His resolve grew even stronger when, a moment later, his omega appeared in the dining hall’s doorway. God, she was beautiful. Her tawny brown skin glowed and her cat-like green eyes sparkled. She wore a cream-colored sweater dress that clung to her curves, along with brown tights, tall brown riding boots, and a matching belt. She looked soft and warm, and Hunter wanted to gather her into his arms and bury his face in her neck and breathe her in.
As if sensing his gaze, she looked at him then, and Hunter felt an electric current in the air between them. They stared at each other for a long moment. Hunter couldn’t breathe. Then Destiny smiled at him, and it was like a winter sunrise—almost blinding in its beauty. Hunter exhaled and smiled back.
Destiny moved gracefully through the room, her bodyguard trailing behind her and her bubbly little assistant chirping away at her side. Hunter watched the way people lit up when they met her, even the few who didn’t already know who she was. While Sasha exclaimed over the gingerbread houses and chatted up the parents, Destiny focused more on the children, getting on their level and asking them questions about themselves.
Hunter wondered if she wanted to be a mother. Maybe it was because his own mother had abandoned him, but Hunter had never felt much interest in having children. His meemaw had been wonderful—he wouldn’t have traded her for the world—but he couldn’t help his childish dreams of having parents who loved him.
For the first time, he thought he might want to give that to someone else. With Destiny, Hunter could imagine bringing a few humans into the world who would never know anything besides life with a huge, loving family. He was surprised by the lump that formed in his throat at the thought.
“Mr. Li, all is in order for the prince’s transition to the pressroom. He has thirty more minutes with the gingerbread class, if we can get him to leave on time.”
A member of security had appeared at Hunter’s side, exactly on schedule. Hunter nodded approvingly. He’d been working hard to turn over more responsibility to other members of the crown’s security team, trusting that he’d trained them well over the last few years. He and Grey would resign their positions soon, considering that once the pack ascended to the throne, they’d have other duties. They’d select a new chief advisor and Hunter’s second would become the new head of security for the incumbent kings. And their queen.
Hunter looked to where Xander and Destiny stood among the crowd. Whether by design, luck, or happy accident, their pathsthrough the tables of Avondalian families were leading them right to each other.
“I’ll warn him now so he can begin his goodbyes. Otherwise, we’ll never get him out of here,” Hunter said, starting toward the prince. He made his way unobtrusively to Xander’s side, waiting until his pack leader was free to speak. “Thirty minutes until the royal family is due to talk to the media.”
Xander grimaced. “Of course. I’ll start getting my game face on.”
Hunter’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. That had been far too easy. Normally, Xander would’ve at least whined about it. He loathed talking to the press.
Xander laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t look so shocked. I wasn’t kidding when I said I was going to step up, like I should’ve done years ago. There’s too much at stake now. What kind of leader would I be if I got in the way of our happily ever after?”
Hunter resisted an uncharacteristic urge to hug his friend. There was confidence and determination in his voice. He really meant it. Hunter was going to make Xander’s favorite meal whenever they next had a free evening.
“She looks less angry,” Hunter said, following Xander’s gaze to where it tracked Destiny’s progress across the room. “She might just forgive you.”
Xander lifted his chin, tossing his golden hair out of his sparkling blue eyes. It was truly annoying how traditionally good-looking he was. As if being the heir to a thriving throne wasn’t enough.
“She’s going to forgive me. I will grovel if I have to.” Xander gave Hunter a sly glance. “God, I hope she makes me grovel.”
Hunter chuckled. “Oh, she’s definitely going to make you grovel. You should start now.”
Destiny reached them then, a sardonic smile on her full lips. Sasha greeted them energetically and Damon bowed slightly, but Hunter only had eyes for his omega. He was learning to read her quickly, and he could see a playful twinkle in her pretty eyes as she regarded the prince. Hunter couldn’t wait to see those cat eyes looking up at him as she and Xander knelt at his feet, waiting for his commands. They were going to have so much fun.
As if she knew what he was thinking, Destiny’s gaze flicked to his and her smile widened. She bowed her head, looking up at him through her lashes. Hunter’s dick twitched.
“Prince Alexander, Prince Consort Hunter.” Destiny’s voice held a teasing lilt. “I hope you slept well. I certainly did, thanks to my handsome cuddle buddy.”
Her cupid’s bow mouth curled into a smirk. Hunter’s cock twitched again. It seemed their omega had a bratty streak that he’d thoroughly enjoy punishing. If he hadn’t seen Ivan slipping into her room last night, Hunter would be hot with jealousy at the insinuation that someone else had shared her bed.
Xander, who clearly didn’t know her companion was feline, was trying and failing to hide a scowl. Hunter decided to put him out of his misery before he said the wrong thing. Again.
“You know my rule for cuddling. So, whenever you’re ready to trade Ivanushka in for something better, you just let me know. I promise you’ll sleep very well.” Hunter watched Destiny’s eyes widen and cheeks flush as she caught his meaning. But it wasn’t embarrassment he saw in her eyes—it was desire.
Xander grinned, taking her hand in both of his. “I slept terribly. How could I sleep knowing my stupid, petty words were used against you? I won’t hope for cuddles, but I will beg for your forgiveness.”
Sasha clapped approvingly, bouncing on her toes and ignoring an eyeroll from Destiny. Hunter could tell from Destiny’s rosycheeks and spiking scent that the omega was just playing it cool. That damn Xander really could be charming when he wanted to.
“I’d hardly call that begging, but it’s a start,” Destiny told the prince. “Let’s see how you behave today before I make any promises. I suggest you keep the apologies coming.”
“Deal.” Xander smiled brightly, kissing her hand before releasing it and gesturing around the room. “Now, tell me. What do you think of Avondale’s people?”
The popstar looked around, her face softening as she caught several nearby children waiting to be noticed. They waved at her enthusiastically and she waved back. The children squealed in delight, running back to their parents.
“They’re lovely,” Destiny said, and Hunter felt a surge of pride at her approval. “It’s so nice to see families spending time together. And the kids are so excited to be in the castle.”
Hunter laughed. “Most of them come every year. You’d think they’d be used to it.”
