The kitchen feels like a sanctuary as Everett and I move around each other, gathering mugs and ingredients. I’m hyperaware of every time we brush against each other, every shared glance, every small smile.
“So,” he says finally, voice low enough that the others can’t hear. “That happened.”
“It did,” I confirm, focusing very intently on measuring cocoa powder. “Any regrets?”
“Only that it took a near-death sledding experience to make it happen.”
I look up, finding his eyes warm and sincere. “For the record, I’ve wanted to do that since the first time I saw you.”
Everett steps closer, his voice dropping even lower. “About what’s happening here, with all of us, I mean.”
Heat rushes to my face.
“Are you okay with everything? With this… arrangement we’re exploring? Gabe told me about this morning.” It’s his turn to blush now.
“I’m more than okay with it. It’s fast and unexpected, sure. But it also feels… right somehow. Like I was supposed to end up here without my family and find you all.”
The smile that breaks across his face is breathtaking. “Good. That’s really good.” He grabs me by the waist and pulls me in for another kiss. This one is slow and lingering; my arms wrap up around his neck, and my body is pressed firmly against his. I get lost in his kiss, feeling it all the way down to my toes. His hands explore my body, making me absolutely melt. I would keep kissing him forever, but Finn calling from the living room makes us jump apart like we’d been caught doing something naughty.
“Hey!” Finn’s voice carries from the living room. “Did you have to grow the cocoa beans yourselves? What’s taking so long?”
“Patience is a virtue, Finnigan!” I call back, making Everett chuckle beside me while I blush furiously.
We carry the hot chocolate to the living room, where Finn makes grabby hands toward the largest mug.
“Bless you,” he says fervently after his first sip. “I might live after all.”
I settle on the couch between Everett and Gabe, and marvel at how natural it feels to be nestled between them. Finn sits on the floor by Gabe’s legs, leaning back against the couch, and my hand finds its way to the back of his neck, making gentle, massaging circles on his skin.
“What’s next on your Christmas activities list?” Everett asks, his thumb tracing soft circles on my hand.
“Hmm,” I pretend to think. “I believe ‘survive Snow War and kiss an alpha’ was actually today’s goal, so I’m ahead of schedule.”
“Overachiever,” Finn teases.
I smile.
Three men and a llama who somehow feels like the final piece of our strange, perfect puzzle.
24
Oxford
I’m bouncing on all fours.
Sproinging, more accurately.
This is an unprecedented development. In my seven years of existence, I have maintained a dignified deportment befitting a creature of my stature.
I do not frolic. I most certainly do not bounce. And yet, here I am, propelling my llama mass skyward in what can only be described as unbridled jubilation.
How utterly fascinating.
“Go Oxford!” Melody’s voice reaches me through the strange buzzing in my ears, which I belatedly recognize as the sound of my own heartbeat elevated by what humans call “excitement.”
I bounce again, testing the sensation. My hooves leave the snow-covered ground, and for a brief moment, I am airborne, defying gravity through sheer muscular propulsion. The landingsends a shock through my frame, yet I find myself immediately preparing for another launch.
This is… fun.
