Page 17 of Christmas Embrace

“Thanks, Tris.”

“Don’t thank me yet.”

“I have no other choice. Either Logan gives his blessing or…we disappear.” The statement lingered in the air with no argument. Tristan had known him long enough to know he meant what he said. It could happen the easy way or the hard way, but there wasn’t a chance in hell he was giving up his son.

The door swung open as Kade raised his fist to knock on it. A bouncing toddler dressed in candy cane pajamas with wide brown eyes stared up at him.

“Hello, love.” His heart warmed once again, seeing the sweet baby Sydney had given her life to save.

“Tane. Tane.” She held out her hand offering him a candy cane.

“Oh my. Looks like someone is ready for Santa.”

“Tane, tane,” Ava said louder, excitedly jumping up and down.

“For me?” Kade knelt down to meet her eyes. She placed it in his hand and smiled. “Why thank you. I love candy canes. I think I’m going to save it and share it with the reindeer.”

“Momma! Momma!” Ava giggled and reached for a fist full of plastic wrapped candy canes in her school bag. “Tane?”

Logan’s wife approached them and smiled, catching his gaze of wonder.

“Ava, sweetie. Put those back in your bag. You’re taking them to class today to give to your friends, remember?” Wynter waved Kade into the home. “Hey there. Come on in. Big day coming up for Luca soon, huh?” On her knees, she rummaged through the closet. “Hey Tristan. Sorry, I’m in a rush.”

“Hi Wynter. I see pups suit you. You look gorgeous.”

“Aw thanks, Tris. Complements will get you everywhere with me,” she laughed. “One sec.” She continued digging, opening up plastic bins. Gloves and scarves spilled onto the floor. Within seconds she held up a small shiny red boot. “Ah! How did this get in here? Here baby…go give this to Daddy. He’ll help you put it on.” Wynter released an audible sigh and gave a small laugh. “Sorry. We’ve been looking for that sucker for a half hour.” She reached for her cellphone on the foyer table, nearly knocking over a vase, and began tapping at its screen. “Oh geez. I’m going to be late.”

“No worries,” Kade responded. “Just here to see the Alpha.”

“Hey, do you know where Dominique is? She was supposed to come to dance class with us. Big pajama, Christmas party.”

“Yeah, I’m afraid that’s my fault. She’s still at my house.”

“Really? I could have sworn she said she was coming.”

“Sorry. Things have been a little busy.”

“The wedding?”

“It’s Zachery.” Kade’s face lit up in excitement. “He’s home.”

“Really, oh my Goddess. The baby? But, um,” Wynter cocked her head in confusion. “Isn’t he with Trinity? Where is she?”

“Zachery was found at a crime scene this morning in Holy Cross. Trinity… she didn’t make it.”

“Oh my Goddess. Logan mentioned he spoke to Sydney. He didn’t say anything about the baby. Is he okay? Were rogues involved?”

“Zachery’s great. They don’t know what happened yet. The ME is working on it and Sydney wanted to check on things before tomorrow. Tony’s in town so he went with her. Dominique is watching the baby while he naps.”

“It’s funny isn’t it?” Wynter paused in thought. “Dominique used to be, well, you know, so tough. Cold even. But since she returned…it’s just she’s so good with the kids. I mean…well, you know, after the incident with the demon.”

“She’s not the same Dom that we knew. She never really talks about what happened,” Kade sighed. “But yes, she is good with the babes. Dominique had children of her own. She’s a mother. Was a mother anyway.”

“She did mention it a few times but never went into much detail,” Wynter said, her voice somber.

“Her kids were murdered. But she’s always so tough. Unshakeable. Then the demon. And now I’ve kept her off duty. When we saw how great she was with Zachery…it’s why I recommended her last month when you guys needed someone for the pack run.”

“She’s been great. I really…”