She emerged minutes later, a riding crop in hand, addressing a bewildered couple holding a concealed shopping bag.

“You’ll want to strike diagonally” she instructed in her lilting voice, “just enough pressure to bruise, but not break. Bruises are memories, scars are accidents. Unless, of course, you want to enjoy yourselves…”

The couple nodded furiously, clearly unsure whether to thank her or run.

“Oh my god…” Enid’s face burned crimson.

Wednesday ground her teeth so hard it was a wonder sparks didn’t fly.

Gomez, still bargaining, had escalated into a small crowd observing the exchange.

“Look at this craftsmanship!” he cried, “do you expect me to insult the artisan by paying anything but the full price?”

At what time he decided to switch from paying less to wanting to pay more, was unclear.

“It’s made in China” the cashier said flatly, “two… for… twenty…”

“Then think of the voyage it survived to reach us!” Gomez countered, slapping a hundred on the counter and sweeping the garlands into his arms and walking away without waiting for a response.

“Ah, such a delightful establishment” Morticia mused, once she glided back to the group, now carrying a sleek black whip of her own, “though their selection of shackles was uninspired”

She turned and looked at the blushing expressions of Enid and Agnes and the furious eyes of Wednesday.

“You’re too young, darling” she said to Agnes, “Addams is about corruption, but not until you come of age. As for you…remember darling, a tool is only as effective as the hand that wields it. Discipline, precision, and imagination”

She passed the whip neatly into Enid’s hand with a conspiratorial wink.

Enid’s eyes went wide, her palm suddenly burning where it brushed Wednesday’s.

“Th…thanks, Mrs. Addams” she chirped and hid the ‘gift’ into Wednesday’s messenger bag.

Wednesday closed her eyes briefly, weighing whether patricide was worth the holiday paperwork.

Beside them, Agnes had one hand press to her mouth to hold back laughter, shoulders shaking.

“We’ll find something age-appropriate for you, darling” Morticia added, guiding Agnes to a knife shop where Pugsley was ogling a Japanese blade, “what have I said about foreign weapons?”

“Better if they are cursed?” Pugsley guessed with a grin.

Morticia gave him a Cheshire smile and nodded with approval.

Right behind them, Gomez was showing off his purchase to Enid and Wednesday and for the first time since the phone call, Enid’s chest felt lighter.

Watching Morticia lavish guidance on Agnes and Pugsley, a kind of maternal attention she’d only dreamed of… it was absurd. But absurd enough to improve her mood.

She squeezed Wednesday’s hand, eyes glittering.

“C’mon” she said, tugging both Wednesday and Agnes towards the escalators, “I think I saw a Target sign on the second floor. If we’re doing Christmas shopping, we’re doing it right”

“Go, my children” Morticia hushed Agnes and Pugsley to follow Wednesday, “Gomez and I will make sure to choose the sharpest blade that would not fail to cut your enemies”

Agnes skipped happily, undisturbed by the sentiment, and reached the electric stairs just behind Enid, who leaned against Wednesday one step above.

Pugsley only traded a maniacal grin with his father, pointing at the blade he wanted before sprinting off to catch his ‘sisters’.

Enid’s sore muscles were forgotten the moment Target’s sliding doors hissed open. She seized a cart at once, buzzing with new energy.

“Okay, here’s the plan” she declared, pushing it into Wednesday’s hands, “one cart for me, one cart for you”

“No, thanks” Wednesday said flatly.

Enid’s lower lip wobbled, letting her sad eyes speak full volume.

Wednesday exhaled through her nose and wrapped her thin fingers around the handle.

Before she could object further, Agnes gasped and hopped onto the edge of Enid’s cart, riding it down the aisle.

“Are we only getting lights?” she asked, her awe expression flickering from one inflatable to another, “can we get this?”

She pointed at a towering inflatable Santa that nearly scraped the ceiling.

“Absolutely not” Wednesday replied immediately.

“Oh, shush” Enid dismissed her with a frown, “of course we can!”

Agnes clapped, grabbed the box of a new Santa, and with some effort heaved it into the cart.

“And how do you intend to inflate it?” Wednesday’s eye twitched, “are you going to blow on it, ‘big bad wolf?’”

Enid only grinned, plucked a small motor off the shelf, and tossed it into Wednesday’s cart.

The madness escalated from there. Enid held up a glitter-coated reindeer, Agnes a surfer snowman. They looked at each other, then at Wednesday, then back at each other.

“Cute, right?!” Enid squealed.

“It’s so cute!” Agnes echoed.

“They are both hideous” Wednesday muttered.

“Oh, c’mon” Enid pouted, lifting the reindeer, “little Rudolph needs a home! He needs to be with Santa!”

Wednesday rolled her eyes.

“Another monstrosity is not only unnecessary, but this butchered myth is inaccurate” she said, “Santa’s reindeer were female. Only females keep their antlers in winter. Yet another example of capitalism erasing women”

Enid frowned at the explanation and crossed her arms.

Agnes remained quiet looking at each other.

Wednesday narrowed her gaze without blinking.

Enid huffed.

Wednesday looked away, bitting the inside of her cheek but extended her hand to grab the stupid meter-and-a-half figurine to half fit it on the cart, regretting every decision that had brought her to this exact moment.

Her torment peaked when Enid rolled up with an artificial pine tree box taller than herself.

“This is the one” she said with absolute finality. 

“A plastic simulacrum of death?” Wednesday’s eyes narrowed to slits, “blasphemy. The majesty lies in the mortality. A natural tree withers gracefully, its scent fading…”

“Why am I not surprised you want a tree that dies in our living room…” Enid’s mocked, before her mind caught with her words, “I mean… your parents… your house living room”

Wednesday expression gave nothing away.

“That… actually sounds kind of poetic” Agnes tilted her head, thoughtful, “the smell of pine while drinking cocoa and opening presents…”

“Of course you agree with her!” Enid groaned, throwing her hands up and turning around to disguise her red face, “okay, okay, whatever, let’s stop by and buy one on the way home…house… on the way to your house…”

Wednesday’s lips twitched.

“And miss the opportunity to christen the new axe my father is undoubtedly purchasing?” she said, her eyes glowing.

“Oh! We are cutting a three!” Agnes clapped, “can I also get a small one for my room?”

“So be it” Wednesday nodded.

“Stop spoiling her!” Enid laughed despite herself, cheeks pink as she wrestled the now heavy cart down the aisle.

They were still debating over colored or white lights when Pugsley appeared, tugging Agnes’s sleeve.

“C’mon. Electronics section. I have a mission for you” he whispered conspiratorially.

“Yes!” Agnes’s eyes lit up as she followed without hesitation, vanishing into the crowd before Wednesday could veto it.

They left the wolf and the raven alone surrounded by thousand of small lights flashing.

Enid held up a box of glittering snowflakes and arched a brow.

“Too much?” 

“When has that ever stopped you?” Wednesday replied.

“You’re right” Enid grinned, throwing the box into the cart.

Her hand hovered over the clearance rack before plucking out a red Santa hat. Mischief sparked in her eyes. Before Wednesday could retreat, Enid plopped it onto her head.

“Under no circumstances” Wednesday reached up, but Enid cough her wrist mid-motion, laughing.

“Hold still, you look…” Enid’s voice softened, “adorable…”

Wednesday gave one token struggle before stilling, her gaze unreadable. That was all the opening Enid needed.

With tenderness that mirrored Wednesday’s earlier in the morning, she tugged the hat down just enough to cover the raven’s ears, then gently cupped them through the fabric.

For a beat, neither moved. Wednesday blinked at her, the faintest tremor running through her chest. One Enid’s werewolf senses caught.

“I’m not…” Wednesday said at last, her voice low.

“Yes, you are…” Enid whispered, her thumb brushing the edge of the hat, just above Wednesday’s cheek.

Wednesday searched her face, then slowly removed Enid’s hands from her ears, only to lace their fingers together.

“I am your pack” she said firmly, “that is immutable. You are not alone and you are enough. What your mother said proves nothing but her own idiocy. She is a fool for not seeing you… the amazing you…”

Enid swallowed, eyes shimmering.

“Wedns…” she breathed.

“Yes?” Wednesday inclined her head, tightening her hold. 

The Santa hat slid slightly askew, absurd and perfect and Enid felt that moment was giving her a thousand years of life.

“I wanted…” she whispered, leaning closer.

The moment was shattered by a crackle, then an unholy screech that tore through the overhead speakers of the store.

Customers shrieked, baskets clattered to the floor, and a cashier dove behind the counter.

The sound was grotesque. Half bubbling, half shrieking, unmistakably human yet wrong.

“What… what the heck is that?” Enid blinked.

Wednesday sighed, annoyed.

“That’s Uncle Fester during his annual toenail clipping” she answered.

Sure enough, a triumphant laugh echoed down the aisle, and Pugsley appeared dragging a red-faced Agnes behind him. She looked half-guilty, half-thrilled, her fingers still smudged with copper from the wiring.

“I showed her how to splice into the system!” Pugsley announced proudly, “let’s keep her. She’s a natural!”

“We scared everyone!” Agnes beamed, breathless, “did you hear? The lady by the sweaters nearly fainted!”

“You’d make a fine Addams yet” Wednesday said coolly, though there was a flicker of approval in her gaze.

“Come on!” Pugsley urged, grabbing Agnes by the wrist again, “last stop. I know a guy…”

“What guy?” Enid asked, deeply skeptical.

“You’ll see” Pugsley said, eyes glittering with mischief, “trust me. It’s gonna be great”

Before either girl could protest, he hauled Agnes off again, weaving between displays and leaving behind a trail of muttered complaints and frightened shoppers.

“Do we… follow?” Enid stared after them, still holding Wednesday’s hands.

“They will survive” Wednesday answered, unfazed, “probably”

“Then I guess we keep shopping” Enid smiled and nudged Wednesday to push the second cart previously abandoned by Agnes.

They stopped in front of a display of clothes. Enid turned and clasped her hands in a dramatic plea.

“Ab-so-lu-te-ly not” Wednesday’s eye twitched.

“But…”

“Enid…” Wednesday muttered, “pick your battles…”

Enid’s lower lip wobbled.

“Wednssssss…” she whined.

Wednesday turned, calmly pushing the cart away.

“Pack leader, wait!” Enid scrambled to snatch the pointed clothes from the rack, even though Wednesday had already vetoed them, and followed close behind.

After paying at the register without so much as blinking at the amount displayed on the screen, they met Gomez and Morticia that seemed also had their fun around, since the trunk of the car was nearly full.

“Where are the kids?” Enid asked as she transferred the smaller bags into the trunk. Wednesday, of course, refused to let her lift anything she deemed ‘heavy’.

Before anyone could answer, a rickety squeal rolled across the parking lot. All heads turned to see Pugsley and Agnes straining to push a battered three-wheeled cart, its contents piled high and wobbling.

“Ta-da!” Pugsley declared proudly, wiping sweat from his brow

A cascade of colorful cylinders and unmarked tubes began to be pushed into the little spaces empty between shopping bags at the car.

“Fireworks!” Agnes yelled, unable to contain her energy.

“Are they legal?” Enid eyes went huge.

“Yes, Enid” Wednesday said, eyeing the selection, “because legal fireworks are always sold from the back lot of a mall”

Wednesday’s smirk made Enid huff. She rolled her eyes and tugged the raven toward the car instead of arguing.

“How thoughtful, Pugsley” Morticia’s lips curved in approval, “nothing says Christmas like a midnight display of explosive beauty”

Gomez clapped his hands together with a booming laugh.

Lurch was not impressed behind the steering wheel at the crowded car, now filled to every corner with packages.

“Are you going to help with the chopping of the Christmas tree, Mr. Addams?” Enid asked, leaning her head against Wednesday’s shoulder with a tired sigh.

“I saw a pretty one this morning on the way to our practice” Agnes piped up.

Wednesday’s lips curved into a slow, mischievous smile.

“Whatever you mean, mijas?” Gomez asked, confused but delighted, “we are on our way to pick it up”

“But I thought…” Enid blinked and turned her head up to look at Wednesday, “didn’t you say we’d cut one at your house?”

“Two…” Agnes muttered.

“Two…” Enid corrected, “at your house?”

Wednesday pressed her lips into a thin line, suppressing the hint of a smile.

“I don’t recall saying the chopping would be at home…” she declared cryptically.

Minutes later, the Addams car screeched to a halt beside a shadowy alley. Morticia stepped out first, elegant as ever in the falling snow.

“I will hate to lose the fun” she said regretfully, “but let’s not waste more time, shall we? I’ll procure some… snacks to fuel our decoration quest, while you take care of the three”

“Magnificent idea, Tish” Gomez kissed her hand with fervor and watched her cross the street into a shop, eyes brimming with longing.

Enid climbed out after Wednesday and tilted her head back. Her mouth fell open when she recognized the towering building.

“That’s… the First Federal Bank…”

“We don’t care much about that, just their lobby” Gomez explained guiding them, “houses the tallest, most resplendent evergreen in town. Imported from the Carpathians, no less”

“We’re stealing a Christmas tree? From a bank?” Agnes whispered.

“Consider it a donation” Wednesday’s eyes gleamed.

“Why, yes” Gomez turned, holding the door wide, “they love having our business with them. This is just… an exclusive perk”

Enid gaped for a long second.

“This is insane” she laughed a little unhinged.

“Family tradition” Gomez corrected warmly, “no child of mine will have anything but the best”

.

.

.

.

.

.

The decoration took well part of the afternoon and by the time night draped over the Addams manor, the house was almost unrecognizable.

Garlands hung crookedly along the banisters and mismatched ornaments sparkled across the halls.

The massive spruce stood in the corner of the living room, just a few steps away from the chimney because, as Gomez had declared, “Wouldn’t it be glorious to see it lit with live flames instead of imitation ones?”.

The stockings Enid and Agnes had carefully chosen for each family member had already been replaced. In their place hung leather, stitched in dark hues with cryptic sigils of Morticia’s own design. It was overall creepy, but the wolf couldn’t help smile every time her eyes landed on them.

The banquet prepared by grandma and Lurch went by with everyone enjoying big roasted…things.

Enid had stopped asking halfway through simply allowing her wolf hunger to be in charge and ate every dish with gusto.

Gomez rose and clapped, then he refilled his wine cup with a dark crimson liquid that smelled fruity and pungent.

“A special occasion” he boomed, “Lurch?”

Without a word, Lurch took the bottle and glided around the table, filling cups for Wednesday, Enid, Pugsley, and Agnes. Gomez raised a hand.

“Only a sip for you two” he instructed the youngest, “I’m not one to impose poison to such a young age. Better you choose your own when older”

Morticia’s fingers curled into his, her smile slow as she lifted her own cup, filled with something even darker.

“To family” she declared, “old, new, borrowed…”

“To the stolen ones!” Gomez added with a boom.

“To chaos!” Fester howled, raising his goblet, “and to my niece’s new ‘acquisitions’”

He fixed Agnes with an unhinged grin. Pugsley echoed it, beaming at her. Agnes blushed furiously, ducking into her cup but clearly basking in the approval.

Enid let her gaze sweep the table, her chest caught between melancholy and warmth. Then Wednesday’s eyes found hers. 

The raven lifted her glass.

“To the pack” she said, looking at her for a moment, before turning to symbolically clang her cup against the others across the table.

“To the pack” Enid raised her glass too, her smile trembling.

“To the Addams pack!” the family chorused.

Grandmama stood after that and walked to the kitchen to retrieve a very large white cake, crowned with strawberries and chocolate roses.

“This is your one free pass, wolf” she announced, setting it down with a thud, “my granddaughter told me you like these sweets, but next year… next year we will have your palate educated with the good stuff!”

Enid blinked, stunned, as slices of cake began circling the table.

Her chest ached at the sight of Morticia and Gomez’s adoring glances, the pride they directed at each child. Agnes was smearing frosting across Pugsley’s cheek while he twisted his tongue to lick it.

She remembered her own family’s table. It was memories of chaos too, but different chaos. Constant teasing from her brothers. Fighting for her voice to be heard. Her mother’s cutting tone and sharp words. Her father’s silence.

Always felt like out of place, but here, she was seen. She was part of the noise.

A warm hand settled over hers, breaking her thoughts. Enid turned, finding Wednesday beside her, sliding a plate of cake in front of her and then returning her hand to lay on top of Enid’s.

Enid blinked, and Wednesday only arched a brow in silent question. The wolf shook her head with a soft smile, then turned her palm upward to lace their fingers together.

Gomez leaned forward, his grin wickedly tender, and raised his glass again. 

“To our wolf cub” he declared, eyes flicking mischievously between Enid and Wednesday, “so perfectly Addams already. Look at her! Loyalty, ferocity, charm!”

“An ideal addition” Morticia purred, gaze gliding to her daughter, “wouldn’t you say, my darling?”

Wednesday’s jaw stiffened as both parents stared knowingly. She answered by sipping her drink in silence, her dark eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Enid flushed scarlet and tried to hide behind her cake, shoving forkfuls into her mouth. Still, neither girl moved to break their clasped hands.

Across the table, Pugsley snorted. Agnes giggled and whispered something into his ear, both of them shaking with poorly stifled amusement.

“Patience, patience” Gomez soothed, wagging a finger at them, “your time will come as well. We hope the same happiness awaits you both”

“Perhaps it already has” Morticia mused, “perhaps… a friend?”

Pugsley froze mid-bite, blinking. 

“Eugene’s coming for New Year’s” he said like an afterthought, mumbling through his food.

The table stilled.

Agnes squeaked, nearly bouncing out of her chair. Enid’s jaw dropped. Wednesday, for once, looked almost startled.

“Another seat to set! Another victim for my eggnog!” Fester slapped the table with a howl of glee.

“Pugsley…” Morticia’s smile spread, “what a delightful surprise”

“What?” Pugsley asked, confused, shoveling more food into his mouth, “he is just visiting. For fireworks and… stuff”

“The fireworks!”  Gomez suddenly exclaimed, jolting up with excitement, “shall we start lighting up the festivities?”

“Uh… dad?” Pugsley grimaced.

“Yes, my second-born?” Gomez beamed, halfway out of his chair.

“We used the firework’s gunpowder at the bank, remember?” Agnes said sheepishly, shrinking a little.

“Don’t tell me that, my fourth child!” Gomez wailed, collapsing dramatically back into his seat.

“You insisted it was part of the painter’s signature” Wednesday added, her chair suspiciously closer to Enid’s than before, the wolf slumped sideways against her.

“But surely we have more at home?” Gomez tried, “I’m certain there was a stash of flashpowder somewhere”

“Sorry, brother” Fester cut in, sounding anything but apologetic, “Thing and I took it with us to Hoboken”

“Betrayed by my own kin!” Gomez clutched his chest.

“I mean…” Pugsley offered, trying to console him, “we could always try blowing up the backup generator”

Gomez lit up at once, only to receive a sharp smack to the back of the head from Grandmama.

“You’ll stay away from my generator” she snapped, “I have it busy with… projects”

Morticia leaned against Gomez’s shoulder, her smile soft.

“Don’t fret, my love. We’ve had enough celebration for today. And I’m sure Pugsley will acquire more fireworks for New Year’s Eve”

Pugsley nodded hastily and excused himself, mumbling about calling Eugene before the night was over.

Enid began stacking plates to help, but Lurch groaned and Grandmama waved her off with “Get out, get out!”.

At the foot of the staircase, Gomez and Morticia enveloped Agnes and Enid in a sweeping hug, Wednesday stepping back in time evading entanglement.

“Have the most terrific nightmares, my dear children” Morticia cooed to the three of them.

“And if you hear footsteps on the roof” Gomez added with a twinkle in his eye, “it might be Santa, so…”

“We know where the gunshots are” Wednesday finished, deadpan.

“Excellent!” Gomez crowed, tapping his daughter’s head in approval.

“Wanna see the decorations I put up in my room, Mrs. Addams?” Agnes asked eagerly.

“What a marvelous sight that must be” Gomez replied before Morticia could, already offering his arm, “lead the way, child”

Agnes beamed at the attention, schooling herself not to skip steps as she led the way upstairs at Gomez’s arm, Morticia following close behind.

“I don’t think I can sleep, yet” Enid admitted softly once they were alone, turning her gaze toward Wednesday.

“Something wrong?” Wednesday frowned, her tone edged with concern.

“I don’t think so…” Enid answered, thoughtful, “I just feel… restless”

Wednesday let the silence linger, considering.

“Hot chocolate?” she suggested.

Enid perked instantly, nodding. She was ushered into the living room while Wednesday disappeared toward the kitchen.

The fire crackled softly, shadows twisting across the walls. Enid sat curled on the couch, watching the flames dance. When Wednesday returned, the raven’s silhouette moved easily through the dark, her pale face catching the light as she handed over the steaming mug.

“Are you cold?” she asked, startling the blonde girl.

Enid shook her head quickly, enraptured by Wednesday’s sharp profile illuminated only by the chimney light, as the raven girl sat next to her and handed over the mug.

Their fingers brushed lightly, and Enid kept waiting for the cold temperature of Wednesday’s usual body, but instead there was heat. Not uncomfortable, but instead grounding her.

The warmth spread up her arm, curling around her chest, catching her breath in her throat. She froze, staring at their hands, then carefully set the mug aside. Her fingertips skimmed over Wednesday’s palm, intrigued.

Her stomach flipped at the sensation.

“Have you… felt hot lately?” Enid asked almost in a whisper, entranced.

Wednesday arched her brow, keeping her hand still while Enid played with it.

“I meant…” Enid stammered, cheeks blazing, “I didn’t mean like that… like… your body temperature. It’s… different”

Wednesday’s gaze met hers, unblinking.

“Not that I’m aware” she said, but her eyes sparked.

Enid swallowed, flustered, and she fell into silence again, sipping her chocolate to hide, but her eyes kept drifting back to the girl beside her. The mug burned hot against her palms, yet it wasn’t as warm as Wednesday’s hand.

There was something she couldn’t name, like a voice in her head whispering in a language she didn’t understand.

Their hands brushed again. Wednesday’s deliberate this time. A slow drag of knuckles against Enid’s skin that made her shiver despite the fire’s heat.

Her heart pounded in her ears, her whole body thrumming with awareness. The curve of Wednesday’s fingers, the line of her collarbone, the way the firelight kissed her cheek.

Her hands shivered after the last soft caress of Wednesday’s fingers and to save herself from the embarrassment of spilling the liquid, she put the mug away. Again.

“Did you know wolves sometimes heal their packmates by licking their wounds?” she said softly, letting her gaze drift to the fire.

“Did they now” Wednesday replied, voice even, but the slight twitch of her lip suggested amusement.

Enid’s eyes widened. Heat rushed to her face as she realized what she’d said.

‘Why I keep being so weird!’

The fire crackled, but the heat in the room had shifted, and it wasn’t from the fire. It was from the way Wednesday was watching her, dark gaze steady, as if she could hear every racing thought in Enid’s head.

She caught herself leaning slightly closer, a hair’s breadth away, and realized with a start that Wednesday’s hand hadn’t moved.

The firelight threw shadows across Wednesday’s face and Enid couldn’t stop staring. She leaned in another fraction. Wednesday didn’t stop her.

Heat shot up Enid’s spine. She dared to inch closer, her breath shallow. 

“I’m not crazy” she whispered, eyes dropping to their hands, “you are warmer…right?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know…” Wednesday teased.

Enid gulped.

“Ye…yeah” she muttered, “that’s why I’m asking”

“Perhaps you are projecting…” Wednesday’s voice was low.

“Perhaps I am…” Enid blurted before she could stop herself.

Wednesday’s eyes darkened. Something broke inside Enid.

The first press of her mouth against Wednesday’s was hesitant and trembling. But as if Wednesday had only been waiting the signal, she kissed back in a second, steady, and firm and the hesitation disappeared instantly.

Enid clutched at Wednesday’s shoulders, fingers curling into the wool sweater like she might vanish if Enid let go. Wednesday’s hand slid to Enid’s waist and it burned. She pulled her closer until their knees knocked together.

The kiss deepened, clumsy at first and then desperate. Enid didn’t care. All she could taste was chocolate and smoke and Wednesday. Addictive, warm and all consuming.

Enid whimpered against her mouth, and Wednesday responded with a hungry insistence that left her dizzy.

“You…” Enid whispered, breathless, “are definitely hotter… you are burning, Wedns…”

Wednesday’s lips curved.

Enid was panting, forehead pressed to Wednesday’s, cheeks flaming. Her hands still trembled where they clung to her shoulders.

“You cannot fathom how much…” she murmured, before capturing Enid again.

This time Enid wasn’t satisfied with the grip, and pulled Wednesday’s closer by the clothes, until their bodies were pressed impossible closer. Chest to chest. Heartbeat merging into one chaotic rhythm. 

Wednesday’s hands were still on her waist, anchoring her, but one slipped higher, fingers splaying against the curve of her ribs under the cotton sweatshirt. It set Enid aflame.

She gasped into the kiss, and Wednesday used it, deepening, devouring and unsatiable. Enid was unraveling, every nerve sparking, every thought reduced to want more. More Wednesday.

Without breaking contact, Wednesday guided her back until she was half-lying on the couch. She followed, pressing down, her hands clutching Enid’s skin with a quiet desperation.

Enid’s own hands roamed everywhere. Bringing Wednesday closer by the shoulders, sliding to her arms, her back, her waist. Back to cup Wednesday’s jaw, tugging their mouths closer. Tangled in her hair, desperate to feel more.

When Wednesday’s mouth trailed down her jaw to her throat, Enid’s breath hitched into a moan she tried, and failed, to swallow.

“W-Wednesday…” she whispered, dizzy from the heat, the closeness, the relentless press of lips and hands.

Wednesday stilled, just for a second, her dark eyes lifting to meet Enid’s.

Enid’s chest rose and fell in quick, shallow breaths.

“Please don’t stop…” she pleaded, biting her lip, the blush spreading all the way down her neck.

Wednesday returned to her throat with slow kisses, soft at first, then sharper and needy, teeth grazing just enough to make Enid shiver. Her hands gripped Enid’s skin, fingers curling and traveling everywhere they could reach, mapping every curve.

Enid arched into the touch and a loud whimper escaped before she could hold it back.

Her claws slipped free, and she dug them into the sofa cushions in replacement of Wednesday’s back. Her inner wolf whined disappointed.

When their lips reconnected, Enid gasped against Wednesday’s mouth with the extreme need of bitting and breaking skin. For a terrifying, thrilling second, she allowed her fangs to bite harder until it almost pierced Wednesday’s lips.

Wednesday pulled back a fraction, her lips parted, eyes impossibly dark. She was focused, but beneath, there was something feral.

“Your wolf… Your heart is howling…” Wednesday murmured, voice low, almost reverent. Her fingers slid higher, resting over Enid’s racing heart, “it’s… entrancing”

Enid’s throat tightened, her whole body trembling.

“Y…you hear it?”

Wednesday’s lips brushed her throat, barely a kiss, barely a touch.

“Don’t you hear mine?” she whispered against the shivering skin.

The words alone almost undid Enid. She arched against her, desperate, her wolf certainly howling in the back of her mind.

“Wednesday…” she pleaded.

And then…sharpness. 

Not enough to break skin, but the faint scrape of teeth against her throat. Wednesday’s breath ragged, jaw tight as if fighting herself.

Enid’s eyes went wide.

‘Oh’

Her wolf surged, claws itching to claim, to mark, to bond. She tilted her head, baring her throat in silent offering, lips trembling but sure.

She shifted helplessly, body moving before thought, the burn under her skin demanding more. She pressed up against Wednesday’s hip, a shaky sound catching in her throat as the friction sent sparks rushing through her veins.

Enid simply couldn’t stay still. Her body moved on its own will. Hips jerking up, searching blindly for something, anything, to quiet the ache building low and unbearable. It was graceless, clumsy, too frantic to even think about hiding, but she didn’t care. Heat blazed through her, muddled every thought until there was only this raw, insistent need.

A broken sound tumbled out of her throat, half-whine, half-gasp, embarrassing and desperate, but unstoppable.

Wednesday stilled above her, her bite still pressing against Enid’s skin. The noise she let out in return was not human. Low, guttural, dragged from somewhere deep in her chest until it reached Enid’s ears. She kissed the spot, slower, softer, as though forcing control back into her body. But her hands betrayed her, gripping Enid’s waist in a way it would surely leave a mark.

“Not yet” Wednesday whispered, lips brushing the sensitive skin, “but soon”

Enid shivered violently. Her wolf practically purred, satisfied and buzzing in anticipation.

“Wedns…” she said with difficulty between shallow breaths.

“Yes?” the raven answered, kissing her way back up. Neck, jaw, lips.

They lingered there, unhurried, kissing until breath ran short.

Enid finally pulled back, forehead to Wednesday’s, chest heaving. Her thoughts cleared just enough to form words.

“Wanna tell me what it is you’re not telling me?”

Wednesday waited until Enid’s eyes opened again and their gazes locked.

She smiled.

Chapter Text

Enid stirred awake to warmth pressed against her side. For a blissful second, she thought she was still dreaming of fire dancing in the chimney and hot chocolate, surrounded by an indescribable comfort. Then she remembered lips and exploring hands. Her heart fluttered so hard she couldn’t keep her eyes closed.

Pale winter light bled through the half-open curtains as she blinked, and then turned around under the blankets, her mind zeroing on the arm keeping her close by the waist. How unusual for an Alpha being the little spoon. She almost snorted.

Only for an instant, though, because when her gaze found Wednesday’s sleeping face, the rest of the world vanished.

‘Can a heart actually die out of cuteness exposition?’

Enid’s lips parted, and her mouth went dry. The chiseled jaw line, the plump, naturally mulberry-colored lips, the numerous freckles camouflaged between Latin skin and usual paleness of the raven. 

‘I would die for you…’

Even the dark eyelids, surely due to the troublesome habit of few hours of sleep, adorning long lashes, gave the Addams heir a bewitching look.

‘I would kill for you…’

She felt the air leaving her lungs at the gravity of her thoughts. Maybe she was dreaming. Maybe she was actually frozen somewhere out in the woods and her mind had conjured this as a mercy.

“What a bliss…” Wednesday murmured half-asleep without opening her eyes, voice low and raspy. It did things to Enid’s lower belly, “stop staring, it’s rude…”

Enid’s breath hitched.

“You’re so pretty I wanna die…” she blurted, her mouth moving faster than her brain.

Wednesday’s dark eyes opened slowly, fixed and unblinking on hers.

“Flattery will get you nowhere…” she murmured, but her grip tightened and as if moving something as light as a pillow, she pulled Enid closer until the wolf’s head rested under her chin.

Enid waited a couple of seconds for Wednesday to say something more, but when she leaned slightly back and looked up, Wednesday’s eyes were closed and her expression unreadable serene. Lips parted, and steady breathing told her she was already sleeping.

Her heart clenched again. How could someone so full of homicidal tendencies look this beautiful… this ethereal… divine…

‘From zero to hundred, huh, Sinclair? You weren’t this gay yesterday’

Then her reckless brain sparked a dangerous idea. Before her courage could crumble, she willed her body to remain as still as possible, except for the slow, stealthy hand twisting behind her and blindly searching for her phone under her pillow.

‘Just one picture’ she promised herself, ‘I’ll hate myself forever if I don’t’

The shutter release sound echoed strongly on every corner of the room. Possibly the whole house. Enid bit her lip, giddy warmth spreading through her chest.

On her screen, the image of Wednesday Addams, eyes closed, the faintest crease between her brows and inviting soft lips glowed.

Unable to resist, she slid her other arm free, and before she could talk herself out of it, navigated to the pink icon on her apps and typed quickly under the photo.

I think maybe I um…. When you um… I think…uh *gulp* …. Hi

#ChristmasMorning #GiftUnderTheTree #Gorgeous #IfSheKillsMeItWasWorthy

She hit post and set the phone down, her cheeks aching from smiling so hard.

Dark, sharp eyes, but most importantly, very awake eyes were staring at her.

Enid squeaked. Pure survival instinct made her try to wriggle away, but Wednesday’s grip held her fast. It made Enid blush for unknown reasons.

‘So, apparently I am into that. Keep it together, Sinclair!’

“I…um…” she stammered, “I didn’t notice you woke up…”

Wednesday tilted her head, studying her with unnerving focus.

“I sensed a disturbance…” she answered quietly.

Enid flushed scarlet.

‘She knows… She totally knows. How the heck does she know!’

Calmly, Wednesday tugged her even closer. Tortuously closer.

“Explain yourself” she demanded, her lips already brushing Enid’s, each word an epicenter of an earthquake shaking the wolf’s entire self.

“Huh…” Enid managed, unable to think on anything else but the minty breath now mingling with hers.

“Very eloquent, Sinclair” Wednesday blinked slowly, “let’s see if we can wake up that brain of yours”

And then she kissed her. Slow, languid, devastating. Enid’s neurons gave up the fight. Her eyes fluttered closed, and her hands flew to cup Wednesday’s face, greedy to keep the kiss going.

A low growl rumbled from Enid’s throat before Wednesday finally leaned back with a satisfied sigh, stealing one last peck.

“Seems you are awake enough” she licked her lips, instantly catching Enid’s dazed attention, “now, why were you taking a picture of me…”

Enid’s fingers stroked her jaw as she leaned in for another kiss, but Wednesday tilted back just out of reach. A needy whine escaped softly and Wednesday complied faster than a heartbeat.

After another few minutes of unhurried kisses, Enid finally felt her lungs burning and demanding air, so had no other choice than to break the kiss.

“I just…” she started, fighting to regain her normal breathing, “I wanted the world to see you like I do. You are completely a ten”

Wednesday blinked again, which it felt somewhat disturbing for happening more than once in a day.

“I am uncertain what is it that you are measuring, or why are you ranking me like that” she said, her expression slightly confused, “is it a contest matter? Ten seems very low…”

“OMG, no!” Enid rushed out, “ten is like, the best number. I just… wanted to brag how pretty you are, and you know… that I was a live spectator”

That earned the faintest tilt of Wednesday’s head, her eyes sharpening with interest.

“So it’s a method of… territory marking?” she asked.

Enid’s blush spread all the way to her hears, but she lifted her chin, emboldened.

“Would that be a problem?” Enid frowned, challenging, “I’m not saying like… you are taken or anything… because you are not an object… but you know… whoever sees it, they’ll think it twice and… and back off…”

Something unreadable flickered across Wednesday’s face.

“Create me an account” she said with a small but decisive nod.

Enid nearly toppled off the bed, jerking back just as Wednesday released her grip to half sit up and reach for her phone in the robe pocket hanging by the bed.

“You want… you want Instagram?!” she yelped.

“I want preventive measures” Wednesday corrected, handing over the device to Enid’s greedy, trembling hands, “if what you say is true, then I accept. I shall too make an efficient declaration to ward off possible pests”

Enid practically squealed.

“Ohmygod, babe” she bounced in place, clutching at the phone, “does this means we are a couple? Should we do matching profile pictures? Can I call you my girlfriend?!”

Wednesday’s lips twisted, unimpressed at the pet name.

“Enid…” she said with solemn gravity, “we have shared an unsanitary amount of germs in the last twelve hours. I do not make a habit of doing that with others. Call me whatever you like, but know I will only call you mine, because I do not intend to share you with anyone else”

Enid beamed so big her cheeks were hurting, the fast beat of her heart cosplaying a medical emergency.

“We are totally getting matching couple pictures” she declared, her fingers flying through the phone to download the app and create the profile. Then a wicked smirk crept across her face, “you know… I clearly remember someone saying social media was a ‘soul-sucking void of meaningless affirmation’ when I suggested for her to create Insta, Snapchat and TikTok”

Wednesday’s gaze narrowed.

“I’ve changed my mind…” she snatched the phone back in a blink and slid off the bed.

“No, babe!” Enid scrambled after her, kneeling on the mattress before wrapping her arms around Wednesday’s waist, “I’ll be good, I swear! Gimme, gimme…”

With a weary sigh, Wednesday raised the phone again within Enid’s reach. The wolf snatched it with a “Yes!” and flopped back onto the bed, while Wednesday walked toward the wardrobe.

“You know what would be the ultimate statement for wannabe suitors?” Enid called with mischief sparking, as Wednesday turned to look at her.

“Don’t even…” Wednesday answered immediately, already sensing where this was going.

“Wednssss…” Enid singsonged, darting toward the pile of Target shopping bags. She pulled out two folded pieces of clothing, “just imagine how good we’ll look. OMG, I can already see you! So cute I could die…”

Wednesday stared at her, deadpan.

“Your convincing arguments are accomplishing the opposite” she said, unfazed, “I would look ridiculous”

“Ridiculously cute” Enid countered, marching toward her and unfolding the garment.

“I already said no” Wednesday replied, crossing her arms, “and that is my last word”

Enid lifted her chin, matching Wednesday’s deadpan gaze.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The cheerful voices from the living room floated up the staircase as they descended.

Wednesday came to a halt at the last step, her mouth hanging open in shock and horror. Enid of course, bounced at her side, practically almost recovered and just extended her hand for Wednesday to grab it.

“C’mon, babe” she urged.

“This is worse than I anticipated” Wednesday said, still unable to take one more step, looking at her awaiting family in front of her, but laced her fingers with Enid’s, nonetheless.

“My little bombita!” Gomez beamed, arms wide, “you match the family perfectly! You too, lobita!”

Wednesday’s eyes swept the room, from Gomez in a black bear onesie with floppy brown ears to Pugsley hunched in a lizard suit, snacking something crunchy from a bowl. Grandmama was grinning manically from her spot on the couch as she flapped the fabric bat wings sewn into her pajamas.

From the kitchen, Fester waddled in, honking each time he squished his penguin belly. Thing scuttled after him, sporting a tiny glove decorated with reindeer antlers.

“Don’t sulk, my dear” Morticia purred from the armrest of Agnes’s single couch. Her elegant frame was somehow enhanced by gazelle horns atop a white-and-caramel onesie, while Agnes balanced her out in a red suit topped with fox ears, “you both look positively… adorable”

Enid practically preened, her whole body vibrating with pride.

“You’ve infected them” Wednesday muttered sideways.

“You’ve heard your mom” Enid shot back, sticking out her tongue, “we’re officially cute. Popular vote says you lose”

She planted a quick kiss on Wednesday’s cheek, then yanked up both their hoods. Wolf ears standing tall. Wednesday, clad in her all-black wolf onesie, felt like she’d been condemned to a new circle of hell. Especially once Enid tugged her into the room, silver tail swishing as she plopped down by the tree. Wednesday grimly adjusted her own black one tail.

“What are we waiting for?” Fester dove belly-first into the carpet, next to the pile of presents, “I call dibs on the first blood!”

“Patience, Fester” Morticia said serenely, “tradition demands we begin with the youngest”

Pugsley’s eyes lit up when Gomez passed him a long, thin box. He tore the wrapping and to surprise of no one, revealed a sheathed katana resting in black velvet.

“It’s the one I wanted!” he exclaimed, unsheathing it in one eager motion. Steel caught the firelight, making it look for a moment as if it was made of fire.

“Of course!” Gomez puffed out his chest, “only the sharpest steel for my sharpest boy”

“I give him two days before he impales himself with it” Wednesday bet.

Pugsley just grinned ear to ear.

“Now my turn!” Fester waddled forward and hauled over a box plastered with fragile stamps.

With his new blade gleaming, Pugsley sliced the tape and revealed a Fabergé egg, its shell painted with a tiny family dressed as royal.

“Um… thank you, uncle…” Pugsley grimaced.

“Who’s that…?” Agnes leaned off the couch, squinting.

“How appropriate” Wednesday’s eyes narrowed on the painted figures, “the Romanovs were every bit as incompetent as you, brother”

“These are the Romanovs?” Fester snatched the egg, baffled, “I just thought they were advertising a theater play… but that’s not the gift, my boy!”

He smashed the priceless crystal against the floor, emerald shards scattering. From the wreckage emerged a bundle of crooked dynamite sticks, stamped in Cyrillic, tied with copper wire and a timer.

“Straight from the Russian underground, my dear nephew” Fester cackled in excitement, “it looks small, but it’s guaranteed to level a four-story building. Maybe even the basement!”

Pugsley’s pupils dilated. He hugged the explosives to his chest until Grandmama shoved a glass jar into his hands.

Dozens of beetles, glossy and maple-glazed clambered sluggishly inside. Without hesitation, Pugsley unscrewed the lid and popped one in his mouth.

“Special recipe, boy” Grandmama explained with pride, “crunchy on the outside, chewy in the middle. Egyptian delicacy but with my own special ingredient”

“Love?” Enid guessed.

“More like a combination of arsenic and other things I will not reveal until the day I’m dead” she looked delighted by the thought and settled back into her chair.

Finally, Wednesday extended a medium box, Enid bouncing at her side.

Still licking his fingers, Pugsley pushed his other gifts aside and placed the box in front of him as if it were sacred. He shot Wednesday a wide smile.

Wednesday rolled her eyes, waiting as he carefully unwrapped the paper.

“No way…” he whispered.

He pulled the lid open, hands already trembling with excitement. Inside gleamed a compact device with a glass dome and blood-red wiring.

“It’s a Tesla coil” Wednesday explained. When Pugsley only stared, she added, “open the rest, you moron”

He dug through the packing beads until his hand struck a small case. Inside, twelve tin soldiers in neat rows, each one jointed and wired.

He looked up, wide-eyed.

“Are these…”

“Conductive” Wednesday confirmed, “the coil amplifies your current through their frames. With practice and focus, you’ll command them”

“Sister, this is…” Pugsley’s eyes glistened.

“Spare me the melodrama. It’s nothing” Wednesday leaned back, as if fearing the boy might jump to hug her.

“She is underselling it” Enid cut in cheerfully, “she spent almost two hours yesterday wiring them while everyone else decorated the house”

Wednesday’s gaze turned sharp on Enid.

“I was merely saving us trouble” she insisted, “this way, you won’t have to adopt more zombies that inevitably turn on us. These soldiers will not betray you. They are yours to command. Also, Enid chose the soldiers so… thank her”

Pugsley set the case down gently and, faster than anyone expected, launched forward and wrapped both girls in a crushing hug.

“Thank you, sister… and other sister” he said, holding on tight.

Enid squeezed back immediately. Wednesday stayed still.

“…three” she said at last, shoving him in the chest with enough force to topple him back a meter, “that was your one free hug of the year. Try again and you’ll meet my dagger first”

Pugsley nodded enthusiastically, utterly undeterred.

“It’s fortunate a new year begins in just a few days” Morticia mused with a wicked smile, “I may redeem my own hug for this year and the next, all at once on New Year’s Eve”

The idea alone left Wednesday in horrified silence.

“Now our little guest” Morticia said, leaning forward to select another package.

She passed it to Agnes, who unwrapped it carefully, surprised she was getting any gifts at all, since her visit had already extended.

Inside, was a silver and black nameplate, engraved in ornate letting.

Agnes DeMille

“I… I don’t understand” Agnes blinked.

“For your door, pequeña” Gomez swept his hand toward the upstair corridor, “your room”

Her lips trembled as she clutched the nameplate to her chest. Morticia rested a pale hand on hers.

“Since you are now a permanent part of this family, it only makes sense that you have a permanent room” she said, stroking a strand of red hair back from Agnes’ face.

“Open mine!” Fester slid forward with a crooked grin, thrusting a bottle at her wrapped with nothing but a limp ribbon.

Agnes uncorked it, instantly recoiling as the stench hit her nose.

“Ugh, that stinks like a wet skunk!” Enid gagged, clutching her snout, “I’m sorry, but it’s hurting my nose. I’m in actual pain…”

Wednesday’s nostrils twitched inconspicuously.

“It’s a special perfume” Fester announced proudly, “it will mask your scent when you vanish. I tell you, no monster will try to track you with this”

“It’s perfect” Agnes said and smiled in delight.

She thought her turn was over and had already started arranging her gifts neatly to the side when Enid leaned forward, practically vibrating.

“Uh, uh, not done yet” she said, pointing toward a small box tucked under the tree, “that one is also for you”

Agnes hesitated before lifting the lid, then lit up when she saw the tiny phone charm inside. She carefully took it out and clipped it onto her phone. The little fox, with its oversized ears and curled-up, dozing pose, matched perfectly with her case.

Her thanks caught in her throat when she looked up. Enid was already holding out her phone, grinning, proudly showing off a tiny wolf perched on top, tail raised and tongue lolling playfully.

Agnes’s eyes went wide, and for a moment she just stared, lips trembling between laughter and something close to tears.

“Enid…”

But before she could say more, Enid leaned sideways and nudged Wednesday in the ribs. Wednesday stiffened, rolled her eyes, and with exaggerated slowness dug into the pocket of her black onesie. She pulled out her phone, revealing a sleek little raven charm perched at the top, wings folded and head tilted just so.

“We match!” Agnes gasped.

“Yes!” Enid bounced, delighted, “three musketeers, remember?”

Wednesday rolled her eyes again at the nickname, but didn’t take the raven charm off, simply sliding her phone back into her pocket and to avoid dramatics, extended her hand as it was her turn to receive gifts.

Morticia passed her a rectangular box. Wednesday tore the paper in one clean movement, revealing a sleek black case. Inside, nestled on dark velvet, was a bow with a gold ‘W’ engraved on the handle. Her eyes betrayed the faintest flicker of confusion.

“Since the other one is useless now” Gomez said cryptically, “this color suits you very well as well, and I’m sure your symphony of doom will echo with the same power, mi pequeña tormenta”

Wednesday gave a single nod, tracing the engraving and silently mourning her old bow before setting it aside.

“Heads up!” Fester shouted, tossing an unpackaged black object, about the size of a pen straight at her, “the newest model!”

Wednesday caught it, flicked the switch on top, and watched blue sparks crackle to life. She allowed the faintest curve of satisfaction before pocketing it.

Then grandmama plopped a thick, old-looking notebook bound with bindweed onto Wednesday’s lap.

“Seriously, Grandmama?” Wednesday muttered, unimpressed.

“Mock me if you want, child” Grandmama warned her, “but it’s time you learn how to cook tamales and every other Addams dish. Your wolf has a good appetite, I can tell. Keep her fed, or she’ll start gnawing on the furniture”

Enid, who had been laughing at Wednesday’s distressed expression, suddenly choked and started coughing, blush creeping up her face. Wednesday closed the notebook without another word.

She was surprised when Gomez cleared his throat and leaning from his spot, was handing her a small velvet pouch.

Wednesday opened it, glanced at the content, and immediately closed it back.

“What am I supposed to…” she began.

“The time will come sooner than we ever thought, my little viper” Gomez said vaguely, his eyes shining.

Morticia’s lips curled into a conspiratorial grin, and she slid her hand through his.

“This one is for you, lobita” Gomez continued smoothly, changing the subject, “Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc…”

“We gladly feast on those who would subdue us” Morticia explained as she helped Enid pull out a pink bracelet out of the handed box, the Addams crest dangling like a charm, “an Addams is never intimidated by those who try to control them. We thrive in judgment, and we always succeed. Even when failing, an Addams victory is found in being one’s true self”

She gently took the wolf’s wrist and fastened the bracelet.

“Remember, mija” Gomez added warmly, “you are a perfect the way you are, and we’ll always have your back, as we know you have ours. We will never be able to repay you saving our little storm cloud. Twice now!”

Enid’s eyes shimmered as she twisted her wrist to admire it. She couldn’t find words, only looked up at the Addams leaders with gratitude.

“Speaking of cheese” Fester broke in, handing her a folded piece of paper.

When Enid unfolded it, a small black card slipped out and fell to the floor.

“Um… what?” she asked, frowning at the sheet, “a subscription?”

“Meat lover’s club!” Fester announced, “prime cuts, exotic jerky, organ delicacies, delivered anywhere in the world! You know, in case we have another Canadian feral incident. Great drugs up there, but their meat? Terribly flavorless…”

“That’s… thoughtful” Enid laughed nervously, “thank you Uncle Fester”

Lastly, Grandmama pressed a rattling box into her hands. Inside were dozens of tiny vials, shimmering with strange colors and labeled in handwriting no one could possibly decipher.

“Oh! Are these teas?” Enid asked hopefully.

“More like… enhancers” Grandmama’s grin went wide and toothy, “for when you’re injured, or on a dragon hunt…”

“That’s very useful, Grandmama” Wednesday said, inspecting the bottles closely, “I’m sure we will need them in the future”

“Keep your wolf away from the purple until you are ready to have pups” Grandmama added cackling.

Enid squeaked, her face flaming red. Wednesday’s right eye twitched nonstop.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s cool” Fester interrupted, “but it’s my turn now, so enough of that and give me the good stuff!

He rubbed his hands together gleefully, rocking in his seat like a child as Pugsley shoved a box wrapped in newspaper.

“What a great gift!” Fester clapped happily, turning the box around to read the news, “it’s very important to be informed”

“The gift is inside, uncle” Pugsley explained laughing.

Fester tore into the paper with his teeth, yanking the lid off and pulling out a strange gray contraption with straps.

“Ohhhh… what is it?” he asked, already trying to force his head through it.

“It’s a sleepless band” Wednesday clarified, “put it on your wrist or ankle. Most people use devices that vibrate gently to help them sleep. This one rattles, makes noises and pinches you randomly so you don’t sleep”

“You two angels!” Fester gasped, eyes wide with devotion, “I’ll never waste another night again!”

He strapped it on immediately, letting it buzz violently against his skin.

“I can already feel the anxiety and stress rising!” he declared, grinning ear to ear.

“Mine’s next!” Agnes piped in, scooting forward with a neat wrapped package.

Fester ripped it apart and revealed a box of colorful lightbulbs.

“Pugsley said you like lighting them up” Agnes explained, suddenly shy, “so I thought you could… have more…”

“Ohhh! Brilliant idea, kid!” Fester said, already opening the box. He popped a purple bulb into his mouth, cheeks bulging.

The bulb shattered instantly.

“Hmm… Must be a dud” he tried again with a green one.

With a snap, it was also gone.

“How sad…” he said after trying one more with the same result, “it’s all those environmental rascals’ fault. Nothing last the same anymore”

He pulled a pink one this time.

“Quit it, you fool!!” a sharp, irritated voice rang through the room, “nobody likes that trick!”

Fester froze, then his entire body lit up with glee.

“Debbie!” he immediately stood up, arms open, “my adored wife!”

Right next to the Christmas tree, in the middle of a dramatic and obviously intended cloud of smoke, Debbie stood, arms crossed and with an upset expression.

“I am not your wife anymore!” she snapped, “stop saying that!”

“But… my dear penguin…” Fester tried.

Debbie snapped her fingers at his face to shut him up.

“Enid, Agnes, this is aunt Debbie” Gomez revealed with glee.

“Wow” Agnes whispered, blinking up at her, “that’s a neat dress!”

Debbie’s expression softened, tossing her hair back with a smug grin.

“Finally” she said whirling her dress and taking a turn, “someone around here who appreciates good fashion”

“Your fashion is literally dead” Wednesday’s tone cut in.

Debbie’s eyes glittered as she turned on her.

“At least I don’t slobber like a rabid dog all over the house, scratching the furniture to pieces while humping each other like rabbits” she pointed to the back of the couch where Enid and Wednesday were sitting at, “and let me tell you, you’re doing a terrible job hiding that ruined, invaluable couch”

Enid went scarlet on the spot. Her claws flexed against her palms as she tried to make herself small, but it was too late, as everyone’s attention swung towards them.

“Ah… so that explains it” Morticia tilted her head, serene as ever, “I had wondered if one of the badgers hibernating in the basement had escaped”

“Badgers, nothing!” Gomez exclaimed with a proud grin, “those are my daughters! Look at that passion! That youth! Do you remember, Tish? The first table we broke together?”

He clasped Morticia’s hand dramatically. Morticia’s smile turned dangerous, but her gaze turned fond all at once.

“How could I forget? Splinters in my hair, and your blood on my gown…” she extended her hand for Gomez to kiss it with devotion.

Enid squeaked, practically burying her face in her hands. Wednesday, however, did not flinch. She rose calmly, her gaze never leaving Debbie.

“Thank you for the opportunity to improve my exorcism skills” she said cold as ever, “it has been far too long since I’ve practiced”

The air thickened. Debbie’s form bristled, Wednesday’s hand tightened at her sides. Everyone was at the expectation of the first movement.

A log cracked in the fireplace, sparks scattering up the chimney, distracting everyone but Debbie and Wednesday, who kept their gaze locked.

A sudden knock echoed from the door.

“Midday visitors?” Morticia arched a brow, intrigued, “how… novel”

“Maybe it’s carolers!” Gomez exclaimed, clapping his hands together and seizing the fireplace tongs, “we shall extend the traditional Addams hospitality!”

“I’ll get it!” Enid shot up, desperate to prevent another body count on the front porch.

Before she could take one step, Lurch groaned from the door already opening it. A gust of icy air swept in.

“Merry Christmas, Addamses!” Eugene peeked through the frame, his grin faltering as his eyes darted to the tense scene, “or not?”

“Eugene!” Pugsley barreled across the room, nearly bowling him over in a bear-hug, “you said you were coming on New Year!”

Eugene staggered but hugged back with one arm, careful of the insulated box clutched in the other.

“My moms went to visit family in New York” he explained once he was released, “so I thought I’d come early. We’ve got to head back before New Year now, to check on my beehives. Bees don’t stop just because it’s Christmas!”

“Yeah, but you did ‘stop’ by” Pugsley said, squeezing him tighter.

“Well, I promised you I’d come to visit, didn’t I?” Eugene’s voice came muffled from Pugsley’s shoulder.

“What a wonderful surprise, Eugene” Morticia swept forward, elegant even on her gazelle onesie, “please do come in, we were about to enjoy a hot drink”

When Pugsley reached to take the box, his fingers lingered on Eugene’s just a heartbeat too long. Both flushed faintly.

“Do you see what I see?” Enid whispered, tugging Wednesday back down beside her while the distraction lasted.

“Revolting…” Wednesday muttered, but her hand found Enid’s immediately.

“Yes! Welcome, welcome!” Gomez boomed, slapping Eugene on the back.

With the damaged couch forgotten and Debbie vanished into the ether, the family settled into mugs of champurrado and Grandmama’s steaming plate of cuernitos. 

Agnes, Pugsley and Eugene huddled near the tree, already fiddling with toy soldiers and chatting quietly. Morticia and Gomez watched their brood with quiet pride.

Enid cleared her throat softly to discretely get Wednesday’s attention.

“Uhm… I have this for you…” she held out a neatly wrapped package toward Wednesday, her ears pink, “I know it’s not much, but…”

Wednesday arched a brow but accepted it, tearing the paper carefully to avoid ripping it. Inside was a small leather-bound journal. She blinked once, fingers trailing across the smooth cover.

“It is not ‘not much’ as you said, Enid” she said, her gaze flicking up to the blushing wolf, “it’s functional, durable, and you took my needs in consideration. I can only very much approve of it”

Enid grinned, her proverbial tail almost wagging. Then she gasped, because Wednesday slipped an unwrapped jewelry box from her onesie pocket, tied only with a red ribbon. Enid opened it with shaky hands to reveal a white gold locket, engraved with a crescent moon on one side and a sharp little W on the other.

“Wednesday…” her eyes went glossy, “this is…”

“Practical. It has a tracker inside…” Wednesday interrupted quickly, though her tone was soft, “if you get lost again, I can track you. Or if you get kidnapped, they will know who to return you safely. Or else…”

The impulse to throw her arms around Wednesday was interrupted by Gomez’s trembling voice.

“My little viper, so considerate!” he said, misty-eyed, pressing a hand to his heart, “Morticia, do you see?”

“I remember her first day at Nevermore” Morticia’s lips curved, “when she vowed she’d never fall in love… or be a housewife… who would have thought…”

Wednesday stiffened, jaw tight.

“Well, I can be the housewife! And Wednesday can be the business husband!” Enid blurted without thinking, then turned bright red.

“Magnificent!” Gomez shot to his feet, booming with delight, “there’s a reason she’s the heir, after all!”

Pugsley snorted into his champurrado. Eugene tried and failed to muffle his laugh, grinning at them with open amusement.

“Don’t worry, my dear children” Morticia lifted a graceful hand, eyes shining, “you too may choose the role you want and we shall support you”

They both went quiet flushed to the ears. 

“Business husband…” Grandmama cackled from the corner, “wait until she learns the family recipe for tostadas de tinga, then we’ll see who wears the apron!”

Agnes sipped from her steaming cup, thinking this was the best Christmas of her life.

Wednesday’s patience snapped. She rose to her feet, hands clasped behind and even on her wolf onesie, looking terrifying.

“I’ve had enough of this nonsense teasing” she declared, her dark gaze sweeping over the family, “and since all of you lack the preservation skills to notice when a bite is coming, I’ll have mercy. Once… Agnes, lesson three. Let’s go”

Agnes immediately scrambled up, ready to follow without a second thought, until Enid darted in front of Wednesday, blocking her path.

“No training on Christmas, Wednesday” she said firmly, chin tilted upward, “it’s not even possible to be outside with how much snow is falling”

“Better yet…” Wednesday replied, already stepping sideways.

Enid blocked her again, frown deepening.

“Let’s watch a movie!” she said, “you know, American family tradition for Christmas day?”

Wednesday’s eyes narrowed, locking on hers. For a long moment, neither blinked.

“Very well…” Wednesday exhaled a long, quiet sigh.

A tiny victorious spark lit in Enid’s eyes. She immediately tugged Wednesday back down onto the couch, earning knowing smirks from Agnes and Pugsley.

“Not. A. Word…” Wednesday warned, just as Gomez’s mouth twitched open.

“I’ll bring the TV!” Fester cried, bolting out of the room.

“I’ll give him a hand” Pugsley added, grabbing Thing with him and following after his uncle.

“Oh!” Eugene perked up, lifting the insulated bag he’d left on the side after he arrived, “my mom sent you jam and honey cobbler. We could snack during the movie”

Lurch took the bag with a groan and disappeared into the kitchen.

They debated briefly over which film to pick, Gomez trying to convince them to watch ‘The bees’ in honor of their most recent guest.

“It’s a very delightful movie, mon cher” Morticia intervened, “but I don’t think it fits the Christmas mood”

“What is it about?” Eugene asked intrigued, not having heard about it before.

“It’s a 1978 Mexican film about imported South American bees” Wednesday said, her eyes gleaming, “a very well organized killer army”

“Oh no…” Eugene paled.

“Nope, that won’t do” Enid cut in, rescuing him, “part of the tradition is to pick a Hallmark movie. But no worries, I’ll pick one guaranteed to creep you out”

She pulled out her phone and made a quick research online while Pugsley was back with the TV, explaining that Fester had been knocked out by Debbie making him trip through the stairs.

“Marvelous” Gomez applauded, “a concussion! Debbie couldn’t have picked a finer gift”

Mirror-casting from her phone, Enid waited until Lurch returned with plates before pressing play.

“This is truly a horror movie” Gomez whispered, delighted, as the leading lady trudged through a snow-covered street, “excellent selection, lobita. That poor woman is trapped in her miserable town and practically kidnapped by this unshaven lumberjack”

“Settlement under manipulation” Morticia added, her brow arched, “a nightmare that haunts many”

Agnes pressed both hands over her face, shaking with laughter, while Enid leaned against Wednesday’s shoulder, giggling just as hard.

Eugene and Pugsley were barely paying any attention to the movie, more focused on a quiet chatter.

“Look, they’re gaslighting her into save the tree farm!” Grandmama yelped enraged, “diabolical!”

The movie rolled on, their commentary running without pause until the final credits. It ended in a chorus of groans and lingering debates over whether the heroine should’ve chosen financial independence over flannel jackets.

By then, the clock was already ticking past midday, and they all agreed a break on the holiday was required, but also, since the storm had passed, they could have a bonfire to close the day.

“A light lunch, then” Morticia declared.

“And a nap!” Grandmama added, shaking a bony finger, “you’ll want your strength if you’re going to use the flames to summon spirits tonight”

“Yes, yes!” Gomez agreed, clapping his hands, “siesta before fiesta is what we always say. Balance is the key to longevity”

“I thought you said that everything in excess was better” Pugsley reminded him as they moved toward the dining table.

“That too, my son” Gomez agreed cheerfully, “but always to your best convenience!”

After their stomachs were pleasantly full, and their eyelids began to sag, everyone scattered. Pugsley tugging Eugene toward his room. Agnes went back to sit at the individual coach with her phone and one more mug of champurrado. The adults drifted in different directions.

Wednesday let Enid guide her upstairs without resistance, very much looking forward to some quiet and possibly a shower and change of clothes.

Once they shut the door, Wednesday leaned back against it, savoring the silence at last. Enid flopped onto the bed, sprawling as wide as she could.

“I think I do need a nap” she murmured, already nuzzling into a pillow.

“I’ll take a shower” Wednesday announced, retrieving clothes under the wolf’s watchful gaze, “I feel particularly filthy of so much time spent with my family, so I shall be out in approximately twenty-five minutes”

“Mmmalrightybabe…” Enid mumbled, her eyes already closing.

A creak of wood made her snap them open again.

Wednesday sat in her chair, freshly showered, wearing cotton shorts and her ‘Bay-Wolf MADNESS’ shirt.

“Wow!” Enid blinked rapidly, “first of all, how did you shower in five seconds? And second, I knew that shirt would look amazing on you”

Wednesday arched a brow, lifted a mug from her desk, and took a slow sip of coffee under Enid’s expectant gaze.

“That was nearly fifty minutes ago, Enid” she said after drinking, “I showered, went for coffee, made sure to knock out my uncle one more time and came back”

Enid sat up in shock.

“Oh my god. I didn’t know I was that tired” she scrambled to Wednesday’s closet, “you don’t mind if I borrow something, do you? I still need to go shopping for clothes. I doubt my mom will be sending me any”

“It’s logical that you are tired, Enid” Wednesday nodded at her choice of clothes, “you’ve barely slept since we arrived, and when you did, you were feverish. Wolf blood or not, you spent more than a month in wolf form. Your human body is reacquainting itself with basic function”

Enid’s smile softened as she approached, cupping Wednesday’s chin.

“You haven’t slept much either, have you?” she asked, brushing her thumb gently over the dark half-moons beneath Wednesday’s eyes.

Wednesday closed her eyes at the touch, exhaling silently.

“I’m fine” she said when she opened them again, “delirium by insomnia is the best prevention against writer’s block”

“Whatever you say, Wedns” Enid huffed a laugh, “I’ll be quick”

She leaned forward but lost her nerve at the last second, pressing only a gentle kiss to Wednesday’s cheek before rushing into the bathroom.

Wednesday watched her go and took another sip of coffee. She pulled her new journal and a pen from the desk, beginning a log of the changes she’d observed over the past couple of days.

She rubbed her eyes when the words blurred into illegibility.

‘If it cannot be avoided’

Glancing at the bathroom door and listening to the steady water, she opened the left-hand drawer. With the pen’s tip, she pressed a hidden catch, releasing a false panel, and drew out a small case.

She sneered at the glasses inside before putting them on and resumed her writing.

“You have glasses!” Enid shouted from the bathroom doorway, jaw hanging open.

Wednesday cursed inwardly but remained stoic. Before looking up, she finished one more line in her log. She already had three pages of notes, what was one more?

Narrow concentration, leading to ignored surroundings — Level of danger: 3. Potential for ambush.

Only then did she raise her gaze. Enid was still staring, eyes wide in shock.

“My eyes were tired” Wednesday said flatly, though her tone held the weight of defeat.

Enid’s jaw clicked shut so fast it hurt. She shuffled to the edge of the bed, ears burning, unable to look away from Wednesday.

“Black suits you” Wednesday offered, diverting the subject.

Enid glanced down at herself. Black leggings and Wednesday’s Nevermore t-shirt felt very comfortable, and she nodded, distracted, her eyes snapping back to Wednesday.

“Why would you…” Enid stammered, “I mean… your eyesight… why would…”

Wednesday sighed, biting the inside of her cheek.

“I’ve always needed them” she explained, “what happened… it wouldn’t change preexisting conditions, as far as my research shows. I’ll look for a model less unattractive to you as soon as possible”

She lifted her hand to remove them.

“No!” Enid yelped, leaping to her feet, “I didn’t… I was just surprised… they don’t look bad. They look… good. So good. You look so… good…”

“If you say so” Wednesday turned her gaze aside.

“I… I do…” Enid insisted, “I really was just surprised, that’s all. But…uhm… yeah… can I… may I…”

“Just spit it out, Sinclair” Wednesday cut in, unamused.

Enid grinned and whipped out her phone.

“No” Wednesday said instantly.

“Hear me out!” Enid crossed the short distance in two steps and plopped sideways across Wednesday’s lap, brandishing her phone, “look at all the likes your picture got this morning! Wednesday, trust me, you’d break the internet in glasses”

Wednesday’s arms circled her waist almost automatically, letting Enid lean against her neck with one arm draped lazily around her shoulders. Her gaze caught on the wolf’s smile, only centimeters away, and suddenly nothing else seemed very pressing.

“I’d rather not…” Wednesday said and steeled herself against Enid’s devastating pout, “but I’m willing to make a concession…”

Enid perked up instantly, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Wednesday returned the smallest smirk, slipped off her glasses, and set them on Enid instead.

“You can take a picture of us like this” she explained to the wolf that was now rolling her eyes, “you’ll be in it. I’ll be in it and the glasses will be in it”

“You think you are very smart, right?” Enid teased, kissing her nose, “fine… That’ll do. For now…”

She lifted her phone, angling it just right, and forced Wednesday to look at the camera. Several selfies later, she leaned against Wednesday’s head, scrolling to pick her favorite before posting it with a grin.

Smartass girlfriend at sight 🤓

#NotMyGlasses #SheCanCompromise #ChristmasMiracle

Enid showed it proudly, bracing for complaints or even an outright demand to delete. Instead, Wednesday bit Enid’s cheek playfully, earning a burst of laughter at the unexpected gesture.

Still giggling, she scrolled down to read comments from her earlier post.

“Listen to this…” she snickered, “‘Is this AI? There’s no way Addams looks that peaceful, not even asleep’, that was Bianca, by the way. Then, ‘Enid, you have much to explain… but also, wth! Addams is cute?!’, that’s from Yoko. And ‘What’s going on here? How are you still alive after photographing Wednesday?’, that’s Xavier”

Wednesday closed her eyes, refraining from pinching her nose only because she didn’t want to let go of Enid.

“I couldn’t care less about their opinions” she said evenly, “but the leech will pay for that comment”

“No revenge on Bianca?” Enid’s grin widened, lowering her phone to look at Wednesday, “and what about Xavier still keeping tabs on you? He never reacts to my posts. You know… he liked you”

Wednesday cracked one eye open.

“I’m aware”

“Wait, what?” Enid blinked, dramatically removing the glasses, “you knew?”

“He was never very subtle with his intentions” Wednesday replied, rolling her eyes, “also, he asked me out”

That reply made Enid freeze. The playful grin faltered.

“Oh. Wow…” she cleared her throat, fighting the sudden, feral urge to hunt someone down, “so… did you like him back?”

Wednesday leaned back, studying her with disbelief.

“Enid…” she waited in silence until the wolf finally looked at her. She raised one brow, “do you want to glance down and remember where you’re sitting?”

Heat rushed to Enid’s face.

“Okay… fair, but…”

“Were you always this territorial?” Wednesday interrupted, intrigued, “or is this part of your Alpha expected behavior?”

“I… I don’t know!” Enid whined, burying her face in Wednesday’s neck.

They remained in silence for a moment.

“I assume you have his phone number?” Wednesday asked, and patiently waited until Enid lifted her head and nodded with a confused expression, “show me”

Still puzzled, Enid scrolled through her contacts and handed over the phone. Wednesday pulled out her own device, dialed, and put it on speaker.

“Hello?” Xavier’s voice came after barely one ring.

“Thorpe. Wednesday Addams” 

There was an audible choke on the other end.

“Oh! Uh…hey!” Xavier stammered, “wow, I didn’t think… what’s up?”

“I was wondering if your proposal to be more than friends still stands” Wednesday continued, not really asking. Her grip around Enid’s waist tightened at the wolf’s sudden tension.

There was silence from the other side of the line, then a stunned laugh.

“Are you kidding?” Xavier answered in excitement, “hell yes, it does”

Wednesday’s mouth curved into a ghost of a smile.

“Then I reject it again. I’m in a relationship with Enid” she hung up before he could stutter a reply.

Sliding the phone back into her pocket, she wrapped both arms around Enid.

“I can’t believe you did that!” Enid burst into incredulous laughter, leaning back while hanging off Wednesday’s neck.

Unfazed, Wednesday leaned into the chair and studied her.

“Has your turmoil been taken care of?” she asked, unbothered.

“Yeah, tots…” Enid snorted, shoulders still shaking.

Wednesday tilted her head, considering.

“I feel very strongly about not wanting to share you” she admitted, tightening her grip, one hand firm on Enid’s waist, the other drawing her closer by the legs, “but I’m uncertain whether I should react as you did toward your previous or future suitors. Should I expect this… territorial instinct to strike me as well?

Enid blinked at her, caught off guard by the question. She seemed to think about it seriously.

“I don’t know… how did you feel when I was with Ajax or Bruno?” her cheeks pinked at the memory of Wednesday catching her kissing Bruno in their room, “did you already… when that happened… when did you find out you were feeling like this?”

The softness of the question, the shy shift in direction, made Wednesday pause, weighing her words.

“I want to be honest” she said at last, “but I also don’t want to burden you with concern over something that has already occurred. And I know you will worry… ”

Enid groaned, tugging lightly at the fabric at the back of Wednesday’s neck.

“Okay, not cryptic at all. Spill…”

Wednesday held her gaze and then Enid gestured ‘well? Go on’, with a smile.

“When you staged that idiotic prank with jam smeared on your neck, pretending to be dead” Wednesday exhaled, her voice quiet, and it reminded Enid of the fragility she had heard a few days before, “I was already being haunted by the vision of your inevitable demise, caused by me. I had nightmares about it. Then, to walk into our room and see you like that… all my fears collapsed on me at once. The thought of losing you… what else could I do but… that’s why I….”

Her jaw tightened; her body trembled, words breaking off before she could finish.

Enid’s smile vanished. She covered her mouth, horrified.

“Oh my god, Wedns!” her eyes went glassy in an instant, “is that why…? That’s why you were so obsessed with the investigation, wasn’t it? You saw me dead in your vision, and then I pulled that stupid prank! God, what was I thinking? So stupid…”

Before her spiraling could pick up speed, Wednesday caught her wrist, holding her still.

“What happened cannot be changed” she said firmly, “but even though I can think of other clues before, that was the moment I understood. No matter the risks, I would not accept a life without you in it…”

Enid’s throat tightened as tears pricked at her eyes, the weight of Wednesday’s words cutting straight through her. She was feeling overwhelmed with guilt, and she opened her mouth, ready to apologize, but Wednesday leaned in first.

Very quietly, almost as if afraid of offending her, Wednesday pressed her forehead and nose against Enid’s temple. The nuzzling was soft and steady, unclear in intention, but instinctively right.

The gesture startled Enid at first, but the warmth of it settled her breathing and eased the tightness in her chest. Slowly, she wrapped her arms back around Wednesday’s neck and closed her eyes with a deep sigh, letting herself bask in the comfort.

“You don’t have to tell me” Wednesday murmured, voice low near her ear, “but did you only start considering your feelings for me after you woke up in my bed, once we brought you back from your feral state? Because that would probably qualify as… Stockholm syndrome. At some level, at least…”

The bluntness and the sheer randomness made Enid snort. A shaky laugh slipped out, panic uncoiling from her shoulders. She leaned back just enough to meet Wednesday’s gaze.

“Funnily enough” she admitted, sobering, “I think I actually had that thought when I was with Bruno”

Wednesday’s brow lifted slightly.

“He asked me why… why I had you as a friend” Enid went on, lips curving in a small, rueful smile, “when we were captured by Agnes. And what I told him then was the truth. I cannot imagine my life without you… And after our talk last night…it just makes sense that all that time, my wolf already was asking for you…”

Enid’s words lingered in the air and Wednesday didn’t immediately respond. She simply studied her, dark eyes heavy with thought.

“Now that I think about it” Enid continued softly, “I think it wasn’t casual that I wolfed out for you. Not this time, but the very first time. I mean… I literally wolfed out because you were in danger, after years of not being able to…”

Wednesday’s lips twitched subtly.

“I thought that was best friends nature” she said with mock seriousness, “unless you are a cis male and cis women, right? Then, and only then, can it be interpreted as lover’s behavior…”

“When did you?” Enid blinked, then laughed in disbelief, “when did you even learn that phrasing? Wait… are you being… funny? Wednesday Addam’s can joke!?”

Wednesday’s seriousness changed in a second, rare softness unfurled across her face, slow and unguarded.

Enid gasped like she’d been struck out of air. She really was.

“Oh my god…” she whispered, hands flying up to clutch Wednesday’s cheeks, “you… you have dimples. Dimples! You’re trying to kill me!”

Wednesday tilted her head ever so slightly, as if confused by the reaction, which only made Enid squeal harder.

“You cannot just… do that…” she babbled, eyes darting from one dimple to the other, “do you expect me to survive when you are this cute!?”

Wednesday frowned.

“I am not c…”

“Yes, you are. The cutest…” Enid cut her off, breathless, “and so adorable… and gorgeous and ridiculously beautiful”

She then rained desperate kisses against each dimple, one cheek and then the other, her laughter spilling between them. Her lips trailed greedily, finding cheeks, temple, jaw, without any clear direction.

By the time she reached the spot just below Wednesday’s ear, the raven had already tightened her hold, her thumb drawing slow, possessive circles into Enid’s hip.

Enid’s hands slid from cupping her cheeks to gripping the sides of her neck, laughter dissolving into shaky breaths as she pulled her closer.

Wednesday’s left hand snapped up to the back of Enid’s neck, yanking her down at the same moment her right fingers clamped firmly on Enid’s waist.

There was no careful buildup this time, just a collision, hungry and unprepared.

Enid gasped into the kiss, then pressed harder, arms looping desperately around Wednesday’s neck. It was messy, teeth knocking, noses bumping, breaths tangling, but neither of them cared. 

Her wolf instincts roared louder than thought, driving her closer. She shifted swiftly, practically straddling Wednesday in the chair. Wednesday made a muffled sound, half protest when their lips broke apart, then in surrender when they rejoined.

Her hands trembled. One slip up Enid’s spine, anchoring her there, while the other cupped her jaw, tilting her head just enough to deepen the kiss.

Enid’s lips moved desperate against Wednesday, rougher now, all pretense of gentleness burned away. The faint bitterness of coffee still clung to Wednesday’s mouth, and it hit Enid like fuel poured onto fire. She moaned into the kiss, the sound filthy, needy, and pressed harder, tasting, savoring, desperate to drown herself in it.

“Wedns…”  she panted the nickname, lips already swollen, eyes glazed, before diving back in. Harder, sloppier, her desperation making Wednesday’s pulse stutter.

Enid whimpered at the taste, at the heat, at everything. Every inhale was filled with Wednesday. She shifted again, pressing down, and Wednesday’s composure cracked entirely. Her fingers tangled in golden hair, yanking her closer.

“Enid…” Wednesday’s voice broke as her lips parted under Enid’s insistent tongue. But Enid couldn’t stop. She dragged her mouth along Wednesday’s jaw, down the curve of her throat, grazing with teeth until a shiver rippled through her.

Her kisses grew chaotic, agitated, dotting every inch of exposed skin she could reach, circling back to Wednesday’s mouth again and again like she might die without it.

Wednesday’s hands were already at Enid’s hips, inexpertly trying to bring her closer, feeling feverish and with a consuming need to erase any space between their bodies. Enid cried at the friction and Wednesday’s chest rose sharply at the sound. The chair groaned beneath them as Wednesday rocked her hips, finding a rhythm that left the wolf panting between kisses.

Enid barely registered the shift at first, too consumed with the taste of Wednesday’s lips and the pounding of her own heartbeat. But then, impossibly, Wednesday was standing without breaking the kiss, and her grip had traveled from her waist to hold her by her thighs.

Enid let out a startled gasp against her mouth when she realized her feet weren’t touching the floor anymore. Wednesday had lifted her, steady and effortless, holding her like she weighed nothing.

Her arms instinctively wrapped tight around Wednesday’s shoulders, legs locking at her waist, the dizzying rush of being carried only adding to the frenzy already thrumming through her veins.

In one smooth step, Wednesday set her down on the edge of the desk. Enid’s breath hitched at the raven standing between her knees, lips already claiming the skin of her throat.

She could only cling tighter, shivering as her body tried to process the fire pooling low in her stomach, the hunger in her chest, and the very attractive and unfair fact that Wednesday Addams had just lifted her like it was nothing.

Enid’s hands were everywhere. Shoulders, arms, waist. All while Wednesday mapped every inch of her neck with her lips. Enid’s claws slid free, brushing bare skin at the waistband of Wednesday’s shorts. The shiver that tore through Wednesday at the contact nearly undid her.

Enid forced them back, clutching instead at the hem of Wednesday’s shirt. The need to feel more ached so sharp it almost hurt.

She leaned back, pausing, eyes wide with desire. Her fingers tugged at the black fabric almost helplessly.

“Can I?” she whispered, voice trembling between pleading and reverent.

Wednesday met her gaze steadily, unreadable but unflinching. Then, with a decisive nod, she lifted her arms.

Enid’s breath caught as she peeled the shirt upward, careful, almost trembling now in contrast to her earlier frenzy. When the fabric finally slipped free and landed on the floor, Enid froze, momentarily stunned.

The smooth lines of Wednesday’s collarbone, the faint rise and fall of her chest, the inviting warmth of her skin, the black bra framing her breasts. It was more than Enid’s racing mind could take.

“God…” she whispered without meaning to, before surging forward again.

Her lips found Wednesday’s collarbone first, then her shoulder, trailing a desperate, uneven path. She pressed open-mouthed kisses across every inch of revealed skin, murmuring breathless sounds between them.

Wednesday, though outwardly still, tightened her grip in Enid’s hair, her breath hitching when Enid’s mouth dragged roughly along her throat.

Enid’s hands caressed her waist, sliding to her ribs, but stopped short of going further, clinging to a control she didn’t even have in the first place. She pulled back just enough to look, really look, at Wednesday without her shirt, chest rising in quick, shallow breaths, lips flushed and kiss-bruised.

“You are not even real…” she whispered hoarsely.

Before Wednesday could raise a brow, Enid gave her a gentle push, enough to make her lean back, then slid off the edge of the desk, Wednesday assuming the moment was over, until strong arms wrapped around her thighs and with ease, Enid lifted her, grinning at the payback.

Wednesday’s eyes widened, but the only sound she made was a sharp inhale as Enid carried her the few steps across the room and deposited her carefully onto the bed.

Enid followed instantly, bracketing her with knees on either side, lips claiming her again with feral insistence.

Wednesday’s fingers dug into Enid’s back, holding tight, then slid down to her waist. Enid kissed down her jaw, her throat, back to her lips, rocking her hips down against Wednesday in a messy, uneven rhythm.

A sudden knock at the door made both of them jolt.

“Darlings” Morticia’s voice purred from the hallway, “your brother is waiting for you to start the fire. I’m not sure how much longer he can restrain himself”

Enid froze, blinking down at Wednesday. She could feel her lips were swollen, her hair a complete mess and her fangs unmistakably visible.

“How… how long have we been…?” she whispered, stunned.

Wednesday glanced at the darkened window, then back at her. Her hair had fallen loose from its braids, and a faint flush dusted her usually pale cheeks.

“Too long” she answered simply, voice lower than usual, “and not nearly long enough”

“Is everything okay?” Morticia asked, amusement clear in her tone, “do you need a minute?”

“More like two…” Enid croaked, then cleared her throat, “we are coming!”

“Are we?” Wednesday snorted, unimpressed.

Enid winced at her word choice at the same time she heard footsteps retreating, then looked back at Wednesday.

“I don’t think I can face your parents without spilling what I was about to do to you” she admitted breathlessly.

Wednesday arched a brow, dark eyes glittering with curiosity.

“Interesting. And what exactly were you going to do to me?”

Enid’s blush deepened, and as reality settled in, she finally noticed her position. Her body pressing against Wednesday, leaning over her, and Wednesday’s chest clad in only a black bra. Her mouth went dry, and she froze, eyes wide.

“You weren’t this shy two minutes ago” Wednesday observed smoothly, a subtle smirk tugging at her lips, “I’m fairly certain I felt your hand struggling with the clasp of my bra”

“Oh my god… I’m a horn dog!” Enid’s ears turned scarlet, horrified.

Wednesday didn’t laugh or teased further. She simply sat up slightly, keeping Enid straddling her, and kissed her slowly, gently. Soft lips, careful, claiming her undivided attention.

“My wolf” she murmured against her lips, “you should not feel embarrassed. After all…”

Enid’s smile peeked through the blush, cheeks still rosy, heart fluttering in a way that made her almost dizzy.

“I do need my shirt, though. And maybe more layers” Wednesday pulled back slightly, voice regaining its clipped edge but still warm, “while my family is very supportive, my father might challenge you to a duel if he sees the marks you gave me. Or the ones I can feel forming at this very second”

Enid’s eyes widened as she followed Wednesday’s gaze to her neck and collarbone. Hickeys and faint bite marks were already showing. Her jaw dropped, a mix of awe and delight, before she scrambled for her phone.

“For the record” she murmured with a mischievous grin, snapping a selfie of the two of them, clearly showing the marks, and half of Enid still straddling Wednesday, their flushed faces betraying everything that had just happened.

“That better not end up on Instagram, Enid Sinclair” Wednesday warned, her tone cool. But her eyes, dark and lingering on the screen, betrayed appreciation.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The fire pit stood ready, stacked with heavy logs piled taller than Lurch himself, who was just setting the last piece across the top.

Though the snow had stopped falling, the bonfire-to-be was a dark blot against the white clearing, and everyone waiting around it looked like shadows.

Eugene shuffled in place, his breath fogging in the air. He turned once more toward the manor, wondering if he was brave enough to go drag Wednesday out, since they couldn’t start until she arrived. His shoulders hunched deeper against the cold.

“Maybe…we should…go and wait inside…” he mumbled through chattering teeth.

Beside him, Pugsley cupped his own hands, icy blue sparks snapping between his palms. He blew on them once, then extended them towards Eugene.

“Here” he offered with a smile, “don’t whine about it…”

Eugene hesitated, not exactly eager for another shock, but slipped his hands into Pugsley’s anyway.

“Okay… wow” is eyes widened at the sudden heat, “that’s… actually nice”

Pugsley beamed.

“Anytime…”

The sharp crunch of snow interrupted any more conversation. 

Enid and Wednesday walked along a path that seemed to be almost chest-deep in unbroken mounds of snow. Enid stumbled free first, shivering violently, arms wrapped tight around herself.

“Why didn’t we take the already clear of snow path that everyone else had already used?” she asked, cheeks flushed pink from the cold.

Wednesday stepped up behind her, sliding her arms around Enid’s waist and resting her chin on her shoulder.

“You were the one who insisted, ma loup” she whispered, brushing her nose beneath Enid’s jaw and earning another shiver, “said you needed to ‘cool down’”

Enid blushed, and this time was thankful, since her face went warm because of it. And due to Wednesday’s breathing against her neck.

“Nothing more invigorating than a frozen blanket!” Gomez declared from his spot.

“I’m sure it invigorated them plenty” Morticia added with a knowing grin, “right, my darlings?”

Wednesday stayed silent, but Enid broke into coughing and stared at anything but Morticia and Gomez.

“La pequeña lobita already looks much better” Gomez agreed with his wife, oblivious, “and now that my firstborn is here… it’s time to wake the spirits!”

He held out a single torch toward Pugsley, who, still clasping Eugene’s hand with one of his, raised the other and sent a crack of white lightning into the torch’s tip. 

A purple flame flared against the night. He bowed and passed it to Morticia, who turned to Agnes.

“Time to light the flame” she purred, eyes warm.

“Me?” Agnes blinked, startled.

“You are the newest branch of our tree” Morticia explained.

“But of course!” Gomez spread his arms wide, as though it were the most obvious, “who better to begin a Yule fire than the one who has only just found her place in its glow?”

Agnes smiled so wide her cheeks hurt, eyes shining as she took the torch. She stepped behind the stone circle surrounding the pit.

Grandmama tottered forward, raising her hands. The Addams crest glinted in silver on her ring.

“Hark! The wheel has turned to its deepest dark. The longest night is upon us now” her voice rang clear against the frozen air, “the old sun rests, but the promise is here. All of the darkness of the year, all of the sorrow, all of the cold, we give to this flame…”

She nodded at Agnes. The torch touched the logs, and fire roared to life instantly. 

Sparks spiraled upward into the black winter sky, and everyone drew closer, their faces bathed in orange light.

“Fire of Yule, burn brightly! Fire of Yule, cast out the shadow! We call back the light! We welcome the sun reborn!” Grandmama’s voice carried the strength of the whole clan. No trace of her usual stutter or tremor remained, “let the days lengthen, let the world quicken, let hope and warmth return to the earth and to our hearts. Hail the light! Hail the sun!”

“Hail the light! Hail the sun!” the others echoed.

A warmth that had little to do with the fire covered everyone present. 

Enid hugged Wednesday’s hands where they still circled her waist, the cold long forgotten.

“I didn’t know today was Yule,” she murmured, leaning back into her.

“It is not” Morticia explained gently a few steps away, “we simply chose to celebrate it today”

“It was four days ago” Agnes piped up, glancing up from her phone.

“No Addams left behind…” Grandmama declared, edging dangerously close to the flames but looking entirely unconcerned, “since my son, the red one and my grandchild were busy retrieving the pup through the woods… but no matter. Time bends for those who dance with it!”

The fire cracked and spat, sparks spiraling up into the dense darkness.

“Ah, my dearest… what glorious tale of the Dark Season shall we share?” Gomez leaned forward, eyes glittering with mischief, “the one of the wild hunt? The truest Yuletide travel story!”

“Yes, darling” Morticia extended a pale hands toward the flames, her nails catching the light before she intertwined it with her husband, “the night when the veil thins, and our dearly departed are granted their magnificent, yearly gallop”

“Precisely!” Gomez clapped his hands together, nearly bouncing on his heels, “on this, the longest and most marvelous night, the great god Odin… or perhaps our own ancestor, the Dread Caller, gathers his most exquisite spectral host! Headless riders! Baying phantom hounds! They sweep across the heavens, not to spread cheer, but to usher in the blissful reign of the deep freeze!”

Pugsley seemed enthralled by the story even though he had obviously heard it before, and Eugene was surprised at how easily Gomez captured everyone's attention despite his usual goofy and playful personality.

“Their task is to collect the unfortunate souls. Those who dared to be happy during the year” Wednesday added in a low tone, still hugging Enid and her eyes on the fire, “they are swept up, screaming. Which must be a terrible bother for him…”

“A terrible bother indeed, my venomous viper” Morticia agreed, her smile soft, “but a necessary cleansing. The rushing wind we hear tonight is not the draft in the chimney, but the pounding hooves of the hunt above the rafters, leaving a trail of glorious, icy despair”

“And a proper sacrifice is required! Not a turkey… how dull!” Fester added, his smile unhinged, “no, the old ways demand a tribute for Odin’s mighty steed, Sleipnir. Moldy grain left by the chimney, so our beloved ancestors may return to their eternal slumber properly acknowledged”

“And when the terrifying hunt passes, what is their gift to us, querida mia?” Gomez turned to Morticia, his grin widening.

“Their gift, my love, is the reminder that chaos is eternal and darkness supreme” Morticia’s eyes glowed darkly, her voice smooth as midnight velvet, “the hunt ensures that for another year, the forces of sunshine and banal happiness are kept at bay. It promises us more shadow, more silence… and more exquisitely morbid family time”

Grandmama shuffled forward, patting Fester on the head, Gomez on the back, and Morticia on the hand with gentleness.

“Well done my children” she nodded towards Wednesday, “the stories must prevail over time, lest they be forgotten. But now… now comes the Heitstrenging! The swearing of solemn oaths, as it has been done since our first ancestors danced with the night. Promises made by fire and darkness, by shadow and reborn sun”

“Uh…” Eugene raised a tentative hand, “like New Year's resolutions?”

“That is the calendar year” Wednesday corrected him, “the true year begins when the sun does”

“Well said, my child” Grandmama confirmed, “now each must bind themselves to something. The head of the house first…”

Gomez stepped forward.

“I swear that this year, no harm will come to my family. I will give my life if needed!” he pressed a hand dramatically over his heart.

“I vow that I will finally bring my pet back from the Bermuda triangle…” Fester giggled beside him, “remember, brother?”

“But of course, brother!” Gomez seized his shoulders, shaking him with gleeful fervor, “she has waited long enough! Our neighbors haven’t complained in weeks, and we must remedy that!”

“I vow to help my raven recover her powers” Morticia extended a graceful hand toward Wednesday, her eyes soft.

“For my kin to be nourished” Grandmama made her pledge looking at the sky, “for my kin to be free of any ill, I pledge my breath and bone”

Enid felt Wednesday press a soft kiss along her jaw before stepping away to stand beside her.

“By the light of the sun reborn, I vow to strengthen my pack” her gaze lingered first on Enid, then shifted to Pugsley, Agnes, and Eugene in turn.

Pugsley stepped forward.

“I vow to forge my own Addams name, out of my sister’s shadow”

Wednesday gave a small nod of approval.

The family turned then, expectant, to the others.

“Oh… uh… I don’t know what to say” Enid’s fingers twisted nervously.

“Ah, lobita, don’t fear saying the wrong thing” Gomez soothed, smiling at her, “it does not always have to be a vow. It can also be a release. To let go of something heavy, so the fire carries it away”

Pugsley nudged Eugene gently. He seemed thoughtful for a moment, but finally nodded.

“Then… I vow to care for my relationships” his eyes darted quickly toward Pugsley before lowering again, “I won’t let my friends feel neglected again…”

“I vow not to let my mother and father decide my worth” Enid said at last, emboldened, “or make me cry again”

Wednesday lifted their joined hands, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

“I won’t let others make me feel invisible anymore” Agnes said lastly, her lips twitched into the barest grin, “in more ways than one”

Grandmama lifted her arms high, her silhouette stark against the fire.

“The oaths are spoken, the shadows have heard, and the sun reborn bears witness! What is sworn in fire is carried in bone and breath!”

She bent to recover a carved black flask resting by the flames. Uncorking it with her teeth, she filled a small goblet and pressed it into Gomez’s hand.

“To Mother Night…” he intoned, raising it aloft before draining it in a single swallow, “keeper of silence, womb of shadow, voice of our beloved dead!”

The cup made its way from Morticia’s pale fingers to Fester’s eager grin, then to Wednesday and Enid. When Grandmama reached Pugsley, Eugene, and Agnes, she poured only half portions each.

“Believe me…” Gomez warned after Pugsley protested, “that will be more than enough, my little troublemakers”

Finally, Grandmama filled the goblet one last time and drank, cackling with feral triumph.

“Now it is sealed! The year is bound, the promises made! Drink carries it to your veins, fire carries it to the sky, and shadow keeps it safe!”

A deep, thunderous beat answered her words. Then another. A light, fluting note joined, weaving harmony.

“Marimba!” Gomez boomed, gesturing to Lurch, who had been waiting solemnly by a marimba while Thing perched atop a timpani, now the both of them playing at a rhythmic tune.

“Music!” Fester crowed, striding forward to snatch up a guitar and a small wooden harp and shoved the former to his brother.

Grandmama began to shake, her thin limbs rattling as though shedding snow from her body. Pugsley seized Eugene’s hands and pulled him into a gleeful, childlike spin.

Morticia claimed Agnes, twirling her once before shifting into graceful but oddly angular ‘80s moves. Agnes laughed breathlessly, her curls bouncing as she tried to keep pace.

“Dance with Mother Night! Dance with the shadow! Dance with the blood of our mothers before us!” Grandmama’s voice rose above the music.

“Can you handle it?” Wednesday asked Enid, a half-smirk curling her lips.

Enid grinned and took Wednesday hands to pull her toward the rest and also joined the awkward but freeing dancing.

The fire hissed and roared as if in response, and the sparks spiraled skyward, carrying the oaths and the dance into the endless dark.

They kept dancing for hours, Pugsley taking the guitar from his father at one point, so he could go and join Morticia. They only took quick stops to snack on the food Grandmama took out at certain point, but no one was really hungry, the buzz from their drink fueling them.

Agnes slipped in beside and Enid, and somehow managed to convince Wednesday of attempting a few TikTok trends.

“Why am I not surprised you're perfect the first time?” Enid snorted when the two of them were finally alone, swaying together.

Wednesday didn’t answer. Her lips curved with a mischievous glint as she drew Enid close by the neck, tucking her face into the wolf’s shoulder. Enid’s arms slid easily around her waist.

Agnes broke from the circle she’d been spinning in with Pugsley and Eugene, retreating to sit on one of the heavy logs set around the bonfire. Her lungs burned pleasantly from dancing. Only then did she notice the purple and pink of dawn bleeding into the black night.

It wasn’t long before Enid and Wednesday settled beside her. Enid’s cheeks flushed, pulling Wednesday into her lap. Wednesday wrapped her arms immediately around Enid’s neck

“Oh my god, what was in that drink!” Enid fanned herself, still buzzing with the urge to keep moving.

“I don’t think you want to know” Wednesday said, steady heartbeat and infuriating even breath.

A moment later, Pugsley and Eugene collapsed onto the other side of Agnes, laughing as they shook snow from their hair.

“Photo time!” Eugene declared, tugging his phone free. He and Pugsley leaned together, pulling faces.

Enid immediately pressed in, dragging Wednesday and Agnes closer so they all fit into the frame.

They started posing and making faces, switching phones to Enid’s and Agnes’s and “why don’t we just create a group and share them there from one phone?” from Eugene, that was entirely dismissed.

Agnes managed to turn in time and sneak a picture of Enid dramatically dipping Wednesday back into a kiss, still perched on her lap.

Wednesday did kiss her back with the kind of intensity that made Enid gasp for air when she pulled away. But before Enid could recover, Wednesday snatched Agnes’s phone.

“Wednesday Addams, you will not do such thing!” Enid scolded her, snatching it back just before Wednesday could tap delete, “oh my gosh! We look so cute! Send it to me, please!”

She squealed and clapped, giving the phone back to Agnes, who laughed and swiftly created a ‘Wannabes pack’ chat group and sent the group photos, mindful of sending Enid’s and Wednesday’s kiss only via DM to the wolf.

Eugene had now claimed the log, with Pugsley sprawled in the snow in front of him clearly undisturbed by the cold, leaning back against his knees as they snapped even more selfies.

Enid beamed once the photos came through and immediately went to post them. She paused to pout at Wednesday for silent permission. Wednesday rolled her eyes but nodded.

Agnes posted a few herself. Her smile was so wide it made her cheeks ache, but she didn’t even try to disguise it. Between the past days, the gifts, the dancing, the half-cup of whatever unholy brew Grandmama had handed her, and the overall feeling of being included, she couldn’t help it.

Ignoring her notifications, she scrolled her feed, leaving likes and small comments here and there. Then her thumb stilled.

A new post she hadn’t seen before. The clock at the top of her screen read 4:37. The post was eight hours old.

Her mother. Beaming alongside her husband and their baby.

Blessed by having a gorgeous child and the best husband

#Holidays #FamilyBlessing

Agnes stared at it, lips pressed into a fragile smile. She sat up straighter, chin lifting, as if posture alone might keep the void in her chest from swallowing her whole.

On impulse, she opened her notifications and scrolled back to her mother’s chat. No new messages. Weeks of silence. She blinked fast, clearing the blur from her eyes, and switched to her father’s thread.

‘Stuck at work. Order something’, sent ten hours ago.

She had been with the Addams Family for four days now. With Wednesday and Fester for four weeks… but she might as well have been dead for all her parents seemed to notice. Invisible. She was truly invisible.

Chapter Text

The bonfire had burned itself down to a low, breathing heart of orange embers.

The air smelled of smoke and pine, and the darkness was no longer a cover for the cluster of teenagers sitting on the logs around the dying fire nor for the adults, who somehow still danced with endless energy.

When the last pink of dawn disappeared and the sun was only a breath away from cresting the horizon, Gomez spun Morticia one last time to finish the current piece.

“Well, my dear creatures of the night” he announced, stretching with a satisfying crack of his spine, “another glorious celebration of warmth and mild recklessness. Time to retire before the sun realizes we’ve been cheating on it!”

Grandmama was the first to head back toward the manor, Thing perched on her shoulder.

“Wait…” Enid looked at the charred remains of the bonfire, “shouldn’t we… I don’t know… throw something on it? I mean… it could totally flare up again and spread to the woods, right? Or the house?”

She gestured to Wednesday and then around, deciding if just kicking snow on it would be the best call.

Gomez gasped, delighted.

“You are absolutely right, lobita! What terrible caretakers we’ve been!” he threw a proud look toward Morticia, “such foresight! Such responsibility! You are a true Addams!”

Enid smiled, flustered by the praise, and opened her mouth to suggest snow when Gomez turned toward Lurch, who had just leaned to pick up the instruments and carry them back to the manor.

“Lurch, my good man, rectify our carelessness at once!” he instructed.

Lurch gave a low groan of acknowledgment, dropped the instruments and obediently heaved another armful of wood onto the glowing coals.

Flames licked up again with the help of the wood and the sudden cold wind blowing.

“Now the odds are higher!” Gomez cheered, clapping his hands.

With the fire crackling brighter now, Lurch turned away from it, lumbering toward the snowbank where Pugsley had apparently decided to collapse mid-yawn. The boy was half-buried in frost and the snow moving with each of his snorings was the only sign that he was alive.

Lurch scooped him up like a sack of potatoes, slinging him over his shoulder and trudging back toward the manor.

“How can he sleep in this cold?” Eugene asked, incredulous, watching as Fester ran past and nearly sent Lurch stumbling and still, Pugsley continued deep asleep.

“Ah, young metabolism” Morticia said fondly, “a blessing we squander”

“Indeed, querida” Gomez agreed, offering her his arm. As they started back, he turned over his shoulder to Enid “thank you again, lobita! Now the odds of destruction are truly higher!”

“That’s not…” Enid blurted, incredulous.

“The fire knows better than to cross and Addams” Wednesday murmured beside her.

“If you’re sure, babycakes” Enid yawned and turned toward the path to the manor, “let’s head in too, I’m like, five minutes away to fall asleep in the snow like Pugsley”

Wednesday only nodded and turned to make sure nothing had been left behind.

Agnes didn’t move. Her shoulders were tense, her gaze locked on the fire, phone clutched tight in her hands.

“Agnes, sweetie, you okay?” Enid asked softly.

Agnes shook her head.

“Can we…” she turned to Wednesday, “continue with the training?”

“Sweetheart” Enid said gently, “it’s six in the morning. We’ve been up all night, and we should all go to sleep”

But Agnes’s jaw was already set, her eyes meeting Wednesday’s in silent plea.

“If she wishes to train” Wednesday said, voice even, “then she shall train”

“Et tu, Wednesday?” Enid sighed, pressing two fingers to her temple. Seeing that familiar determined look in Wednesday’s eyes, she added dryly, “of course she shall…”

Wednesday regarded her for a moment, expression serene, eyes narrowing slightly.

“Fine” Enid relented, “just don’t overdo it, okay?”

She leaned in to brush a kiss against Wednesday’s cheek.

“When have I ever?” Wednesday’s lips curved faintly.

“Want the full list or just this month’s?” Enid arched a brow.

Wednesday’s eyes glittered with mischief, and she tugged Enid by the front of her sweater for a brief kiss.

“If you’re not done within two hours” Enid warned, stepping back, “I will drag both your asses to bed myself” 

She pressed one more kiss to Wednesday’s lips and squeezed Agnes’s shoulder on her way out.

When Enid’s figure disappeared, Agnes cleared her throat.

“So… woods again?

Wednesday shook her head. 

“Not today” her gaze flicked toward the distant shape of the manor, “this way”

Agnes followed, the snow crunching softly underfoot. They passed the graveyard and approached the manor, though Wednesday guided her through a different entrance.

Once they step inside the house, Wednesday led Agnes through a side door she hadn’t used before, down a narrow hall and a spiraling staircase.

“This is the subbasement” Wednesday explained, pausing to light an oil lamp mounted by the entrance, “hardly any distractions here”

“It’s… warm…” Agnes murmured, “thank you, Wednesday, I know that you are tired…”

“We Addams thrive in the cold, but we do not feed on it” Wednesday offered to the first comment, and cryptically added, “we burn, Agnes. When one of our own is chilled, we bring them closer to the fire”

“So this is… your way of keeping me warm?” Agnes swallowed hard. 

“My way of keeping you busy” Wednesday turned to her, expression unreadable.

She crossed to a long worktable cluttered with tools and glass bottles that caught the lamplight like tiny captured suns. She gestured for Agnes to sit opposite her.

“You now know the basic, breath and heart control, and to be mindful of your footprints” she began, voice steady, “those are foundations. The next lesson would be to slow your pulse and control your body temperature. But since you’re feeling… motivated, we’ll move ahead. First, the nature of your power…”

“You mean what you said about me being light?” Agnes asked, curious.

“Precisely… and also, I never said that” Wednesday corrected, “the simplest way to explain it, is that you manipulate photons, or light, if you insist. Now, it is too soon, but in time, you’ll be able to bend it so precisely that you could craft illusions… or render other objects, even people, invisible”

Agnes’s eyes widened.

“That sounds amazing, but…” she shrugged, trying to make herself smaller, “I don’t think I have such powers. I only make what I’m wearing and holding invisible…”

“That is because you are not thinking about it” Wednesday cut in, firm but not rude, “let’s put it like this… make your shoes invisible without vanishing yourself”

“Oh…”

“Exactly…” Wednesday folded her hands behind her back, patiently.

Agnes pushed the footstool back to stand up and looked down, took a breath and focused. Her shoulders were trembling, and her lips were pressed tight as she concentrated, but after a couple of seconds, nothing happened.

She gasped, stumbling a little. Then she vanished completely and reappeared in a second.

“It doesn’t work…” she said, disappointment heavy in her voice.

“Not yet…” Wednesday rectified, “you are acting on instinct. Like breathing. It’s both voluntary and involuntary. You are powerful, yes, but you lack understanding of what you’re doing when you do it”

“Then…” Agnes frowned, rubbing her temples, “what do I do if I don’t know what I’m doing?”

“First, you stop thinking about you're hiding something, or from someone…” Wednesday’s voice softened, just slightly, “I’m going to assume that that’s how you discovered you were an outcast, am I right?”

Agnes’s gaze fell, a shadow of memory crossing her face.

“Think instead of what surrounds you, or the objects” Wednesday continued, bringing the lamp closer and covering half of it with her hand, “not the fabric, not the skin, but the light. It’s everywhere, even in the dark. Find it. Speak to it”

Agnes swallowed hard and nodded, closing her eyes.

“I can’t…it doesn’t feel…” she said after a beat, her knees wobbling, “it actually feels…”

“Exhausting” Wednesday supplied, almost gently, “it should be. But not forever”

“Then maybe I’m just… not able to take it to the next level” Agnes’s eyes darted up to hers, glassy with the sheen of unshed tears, “maybe I’m less than an average outcast with only half the powers. A mistake…”

“Incorrect” Wednesday’s voice was unamused, but her gaze was steady, “you are precisely made for this. You’ve simply been convinced you weren’t made for anything”

“Wednesday…” Agnes stopped, a sudden lump in her throat.

“Try now” Wednesday instructed.

Agnes’s eyes prickled, but she nodded. She swayed a little, breath coming shallow after minutes of effort. No success.

“Again” Wednesday watched without blinking and without moving.

Agnes tried. 

This time she kept her eyes open.

She tried until a thin sheen of sweat covered her forehead.

“I don’t understand… it’s too hard” she gasped, leaning on the table.

“Because you are still thinking of invisibility” Wednesday said simply, “fueling it from your fear of being seen”

Agnes shook her head fast, hands curled into fists, trying to shake loose whatever cracked inside at that comment.

“No… no, I just…” her voice wavered, “every time I think I got it, it slips…”

“It slips because you think you don’t deserve it” Wednesday said with quiet certainty.

“I…” Agnes’ lips trembled.

“You are worth being seen, Agnes” Wednesday’s dark eyes held hers, “whoever made you believe you don’t deserve it, myself included, is wrong”

Agnes blinked hard. Tears burned but didn’t fall.

“My parents used to fight about me all the time” she said, a weak sound that wasn’t quite laughter, “not because I did something wrong. Just because I existed… I used to make myself invisible and sit in the room with them, because they seemed less angry when they forgot I was there. And I heard them…”

Wednesday’s gaze narrowed, but she stayed silent.

“My mother said I ruined her life and my father said he stayed because of me” the words tumbled out now, uneven and breathless, “and when she finally left… she made a whole new family. Perfect, bright, normal. A family she actually wants. Then my father stopped pretending to be around. So maybe they were right. Maybe I really was the mistake that tied them together too long… or a simply a mistake in general”

“A mistake doesn’t learn control” Wednesday’s voice came low but firm, “you exist because you do, and your existence needs no justification”

“You make it sound so easy” Agnes looked down, trembling.

“It isn’t” Wednesday admitted, “but easy things rarely matter. Consider this training of another kind. You bowed to it last night. You will not let others make you feel invisible…”

Agnes’ breath hitched. She wiped her face with the back of her sleeve, trying to steady her breath.

“Yeah” she whispered, “okay”

“Say it” Wednesday said.

“Wha… what?” Agnes blinked.

“Say that you are worth to be seen” Wednesday insisted, gaze narrowed.

“I… I just did” Agnes said, confused.

“No” Wednesday’s tone stayed low but implacable, “I said it. You haven’t. Say you are worthy of existing”

“C’mon, Wednesday” Agnes tried to smile.

“Say it” Wednesday pushed.

“I am” Agnes gave a shaky laugh.

“No. Say you are worthy…” Wednesday’s eyes didn’t leave hers.

“Wednesday…”

“Say it” Wednesday pushed again.

“I…”

“Say it, Agnes DeMille” Wednesday lifted her chin slightly.

“I can’t!” Agnes burst, breathing hard.

Wednesday’s brow arched.

“I can’t say it because it’s not true!” Agnes shouted again, before her voice broke, “you… you have parents who love you. Parent who want you! I’ve seen it, Wednesday… they way they look at you and Pugsley. Like your existence is the most wonderful thing in this world” she choked, the rest spilling too fast, “my parents really just looked at each other like a cage they couldn’t unlock. They stayed together because of me… because of the mistake they made”

Wednesday moved around the table, silent.

“How am I supposed to say I’m worthy when I ruined two lives just by being born?” Agnes pressed her palms to her eyes, shaking, “they don’t even… I could be dead in a swamp, and they wouldn’t even care to know…”

Wednesday let the silence stretch. The only sound was Agnes’s ragged breathing.

“Do you consider me an unintelligent person, Agnes?” Wednesday asked evenly, when Agnes lowered her hands and hugged herself.

“What?” the redhead blinked through tears.

“Answer the question” Wednesday said, no hint of mockery in her tone, “do you think I’m brainless or ultimately stupid?”

“Of course not” Agnes said, startled, “you are the most intelligent and brilliant person I know. The one I admire the most…”

“Then why are you suggesting…” Wednesday continued, voice unfazed, “that I, Wednesday Addams, someone you repeatedly, even just now, called brilliant, am wasting my time on someone who doesn’t matter? Someone not worthy… that I cannot tell the difference between potential and pointlessness…”

Agnes’s mouth opened, no words forming.

“And before your brain even goes there” Wednesday warned, “I couldn’t care less about the benefits of having an invisible outcast at my disposal. I am an Addams. Pack to an Alpha werewolf who can tear down doors and walls, and a brother who can build explosives from a breakfast set. I have no need for stealth”

“Wedn… Wednesday…” Agnes trembled.

Wednesday took a single step closer.

“I am willingly using my time with you” she said, voice barely above a whisper, “so tell me, Agnes… am I wasting it? Which will it be… am I brilliant for choosing you, or an unintelligent fool?”

“I am worthy…” Agnes shook her head, voice small but trembling with effort.

“You are” Wednesday said, voice softer now but no less certain, “you are worthy, Agnes DeMille. If your parents could not see your worth, that is their blindness, not your invisibility”

Agnes’s breath caught. For the first time, the words seemed to find a place to settle instead of sliding off the surface of her doubt.

“Okay” Enid said from the doorway, “that’s enough practice for today”

Agnes began swiping at her cheeks, startled.

“I can keep going” she said quickly, “I haven’t even made progress…”

“No” Enid said, not even glancing at her.

Her eyes were on Wednesday, firm and narrowed.

Wednesday exhaled after a beat.

“We’ll continue tomorrow, Agnes” she said, still holding Enid’s gaze.

“Okay” Agnes nodded, shoulders slumping, and slipped past Enid.

“Good girl” Enid murmured to Wednesday when the raven also reached the door, looping her arms and tugging her toward the stairs.

They started up together, their footsteps echoing softly through the old house.

“You both need a bath” Enid said, wrinkling her nose, “the burnt-match scent is so not in season. You basically fermented the bonfire inside that room forgotten by god. It’s hurting my nose…”

“An accurate observation” Wednesday replied, casting her a sideways look, her own nose wrinkling faintly.

“Then you will eat something and then nap. Agnes, I don’t want to see the light of your phone, got it?” Enid turned then to Wednesday, “with you, I’ll tie you to bed if needed”

“Yes, ma’am” Wednesday’s mouth curved faintly. 

“Yes, mom…” Agnes said, too tired to even smirk.

“That’s not what…” Enid’s ears went pink, but she powered through, “and tomorrow, we’re not practicing in that dirty crypt of a basement. No offense, babe”

“None taken” Wednesday replied smoothly, “Grandmama worked very hard to keep it exactly as dusty as she prefers”

They reached the last step, Enid tugging Wednesday closer as they passed into the manor’s main hall. 

By the time the three of them reached their rooms, the exhaustion had fully settled in.

Agnes muttered a quiet “Goodnight”, freezing for a moment looking at the black nameplate outside of her door, before disappearing into her room.

“Come on” Enid said softly, fingers brushing Wednesday’s wrist, “shower and bed. Now”

Wednesday didn’t argue.

Not that she could.

.

.

.

.

.

.

When Agnes opened her eyes, the room was completely dark, even though she’d left the curtains open before going to bed.

A quick glance at her phone confirmed it was just past eight. She wasn’t sure if there was still movement in the house, but she didn’t feel like going back to sleep. So she changed out of her pajamas, grabbed her phone, and stepped into the hallway.

The scent of chocolate and burnt sugar lingered in the air as she padded downstairs.

She had barely made it past the parlor doorway when Pugsley’s voice greeted her.

“She is alive!” he cheered from the rug, sprawled against Eugene’s knees while the bee-boy lazily stirred his drink with a candy cane. Eugene joined the celebration with a shout.

Enid raised her mug high. She was curled up against Wednesday, her back pressed to the raven’s chest, head tilted slightly as Wednesday’s thumb traced idle patterns along her collarbone. One of Enid’s hands cradled her mug, the other rested over Wednesday’s where it lay near her heart.

Wednesday gave a single nod toward the empty space on the opposite end of the couch. Agnes had barely sat down before Pugsley was already scrambling to his feet.

“Don’t move from there, soldier” he called halfway to the kitchen, “hot chocolate inbound!”

Agnes slumped into the cushions with a yawn wide enough to crack her jaw.

“I feel like I slept too much and not enough” she murmured, leaning her head back.

“Well… you did stay up stubbornly until almost noon” Enid said, sipping her drink, “that’s not even counting the…”

“Hot chocolate with extra of marshmallows incoming” Pugsley announced, handing her a mug, “I still insist a few of my Egyptian beetles would complement the drink better, but…”

“Absolutely not” Enid and Eugene said in unison.

Pugsley just grinned, undeterred.

“More for me” he said, plopping back down and lifting his cup in silent toast. Eugene dropped another candy cane into it, “so… what were we talking about?”

“Who had the worst snoring” Wednesday replied calmly, “Agnes or Enid”

“I don’t snore” Agnes said.

“I don’t snore” Enid echoed immediately, then hesitated, “that bad…”

“Don’t worry, mi sol” Wednesday murmured, brushing her thumb along Enid’s hand, “I consider it a reminder of the dangerous beast you are. I’ve never had more thrilling dreams”

“Let me show the receipts” Pugsley said, already pulling out his phone, “I have high-quality recordings”

“Why would you do that!” Enid gasped.

“Oh, no…” Agnes groaned, blushing.

Pugsley grinned as the audios played, proud and unrepentant.

“Family policy” he said brightly, “record everything for possible blackmail”

“That’s terrible!” Enid protested, offended.

“Extortion keeps the bonds strong” Wednesday murmured, her arm tightening briefly around Enid’s shoulders before pressing a soft kiss to her neck.

That was all it took to melt the fight out of Enid, who relaxed fully against her girlfriend.

“So” Eugene said, balancing his mug on one knee and absently twirling a lock of Pugsley’s hair between his fingers, “you’re all still going back to Nevermore after New Year’s, right?”

“I haven’t even considered how I’m going to convince them to let me come back” Enid said sadly, tracing the rim of her mug, “I mean… I missed more than just a few days of classes. Plus, I don’t think my mom is exactly eager to pay the semester…”

“That has already been taken care of” Wednesday said, “assuming the school doesn’t get burned down, eaten or cursed in the next couple of days, we’ll be there”

“Why would it be burn…” Enid turned her head slightly to look at Wednesday, then stopped herself with a sigh, “never mind that. What do you mean with ‘taken care of’?”

“Mother has already provided a plausible excuse for our absence to the new principal. Yours too, Agnes” Wednesday explained, “and the tuition has been covered…”

“That doesn’t explain anything at all, Wends…” Enid muttered, pressing a brief kiss to Wednesday’s jaw, “care to share more details?”

“Not really” Wednesday replied unfazed.

“That’s whatever…” Pugsley cut in, “let’s get back to the school getting cursed. Wouldn’t that be amazing?”

“It would not…” Eugene said, smacking him lightly on the head, “but speaking of, has the new principal been announced?”

“I bet it’ll be whoever made the biggest donation” Agnes said thoughtfully.

“Okay, I want in” Pugsley said, suddenly animated, “I bet one finger it’s going to be Grandma”

“Then I shall place my wager on Principal Weems,” Wednesday said, voice brightening at the idea of the wager. She took a slow sip from her cup.

Four pairs of eyes stared at her.

“Babe, are you that exhausted?” Enid asked, half sitting up before Wednesday’s arm tightened to keep her in place, “you do remember that Principal Weems is dead, right?”

“I suppose this is the right moment to explain that she has been my spiritual mentor since I woke up from the coma after Tyler threw me through that third-story window” she paused when Enid let out a low, dangerous growl and kissed her cheek gently, “spiritual being the key. Oh, and she’s also a relative…”

“Spiritual… as in ghost?” Eugene choked on his drink. 

“Babe” Enid said, pinching the bridge of her nose, “there is so much we need to work on regarding, oh, I don’t know…communicating relevant information!”

Wednesday seemed to consider this seriously for a beat before nodding and offering the faintest grin.

Enid rolled her eyes but rewarded her girlfriend with another kiss before settling back against her chest.

“Do you think they will modify the room assignments?” Agnes asked shyly, “I mean, they don’t allow roommates to date, right?”

“They don’t allow boys and girls being roommates, so technically, there can’t be couples being roommates” Enid answered and shrugged, “they can’t exactly say ‘no roommates dating’ when the dorms are divided by gender”

“So you can thank archaic rules set long before being queer was even on the table” Eugene said.

“Way to go, sis” Pugsley said with a grin, “exploiting a loophole”

“Exploiting?” Enid gasped theatrically, “I prefer living my truth within administrative ambiguity”

“And besides” Wednesday added, “even if the school tried to separate us, they’d find the law… uncooperative…”

“What law?” Eugene frowned.

“A very ancient one” Wednesday said, eyes glinting. 

For a beat, only the fire cracked. Enid’s hand slid over Wednesday’s, a silent agreement sparking between them.

When it became clear Wednesday wasn’t going to elaborate, the group drifted back into speculation about their possible new principal. Debate that ended, naturally, in threats of stabbing when someone suggested Wednesday might have to serve as Weems’s assistant, being the only one able to see and hear her.

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“Careful, ma petite fleur” Morticia advised in her melodic drawl, reaching to steady a clay pot, “Cleopatra enjoys attention, but not too much”

Morning light filtered through the frosted glass panels of Morticia’s greenhouse. The December cold seemed forbidden inside. The air was warm, fragrant with damp soil and the sweet perfume of blossoms.

“I think she likes me” Enid said, offering a tentative smile.

The plant, a towering carnivorous specimen with long, curling leaves, seemed to sway toward Enid’s hand.

“Oh, she does” Morticia replied smoothly, “he would have already attempted to bite you if she didn’t”

“A fine judge of character, just like her mistress” Gomez chuckled from his chair, a cigar glowing between his fingers.

Enid’s cheeks warmed. They had been tending to the plants for almost an hour. After breakfast, Wednesday and Agnes had gone back to the woods, but Morticia had invited Enid to help with the greenhouse routine.

“Thank you again…” Enid began softly, “for letting me help out here and for… everything else. The tuition, the excuse for Nevermore… I know Wednesday and Pugsley say it’s nothing but… I don’t even know how to thank you both…”

“Nonsense, lobita” Gomez grinned wide, flicking ash into a small bone-shaped tray, “you are family now. Goods are to remedy evils. And for corruption. We keep plenty in stock for both”

“Even so…” Enid tried.

“You saved our daughter, Enid” Morticia said with a gentle smile. Her dark eyes gleamed with affection as she brushed a speck of dirt from Enid’s cheek, “but even if you hadn’t, you have chosen each other. It’s only logical that we stand beside you both”

Enid’s throat tightened.

Gomez, who had been previously smiling, suddenly pressed a hand to his chest and blinked rapidly.

“Are you okay, Mr. Addams?” Enid asked quietly.

He nodded, swallowing hard.

“Mi lobita… there are things a father never forgets. When our little girl was in the hospital after that boy threw her from the window…” his voice faltered, low and uneven, “we thought we’d lost her. I couldn’t even stay in the room. I couldn’t stand seeing her so still and not be able to fight death myself for her… my firstborn… being taken from my hands and there was nothing I could do…”

Morticia reached for his hand, her own expression unreadable but her touch trembling slightly.

“My black heart broke with every breath she didn’t take”  she whispered. She wobbled slightly, and Gomez rose to steady her, “they had to stitch her skull together… and after that…”

“Cariño…” Gomez murmured, covering her hands with his in reassurance.

“I read to her for hours, hoping she’d hear me wherever she’d wandered…” Morticia’s gaze softened as it landed on Enid, “Agnes already told us what happened. We were going to lose her again without even knowing… but you were there. You saved her when we couldn’t…”

“I wasn’t going to let…” Enid’s voice broke as the memory flashed through her, “I just had to…”

“You brought her back” Gomez said simply, “you made sure she came home to us”

“She brought me back too!” Enid burst out, eyes glassy, “I made her worry for weeks and had her chase me just because I was too uncontrollable… I don’t know how she puts up with me… she is so amazing, and I am… well…”

Gomez’s grin softened into something gentler. Morticia tilted her head, a knowing smile curving her lips as she and her husband exchanged a look.

“Enid” Morticia said, “Wednesday does not put up with you. She embraces you”

“My little viper might present herself with the sting first… she learned that from Nero…” Gomez added, “but she inherited the skill to judge someone’s character. She bet on you for a reason, lobita. You are both perfect and exactly as you should be…”

“You’re both being too nice. I mean, I’m not exactly perfect” Enid let out a small laugh, embarrassed, “I mess things up, and I’m loud, and I still…”

“Perfection is an affliction” Morticia interrupted smoothly, “there is nothing wrong with you…”

“There should be” Enid murmured after a moment, her voice fragile, “my mom has made sure to mention it enough times”

Morticia’s expression darkened. Her long fingers brushed invisible dirt off the pruning shears she moved to hold.

“A mother who cannot see the wonder of her own child…” she said, lips curving downward in disdain, “commits a crime against nature itself”

“And some dare to call our family heartless…” Gomez exhaled smoke in a long sigh.

“She insists she means well…” Enid said quickly, though her tone betrayed the doubt, “she just thinks I should be more…normal. Quieter. Less… me”

Morticia reached out, her hand cool and steady against Enid’s arm. Enid stilled, startled by how grounding the touch felt.

“And yet, it is your brightness that warms our daughter’s shadows” Morticia said firmly, “you are not less than our daughter. You are balance”

“Thank you, Mrs. Addams. That… means a lot” Enid blinked fast, fighting the prick behind her eyes. 

“Morticia, please” she corrected gently, “formality has no place among family”

“Thank you, Morticia” Enid smiled, small but sincere, “despite not being myself for weeks, this has been the most wholesome Christmas I’ve had in years. My mom didn’t even call, and my dad just sent a text message… I don’t think I can pretend that’s enough after he just stayed quiet every time she went off about me…”

“Tanto peca el que mata a la vaca…” Gomez muttered darkly, eyes narrowing, “perhaps, mija, it is time to stop pretending altogether…”

“You do not owe anyone silence to be loved” Morticia added, her gaze soft but unyielding.

The greenhouse door creaked open.

Pugsley appeared, hair sticking up in every direction, one boot untied, and a sleepy grin plastered on his face.

“Hey, Mom, dad, sis…” he began, stepping inside and immediately tripping over one of Cleopatra’s roots, “can I take the car?”

“You can drive?” Enid nearly choked after she resumed watering the plant in turn.

“Of course I can drive” Pugsley said defensively, brushing dirt off his striped sweater after standing up, “I’ve driven the hearse a bunch of times”

“That was on the family grounds” Morticia reminded him calmly, not looking up from pruning another plant, “and you ran over Cousin Itt”

“He bounced” Pugsley said quickly.

“Bwahahaha!” Gomez boomed, delighted at the memory, “he sure did! What do you need the car for my son?”

“It’s just to drop Eugene off at his mom’s place…” he grinned cheekily, “New Jersey to New York, one quick trip. We’ll be super safe… no less than 200 kilometers per hour”

“Two hundred… times… whatever…” Enid tried to calculate, then gave up, “that’s definitely not safe or legal!”

“Ride can be given” Gomez interrupted grandly, clapping his hands, “under supervision…”

“Oh! Okay, yeah. That’s fine then…” Enid blinked, visibly relaxing.

“Take Agnes with you!” Gomez finished brightly.

“Cool!” Pugsley’s grin widened.

Enid looked seconds from fainting and turned to look at Morticia.

“Wait…” Morticia said, as though weighing something, “don’t forget to change the license plates, in case you have the right kind of fun on the way back”

Enid stared at them both, realizing with a mix of awe and mild horror that they were entirely serious.

“I think you’ve helped us more than enough, little raindrop” Morticia said to Enid, “I don’t think Wednesday would want to go with her brother, but who knows… maybe you can convince her”

“I…” Enid didn’t even know what to say.

“C’mon, sis, let’s go!” Pugsley exclaimed, grabbing Enid by the wrist and jogging toward the woods.

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“So…” Enid began, trying to keep up with Pugsley energetic pace, “you and Eugene are already… good friends…”

Pugsley turned to look at her while walking backwards.

“Oh, yeah” he answered with a grin, “he apologized for being a… lazy friend and roommate… I guess”

“Getting along with your roommate can take time” Enid smiled gently.

“Well… it worked pretty well for you and my sister…” he said, turning back ahead, “even though you are like… so different”

“We work because we both do our part…” Enid added, “if you and Eugene keep putting in the effort…”

When they reached the clearing, only Wednesday was standing there, beside a floating coat.

The snow crunched under their boots, and with a blink, Agnes reappeared inside the coat. Both girls turned at the sound of approaching steps.

“I see my parents finally released you from their claws” Wednesday said simply, though her tone held mild reproach.

“Sorry” Enid said, jogging the last few steps toward her before looping her arms around her shoulders. 

Wednesday stiffened briefly, then exhaled, resting her hands on Enid’s waist.

“You came to see Agnes progress? Don’t even think about wanting to cut it short again, Enid” Wednesday warned, narrowing her eyes.

“This time is not me” Enid added sheepishly, smile crooked, “your brother has… plans”

“Brother, your need for attention is astounding” Wednesday’s eyes slid towards Pugsley, unimpressed, “I thought you were busy entertaining Eugene”

“That’s actually the plan” Pugsley said quickly, throwing up his hands, “just a little trip! We’re driving Eug-bee back to his mom’s. Dad said it’s fine as long as Agnes comes with me…”

Agnes raised a hand in greeting.

“Why me?” she asked, confused but amused.

“That’s Wednesday’s parents’ idea of supervision” Enid explained, rolling her eyes.

Agnes nodded as if that indeed explained everything.

“Would you like to come, sis?” Pugsley offered, “I was given permission to drive, but you could pick something to do before we get back”

“I decline” Wednesday replied flatly, “if I must dispose of bodies, I prefer to know their names first, not in a strange city”

“It could be fun, though. Not the bodies thing…” Enid laughed softly, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, “just a quick trip to the city?”

Wednesday’s gaze softened a fraction as she turned back to her.

“We can make our own plans…” she said instead, voice low enough that only Enid heard.

That was enough to make Enid’s cheeks warm.

“Right. Yeah. Okay…” she turned toward Pugsley and Agnes, “you two have fun. And maybe… just maybe… keep it under two hundred kilometers?”

“Boriiiiiing” Pugsley stuck out his tongue while pulling Agnes by the sleeve, heading toward the manor.

“Wear your seatbelts!” Enid called after them… but they were already too far to hear.

She dropped her arm from around Wednesday’s shoulders and slipped her hand into hers instead. Together, they started walking back through the woods toward the house, their pace slow and easy.

“You’re quiet” Wednesday said finally.

Enid smiled faintly.

“I was just thinking…” she said, tightening her grip on their joined hands, “your parents… I know you feel certain way about them meddling in your life but… they told me how scared they were when you were in the hospital… I know it’s going to sound horrible, but I guess I’m a little jealous since mine never seemed to worry like that about me…”

“Enid…” Wednesday stopped walking.

“I feel like a horrible daughter, getting over my parents by… seeing yours” Enid sighed, resigned, “I’m just saying, you’re lucky to have them…”

“They are your family too now” Wednesday said simply.

“Yeah… they said the same” Enid laughed softly, brushing away the melancholy, “also, I didn’t know you’d told them… you know…”

“I haven’t” Wednesday replied, “they are simply horrifyingly intuitive. It’s both a gift and a curse that runs in the family”

Enid laughed quietly, her breath forming little clouds between them.

“So…do you think they know the whole thing?” she asked as they resumed walking, “would you want to tell them? Not only about us but… and not only to them but, to everyone else…”

“Enid, I haven’t been able to restrain myself of touching you all the time, and you practically declared in front of the entire family that you wanted to be my wife” Wednesday said, arching a brow, perfectly deadpan, “as for the rest, I thought we had already established our relationship to the insipid masses through that void of social media you so adore”

“You know that’s not what I meant” Enid rolled her eyes.

Wednesday paused again and tilted her head, studying Enid’s face.

“I’ve considered it” she admitted, “in all honesty, I have always enjoyed keeping a dagger under my sleeve, but I’m still not sure how ethical it is to keep certain aspects of our bond unreported to the school. I’ll have to review the rules again. I’m sure Weems will have something to say about it”

“Yeah, I guess it’s not going to be exactly easy to hide” Enid’s brows furrowed slightly, “especially during the full moon”

“That is the least of my concerns” Wednesday continued, “it will be an interesting adjustment period… only a week from when we return to Nevermore until the full moon. I have to admit… the idea of being apart from you for more than a few moments upsets me greatly”

“Don’t even tell me about it!” Enid groaned, then added in a low, half-growl, “I’m already upset at the idea of someone getting too close to you”

“Possessiveness suits you, Enid” Wednesday murmured, lips curving into that slow, dangerous smirk that made Enid’s pulse quicken, “I find it… invigorating”

“Don’t start” Enid warned, though the words held no bite, “there is still the chance that you will be worse than me”

“I wasn’t starting” Wednesday replied, stepping closer until only the faintest breath of space separated them, “merely observing…”

“Sure you were” 

Wednesday’s gaze dipped, momentarily tracing the line of Enid’s throat before meeting her eyes again. 

“Would you prefer I demonstrate instead?” she offered in a challenge.

Enid’s heartbeat thundered against the cold air.

“Maybe” she whispered.

It wasn’t clear who moved first.

One moment they were simply standing, hands intertwined, and the next, Wednesday’s fingers were at Enid’s collar, tracing the seam of her jacket, thumbs brushing her pulse.

It wasn’t a desperate kiss, but deliberate and unhurried, each time feeling more and more natural as if breathing.

Enid sighed when Wednesday hands unbuttoned the top of her jacket and place both hands against her neck.

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop being shocked by this” she murmured between kisses, voice breathless, “you’re so warm…”

“You are not” Wednesday said, smiling against her mouth, “cold as a morgue”

“Don’t talk about dead bodies while you kiss me, Wednesday Addams” Enid chastised softly.

“Bummer…” Wednesday argued, still claiming Enid’s lips between words, “I could write a thousand-word paper on how to rectify that coldness”

“Just show me” Enid whispered, biting her girlfriend’s lip hard.

The kiss deepened, Wednesday tilting her head and matching Enid’s rhythm while still leading the pace.

Enid’s hands slid from her waist down to her thighs, lifting her in a single, instinctive motion.

“Seems like you have a particular preference” Wednesday teased, legs wrapping around Enid’s waist for balance, “anything you’d like to confess, Sinclair?”

“You have no idea what you do to me, Addams” Enid pulled back just enough to whisper, voice trembling with affection.

“On the contrary” Wednesday said, her voice low and vibrating against Enid’s mouth “I have extensive documentation. If it eases your turmoil, I’ve also documented what you do to me…”

Enid’s laugh broke the tension for half a second.

“Shut up, Wedns” she managed to say before Wednesday’s hand pulled her roughly by the back of her neck in a disarming kiss.

There was no more cold.

Not the slightest care for the snow surrounding them.

No thought of time, or restraint.

Only heat, and the desperate, uneven sound of their breathing.

A sharp crack of breaking twigs shattered it.

Wednesday froze mid-breath.

It had been too close.

Too heavy to be an animal.

Enid’s head snapped toward the sound, instincts rising under her skin. The flicker in her eyes shifting from gold to something darker.

Wednesday followed her gaze, already still, already calculating.

“Enid Sinclair!” the shout carried, “I did not want to believe you had been corrupted to this level!”

Enid’s breath caught.

Her mother stepped from their left, two figures flanking her.

Enid gently set Wednesday down, pushing her a half step behind in silent protection.

“Mom? Brother? What…” Enid said, half shocked, but still tense and defensive, “uncle Matthew?”

Chapter Text

“Enid Sinclair!” the shout carried through the trees, “I did not want to believe you had been corrupted to this level!”

Enid’s breath caught. She could still feel Wednesday’s breath on her skin, the ghost of the kiss that had set her body on flames, but now, a horrible feeling was twisting her stomach like venom. The warmth in her chest curdled into panic.

She gently set Wednesday down, pushing her a half step behind in silent protection. Which of course wouldn’t do for Wednesday.

With an immaculate posture, Wednesday firmly plant herself on her side, her hand still holding Enid’s wrist. Her face was unreadable, except for the faintest smudge of lipstick across her mouth.

“Mom? Brother? What…” Enid said, half shocked, but still tense and defensive, “uncle Matthew?”

Wednesday’s sharp eyes scanned everyone in a beat. She didn’t blink.

Esther Sinclair, flanked by Enid’s older brother, pale and uncomfortable, and someone Wednesday hadn’t seen before. Enid’s uncle ‘Matthew’.

Taller, broader, stood behind them with his arms crossed. His sharp scent was clear of disapproval and dominance.

“Mom…” Enid breathed, barely above a whisper, “what are you doing here?”

Esther Sinclair’s lip curled as if she’d stepped in something foul.

“Don’t you ‘mom’ me, young lady” she hissed, “I should have trusted my instincts the moment you called… I would have saved myself the unpleasantness of finding you like this and of seeing those disgusting pictures…”

“Pic…pictures?” Enid’s heart was pounding, her voice small.

“Every filthy post…” Esther lifted her phone, the screen glowing.

Enid tensed so fast that Wednesday was sure she got a sprain on a muscle. 

Esther made a show of scrolling through Enid’s Instagram feed.

Wednesday asleep.

Enid on Wednesday’s lap.

The bonfire.

Enid and Wednesday kissing.

“You wouldn’t have blocked me if you didn’t know that what you are doing is wrong” Esther sneered, “an abomination is what it is. If it wasn’t for your brother… seriously, girl. A werewolf flaunting herself with a… corpse. Parading it online like it’s something to be proud of…”

“You don’t get to talk about her like that” Enid said, voice shaking but fierce.

Esther’s expression twisted.

“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me!” she said, trembling for a second, “you’ve embarrassed this family enough. First that feral stunt, losing control like some rabid mutt and now this? Clinging to this Addams girl like she’s your soulmate?”

“She is!” Enid blurted before she could stop herself.

Esther’s reaction came like a physical blow. Her face went pale, then flushed with rage, her mouth twisting as if she’d swallowed poison.

“You disgusting abomination!” she spat, “you think the Moon would ever bless that? You’ve shamed your bloodline, Enid! You’ve shamed me!”

Wednesday’s dark eyes flicked between them.

“You are trespassing” she said evenly, “this land belongs to my family and I don’t recall extending an invitation”

“Stay out of this” Esther snapped, “this is a family matter”

“Then by all means, have your breakdown elsewhere” Wednesday replied, “this is private property. No solicitation, no trespassing, and no unrequired pests”

Esther’s nostrils flared. 

“You really think you could play hide forever, girl?” her attention snapped back to Enid, eyes narrowing, “it’s time to fix this mess you caused”

“How did you even find me?” Enid asked, voice trembling.

“You may have wolfed out late” Esther sneered, “but a normal wolf knows how to track properly”

Enid flinched, shoulders curling inward as if she could make herself smaller. Wednesday stepped forward, her right hand disappearing inside her sleeve.

“For legal purposes” she said, tone almost pleasant, “you should know that within this property, local laws don’t apply. Should you fail to leave in the next ten seconds, you are bound to experience a series of unfortunate events, including, but not limited to, lacerations, broken bones, and the removal of select extremities at my personal discretion”

“Enough!” Esther’s hand shot up, trembling with fury.

“You’ve been warned” Wednesday replied flatly.

Then Uncle Matthew moved, passing Esther and Enid’s brother.

“We’re done talking” he growled more than said, “you’re coming with us, Enid”

He reached for her arm.

Didn’t make it that far.

Wednesday’s hand clamped around his wrist mid-motion, deceptively slender fingers locking him in place. His head snapped toward her, eyes flashing amber, only to falter when he realized he couldn’t pull free.

“Don’t you dare touch her” Wednesday said, her warning somehow echoing deep in their bones.

Matthew’s confusion seemed to trigger Esther.

“Let go!” she ordered.

“Make me” Wednesday answered without blinking and without relaxing her grip.

The uncle’s jaw tightened, muscles tensing as if preparing to shift, but without full moon, Wednesday foresaw simply an incoming punch.

Esther’s growl joined her brother’s, but instead of trying to push Wednesday’s hands away, swiftly moved past her and strongly gripped Enid by the shoulder.

“You are com…” she began, turning to walk away and pull Enid with her.

In a blink, Wednesday had removed Esther’s hand and had her dagger a few centimeters away from her throat.

“Touch her again” she said quietly, “and you’ll lose more than a hand”

“You dare threaten one of us?” Uncle Matthew said, now on Wednesday’s back.

“I don’t threaten” Wednesday said, pulling a second dagger, pointing now to the male adult wolf,  “I promise”

Enid’s heart was hammering so hard she could barely hear. She stepped forward, half between them, half beside Wednesday, her claws half-extended, trembling.

“Stop it!” she shouted, her voice holding a command that resonated with a grumble, “all of you!”

In a flick, Wednesday’s daggers had vanished from where they came. Enid held her gaze briefly, Wednesday nodded to the silent conversation and remained at Enid’s back.

Enid’s brother stepped the remaining distance between them before the silence could explode.

“Mom just want you back, Nid, okay? You scared everyone when you…” he hesitated, glancing at Esther, “… lost control. She’s worried. Just come home. Talk it out”

“Home?” Enid repeated, half-laughing, half-breaking, “I am home. Here with Wednesday. You forgot what you told me the other day, mother? How I was a disappointment to you and would rather not have me back? Wish granted, I’m not going anywhere with you…”

“We’re not here to argue. You’re coming with us, Enid. You don’t get a choice” Uncle Matthew said, taking a step forward, only to halt when Wednesday raised her hand.

“She does” Wednesday said, her voice low.

The uncle growled, claws half-shifting. 

“You are an embarrassment, child” Esther took a step forward, her owns claws flashing, “that is why we are going to have you locked until we find the way to remove the Alpha from you. No matter the cost…”

“I said no…” Enid said trembling, but steady, growl rising from her chest.

For a second, no one moved.

Bad parent, homophobic, classist and cruel were obvious traits of Esther Sinclair, but she was also an experienced werewolf.

After exchanging a brief look with her brother, she exhaled sharply and lunged for Enid again.

A bluff is what it was.

The moment she moved, Wednesday’s body shifted in tandem, tracking her every step.

Then Uncle Matthew struck.

His arm lashed out faster than Enid could react.

A brutal backhand that connected squarely with Wednesday’s chest. The impact cracked through the air like thunder.

Wednesday hit the ground several meters away, rolling once before catching herself on a knee.

Her jaw tensed, but no reaction of pain was given away, only her nostrils flaring.

The world went red for Enid nonetheless.

Her half-scream, half-growl shattered the silence of the woods as her claws burst free, and her bones began to shift. Her eyes blazed gold, her fangs lengthening in a blink. The transformation came raw and violent, unrestrained by the moon and instead driven with the single instinct to protect the pack.

Protect her pack.

Protect her Wednesday.

“Enid, stop!” Esther commanded, trying to channel authority that no longer belonged to her.

It didn’t work.

Uncle Matthew lunged, but Enid caught his wrist-mid strike easily and threw him backward like he weighed nothing.

His boots dug furrows in the snow as he stumbled to stay upright.

“Damn it, control yourself, child!” Esther snarled, circling closer. Though she couldn’t shift fully, she summoned her wolf’s strength, assessing for an opening.

Matthew recovered, muscles bulging beneath his clothes as he moved to flank Enid.

“Stay out of this!” Esther snapped toward Wednesday seeing her already with the intention to intervene, voice cracking with distress, “Eli, keep her away!”

Enid’s brother looked torn.

“Sorry, Nid…” he muttered, glancing between their mother and sister, “I’ll try not to make permanent damage…”

By then, Wednesday was already standing. She brushed the snow off her jacket, completely composed.

“Your sister tried to offer you a safe exit” she said coldly, “that option is no longer available”

Eli tensed his calves and charged full speed.

Wednesday sidestepped, his punch slicing through empty air. She pivoted, drove an elbow into his ribs, and leapt back out of range. Eli winced, clutching his side in disbelief before baring his claws and lunging again.

She ducked beneath the swing and countered with a precise jab to his chest, sending him stumbling backward. He grunted, doubling over before steadying himself.

“What the fuck, Addams?” he wheezed, eyes wide in confusion, “I thought you were a psych…”

“Old news” she cut in, tone flat, before landing two clean strikes in quick succession before he had the chance to react. Jaw, then temple.

Eli hit the ground hard.

Wednesday allowed herself just a flick of satisfaction before she turned to watch Esther lunge to tackle Enid, only to be shoved aside by Uncle Matthew just before Enid’s claws struck.

To any bystander it could have looked like a vicious attempt to incapacitate her mother, but Wednesday saw through the action and Enid being in control and simply trying to warn them off.

Uncle Matthew lunged then, his strikes quick and practiced. Enid blocked each one of them with terrifying ease, pushing him back without ever truly hurting him.

Esther came from the side, no stealth but relying only on brute strength. Enid spun, ducked, and grabbed his uncle’s leg before a kick landed, sending him to crash against a tree.

“Stop this madness!” Esther shouted, panting, hair wild as she recovered from the failed grab.

Enid growled, a low, resonant sound that answered her mother. 

They tried again, together this time. Enid just shook them off effortlessly.

“Do it!” Esther shouted, chest heaving, “we’ll fix it once we’re home!”

Uncle Matthew’s hand went to his belt.

“Sorry, kid” he muttered.

He feinted right, dodging Enid’s claws by inches and closing the gap. A dagger flashed instead of claws and sliced across her shoulder.

Enid cried out, staggering back. The wound wasn’t deep, but smoke hissed from where the blade had touched. 

He tried to swipe again, but she headbutted him, sending him to roll in the snow.

She stumbled back, collapsing to one knee, clutching her shoulder. Her growl broke into a choked whimper, the acrid scent of burning fur thickened the air and made her breath hitch.

“It’s useless, child” Esther said coldly from a few meters away, “that’s wolfsbane. Being an Alpha makes no difference”

Enid’s fingers dug into the ground, trying to stay upright. Her skin shimmered, fur receding and claws retracting as she transformed back under the weight of pain.

Wednesday’s coat was around her before she’d finished folding into herself.

Enid didn’t seem surprised and simply allowed herself to be wrapped in the coat, but Esther and Matthew both seemed startled, as one moment Wednesday was far, and the next blink she was there kneeling beside Enid.

She held Enid’s trembling shoulders as her body continued to shift down to human form.

Wednesday’s emotionless eyes fell on the two adults in front of them.

“Out of all the mistakes you could have made” she said quietly, “this one will cost you greatly”

Enid tried to move, tried to rise, but her body refused. 

“I’m… I’m fine… Wends…” she whispered, her voice breaking.

Wednesday’s gaze flicked to her softly, only for a breath, before returning to Esther and Matthew.

“I’m not” she answered standing up.

Making sure Enid was cocooned as much as possible in her coat, she stepped forward, folding the sleeves of her blouse, sinewy arms stiff with tension.

“Only for the love I have for Enid I will spare your lives” she continued, her tone deceptively calm, but her eyes darkened, pupils dilating until they swallowed the color, “but you hurt her. Now she cannot deny me retribution”

“Retribution? You think you can scare us, little girl?” Esther barked out a laugh, brittle and hysterical.

But Matthew didn’t laugh. His hand tightened around the dagger.

Wednesday tilted her head. A cat toying with a mouse.

“You must surely know what happens in a pack when the Alpha is injured” she added and when neither of them answered, her lips curved slightly, “the omega momentarily becomes the Alpha”

The sound that followed wasn’t human. It rumbled from her chest, low and guttural, crawling up her throat like a growl dragged through steel. Her breath fogged white.

Esther’s bravado faltered.

“But… you’re not an omega. You’re not even a wolf…” she tried.

Wednesday moved before the sentence finished.

Matthew’s eyes barely tracked the blur before her boot slammed into his wrist, sending the dagger spinning away into the snow. He swung for a counter, but she was already gone, slipping past his guard, striking him across the face with a palm so sharp it made him stumble.

The first splash of red colored the snow.

Esther tried to rush her from behind, but Wednesday twisted, caught her by the wrist, and slammed her into her brother’s chest. They hit the ground together.

She didn’t give them time to recover.

A knee to Esther’s ribs.

An elbow to Matthew’s jaw.

They could be seasoned werewolves, but she was an Addams, trained in all kinds of combat since a child.

Where they fought with brute force and instinct, Wednesday fought with intention and precision.

Matthew roared, swinging wide. She ducked beneath the arc, caught his arm, and drove the heel of her hand into his elbow until it bent at the wrong angle. He howled, staggering back.

“Your hit might be hard” Wednesday murmured, circling him, “if it ever managed to connect. But you think too slowly”

He lunged again, more desperate.

She pivoted, swept his legs, and as he fell, she caught his throat in the crook of her arm, dragging him close enough for her low growl to brush his ear.

“This is me holding back by the way” she whispered, before shoving him away and sidestepping as Esther came again, knife recovered and slashing wildly.

Wednesday caught her wrist mid-swing and, without blinking, twisted it in a sharp motion.

There was a crack and the dagger fell to the snow with a dull thud.

Esther’s scream tore through the cold.

“You should be grateful” Wednesday said, kicking the blade aside, her expression unchanged, “I’m restraining myself for Enid’s sake”

Esther staggered back, clutching her arm, blood dark against the pale where the bone had ripped skin.

“You’re… you’re insane…” Esther hissed through her teeth, “but I won’t let you keep corrupting my daughter”

“Let me?” Wednesday’s head tilted again, eyes black as ink. She glanced toward Matthew, who was retrieving a short knife from his boot.

Wednesday’s nostrils flared once, and she almost allows disappointment to settle at smelling only the steel and no poison this time.

Such a pity.

The forest went silent again, save for the rasp of Esther’s uneven breathing and Enid’s soft, pained whimper behind her.

“This has been a very disappointing experience” Wednesday said, cracking her neck with a small motion, “it ends now because la mia dolce metà doesn’t like the cold. Suffice to say that you will not contact her again unless she contacts you first”

Her next breath wasn’t a breath at all, but the sound of a beast being unleashed.

Her shoulders broadened. Then came the crack.

Bone, muscle, and sinew rearranging. Her spine arched. The neat lines of her frame folded inward, stretch outward, black fur blooming like ink spilling across snow 

Cloth and skin gave way to the wolf beneath the human. Where she had been composed, a living shadow stood now. A wolf black as the night itself.

She wasn’t the tallest wolf, but her form radiated something more predatory. Her eyes, still abyssal and intelligent, gleamed with thought. Her teeth caught the weak sunlight like blades.

“Impossible…” Esther staggered back, face drained, her broken arm clutched to her chest.

Matthew made the mistake of lunging, dagger discarded, claws unsheathed.

Wednesday was on him in a heartbeat. 

A hard clamp of teeth closed on his shoulder with terrible precision and his breath erupted into the clearing in a single, shocked sound. He tried to scramble, but the bite didn’t waver, if anything, it closed further.

Esther screamed her brother’s name, then froze when the wolf turned toward her. She charged as if anger could substitute for sense, but Wednesday moved like is she was a shadow around the blow, faster than the eye could track, catching Esther with the broad of her shoulder and sending her sprawling against a tree.

Matthew twisted, desperate, trying to shove her off. Wednesday opened her jaw, and he dropped to the floor relieved, just before teeth found him again, on the side below his ribs, harder this time.

He cried out and stopped fighting. She shook him once and then held him down with a claw sinking into his back and another one on his leg.

A whimper caught her attention before she could land a final blow, turning to find Esther standing with difficulty.

Wednesday’s head snapped toward her, and before Esther could breathe, the wolf was there. Knocking her back into the tree. 

The older woman struck, kicked, clawed with her good arm, but Wednesday was finished with restraint.

Her bite found Esther’s leg and snapped shut with the Sinclair leader screaming in pain as she was dragged and dropped next to her brother.

Wednesday stood amid the snow, her fur black and glistening, her breath a pale fog curling through crimson flakes.

“Wends… no…” came Enid’s soft voice.

The wolf looked at her once and something like recognition passed through those black eyes.

“That’s enough” Enid, reeling on her knees, reached for Wednesday even as the wolfsbane burned at her shoulder.

Wednesday’s stance softened at the command that came as a request. She huffed, reluctant, but obedient. Her person didn’t want to deny Enid anything, and her wolf couldn’t deny her Alpha, even if she wanted to.

She stepped closer, leaving a crimson trail from her jaw and paws against the snow’s white. Bowing her head, she pressed her muzzle into the trembling hand waiting for her.

“I’m… my… my feet are freezing, babycakes” Enid managed through chattering teeth, “let’s go home?”

The wolf licked her hand once, then crouched low.

“Yeah, okay” the blonde whispered, climbing carefully onto her back, “I don’t think I’ll faint, but… maybe don’t go too fast?”

Wednesday began a slow march toward the manor, making sure to press down one last time on the two bloodied figures still sprawled where she’d left them.

They moved through the woods in silence. 

Snow muffled every step, but each time Enid whimpered at the cold or pain, Wednesday’s throat rumbled with a low growl, and her pace quickened.

It couldn’t have been later than five, yet the lanterns around the manor already glowed in the gathering gray. Their light shimmered through the falling snow, turning the cold path home into something almost warm.

Wednesday slowed near the stone steps, lowering herself, so Enid could slide down. The great doors opened before either could reach the handle.

Fester appeared first, a crossbow wobbling wildly in his hands until he recognized the silhouettes.

“Holy mother of rabid raccoons”  he muttered, lowering it, “were you this big last time, my dear niece?”

Morticia drifted forward next, serene as ever, followed by Gomez, a cigar clamped between his teeth, pride gleaming in his eyes.

Grandmama shuffled in last, eyes bright with thrill, an old leather Gladstone bag clutched to her chest.

For a breath, no one spoke. The wolf’s fur looked like living shadow beside Enid, who stood small and pale in contrast.

The wolf, clearly unamused by the staring, huffed through her nose a sound halfway between impatience and warning.

They all stepped aside, opening the way for Enid and Wednesday to enter.

“Darling…” Morticia’s voice carried both awe and approval once they crossed the threshold, “you’ve outdone yourself”

Wednesday’s ears flicked at the words. She turned her head, expression unimpressed.

“Mi pequeña tormenta!” Gomez declared, grin stretching wider, “she’s magnificent! I knew it… Addams blood never runs thin!”

“Runs thick and bites back” Grandmama croaked approvingly, “good girl”

“Wait, wait, hold up… who’s bleeding and who’s to blame?” Fester clapped his hands once, eyes darting between them, “don’t tell me, I want to guess!”

Enid let out a weak laugh, though it came out more like a broken sigh.

“My fam… my mother, my uncle, and my brother” she managed, leaning harder into Wednesday’s side, “they tried to take me”

The shift in the room was immediate. Softness gone, replaced by somber glances.

“Well…” Morticia said, her eyes reflecting a storm that her voice struggled to keep contained, “you can give us the details once we’ve tended to your injuries, my darlings”

Grandmama grabbed Wednesday’s jaw and tilted it this way and that.

“This one did all the biting” she cackled proudly, “now let’s check the blonde pup”

Before her hand could reach Enid, Wednesday was already between them. Fur bristling, a warning growl echoing through the foyer.

“Oh, none of that” Grandmama dismissed, utterly unbothered, “it’s always all bite with you… I can smell the monkshood, my grandchild. I’m good, but not good enough to treat her telepathically”

“Ooooh!” Fester sniffed exaggeratedly at the air, “that’s some fine aconitum. Either your parents have shady connections, or they paid a fortune for the good stuff”

Morticia’s gaze flicked toward Gomez. He inhaled sharply, then shrugged off his long black coat, extending it toward the wolf with hands trembling from restrained fury.

The wolf hesitated, glancing at Enid. Only when she gave a small nod did Wednesday pad forward, ducking her head under the offered coat. 

Black fur melted away into pale skin. Bones reshaped with a few muffled cracks. Hands flexed. 

Within seconds, Wednesday stood upright, unflinching beneath the coat’s weight.

“They came from east, and I’m certain that’s how they will leave” she said, adjusting the coat, eyes locking on her father’s with predatory gleam, “broken arm, concussion, a few lacerations but nothing life-threatening. I’m sure you’ll be able to follow the carmine breadcrumbs before they leave Addams’ jurisdiction”

“How thoughtful of you to leave them mobile” Morticia’s lips curved faintly, amusement laced with impatient anticipation.

“I didn’t want to deprive you of the entertainment” Wednesday replied evenly, “they need to understand the cost of touching what’s mine”

“Oh, we’ll make sure they do” Fester’s grin split wide lifting his crossbow one more time, “family field trip?”

“Ah, music to my ears!” Gomez laughed, already reaching for his sword cane.

“Here! Clean it first and then jar 457!” Grandmama barked, shoving her Gladstone bag into Wednesday’s arms as she shuffled toward the door, “don’t get ahead, my children. You were never good at picking the right rib!”

“No one harms an Addams and walks away unscarred” Morticia smoothed a hand over Enid’s hair before following.

As soon as the doors closed after Morticia, Enid dropped heavily on the nearest seat, cradling her arm and trying to ignore the throbbing cut she didn’t even want to look at.

“We should tend to that injury now” Wednesday stood beside her, gaze assessing.

Enid shook her head, eyes flicking toward the doors.

“You should not fear” Wednesday continued softly, “they won’t make it fatal. Just claim the compensation for spilling your blood. It’s the Addams’ right…”

“I’m sorry, Wends…” Enid interrupted, voice small. She leaned her head back against the chair, lashes damp.

Wednesday tilted her head, faint frown cutting across her otherwise composed face.

“Whatever for?”

“I know you probably think I’m crazy for feeling bad for them, even after that they tried to do. But is not easy…” Enid’s breath trembled, words barely above a whisper, “accepting what my mot… what Esther is capable of. Thank you… for stopping when I asked you to”

Wednesday’s expression softened as she crouched in front of Enid, dark eyes meeting blue.

“Cara mia, your kindness is nothing to apologize for” she murmured, a faint smile ghosted across her lips, “if it weren’t for your immense capacity to see the best in the worst of us, where would I be? And as for stopping… I am your Omega after all. But mostly… I would spare lives for you, Enid Sinclair”

Enid’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She leaned forward, pressing her lips to Wednesday’s, soft and trembling.

“And I’d take them for you” she whispered against her mouth.

Wednesday returned the kiss, but stopped and pulled back the moment Enid tried to bring her closer.

“Let’s take care of that injury first” she said, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Enid groaned softly, shoulders slumping.

“You really know how to ruin a moment” she replied with a pout.

Wednesday’s eyes glinted. 

“I thought you’d be thrilled” she said, keeping her father’s coat closed with one hand while half leaning, “after all, it was you who told me wolves heal their pack by licking them, didn’t you?”

Enid’s face turned pink in an instant.

“Th…that’s not…! I meant…”

“Of course you did” Wednesday’s smirk deepened as she slipped an arm under Enid’s knees and another around her back, lifting her as if she weighed nothing.

“Wends!” Enid squeaked, clutching at her shoulders.

Wednesday’s smirk deepened.

“Don’t even…” Wednesday murmured, already ascending the grand staircase, “I can hear your heartbeat clearly, and you are not scared”

Enid huffed but let her head rest against Wednesday’s shoulder the rest of the way to their room. Wednesday set her carefully on the edge of the bed.

“Wait here” she said and walked inside the bathroom.

When she opened the door after a couple of minutes, steam came out. She held her arm for Enid to take it and kept her steady while they walk inside.

“You… ran a bath?” Enid blinked, surprised.

The old clawfoot tub gleamed under the soft glow of the candles lit around the room, and the faint scent of lavender rose from the bubbles already forming on the surface.

“I know you enjoy these… comforts” Wednesday said adjusting the faucet, “mother helped me choose a few when we took that trip to the mall. Comfort, I am told, accelerates healing”

“That’s…” Enid’s heart stuttered, “actually really sweet, Wends”

Wednesday didn’t answer, only moved to sit on the bench beside the tub.

“I’ll take a look at that injury while you relax” she said already opening the bag given by Grandmama, “do you need help taking the coat off and getting into the bathtub?”

Enid hesitated, flushed, her good hand fidgeting at the buttons.

“Um… babycakes?” she asked sheepishly.

Wednesday paused, visibly processing, then reached for a towel and wrapped it around her shoulders with care.

“Better?”

“Yeah” Enid breathed, cheeks warm.

Once Enid was half-submerged in the bath, water lapping at her collarbones and steam curling around her, Wednesday knelt beside the tub. Her hand hovered above the injured arm, waiting for consent. 

Enid nodded.

Wednesday’s fingers were gentle as she inspected the cut-burn.

“It’s healing already” she murmured.

“Cool” Enid whispered with a shaky smile.

Wednesday reached for one of Grandmama’s jars, its contents faintly glowing blue. She spread the salve across the burn. 

Enid hissed, her hand gripping the edge of the counter, but Wednesday’s touch gentled, thumb tracing a careful circle near unbroken skin.

After a moment, the pain eased.

“That feels good” Enid sighed, sinking deeper into the bubbles.

Wednesday stopped the movement of her finger, but let her hand keep the grasp at Enid’s arm. 

She hesitated only a beat before leaning closer. 

Her breath brushed Enid’s shoulder, and then, slowly, ran her tongue from just above the wound to the edge of her collarbone.

Enid’s eyes opened wide and locked with Wednesday’s.

Wednesday blinked once, silent, then leaned forward to repeat the motion.

“Is it working?” she murmured against Enid’s skin.

Words tangled in Enid’s throat.

“Ma louve?” Wednesday pressed softly.

Enid blinked rapidly, the pet name pulling her back.

“May… maybe I need to do it too…” she whispered hesitantly.

Wednesday’s lips trailed down her arm, pressing featherlight kisses along the healing skin.

“But I’m not injured…” she said in a hush against her hand.

“Just get into the bath with me already, Wedns…” Enid demanded more than suggested, and felt Wednesday’s mouth curve against her skin.

“Very well” Wednesday agreed without hesitation.

She rose, the soft rustle of fabric filling the room as she unbuttoned her father’s coat and let it fall soundlessly to the floor.

Enid swallowed hard.

Wednesday’s skin gleamed faintly in the candlelight, pale but inviting, the water vapor kissing every surface with warmth.

She fought the urge to look away and though her cheeks were crimson, she made sure to keep her gaze locked with Wednesday who only tilted her head, arching one perfect brow in question.

Discomfort already forgotten, Enid extended a trembling hand. 

Wednesday took it, letting herself be guided into the tub. 

The water lapped gently as she sat, Enid drawing her close until Wednesday’s back rested against her chest. 

Wednesday didn’t resist any of it. She leaned back until her head rested beside Enid’s chin.

Enid exhaled shakily against her ear. She pressed a kiss to her shoulder, then another, softer, following the curve of her neck. Her mouth trembled at the overwhelming urge to reclaim.

Gently, she tugged at Wednesday’s braids and waited for a silent nod before letting the black hair fall loose like a curtain.

Her nose brushed the edge of Wednesday’s jaw, the base of her throat, her collarbone, back and forth several times to make sure her scent hadn’t been tainted by contact with the other wolves.

She breathed her in.

A low growl rose unbidden from Enid’s chest, vibrating against Wednesday’s back at the memory of the confrontation just hours ago.

“What’s wrong, Enid?” Wednesday whispered, trying to glance over her shoulder, only to be stopped by strong arms and a gentle nip.

“I’m not done yet” Enid murmured against her skin, voice low, hoarse, undeniably wolf.

The little bites turned to open-mouthed kisses, slower now, her breath ghosting hot over pale skin.

‘Mine’

Her mouth traced Wednesday’s pulse, the slope of her shoulder, the hollow beneath her throat. Each kiss grew urgent, deeper.

‘My pack’

Her hands moved on their own accord, sliding down Wednesday’s sides. One palm settled over her stomach, feeling each inhale and exhale as though to memorize her rhythm.

‘My Wednesday’

Wednesday’s breath caught, but she didn’t stop Enid’s wandering hands. Instead, she placed her own atop them, grounding her.

‘More’

It wasn’t enough for some reason. The ache was burning from the inside, all consuming. Buried somewhere deep in her chest and spreading fast.

Her wolf was no longer whispering, it was demanding.

Enid pressed closer, mouth moving up Wednesday’s neck again, rougher this time. Her breathing came in uneven bursts, her heart pounding hard enough for Wednesday to feel it through her back.

“Enid?” Wednesday’s voice was barely a whisper.

Her own name at Wednesday’s lips only made Enid’s chest tighten. She slid one hand up again, cupping Wednesday’s jaw to keep her still, the other wrapping around her waist, pulling her fully onto her lap.

“Enid” Wednesday tried again, still not doing any movement to stop her.

Enid pressed her forehead against the back of Wednesday’s neck, trembling with effort to contain the surge of instinct clawing at her throat.

“Wedns…” she breathed, voice breaking into a plea.

Wednesday turned slowly in her hold. 

The water lapped between them as they came face to face for the first time since stepping into the bath. 

Enid’s eyes were wild, gold flaring faintly and pupils blown wide. Her lips parted, but no words came.

Wednesday reached up, brushing a wet strand of hair from Enid’s cheek. Her thumb traced the outline of her jaw, lingering there, feeling the tremble beneath her skin.

“Breathe” she whispered, and Enid obeyed, though every exhale trembled.

Wednesday leaned in just enough for their foreheads to touch.

“I really don’t… I don’t know what…” Enid murmured, voice small, confused.

‘Yes, you do. It’s time…’

“I can feel it too” Wednesday whispered, then her tone softened into teasing, “‘wanna tell me what it is you’re not telling me?’”

Enid’s mouth opened, her own words from a few days ago echoing back at her, suddenly making sense.

‘It’s time…’

Waiting just long enough to make sure there was no doubt in Enid’s eyes, Wednesday’s arms looped around her neck, and slowly, she captured her lips.

The moment their mouths met, Enid felt a jolt of electricity that stole her breath and silenced everything else.

Having already accepted what her wolf was demanding, she stopped questioning and resisting. She simply let go in surrender, while the memories replayed in her head.

“Not yet” Wednesday whispered, lips brushing the sensitive skin, “but soon”

Enid shivered violently. Her wolf practically purred, satisfied and buzzing in anticipation.

“Wedns…” she said with difficulty between shallow breaths.

“Yes?” the raven answered, kissing her way back up. Neck, jaw, lips.

They lingered there, unhurried, kissing until breath ran short.

Enid finally pulled back, forehead to Wednesday’s, chest heaving. Her thoughts cleared just enough to form words.

“Wanna tell me what it is you’re not telling me?”

Wednesday waited until Enid’s eyes opened again and their gazes locked.

She smiled.

“Okay… that smile can’t mean anything good” Enid teased, though she mirrored it, “spit it out. What’ve you been hiding, Addams?”

“I wasn’t hiding anything” Wednesday said, a touch defensive, then softened at Enid’s raised brows, “more like… I was just waiting until you were conscious enough not to faint again at the news”

Enid gave a weak laugh, still catching her breath.

“Okay… so not a girl talk, then…” she brushed Wednesday’s bangs back distractedly, “sounds like a conversation to have sitting down?”

“Whatever pleases you” Wednesday replied smoothly, “though you’ll have to let me go first”

Enid blinked, realizing how tightly she was still holding her. She blushed but didn’t release her completely, one arm staying around Wednesday’s waist, the other toyed with her hair, thumb tracing the sharp line of her jaw.

Wednesday adjusted her posture within the still very tight hold.

“I suppose the most relevant thing” she began, voice calm but stern, “is that we are a pack…”

“I know that” Enid said quickly, “I knew it since before… before going feral… I was being honest  when I told you that on the lupin cages”

“Yes, you did. But it’s more than that” Wednesday countered, pausing to carefully choose her words, “Enid, a lot was happening at once and neither of us could see it clearly, but something changed when we swapped bodies”

“What do you mean changed?” Enid frowned, confused.

“Being in your body was an alien experience, as I’m sure it was for you being in mine” Wednesday continued, “I have trained all my life to be on control of my emotions, but when Tyler attacked you, I felt a fury that took over completely, and made me wolf out”

“Yeah… that was… unexpected” Enid said, trying to follow but still unsure where this was going.

“When I wolfed out in your skin, I was ready to break Tyler’s neck” Wednesday added, not showing remorse at the idea, then sighed, “but you told me to leave. You didn’t ask me, remember?”

Enid blinked, searching her memory.

“‘Wednesday, we have to go now’, you said” Wednesday quoted softly, “that… command, was what apparently triggered or, completed, depending on how you want to see it, the link of being your… being your omega. I can’t even claim credit for obeying. My soul couldn’t do anything but follow your Alpha command”

“But…” Enid frowned, still puzzled, “you’re not a wolf…”

Wednesday’s lips curved faintly.

“Tell that to the moon…” her tone was dry, but Enid could hear something raw beneath it, “after we swapped back into our own bodies, I noticed something different, but I thought it was just remnants of the exchange. And again, too much was happening to stop and analyze it”

“Wait… are you trying to say…” Enid’s brain raced ahead, piecing together what she already suspected.

“When you transformed to save me, I felt that pull again” Wednesday said, letting her barriers fall. Her eyes showing nothing but vulnerability, “you risked your own humanity for me, Enid, and then you ran before I could ever say thank you”

“And I’d do it again without thinking twice” Enid said fiercely, then added sheepishly, “not the running part…”

Wednesday tilted her head slightly and pressed a kiss to the palm still cupping her jaw.

“That running part…” she echoed, “five weeks of chasing, even with Fester and Agnes’ help. My wolf was driving me mad. She was practically deafening my inner ear with demands to find you…”

Enid froze.

“Your… your wolf?” she stammered, mouth falling open.

“It was during the fourth week” Wednesday continued evenly, reaching up to gently close Enid’s mouth with two fingers, “we had already set camp after nearly seventy-two hours without a single trace. We had a full moon that night, and it just happened. It was… pleasantly painful, I’ll admit, but it barely gave Agnes and my uncle time to go after me. I bolted the moment I caught your scent. I couldn’t think of anything else but finding you. I did, eventually… though it took two days before I was coherent enough to start searching again. We reached you a few days later”

Enid stared at her, speechless. 

“So… that’s how you find me…” she murmured.

Wednesday nodded, her expression now somber. Enid could sense something else was coming.

“I’m an expert tracker, and with Uncle Fester and Agnes, I’m certain we would have found you eventually” she explained, voice small, “and it’s not as if we could have known, before that moment, that somehow the werewolf curse had been transferred to me. But yes… it was my wolf that ultimately found yours. She was guided by our bond…”

“The… bond?” Enid echoed.

“I think you can feel it too” Wednesday said quietly, watching her carefully, “though I figure it won’t shock you as much to know we’re mates after your tongue was already inside my mouth for the better part of half an hour”

“Wedns!” Enid squeaked, face turning crimson, caught between mortification and fluster.

Wednesday’s smirk was nothing short of smug.

“I know it’s a lot to process” she said, sobering up and starting to sit up, but Enid’s arms tightened around her, holding her in place.

“It is… but, Wedns…” Enid’s voice softened, “I chose you as my pack even before the moon chose you for me. Long before you were tied by the wolf bond. I’m… sorry about that, by the way…”

Wednesday rolled her eyes lightly.

“Wolf bond, my family curse, my heart’s own will…” she listed, tone firm but carrying an undercurrent of doubt, “one way or another, I was going to end up here. This way, at least, I can try to be a worthy companion for you when the bond is completed…”

Enid smiled, eyes shining.

“There’s no one worthier than you, Wednesday Addams”

“There might be” Wednesday said thoughtfully, “but I’ll make sure to remove them one by one… painfully…”

“Sure you will, babe” Enid grinned, “and… family curse?”

“That…” Wednesday said, leaning closer again, “is a long story. And I believe I’ve answered your questions, haven’t I?”

Enid’s blush deepened as Wednesday brushed a strand of hair from her face and traced her lips with her thumb.

“Can we…” Wednesday continued, her tone dropping to a whisper, “return to where we left off?”

Enid’s only answer was a breathless nod before she pulled Wednesday down again.

“Wait…” Enid stopped suddenly, glancing to the side of the couch in horror, “we need to fix this. What will your parents think?”

Wednesday turned to inspect the tattered fabric, claw marks slashing through the upholstery.

“Let the badgers living in the basement take the blame” she said briskly, and before Enid could reply, she recaptured her lips, “now, let’s go upstairs and see if you can leave the same marks on the headboard”

Enid went impossibly redder but gave a breathy whimper of anticipation. She stood quickly and practically dragged Wednesday upstairs by the hand.

The warmth surrounding them began to fade, the water cooling as the candles burned low. Their kiss gentled until only soft breaths lingered between them.

Wednesday pulled back just enough to speak, her voice quiet, intimate and reluctant at putting more distance between them.

“The water’s gone lukewarm” she murmured, thumb brushing the corner of Enid’s lips, “you’ll catch a chill”

Enid blinked, still half lost in the aftertaste. She made a faint sound of protest but nodded, allowing Wednesday to rise first.

“Oh…” she whispered, smiling faintly, “right…”

Wednesday stood then, steady as ever despite the slippery porcelain. Droplets traced the curve of her spine as she stepped out of the tub and Enid followed each one of them as they traveled through Wednesday’s skin.

Wednesday reached for a towel and wrapped it around herself before turning back, meeting Enid’s gaze without the slightest hint of embarrassment. She held out a second towel in silent invitation. 

A silent dare.

Enid swallowed hard but didn’t look away. She rose slowly, water gliding off her body in silver trails. Her hair clung to her shoulders; her breath came uneven as Wednesday helped her step out.

The candlelight flickered across her damp skin. Her stomach twisted pleasantly when she noticed the dilation in Wednesday’s pupils.

The moment their fingers met, the air between them thickened again. There was only warm breathing, trembling hands and charged want pressing between them.

Wednesday draped the towel over Enid with a care that felt reverent, as though she feared breaking her. Her knees nearly buckled at the raw adoration in Wednesday’s eyes.

‘Oh’

“So you don’t think I’m helpless…” Enid murmured, realization dawning in her tone.

“Why would I…” Wednesday frowned slightly, then sighed, “care to elaborate, Sinclair?”

Enid’s grin was sheepish.

“What you wrote about Evelyn…” she began, gaze dropping in shy admission at reading Wednesday’s novel, “that she… that I am ‘feeble’ in both body and mind requiring Viper’s pity and protection…”

Wednesday scoffed, amused, as she guided Enid out of the bathroom. She gestured for her to sit at the edge of the bed, while kneeling before her, checking the cut on her arm again.

“Is that why you gave yourself a rash and tried to publicly humiliate me?” she asked dryly, wrapping the wound efficiently, “wearing those blinding colors and dancing in front of the entire school…”

“Kinda?” Enid admitted, flinching more from embarrassment than pain, “up to that point, I still thought your ‘color allergy’ was just you not wanting people to touch you. I didn’t know your mom gave you medicine for it”

“Anyone but you” Wednesday muttered.

“Wha… what?” 

“Anyone but you, touching me” Wednesday clarified, eyes lifting from the bandage, “you were the only reason I took that medicine daily. So if we’re discussing helplessness…”

She rose again, brushing her fingers against Enid’s cheek, and the touch burned more than the hot bath had. Enid leaned into it instinctively, her hand coming up to hold Wednesday’s wrist, thumb tracing small, trembling circles.

“Wedns…”

“I’ve never thought of you as helpless, Enid Sinclair” Wednesday said matter-of-factly, “I have only ever been terrified of losing you”

The wolf in Enid stirred.

“I think it will scar” Wednesday murmured, glancing at the bandaged arm, the corner of her lips twitching upward.

“I honestly couldn’t care less” Enid whispered, but her voice had gone hoarse, “Wedns?”

“Yes?” Wednesday’s head tilted slightly, eyes flickering from Enid’s lips to her pulse, then back again.

Enid didn’t have the words for that she needed. Only the ache, the pull.

Her fingers caught the edge of the towel at Wednesday’s chest, loosening the knot before she could stop herself.

The towel slipped.

Wednesday didn’t flinch or made any movement to retreat. She simply leaned forward, the air between them being charged suddenly as her hanging hand joined her other one, cupping Enid’s cheek.

“Please…” Enid breathed, the word breaking as her trembling hands found Wednesday’s bare waist.

‘I want…’

“Tell me” Wednesday whispered against her lips.

“I can’t…” Enid whined softly, frustration and need tangled in her voice, “please, Wedns…”

Wednesday’s breath trembled against her skin.

“Then show me, Enid” she demanded softly, her voice betraying her impassive exterior by cracking on the last syllable.

Enid’s inexistent restraint crumbled at the command. 

She surged forward, capturing Wednesday’s mouth with her own. Desperate and shaky hands trying to pull her close.

There were no clumsy kisses this time. Only demanding lips, hungry to steal every breath from Wednesday’s mouth. 

The edge she’d been clinging to gave way, swallowed by a wanting she could no longer contain.

Wednesday responded with equal fervor, matching Enid’s trembling urgency with her own brand of intensity. While Enid pushed chaotically, Wednesday directed that energy with purpose, yet letting herself be consumed in turn.

Her hands framed Enid’s face, grounding her, no longer afraid of losing her. Then they slid down, gripping her shoulders, pulling her impossibly closer.

Exploring fingers found the towel draped around Enid, sliding beneath it and casting it aside in one motion.

Warm skin met burning skin, the contact sending a shock through both of them.

Enid gasped, but Wednesday swallowed the sound with her lips, then kissing downwards, tracing the same path her eyes had devoured earlier.

Jaw.

Throat.

Shoulder.

Greedy lips mapped every centimeter of skin within reach.

Enid’s breathing quickened, chest heaving against Wednesday’s. The heat that had started in her chest spread outward, curling into something deeper and all consuming.

“Wedns…” she panted again, her hands fisted in damp raven hair.

‘More

The moan that slipped from Wednesday’s lips felt as sinful as the ache clawing through Enid’s body.

“Wedns… please…” she breathed, the plea turned to a shameless prayer.

Wednesday’s response came wordlessly. Her hands braced on Enid’s shoulders as she shifted, climbing into her lap.

The instant Enid felt her, skin against skin, instinct took over. Her claws broke free, piercing lightly into Wednesday’s back as she pulled her closer still.

Wednesday sighed, pleased, burying her fingers in Enid’s hair as the wolf began her own claim, mouth finding her neck.

Enid continued nipping at her collarbone, going frantic by the minute, her hands now roaming Wednesday’s thighs.

When her teeth grazed too hard, Wednesday tugged her back by the hair, not to scold, but to kiss her again, deep and unhurried, reclaiming the rhythm.

She shifted, guiding Enid gently backward until she was laying on top of the bed. They fell together in a slow, breathless tangle. The kiss didn’t break more than a second.

Enid’s hands moved restlessly over Wednesday’s back, memorizing the feel of her. The way her muscles tensed under her palms, the heat radiating from every touch.

The pull inside her grew unbearable. Her wolf demanded something, clawing at her chest for release she didn’t understand but couldn’t deny.

Her lips found Wednesday’s pulse and lingered there, trembling.

“Enid… look at me” Wednesday murmured.

Enid obeyed.

“Please…” she begged in reply.

Wednesday froze above her, breath catching sharply. 

“I’ve got you, my sun” she said in a low, hoarse tone.

Their gazes locked, gold meeting black as Wednesday’s right hand traveled gently down her body.

Her left rose to cradle the back of Enid’s neck, thumb tracing the rapid flutter of her pulse.

The air caught in Enid’s throat at the first tentative touch of Wednesday’s right hand at her center. She tensed briefly, then relaxed against the pillow, surrendering to every movement from her mate.

A gasp escaped when the touch turned from exploratory to commanding.

Wednesday leaned down slowly, pressing a trail of soft kisses down Enid’s throat. Gentle, worshipful, until her lips hovered over the spot where her pulse beat strongest.

Enid shifted beneath her, aligning Wednesday against her thigh. Their rhythm grew frantic, movements tangled in equal parts affection and instinct. The air thickened with quickened breath and quiet sound.

The ache deepened even more.

Enid felt it first. The warmth spreading, the steady drumbeat of something beyond herself. Her wolf recognized it instantly, a thread pulling taut between them.

Wednesday gasped softly, feeling it too. She opened her eyes, just short from Enid’s, black irises ringed faintly with silver. Her hand cupped Enid’s cheek again, but this time, her fingers trembled. The air buzzed with something neither could name.

‘Mine...’

“I can hear it now… I can see your wolf…” Enid’s voice came out barely above a whisper, “Wedns?”

“Yes, ma louve?” 

Their foreheads touched, breath mingling again.

“It’s… it’s time, isn’t it?” Enid asked between labored breaths.

Wednesday didn’t answer immediately. Their rhythm had already begun to falter, erratic from the weight of what was coming.

“Yes” she said at last, “if you wish it to be”

Enid swallowed hard, her throat tight but her heart steady.

“I love you, Wednesday Addams” she vowed.

Something flickered behind Wednesday’s dark eyes. She nodded once and pressed one final slow kiss, sealing the promise.

Enid turned, finding the steady rhythm beneath Wednesday’s jaw. Her lips brushed the skin once. 

‘My Wednesday...’

Twice.

Three times, before her own teeth grazed the surface.

Enid’s wolf purred beneath her skin, the sound vibrating against Wednesday’s ribs where both their chests pressed.

When Wednesday finally pressed her mouth to the curve of Enid’s shoulder, it was without hesitation. She lingered there, waiting. Breath, lips, teeth, until Enid finally pierced skin.

‘Forever mine...’

It was pain, pleasure, and something more.

It was everything breaking and mending at once.

Wednesday’s answering bite came a heartbeat later, drawn by instinct and love so deep it didn’t hurt, but a tear slipped down Enid’s cheek all the same.

‘We belong...’

Enid’s breath broke on a sob that wasn’t from pain, and her hands found Wednesday’s shoulders, anchoring her there.

Their bodies continued moving in instinct before the minds could catch up.

Relief came just as the copper taste of Wednesday’s blood touched Enid’s tongue.

For a heartbeat, there was nothing but silence. No sound, no air.

Then, everything.

Every heartbeat.

Every thought.

Every thread of emotion between them flared into existence.

Wednesday gasped against her skin, feeling Enid’s pulse through the mark and her own heartbeat answering it.

The bond snapped into place like the closing of a circuit, wild and electric. Enid felt Wednesday’s pulse under her tongue. Felt her heartbeat inside her own, as if they had always been one.

Enid’s eyes fluttered open just in time to see Wednesday’s dark gaze, shining, alive, and soft in a way few had ever seen.

The sound that escaped Wednesday’s throat, half a growl, nearly undid her once again.

Wednesday’s forehead rested against Enid’s, her lips parted, her breath unsteady.

They stayed like that, trembling, hands clutching each other as if the world outside didn’t exist.

Enid’s breathing steadied first. She reached up, tracing the mark now marring Wednesday’s pale throat. Her fingers shook, but the touch was tender.