She's stunned. Just sitting there staring at the three of us like we've grown extra heads.
"Why?" she whispers finally. Her voice is so small. Vulnerable in a way that makes my chest ache. "This is... fake. I mean, we haven't even started any of the contract activities yet. You don't owe me anything. This is just business."
Fake. That we're just fulfilling contract obligations. That we don't actually care about her beyond what's required on paper. That this is transactional instead of... what this could turn into.
I signed those papers thinking it was just business—help an Omega get a contract, help my pack get some money, fulfill some obligations and move on. Nice and clean. Professional. Uncomplicated.
But sitting here now?
Watching her try not to cry while talking about her past? Smelling her scent mixed with ours in a way that feels right? Knowing she's been hurt so badly that she doesn't understand what basic pack care looks like?
Deep down, I want to see where this leads.
If we can actually make it work.
I exchange one more look with my pack mates. They both nod.
Agreement. Unity.
We're trying this.
"You're our Omega now," I say, holding her gaze. Making sure she hears me. Really hears me. "Even if it's temporary. Evenif it's just for six weeks. If this never becomes anything more than what it is right now, we’ll ensure you find the right pack that will treat you like a true princess and you won’t have to do anything but be yourself. We'll show you what it's like to be in a pack that actually cares about their Omega. What it's supposed to be like."
She tries to blink away tears. Fails spectacularly.
One escapes, rolling down her cheek and leaving a wet trail.
Then another.
But she's smiling through the tears. That bright, genuine smile that lights up her whole face and makes her eyes sparkle even while crying. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
"Then I'll show you guys what it's like to enjoy Christmas in the heart of Oakridge Hollow," she says, her voice thick with emotion but determined. Strong despite the tears. "With a festive Omega in full Christmas spirit. You're getting the complete experience—baking, decorating, caroling, the works. No arguments."
Oh boy.
I recognize that determined look. That spark in her eyes. That set to her jaw. That's the look of someone who's about to turn our quiet, boring, tradition-less holiday into complete and utter chaos. We're going to be baking cookies at midnight and decorating trees with way too many ornaments and doing all the festive things we've been actively avoiding for years.
There will probably be caroling. She'll probably make us watch Hallmark Christmas movies. We'll probably end up at every holiday event Oakridge Hollow has to offer. Our house is going to look like Christmas threw up in it. We're going to be exhausted and covered in glitter and constantly surrounded by the smell of cinnamon and pine.
And honestly?
I'm looking forward to every chaotic second of it.
All of it.
The cookies, the decorations, the traditions, the Christmas spirit she's going to force on us whether we like it or not. Because it means she'll be there. In our home. Part of our lives. Making us feel things we've been avoiding.
Showing us what we've been missing.
Six weeks might not be long enough.
I smirk at her.
"Hope we survive."
CHAPTER 21
New Beginnings
