Unperturbed, the prince moved closer to the sleigh and extended his hand. “Feet? You’re going to have to learn to speak metric, Frosty dear. Now, at least let me help my leading lady into the sleigh. For safety reasons.”
His blue eyes twinkled merrily, making it clear he was amused as always by her annoyance. Destiny tried to ignore the thrill in her belly when he looked at her that way, tried to ignore the fact that he’d called herhisleading lady.
You’re ours, Kitten. You’re mine.
Destiny couldn’t help but glance at Hunter. His words from that morning had played in her head again and again. She’d liked the sound of it. A lot.
Usually, Destiny would’ve resented it as possessive alpha bullshit. She’d been courted, propositioned, and pursued by many an alpha, and a few of them had tried to stake a claim. But Destiny hadn’t been interested in anything substantial with any of them, hadn’t been able to get past a third date before she knew it was pointless to go any further. They weren’t hers and she definitely wasn’t theirs.
But Hunter’s words had excited rather than annoyed her, and now Alexander’s were having the same impact. Technically,this sleigh ride would be her third date with the men of Pack Stepanov, and Destiny only wanted to spend more time with them.
She tore her gaze from Hunter and lifted an eyebrow at the prince, mustering her normal sass. “If you call this groveling, I’ve got to say I’m disappointed.”
“You’re right, let me try again,” Prince Alexander replied, his grin widening, as he dropped to one knee in the snow. “I know I’m not worthy to touch you after being such a colossal prick, but please allow me to help you into the sleigh. If it suits you better, I can get on all fours and serve as a step.”
Destiny thought she heard a longsuffering sigh from Hunter, but she couldn’t be sure since she was distracted by the whispers of curious onlookers. She saw that the rest of their party had already settled into their sleighs. Most everyone looked amused by the delay, aside from Princess Natalya who pouted impatiently.
“Get up!” Destiny hissed at the prince. “You can help me if you just get in the damn sleigh!”
“As you wish,” the prince said, and then he was on his feet, so close to her that his scent washed over her, woodsy with a hint of sweetness—cedar, sage, and nutmeg.
Prince Alexander took her hand, putting his other on her lower back, and helped her into the sleigh. Destiny wondered how a simple gesture could feel so profound.
“Twat,” Greyson muttered, moving quickly to sit at Destiny’s side before his packmates could claim the spot. Hunter and Alexander clambered into the seats across from them, and their little procession began to move.
There were wide lanes between the trees, allowing plenty of space for the sleighs to pass and the crowd to mill about. The horses walked at a leisurely pace, allowing the crowd a good look at the monarchs. It was almost like a parade, andseriously was this a movie or what? The royal family waved, exchanged pleasantries with their subjects, and complimented the amazingly decorated trees.
And the trees! The creativity on display was impressive. There were trees for every color scheme—the colors of the Avondalian flag the most popular—and all sorts themed after movies, television shows, sports teams, and businesses. There was a tree covered in ornaments painted to look like members of the royal family. Another had been turned into a snow-covered mountain, with a fully functional train track winding through the branches, complete with a tiny train chugging merrily along and playing Christmas carols.
Destiny could see why the winner was selected beforehand. It would be far too overwhelming to try to make a decision tonight. There was too much to see, too many people to acknowledge. It was much better to just enjoy the beautiful scenery, cheerful crowd, and the sweet smells of Christmas: pine and cinnamon, peppermint and chocolate, vanilla and mulled wine.
“You’re glowing,” Hunter said, startling Destiny from her thoughts. He was watching her with a small, secret smile that made her heart stutter. “I guess that means you like it?”
Prince Alexander leaned toward her, watching her intently with his sapphire eyes. Beside her, Greyson pressed closer, his pomegranate and cypress scent blending alluringly with the other winter smells. They were all waiting for her answer. Destiny knew Pack Stepanov was asking much more than her opinion on the festival or Avondale.
She swallowed hard, meeting each of their gazes in turn. Greyson gave her arm a reassuring squeeze that for some ridiculous reason made her eyes sting. Her heart seemed to be trying to escape her chest.
“I love it,” Destiny said finally, and it was the absolute truth. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this at home anywhere…including my actual home.”
Pack Stepanov’s answering smiles rivaled the setting sun. Destiny relaxed against Greyson, resisting the urge to lay her head on his shoulder. Instead, she rested a hand on his knee, which he quickly covered with his own. It felt wonderful.
“So, these sweet little horses are really going to pull us through five acres of trees?” Destiny asked. “Won’t they get tired?”
The horses were compact creatures with dark coats that glimmered bronze in the glow of the Christmas lights. Their thick, black manes were shiny, and their huge eyes were dark and expressive. Between the cats at the castle and these adorable horses, Avondale seemed determined to turn Destiny into an animal lover.
“Tsk tsk, Frosty. Are you underestimating them based on their appearance? I’ve certainly learned that lesson.” The prince’s voice was teasing. “Anyway, Huculs are some of the toughest horses in the world. They’re native to the Carpathian Mountains and are used to carrying heavy loads across treacherous terrain in terrible weather. This is a walk in the park to them.”
“You’re a cheeky git,” Destiny told him, before turning to Greyson for approval. “Did I use it right? I’ve only spent short spells in England.”
Greyson threw his head back and laughed, squeezing her hand. “Xander is indeed a cheeky git. No matter how much Hunter punishes him, he’ll always be a brat.”
Hunter grunted in agreement, as Xander grinned wickedly. He leaned toward Destiny, giving her a wink that made her stomach flutter. “I’ll teach you my ways, and we’ll keep Hunt on his toes. It’s good for him.”
Butterflies swarmed in Destiny’s stomach, both from the dirty thoughts his words conjured, and from the meaning behind thewords. They sounded like plans. Plans that involved her being with Pack Stepanov long-term.
“Don’t push it, Pet,” Hunter drawled, giving Xander a sidelong glance that sent a thrill through Destiny’s core. “You’ve been such a good boy today. You don’t want to ruin it in the home stretch.”
Prince Alexander tilted his head down in submission, but his eyes still danced with mischief. Destiny couldn’t help but laugh. She liked the way they teased one another, enjoyed the witty banter. Conversation was always an intellectual sparring match with these men. Men who stimulated her in so many ways, in ways no one ever had before. Men who felt like hers.
