My jaw dropped. “How did you know?”
“I know my boys,” she said, then gestured for me to follow her outside.
“That stunned look, the way you both looked like deer in the headlights before he explained who you were. A mother knows these things.”
“And you let us keep lying to you?” I shook my head. “I’m just glad you’re not upset with us.”
“I knew there was something important about the two of you being together, and I had my hopes. I wanted my boy to be happy. It wasn’t just about him coming home, but I wanted him to have a chance at finding a pack. Look what happened.”
“That mother’s intuition is strong with you,” I agreed, letting out a relieved breath as we climbed into the car. “Are you sure you’re not upset?”
“You gave me Cole back. Brought him back to life. I could never be upset at that,” she said firmly.
With that, she cranked the Christmas music and drove us back across town. I’d officially finished my Christmas shopping, and I was so excited about all the things we still had planned. They’d mentioned courting me, and I think they were doing an incredible job with all of these little Christmas traditions and adventures.
Now I couldn’t wait to wake up on Christmas morning and not dread the holiday or feel the pangs of loneliness.
When we pulled up to the estate, there were more cars parked out front than I expected.
“Oh good, everyone’s arrived to set up for the party. Don’t worry, no cherries,” she promised me.
“Thanks,” I grinned, climbing out of the car.
She greeted the cleaning staff and caterers that were waiting for her, going into full hostess mode while I slipped away to our suite to get ready.
My pack wasn’t up here, and I enjoyed the quiet as I took a shower and dried my hair before curling it.
My makeup was subtle, though I did go a little extra with my eyeshadow, opting for a smoky shadow with a hint of green glitter that matched the dress I bought earlier this week.
I hadn’t tried it on. I was just hoping for the best, and I let out a relieved breath when I slipped it over my head. It was perfect, showing just enough skin to make my men weak while also feeling gorgeous.
Grabbing my black heels, I slid my feet into them and spritzed my favorite perfume on. It was a subtle vanilla that paired well with my natural scent.
There was a knock on my door. I hurried over, opening it to find North waiting on the other side. He somehow found a tie that matched my dress perfectly.
His eyes slowly rolled over me inch by inch like a caress. He let out a low whistle before meeting my gaze.
“You look beautiful, Aspen. I can’t wait to show you off tonight.”
With a grin, I walked closer, brushing a kiss over his lips.
“The way that I just want to throw you back in that nest and say forget the party... but we can’t do that.”
“No, we definitely can’t,” I agreed with a chuckle. “But afterwards, all bets are off.”
Sounds downstairs drew his attention, when he looked back, he let out a sigh and held out his arm for me.
“Are you ready to meet my parents?”
Aspen
My heart was slamming in my chest as we walked down the grand staircase. Voices greeted us as we reached the bottom. Karina was leading another omega out of the room, their arms intertwined as they laughed at something.
North’s mom was gorgeous. They had that same sandy-brown hair and teal eyes. She wore glasses, cute, dainty, gold frames that fit her perfectly.
Just past them were the rest of North‘s parents, his three dads, Jasper, Damien, and Lawrence. I wasn’t sure who was who yet, but I definitely knew that the burly one had to be North’s dad. The resemblance was uncanny.
If I thought his mom looked like him, it paled in comparison. Their hair had the same softness to it and was thick. The cow-lick in the front was also identical.
