“I can do that,” he nods. "Doesn't mean I’m not going to be a shit stirrer." He grins.
“Of course.” Carson sighs. Just like Death. I wouldn't expect anything less.
“So we’re good?” Reid asks me.
“Not even close.” I grin. “But, we will be. You all lied to me. I think I need some spoiling, some Alpha smothering, and lots and lots of sex. I mean, it’s only fair, right?”
The three of them chuckle. “Sounds fair to me,” Carson says.
“We really are sorry,” Reid says.
“I know.” I smile.
“And I’m so fucking sorry, Cupcake,” Damien says.
I turn to him. While his deception hurts the most, I can’t stay mad at him. We all make mistakes, and he didn’t do it to be mean. He hurt for years. Isn’t that enough punishment?
“I know,” I tell him. “No more secrets, though, okay? We don’t keep anything from one another anymore.
“Of course,” he nods. “Never again.”
“I hate to do this, I really do, but Carson and I have to get to the airport. Our PR manager and coach are losing their shit. We have a game in a few days and practice tonight.”
Sadness sinks in, and I frown.
“I know, Little One.” Carson pulls me off the bed and into his arms. “But we’ll see each other next weekend.”
“Next weekend?” I ask, cocking my head to the side.
“New Year's Eve. You’re both coming to our place to ring in the new year.”
“Oh my god.” My eyes widen. “Christmas. It’s like, what? In two days? How the hell have I forgotten?”
“A lot is going on,” Damien says.
My mom and Damien’s dad never really celebrated Christmas with us. We’d go to parties, but the house was always empty of decorations.
The only thing I ever had was a little gift left on my pillow every Christmas morning. I always knew they were from Damien, even though he’s never admitted it.
It wasn’t until I met Cae that I actually got to really experience a true Christmas. We would go all out every year, just the two of us and our Charlie Brown Christmas tree. We loved it.
“Okay then,” I smile wide. “See you next weekend.”
Watching my Alphas drive away in an Uber, I feel a sense of loss. Damien wraps his arms around me, holding me tight, being exactly what I need right now.
“You’re going to be okay,” he murmurs, gently kissing the top of my head. “I got you.”
Sinking back into his touch, I feel a bit of peace knowing he’s right.
“You know, I can’t think of a better early Christmas present,” I say, turning in his arms.
“What do you mean?” he asks, grabbing my ass and making me giggle.
“Finding out that not only are my three best guy friends my Alphas, but one is the man I’ve wanted for so long, is exactly what I wanted. I don’t have to lose anyone.”
“Yeah,” he smiles. “Best Christmas ever. Sorry, it took me so long to come to my senses.”
“It’s okay. We’re all stupid sometimes.” I grin widely.
