by Amanda Carol
In the meantime, I’ve been getting my pack ready for anything that she has in store for us. But if I’m being honest, it still doesn’t feel like enough.
We haven’t heard from the gods in a while either. They said we wouldn’t be seeing them for a bit, but I didn’t think we’d go this long without one of them shimmering in. That thought scares me too, but I’ve got more important things to worry about than what they’re up to.
In the afternoons, Aria has been going over to be with Abby, and the other girls have been stopping by as well. Aria tells me that Abby seems to be getting better every day, but she still finds her crying alone from time to time. I’ve been by to check on her a few times too, making sure she knows that if she needs anything at all, she can come to me.
Aria, Bennett, and I are seated in the cafeteria for lunch when the doors open, and Zach and Haylee walk in. Both of them look exhausted. Zach walks over to the buffet while Haylee comes over and plops down in the seat across from Aria.
“Haylee, are you all right?” Aria asks, setting her fork down on her plate.
“Yeah, you look like you haven’t slept in weeks,” Bennett comments before taking a bite of his second sandwich. He wolfed the first one down, pun intended.
Haylee yawns. “That’s because it feels like we haven’t.”
Aria and I exchange glances, and I notice Bennett trying not to laugh out of the corner of my eye.
Zach comes over and sets a plate down in front of Haylee, then takes the seat next to her.
Haylee sits up straight. “Oh! Funnel cake!”
She picks off a piece and shoves it in her mouth. When a soft moan escapes her lips, Zach looks over at her.
“As much as I love that sound, please don’t. I’ve heard enough of that for a while,” he comments.
Bennett can’t hold his laughter in any longer.
“What is so funny?” Haylee asks as powdered sugar falls everywhere.
“Well, I’m fifty bucks richer than I was five minutes ago,” Bennett says between bouts of laughter. “MaiKy and I bet on how long it would take for you two to say something about your living arrangements. He said a month. I said a few weeks. Turns out, yours truly was correct.”
“Kyler knew?” Zach scoffs. “You know what? You guys are assholes.” His gaze shifts to me and Aria. “Were you two in on it too?”
Aria shakes her head. “Nope. That was all Benny and Ky.”
“Grace is such a sweetheart and they have both been super accommodating, but…” Haylee trails off.
Bennett laughs. “But they fuck like their house runs off sex instead of electricity?”
“I thought we had sex a lot, but…shit, man. I feel like my man card should be revoked or something,” Zach says dryly.
“Nah, you guys have a normal amount of sex. Knox and Grace are on a whole different level,” Bennett says, finishing off his sandwich.
“And how would you know what a normal amount of sex is, Benny?” Aria asks, lifting a brow.
Bennett scoffs. “Because any amount of sex is considered normal compared to Knox and Grace.”
“Oh, I’m not feeling so hot.” Haylee says, dropping the piece of funnel cake down on her plate. “Where’s the bathroom?”
“I’ll take you,” Aria offers, getting up and running with Haylee to the bathroom.
“If you guys want some extra sleep, feel free to crash at my place for a few nights. I know Haylee needs her rest for the baby,” I offer.
Zach nods. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it. It’s not too bad, though. Hails is having a rough time with morning sickness, so I think with all the puking, the sex just evens us out. Grace has made some her some ginger tea and that helps some. Although I have wondered why it’s called morning sickness when she gets sick at all hours of the day and night.”
“Take her to see Kora. She’s the coven’s healer, but I know she’s taken some medical classes on prenatal care and delivery,” Bennett says, pushing his empty plate away.
“Thanks. We’ll probably take you up on that offer,” Zach replies.
“How do you know that?” I ask Bennett, lifting a brow.
“Because I was being treated for a wound when Tessa came in one day while she was still pregnant with Micah.”
I nod. To be honest, it had never crossed my mind that Kora would know that. But I’m glad I know now. Not that I’m planning on having any babies anytime soon, but it’s nice to know Aria and I won’t have to go far if we decide to have kids one day. But that’s a long way in the future. We need to defeat Isabella first, and then I need to put a ring on her finger.
“Right. On that note, I’m going to check on my baby mama. I’ll see you both in the training room.” Zach gets up and heads for the bathroom, just as Dani and Kyler walk into the barn with Jasper.
After seeing the match with Ares, Zach and Kyler had asked Bennett and I if we could train them to fight. Not that they’ll be doing much fighting, but for them, having some basic skills is way better than being completely defenseless. With Christmas coming up, Bennett and thought it would be nice if we got them each their own silver dagger so they can have one on them at all times. Dani sees Zach walking toward the bathroom and follows him, while Kyler comes over to us.
“You ready for more training?” Bennett asks as we get up from the table.
“Do you mean to ask if I’m ready for more of an ass-kicking?” Kyler asks while we walk to the training room. “Then the answer is no.”
“You aren’t doing so bad, actually. For a human, anyway. You’ve actually been doing a lot better than some of the witches who had to go through the training course my dad put in place. Witches don’t have the same strength we do. But you’ve been able to keep up, which is great,” I tell him.
After everything settles down, the first thing I’m going to do is have a meeting with the witches on the Compound. They should have a choice if they want to train or not. If they do, Knox and I will sit down and design a course that fits their level of skills and abilities, and their lower strength and stamina, and build from there.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, brother,” Kyler says sarcastically, slapping my shoulder.
“Nah, he means it. You guys are doing really well. You’ve picked up on the moves quickly,” Bennett explains, walking over to the stereo and turning it on, but spinning the volume knob down.
The door opens and Zach walks in.
“How’s Haylee?” Kyler asks.
“She’s okay. Aria and Dani are with her now, and they’re going over to hang out with Abby for a bit,” Zach says, walking further into the almost empty room.
I nod to Jasper and Sloane, who are continuing to work out. They are the only other people in here at the moment.
When we break for lunch after an early morning intense workout and training session, I typically let everyone have the afternoon off, especially with all of the patrolling shifts I have set up, but some of the pack members like to keep working out or continue to spar with one another. I need my pack sharp, but also well-rested, so they know it’s not mandatory to continue with training. I’ve noticed that the witches are practicing their magic more too, trying to come up with different ways to use the elements in an offensive and defensive manner. They have told me that they want to help in the fight against Isabella because this is their home too, and they won’t have it ruled by vampires and Titans.
“We ready to get started?” Bennett asks.
Everyone nods.
“Great!” he exclaims.
“Is my body bleeding?” Zach asks from the floor.
“Uh, no?” Bennett chuckles.
Zach continues to stare up at the ceiling. “It feels like its bleeding.”
Bennett walks over and holds his hand out for Zach. “All right, tough guy, let’s get you up on your feet.”
Zach winces as he lifts his arm and slaps his hand in Bennett’s, who helps him up while I do the same for Kyler.
Kyler grimaces. “Ow.”
“Sorry. I think maybe we should let you guys rest for a few days,” I say, sort of feeling guilty for putting them through the full shifter course. However, they did insist on it.
“I don’t want to sound like a pussy when I say this, but I think that’s an excellent idea.” Zach laughs, but then winces.
Kyler looks at Zach. “I’m too sore to even make fun of you right now.”
“Dude, please don’t make me laugh. I’m too sore to even think about laughing,” Zach pleads.
Bennett and I exchange bemused glances while we watch them shuffle along toward the door.
“Why don’t you take them to see Kora? I think maybe she has something that helps muscle aches that she gives the witches,” I tell Bennett. “I’ve actually got an errand to run.”
“Got it. Laters, bro,” Bennett says, throwing up the peace sign as I make my way over to the barn door.
When I get outside, Ciera is waiting for me on the porch.
“You ready to go?” she asks.
“Yeah,” I reply. “Do you have it?”
She reaches into her purse and pulls out Aria’s amulet.
“It wasn’t easy. Declan had to accidentally rip it off her so he could tell her he’d get the chain fixed,” Ciera says, using air quotes for emphasis.
“Well, luckily, we’re going to a place that can have that taken care of too.” I smile as I climb into her Jeep.
“Tell me why you couldn’t drive again?” she asks, starting it up and pulling out onto the driveway.
“Because my Impala is parked in my garage, and if Aria saw me getting into it, she would ask questions. I want this to be a surprise,” I reply.
Ciera nods. “Gotcha.”
She pulls out onto the main road, and we drive toward the Quarter to go to the little jewelry store that has just what I’m looking for. I really want to make this Christmas special for Aria because it’s our first one together. But I already know it’ll be perfect because I’ll be spending it with her.
“Merry Christmas, baby,” I whisper, pressing a small kiss on my girl’s nose, both her cheeks, her forehead, and lastly, her soft lips.
“Merry Christmas.” She puts her hand on my cheek as I lean over her.
It’s weird how fast time has flown by since we got back from Maryland. Aria and I had Thanksgiving dinner with my mom and our friends from Maryland, while Declan and Ciera had their dinner with Kora. Then we met back up at our cabin for dessert and games. Zayne and Abby went to his place and had dinner with his sister, Tessa, and her little boy, Micah. The other Alphas and pack members did their own thing. It was just an easy, lazy day for all.
The gods have also returned, so we’ve been training with them again. Ares doesn’t understand the mortal holidays, but Apollo and Artemis told him that we needed a break, and it’s only one day. So tomorrow we have to go back to training, but today is for family and friends.
I kiss Aria’s neck and down her collarbone, reaching under the hem of the shirt to feel her skin. Her soft moan goes straight to my dick, and she arches her back, pressing her breasts into me.
“If we didn’t have company coming over in five minutes, I’d be burying myself inside you right now,” I whisper in her ear.
Her body trembles as she writhes under me.
“That’s plenty of time,” she breathes, bringing my face to her so she can kiss me.
I don’t fight her; I love kissing her just as much as I love being inside her.
I laugh. “Maybe for you, but I’m not a minute man.”
Aria sighs. “True… Wait, did you say five minutes?”
She sits up in bed and looks at me. Her pale green eyes darken as she takes in my appearance. I know she loves seeing me dressed up, so after my shower, I threw on a blue flannel button-down shirt and black jeans.
“Yes…” I reply, running a hand through my wet hair.
“Shit!” Aria shouts, tossing the covers off her legs and dashing to the closet for fresh clothes. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“Because you looked so peaceful and I didn’t want to disturb you,” I explain, casually lying back on the bed, propping my head on my arm and watching her intently.
My shirt is way too big on her, and leaves little to see, but I know what’s hiding under there, and the longer I sit here and think about it, the harder I get.
She scoffs. “But now I only have five minutes to get ready!”
I know my eyes are glowing brightly when she whips off my t-shirt and tosses it at me, leaving her standing there wearing absolutely nothing.
“I definitely should have woken you up sooner,” I mutter.
Aria smirks, knowing full well what she’s doing to me. “Yes, you should have.”
She dashes into the bathroom and closes the door.
“Fuck me,” I groan out loud to no one in particular.
“I would have if you’d woken me up earlier!” she shouts from behind the door.
I chuckle, and then I hear a knock on the front door. I will my dick to stand down as I walk down the steps to let our guests in.
“Hey, guys,” I say. “Come on in. Aria’s in the shower. She’ll be down soon.”
I step aside to let Declan and Ciera walk in.
Ciera hands me a warm dish. “It’s Grandma’s French toast casserole.”
“Yeah, it smells amazing and I can’t wait to dive in,” Declan says, setting down a large bag with presents inside.
“Oh, it is delicious,” Ciera laughs. “She only makes it on Christmas morning. But don’t beg her to make it on any other day. She refuses, and she won’t even give me the recipe.”
“Well, now I’m not so sure I want to try it. I might fall in love and then I’ll be really sad and have to wait until next Christmas. It’ll be the longest year of my life, and I don’t know how I’ll survive,” Declan says dramatically.
I glance over at Ciera. She flushes, but then smiles brightly at him. It makes me happy that she’s found someone who loves her and will protect her, especially since I stepped up into my role as Alpha and Bennett is now my Beta.
“Don’t worry; I’ll keep trying to make it. Every time I make it, I realize I’m missing one ingredient, but I can never figure out what it is,” she says.
“If Ciera can’t figure it out, then we’re all doomed!” I joke.
Ciera narrows her eyes at me, but then smiles. “True.”
Declan removes her jacket from her shoulders, and they follow me into the kitchen. I start a pot of coffee for my girl while they take a seat at my kitchen table, which Aria decorated last night—by which I mean that she put a deep green tablecloth and red placemats she got from my mother on it.
I’m glad that they’ve become closer over the last few weeks. Aria and I try to get over there for dinner at least once a week. It seems to help her cope with the loss of my dad.
It’s the first Christmas without him here. My mom was having a rough time with it last night, so Aria and I took her down to his grave, and Aria made another intricate wreath, only this time we all decorated it with a few of his favorite ornaments. My mom and I told Aria about the time that my dad almost burned down the house one Christmas because my mom was feeling under the weather, so he tried to help her cook dinner. We ended up ordering Chinese takeout and sat down on the porch to eat while the house was airing out from all the smoke. I think my mom and I both healed a little more after last night.
When Aria comes downstairs and into the kitchen, the sight of her takes my breath away. Even in jeans and a sweater, my girl is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
“Hey, big brother.” Aria smiles as she walks over to hug Declan. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, little sister,” Declan replies, hugging her back tightly.
She gives Ciera a hug, then comes over to me and wraps her arms around my waist. I breathe in her calming scent of lavender and vanilla. I love this woman with my heart and my soul. It makes me all the more excited to g
ive her the special gift I had made for her.
“Shall we eat?” I ask, then kiss Aria’s temple. I really want to get breakfast over with so we can exchange gifts.
“Yes, I’m starving!” Aria says, turning and grabbing plates from the cupboard.
I grab some utensils and help Aria set the table, and then we all dig in.
“Oh, my God, babe. This is amazing!” Declan exclaims. “Did you ever add nutmeg?”
I pause with a fork full of French toast casserole frozen midway between the plate and my mouth and glance at Ciera. Her face falls, and I can literally see the steam coming out of her ears as she thinks about each time she has ever tried making the casserole.
“That’s the missing ingredient!” Ciera shouts, making us all jump. “I love you!” She leans over and kisses Declan on the cheek.
“Wow. That’s actually shocking, since you don’t even know how to cook,” Aria comments.
Declan shoots her a look. “Really? Mom always added nutmeg to her snickerdoodles per my request. I love nutmeg.” He closes his eyes as he takes another bite.
There’s a knock at the front door, and before I can get up to answer it, Bennett walks in. Aria and I talked about who we wanted to spend Christmas morning with and we both agreed that we should invite Bennett. He doesn’t have anyone here, and I’ve always spent Christmas morning with him. We invited Zach, Haylee, Dani, and Kyler, but they told us that they made Christmas morning plans with Abby and Zayne at Grace and Knox’s house. It doesn’t surprise me that they’re getting along with all the people here on the Compound, although part of me thinks that Grace wouldn’t take no for an answer. She’s persistent when she wants to be.
We’ll be seeing them later anyway, though. My mother is planning a Christmas party for the entire Compound tonight. We told her that wasn’t necessary, but I think it helps keep her mind busy, so she doesn’t sit and think about Dad all the time.
“Morning!” Bennett shouts from the living room.
