“You big softie,” she teased before grabbing my coat and tugging me closer, kissing me hard and fast. It was just enough to get my heart pounding and alpha ready to claim her, then she pulled away like the brat she was.
God, I loved this omega.
“Time to break in that nest,” she teased, before wrinkling her nose. “Though, the scents are missing. It feels sterile still.”
I was impressed by the sheer beauty and effort that went into the nest. The Knotty Nesters team was incredible. They’d mimicked the styles and layout at the store, but incorporated it into each of their spaces beautifully, adding new touches and small changes to tailor it to our omegas.
“There’s one surefire way to get the scents settled in there,” I said as I tucked her into my side, breathing her in. A move that was now normal for us.
Jack seemed to be giving us our space, chatting with Grady until we were ready. We said our goodbyes before facing the cold and climbing into the safety of Jack’s truck, I’d pick up my car later when it wasn’t as icy out.
Jack turned on Christmas music the moment we were inside the car. Of course, our omega turned it up, singing along with no care in the world. Her hand rested on each of our legs as she sat between us.
It was one of those moments where the world just felt full of hope.
“How do you feel about a Christmas movie night?” Jack mused. “North and I could take care of dinner, we can make a little nest in the living room of our suite.”
“It sounds perfect,” she said, relaxing into the warm seat as we headed for the estate.
She was so eager to get to her mate that Aspen practically shoved us out of the car and up to the front door. She shoved it open, then froze.
“Oh shit,” Jack gasped as he came to a halt behind her. “Is it a heat?”
The smell of gingerbread was so strong in the air that it had to be.
Aspen
“Shit,” I said, practically sprinting towards the kitchen with them on my heels. The door slammed open hard enough it sounded like a crack of thunder.
North startled when we walked in, clutching his chest. His eyes were wild but calmed at the sight of us. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“We thought you went into heat,” I gasped as we took in the assortment of gingerbread, each one carefully cut into shapes.
He rolled his eyes. “I was thinking it might be fun to do some gingerbread houses.” He gestured at the carefully cut treats and back to us.
“We were on the same wavelength, baby,” Jack said as he went over and pulled North into a kiss.
When they broke apart, he ran his nose over our omega’s neck and cheek, scent marking him. They were adorable, though I almost pouted because nobody was scent marking me.
“Oh, I think our omega is jealous, boys,” Jack said.
“I am not,” I lied quickly, eyes widening as they all ran for me at once.
Cole moved behind me, pulling me against his chest. My heart slammed against my ribcage as Jack slotted himself right in front, close enough that their arms were brushing as they rubbed their cheeks over mine. North filled in the open gap, forcing his way in and doing the same.
I swear my heart might burst right now from happiness.
Our moment broke as the oven timer went off, a fresh wave of gingerbread wafting in the air as North rushed to retrieve it before it could burn.
His tongue poked out as he focused on the gingerbread, cutting it carefully into triangles, rectangles, and squares.
There were two huge mixing bowls full of frosting and an assortment of little candies, all in festive colors. This was up there with the pictures with Santa, something I’ve never done before. He must’ve noted the excitement on my face.
“So, it wasn’t a cheesy, lame idea?” North questioned.
I blinked away the tears, the ones who were definitely giving him anxiety.
“It’s perfect,” I managed to choke out. “You guys just keep coming up with the sweetest ways of making this Christmas special. I’ve never made one before.”
