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And then I speak.

“I want to bond with you.”

Three heads snap up.

I let the silence settle before I continue. “When my heat comes, I want it to be with you. If you still want me. I want it to be my choice. My timing. My trust.”

Blaise’s eyes shimmer. Dane reaches for my hand. Xar presses a kiss to my temple.

Nothing else needs to be said.

Later, I sneak away to call my sisters, deciding to video call Evelyn first.

It almost rings out before she answers and when she does, there’s tears in her eyes. She plasters on a bright smile, but I can tell that she’s been crying. Something in her eyes tells me they’ve not been tears of happiness and joy like mine were.

We don’t talk often – she claims to be busy with work – but she’s pretty cagey about what she does, and I can’t help butwonder if she’s seeing someone who doesn’t treat her as well as she deserves. I don’t see any bonding marks on her neck though, so I guess I have to just wait until she feels like she can talk to me.

“Eviana!” She exclaims brightly.

“Hey sis, safe to talk?” I ask.

“Of course!”

“Merry Christmas, Eve.” We came up with the nicknames when we presented as omegas. Grams may have insisted on calling us all Evie but we wanted a little individuality as we got older. It was our quiet, secret little rebellion.

“Merry Christmas, Evie,” she says with a sniff she can’t quite hide.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

She nods. “I’m great. Okay, no, that’s a lie. I’m…fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay. You look good,” she says, narrowing her eyes at me. “Different. Happy,” she murmurs, like it’s a miracle.

I nod, swallowing hard. “I am. I found my pack. Three scent matches, Eve. It’s…unbelievable.”

“Wow! Congratulations,” she says brightening slightly. “I’m so happy for you. Tell me everything. How on earth did you meet them – you never leave the house!”

We talk for nearly half an hour – about everything and nothing – and I promise to send her her gifts soon. She vows we’ll meet up in the new year and I decide I’ll hold her to that. I feel like with my alphas by my side I can do anything. Even visit new places.

When the call ends, I just sit in the quiet and let myself miss her, which of course makes me think about Everly. I think about what I would say to her if I could. Quietly, I talk to myself, telling ‘her’ about the guys, about how I’ve changed, about how I feel with each of them. I tell her about the changes to the house,that I know she’d love, and the way I’m learning to embrace my omega – which I know she’d be so proud of me for – I add how much I miss her and how I know she’s still out there somewhere, and that one day we’ll be reunited.

Feeling a bit sad after that, I call Evangeline but she doesn’t answer, so I decide to text her instead.

Hey sis, Merry Christmas! Thank you for your advice. No heat yet, but it’s definitely coming and I have the most amazing nest to experience it from, and three amazing alphas I plan to bond with. Can’t wait to speak to you. Call me anytime. Love you xxx

I miss my sisters, but it doesn’t hurt like it used to.

Because this year, I’m not alone.

Mid-afternoon, the power cuts out. Thankfully after we’ve eaten a beautiful feast prepared by Xar – which explains why he was up so early. He said he meant to prepare everything last night but some hussy distracted and seduced him. I blushed and they all laughed.

There’s a crackle, a pop, and then the room is plunged into grey light.

I freeze.

But Dane doesn’t. He moves with calm precision, tapping something on his phone. Fairy lights blink to life. A soft galaxy of stars spins slowly across the ceiling of the lounge – just like in my nest.

“You planned for this?” I breathe.

“Of course,” he murmurs. “Didn’t want anything to ruin your Christmas.”