13. Chapter 13
Chapter thirteen
Hunter
H unter scanned the room, watching Xander move among the families building gingerbread houses in the castle’s massive dining hall. His pack leader looked at ease, as he usually did when interacting with the people of Avondale. This was when he seemed most like the great leader he was meant to be—the great leader he would be.
Even as Hunter surveyed the room for threats, his mind wandered. Xander had been his best self yesterday as well. Hunter had been relieved and surprised to see how hard the prince tried to connect with Destiny. The day had been the best he’d had in a very long time. Maybe ever.
Until that stupid article hit the web.
Hunter wanted to be angry with Xander about it, but he couldn’t. The prince was clearly remorseful. The pack bond had writhed with guilt all evening.
It’d been hard not to follow Destiny when she’d left, her face contorted with hurt and anger. Though she’d been more composed whenever Hunter caught sight of her during the endless PR meetings that took up the remainder of their snow day, she had avoided his gaze, had avoided all of them. Hunter wanted to give her space, but it physically hurt him to be away from her, knowing she was upset, and he couldn’t do anything to comfort her.
He may have walked past her room a few dozen times under the guise of security rounds, appeasing himself with snatches of her voice on the other side of the door. He’d felt better when he’d heard her laughing, and when he glimpsed her as Ivan slipped into her room. That had been enough to get him through the night.
But now it was a new day and Hunter craved her presence. He needed to see her, smell her, touch her. He needed to be near his omega.
So, he watched, hoping to see her appear in the crowd. He knew the PR teams had encouraged her to participate more fully in the Christmas festival. Hunter was grateful for that, because it meant that he and his packmates would have an opportunity to make things right.
Hunter usually enjoyed the festivities, in his quiet way, but this year felt different. It was like the entire celebration was for Destiny. It was their chance to show her the best of Avondale, to help her fall in love with it and see it as a place she could stay. To imagine it as her home.
Hunter had no idea how Destiny would feel about relocating to this small nowhere country. He’d had his own reservations when joining Xander’s pack, knowing it meant he’d live in Avondale for most of his life—at the very least until one of their future children took the throne. The royal life certainly wasn’t for everyone.
But Destiny was perfect for it. Of course she was, because she was theirs. She was already a queen, well-prepared for the public eye thanks to her long career. And, having been all over the world, surely she’d adjust to life in a new country. Or so Hunter hoped.
He tried not to worry about it. They’d figure it out. They could have a home in the states too, and they had the means to visit whenever she wanted. Hell, she could move her entire family into the castle if she wanted to. She could have anything, as long as she stayed.
God, he hoped she would stay.
Hunter steadied his breathing, wrangling his emotions into submission. He liked to be in control—needed to be in control, really. It was how he dealt with the world’s uncertainties. He found what he could take charge of, and he handled that shit.
Destiny made him feel out of control. He thought he wouldn’t feel right until they’d claimed her. But he had to be patient. Destiny was his and he was hers and that’s all that mattered. They’d figure the rest out. He would do everything in his power to make it so, and that would be enough.
His resolve grew even stronger when, a moment later, his omega appeared in the dining hall’s doorway. God, she was beautiful. Her tawny brown skin glowed and her cat-like green eyes sparkled. She wore a cream-colored sweater dress that clung to her curves, along with brown tights, tall brown riding boots, and a matching belt. She looked soft and warm, and Hunter wanted to gather her into his arms and bury his face in her neck and breathe her in.
As if sensing his gaze, she looked at him then, and Hunter felt an electric current in the air between them. They stared at each other for a long moment. Hunter couldn’t breathe. Then Destiny smiled at him, and it was like a winter sunrise—almost blinding in its beauty. Hunter exhaled and smiled back.
Destiny moved gracefully through the room, her bodyguard trailing behind her and her bubbly little assistant chirping away at her side. Hunter watched the way people lit up when they met her, even the few who didn’t already know who she was. While Sasha exclaimed over the gingerbread houses and chatted up the parents, Destiny focused more on the children, getting on their level and asking them questions about themselves.
Hunter wondered if she wanted to be a mother. Maybe it was because his own mother had abandoned him, but Hunter had never felt much interest in having children. His meemaw had been wonderful—he wouldn’t have traded her for the world—but he couldn’t help his childish dreams of having parents who loved him.
For the first time, he thought he might want to give that to someone else. With Destiny, Hunter could imagine bringing a few humans into the world who would never know anything besides life with a huge, loving family. He was surprised by the lump that formed in his throat at the thought.
“Mr. Li, all is in order for the prince’s transition to the pressroom. He has thirty more minutes with the gingerbread class, if we can get him to leave on time.”
A member of security had appeared at Hunter’s side, exactly on schedule. Hunter nodded approvingly. He’d been working hard to turn over more responsibility to other members of the crown’s security team, trusting that he’d trained them well over the last few years. He and Grey would resign their positions soon, considering that once the pack ascended to the throne, they’d have other duties. They’d select a new chief advisor and Hunter’s second would become the new head of security for the incumbent kings. And their queen.
Hunter looked to where Xander and Destiny stood among the crowd. Whether by design, luck, or happy accident, their paths through the tables of Avondalian families were leading them right to each other.
“I’ll warn him now so he can begin his goodbyes. Otherwise, we’ll never get him out of here,” Hunter said, starting toward the prince. He made his way unobtrusively to Xander’s side, waiting until his pack leader was free to speak. “Thirty minutes until the royal family is due to talk to the media.”
Xander grimaced. “Of course. I’ll start getting my game face on.”
Hunter’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. That had been far too easy. Normally, Xander would’ve at least whined about it. He loathed talking to the press.
Xander laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Don’t look so shocked. I wasn’t kidding when I said I was going to step up, like I should’ve done years ago. There’s too much at stake now. What kind of leader would I be if I got in the way of our happily ever after?”
Hunter resisted an uncharacteristic urge to hug his friend. There was confidence and determination in his voice. He really meant it. Hunter was going to make Xander’s favorite meal whenever they next had a free evening.
“She looks less angry,” Hunter said, following Xander’s gaze to where it tracked Destiny’s progress across the room. “She might just forgive you.”
Xander lifted his chin, tossing his golden hair out of his sparkling blue eyes. It was truly annoying how traditionally good-looking he was. As if being the heir to a thriving throne wasn’t enough.
“She’s going to forgive me. I will grovel if I have to.” Xander gave Hunter a sly glance. “God, I hope she makes me grovel.”
Hunter chuckled. “Oh, she’s definitely going to make you grovel. You should start now.”
Destiny reached them then, a sardonic smile on her full lips. Sasha greeted them energetically and Damon bowed slightly, but Hunter only had eyes for his omega. He was learning to read her quickly, and he could see a playful twinkle in her pretty eyes as she regarded the prince. Hunter couldn’t wait to see those cat eyes looking up at him as she and Xander knelt at his feet, waiting for his commands. They were going to have so much fun.
As if she knew what he was thinking, Destiny’s gaze flicked to his and her smile widened. She bowed her head, looking up at him through her lashes. Hunter’s dick twitched.
“Prince Alexander, Prince Consort Hunter.” Destiny’s voice held a teasing lilt. “I hope you slept well. I certainly did, thanks to my handsome cuddle buddy.”
Her cupid’s bow mouth curled into a smirk. Hunter’s cock twitched again. It seemed their omega had a bratty streak that he’d thoroughly enjoy punishing. If he hadn’t seen Ivan slipping into her room last night, Hunter would be hot with jealousy at the insinuation that someone else had shared her bed.
Xander, who clearly didn’t know her companion was feline, was trying and failing to hide a scowl. Hunter decided to put him out of his misery before he said the wrong thing. Again.
“You know my rule for cuddling. So, whenever you’re ready to trade Ivanushka in for something better, you just let me know. I promise you’ll sleep very well.” Hunter watched Destiny’s eyes widen and cheeks flush as she caught his meaning. But it wasn’t embarrassment he saw in her eyes—it was desire.
Xander grinned, taking her hand in both of his. “I slept terribly. How could I sleep knowing my stupid, petty words were used against you? I won’t hope for cuddles, but I will beg for your forgiveness.”
Sasha clapped approvingly, bouncing on her toes and ignoring an eyeroll from Destiny. Hunter could tell from Destiny’s rosy cheeks and spiking scent that the omega was just playing it cool. That damn Xander really could be charming when he wanted to.
“I’d hardly call that begging, but it’s a start,” Destiny told the prince. “Let’s see how you behave today before I make any promises. I suggest you keep the apologies coming.”
“Deal.” Xander smiled brightly, kissing her hand before releasing it and gesturing around the room. “Now, tell me. What do you think of Avondale’s people?”
The popstar looked around, her face softening as she caught several nearby children waiting to be noticed. They waved at her enthusiastically and she waved back. The children squealed in delight, running back to their parents.
“They’re lovely,” Destiny said, and Hunter felt a surge of pride at her approval. “It’s so nice to see families spending time together. And the kids are so excited to be in the castle.”
Hunter laughed. “Most of them come every year. You’d think they’d be used to it.”
“That’s one of the things I love about them,” Xander replied. “It doesn’t get old to them. Every year I get to see my home through their eyes. They remind me not to take all the beautiful things I’ve been blessed with for granted.”
Xander’s eyes remained on Destiny as he spoke, and Hunter knew his pack leader was counting the omega among those blessings. Finally, the entire pack was on the same page. Destiny Duvalle was theirs.
Now she just had to realize it.
And there was no reason Hunter couldn’t help things along.
“The quality of life in Avondale is quite good, with universal healthcare, childcare, and low cost of living, so people have the means to provide for their families without overworking themselves or going into debt,” Xander was telling Destiny and Sasha. “This is another way we offer support. Each year, our families experiencing the most need are invited to these festival kickoff events.”
“It was Xander’s first initiative,” Hunter added, looking at his pack leader affectionately. “He started planning when we were still at Oxford. It’s a huge hit every year.”
“I can see that. What a wonderful idea,” Destiny said, and Hunter stifled a grin when Xander puffed out his chest. “What comes next?”
“The families will have lunch, then there’s a program for the kids, while parents wrap presents,” Xander replied. “They provide us with wish lists, and we set up a little Santa’s workshop. And everyone who needs them leaves with new coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and boots, plus a box of food for Christmas dinner.”
Hunter chuckled as Destiny’s eyes widened. “I know. It was a culture shock for me too after growing up in the U.S.”
“This place is amazing,” Destiny said, and Hunter felt his chest puffing up a little too. “I can’t wait to see more of it today.”
“We look forward to showing you more.” Hunter might’ve growled a bit just to see Destiny’s pupils dilate and her pulse flutter. He turned to the prince before she could answer. “You need to begin saying your goodbyes. Twenty minutes until the press brief.”
Xander sighed heavily. “If I must. I’ll see you soon, Miss Duvalle.” The prince bowed slightly, then returned to his circuit of the room.
Sasha glanced between Hunter and Destiny with a knowing smile. “I’m going to get a closer look at the rest of these gingerbread houses. Damon, walk with me, and don’t argue. You can see Destiny from every spot in this room.”
Hunter grinned as Sasha steered the huge alpha away. He was going to have to find out Sasha’s favorite meal and make it too. He was pretty sure the clever beta had been on Team Stepanov all along.
“All these happy families look like something out of a movie,” Destiny mused once they were relatively alone. “It’s entirely too wholesome.”
“It takes some getting used to,” Hunter agreed. He chose his next words carefully. “By too wholesome, do you mean it’s not something you’d want?”
Destiny gave him a sidelong glance. “Smooth, Li. Real smooth. You sure don’t ease into the hard stuff, do you?”
Hunter blushed a little, but he didn’t think she was offended by the question, so he plunged ahead. “I’ve been called intense a time or two. But I just meant this is definitely the kind of thing Meemaw Debbie would’ve done with me as a child. I was really lucky to have her. Our family didn’t fit the movie mold considering my father was dead and my mother left me with my grandmother after he died. Meemaw had no idea he’d even sired any children until my mother showed up on her doorstep the day after his funeral.”
Destiny looked at him with such tenderness that he had to fight to keep from kissing her. She touched his arm when she spoke again. “That sounds really hard. I’m sorry. But I’m glad you had such an amazing grandmother. She clearly did a great job raising you. I hope to do half as well with my own children.”
For fuck’s sake, she was really close to being kissed breathless in front of hundreds of citizens. He covered her hand on his arm with his own and held it there. Her touch was soothing, instilling him with a sense of complete calm.
“I’ll tell her you said so,” Hunter murmured, his heart stuttering at the thought. She’d meet his grandmother someday soon, and the two most important women in his life would get along well. He could tell. “I’m sure you’ll be a great mom.”
Destiny tilted her head, smiling softly. “Yeah. I will.” She hesitated, then spoke quickly as if wanting to ask before she lost her nerve. “Have you ever spoken to your mother or connected with her at all?”
Hunter stiffened, though he didn’t mean to. He wanted Destiny to feel like they could talk about anything. He wanted her to know him completely. But he didn’t like thinking about his mother. His feelings toward her were…complicated.
“Before I joined Xander’s pack, they did a thorough background check that confirmed some things I’d already suspected.” Hunter remembered opening his file and seeing a photo of a beautiful omega with eyes the same shape as his, his high cheekbones, and even his slightly imbalanced lips—the top thinner than the bottom. “She moved back to China, mated, and had three children. She sent my grandmother money sometimes. And she used her connections to get me into the prestigious English alpha academy where I met Xander and Greyson. Paid my entire tuition up front. But she’s never contacted me directly and I’ve never sought her out.”
Destiny was quiet for a long moment. Hunter realized he was still holding her hand where it rested on his arm. She hadn’t even tried to pull away, despite being in public. Even after that stupid article, she wasn’t concerned about the inevitable rumors and speculation that would come from them being seen so close. That was a very good sign.
“Well, her loss,” Destiny said with a shrug. “She’s missing out on one of the most interesting, intelligent, and kind men I’ve ever met.”
Hunter huffed out a breath. “That’s it, Kitten. I can’t take anymore of you saying sweet shit and me not kissing you silly. I’m going to go down that little corridor over there. In five minutes, you’re going to follow me. Got it?”
Destiny’s lips parted and her scent intensified. She nodded.
“Good girl,” Hunter said.