Page 58 of Knot Sharing the Ice

I'm still reeling from the feel of Ember's lips on my cheek when Jayce's excited voice cuts through my daze.

"Holy shit, guys! Check it out—they've set up an ice rink on the pond!"

I follow his gaze, and sure enough, there's a makeshift rink complete with twinkling lights and a temporary barrier. My heart skips a beat at the thought of seeing Ember on the ice again, even if it's not the professional rink we're used to.

"We should have a friendly competition," Jayce suggests, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Ember laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "You guys gluttons for punishment or something?"

"Come on, Cotton Candy," Jayce wheedles. "It'll be fun!"

I watch as Ember's eyes light up with a competitive spark. "Alright," she says, a slow grin spreading across her face. "But fair's fair. You taught me hockey, so I get to teach you figure skating."

The image of us—four hulking hockey players—attempting delicate spins and jumps is so absurd that I can't help but laugh. "Deal," I say, squeezing her hand. "But don't expect any triple axels from me."

We make our way to the rental booth, and I can't help but notice how natural it feels to have Ember by my side. As we lace up our skates, I steal glances at her, marveling at how she's transformed from the guarded ice queen—pun intended—we met at the rink to this playful, open version of herself.

The moment we step onto the ice, it's clear that we're out of our element. Ember glides effortlessly, while the rest of us lumber around like newborn colts. I've never felt so ungainly in my life, and judging by the looks on Adder and Mason's faces, they're feeling the same way.

Jayce, surprisingly, seems to be taking to it better than the rest of us. He manages an almost graceful spin that has Ember clapping her hands in delight.

"Well, well," she teases, skating circles around us. "Looks like someone's been holding out on us. Got a secret figure skating past you want to share with the class, Jayce?"

He grins, executing an exaggerated bow that nearly sends him sprawling. "What can I say? I'm a man of many talents."

"Yeah, yeah," Mason grumbles good-naturedly. "Don't let it go to your head."

As we continue our impromptu lesson, I find myself mesmerized by Ember. She's in her element here, graceful and confident as she demonstrates simple moves for us to try. Even bundled up in her winter coat, she moves with a fluid elegance that takes my breath away.

I'm so caught up in watching her that I almost miss the panicked shout from behind me. I turn just in time to see a young skater, clearly new to the ice, careening toward Ember with a look of sheer terror on his face.

Without thinking, I lunge forward, wrapping an arm around Ember's waist and spinning us both out of the way. The momentum carries us to the edge of the rink, and I find myself pressing Ember against the temporary wall, my body flush against hers.

Time seems to stand still as I look down at her, our faces mere inches apart. Her cheeks are flushed from the cold and exertion, her eyes wide and sparkling. I can feel the rapid rise and fall of her chest against mine, and the scent of her—cotton candy and warmth —envelops me.

"You okay?" I manage to ask, my voice rough.

She nods, her gaze flicking to my lips. "My hero," she murmurs, and before I can process what's happening, she's rising up on her toes and pressing her lips to mine.

The kiss is soft and sweet, but it ignites a fire in my veins. I cup her face in my hands, deepening the kiss as she melts against me. For a moment, the rest of the world fades away, and it's just us.

Ember and Carter.

Two pieces of a puzzle finally clicking into place.

When we finally break apart, both breathless, I'm vaguely aware of cheers and wolf whistles from our packmates. Ember buries her face in my chest, but I can feel her smiling against me.

"Well," Adder's amused voice cuts through our bubble, "I'd say that's worth at least a six-point-oh for artistic impression."

Ember laughs, the sound muffled against my coat, and I can't help but join in. As we disentangle ourselves and rejoin the others, I keep my arm around her waist, unwilling to let her go completely.

The rest of our time on the ice passes in a blur of laughter and our clumsy attempts at figure skating moves. By the time we hear the announcement for the Christmas tree lighting, we're all red-faced and breathless, but happier than I can remember being in a long time.

We make our way to the town square, where a massive Christmas tree towers over the crowd. As we find a spot to watch, Ember naturally gravitates to the center of our group, and we close ranks around her. It's instinctive, this need to protect and surround our omega, and I'm struck by how right it feels.

The countdown begins, and I feel Ember's excitement building. She reaches out, grabbing my hand and Mason's, linking us all together. As the tree bursts into life, a dazzling display of twinkling lights and shimmering ornaments, I look down at Ember.

The joy on her face, illuminated by the soft glow of the Christmas lights, is more beautiful than any tree. I watch asshe turns, sharing her delight with each of us in turn, and I'm overwhelmed by a sense of rightness. This is where we belong.

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