Page 157 of Mark & Don't Tell

“There.” He points to a spot.

I place the shimmering orb and step back, tipping my head to the side. “Huh, you’re right.” The position is somehow perfectly balanced.

“I told you,” Marco says with a smug smirk.

“All right, all right. I’m going to go check on dinner, okay?”

He sighs. “Fine, but don’t take forever. We have a lot of work to do.”

“I’ll be quick,” I tell him, biting back a chuckle. Honestly, ever since we got custody of him last year—thank you Brady, you’re finally forgiven for being a dick to Quinn—Marco’s personality has really started to shine.

He loves sports. Chorus. He’s great at math, struggles with science, and apparently, he’s very particular about decorating a Christmas tree. I don’t even care if his attention to detail is a little over the top. I take it as a good sign. He’s finally comfortable.

Outside of throwing fits in the courtroom, Mom—or Mallory as I like to call her nowadays—hasn’t made an appearance in our lives, and it’s for the best. Sometimes you have to let go of people to heal.

Trailing my fingers along the wall on the way to the kitchen, heart full of so much joy that not even the memory of her can taint it, I thank fate for finally being on my side. The guys are busy preparing food for our small Christmas Eve celebration.

Kai is mashing potatoes while Linc checks on the ham. Vic is working on a deviled egg mixture, and I try not to judge him. Not everyone can be perfect, and liking that particular dish is what I consider a fatal flaw. I still love him, though.

“How can I help?”

They look up from what they’re doing at the same time. It would probably be creepy if it didn’t make my heart burst with happiness.

“Do you want to try it?” Vic juts his chin toward the yellow mixture he’s working on.

“Absolutely not.”

He laughs. “Okay, little doe. Do you want to start the rolls?”

“Sure.” I open the freezer and grab the frozen package, pausing to take in all the food. The ice chest is full. So is the fridge and pantry. It’s been years since I’ve had to worry about what I had to eat. It’s been years since that first mystery grocery order showed up at my door.

I never expected to live life this extravagantly, and a little voice in the back of my mind pops in from time to time, trying to send me into a panic. But the security of my pack is enough to keep me from spiraling. I’m so grateful. So loved. So in love.

My eyes prick with moisture.

“Daria?” Linc grabs the bag of rolls from my hands and sets it on the island before cupping my face. “Are you okay?” He takes in the tears and frowns.

“They’re happy tears,” I tell him.

He studies me for another minute, picking me apart until he finds exactly what’s made me emotional. “You’re safe.”

“I know,” I tell him with a smile, placing my hand on his forearm. “I was thinking about how much my life has changed and how much I love you guys.”

“Aw, bunny.” He brushes his lips over mine. “We love you too.”

My heart skips. I’ll never tire of hearing them say those words.

“Go check on the ham,” Kai tells him, nudging him aside.

Linc releases a dramatic sigh but relents, letting Kai take his place. The alpha sweeps me into his arms, hugging me tight and smoothing his hand over my hair.

“He’s right, we love you.”

I breathe in his scent, sighing as the sense of safety I feel in his arms washes over me. “I know.”

Pulling back, he studies me, eyes shimmering with adoration. “Good.” And then his lips are on mine, stealing a few of my breaths before he steps aside.

Vic, my beta, doesn’t have to say a word. He takes me in his arms, one hand finding its place around my neck, right below where his leather collar sits, and the other yanking my body against his. Vic’s kiss consumes me, and when he finally releases me, I’m breathless.

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