Chapter Twelve
The party was in full swing, the alcohol flowing freely and the large hall, decorated with lights and tinsel and glittering decorations, was full of loud chatter and music as the pack members let loose and got into the Christmas spirit.
Matthew felt a little overwhelmed at the whirlwind of new faces he had been introduced to.
He'd been made to feel welcome by everyone and Grey hadn't left his side once, holding onto his hand, or keeping a protective arm around his shoulder, ensuring he felt safe and secure, but Matthew still longed to go home so that he could be alone with his mate.
After another hour of dancing and festive games, Matthew glanced up at the clock. It was after eleven and he tugged on Grey's arm. His Alpha turned and kissed his cheek.
"Enjoying yourself?"
"Yeah, it's been great, but it's nearly midnight, and I want to give you your present. Do you think anyone will notice if we leave early?"
Grey raised an eyebrow and grinned sexily. "Does it involve you getting naked?" Matthew blushed and Grey laughed throatily. "In that case, let's get you home."
It took another fifteen minutes of goodbyes and bidding Happy Christmas to everyone before they were finally outside in the cold, frosty air.
Snow had begun to fall softly and Matthew felt Christmas magic all around them as they walked along, the whole of the pack's estate lit up with warm, glowing festive lights.
When they reached their cabin, Matthew hurried inside and switched on the tree lights, smiling fondly at the little bedraggled tree, decorated with red baubles and strings of twinkling lights.
"Next year, we'll get a bigger tree." Grey came up behind him, sliding his arms around his mate's waist.
"This one's perfect." Matthew turned his face up for a kiss from his mate. He glanced at the clock. "I'll just run and get your present."
Matthew ran upstairs quickly and came down, waiting a moment whilst the clock struck midnight. Grey had poured out two glasses of wine and handed one to Matthew.
Matthew took the glass and set it down on the table, and stood in front of Grey with a slim green box wrapped with a silver ribbon in his hands. "Happy Christmas, Grey."
"Baby, I thought.... you didn't have to get me a present." Grey put his wine down next to Matthew's and took the box that Matthew held out to him.
Grey pulled off the ribbon, then eased the lid off the box and stared inside. When he looked at Matthew, his eyes sparkled with tears and he took out the pregnancy test with trembling fingers.
"You already knew, didn't you?" Matthew asked, his eyes softly glowing from the lights on the Christmas tree.
"I... hoped, but that was all. Baby..." Grey blew out a breath and shook his head in wonder. "You're amazing."
"You're happy?" Matthew still looked anxious and Grey placed the box down carefully on the table and reached for Matthew's hand.
"I wasn't, not for a long time, but then I met you and now, you've given me the best Christmas present ever. I'm happy. You make me happy."
Matthew smiled and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around his mate.
"I can't believe it. It's like a Christmas miracle or something. I... I always thought I was broken, but I think you fixed me. I love you, Grey."
Grey's hand cradled Matthew's cheek tenderly before resting it protectively over his mate's abdomen.
He reached into his pocket with his other hand and handed Matthew a small red velvet box.
Matthew opened it with trembling fingers.
Inside was a silver ring, engraved with the words 'for Christmas and forever' inside the band.
Matthew beamed at his mate as Grey slid it onto his ring finger.
"I love you, Matthew," Grey said, pulling a piece of mistletoe from the tree and holding it above their heads. Matthew laughed as his mate reached for him, claiming his mouth with a Christmas kiss.