Page 55 of Knot Sharing the Ice

But as we pull apart, Taylor's brow furrows. "Wait, why do you look like someone just told you your favorite skates are discontinued? This is amazing news!"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It is. It's just... I'm scared, Tay."

"Of what?"

"Of how attached I already am," I admit. "They say all the right things. They're supportive, and kind, and so fucking perfect it's almost unreal. But... so was Jake, at first. What if they change? What if?—"

"Stop right there," Taylor interrupts, holding up a hand. "First of all, Jake was never perfect. He was a manipulative asshole from day one, and we all saw it except you. Because for some reason, you didn't believe you deserved better back then."

I wince, but I can't argue with her.

She's right.

"Second," she continues, "did you ever feel this way with Jake? This... drawn to him? This connected?"

I think back to my relationship with Jake, trying to remember if I ever felt even a fraction of what I feel for the pack. The answer comes easily. "No," I say. "Not even close."

Taylor nods, as if that settles everything. "Then you owe it to yourself to give this a chance, Em. Especially since you're not that insecure girl who lets everyone walk over you anymore. Don't let fear rob you of something beautiful."

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from my lungs. She's right about that, too. Of course she's right. I've spent so long guarding my heart, protecting myself from getting hurt again, that I've almost forgotten how to let anyone in.

But the pack...

They've already wormed their way past my defenses.

And the thought of pushing them away, of going back to a life without them in it...

"You're right," I say, the words feeling like a weight lifting off my chest. "I want to try. I want to see where this goes."

Taylor's face lights up, and she pulls me into another hug. "I'm so proud of you," she murmurs. "And I'm here for you, every step of the way. We all are."

"I know," I say quietly. They always have been.

As we break apart, a commotion from the living room draws our attention. Dad's voice rings out, full of mock outrage. "Whatdo you mean, Santa's not real? Who do you think ate all those cookies last night?"

Taylor and I exchange a look, dissolving into giggles. "We should probably go rescue him," she says, standing up.

I nod, following her lead. But as we head back to the chaos of Christmas morning, I pull out my phone. My fingers hover over the screen for a moment before I start typing.

"Merry Christmas," I write. "Any chance you guys want to meet up at the festival later?"

I hit send before I can second-guess myself, my heart pounding as I wait for a response. It comes almost immediately, my phone buzzing with four separate replies in quick succession.

ADDER: Wouldn't miss it for the world.

CARTER: Name the time and place.

MASON: I’ll bring the hot chocolate!

JAYCE: Last one there buys the first round of eggnog haha :D

A smile spreads across my face, warmth blooming in my chest.

This is the start of something new, I realize.

Something terrifying and exhilarating and potentially amazing.

And for the first time in a long time…

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