Plus, I had three perfect presents for them already wrapped and delivered from that antique shop. They were tucked away inmy closet waiting for tonight when I would put them under the tree.
I was currently sitting on the top of my bathroom vanity with my legs crossed, brushing eyeshadow across my eyes. I made it a point to wear the most ridiculous Christmas outfits, something that Cole commented on every time.
In honor of Christmas Eve and the festival, I had on fleece-lined tights that were red and white striped with a cute red dres. It flared out at the waist and was warm, yet adorable. The fluffy white sweater waiting in the bedroom was the perfect addition. The white would make my candy cane themed eyeshadow pop a bit more.
Was it all over the top? Absolutely. But it was perfect for today.
Instead of the usual Christmas markets, which they’ve had every weekend this month, this was less shopping and more attractions meant for packs and families to enjoy. There were rides, pictures with Santa, trainers dressed as elves walking around with real-life reindeer, and plenty of treats and holiday drinks to go around.
My camera was already on its lanyard around my neck, and I had my phone ready, a recording app set up so I could record my conversations if I decided to interview people.
That was my preferred way of gathering information: just talking. People tended to focus more on me when it was conversational versus me writing frantically and barely looking at them.
A loud knock on my door had me dropping the makeup brush. Perfect timing since I just finished my touchup. I sprayed some of my winter-berry perfume before looking in the mirror one final time.
It was perfect.
“Oh my gosh,” I breathed out as I opened the door and then pulled up the camera around my neck, screwing off the lens cap and taking a picture.
Cole, Jack, and North were all standing in front of me dressed in festive colors. Cole a hunter green sweater, North a deep scarlet, and Jack’s was navy blue with reindeer on it. They’d taken the time to shave and style their hair, even donning dark jeans.
My pack cleaned up nicely.
“What is all this?” I asked, fanning myself.
“Half the fun of going out is dressing up, right?” Jack asked, his grin wide. “And now we have our Mrs. Claus. Look at you.” He held out a hand, and when I put mine in his, he spun me around, my dress flaring out and my bright laughter echoing in the room. They brought out my joy so easily.
“This might be my favorite yet,” Cole said.
I narrowed my eyes. “I’m fairly sure you’ve said that with every one.”
“Yet, you keep outdoing yourself.” He pulled me close and brushed a kiss across my cherry-painted lips. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said, ducking my head as he caressed my cheeks. This pack was just too sweet.
“Are we ready? We need to get there soon,” Jack pointed out.
“Come on, we better report to Santa for duty,” North teased, giving me that lopsided smile that I loved.
“Oh? Santa?” I questioned. “Does that mean that I’m getting another packmate?”
“No!” all three of them barked out at once. Cole looked downright thunderous while the other two just looked exasperated.
“I’d say we’re more than complicated enough,” North deadpanned. “Now move your cute ass down those stairs. We have to go before Jack has a fit.”
“I’ve been handling it very well, thank you very much,” Jack growled, but I could see how antsy he was to go.
“Let’s get our alpha to his destination,” I said, hooking my arm through Jack’s and heading down the stairs. “You know, this is my first festival I think I’ve ever attended.”
“Now you’re going to tell me your parents thought festivals were below them,” he said.
“Now you’re catching on,” I teased.
But, he was right. My parents would have never cared enough to do something like this.
“Speaking of parents…” I started, glancing at the alpha beside me.
He let out a sigh. “They want to talk after the festival. I guess they’re all going to go tonight in a show of support for me.” Jack looked unnerved. “Not one football game, not one track meet, nothing… but sure, let’s go to a festival.”
