by Quinn Loftis
Jen glanced at Sally, who’s eyes had widened. “I’m pretty sure Sally has never done a striptease in her life.”
The grin plastered across Costin’s face grew even wider. “Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened.”
Sally’s face turned the same shade of red as the Christmas bows that were hanging everywhere in the mansion. “I’m going to kill you.” She narrowed her eyes on her mate.
“Please, tell me someone videoed these two goobers,” Jacque pleaded.
“I’m not an amateur.” Wadim held up his phone.
Decebel made to grab the phone, but Wadim tossed it over her mate’s head. Lucian caught it and then slipped it around his back, tossing it to Fane. Decebel was too jacked up on whatever Adam had given him to be able to keep up with the movement of the phone.
“Text it to me,” Jen said to the pack historian. “It will be awesome blackmail material.”
“We don’t even get to watch it?” Zara asked.
“It’s called a double standard,” Jen told her. “I’m allowed to do a striptease. If Decebel does it and females are present, somebody is going to lose some eyeballs. Unless I need it as ammunition. Then y’all can get an eye full.”
“Noted.” Zara gave her a thumbs-up.
“Looks like all sleigh construction is done for the day,” Jacque said.
Jen looked over the males and realized they were all glassy-eyed and unsteady on their feet. She didn’t know how much longer they’d remain upright. “You’re right,” Jen agreed. “There’s not much left to do. You all have worked really hard, and I’m very thankful. I know I’ve been a bit uptight and bossy.”
“And that’s new how?” Elle asked.
Jen smiled. “Totally not new. Which is why you guys just rolled with it. I’ve got some last-minute orders showing up in the next couple of days. So as long as those show up, we should be good to go.”
“There’s still some more decorating to do in the garden room, the library, and a few of the bathrooms,” Crina added.
“We’ve got time.” Jen stood and reached for Thia, whose face was covered in chocolate. “Let’s get our men to bed, and we will regroup tomorrow.”
Everyone began to move, the females attempting to shuffle their mates in the directions of their suites. As Jen walked over to Decebel, Thia reached for her dad. Decebel started to take her from Jen, but she shook her head. “You’re not holding my child while you’re high as a kite on fairy juice.”
“I’ve got some fairy juice for you.” Decebel bounced his eyebrows suggestively.
Jen snorted. “I’m pretty sure that’s the worst pick-up line you’ve ever used on me. Head for the stairs, mate, or I’ll lock you out, and you’ll have to sleep on the floor outside our door.”
“Momma, Daddy, hell,” Thia pointed.
“Yes, babe, Daddy does look like hell.”
“Jennifer,” Decebel growled.
“But apparently he’s sober enough to be bothered by me cursing around you. So the good news is, his morals have stayed somewhat intact.”
As they were walking down the corridor to their suite, Jen rolled her eyes. “I know you’re behind me, Teebow. You’re about as stealthy as a rhinoceros walking on bubble wrapping.”
“I’ll get better, Aunt Jen,” Titus said, apparently undeterred by her description.
“I hope so, or your wolf is going to starve on hunts. Your dad will have to eat food and regurgitate like Momma birds do for their babies.”
“That would be better than starving,” Titus pointed out, his voice getting further away.
“You’re a weirdo, Terrance, but I love you anyway. Go to bed. You need all the rest you can get to work on your non-existent hunting skills.”
She heard the little boy snicker. Jen liked that the kid had a sense of humor and wasn’t rattled by her teasing. He was going to grow up into one hell of a wolf.
Once in their suite, Jen pushed Decebel toward their room. “If you don’t make it to the bed, I’m leaving you wherever you fall.” He grumbled something unintelligible but kept shuffling forward.
Jen took Thia to her room and set the girl on the floor. “PJs, face washed, teeth brushed, and then a story,” she told her daughter.
Thia started to try and take her shirt off. She was mostly successful until it got stuck on her head with one arm up in the air. Jen laughed and then helped her undress. She grabbed a tiny nightgown and slipped it over her head. Thia yawned, her eyes beginning to droop.
Fifteen minutes later, Thia was sleeping with her mouth slightly open as Jen closed the book she’d been reading. She tucked her daughter in and stared at her a moment. Jen tried not to think about her mom and dad and what they were missing out on, but she couldn’t completely blame them. Jen hadn’t tried to reach out to them until now. She’d been so wrapped up in her new life with Decebel and the pack, the love and acceptance she’d found there, that she hadn’t even wanted to reach out to her parents. After losing Alina, Jen realized that her daughter should have the right to know her grandparents and vice versa.
She pulled the door slightly closed and then headed for her bedroom. She found Decebel face down on the bed, his legs hanging halfway off, and his body diagonal, taking up almost all of the bed. She shook her head with a smile. Her phone dinged in her pocket, and she pulled it out. Wadim had sent her the video.
Jen clicked on the message and proceeded to watch her mate dance on a table. Within a minute, there was a loud crash as the table crumbled to the floor under his weight. But her awesome man was unfazed. He rode the table down and kept right on dancing on the rubble. Dude had some moves. She was going to have to ask him why he’d been holding out on her. This was definitely blackmail material, right along with her mailman’s phone number. Jen covered her mouth as she tried to keep from laughing out loud while she watched Decebel swing his shirt over his head while gyrating his hips. A moment later, Costin was up on another table across from her mate’s shattered one, working it like an expert. “How did we not know y’all could dance?” Jen whispered at the video. By the time it was over, all she could hear were the males in the background roaring with laughter while Costin and Decebel fist bumped. Yes, she would definitely be holding on to this gem for future viewing enjoyment and blackmail, though she wasn’t sure she’d actually use it because her man was hot, and Jen didn’t share.
She placed the phone on the nightstand and stripped off her clothes. She climbed into bed diagonally, because there was no other way for her to fit, and got under as much of the sheets and comforter as she could. A second later her mate had rolled, wrapped a muscular arm around her, and pulled her tightly to him. Apparently, even drunk, or whatever he was, he still gravitated toward her and needed her touch.
“Love you, baby,” he whispered into her hair where he’d buried his face.
“Love you back, Dec. By the way, I’ll expect a private strip dance from you now. You’ve been holding out on me.”
“Just keeping the mystery alive, Jennifer. Forever is a long time. I’ve got to keep you interested.”
She shook her head with a sigh as she snuggled closer. As if she could ever lose interest in the amazing male who’d been created just for her. It probably made her incredibly selfish—okay, it wasn’t like that was a surprise or anything—but she was very glad to know that when she died, he’d be right there with her. Though she would much rather that happened many years from now, long after Thia was grown and mated. Her heart hurt at the idea of Alina dying alone on a battlefield—but the alpha hadn’t really been alone. Her mate had been right there with her, joining her in eternity. It was one of the things that comforted Jen when she thought of her former alpha and precious family member. Vasile was holding her now, their souls were together, where they belonged, and they were with the Great Luna.
“Sleep, Jennifer,” Decebel grumbled.
“Bossy.”
“And you like it.”
She did. She really
did. Jen hummed happily and let sleep take her.
Chapter 9
“On the ninth day of Christmas my werewolf gave to me nine werewolves prancing, eight laughing females, seven perfect kisses, six packs of Oreos, five satisfied smiles, four hours of hotness, three growling males, two cursing pups, and a furball in a fir tree.
It should be noted that they weren’t really prancing. They might have actually been forced to stay in place by a certain amazing high fae. Abuse of power? Definitely. But the result? Priceless.” ~Peri
“You want me to fix that?” Peri pointed at the disaster that was anything but a sleigh.
Jen nodded. “I want to take pictures with the kids before the party so we can have them on display.”
“What pictures?” Peri folded her arms in front of her as she tilted her head, intrigued by what Jen had up her sleeve because it could never be something as simple as just taking holiday photos of the rugrats. She’d known the blonde long enough to know that Jen had something more in mind than a simple photo session.
“Payback, Peri Fairy,” Jen grinned. “Who do you think is going to be pulling the sleigh while Thia, Slate, and Tiny Tim ride in it?”
Peri’s brows rose. “Our wolves?”
Jen nodded, a wicked grin spreading.
“Why do I have a feeling there’s more to it?”
“Because I’m diabolical and not quite right in the head.” Jen stared at the pile of wood. “So can you do it? I mean make it like the most amazing freaking Christmas sleigh ever?”
Peri snorted. “I’m slightly offended that you even asked. As if anything I do wouldn’t be amazing.”
Jen shrugged. “I find that if I goad you a bit, you tend to go above and beyond.”
She wasn’t wrong, but Peri wasn’t about to admit it.
The fae reached out her hand and spoke in her ancient language. They both watched as the monstrosity the males had created morphed into a beautiful, majestic sleigh. It was red, trimmed with gold carved into intricate designs. Peri knew that upon closer inspection, the others would notice the golden carvings were depictions of wolves running through a forest. The large, curled sleds were lined with bells that would jingle as it moved over the landscape. Evergreen garland hung sweeping across the sides and rear of the sleigh, and an enormous green bow was attached to the front. Inside, mounds of white, furry blankets lay draped across the benches. “Is that to your liking, boss?”
Jen clapped her hands. “It’s perfect. Jeez, was that so hard? I don’t know why the guys couldn’t have done it.”
“Right. They totally should have been able to build a sleigh that rivaled the magic of a high fae, even though they had no instructions and no experience at sleigh building,” Peri deadpanned.
“You’d think it was some impossible task I’d given them for the sole purpose of pissing them off.” Jen sighed as she stared at the sleigh with a smile.
Peri snorted and shook her head at the pleased look on the she-wolf’s face. Whatever Jen had planned, and Peri had a guess as to what it might be, the stunt was going to be hilarious.
“I thought she wanted the males to finish the task.” Lucian’s voice caressed Peri’s mind.
“Apparently, she found the males' craftsmanship substandard. She came to an expert.” Peri felt her mate's amusement.
“Why do I get the feeling that this sleigh isn’t simply for taking gentle, romantic rides through the forest?”
“Because you, my handsome mate, are more than just a pretty face.” Peri turned to follow Jen back into the mansion.
“Good to know that you see more than just my good looks.” Lucian purred as she felt his lips across her cheek.
“If all you were was handsome, I’d have gotten bored very quickly.” She laughed out loud when she felt an invisible hand smack her rear.
“Is your mate flirting with you?” Jen asked. “Because I know that laugh.”
“I built your damn sleigh. Mind your own business.” Peri huffed.
“You muttered a few magic words, and a sleigh appeared. Don’t act like you were out there with a tool belt, hammer, and sweat running down your face.”
“Who’s wearing a tool belt and sweating?” Zara asked as she and Wadim came strolling down the front hall.
“Sounds kinky.” Wadim grinned.
“Everything sounds kinky to you,” Jen pointed out.
“Only because I learned from you, oh wise teacher.” The historian put his palms together and bowed his head at Jen.
“Oh, yeah.” Zara pointed at Jen. “Thank you for that. My man is a beast.” A hand suddenly covered her mouth as Wadim pulled her back toward the kitchen.
Peri couldn’t help but laugh. Served him right, getting a mate who would keep him on his toes. Before they turned around, Peri noticed the shirt Wadim had on today. It read “I’ll let you unwrap my present if you let me unwrap yours.”
Peri found her mate in the kitchen. He leaned up against the counter with a mug held out to her. “Thank you.” She took the cup with an appreciative smile. He spoiled her, and she wasn’t about to complain. Lucian had been something she’d never known she needed or wanted. Without him, the past few months would have been unbearable.
“For me, as well,” Lucian told her, having picked up on her thoughts. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her tightly against him.
“I love you, Lucian.” Peri turned to look at him, the tenderness and adoration in his eyes nearly stealing her breath.
He pressed a kiss to her lips and then murmured against them, “As I love you, beloved mate.”
They turned back to watch the morning ritual of the pack preparing breakfast and feeding children while talking and teasing. It was something Peri had come to enjoy, and something she would greatly miss once all hell broke loose. And she knew it would. This reprieve was not forever. But she wouldn’t think about that now. Now, she would simply enjoy the blessings of pack, family, and friends.
Her attention was drawn to the entranceway when Gavril, Sorin, and Decebel came walking in, each carrying three large boxes. The room seemed to shrink as the additional large males filled the space. They set the boxes down on the island.
“Thank you, boys.” Jen grinned at the delivery. She looked much too pleased with herself, and judging by the wary glances the others were shooting the packages, they all agreed.
“Do you know…” Lucian began.
Peri shook her head. “I’ve got no clue.”
Jacque looked at Jen and then glanced over at Sally. “She has on her ‘happy wicked’ face.”
Sally nodded. “That’s never good.”
“Well, only if you're on the receiving end of that face,” Jacque reminded her.
“That's true, but she doesn’t care about collateral damage.” Sally bit her lip, looking as nervous as Jacque felt.
“I think I have some pack work that needs to be dealt with,” Fane muttered before taking a bite from his bowl of cereal.
Jacque fed Slate another spoonful of food after he slapped the highchair tray to get her attention. “Don’t run. It will only get her more excited.”
“After everyone is done eating, could we all gather in the main living area?” Jen glanced around the room. “Today, I’d like to get some pictures. I’ve got outfits for each of the children.” Her eyes found Titus. “No sweaters, Tristen.”
Titus saluted her. “Whatever you say, Aunt Jessica.”
Jen narrowed her eyes on him. “Clever, and you’re being compliant. That can’t be a good thing.” Jen pointed two fingers at her eyes and then those two fingers at Titus. “I’m watching you.”
He grinned at her. “Or maybe I’m watching you.”
Jacque snorted. Little dude was totally holding his own against his crazy aunt.
“Noted.” Jen nodded. “If I can’t detect you while you’re watching me, I’ll buy you every ridiculous sweater you want.”
“Deal.” Titus gave her a thumbs-up.
Jen looked ba
ck at the others. “Main living room in twenty minutes. Babe, can you take the boxes there?”
Decebel narrowed his eyes on her. “Why did you have us carry them in here?”
“To peak everyone’s curiosity. Half the fun is watching them sweat.”
Jacque knew that by “them,” she meant Costin and Fane. But after counting the boxes, she knew her BFF was about to torture more than just her and Sally’s mates.
Decebel growled but then grabbed up three of the boxes again. Gavril and Sorin followed suit, then strode out of the room.
“The kids' clothes are in my suite,” Jen told Sally and Jacque.
Jacque gave her a thumbs-up, scooping another spoonful of food into Slate’s mouth.
Twenty minutes later, they were all gathered in the main living area. Thia proved to be in full mini-Jen mode. Jacque would like to be able to say that she tried to help corral the little hellion, but really she, Sally, and Titus just laughed while Thia ran around holding the dress in the air while singing “Jingle Hells.” It was awesome.
When she finally caught her daughter, Jen wrestled the dress onto the girl and then proceeded to tell her how beautiful she was, which caused Thia to preen and spin in circles, making the dress fan out around her. This went on for so long it started to make Jacque nauseous. Thankfully, Thia finally ran out of steam and plopped down to examine one of the boxes.
“Now that the kids are ready,” Jen said, “I need the males to get dressed as well. Your clothes are in these boxes. Each of you, please take a box and go put on your outfits.”
The men all turned to stare at the boxes she indicated. Every single male’s eyebrows rose as their gazes bounced from Jen to the boxes.
“If these are speedos, I’m totally going to rock them with this bod.” Wadim grinned, rubbing his hands together and bouncing on the balls of his feet. Dude needs help.
“Sorry to disappoint, but they’re not speedos,” Jen said. The other males let out a collective sigh.
Each one grabbed a box and headed out of the room.
“If you don’t put them on, I’ll just have Peri do it for you,” Jen called out to them as the males filed out, muttering and cursing under their breath.
