But all too soon we’re done.
We stand back while Hestia inspects the tree. She fluffs a branch here, adjusts the lights or decorations there.
“It looks…amazing! It’s perfect!” Hestia says with a huge smile.
I relax now that our omega approves of our work.
“It’s beautiful,” Orion says.
“You did a great job styling it,” Charm says.
“The best tree we’ve ever had,” Henri agrees.
“Don’t be silly, most of these are your decorations. I’m sure your Yule tree always looks good,” Hestia says, but she’s pleased and blushing all the same.
“Are you ready for a break? We can have lunch in here to enjoy the decorations,” Orion says.
Hestia agrees, and Henri tells her to relax while he gets the food.
Cato is quick to slide in next to her on the couch. I take her other side, and Hestia smiles up at me.
“What’s your favorite winter food? I love the sweets obviously, but roasts and soups with homemade bread are so comforting,” she says, leaning so close her leg presses against mine.
It takes a second for my brain to restart, and I reply, “I love stews. They’re simple and easy, but always delicious. My favorite though is fruit preserves, especially when they’re made into something like fruitcake or mulled cider. Growing up, those were the best winter treats.”
Hestia blushes and looks down. Maybe I shouldn’t have specifically mentioned foods that smell like her scent, even though it’s the truth. Those have always been my favorite.
Henri brings lunch in, baked potato soup with fresh bread. I put my arm around her as I reach past her for myplate. She doesn’t move away, so I leave it there. Maybe Icanbe smooth like Cato.
The others talk about their favorite winter foods, but I’m more focused on Hestia than the conversation.
She stays tucked against my side while we eat. I hardly notice the taste of my food, too distracted by the feeling of her body against mine, even though it’s through several layers of clothes (sincesomeof us wear shirts).
I wonder if she notices we’re acting like interested alphas rather than teammates.
Surely it’s obvious with all the ways we’re trying to provide for her, touching her and complimenting her.
She even called us out on the “best tree ever” thing.
Although the tree does look better than it ever has. Hestia truly has an eye for design. The station has never felt so much like home.
Maybe I am just an alpha in love.
Chapter 18
Hestia
Itried to help Henri clean up after lunch, but somehow they redirected me again from doing chores.
I grab another cookie and jump up to sit on the counter. If they won’t let me help, I’ll appoint myself chore supervisor.
I glance at the gray sky through the kitchen windows. Some winter days are so bright with the sun reflecting off the white snow like it’s trying to blind you. Other days are so overcast and snowy, it’s hard to imagine the sun even exists. Today leans toward the latter.
It makes me appreciate a warm house and bright decorations even more.
“It’s a good day to stay inside. I’m glad the weather yesterday was nice for walking around town,” I say, swinging my legs.
No one says anything, and when I look over, I catch Charm and Orion looking away from each other. Everyone is avoiding eye contact with me, although I don’t see Cato anywhere.
