Page 27 of Howling Holidays

Bonnie nods in agreement, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Yes, we will stand together. To break the curse, we will need to perform a powerful ritual during the winter solstice in two days, when the veil between worlds is thinnest. The wolves will need to bring forth their full power to aid in the breaking of the curse. The witches will provide the necessary ingredients and incantation for the ritual. Together, we will achieve what needs to be done. But there is strength in numbers, and the shadow shifters will try anything to thwart this ritual no doubt. I urge you, citizens of Everwood, to stand with your guardians and help us end this curse."

The crowd erupts in a mix of murmurs and cheers, some still apprehensive but others showing support. Emily joins me by my side and squeezes my hand, a smile playing on her lips as we witness the beginning of unity. Caleb claps me on the back, a sense of pride in his eyes. "You did it," he whispers.

I turn to face Bonnie, filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Bonnie. We will do whatever it takes to break this curse and protect our town. We will forever be in your debt."

She nods, a gentle smile on her lips. “You’ll need to be ready, because this is going to take everything you’ve got,” she warns. “It won’t be easy, but with the strength of our combined numbers, we should prevail. Let’s meet back here at town hall tomorrow night to begin our preparations and gather supplies.”

In moments, the town is reunited as a family. Laughter rings out, echoing off storefronts adorned for the holiest night as everyone files out of the town hall. Tonight, all of Everwood celebrates together, divisions fallen away into shadow.

I wander through clasping hands and embracing strangers, dizzy with gratitude. So long I guarded them from the darkness, never dreaming that very separation fueled mistrust. But Emily's wisdom taught me the truth - light casts no shadows unless we stand apart. Together, we finally see ourselves whole. Together, as a town united, we will break this curse.

A joyful shout turns my head. My grandmother weaves her way toward me, beaming wide. She folds me in her thin but sturdy arms, cradling my head to her shoulder like a child. "I'm so proud of you. Your mother would be too." My throat tightens. I wish they could see this realized dream. But their legacy lives on. Everwood welcomes all beneath the solstice moon tonight. The curse's hold slackens, balance slowly restored.

Emily's hand finds mine amidst the revelry. Her cheeks flush with triumph and chilled winter air. Beautiful as always, but she’s never looked more radiant. Her sweet laughter chases away all lingering doubts. I pull her close to me and wrap my arms around her.

“You did it! You really did it. You united the townandfound the way to break the curse,” she smiles at me. I lean in, locking our lips together in a tender kiss.

“Wedid it, Emily, I couldn’t have done any of this without you, my love.” I grab her hand and start leading her toward the inn.

“Where are we going?”

“I feel like celebrating tonight,” I reply.

“Oh, I like the sound of that. What did you have in mind?”

“I have a few ideas,” I shoot back with a wink.

Emily giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Lead the way, alpha."

Keeping her hand in mine, I walk Emily to the inn and guide her up to her room. Once inside, I close the door and lock it, turning to face her. She stands before me, her eyes filled with anticipation. I take a step closer to her, reaching out to brush a strand of golden hair behind her ear. I pull her into me and wrap my arm around her waist.

"Emily, I’ve been waiting to tell you for what feels like forever. I love you, more than I ever thought I could possibly love anyone," I say, my voice low and husky with desire.

"I love you too," she whispers, her eyes locked on mine.

I lean in and kiss her deeply, my hands caressing her body. She moans into my mouth, her hands exploring my chest. We break apart, gasping for breath, and she looks up at me with a sultry grin and flashes her icy blue eyes at me.

Fuck.I need her more than words can express.

“On the bed, now,” I growl.

She chucks off her boots and strips her skinny jeans, leaving them on the floor. She lays back onto the bed, grinning at me.

“Lose the rest of your clothes, too,” I demand with a smile.

She does as I ask, and I keep my gaze on her sexy body. I smirk and take a step forward, throwing off my shirt and adding it to her pile of clothes on the floor. I finally strip my jeans and the rest of my clothes too.

I climb on top of her, my hard cock pressing against her soft belly. Shivers run down my spine as she dives forward, wrapping her warm lips around my thick cock. She explores my length with her tongue, teasing me with light flicks, swirling around the head, then sucking on the shaft as she gets closer to the bottom. Her breath sends a shiver up and down my spine.

I groan and grit my teeth, trying to hold back. "Fuck, Emily, keep that up and I’m going to cum in your mouth.”

She moans around my shaft, sending vibrations dancing through my cock. I grit my teeth and groan, tightening my grip on her hair. Then she moans louder, her tongue flicking my shaft, teasing me in rhythm with her mouth. Her moans fuel my desire and I quickly push her back onto the bed.

She slips her arms around me and kisses me, arching her back. Her sexy moan goes straight to my dick, and I grind against her, desperate to get inside her. I kiss down her body, taking my time to explore every inch of her. I lick and kiss the delicate nape of her neck, her collarbone, the full swell of her breasts, her hardening nipples, her stomach, the soft folds between her legs. I slip my tongue through her folds and savor the silky sweetness of her wet pussy.

I flick her clit, suck her swollen bud, and thrust my tongue inside her, tasting her honey. Tasting the woman I love.

Her hips arch off the bed, grinding her pussy against my face. I grab her hips and flip her over, placing her ass in the air, ready for me. I run my hands over her ass cheeks, squeezing them and pulling them apart. "Mmm, so fucking gorgeous," I growl.

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