20. Chapter 20
Chapter twenty
Destiny
D estiny awoke on Christmas morning full of joy. She hadn’t been this excited about Christmas since she was a kid. Lying in bed in a tangle of limbs with the rest of her pack, she already had the best gift she could ever ask for, but today she’d get to tell the rest of the people she cared about.
Destiny sighed contentedly without opening her eyes. She thought her heart might just burst. She felt a gentle hand brush her hair out of her face. Greyson was curled around her from behind, and Alexander lay facing her, one arm draped over her and Grey. Hunter was on Alexander’s other side, and Destiny could tell it was his big hand stroking her hair. She’d never felt so relaxed.
“How is anybody supposed to sleep with you feeling so loudly?” Xander complained, his voice raspy with sleepiness. Destiny cracked an eye open to see him looking over his shoulder at Hunter with an impish smile. “Merry Christmas, Hunt.”
Hunter ran his fingers through Alexander’s mussed hair. “Merry Christmas, Xander.”
“Happy Christmas, lads,” Greyson said from behind Destiny. “Why are we awake?”
“Hunter was thinking too loud,” Alexander replied, then yelped and jumped in response to something Hunter had done. “Ouch! I mean, we’re awake because we have a big day today with lots to do.”
“I’m not doing anything until I’ve had some caffeine,” Destiny said, opening her eyes to glare at them. “Maybe you’re not tired, but I was fucked into oblivion last night.”
Greyson laughed against the back of her neck, and she shivered in response. Pack Stepanov had a strong effect on her before, but now it was even more intense. She pressed her thighs together to quell the sudden throbbing in her pussy, knowing her alphas could still smell her arousal.
“Put that weapon away,” Alexander teased Hunter, squirming against him in a way that suggested to Destiny that she wasn’t alone in her lust. “We don’t have time for morning sex, Hunt. You know mom will come and drag us out of here if we don’t show up for Christmas breakfast.”
“We certainly don’t want to give the queen an eyeful. We’ll just have to plan on a little afternoon delight.” Greyson wagged his eyebrows and kissed Destiny’s neck, lingering on the fresh mating bites.
“That behavior isn’t helping,” Destiny protested, though her body hummed with excitement. “If you want me up, go and make tea. Something strong.”
Greyson laughed again, the sound hearty and untroubled. Destiny loved the sound of it. She loved the glowing bond between them, the way she could feel the joy emanating from each of her alphas.
“As you wish, love,” Greyson replied, rolling out of bed. Destiny admired the display of golden-brown skin and lean muscle as Greyson stretched languidly. “One strong cup of Earl Grey coming up. You gents want any?”
“You know I can’t stand your colonizer tea,” Alexander said, making Destiny giggle.
“Don’t encourage him,” Hunter admonished. “None for me either. Everybody up. We’ve got presents to open and showers to take before we join the family.”
It took a bit of tickling and a few threats to get Alexander and Destiny moving, but they eventually complied. When Destiny tried to go back to her room to shower and change, Hunter was already two steps ahead. He’d texted Sasha, who’d gone above and beyond his request and repacked Destiny’s entire suitcase, leaving it at the door of the packhouse.
“Seriously?” Destiny exclaimed. “Why is everyone always on your side? My own assistant has been conspiring with you. What did you tell her?”
She planted her hands on her hips and fixed Hunter with a stern glare. Instead of looking chastened, he pulled her close and kissed her, his tongue stroking hers possessively. When he pulled away, it took her a minute to remember what she’d been fussing about.
“I only requested a fresh set of clothes, but Sasha clearly had other ideas,” Hunter said. “What’s her favorite food, by the way?”
Destiny raised an eyebrow. “Alcapurrias. Why?”
Hunter smiled. “No reason at all. Just like you have no reason to go back to the guest room. You’re not a guest anymore. This is your home.”
Destiny eyes prickled with tears. She was delighted and overwhelmed by the idea of having found her home, here with her alphas. A spike of anxiety confused her for a moment, before she realized the emotion wasn’t her own.
“I can feel you worrying.” Destiny rubbed the spot over her heart, as if she could touch the connection between them. It was odd feeling someone else inside of her—three someones, in fact. “That’s going to take some getting used to. I’m not actually upset with Sasha if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“That’s not it,” Hunter replied hesitantly. “I just remembered we hadn’t talked logistics yet. I shouldn’t have just assumed you’d want to live here.”
Destiny laughed and the anxiety she felt through their bond evaporated. “Of course I’m going to live here, you dork. I knew saying yes to this pack meant saying yes to Avondale. You’re going to have to accept that this is no longer a bachelor pad, Hunny Bunny.”
Hunter growled and pulled her close again to nip at her bottom lip. “That is not going to be your nickname for me. Now go get in the shower before I’m tempted to dirty you up again.”
In another half hour they were dressed and gathered in the living room. Destiny snuggled happily between Hunter and Greyson, her legs tucked beneath her as she sipped her tea. Hunter couldn’t seem to stop touching her. He smoothed her hair, ran his hands over her arms, rested a hand on her thigh. When she looked at him, his hazel eyes were full of wonder.
“Christmas miracle,” he murmured.
Greyson gave him a half smile. “Thank you, Father Christmas. Or should I say Santa Claus ?”
They were still laughing when Alexander reappeared with a large box in his hands. Destiny’s heart sped up as Greyson took her teacup and Alexander set the box in her lap. She looked at her alphas curiously, toying with the box’s velvet bow, but not opening it.
“This is from all of us,” Alexander explained with a nervous smile. “If you don’t like it, we can get you another.”
“I get the feeling this is way better than what I got you,” Destiny replied hesitantly. She could tell from the way they were watching her that the box held something meaningful. Whatever it was would surely put her gifts to shame.
“Nothing is better than what you’ve given us,” Greyson answered, kissing her temple. “Now open it.”
Her alphas watched her intently as she opened the box. When she saw what was inside, her mouth dropped open in surprise. Gingerly, she lifted the crown from the satin pillow it rested on.
“This is beautiful,” she said in a hushed voice, turning the crown in her hands. She examined the engraved silver and inlaid sapphires carefully. The craftsmanship was impeccable. The silver gleamed and the jewels sparkled as if they’d been meticulously polished. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you love it. Or say you hate it, and you want to design your own,” Alexander suggested, his smile more confident now. “This was my great grandmother’s. We thought it would suit you, but it’s perfectly alright if you want something new.”
Destiny bit her lip. The crown was perfect—sleek and elegant. If she’d designed something for herself, it would’ve been much the same.
“I absolutely love it and would be honored to wear it,” Destiny said finally, still worrying at her lip. “It’s just that now my gifts seem really dumb.”
Alexander laughed and Hunter sighed in apparent relief. Greyson took the crown from her hands and set it on her head. It fit perfectly. Destiny couldn’t help but sit up straighter under the weight of it.
“My queen,” Hunter said, taking her hand and kissing it.
“Not yet,” Destiny corrected. “I’m not usurping Queen Raina.”
“Princess consort then,” Alexander proclaimed, bowing grandly. “Hooray! I have another consort!”
His declaration was met with eye rolls from everyone. Destiny reluctantly left to retrieve their gifts from her suitcase. She handed them out quickly, then turned away, too embarrassed to watch them open her silly purchases.
Hunter took his gift, grabbing her hand before she could move away and tugging her into his lap. “You’ve already given us the best gift ever. Your alphas are happy. If you keep looking so nervous, I might have to spank you.”
Destiny’s stomach clenched at the threat. She liked that idea. Hunter kept one arm around her waist to hold her in place as he opened his present. When the wrapping paper fell away, he grinned up at her, his eyes dancing with delight.
“Sasha and Mina helped,” Destiny explained, blushing a little. “I wanted to shop local.”
She’d decided to go playful rather than serious with her gifts. For Hunter, she’d bought a fairly hideous patchwork apron with “The Boss” embroidered on the bib. She’d found a travel teacup decorated with a skeleton Santa for Greyson. And for Alexander, she’d gotten a handcrafted leather collar, and an accompanying tag engraved with the name “Princeling”. Mina and Sasha hadn’t asked any questions, but they’d probably had an interesting time finding the items she requested.
“This is perfect, Kitten. It’s about time everyone recognized who’s the boss,” Hunter told her, nuzzling her neck. He gave Alexander a wicked grin. “We are going to have so much fun with your new collar, Pet.”
Alexander grinned back, then bent to kiss Destiny. “Thanks, Frosty. I love it.”
Greyson kissed her next. “I’ll be sipping my tea while these two miscreants play their little games.”
“Liar,” Alexander said. “You like to play as much as the rest of us. And imagine how much more fun it’s going to be now that our omega’s home.”
Destiny felt warm all over. She was theirs and they were hers. The pack bond pulsed with joy and pride.
It was hard to say who was most excited about Pack Stepanov and Destiny mating. Queen Raina and Dana Duvalle were equal parts smug and thrilled, since the match was something they’d both expected and wanted. They joined an ecstatic Sasha and Mina in enthusiastically planning the mating ceremony, completely undeterred by the short timeline the pack laid out.
Destiny’s best friend Serenity was equally delighted and set about designing her mating gown so quickly that Destiny wondered if she’d already been planning it out. She’d probably been talking to Sasha. But since it would be the first mating gown in Serenity’s hugely successful clothing line, Destiny could forgive her for being a busybody.
Greyson’s parents and Hunter’s grandmother were overjoyed and a little awed by the prospect of having an international popstar in the family. Destiny wondered if they would have trouble keeping a lid on the secret until Pack Stepanov was ready to share the news with the world, but she needn’t have worried. Nobody was willing to risk Queen Raina’s wrath or upset the happy mates.
It was an extremely busy two weeks, but they managed to plan a beautiful ceremony for the first weekend of the new year. It was an intimate affair, attended by their closest friends and family. Destiny even convinced Hunter to send an announcement to his mother, since he wasn’t ready to go as far as to extend an invitation. She sent them a lovely gift and a handwritten note just for her son. Destiny never asked him what it said.
Genesis Valentine was given exclusive coverage of the ceremony, which garnered her and her employer a great deal of positive attention. The story was reprinted in dozens of international magazines, alongside glossy photos taken by the monarchy’s photographers. Still, it was clear Genesis was happier for her brother than she was for her own career. She spent several days with them, and her love for Greyson was obvious. Destiny loved seeing them reconnect and feeling his joy.
Destiny had never been so content. She’d finally found balance between both sides of her life. The private ceremony and controlled public coverage showed her she didn’t have to sacrifice her happiness for fame. She could move at her own pace, could choose what she wanted to share with the world. With her mates and her support system, she knew she could live authentically, unapologetically, and fully—happily ever after.
New Love for the New Year: Destiny Duvalle and Pack Stepanov Mated!
~Story by Gen V
Pop Princess Destiny Duvalle has become actual royalty! The superstar mated with Pack Stepanov (Prince Alexander Stepanov, Prince Consort Greyson Valentine, and Prince Consort Hunter Li), heirs to the throne of Avondale in an intimate ceremony shortly after the new year. The event was attended by the pack’s closest family and friends, including a few household names such as Smyrna City's Pack Rhodes, London’s Pack Valentine, and yours truly, Gen V.
It seems earlier coverage of Duvalle’s visit to Avondale got it all wrong. Despite an admittedly rocky start, it wasn’t long before Prince Alexander and his packmates found themselves falling for the lovely musician, and the feeling was mutual. This reporter happened to be in attendance for Duvalle’s initial performance for the royal family and could see the sparks flying even then. Duvalle, who has allegedly turned down several eligible packs, found what she was looking for, with a little help from a snowstorm that stranded her in Avondale.
"She is a gift beyond anything we imagined or deserve. Us finding one another was a true Christmas miracle," Greyson Valentine said of his new mate. In response to further questioning regarding the swiftness of their mating, Valentine stated, "When you know, you know. And it wasn't long before we all knew we didn't want to live another moment without her."
In true Christmas movie fashion, the polycule had a whirlwind romance that included sleigh rides beneath the stars, grand gestures, and, of course, beautiful music. With the backdrop of Avondale's famous annual Christmas festival, and a castle full of holiday cheer, there was no better time to fall in love.
Duvalle made a strong impression on Avondale's queen and kings right away. According to Queen Raina, "I could not ask for a better match for my son. She's brilliant, talented, and more than up to the job of keeping her kings and country in line. I look forward to their rule, and am eagerly anticipating my retirement."
Princess Natalya, a big fan of the popstar and the reason Duvalle visited Avondale in the first place, had similar things to say about her new sister. She made it very clear that the moment this article publishes, she will be taking to social media to tell her version of their love story. She's likely not the only person who'll be spreading the tale, since most of the pack's friends and family seem to have been rooting for the match and eagerly watching it unfold.
"It's like something out of a fairytale," said Duvalle's assistant, Sasha Sanchez. "Getting snowed in and falling in love with a pack of princes? Swoon! I've never seen Destiny this happy and I'm so excited for what comes next!"
The mating ceremony was yet another fairytale moment, with the castle’s grand ballroom fully decked out for the event. Duvalle was stunning in a couture gown by famed designer Serenity Rose, who is a close personal friend of the new princess. Embracing the cultures of her mates, the gown was a vibrant red with embroidered silver details and fur embellishments perfect for Avondale’s chilly winters. During the ceremony, Queen Raina gave her blessing by crowning her new daughter-in-law with a silver and sapphire antique that belonged to the queen's grandmother. The moment was met with tumultuous applause and many happy tears from the new mates and their guests.
Pack Stepanov intends to celebrate their union with a "staycation" to allow Duvalle time to settle into her new home and duties. The polycule plans to maintain a home in the United States, with their primary residence remaining at the Avondalian castle. Duvalle is excited about her new home, expressing no trepidation about the change in her lifestyle.
"I love this place and its people," she said of the arrangement. "I'm honored to serve them and live among them. This is where I want to raise our children. This is where we'll have our happily ever after."
Fans of Duvalle’s music needn’t despair, however. Though the popstar-turned-princess is planning to stop touring and decrease her performance schedule, her mating doesn’t signal retirement from her music career. Utilizing the brand-new recording studio Pack Stepanov built for her as a mating gift, Duvalle is working on a holiday album inspired by their love story. Christmas Miracle will hit streaming next November…