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Lexa and Clarke had come a long way from their initial arrangement. Over the past three months, what had started as a convenient façade had blossomed into something much deeper. They had acknowledged their feelings, stepping into the uncharted waters of a true relationship. Yet, despite this new understanding, Lexa found herself hesitating.

Asking Clarke to the party as her alpha, openly and without the safety net of their previous pretense, felt daunting. It was a public acknowledgement of their relationship, a declaration to her colleagues and the world. Lexa feared the scrutiny and the whispered judgments, but more than that, she feared what it might mean for Clarke.

Taking a deep breath, she reached for her phone. Her heart pounded in her ears as she dialed Clarke's number, each ring amplifying her anxiety.

"Hey, Lexa," Clarke's voice came through, strong and reassuring.

"Clarke, hi," Lexa's voice wavered slightly. "I was wondering if you… if you'd be my date for the company Christmas party. As my alpha," she added quickly, wanting to make her intentions clear.

There was a pause, and Lexa's heart sank a little. Had she been too forward? Had she misread their situation?

"Lexa," Clarke finally spoke, her voice calm and steady. "I'd love to. But are you sure? This is a big step for us."

Lexa exhaled, a wave of relief washing over her. "I am sure. I just… I'm nervous, Clarke. This will be the first time everyone will see us together, really together. And I'm worried about how it will be for you."

Clarke's chuckle came through the phone, warm and affectionate. "Lexa, being with you, openly, as your alpha, is exactly what I want. Don't worry about me. We'll face whatever comes together."

The tight knot of anxiety in Lexa's chest began to unravel. "Thank you, Clarke. That means everything to me. Having you there, not as a facade but as you… as us, it's more than I could ask for."

They talked a little more, finalizing the details, but Lexa's heart felt lighter with each word. As they ended the call, she leaned back in her chair, allowing herself a small smile. The party would be a turning point, the first of many, she hoped, where they could be themselves, an alpha and omega embarking on a journey together. The nerves were still there, but so was the excitement of a future with Clarke.

The evening air was filled with a crisp winter chill, but inside Lexa's apartment, a warm anticipation hung in the air. She stood, a figure of elegance in her cocktail dress, the soft fabric hugging her curves in all the right places. Her hair fell in gentle waves around her shoulders, and her makeup was done with impeccable taste, enhancing her natural beauty.

As Lexa opened the door, her breath caught in her throat. Clarke stood there, exuding a quiet confidence in a sleek, well-tailored tuxedo. The contrast of the dark suit against her strong frame and the gentle glint in her eyes made Lexa's heart race. Clarke was strikingly handsome, and in that moment, Lexa felt a surge of attraction stronger than she had ever experienced.

"Wow, Clarke… you look amazing," Lexa breathed out, her eyes wide with admiration.

A soft, knowing smile played on Clarke's lips as she stepped inside. "You're absolutely breathtaking, Lexa," she replied, her gaze lingering appreciatively.

For a moment, they stood in the doorway, the tension between them a palpable thing. Then, Clarke stepped closer, her eyes locked onto Lexa's. Gently, she cupped Lexa's cheek with her hand, leaning in. Lexa's heart pounded in her chest as Clarke's lips met hers in a kiss that was both tender and filled with unspoken passion.

The kiss was a spark that ignited a warmth in Lexa, chasing away any lingering nervousness. It felt like a confirmation of their connection, a seal on the new chapter they were beginning together. Lexa responded instinctively, her hands finding their way to Clarke's shoulders, pulling her closer.

As they parted, Lexa's eyes fluttered open to meet Clarke's, now sparkling with affection and a hint of playful mischief. "Ready to make our debut?" Clarke asked, her voice low and inviting.

Lexa nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "More than ready."

The night was alive with the spirit of the holidays as Clarke smoothly navigated her red sports car through the city streets. The car's engine hummed a low, steady rhythm, a counterpoint to the festive lights and decorations that adorned the city. Lexa sat beside her, the warmth and comfort of the car's interior providing a stark contrast to the bustling, chilly evening outside.

As they wove through the traffic, Lexa couldn't help but admire Clarke's effortless driving. Clarke's hands were steady on the wheel, each turn and maneuver executed with precision and confidence. The car seemed like an extension of herself, a testament to her control and poise.

Lexa glanced out the window, watching the blur of holiday lights and decorations that lined the streets. There was something inherently exciting about riding in Clarke's sports car. It wasn't just the luxury or the speed; it was the feeling of being in a space that was distinctly Clarke's. The interior of the car, from the sleek dashboard to the comfortable leather seats, seemed to reflect Clarke's personality – elegant, sophisticated, and just a bit daring.

Turning her gaze back to Clarke, Lexa found herself caught in the allure of the moment. Clarke's profile was illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights, highlighting her strong jawline and the determined set of her eyes. Lexa's heart fluttered at the sight, and she felt a deep sense of contentment wash over her.

As they continued their drive, the city gradually gave way to the more open roads leading to the country club. The traffic thinned, and Clarke took the opportunity to gently accelerate, the car responding instantly to her touch. The smooth surge of speed brought a thrill that made Lexa's pulse quicken.

"You handle this car like a pro," Lexa commented, a note of admiration in her voice.

Clarke glanced at her with a grin. "I love driving it. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the ride."

Lexa smiled, feeling the truth of Clarke's words. The journey to the country club in Clarke's sports car was indeed an experience to savor. The sense of motion, the purr of the engine, and Clarke's confident presence beside her – it was exhilarating.

As they approached the country club, the elegant facade of the building came into view, its windows glowing warmly against the night sky. Clarke eased the car into the parking area, finding a spot with ease.

The engine fell silent, and for a moment, they remained seated, the quietness of the car enveloping them. Lexa looked over at Clarke, her heart full.

"I could definitely get used to this," Lexa said softly, "riding in this car with you."

Clarke reached over, taking Lexa's hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I hope you do," she replied, her voice tender.

Together, they exited the car, stepping into the crisp night air. The excitement of the evening lay ahead, but for Lexa, the journey there with Clarke had already made the night special. The car, the drive, Clarke's presence – it was a perfect beginning to what promised to be an unforgettable night.

The grandeur of the country club's interior, adorned with festive decorations and the soft melody of holiday music, provided a splendid backdrop as Lexa and Clarke made their entrance. Lexa, exuding elegance in her cocktail dress, felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Clarke, embodying the poised confidence of an alpha, was an anchor of strength beside her.

Their first encounter was with a group of division presidents, influential figures within the company. As Lexa approached, she felt their eyes on them, appraising and curious. She could sense their surprise at seeing her accompanied, a stark contrast to her usual solitary presence at such events.

"Good evening," Lexa greeted, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. Clarke's hand resting lightly on the small of her back was a reassuring presence.

"Lexa, we didn't expect you to bring someone," one of the presidents remarked, his attempt to mask his surprise only partially successful.

Lexa smiled, a touch of defiance in her eyes. "This is Clarke Griffin, my alpha," she introduced confidently. Clarke extended her hand, her demeanor both respectful and assertive.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Clarke said, her voice carrying an undercurrent of confidence. Her handshake was firm, the grip of an alpha that spoke of strength and assurance.

The presidents exchanged brief looks, their surprise giving way to polite acceptance. The conversation quickly shifted to business, a terrain Lexa navigated with her usual acumen. Clarke listened attentively, chiming in occasionally with insightful comments that displayed her understanding of the industry.

Lexa noted with satisfaction the way Clarke's contributions were received – with nods of acknowledgment and interested follow-up questions. Clarke wasn't just her alpha; she was earning respect in her own right.

Amidst the glittering ambiance of the country club, Lexa and Clarke gracefully approached a group where the corporate echelon, including several board members and CEO Thelonious Jaha, stood conversing. The air around these influential figures was heavy with a mix of business and subtle power plays, the kind of atmosphere where every word and gesture mattered.

As they neared, Lexa’s demeanor was one of calm assurance, bolstered by Clarke’s steady alpha presence beside her. Clarke, familiar with the group from previous encounters, exuded a composed confidence.

"Mr. Jaha, good evening," Lexa greeted, offering a nod to the CEO and the other board members. "I hope you've been well."

Thelonious Jaha, a figure of both respect and authority, turned with a welcoming smile. "Lexa, always a pleasure. And Clarke," he extended his greeting, his familiarity evident, "how’s the practice? Keeping you busy, I imagine?"

Clarke responded with a respectful nod and a warm smile. "Indeed, Mr. Jaha. It's thriving, and there's never a dull moment. It’s challenging but rewarding work."

Jaha nodded, his expression showing genuine interest. "That’s excellent to hear. It's important to have a pursuit that drives you. Keeps you grounded."

The conversation gently meandered from Clarke’s medical practice to more general topics, including recent advancements in healthcare. Clarke’s contributions were insightful, reflecting her deep understanding and passion for her work. The board members, some meeting Clarke in this context for the first time, listened intently, visibly impressed by her expertise and the eloquence with which she shared her views.

Lexa, observing the interactions, felt a deep sense of pride and admiration. Clarke, her partner, was shining in her element, effortlessly engaging with some of the most influential individuals in her professional world. The respect she commanded as an alpha, combined with her intellectual prowess, made her an undeniable presence in the room.

As the discussion eventually shifted back to company matters, Lexa seamlessly re-engaged with the conversation, her insights and leadership abilities coming to the forefront. Throughout their interaction, the partnership between Lexa and Clarke was evident – they were a team in every sense, complementing each other’s strengths and standing united in their personal and professional lives.

After some time, as they politely excused themselves to continue mingling, Jaha’s parting remark carried a tone of respect and acknowledgment. "Always good to see both of you. Lexa, your leadership continues to impress us, and Clarke, your accomplishments are commendable. You make a remarkable team."

Moving away from the group, Lexa felt a comforting sense of validation. The evening was not just an opportunity to socialize; it was a reaffirmation of her and Clarke's growing partnership. Together, they were more than just an alpha and an omega; they were a dynamic duo, respected and recognized for their individual strengths and their synergistic relationship.

As the evening wore on, the festive spirit of the Christmas party seemed to fill every corner of the country club. The soft sound of laughter and music mingled with the clinking of glasses, creating a warm and convivial atmosphere. Lexa and Clarke, having navigated the evening’s interactions with grace and poise, found themselves momentarily at the edge of the lively crowd, enjoying a brief respite.

They stood close to each other, engaged in a light-hearted conversation, when Anya approached with a playful grin on her face. "Well, well, look where you two have ended up," she said, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Lexa and Clarke followed Anya’s gaze upwards and found themselves standing under a sprig of mistletoe, its green leaves and red berries hanging innocuously from the ceiling. The realization brought a flush to Lexa's cheeks and a sparkle to Clarke’s eyes.

"Looks like tradition calls for some action," Anya teased, her smile widening as she observed their reaction.

Clarke, with a mischievous look in her eye, turned to Lexa. “What do you say? Shall we honor the tradition?” Her voice was low, tinged with a playful yet tender note.

Lexa, caught in the moment and the warmth of Clarke’s gaze, nodded shyly. The room around them seemed to blur into the background, the noise fading away as Clarke leaned in closer.

With a gentleness that contrasted with the mischief in her eyes, Clarke’s lips met Lexa’s in a sweet, tender kiss. It was a soft, affectionate gesture, yet it held within it the depth of their feelings for each other. The world around them seemed to stand still, the kiss a delicate seal on their bond.

As they parted, Lexa’s eyes fluttered open to meet Clarke’s, now soft with affection. A gentle blush colored her cheeks, a mix of joy and the slight embarrassment of the public display.

Anya, watching the scene, let out a delighted laugh. "That’s the spirit," she exclaimed, her tone warm with approval. "You two are absolutely adorable together."

Lexa smiled, her heart still racing from the kiss. Clarke’s arm slipped around her waist, a gesture of comfort and closeness. “Thank you, Anya,” Lexa replied, her voice steady but still tinged with the remnants of the moment’s magic.

The evening continued, with the partygoers moving around them, but for Lexa and Clarke, that brief moment under the mistletoe felt like a poignant affirmation of their relationship. They were more than just colleagues or friends; they were partners, united by a bond that was both tender and strong.