He laughs like it’s a joke, but there’s no humor in the sound. Because the sentiment has drifted in the air around us, even if none of us has voiced it aloud. That this is temporary for her. An adventure, a fling, but not a lifetime commitment.
“She bonded me,” I say, more as a reminder to myself rather than him.
“Accidentally,” Kai reminds me. “During a heat when she wasn’t fully in control. And she hasn’t asked you to return the favor.”
The fact that he is saying out loud the fear that has been swirling through my head for weeks doesn’t make me feel any better. This bond feels real to me—a constant awareness of Holly humming in the back of my mind. But what if it doesn’t feel the same to her?
What if she wishes she’d never done it and just doesn’t want to tell me?
“We should talk to her,” I say finally. “All of us. Figure out what she wants.”
“After Christmas,” Kai decides. “Let’s just enjoy the holiday first.”
I nod, grateful for the reprieve. “After Christmas.”
We continue through the fair, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. I buy a bottle of locally distilled whiskey for Grayson and a vintage snowboarding poster for Kai. By the time we reach the food stalls, my mood has lightened considerably.
The smell of fried dough and hot chocolate fills the air. Children run between the stalls, their laughter bright in the cold evening. Families gather around standing tables, sharing plates of food and easy conversation.
This is what I want, I realize suddenly. Not just for Christmas, but for all the days after. Holly, laughing in our kitchen. Kai, telling his ridiculous stories. Grayson, silent but always present.
I spot Holly across the square, standing with Aspen at a booth for Caro’s shop. They’ve set up a display featuring what looks suspiciously like a nest—pillows and blankets arranged in a circular pattern, with scented candles and comfort items strategically placed around it.
Holly’s face is flushed pink, either from the cold or embarrassment, as Aspen gestures enthusiastically at the display.
“Found her,” I tell Kai, nodding in their direction.
“And she’s getting a sales pitch from Aspen,” Kai says with a grin. “This should be good.”
We make our way through the crowd. As we approach, I catch the tail end of Aspen’s explanation.
“—and the lavender helps with the anxiety some omegas feel during pre-heat. Caro can custom blend scents for your specific needs, though it’ll just be something that smells nice for you as a beta.”
Holly spots us and her eyes widen in what looks like a plea for rescue.
“There you are,” I say, stepping up beside her. “We were looking for you.”
“Noah! Kai!” Aspen greets us with a knowing smile that makes me instantly wary. “I was just showing Holly the new nesting materials Caro just got in. They’re amazing.”
“How thoughtful of you,” I reply, looking back and forth between them. From the apologetic look of embarrassment on Holly’s face, she’s the one who let this particular cat out of its bag. “I didn’t realize you’d left the pharmacy to work for Caro.”
“Nope, I’m just very passionate about quality heat materials,” Aspen continues innocently. “I thought Holly might find something here of interest to her. She mentioned she’s been sleeping a lot better since starting a supplement I recommended.”
Holly hasn’t spent a night in that cabin in weeks. Which means Aspen knows exactly where andhowshe’s been sleeping.
“That’s very considerate,” I say, keeping my tone neutral.
Aspen’s smile widens. “Anything for our new doctor. Especially one who’s settling in so well with the local population. I’m just glad she’s found a place to stay that isn’t that lonely, dusty old cabin. It’s so nice of you guys to take her in literally out of the cold like this, just like the good neighbors you are.”
The emphasis isn’t subtle. Neither is the way her gaze flicks between the three of us.
“We should probably keep exploring the fair,” I say, placing a hand lightly on Holly’s lower back. “Lots to see.”
“Of course,” Aspen agrees, her smile mischievous. “Let me know if you ever want to know more, Holly. Nobody knows how to make a house your home like an omega.”
Holly’s face turns an even deeper shade of red. “Thanks, Aspen. I’ll, um, keep that in mind.”
We make a hasty retreat, Holly practically vibrating with mortification beside me.
