Not while he was sober anyway.Xander’s stomach dropped when he remembered his first encounter with Destiny. He still didn’t know what all he’d said. Hunter was right to be concerned.
“Look, Hunt, I know I’ve been shitty to her, and I really am sorry. Just like I’m sorry I’ve been a shitty packmate to you and Grey. I’m going to do my best to make up for it.” Xander pulled himself up to his full height, meeting Hunter’s gaze steadily. “We have an unexpected chance here, and I intend to take full advantage of it. Don’t worry about babysitting me today. Trust me to do better—tobebetter.”
Xander didn’t know why it suddenly felt so important that Hunter believe him. Maybe it was the talk he’d had with his mother, or maybe it was something deeper and instinctual, but Xander knew things were different this time. They were at a precipice, a crossroads, and Xander’s actions would determine whether his pack healed or deteriorated beyond repair.
Xander wouldn’t let that happen. Hecouldn’t. He would finally grow up, take his responsibilities seriously, and be the leader they deserved. But he couldn’t do it without the trust of his best friends.
Hunter studied him with those intense hazel eyes of his, as if he could see into Xander’s soul. Xander didn’t look away. He could feel the bond pulsing between them, reminding him thathe hadn’t been attending to that bond lately and certainly not nurturing it. He could be better. Hewouldbe better.
At last, Hunter nodded, the corner of his mouth quirking up slightly. “We promised we’d watch Christmas movies. She said her favorite Christmas movie isDie Hard.”
Xander put a hand to his chest, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “Seriously? You’re not just messing with me? Be still, my beating heart! That woman is just one surprise after another.”
Hunter grinned enigmatically. “You have no idea. Light some candles and shit. Grey is showing her the greenhouses, but they’ll be here soon.”
A luxury of having a full staff was not worrying much about cleaning and upkeep, but Xander still found himself rushing around to make sure the place was ready. He grabbed spare blankets, adjusted the room’s lighting, and lowered the projector screen, setting up for a cozy movie day, while Hunter threw together popcorn and assorted snacks.
Soon enough, Grey and Destiny arrived, laughing and chattering, their brown skin rosy from the cold. Xander was immediately struck by how happy Grey was. He could feel it humming through the bond as much as he could see it in Grey’s glowing face. And Destiny was absolutely radiant. The two were an undeniably perfect pair. The joy emanating from them made Xander’s chest ache.
He was so distracted by emotion that it took him a moment to realize Destiny was carrying a tabby cat almost identical to the one stretched out in front of the fireplace. His mouth fell open. He turned to Hunter, who just shrugged.
“It’s brass monkeys outside!” Grey proclaimed, which was obviously his nonsensical British way of saying it was cold. Xander noticed how Grey casually placed a hand on Destiny’sback as he guided her nearer to the fire. “Warm up, love. Can’t have you catching cold.”
The popstar gave Grey a dazzling smile before turning her siren eyes on Xander. “Good morning, your highness.”
“You’recarryingIvan,” Xander said stupidly, gesturing to the demon purring contentedly in the omega’s arms. “No one carries Ivan. Ivan doesn’t let anyone touch him except my mother. How are you not being filleted right now?”
Destiny laughed, the sound tugging at Xander’s heart. “I guess not everyone is as resistant to my charms as you are, Princeling. The little angel came right up to me. The other one did too, but then she followed Hunter. Oh, there she is! Hi sweetness.”
Xander watched incredulously as Destiny put Ivan down beside the hearth with his sister, who bumped her head against the omega’s hand affectionately. Alyonushka and Ivanushka were his mother’s cats, and both were menaces in their own way. Though Aly couldn’t be trusted not to get into the garbage, at least she was sweet. Ivan was not. Everyone but the queen had fallen victim to his claws at one time or another.
And now he was on his back, letting Destiny scratch his throat.
Grey grinned at Xander. “The twins like her, and Star likes them back, so now Hunter likes cats.”
Hunter scowled. “I never said I didn’t like cats. I amallergicto cats. And you’re one to talk since you like gory movies now. We’re all embracing new interests.”
Destiny laughed again, and Xander found he really, really liked the sound of it. She seemed so relaxed today. She was absolutely lovely with her guard down.
Xander was sad to see her walls come back up a bit when she met his gaze. She gave him a sardonic smile. “Greyson said the cats are named after siblings from a Russian folktale. Was it one of the really good gruesome ones?”
Grey sighed and shook his head. “I can’t believe you two are this much alike. How is it that I keep being seduced by sociopaths?”
“You’re just lucky I guess,” Destiny teased. “If it’s any consolation, I’m sure the prince is mortified to share my tastes.”
“Not at all,” Xander said. “I’m excited to have someone around who enjoys quality cinema. This lot hardly ever let me pick the movie.”
Destiny tilted her head, looking a bit surprised that he hadn’t taken the opportunity to bait or insult her. Xander cursed himself internally. He wanted to tease and bicker with her, but only if she felt safe with him. Which she clearly didn’t yet.
He would have to change that.
“Destiny has agreed to ease me into the darker side of Christmas.” Grey sighed heavily again, though his eyes still sparkled. “She said we can watch that bonkers kids’ movie with the skeleton Father Christmas.”
“Santa Claus,” Destiny corrected. “There’s a very important pun around the name, so you have to tap into your American side, hon.”
Grey groaned and everyone laughed. The sound filled the huge room, and Xander realized how rare it was lately that the pack spend time together like this. Hunter and Greyson were too busy cleaning up his messes and taking on the responsibilities he shirked, while Xander moped and fucked around.
Well, his mother always said that without effort, you couldn’t get fish from a pond. It was a kooky old Russian saying she’d gotten from his great grandmother, but it was true. He had to start putting in the work. Right now.
