Chapter 32 Melody
Melody
Iwake to the sound of gentle breathing surrounding me. For a moment, I just lie there, soaking in the warmth of being nestled between Gabe and Everett, with Finn sprawled directly on top of Gabe.
The last couple of days have been a complete blur.
After the tree thief takedown, I was practically a town hero. The local paper even ran a story: “Twerking Omega and Christmas Llama Save Snowflake Valley.” Charlie had it framed.
December 23rd was our recovery day. My body ached from the impromptu llama rodeo, so the guys insisted I spend the entire day soaking in the hot tub while they took turns bringing me hot chocolate and massaging my shoulders. I didn’t protest… my lady bits needed time to heal.
Yesterday, Christmas Eve, we spent at the retirement home with Granny May and Everett’s family. Watching Granny May and Harold together made my heart swell. They’re so clearly in love, finishing each other’s sentences and touching hands when they think no one’s looking.
Charlie kept making inappropriate jokes about “senior sex” that made Harold blush and Granny May cackle.
And now it’s Christmas morning. My first Christmas with my mates.
I carefully extract myself from the warmth, trying not to wake anyone.
Oxford is waiting downstairs, looking expectant.
“Merry Christmas,” I whisper, scratching behind his ears. “Let’s get you some breakfast.”
I feed him, let him out, and start the coffee.
I’m just pouring the first cup of coffee when strong arms wrap around my waist from behind.
“Merry Christmas,” Everett murmurs against my neck, his voice still rough with sleep.
I lean back into him, covering his hands with mine. “Merry Christmas.”
“Why are you up so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep. Too excited.” I turn in his arms, offering him the coffee. “Here. I made it strong, just how you like it.”
He takes the mug, but doesn’t drink, instead setting it aside to cup my face in his hands. “Best gift I could ask for.”
“It’s just coffee,” I tease.
“I meant you. Here. With us.”
My heart does that flip thing it’s been doing ever since I’d first laid eyes on Everett. That feeling of falling and flying at the same time.
“I love you,” I whisper.
Everett’s eyes widen, then soften. “I love you too. So much.”
He leans down, kissing me with a tenderness that makes my toes curl against the cool kitchen tile. The kiss deepens, his hands sliding down to my hips, pulling me closer.
“Mmmm, is that coffee I smell?” Finn’s voice breaks the moment as he shuffles into the kitchen. “And making out? Without me? On Christmas morning? The audacity.”
I laugh against Everett’s lips before pulling away. “Merry Christmas, Finn.”
“It will be once I get some caffeine and kisses, in that order.” He makes grabby hands at the coffee pot.
I pour him a mug, adding the ridiculous amount of sugar he prefers.
Heavy footsteps on the stairs announce Gabe, hair rumpled, eyes still heavy with sleep, but he smiles when he sees us.
“Merry Christmas,” he rumbles, crossing the room in three strides to pull me into a bear hug that lifts my feet off the ground.
“Merry Christmas, big guy,” I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck.
He sets me down gently, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Coffee?”
“Coming right up.”
Once everyone has coffee, and I let Oxford back in, we gather on the sofa. Oxford trots over to join us, settling on his bed with a contented sigh.
“I know we didn’t have time for gifts, and that’s not what’s important, but I have one for you all,” I start. “I accepted the job offer from Bea. Starting in January. And I’ve already given notice on my apartment. I’m all in.”
Their faces light up, and I’m immediately wrapped in a three-way hug that nearly crushes the air from my lungs.
“We have a surprise too,” Finn says, pulling back with a smile. “Gabe and I have been discussing it, and it has been decided. We want to be where our family is, and if that means the cold tundra of Snowflake Valley, then so be it.”
Oh my God, really?” I gasp, my eyes filling with tears. “You’re staying in Snowflake Valley?”
Gabe nods, his expression warm and open in a way I rarely saw when we first met. “I’ve been miserable in the city. This is where I belong. Where we belong.”
“As a pack,” Everett adds, pulling me against him.
I can’t contain my joy. I throw my arms around them all, trying to hug everyone at once.
“This is the best Christmas ever,” I say. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Believe it,” Finn says, kissing my cheek. “Though I’m going to need serious wardrobe adjustments. Do they make heated briefs?”
“I’ll buy you a dozen heated briefs,” I laugh, wiping happy tears from my eyes. “And thermal long johns. And those little hand-warmer things.”
“My needs are extensive,” Finn warns, but his eyes are sparkling with happiness. “I’m going to need at least three electric blankets and possibly a personal space heater that follows me around.”
“I’ll build you a portable heater on wheels,” Everett promises.
Gabe rolls his eyes, but pulls Finn closer. “You’ll adjust. Your blood will thicken.”
“Like gravy?” Finn asks, horrified. “That doesn’t sound medically sound.”
I snort with laughter, feeling so light I might float away. This is what happiness feels like—this perfect bubble of belonging, of being exactly where I’m meant to be with exactly who I’m meant to be with.
Oxford makes a soft humming sound from his bed, reminding us of his presence.
“And of course, you too, Oxford,” I tell him. “You’re part of this pack whether you like it or not.”
He blinks slowly at me, which I choose to interpret as wholehearted agreement.
One week.
That’s all it took to change the course of my life.
Seven days ago, I was a lonely omega heading to a cabin for a solo pity party. Now I’m at the center of a pack, loved and cherished in ways I never thought possible.
It’s what some call a Christmas Miracle.