An Undisputed Christmas (The Undisputed)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

Sierra

The private jet's engines hummed beneath me as we descended through clouds that looked like spun sugar against the blue sky, Christmas lights from distant towns twinkling like earthbound stars below us.

I pressed my nose to the frosted window, breath fogging the glass as I stared at the winter wonderland spreading below us. It was a pristine canvas of white that seemed to stretch forever under the sunlight.

Snow. Actual, real snow, not the fake stuff they sprayed at Christmas events at home.

"Oh my god," I whispered, adjusting the padded straps of Toffee's carrier where it was secured snugly against my back.

Inside, he purred contentedly, bundled in the most adorable red and green striped sweater that made him look like a furry Christmas ornament.

Adrian had surprised him with it this morning, grinning like a proud parent as he'd carefully dressed my spoiled baby.

"First time seeing snow, sweet girl?" Connor's deep voice rumbled beside me, his soft black hair tickling my ear as he leaned over to look out my window.

He looked devastatingly handsome in his dark wool sweater, the dark fabric making his pale skin and black eyes even more striking.

The familiar nickname sent butterflies dancing through my stomach, just like it always did.

"First time experiencing winter at all," I admitted, watching fat snowflakes drift past the window like nature's confetti. “Sun doesn't exactly prepare you for this."

Connor's large hand found mine, fingers intertwining with a gentleness that never failed to make my heart skip.

"You're going to love it. And if you get too cold..." His thumb traced over my knuckles, the touch sending heat spiraling through me. "I know exactly how to warm you up."

The promise in his voice made my cheeks flush, and I was grateful when the plane touched down with a gentle bump, distracting me from the delicious thoughts Connor's words had stirred up.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Adrian's voice boomed from across the aisle, "welcome to Christmas chaos headquarters!"

He looked absolutely ridiculous and utterly perfect in an ugly sweater that declared "JINGLE BELLS" in glittering letters, paired with black jeans and combat boots.

His dark brown hair was deliberately tousled, and his jade-green eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Everyone out! Time to corrupt the girls with the magic of hypothermia!"

Behind him, I caught sight of the plane staff carefully unloading our suitcases in matching sets, along with one mysterious black duffel bag that definitely didn't belong to any of our coordinated travel gear.

The guys exchanged meaningful glances when they saw it, but before I could ask, Adrian was in full Christmas dictator mode.

"But first!" He produced a massive bag from seemingly nowhere, grinning like a maniac. "The most important part of any winter adventure—proper headgear!"

Before anyone could protest, he pulled out an assortment of Santa hats, each more fluffy than the last.

He pounced on Jax first, who looked immaculate in his tailored brown coat and designer pants, his golden hair perfectly styled despite the plane ride.

"Adrian, I swear to God—" Jax started, but Adrian had already plopped an oversized red fluffy hat, complete with a puff ball, onto his head.

"Perfect! Very festive, very you," Adrian declared, then turned on Connor before he could escape. "Your turn, big guy."

Connor submitted with resigned grace as Adrian settled a more understated Santa hat on his dark head, the red a striking contrast against his black hair.

"There. Now you look approachable instead of terrifying."

"I was never terrifying," Connor protested mildly.

"You absolutely were," I giggled, earning a warm smile that made my heart flutter.

Meanwhile, Isla had taken charge of us girls with far more grace than Adrian's chaos.

She looked angelic in a knit sweater dress, paired with leggings and knee-high boots. Her blonde waves cascaded over her shoulders as she approached us with her own collection of hats.

"Ladies," she greeted with a smile, her voice carrying that slight sugariness that made everything sound like poetry, "we can't let the boys have all the fun."

She placed a delicate red hat with white fur trim on my head, adjusting it carefully around my dark curls.

I was wearing my coziest outfit—a warm sweater that Connor had picked out because he said it made my eyes look like chocolate, thick tights, and fur-lined boots that were probably overkill but felt like walking on clouds.

"There," Isla nodded gently. "Perfect."

Estelle looked radiant as Isla crowned her with a more sophisticated hat that complemented her forest green cashmere sweater dress.

It was cinched at the waist, paired with thick tights and similar boots. Her brown hair had been woven with tinsel, courtesy of Avery, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I can't believe we're actually doing this," Estelle murmured, but she was smiling as she adjusted her hat.

"Believe it, princess,” Jax smirked, wrapping his arms around her from behind despite his very red headgear. "We're going full Christmas this week."

Isla saved herself for last, settling an elegant hat atop her waves that somehow managed to look chic rather than silly. She had that artist's eye for making everything beautiful, even Santa hats.

"Now we look like a proper Christmas family," Adrian declared, bouncing on his toes with uncontained energy. "Ridiculously dressed and ready for trouble."

"Speak for yourself," Connor muttered, his grip on my hand gentle as he helped me stand. Even with the Santa hat, he looked commanding. "I prefer keeping my girl very much alive and warm."

The jet door opened, and icy air rushed in, making me gasp. But instead of the shocking cold I'd expected, there was something invigorating about it—sharp, clean, and full of possibility.

"Come on," Connor coaxed, pulling me gently toward the exit. "Time to meet winter properly."

The first step outside was like diving into a snow globe. Cold air hit my lungs, sharp and clean and unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

Snowflakes immediately began settling on my eyelashes and dark hair, melting against my warm cheeks as I stared around in wonder.

"It's so..." I started, then stopped, because there weren't words for the pristine beauty surrounding us.

The trees were heavy with snow, like they'd been dipped in white chocolate. The sky was so blue I could see every cloud, brilliant against the treetops.

And the silence—not the humid, cricket-filled quiet of home, but something pure and expectant.

"Fucking gorgeous," Adrian finished for me, appearing at my elbow with his trademark grin, his hat jingling with every movement. "Just like our girls."

"The hats were a good call," Jax admitted grudgingly, his arm tightening around Estelle as she shivered in the cold. "We look festive."

"We look fucked,” Connor corrected, smiling as he pulled me closer to his side. His body heat was like a furnace, and I couldn't help but lean into him.

“Fucking hot," Adrian corrected cheerfully. "There's a difference. Especially for our little operation.”

"Operation what now?" Estelle laughed, her cheeks already pink from the cold.

"You'll see," Jax answered mysteriously, nuzzling her neck. "Dad always said Christmas should be memorable. We’re planning to make this one unforgettable."

The way he said it, all mysterious, made us girls glance at each other. These men and their cryptic plans always led to adventures that left us breathless and wanting more.

The crunch of snow beneath my feet was oddly satisfying, like stepping on bubble wrap made of ice crystals.

"Okay, that's amazing," I giggled, doing a little hop just to hear the sound again.

Toffee meowed from his carrier on my back, and I turned slightly so he could see the treeline. "Look, baby. Snow!"

My cat took one look at the white landscape, sneezed, and retreated back into his heated blanket. We all burst into laughter.

"Smart boy,” Connor chuckled, "Though Adrian did well with the sweater. He looks ridiculous and warm.”

"The perfect combination," Adrian beamed. "Just like this whole trip is going to be. We've got hot tubs, fireplaces, enough alcohol to stock a bar, and zero responsibilities for the next week."

"Don't forget the best part," Isla added, her artistic eye already taking in the scene around us. "No heat, no humidity. Just us and all this beautiful winter wonderland."

"But first, the cabin!” Adrian exclaimed. “Warmth! Hot chocolate spiked with enough rum to make us all forget we have functioning brains!”

The cabin was a short drive through what felt like a fairy tale forest. Once we got there, string lights twinkled between snow-heavy branches, creating pools of golden warmth in the air.

Our boots crunched in perfect rhythm, the sound mixing with our laughter. The occasional contented purr from Toffee sounded, matched by the gentle jingle of Adrian's hat bells.

"It's like a Christmas movie," I breathed, taking in every magical detail.

The cabin itself was stunning, all dark timber and welcoming light spilling from frost-kissed windows, smoke curling from the stone chimney like a promise of warmth.

Garland had been draped along the porch railings, complete with red velvet bows, and icicles hung from the eaves like nature's own crystal chandelier.

"Better than a movie," Connor said softly, his arm tightening around my waist. "Because this is real, and you're here with me."

The simple words made my stomach flutter with butterflies. Connor always made me feel like the only girl in the world, like the girls from the stories I always dreamed of being.

Inside, the cabin was even more magical than I could have imagined. A massive stone fireplace dominated one wall, flames dancing merrily and casting shadows across fur rugs and warm hardwood floors.