Page 103 of Jolt's Vengeance

"Thank you," he says, his voice rough with emotion. "That means a lot."

As my mum bustles off to retrieve the gifts, I lean in close to Jolt. "See? I told you they'd love you."

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. "I think it's more that they love you, Ghost I'm just along for the ride."

I punch his arm lightly. "Don't sell yourself short, Jack Sterling. You're pretty lovable when you want to be."

His eyebrows shoot up at the use of his real name. "Oh? And here I thought you only had eyes for Jolt, the mysterious biker."

I snort, unable to keep a straight face. "Please. You're about as mysterious as an open book."

"Ah, but I'm your open book," he quips, pressing a kiss to my temple.

As I watch my family, feeling Jolt's solid presence beside me, I know with absolute certainty that I've made the right choice.

Whatever challenges await us back in Vegas, we'll face them together.

For now, I just need to enjoy the time I have left here.

My mum returns, arms laden with brightly wrapped packages. "Here we are! A few little somethings for our guests."

Jolt and Vader immediately start protesting, their voices overlapping.

"You really didn't have to—" Jolt begins.

"This is too much, we can't accept—" Vader chimes in.

My mum waves them off with a laugh. "Nonsense, boys! You're practically family now. And it's Natalie, remember?"

I can't help but grin at the flustered looks on their faces.

"Mum's right," I say, squeezing Jolt's hand. "You're stuck with us now. Might as well get used to it."

Jolt's eyes meet mine, a mix of gratitude and something deeper swirling in their depths. "I think I can live with that," he murmurs.

As the gift-opening continues, I find myself lost in thought.

It's surreal, watching Jolt and Vader fit so seamlessly into my family's Christmas.

If someone had told me a few months ago that I'd be sitting here, cuddled up to a Reaper's Reject prospect, I'd have laughed in their face.

Yet here we are, and it feels... right.

The rustle of paper and excited exclamations fade into the background as the last of the presents are opened.

My mum stands, clapping her hands together. "All right, girls! Time to get cooking. We've got a proper Scottish feast to prepare."

I groan playfully. "I should've known there was a catch to all this holiday cheer."

Jolt chuckles, releasing me from his embrace. "Go on. Show me what those talented hands of yours can do in the kitchen."

I swat at him, heat rising to my cheeks. "Behave yourself, Sterling. There are children present."

As I follow my sisters and mum into the kitchen, the scent of spices and roasting meat already filling the air, I can't help but feel like I could do this every year.

"Aggie, can you start on the neeps and tatties?" my mum calls out, already elbow-deep in stuffing preparation.

I roll up my sleeves, ready to dive in. "On it!"

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