All of us, together.

As a pack.

As the crowd begins to disperse, none of us make a move to leave. We stand there, Ember pressed between us, basking in the warmth of each other's presence and the magic of the moment.

"This is nice," Ember says softly, her voice barely audible over the general hubbub. "Being here with all of you... it feels right."

I tighten my arm around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "It does," I agree. "Like coming home."

And as we stand there, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Christmas, I can't help but feel that we've been given a gift far more precious than anything under a tree.

We've been given a chance at something real.

Something lasting.

And I know we're going to make this work.

Whatever it takes.

Chapter

Twenty

EMBER

My heart pounds as I take my starting position on the ice. The familiar chill seeps through my thin costume, but I barely notice it. My mind is racing, filled with a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts that I've been trying to sort out for months.

It's been six months since that magical Christmas in Parkridge. Six months of weekend visits, late-night phone calls, and an ache in my chest that grows stronger every time I have to say goodbye. The guys have been coming to Sterling City like clockwork, fitting their visits around their grueling hockey schedule.

But this time, it's my turn.

After tonight's competition, I'm heading to Belmont City for the weekend.

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself.

Focus, Ember.

You can daydream about your alphas later.

Right now, you need to nail this routine.

The opening notes of my music fill the arena, and I begin to move. As I glide across the ice, my body going through the familiar motions, my mind drifts back to the decision I've made.

It's time for a change.

I can't keep living like this, with my heart split between two cities.

I launch into my first jump, a triple lutz. As I land it perfectly, a small smile tugs at my lips. I've proven to myself over and over that I can have both—my career and my mates. They've shown me time and time again that they're nothing like Jake. They celebrate my victories, console me after my losses, and never once have they suggested I should "slow down" or "reconsider my priorities."

My next element is a spin combination.

As I whirl faster and faster, the world blurring around me, I think about the conversation I had with my agent last week. "There are more opportunities in Belmont City," she had said. "And with your talent, you could train anywhere. The move could be good for your career."

She's right, of course.

Belmont City is way bigger than Sterling City.

I've felt like I was outgrowing it for years, and it's further away from Parkridge, so that would be another bonus of moving. Getting to see my family more often.