Page 47 of Knot Sharing the Ice

But maybe... maybe that's not all I am. It's certainly not who I was before I got my heart battered and bashed in like a four-season old hockey puck.

It's funny, but being around them…

It's the first time I'm starting to remember who I was before everything changed.

"I should probably let you get going," Mason says, breaking the moment. "I've got a bunch of lights to hang, and it's clear you have a rousing game of Monopoly to play."

"You joke, but Monopoly is actually a blood sport in the Westbrook family home," I say dryly.

Mason chuckles. "Well, let's hope you survive till tomorrow night."

He leans down and captures my lips in a kiss that takes my breath away, as sweet and comparatively innocent as it is compared to everything we did the other day. But there's still a spark in it that sends a surge of heat up my spine and leaves me wanting more.

"Don't worry about that," I breathe, looking up at him. "I always win."

Mason flashes me an utterly devastating grin. "I'm sure you do, Cotton Candy. I'm sure you do."

As I watch him walk away, his arms full of tangled Christmas lights, I'm struck by a realization. For the first time since this whole crazy situation began, I'm actually looking forward to something. To seeing Mason and the others again, to introducing them to my family, tomaybeletting myself explore whatever this is between us.

It's terrifying.

It's exhilarating.

And as I turn to head home, I can't quite keep the smile off my face.

Tomorrow is going to be... interesting, to say the least.

Chapter

Sixteen

ADDER

Iadjust my tie for what must be the hundredth time, fighting the urge to loosen the damn thing. It feels like it's choking me, but I resist.

This isn't about my comfort.

This is about making a good impression on Ember's family.

Onour omega'sfamily.

It was a big fucking deal for her to invite us here.

Well, technically, her father is the one who invited us.

But she didn't tell him not to.

So that's progress.

Ouromega. It still doesn't feel real, even after everything we've been through. Even after spending her heat with her, learning every curve and dip of her body, memorizing the sounds she makes when she comes apart under our hands, our mouths, our?—

"Dude, seriously?" Mason's voice cuts through my thoughts. "A leather jacket? To a family Christmas dinner?"

I blink, focusing on the scene in front of me. We're standing on the porch of Ember's childhood home. Carter and I arewearing button downs and blazers while Mason seems to have dug out the cheesiest Christmas sweater he could find.

Jayce, on the other hand...

"What?" he says defensively, running a hand through his carefully tousled hair. "Chicks dig the bad boy look."

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