I agreed, “That he is.” Beta Hank said, “I wasn’t going to let him go out like that.” Tears filled my eyes, and I reached for his hands. I whispered, “Thank you for saving Dylan.” Beta Hank blushed and tipped his cowboy hat before walking over to where his pups were building their toys.
Dylan had Nathan moving onto games that had Porter and Ian jumping over to help him. Shana whispered, “That woman is good for him. He drinks less, but they are just friends.” I laughed, “Dylan told her to play the long game for friends with benefits.”
Shana smirked, “Yeah, I think that will work because some situation happened with Nathan. Besides hanging out with Majorie has him drinking less.” I asked, “What situation?” Shana admitted, “I don’t know I actually think Nathan only mentioned it to Haley.” I wondered what it was. Kiara purred, “Who cares? Mate’s plan is working.”
I urged Shana, “Go sit with Darrin and your pups.” Shana shook her head, “I’d be in the way.” Jackie paused mid chew and nearly dropped her plate. Kiara growled, “I hate Mommy Queenie Meanie.” Yeah, well that was a long line we were in of people who hated that woman.
I asked, “According to whom?” Shana frowned, “Well, Alphas need to be around other Alphas.” I pointed out, “Molly is in Jackson’s lap and Haley’s in Eric’s. Their pups clearly love it. Gospend time with your pups and mate, as a family. That’s just as important for Alpha pups.”
Shana jolted then asked, “Really? You think so?” Jackie looked between Shana, me, and Travis who looked like he wanted a drink that had alcohol in it. I chuckled, “Don’t you remember who I am? Alpha blood flows through my veins, which means I know so, Shana. I see you back there too Jessica. Go sit in your mates laps!”
Jessica joined us blushing, “Really?” Jackie’s tone was full of sadness, “Girl.” I told my couch, “I need a mocktail and two shots with real alcohol for other people.” Aiden said, “It doesn’t have that charm, but here you go.” He winked and conjured it for us.
I grinned saying, “Thanks, Aiden. I didn’t think you were coming.” Aiden replied, “I’m simply stopping by to wave at my nephews and see my sister.” Eric had kissed Haley’s temple and continued to sew while she was in his lap. Aiden smiled, saying, “I’ll see you all later.” He popped out.
Kiara commented, “He’s a good brother.” I agreed, “Yes, he is.” I handed Shana and Jessica their shots. They both stared at them. I whispered, “Take them quickly before my mate sees you have alcohol.” Travis pleaded, “Please do. There’s a whole rule about when the drinking can start.”
Kiara snickered, “The Fairy King conjured Grinch shots.” I covered my mouth, so I didn’t laugh. Both women shrugged then clinked their shot glasses and took them. I urged, “Now, go sit in your men’s laps and coo over their sewing skills. Have them show off and make you something.”
Jessica said, “Oh, no. I couldn't ask Harold to make me something.” I asked, “Why not? Haley did and now she has a super cute bag. Plus, Eric is making one for Cassie now. If you ask, your pups will too. Besides, an Alpha loves to provide for their mate and family.”
Shana whispered, “You really think that’s appropriate?” Kiara growled, “Loathing the dead woman isn’t enough. I can’t prove it, but she tanked the confidence of these two she wolves.” Cassandra dying was the best thing that could have happen for this pack.
I told both women, “Even as an Alpha Female I love when Dylan lets me do things for him. I love getting my pups things and showing off the things I can do. Go over there and let your men make you something and enjoy time with your family. It’s Christmas after all.”
They still stood there, not moving seemingly paralyzed by indecision. Kiara offered, “They are. It’s written all over their faces and their wolves are asking if I’m sure.” I asked both women, “Do any of the Alphas whose mates are in their laps look upset?”
Shana whispered, “They aren’t she wolves. We are more reserved.” I pointed at Nick and Marissa Kyle and then Alpha Peter and Chelsea. Finally, I pointed at my own damn parents. I was getting a gold star in the afterlife for this.
Jessica blinked like I blew her mind. Shana asked, “You really think other she wolves wouldn’t get mad at us?” Good lord. What mind games was Cassandra playing with these two? I pointed out, “Molly is in Jackson’s lap and everyone in their core family is happy.”
Jessica giggled, sounding lighter than I’d ever heard her and grabbed Shana’s hand. Jessica whispered excitedly, “Let’s do it. I want to sit with my family and maybe Harold can sew me something. That would be so special. I didn’t even know he could sew.”
Shana admitted, “I didn’t know Darrin could either. It could be really cute. Haley does look happy, and Jackson is sewing something for Molly now.” Kiara huffed, “It’s like coaxing a baby deer to walk over link with these two wolves.”
I waved them on, “Go before I put you on my couch and float you over there.” Shana laughed and took off with Jessica. I spotted Harold and Darrin’s Betas observing our group, mouths agape. Yeah, they’d definitely clued into how badly Cassandra twisted those poor women up.
Jackie whispered, “Ok, I have to admit I didn’t like them that much before. Now, I think they were like mentally abused by their mother in law and judged too harshly by us all.” I agreed, “I definitely think they were. There’s no she wolf that doesn’t think she can spend time with her pups if her mate is. That’s legit crazy talk.”
Chelsea joined us with a clear question in her eyes. Kiara snorted, “Meeka was close enough to hear the conversation.” That was Chelsea’s wolf. Peter chucked, “Have fun getting all that tea, Sugar Baby Momma.” Chelsea laughed and kissed him as the McAlister’s arrived.
Valerie let a breath of relief go. I asked, “What was that?” Valerie replied, “I thought Sam might not come to be honest, but I see the whole group didn’t make it. Melanie’s not here.” I gasped, “No, she has to be if they all are. Who leaves their pup on Christmas Eve?”
I paused then continued, “It’s a party and she was specifically invited multiple times by my mate. Drake AND Sam got multiple snowball glitter bomb invitations specifying Melanie’s presence was demanded.” I turned to look at the Red Run group.
Chelsea asked, “Lacy, are you going to corral Dylan on the Ladybug situation he’s creating?” I shot her a look, “When my husband says something wrong, sure. He’s currently making very valid points. I’m moderately worried your Warriors are hitting the eggnog today myself.”
Lucas linked, “I’m on it. I’ll send some Warriors over.” Eric would too because he actually looked concerned too. I told myfriends, “Let’s find the Lacy nap room.” Jackie clapped, “Yes!” Travis offered, “I can show you where it is.”
I told my couch, “Let’s go tell Dylan where we are going.” Emmaline linked, “I’m so coming.” She popped over to grab Jackie. My couch went over to Dylan, and it felt like more was going on then I heard based on what he linked.
Kiara snorted, “We thought what we heard was odd.” Yeah, well Dylan was acting like it was a bigger problem and that had my hackles raised. My mate was rarely wrong, and several Betas were eyeing the Red Run group like they’d lost their marbles.
Kiara hummed, “Mate does think it’s more than some people drinking and not paying attention to borders.” I reasoned, “Because it’s about a border. They didn’t notice a three year old pup supposedly leaving her house and crossing the border from the heart of their territory. That is actually more concerning than people drinking alcohol.”
Kiara snorted, “No joke. At least mate is on it.” I agreed, “He always is.” My friends all got on my couch and there was still room for more people to join if I wanted. I laughed as the couch floated over to Travis. My brother in law helped me get off the couch.
I put my hand on the scanner Travis indicated and the door swung open. I gaped at the massive room before me. There was a giant California King sized sleigh bed. It was literally Santa’s sleigh with red throw sheets with snowflakes. The sleigh interior was red, and the outside was green, and the runners were candy canes.
