He shivers under my touch. “Merry Christmas, love.” He turns around in my arms and reaches for my hand. Darius kisses my knuckles and tugs me to our living room. “I have one more gift for you under our tree.”
I gasp, rushing over to the lit-up tree. We opened all our gifts late last night since we’re supposed to head over to my parents this morning. Or so I thought. I reach for a small box with pretty gift wrap on it. “Darius,” I whine. “I don’t have anything else to gift you.”
“Darius’ eyes sparkle. “That’s okay. Open it. It’s for both of us.”
Curious, I rip at the mint green wrapping paper and pop the lid off the box. I gasp. Inside, there are two matching silver chain necklaces. Each pendant has two large crystals that are so vibrant, I’ve never seen anything quite like them. Oddly enough, the color reminds me of Darius’s blue tentacles.
“These are stunning, Dare. What kind of crystals are these?”
“They’re called Mermaid Scales. They aren’t actually scales from a mermaid’s tail, so don’t worry. But it’s tradition for mer-people to gift their fated mates with magical crystals,” he explains, lifting the necklace from the box and clasping it around my neck. “This crystal has ocean magic in it, and it’s supposed to help stabilize your powers. It’s also a symbol of love.”
I gasp, touched.
Darius hands me the other necklace, and I clasp it around his neck.‘I love you,’he says, sending the words down the bond.
I pull him into a passionate kiss and return the words I’ve been dying to say.‘I love you too.’
“There’s nothing cozier than a stack of books, an oversized plush armchair, and a peppermint white mocha,” Anya says as soon as I walk into my parents’ library. She’s lounging in her usual chair with her feet dangling over the arm. She takes a sip from her mug, nose still buried in a book.
I laugh. “Actually, I might have something that will change your mind.” I hold up a large thermos, giving it a little shake. “I convinced Darius to make enough of his Peppermint Potion for the family for Christmas.”
Anya squeals. She places her book down on the end table next to her and rushes to my side. “Finally! Please tell me this is my Christmas present. I’ve been dying to try it.”
“Hey, what are you two up to?” Edwin asks from the doorway. “We’re about to open gifts before breakfast.”
Anya slings an arm over my shoulder. “My dear brother over here is trying to convince me that his mate’s Peppermint Potions are better than white mochas.”
Edwin fake gasps. “Guess we’ll have to test the theory.”
I laugh. “Merry Christmas, Dad.”
He offers me a tender grin. “Merry Christmas, son. Now, let’s head into the kitchen before your mother puts Darius to work.”
Anya chuckles. “He’ll love that. Your mer-kraken is quite the cook.”
We walk into the kitchen, and sure enough, Darius is there helping Lyra at the oven. He bends over and pulls out a hot tray with a pair of oven gloves. The scent of vanilla sugar cookies fills the air. I immediately spot cookies in the shape of Christmas trees and snowflakes. But what really catches my attention is my sexy mate wearing a large blue apron covered with tentacle designs.
“Did someone give that apron to you for Christmas?” I snicker.
Lyra raises her hand. “I did! Doesn’t he look so handsome?”
I practically melt at my mother’s sincerity. I know Darius is still so shocked to get compliments. “Always.”
Lyra walks over to me. “Merry Christmas, Mom.”
Lyra gasps. “Oh, honey! Say it again.”
“Mom?” I’ve been trying to call her Mom, but sometimes it’s hard. Not because I don’t see her as my mother, but maybe because it still makes me think of Elizabeth. They’ll both always have a special spot in my heart, but I know Elizabeth would be over the moon if she could hear me call Lyra ‘Mom.’
Lyra hugs me tightly. “Say Merry Christmas again. I’ve been waiting twenty years to spend another Christmas with you.”
My chest fills with warmth and happiness. I pull Mom into a tighter hug before holding out my arms, wanting to embrace this moment. Edwin, Anya, and Darius join us, tears filling everyone’s eyes. Something brushes against my leg, and I realize even Cleo wants in on the love. Darius scoops her up and presses her into the group hug.
Everyone giggles and laughs right as Cleo mews.
“Merry Christmas, everyone!”
Epilogue
