“Merry Christmas,” he rumbles, crossing the room in three strides to pull me into a bear hug that lifts my feet off the ground.
“Merry Christmas, big guy,” I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck.
He sets me down gently, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Coffee?”
“Coming right up.”
Once everyone has coffee, and I let Oxford back in, we gather on the sofa. Oxford trots over to join us, settling on his bed with a contented sigh.
“I know we didn’t have time for gifts, and that’s not what’s important, but I have one for you all,” I start. “I accepted the job offer from Bea. Starting in January. And I’ve already given notice on my apartment. I’m all in.”
Their faces light up, and I’m immediately wrapped in a three-way hug that nearly crushes the air from my lungs.
“We have a surprise too,” Finn says, pulling back with a smile. “Gabe and I have been discussing it, and it has been decided. We want to be where our family is, and if that means the cold tundra of Snowflake Valley, then so be it.”
Oh my God, really?” I gasp, my eyes filling with tears. “You’re staying in Snowflake Valley?”
Gabe nods, his expression warm and open in a way I rarely saw when we first met. “I’ve been miserable in the city. This is where I belong. Where we belong.”
“As a pack,” Everett adds, pulling me against him.
I can’t contain my joy. I throw my arms around them all, trying to hug everyone at once.
“This is the best Christmas ever,” I say. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Believe it,” Finn says, kissing my cheek. “Though I’m going to need serious wardrobe adjustments. Do they make heated briefs?”
“I’ll buy you a dozen heated briefs,” I laugh, wiping happy tears from my eyes. “And thermal long johns. And those little hand-warmer things.”
“My needs are extensive,” Finn warns, but his eyes are sparkling with happiness. “I’m going to need at least three electric blankets and possibly a personal space heater that follows me around.”
“I’ll build you a portable heater on wheels,” Everett promises.
Gabe rolls his eyes, but pulls Finn closer. “You’ll adjust. Your blood will thicken.”
“Like gravy?” Finn asks, horrified. “That doesn’t sound medically sound.”
I snort with laughter, feeling so light I might float away. This is what happiness feels like—this perfect bubble of belonging, of being exactly where I’m meant to be with exactly who I’m meant to be with.
Oxford makes a soft humming sound from his bed, reminding us of his presence.
“And of course, you too, Oxford,” I tell him. “You’re part of this pack whether you like it or not.”
He blinks slowly at me, which I choose to interpret as wholehearted agreement.
One week.
That’s all it took to change the course of my life.
Seven days ago, I was a lonely omega heading to a cabin for a solo pity party. Now I’m at the center of a pack, loved and cherished in ways I never thought possible.
It’s what some call a Christmas Miracle.
33
Epilogue: Melody
One Year Later
