Page 25 of My Omega's Gift

I wasn’t sure how life in the pack would be, but I liked the idea of coming back. Maybe for Christmas in July, or another winter holiday.

They left, and Kurt and I sat down to the most delightful Christmas breakfast. The cinnamon rolls were shaped like little Christmas bells, and the egg casserole was delicious. As for the cocoa, well, there was never such a thing as too much cocoa.

“That was really sweet of them,” I said between bites.

“It was,” Kurt agreed. “I don’t know how they make money at this place.”

“It’s not about the money with them,” I said, thinking aloud.

“Agreed. Marco shared what our rate was, and even if both of us were paying full price, it wouldn’t keep this place running. It’s got to be more of a hobby for them.” Kurt leaned back, Juniper stirring sweetly in his arms.

“Yeah, I can see that. They sure have fun with it. We do need to come back again.” In a weird way, they were family too, even if I didn’t understand them.

“Oh, definitely.”

I finished eating and had started to get up and clear the table, when the presents under the tree caught my eye again. “Did you put those there?”

“No. I mean, I wanted to, but I didn’t have time.”

“Huh, me neither…but look.” They were definitely new.

He turned to the tree. “Should we open them?”

“Maybe later,” Kurt said. “Right now, I just want to sit on the couch, snuggle with my mate and baby, watch the fire, and listen to Christmas music. How does that sound?”

“Any time with you sounds like heaven.”

After a quick cleanup, I joined him and our daughter on the couch, the fire blazing before us, “Sleigh Ride” over the music system.

“Merry Christmas, my love.” I leaned in to his side. “Merry Christmas, my sweet girl.”

“Merry Christmas, omega mine. Thank you for making this the best Christmas ever.”

It truly was.

Epilogue

Kurt

“Ready for the party?”

“Almost. Just need to get this little one warm and cozy. “Hold still, wiggle worm.” Wade struggled to zip our wriggling, giggling toddler’s snowsuit. “Oof.”

“I’ve got this.” Bending down, I scooped up the little one and stood her on a chair. “Now, this will be easier.” Or it would have been if our child wasn’t wound up on tales of Santa Claus and probably a handful of cookies shared by the other kids in the pack. Although my omega was very serious about a healthful diet and minimal sugar for cubs, at this time of year, homemade goodies were everywhere, and we’d decided to pick our battles. Like making sure we had a couple of hours at home before bedtime when we could be sure there were no sugar bombs being gobbled.

It was our only defense.

But somehow we’d made it to Christmas Eve when even the most health-conscious parent had to throw up their hands and let their young loose with the other cubs to run wild. Santa was on the way and, unlike other years, they were actually going to have a chance to meet the jolly saint in person. Our little Juniper bounced and held her arms out to me. “Uppy uppy.”

Taking advantage of her distraction, I ran the zipper up and snapped the flap at the top closed. Then I gathered her up in my arms and kissed her rosy cheeks. “Tell Daddy to get his jacket on so we can go to the community hall and meet Santa.”

She squirmed to turn around in my arms to face her daddy. “Daddy, Santa!”

“I’m almost ready. If I get any bigger, I’m going to need a new coat because this one barely contains my curves.”

Wade’s pregnancy wasn’t as far advanced as last year, so Junie wasn’t going to be sharing her birthday, but before the spring thaw, she’d have a little brother or sister for sure. My omega looked so much better than last time when he’d been so thin I hadn’t even realized at first he was pregnant—that despite the fact he was almost ready to deliver. Now he was rosy and round and complaining about his awkward belly in the most adorable way. I waited by the door, holding Junie in my arms, whispering to her about Santa and toys and other fun things at the pack Christmas party.

“Mate?” I glanced over to see my mate sitting on a chair at the dining table, defeat in his posture. “Help.”

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