11. Ivy
11
IVY
“Ivy. Psst .”
My sister looped her elbow with mine and hauled me close.
“What did you get Mom and Dad?” Caitlin asked out of the corner of her mouth.
I raised my eyebrows at her. “Do you still need to get their presents?” I asked, surprised. I’d sorted out mine more than a month ago during the Black Friday sales.
“Shhh. Just…help me pick, ok?” Caitlin said, marching me along.
Luckily, the Christmas Eve Eve Festival was tailor-made for last-minute shoppers. Starlight Grove’s town square was lined with crafters, makers and designers selling their wares. Caitlin and I wandered past ceramics, jewelry, leather goods and candles and only barely scratched the surface. Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve Festival would focus more on food and events like the Ugly Sweater contest, the Snowman Building competition and the live nativity scene.
I mean, we all made fun of Stanley when he first came up with the idea to turn the Christmas Eve festival into a two-day extravaganza, but it really did make sense.
Two feather-plumed horses clopped by and I waved to Mom and Dad astride the ornate carriage. As children, Caitlin and I used to join them. Held tightly in their laps for those first few years and then with our little butts squished in whatever space we could find on the seat. Despite long outgrowing the tradition, we still attended the festival as a family every year and Mom and Dad got their carriage ride.
“Have you seen him yet?”
The question was like an unwanted spray of muddy rainwater in the face. I was annoyed by Caitlin reminding me yet again of my ex. Sean returned to Starlight Grove every winter break to visit his parents.
“No,” I said shortly.
That was a lie. I’d spotted him at the reindeer petting zoo with his wife and kids and steered Caitlin over to the market stalls.
We passed a vendor selling cutting boards and I seized the opportunity to distract Caitlin from her line of questioning.
“What about those for Dad?”
Caitlin perked up. “Ooh, good idea. Thanks Ivy,” she said, wandering over.
I hugged my arms around myself and watched the unhurried passage of gray clouds across the wintry sky.
“Hey Ivy.”
The screech that escaped me was proof I was the furthest thing from an elite predator on the food chain.
It was Rome who had spoken but he wasn’t alone. All three of them were in front of me. Together.
Rome had on his usual long coat. Wide lapels perfect for grabbing onto and pulling his head down to me. He wore black on gray on black like a dark prince.
James was cheery in a khaki puffer and orange beanie today. I wondered how many different colors he had. I also wondered what state his hair would be in if I pulled his hat off and entangled my fingers in it.
And finally Logan. Logan, Logan, Logan. His beard had gotten even thicker since I saw him last and I wanted to feel it scrape against my…cheeks. He had a sherpa-lined jacket that I wanted to crawl inside. I could probably wrap myself around his chest and belly and fall asleep a very happy, warm omega.
It was two days away from Christmas, the town a white wonderland of snow and I was burning up into a crisp.
James made a motion like he wanted to reach for me but held himself back instead. “How do you feel after…you know,” he said wryly.
Like I’m wondering why you’re not throwing me over your shoulder and carrying me off for round two.
“Good. Thank you. I have two alarms on my phone to remind me to take my suppressants now,” I admitted.
“This is for you!” Logan cut in, eyes wild with panic. He stepped forward, revealed a large gift bag he had tucked behind him and pushed it into my hands.
“I-I didn’t realize we were exchanging Christmas presents,” I stammered.
Even the fresh, biting air couldn’t sweep away the sudden acidic edge to Logan’s scent. He dragged his collar away from his neck. “I told you not to let me fuck up,” he hissed at the others.
James stifled a laugh and clapped Logan’s shoulder. “You’re ok, man.”
“It’s not a Christmas present,” Rome clarified.
Logan found his voice again. “It’s a courting present. From all of us.”
“The first of many,” Rome added.
“Many…presents?”
My omega was absolutely preening at this. Practically frolicking out of my chest and demanding that I scent-mark all these delicious-smelling men.
“What happened at the school was…unexpected. But none of us have any regrets being there for you when you needed us.” Rome’s expression softened. “We would only have regrets if we never got the chance to court you properly.”
Court me…properly?
I would have to process that later because I was still dealing with the wave of relief that they were not reporting me for inappropriate after-hours classroom use.
James gave me a little nudge. “Why don’t you open it?”
We had managed to draw a bit of an audience. Well-meaning but the nosiest of townspeople doing a terrible job of pretending they weren’t watching us. I spied Stanley deep in discussion with the roasted nut vendor on the corner (funny because he was allergic) and Carmen hovered nearby petting a display of scarves like a cat.
“In front of everybody?” I whispered.
Rome’s head slanted to one side. “What do you think we gave you that’s not appropriate to be opened in public?”
I didn’t, that’s not what I ? —
“I don’t want to answer that!”
James looked thoughtful. “That does give me some great ideas for future courting presents though.”
“No.” I shook my head vehemently. “No, nonono.”
“Too late.”
I envisioned a giant rubbery dildo in my future.
It was a relief when I opened the bag and there was absolutely nothing phallic inside. “It’s a…puffer jacket,” I said, removing it slowly. Similar to the one James was wearing but in a lovely cerulean blue. It seemed a lot bulkier than a regular coat. “I feel like there’s an underlying message here.”
“There is,” Logan grunted.
“Don’t go running off in blizzards but if you insist on it, wear this?” I guessed.
“Yep.”
Rome helped me out of my coat so I could try it on. His touch lingered on my shoulders and I could feel the heat of his gaze skim across my body. The flash of our eyes meeting before we quickly drew away betrayed our darker thoughts.
My perfume was spiraling wildly out of control. I could see Logan’s nostrils flare, James’ weight shift and Rome’s fist go tight.
But they didn’t say anything. Not out here, not like this. I let Rome zip up the jacket before he finally stepped back.
It quickly became apparent what was different about this coat.
“I feel like Violet Beauregard in Willy Wonka after she ate the three course dinner gum,” I said, rotating my limbs to show my limited range of movement.
Logan nodded crisply. “It’s perfect.”
“Is it normally this big?” I had no idea where they could’ve gotten this monstrosity.
“We took it to your friend Lucy’s tailoring shop and she helped us stuff it with extra feathers so it would be warmer,” Rome explained.
“Ah.” I would be having some choice words with Lucy the next time I saw her.
“Do you like it?” James asked earnestly.
They were waiting so attentively for my answer. “I…feel like I am in a giant sleeping bag and could lie down and nap right here,” I said truthfully.
Especially when the winter sun hit me just right. They’d essentially given me a portable nest. I could see myself sitting on my front porch, toasty warm with a hot drink enjoying the view.
I loved my giant new blueberry coat.
I think they knew because they looked extremely pleased with themselves.
Rome stepped close and stroked his thumb lightly across my cheek. Out of the corner of my eye, Carmen spasmed and a flurry of scarves went flying. But then Rome started speaking and that silken cadence made the rest of the festival melt away.
“I know it’s Christmas and you probably have plans over the next few days. But after…” Rome cleared his throat nervously. “Each of us would like to take you out. Then all of us together, as a pack.”
“A pack?” I echoed. Obviously he and James were bonded but Logan…I glanced over at the other alpha. He smiled at me, nervous but filled with hope.
Suddenly the responsibility of meeting those hopes felt daunting.
“Don’t expect too much,” I blurted suddenly.
They were taken aback but I couldn’t stop. It was only fair that they knew exactly what they were getting into.
“I work a lot. Watch reality shows that make me cry. See my friends and family every now and then.” My voice dropped to a small whisper. “I don’t really do anything else. I’m not very interesting.”
“Was that meant to deter us?” James grinned.
I stuttered. “No, maybe, I don’t?—”
Rome shrugged. “Makes us want to court you more, if anything.”
It didn’t seem real. This couldn’t be the path that fate eked out for me. Lit with burning attraction and paved with a careful kind of affection I could already feel growing between us all. It was meant for someone more notable, more fascinating, more beautiful than me.
Yet when I blinked, the three men before me did not waver and disappear.
For what felt like the first time in my life, I let myself be brave.
“Yes. I’d like that,” I said. My heart staccatoed wildly, nerves jangling knowing the town was watching. Before I could overthink my way out of it, I leaned forward and brushed my cheek lightly against Rome’s. A small gesture that spoke volumes, my omega accepting their courtship and marking her claim. His sharp intake of breath gave me a dark thrill as I left my scent on him and stole a taste of his own in return. I didn’t stop there, moving over to Logan.
“Princess, you don’t have?—”
I rose up onto my tiptoes at the same time as I reached for his fleeced collar. His beard was so much softer than it looked as I scent-marked him. I forced myself to stop before I nestled in and made myself at home in it.
James was already waiting for me. “Fuck yeah, Ivy. Lay it on me, I’m ready,” he said, tapping his cheek with his finger.
I laughed and yanked him to me with a little extra force. “You’re trouble,” I whispered. He turned just in time to graze the tip of his nose against mine as I was pulling away.
“And opportunistic,” he murmured.
I thought I deserved a medal for not tumbling into a full-on makeout session with him in the snow.
The blend of their scents on my skin was like a homecoming. Our days apart since my heat vanished in an instant. Tension I didn’t even realize I was holding in my neck and shoulders cascaded out of me.
I could see Caitlin was wrapping up her purchase. Mom and Dad were disembarking from the carriage.
“I need to get back to my family. Merry Christmas and I’ll see you soon.” I smiled, trying to contain the flutters in my stomach.
Caitlin eyed me quizzically as I fell into step with her as she left the stall. “Why do you smell like you raided some sort of Christmas candle booth?” she asked me suspiciously.
“No reason,” I said, praying Caitlin did not see Carmen giving me an enthusiastic thumbs-up as we passed her.
The handful of other town busybodies had reintegrated themselves into the bustling crowd of the festival. A flicker of trepidation skittered along the back of my neck. I searched the crowd, and caught Sean’s eyes for the briefest moment. The next blink he had turned back to his family, pointing something out to his son.
Caitlin stopped abruptly, grabbing my arm.
“Waitaminute, were you wearing that coat the whole time?”
I spent Christmas Eve with Olive, Lucy and Summer. Olive hosted us at her beautiful home by the sea and we exchanged presents excitedly. The only caveat was that it had to be handmade. I cherished my lumpy-looking hand-built mug (Olive), enormous box of cookies (Summer) and crocheted flower coasters (Lucy). I made them friendship bracelets and they put them on immediately.
Felix joined us and eventually chose my house for Christmas. I didn’t expect it and may have cried a little. On Christmas morning, we watched The Holiday in pajamas (well, at least I did) while he spread himself out in the lone patch of sunlight that streamed through my window. A tiny sliver of peace before I’d see Mom’s side of the family tonight and Dad’s tomorrow.
My phone buzzed. I expected to see a text from Caitlin asking if she could come over and steal some wrapping paper, but it wasn’t that at all.
LOGAN
Merry Christmas Ivy
ROME
Look outside
I laughed as James’ addition to the conversation was every Christmas and snow emoji. I peeked out my window and there were three boxes on my front porch.
My heart was in danger of jumping out of my chest as I brought them inside and unwrapped them. Rome had gotten me a new book bag in leather so extravagant I couldn’t help but hold it up to my nose and sniff. James’ present was a new scarf and enough candy to take down, well, an omega. I could tell Logan had gotten me a book but I was stunned when I peeled off the paper to reveal a special edition of the first Runeweaver Knight .
Logan, where on earth did you get this?
LOGAN
I asked Naomi for help
You’ll get the rest. I won’t leave you with an incomplete set
My former student probably had a field day helping him pick which edition to get me. I ran my fingers across the silver foil and admired the sprayed edges depicting a set of blades.
You know that could be years, right? The series is still ongoing.
LOGAN
That’s ok with me
First Felix and now this. I did not anticipate tearing up to be a regular occurrence this Christmas.
JAMES
Does my present fit?
I giggled.
Maybe not after I finish the second part of your present
JAMES
Hmm, I didn’t think this through
And Rome, I love the bag, thank you. I’m already excited to move everything from my old bag across.
ROME
You’re welcome, Ivy.
By the way, have you checked your letterboxes?
The replies came in thick and fast.
ROME
What
LOGAN
Hold on a minute
JAMES
Aaaand they’re both outside. Wanna bet who gets back inside first? Quick Ivy!
I snorted, picturing the two alphas rushing to their letterboxes.
I didn’t have much time so I baked for you
Not sure if I was being presumptuous by baking you gingerbread but I do really love my recipe regardless of it being…you know
I hope it’s ok
There was no reply for the longest time. My mind began ticking over, measuring my measly cookies up against the expensive, thoughtful gifts they got me. What was I thinking? Baked goods was what you got relatives you saw once a year, not the pack who wanted to court you. Why didn’t I at least get something different for each of them? They hadn’t even taken me out yet and I’d already?—
LOGAN
I almost don’t want to eat them
That doesn’t make much sense, does it?
God, the way I wanted to hold him until that deep dull ache in my heart went away.
JAMES
They look amazing Ivy. Thank you. Rome’s…having a bit of a moment being reminded of your scent with something you made him.
A warm flush spread through my entire body.
Oh.
My throat went dry as I saw someone was typing.
ROME
Merry Christmas Ivy
Enjoy today and tomorrow with your family
But come the 27th, you’re all mine
Suddenly I couldn’t wait for Christmas to be over.