Large bookshelves framed a pack bed, arching over the top before melding into the other side. They were loaded with fakebooks, but I could easily see my omega filling every one of those shelves.
Hell, I’d buy him every one if he let me.
His fingers danced reverently over the covers, a wistful smile on his lips. No one wanted to break the spell as he touched and took in every single aspect of the display.
Soft blankets and throw pillows in an array of dark shades of navy blue and deep emerald green, mixed with the dark leather and wood. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything scream ‘North’ more in my life.
“It’s amazing,” Aspen said as she studied it.
“You really think so?” he questioned. “It’s not too… I don’t know. Nerdy professor aesthetic?”
“First of all, that’s not a thing,” she laughed. “Second, no. It looks inviting. A place you could go to relax and get away, forget about the stress of the world and just exist,” she said, an almost dreamy quality taking over her voice.
“Exactly,” he agreed, frowning as her smile fell.
“I don’t think I’ve ever really given myself the chance to do that,” she admitted quietly.
“It’s a shame that your other pack never made you feel like you could,” North said, anger lacing his words now. He’d always been a bit of a romantic, something I was afraid I couldn’t live up to.
He wasn’t kidding about loving those sweet holiday movies that were sugary-sweet and painted a picture-perfect world that I couldn’t dream of giving him. It was stupid now, looking back, to let that stop me.
She looked up at him with a crooked smile and let out a breath that felt very much like release. “I don’t really have to worry about them anymore, do I? I have an actual pack who cares about me. And I know I never have to worry about walking in on you with another omega.”
“Except for North, never,” I vowed, not even having to put thought into it. I wanted to give this omega the entire world, to spend the rest of my life making both of them feel loved.
That started with building nests and spending this holiday together, letting our pack form without stress so that we were strong enough to handle anything life wanted to throw at us.
Aspen
Pine Ridge at Christmas was magical. The entire town seemed to be coated in a dusting as pristine as snow, adding another layer of perfection to the already picturesque town.
Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder how Cole ever left.
After being promptly kicked out of the estate the next day so Karina could handle the deliveries and order around the designers, we were ordered to spend the day in town. It felt like she was doing everything she could to ensure our little pack made it.
That and she loved to decorate. That was obvious from the state of their home.
Giving Cole’s hand a quick squeeze before letting go, I hurried to North’s side, wrapping my arms around his waist. My nose buried into his shirt, breathing in his gingerbread and nutmeg scent.
“What’s your favorite thing about weekends in Pine Ridge?” I questioned.
He considered my question for a moment before answering. “I always make sure to snag something for my mom from here. It’s our little tradition, but the spiced nuts are life–changing. I can take out a whole bag in one sitting.”
“Oh, well then I have to try them,” I said, glad to see his mood was already lifting. My sweet omega dragged me straight through Main Street, my eyes skimming hurriedly over all of the vendors as we passed, taking notes of the ones that I wanted to come back to. It was the usual craft fair type of things: handmade gifts, candles, and the occasional treats. Some had antiques, but I was holding out for my shopping date with Karina still.
My mouth started to water as the scent of something spiced and sweet hit me, too good to ignore.
“Oh my god,” I groaned, breathing in deep. He grinned down at me, eyes lighting up.
“See?” he said pointedly.
It was funny that with me he was always so dominant, and then with Jack he was more submissive, letting the alpha take the lead.
I’d spent far too long with controlling men, true dominance was a welcome change. Even Cole was different. His dominance was smooth and subtle, the kind that came naturally to him, not forced, or some power play. It was just simply who he was.
Jack was more playful, though still protective. He was serious when you needed him to be, sweet sometimes, well rounded enough that it smoothed out some of the harsh edges. I had a feeling that there was a lot more to that man than he let the world see.
“What can I get you, sweetheart?” My eyes narrowed at the simpering beta behind the counter. She was batting hereyelashes, being way too obvious, as if he wasn’t standing right next to an omega. Our arms were literally linked together.
