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A quiet sigh escapes me. “At least, she’s not too disappointed,” I murmur. “Our girl was hoping it was Kai.”
“Isn’t she perfect, though?” Jacob says, staring at Winter who’s now covered in strings of tinsel. “She cares more about us than anything else.”
“Yeah. She’s our Christmas miracle. Without her, we’d never be celebrating with a tree and everything. She’s helping us become a pack—”
My words are cut off as I see Winter running back toward us. Flinging her arms around Jacob, she hugs him tightly. “Thank you! This is the best Christmas present I’ve ever received.”
Jacob beams. His arms hold her gently as he drops a kiss on the top of her. “I’m glad you like it,” he says.
“So, is Kai coming back tomorrow?” she asks, staring between me and him.
“Yeah,” I say. “I’m sorry this wasn’t the surprise you were hoping for.”
She shakes her head. “That’s okay. How about we decorate this tree tonight so that we can give him a surprise too?”
I glance toward my brother.
A look of utter satisfaction fills his silvery eyes as he stares down at Winter. “Sure,” he tells her. “We have zero experience in decorating trees, so you’re going to have to command us.”
She gives an enthusiastic nod and smiles brightly.
Winter’s truly our Christmas miracle. I could’ve never imagined we’d have a mate who could like us all this way. The need to protect her grows stronger within me.
I can’t wait to put Winter’s stepmom in her place. She must know that Winter’s no longer alone. My brothers and I are here to protect her now. Neither she nor her partner will get away with the things they’d planned for our mate. Returning Winter’s home and her freedom would be our gifts to her this Christmas.
14
Winter
Standing with Jacob, Cole, and Kai, I look up at the tall, glittering Christmas tree before me. I can’t believe we’ve been able to make it look even more charming than the one in Reagan Square!
A fresh scent infuses the air around the tree, making me inhale deeply. The warm glow of the fairy lights forms golden patterns on my white coat. It’s so absolutely peaceful and tranquil to stand before it that I almost don’t want to step outside the house to face Laura and Pete.
A week has passed since I confessed the truth to Jacob and his brothers.
My mates didn’t waste a moment getting me the best lawyer in town. While I stayed home baking and decorating the tree, they took care of everything for me.
“Come on, it’s time to leave,” Jacob says, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
I give a reluctant nod and let him lead me out of the house.
My breath clouds before me as I step through the door. My cheeks feel the wind’s chill but my luxurious overcoat keeps me warm and toasty. Thick layers of snow on the bare tree branches glitter as the bright sunshine pours down on them.
“It’s such a beautiful day,” I say with a sigh. “We should be having fun at the fair in Reagan Square or be drinking hot chocolate before the fire.”
“We’ll do all that and more,” Kai promises with a wink.
“Let’s take care of this matter with your stepmom and then we can go hang out in the ice skating ring for the rest of the day,” says Cole.
“At least, that’s something to look forward to,” I mumble as Jacob moves toward the car. He takes the driver’s seat while I settle down between Kai and Cole in the back.
The snow-dusted scenery on our way to Knightswood is beautiful but I barely appreciate any of it. My mind is filled with the consequences of facing Laura head-on.
While I don’t care about the curses she throws at me, I won’t be able to stand it if she starts insulting Jacob, Cole, and Kai. I also worry about Pete and his reaction to my mates. He wouldn’t miss a chance to be rude to them either.
My mates have been so good to me that I hate the idea of anyone throwing a slur at them. Still, I’m glad of their company. Their presence will give me the courage to stand up to my stepmom and her partner.
I blink as the view outside the car window suddenly shifts. We’re no longer driving at top speed through the expressway that leads into Knightswood. We’re already moving through the suburban streets that’ll take me to my home within minutes!
