At this time of night, it was lit up with all the Christmas lights I hadn’t realized were there before. With the snow covering the grass and the lights glowing against the night sky, it looked like something out of a fairytale.
Just for a moment, I let myself paint a picture of what that life could be like. Raising children here, little feet running through those hallways. Taking them down to see lights in town just like we did, soft giggles coming from their car seats. A pack so full of love it radiated between the bond we’d someday forge.
I wanted it more than anything.
Just as quickly as that dream formed, reality stepped in.
Cole’s phone rang, and I looked over in time to see Karina’s name flash across the screen.
“Is everything alright, Mom?” Cole questioned as he answered the phone.
“I just heard from your fathers,” she said, her voice cracking. “They heard about your mate and they… they’re heading home. They’re going to be here for Christmas.”
The mood darkened instantly, both Hawthorne boys looking like they didn’t know how to react.
To most, this would be good news.
Right now, all I could feel was tension. Our holiday just took a turn.
Aspen
After the bomb that Karina dropped, our night soured. Cole was so stressed out after hearing their dads were coming home that he went to bed early. Alone.
He wasn’t exactly closing me out but he didn’t invite me, either. So, I gave him space.
Jack and North also went to bed in their own rooms while I stared at the ceiling for hours. I think the stress was just too much for me.
After several hours passed, I realized I was simply done staring at the ceiling. It was still dark but I couldn’t force myself to sit here any longer. Forcing myself to my feet, I crept out of my nest, not wanting to wake anyone else.
The embers in the fireplace were down to nothing and it was eerily quiet in our wing that was so full of life hours ago.
Soft voices echoed out of North’s nest and I tiptoed my way towards the door, making sure I didn’t hear anything other thanvoices before pushing it open. I didn’t want to interrupt any intimate moments.
I knocked softly on the frame. Both men looked up when they heard it, smiles breaking out on their faces at the sight of me peeking in.
“If you guys are having a moment, it’s fine. I just couldn’t sleep,” I explained.
“Same as me,” North said, shaking his head. “I texted Jack because I was tired of rolling around in here by myself and I know he’s a terrible sleeper.”
“Omegas aren’t built for sleeping alone,” I muttered. “We should just start sleeping together at night.”
They both scooted over making space for me in the middle. I didn’t hesitate to snuggle in, North pulling blankets over me and making sure there was a soft pillow behind my head.
We all seemed to let out a collective sigh now that we were together. It was missing Cole’s scent in here, but it wasn’t my nest.
After a few beats of silence, North let out a groan. “I’m still not tired enough to sleep.” He nuzzled into me, rubbing his cheek over mine and scent marking me.
Jack shifted closer, brushing the hair out of my face when I tipped my head his way, his smile soft and sleepy.
“Hi,” I whispered.
“Hey, baby girl.” Then his mouth was on mine. It was meant to be a sweet peck, but my hand reached out, curling into his shirt and pulling him closer
He tipped me on my side so our bodies were flushed together, his cock hardening and poking me in the thigh
North pressed himself against my back, his fingers trailed down my side, making me shiver.
Their scents mixed with mine, all three of them bursting in the air and filling the space. I loved when they were so thick that it almost blanketed over us. An added layer of comfort.
