Greyson laughed against the back of her neck, and she shivered in response. Pack Stepanov had a strong effect on her before, but now it was even more intense. She pressed her thighs together to quell the sudden throbbing in her pussy, knowing her alphas could still smell her arousal.
“Put that weapon away,” Alexander teased Hunter, squirming against him in a way that suggested to Destiny that she wasn’t alone in her lust. “We don’t have time for morning sex, Hunt. You know mom will come and drag us out of here if we don’t show up for Christmas breakfast.”
“We certainly don’t want to give the queen an eyeful. We’ll just have to plan on a little afternoon delight.” Greyson wagged his eyebrows and kissed Destiny’s neck, lingering on the fresh mating bites.
“That behavior isn’t helping,” Destiny protested, though her body hummed with excitement. “If you want me up, go and make tea. Something strong.”
Greyson laughed again, the sound hearty and untroubled. Destiny loved the sound of it. She loved the glowing bondbetween them, the way she could feel the joy emanating from each of her alphas.
“As you wish, love,” Greyson replied, rolling out of bed. Destiny admired the display of golden-brown skin and lean muscle as Greyson stretched languidly. “One strong cup of Earl Grey coming up. You gents want any?”
“You know I can’t stand your colonizer tea,” Alexander said, making Destiny giggle.
“Don’t encourage him,” Hunter admonished. “None for me either. Everybody up. We’ve got presents to open and showers to take before we join the family.”
It took a bit of tickling and a few threats to get Alexander and Destiny moving, but they eventually complied. When Destiny tried to go back to her room to shower and change, Hunter was already two steps ahead. He’d texted Sasha, who’d gone above and beyond his request and repacked Destiny’s entire suitcase, leaving it at the door of the packhouse.
“Seriously?” Destiny exclaimed. “Why is everyone always on your side? My own assistant has been conspiring with you. What did you tell her?”
She planted her hands on her hips and fixed Hunter with a stern glare. Instead of looking chastened, he pulled her close and kissed her, his tongue stroking hers possessively. When he pulled away, it took her a minute to remember what she’d been fussing about.
“I only requested a fresh set of clothes, but Sasha clearly had other ideas,” Hunter said. “What’s her favorite food, by the way?”
Destiny raised an eyebrow. “Alcapurrias. Why?”
Hunter smiled. “No reason at all. Just like you have no reason to go back to the guest room. You’re not a guest anymore. This is your home.”
Destiny eyes prickled with tears. She was delighted and overwhelmed by the idea of having found her home, here with her alphas. A spike of anxiety confused her for a moment, before she realized the emotion wasn’t her own.
“I can feel you worrying.” Destiny rubbed the spot over her heart, as if she could touch the connection between them. It was odd feeling someone else inside of her—three someones, in fact. “That’s going to take some getting used to. I’m not actually upset with Sasha if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“That’s not it,” Hunter replied hesitantly. “I just remembered we hadn’t talked logistics yet. I shouldn’t have just assumed you’d want to live here.”
Destiny laughed and the anxiety she felt through their bond evaporated. “Of course I’m going to live here, you dork. I knew saying yes to this pack meant saying yes to Avondale. You’re going to have to accept that this is no longer a bachelor pad, Hunny Bunny.”
Hunter growled and pulled her close again to nip at her bottom lip. “That isnotgoing to be your nickname for me. Now go get in the shower before I’m tempted to dirty you up again.”
In another half hour they were dressed and gathered in the living room. Destiny snuggled happily between Hunter and Greyson, her legs tucked beneath her as she sipped her tea. Hunter couldn’t seem to stop touching her. He smoothed her hair, ran his hands over her arms, rested a hand on her thigh. When she looked at him, his hazel eyes were full of wonder.
“Christmas miracle,” he murmured.
Greyson gave him a half smile. “Thank you, Father Christmas. Or should I saySanta Claus?”
They were still laughing when Alexander reappeared with a large box in his hands. Destiny’s heart sped up as Greyson took her teacup and Alexander set the box in her lap. She looked ather alphas curiously, toying with the box’s velvet bow, but not opening it.
“This is from all of us,” Alexander explained with a nervous smile. “If you don’t like it, we can get you another.”
“I get the feeling this is way better than what I got you,” Destiny replied hesitantly. She could tell from the way they were watching her that the box held something meaningful. Whatever it was would surely put her gifts to shame.
“Nothing is better than what you’ve given us,” Greyson answered, kissing her temple. “Now open it.”
Her alphas watched her intently as she opened the box. When she saw what was inside, her mouth dropped open in surprise. Gingerly, she lifted the crown from the satin pillow it rested on.
“This is beautiful,” she said in a hushed voice, turning the crown in her hands. She examined the engraved silver and inlaid sapphires carefully. The craftsmanship was impeccable. The silver gleamed and the jewels sparkled as if they’d been meticulously polished. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you love it. Or say you hate it, and you want to design your own,” Alexander suggested, his smile more confident now. “This was my great grandmother’s. We thought it would suit you, but it’s perfectly alright if you want something new.”
Destiny bit her lip. The crown was perfect—sleek and elegant. If she’d designed something for herself, it would’ve been much the same.
