16. Chapter 16
Chapter sixteen
Destiny
D estiny felt like she was in a dream.
Her initial impression that Avondale was like something out of a cheesy Christmas romance movie was extremely accurate, but it turned out she didn’t hate it. If she was being honest, she liked it. Loved it, even.
Between talking to the happy families building gingerbread houses, enjoying the cheerful castle décor, and singing with Avondale’s children, Destiny had had more fun already this Christmas than she had in years. She wasn’t just being polite when she’d told Prince Alexander that his people were lovely. They were welcoming and warm, and Destiny could easily imagine living among them.
With Pack Stepanov, of course.
Because the truly magical thing about Avondale was the way it made her feel, the way they made her feel. It was new and terrifying and wonderful and real, and Destiny didn’t want to return to a life where she had to pretend. She wanted to be her true, messy self with the gorgeous, charming, maddening men who made her feel seen in a way no one outside of her closest friends ever had.
Her feelings only grew throughout the day as she interacted more with the people of Avondale and, especially, Pack Stepanov. It seemed that they’d somehow been seated together for all of the day’s events. The gingerbread houses were cleared from the dining hall, and the visiting families were treated to an elaborate spread of holiday foods. Destiny had been seated with the royal family, positioned between Prince Alexander and Greyson, who spent the meal introducing her to regional delicacies and making her laugh as they shared memories of their past Christmases together.
After the luncheon, Destiny sat amongst the royal family as a choir of Avondalian citizens sang a series of Christmas tunes, including many she’d never heard before that seemed specific to the region. Though the music was beautiful, she spent much of the concert whispering with Greyson and Hunter, who continued the colorful commentary and reminiscing they’d started during the luncheon. It was so easy to laugh along, to ask probing questions, and discover how their memories compared to the men they were now. Despite the brevity of their time together, Destiny couldn’t help but feel like she knew these men. There was a sense of familiarity and trust and rightness to their interactions that simply felt natural.
Soon enough, it was time for the Christmas tree contest. Destiny watched Avondale drift past as she and the royal family were chauffeured to the site. She tried to imagine what five acres of fully decorated Christmas trees might look like, but she was in no way prepared for what she saw.
“Holy smokes, that’s a lot of trees!” Sasha exclaimed as their convoy came to a stop. “The royal family seriously has to judge all of these tonight? How could they possibly choose?”
Mina, who’d ridden with Destiny’s team, looked up from her ever-present tablet and laughed at Sasha’s wide-eyed astonishment. “Technically, they’ve already decided. Our team reviews photos of all the trees, before selecting a significantly smaller portfolio for the family to judge. Tonight isn’t really about the contest. It’s about spending time with the community.”
Outside, people laughed and talked loudly, children chased one another through the trees, and vendors sold souvenirs and holiday treats. Avondale’s citizens looked idyllic in the glow of what had to be hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights. The trees seemed to go on forever, miles and miles of shiny bits and bobbles, twinkling lights, and quite a few ingeniously artistic creations Destiny couldn’t wait to see up close.
“This is incredible,” she breathed, her breath fogging the car window.
“Told you,” Sasha boasted, nudging Destiny with her elbow. “I knew we didn’t want to miss this.”
Destiny rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help the smile growing on her face. The Christmas spirit was apparently contagious, because she was already feeling all warm and fuzzy and they hadn’t even left the SUV. Suddenly, this didn’t seem like a photo op or just another engagement on her endless itinerary. This was peace and joy and fun. This was what she wanted her life to feel like.
Destiny reached out and squeezed Sasha’s hand. “I don’t know why I ever doubted you. I’m glad we stayed.”
“Me too.” Sasha beamed, her smile every bit as dazzling as the Christmas lights. She squeezed Destiny’s hand, bouncing in her seat. She grabbed Mina with her other hand, earning a throaty chuckle from the royal assistant, who finally put down her tablet and gazed out of the windows with them. “Let’s go! There’s so much to see, and I want to see it all. This is so awesome!”
“It’s a security nightmare,” Damon grumbled from where he sat staring morosely out of his own window. He held up his hands defensively when all three women’s heads snapped toward him. “I know, I know. The monarchy’s security has this covered. We’ve discussed it in depth. Everyone is going to have fun .”
Destiny couldn’t help but laugh at her bodyguard’s grumpy tone. He’d been affronted when they suggested he could stay behind and take a break and had begrudgingly settled for coming along to enjoy the festivities in an off-duty capacity. He didn’t seem at all enthused, but the compromise allowed him to keep an eye on Destiny for his own peace of mind.
“Didn’t you say it was nice to see me relaxed? Now it’s your turn.” Destiny teased. “How can you look at this and not feel happy?”
Sasha snorted. “He’s probably just calculating the ratio of possible threats to security personnel.”
“I have those numbers for you,” Mina said, picking up her tablet and turning the screen toward Damon.
Sasha laughed again and snatched the tablet away. “You’re so efficient, Mina Bean. He’s seen the numbers. And if I can spot all the security, I know he sees them. They’re everywhere.”
Mina flushed prettily at the nickname, her eyes sparkling. Destiny smiled. Sasha had such an easy time making friends. Probably because she’d never met a stranger in her life. Her golden retriever energy could be irritating, but at the moment it was endearing.
Destiny spotted security guards on horseback, on snowmobiles, and moving along the edges of the crowd on foot. “Sasha’s right, Damon. You can relax and let your hair down for one night.”
Damon’s scowl deepened. “Very funny.”
“You know what I mean.” Destiny smiled wryly at him. Her security guard was completely bald. “Please at least try to have a good time.”
A member of the security team joined them a few minutes later, and they stepped out into the frigid evening air. Destiny shivered, pulling her coat more tightly around her. She could see heaters placed strategically among the trees, with people gathered around the rings of warmth.
“Don’t worry, the sleighs are heated,” Mina assured her. “They’re quite cozy.”
“We’ll keep her warm,” said a velvety voice from behind them, making Destiny shiver for an entirely different reason.
She turned to see Greyson grinning at her, his packmates approaching from the luxury SUV they’d arrived in. The rest of the royal family was emerging from a third vehicle, looking like something out of a fairytale with their crowns and fur-lined cloaks. The buzz of the crowd grew louder, but the sound was welcoming rather than aggressive. No one surged forward to take pictures or even tried to approach. The people of Avondale seemed accustomed to their monarchs, regarding them with a familiarity that made it clear to Destiny that the royal family didn’t stay aloof in their tower. Prince Alexander and his family cared about their citizens, and they showed it, and their people obviously loved them for it.
“This is going to be amazing!” Sasha declared, bouncing on her toes. “ Oh my god, are those the sleighs? I am going to die of adorableness, but I can die happy now. I have officially achieved my dream of living in a Christmas romcom.”
Everyone laughed, following Sasha’s excited gaze to the approaching sleighs. Destiny had to admit that they were straight out of a romantic comedy. Two beautiful horses pulled each ornately carved wooden sleigh. As they drew nearer, Destiny could see they were expertly hand painted, with plush booth seating and inconspicuous heaters built beneath the benches.
Prince Alexander stepped to her side, offering her his arm with an impish grin. “If this is a romantic comedy, I’m obviously the leading man. Allow me to escort you to our chariot.”
Destiny rolled her eyes and ignored his arm, crossing hers over her chest. “Your modesty knows no bounds, Princeling. I don’t need an escort to the sleigh that is currently stopping four feet in front of us.”
Unperturbed, the prince moved closer to the sleigh and extended his hand. “Feet? You’re going to have to learn to speak metric, Frosty dear. Now, at least let me help my leading lady into the sleigh. For safety reasons.”
His blue eyes twinkled merrily, making it clear he was amused as always by her annoyance. Destiny tried to ignore the thrill in her belly when he looked at her that way, tried to ignore the fact that he’d called her his leading lady.
You’re ours, Kitten. You’re mine.
Destiny couldn’t help but glance at Hunter. His words from that morning had played in her head again and again. She’d liked the sound of it. A lot.
Usually, Destiny would’ve resented it as possessive alpha bullshit. She’d been courted, propositioned, and pursued by many an alpha, and a few of them had tried to stake a claim. But Destiny hadn’t been interested in anything substantial with any of them, hadn’t been able to get past a third date before she knew it was pointless to go any further. They weren’t hers and she definitely wasn’t theirs.
But Hunter’s words had excited rather than annoyed her, and now Alexander’s were having the same impact. Technically, this sleigh ride would be her third date with the men of Pack Stepanov, and Destiny only wanted to spend more time with them.
She tore her gaze from Hunter and lifted an eyebrow at the prince, mustering her normal sass. “If you call this groveling, I’ve got to say I’m disappointed.”
“You’re right, let me try again,” Prince Alexander replied, his grin widening, as he dropped to one knee in the snow. “I know I’m not worthy to touch you after being such a colossal prick, but please allow me to help you into the sleigh. If it suits you better, I can get on all fours and serve as a step.”
Destiny thought she heard a longsuffering sigh from Hunter, but she couldn’t be sure since she was distracted by the whispers of curious onlookers. She saw that the rest of their party had already settled into their sleighs. Most everyone looked amused by the delay, aside from Princess Natalya who pouted impatiently.
“Get up!” Destiny hissed at the prince. “You can help me if you just get in the damn sleigh!”
“As you wish,” the prince said, and then he was on his feet, so close to her that his scent washed over her, woodsy with a hint of sweetness—cedar, sage, and nutmeg.
Prince Alexander took her hand, putting his other on her lower back, and helped her into the sleigh. Destiny wondered how a simple gesture could feel so profound.
“Twat,” Greyson muttered, moving quickly to sit at Destiny’s side before his packmates could claim the spot. Hunter and Alexander clambered into the seats across from them, and their little procession began to move.
There were wide lanes between the trees, allowing plenty of space for the sleighs to pass and the crowd to mill about. The horses walked at a leisurely pace, allowing the crowd a good look at the monarchs. It was almost like a parade, and seriously was this a movie or what? The royal family waved, exchanged pleasantries with their subjects, and complimented the amazingly decorated trees.
And the trees! The creativity on display was impressive. There were trees for every color scheme—the colors of the Avondalian flag the most popular—and all sorts themed after movies, television shows, sports teams, and businesses. There was a tree covered in ornaments painted to look like members of the royal family. Another had been turned into a snow-covered mountain, with a fully functional train track winding through the branches, complete with a tiny train chugging merrily along and playing Christmas carols.
Destiny could see why the winner was selected beforehand. It would be far too overwhelming to try to make a decision tonight. There was too much to see, too many people to acknowledge. It was much better to just enjoy the beautiful scenery, cheerful crowd, and the sweet smells of Christmas: pine and cinnamon, peppermint and chocolate, vanilla and mulled wine.
“You’re glowing,” Hunter said, startling Destiny from her thoughts. He was watching her with a small, secret smile that made her heart stutter. “I guess that means you like it?”
Prince Alexander leaned toward her, watching her intently with his sapphire eyes. Beside her, Greyson pressed closer, his pomegranate and cypress scent blending alluringly with the other winter smells. They were all waiting for her answer. Destiny knew Pack Stepanov was asking much more than her opinion on the festival or Avondale.
She swallowed hard, meeting each of their gazes in turn. Greyson gave her arm a reassuring squeeze that for some ridiculous reason made her eyes sting. Her heart seemed to be trying to escape her chest.
“I love it,” Destiny said finally, and it was the absolute truth. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this at home anywhere…including my actual home.”
Pack Stepanov’s answering smiles rivaled the setting sun. Destiny relaxed against Greyson, resisting the urge to lay her head on his shoulder. Instead, she rested a hand on his knee, which he quickly covered with his own. It felt wonderful.
“So, these sweet little horses are really going to pull us through five acres of trees?” Destiny asked. “Won’t they get tired?”
The horses were compact creatures with dark coats that glimmered bronze in the glow of the Christmas lights. Their thick, black manes were shiny, and their huge eyes were dark and expressive. Between the cats at the castle and these adorable horses, Avondale seemed determined to turn Destiny into an animal lover.
“Tsk tsk, Frosty. Are you underestimating them based on their appearance? I’ve certainly learned that lesson.” The prince’s voice was teasing. “Anyway, Huculs are some of the toughest horses in the world. They’re native to the Carpathian Mountains and are used to carrying heavy loads across treacherous terrain in terrible weather. This is a walk in the park to them.”
“You’re a cheeky git,” Destiny told him, before turning to Greyson for approval. “Did I use it right? I’ve only spent short spells in England.”
Greyson threw his head back and laughed, squeezing her hand. “Xander is indeed a cheeky git. No matter how much Hunter punishes him, he’ll always be a brat.”
Hunter grunted in agreement, as Xander grinned wickedly. He leaned toward Destiny, giving her a wink that made her stomach flutter. “I’ll teach you my ways, and we’ll keep Hunt on his toes. It’s good for him.”
Butterflies swarmed in Destiny’s stomach, both from the dirty thoughts his words conjured, and from the meaning behind the words. They sounded like plans. Plans that involved her being with Pack Stepanov long-term.
“Don’t push it, Pet,” Hunter drawled, giving Xander a sidelong glance that sent a thrill through Destiny’s core. “You’ve been such a good boy today. You don’t want to ruin it in the home stretch.”
Prince Alexander tilted his head down in submission, but his eyes still danced with mischief. Destiny couldn’t help but laugh. She liked the way they teased one another, enjoyed the witty banter. Conversation was always an intellectual sparring match with these men. Men who stimulated her in so many ways, in ways no one ever had before. Men who felt like hers.
“I thought it would be more crowded,” Destiny said, turning her attention back to the people congregating among the trees. “This is a huge event, right?”
“Not tonight,” Alexander replied, leaning back against his seat and looking around. “The trees will be lit every night at dusk through January 7 th . But the judging night is exclusive to contest participants and approved vendors.”
“Safety precaution for the royal family,” Hunter explained.
“Tomorrow, people from all over the country and continent will start pouring in,” Greyson added. “If the weather clears enough for air travel, they’ll come from all over the world. It’s huge for tourism.”
“I think our economy can stand losing out on the international travelers this year,” the prince said, fixing his electric blue gaze back on Destiny. “I’d prefer the weather stay exactly as it is—completely unsafe for airplanes.”
Greyson and Hunter murmured their agreement and Destiny flushed, pleased that they wanted her to stay. They spent the rest of the evening in the same easy conversation, with breaks to stretch, talk to contest winners, and try the treats on offer at the food carts and souvenir stalls. Pack Stepanov bought her presents she didn’t need, but loved anyway—local chocolate, a hand-woven coin purse, a batik scarf and a pair of funky silver earrings.
They insisted she try all their favorite local Christmas treats, from delicious sugar cookies layered with jam called Váno?ní Cukroví to Bejgli, a combination of flaky dough and rich poppy seed filling. Destiny felt like all of her senses were alive, relishing the new tastes, the picturesque surroundings, and the scents that were starting to feel like home.
Maybe it was the twinkling lights and glimmering garland, the endless sea of stars overhead and the music of the horses’ hooves crunching in the snow, or maybe it was the magic of Christmas, or maybe she was just falling in love, but Destiny felt more like herself, surer of who she was and what she wanted.
And it was this . More of this.