“Three in the afternoon,” Dion says, his smile bright. Happy to wear the adorable pajamas. Griffin picks me up like I weigh nothing and I let him carry me downstairs.
I already have a huge smile on my face. The feeling of contentment—from my heat being fulfilled, the adorable pajamas, and finally being completely bonded—is strong. But when I see the decorations downstairs, I can’t help the happy tears that fill my eyes. The amount of effort my guys took on making this Christmas feel special, knowing how much it means to me just adds to my smile.
Squeezing tightly around Griffin’s neck, I kiss his cheek. “Thank you,” I say, and he kisses my lips.
“It was everyone.” Griffin puts me on my feet and I take that time to kiss each one of my guys and tell them how thankful I am for each and every one of them. The tree’s lights twinkle against the window, and with the water in the background, it’s breathtaking.
“Love, you hungry?” Freddie asks and I nod my head. It’s not a formal dinner, but it’s amazing what he’s made. On the coffee table there are a variety of cheese, meats, and crackers. There are tea sandwiches, fruits, and desserts. Even a pepperoni thing that looks like a wreath.
“You made all this?” I ask him.
“Dion helped,” he says and I smile at my other bonded.
“It’s amazing, thank you.”
“Anything for our girl,” Dion says, grabbing a sandwich and stuffing his face.
Griffin brings over sparkling cider and hands a glass to each one of us. Drinking right after your heat is a solid no no. You’re already dehydrated and your body needs rest. Plus, the fact that we are trying to grow our pack, I just wouldn’t feel right risking anything.
After we eat and talk about my heat, as well as some of our favorite past Christmases, I can’t contain myself anymore. “Family picture!” I shout, grabbing my phone and setting a timer. I grab Binx. He looks absolutely dashing in his bandana. I hold him close to my chest as my Alphas all tower around me. The phone does a countdown and as soon as the flash goes off, I put Binx down to take a look at the picture.
I will not cry. I tell myself as I look down at the photo. Each one of my Alphas touching me in some way and smiling at the camera. This photo has easily become my most treasured possession.
I turn my phone to show Freddie and he wraps his arm around my waist. “Definitely going to get that one framed, darling.”
“Definitely,” I reply. I can’t stop staring at it. It’s contagious, as all of my Alphas feel my unrelenting happiness through the bond.
“Merry Christmas, sweet girl,” Dion says, kissing my cheek. My other Alphas follow. I bask in their affection and love.
“Presents?” Freddie asks eagerly.
“Weren’t the pajamas your present?” I ask, and he scoffs.
“No, now sit on the couch as we lavish you with gifts,” he says, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. I sit on the couch, Dion putting a soft plush blanket on top of my lap. He kisses the side of my head as he sits down next to me.
The gifts that they give me are so sweet and thoughtful. Dion got me an Ancestry DNA kit that I’ve been wanting. Griffin got me an Omega subscription box that sends soft items every month. Freddie got us tickets to see Adele when she’s in Boston this year and Kenji got me the most ornate, beautiful necklace with all of our birthstones on it.
Their gifts to me were sweet enough to throw me over the edge. But it’s the gifts they give to each other that have me crying on Christmas. The amount of trust and love in this room is unreal. It’s something I never thought I would have. I thought I would just have to keep going to Heat Haven, or maybe settle like I did when I lived in Georgia.
Luckily my crying stops when Griffin holds up Freddie’s gift to him. It’s a black T-shirt that says ‘I Heart Elevators.’
The laughter fills up the small room. The cackling of the fire and the mixture of all my Alphas scents on me, bringing me complete joy.
“Thanks, you twat,” Griffin says. Ever since he heard Freddie say the swear word, he’s fallen in love with it.
“You’re welcome, you moody wanker.” He smiles at Griffin in pack revelry.
Kenji holds up his sparkling cider. “Merry Christmas to the Miller-Ito pack.”
We all repeat the toast, Dion’s lips descending on mine before I kiss my other Alphas. My last kiss took place on the top of Binx’ head. I sigh in contentment and cuddle up next to Dion as Griffin puts Home Alone on TV.
Dion whispers in my ear as the movie stars. “Merry Christmas, bonded.”
What a Merry Christmas, indeed.
Griffin
Next Christmas…