Page 32 of Holiday Surprise

“Sydney, it was fine. He just needs some time to adjust to it. I don’t blame him for his hostility toward my pack. Jedidiah was a terrible leader. Families were broken apart, and those of us stuck with him were condemned to a life I wouldn’t have wished on my worst enemy. That’s the reality we have to live with. All I can do is work hard and pray that I do better. All I want is what’s best for my wolves. That’s it, well, and now for you too.”

I leaned over and kissed him. He grinned against my lips with a quick peck.

“So, you think you’re falling in love with me, huh?” he teased.

I shrugged. “Pretty sure.”

“I’m sorry Christmas Eve didn’t go quite as you’d hoped. I know how much you love Christmas. Will you still come home with me tonight?” he asked.

I nodded. “My bags are in the trunk already. We can head straight over if you’d like.”

“My truck’s okay at your place?”

“Yeah, of course,” I assured him.

“In that case, let’s go. I have sort of a surprise for you. I hope you like it.”

I couldn’t imagine what he was up to, but as I pulled up to the trailer park, my foot hit the brake and I gasped. A few inches of fresh snow had fallen making the place look clean, but it also sparkled in a magical way from the lights adorning each house.

“Do you like it?”

“It’s like a winter wonderland. I love it!” I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. “Did you really do all of this for me?”

“Well, it started that way,” he admitted. “I was just going to do my trailer, but then Tom came out and they’ve been having a rough run of things. Fred was one of the few that had refused to accept work in Collier, so he’s been struggling to make ends meet and finding enough work around town. Tom told me they didn’t have a Christmas tree this year, so I rectified that and picked up some more lights. The teenagers helped me hang them this afternoon. I thought you’d like it.”

“It’s perfect, Luke.”

“The kids asked if they could have a bonfire in the courtyard tonight. I said yes. We can stop by and say hi if you want? If not, I have another surprise waiting inside.”

“I’m a little nervous about meeting the rest of your pack and after the catastrophe with my parents, I’ll gladly take you all to myself.”

“Okay, but you can’t park in the middle of the road.”

I laughed and pulled the car into his driveway.

He grabbed my bag from the trunk, and we were walking up the stairs of his front porch when Tom came running up to us.

“Luke! We’ve been waiting for you. Come on,” he insisted.

Luke gave me an apologetic look. “Head on inside. I’ll just be a few minutes.”

“No,” I said. “You stood by me with my parents. If we’re doing this, we jump together.”

I knew immediately how happy that made him. I wasn’t sure if it was the look on his face or the feeling I felt through the bond. It seemed too soon for that, so I supposed I imagined that’s how it would feel.

Leaving my bag on the deck, Luke took my hand and Tom took my other hand.

“Merry Christmas, Sydney,” the boy said.

“Merry Christmas, Tom.”

Luke

Chapter 15

When Tom said they were waiting for me, I expected to find the kids that had helped me decorate, but as we rounded the corner to the courtyard we were greeted by the entire pack. Even Oliver and Peyton had brought their family out to celebrate.

Peyton shot a knowing look our way and smiled her approval.

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