“It’s not your fault.” I hated it when people apologized for something that they didn’t have any control over. “Is anyone else upset about me and Rage?”
“Of course not.” She patted my shoulder. “I knew that Lola and Brianna probably weren't thrilled, but I hadn’t expected that.”
At least the confrontation was over. We were here for a few more days, so there was no telling what else might happen.
Chapter Sixteen
The next few days went by without a hitch. I’d met several others in the pack, and they welcomed me with open arms, which was a great relief after how Brianna and Lola acted.
It was Christmas morning, and I was in bed next to Rage. I had won the argument about sharing a room with him so blatantly in front of his parents. Even though we were mates, we were in college and hadn’t performed the mating ceremony that made it official in the wolf and human databases. It was essentially a wedding but with a shifter vibe.
Of course, Rage stayed in a guest room but snuck into my room every night. At first, I pretended to complain, but having him next to me allowed me to sleep better. “Hey, we better get up so your parents don’t go looking for you in your room.”
He groaned and turned in my direction, pulling my body flush with his. “Can I at least get my Christmas present first?” His hands lowered across my belly and he slipped his fingers under my pajama bottoms.
“No, your mom is already up.” It was one thing for them to know our bond was securely in place. Still, the act demonstrating how we did it shouldn’t happen on Christmas morning, especially when his family was already up.
“Damn, I’m glad Jess texted you and that we’re heading back tomorrow.” He kissed my neck, making my body heat in response. “Besides, your musky scent is not helping your cause.”
Footsteps close to the stairs were like a bucket of cold water being dumped over me. “Let’s go.”
“Fine.” He chuckled and climbed from the bed. “Let’s go. It does sound like Mom and Dad are in the den.”
I jumped out of the bed and headed into the bathroom. I quickly changed clothes and ran a brush through my hair. When I went back into the bedroom, Rage had changed into a pair of blue jeans and a red polo shirt. “You ready?”
“Yup.” I made my way over to him and stood on my tiptoes, brushing my lips over his. “Merry Christmas.” It surprised me when I realized how long we’d been together. It was a little over a year, but it seemed like yesterday. My heart flipped when I was around him, and kissing his lips caused a warm buzzing, which made it just as great as our first one.”
He opened the door and held his arm out. “Then let's go.” His chocolate eyes smoldered, and his scent filled my nose.
This was one of my most favorite Christmases yet. The only thing that hurt was not seeing my parents.
When we entered the den, the Christmas tree was lit. I couldn’t get over how gorgeous it was. It was a rose gold tree with sparkling lights throughout. On top sat a wolf wearing a Bloodshed Academy shirt. At first, I’d found it weird, but when I thought it through, it made sense. We were werewolf shifters, and his parents had met at the school.
“I love Christmas here.” Cole came bouncing in, his eyes bright as he sat in front of the tree. “We don’t even have a Christmas tree at home.”
There weren’t many presents under the tree; only a few, but the real present was spending it with two of my best friends in the world.
Stone yawned as he strolled into the room. He sat on the couch right in front of the tree. “We don’t have to start so early.”
“It’s nine in the morning.” Cole scoffed. “And Christmas, so this is extremely late.”
“Alright, let’s begin.” Audrey clapped her hands and grabbed a present, giving it to Matthew.
“Fine, but you have to open up your present at the same time.” Matthew reached and grabbed the biggest box under the tree.
“That one is mine?” She picked the box up before sitting next to Stone. The shiny wrapping paper caught the lights in the room.
“Only the biggest for my girl.” Matthew winked at his wife.
“Is this an appropriate conversation here on Christmas morning?” Cole frowned and waved his finger toward them. “Your kids are in the room too.”
“What?” Matthew’s forehead creased as he looked at Cole, then the present, and back at Cole again.
“He’s being a typical twelve-year-old boy.” Audrey giggled and began to open the present.
A wide grin spread across Matthew’s face. “Well, even though I hadn’t meant it that way, it’s a true statement.”
“Please, don’t do this.” Rage buried his face in my hair. “He’s going to start offering to show you his so he can prove he’s smaller.”
“Hell yeah, I will.” Then Cole stopped and jumped up. “No, no. Mine is the biggest, I swear. I can show you.”
“It seems like he’s always wanting to show everyone his penis.” I’d lost count of how many times we’d had this same conversation.
“It’s a beauty to be … hold.” Cole smirked and nodded his head. “Do you wanna grab … I mean see?”
“What the hell is wrong with him?” Stone covered his eyes with his hands. “He’s going to pull it out, isn’t he?”
Audrey giggled as she watched the terror unfold before her.
“Don’t pull that out,” Matthew growled. “I want to enjoy my Christmas morning.”
“That’s what she said.” Cole stood and did a hip thrust.
“You’re going to put your back out moving your hips like that.” I hadn’t meant to say that. I’d just encouraged him to continue down these derailed train tracks.
“Then Rage isn’t giving it to you properly.” Cole moved beside Rage and tapped him on his shoulder. “I may need to give you some pointers.”
“You just had to go there.” Rage play growled at me.
“Come on, Ravey.” He grabbed my hand, tugging me toward a cream-colored loveseat. “He can watch as I demonstrate for him.”
I dug my feet into the carpet.
“Oh, hell no.” Rage grabbed me around the waist and pulled me back against him.
“What? I’d be clothed.” Cole lifted both hands and shrugged.
“Do you think that somehow makes it better?” Stone scoffed and shook his head. “How can you be friends with him?”
Stone was rather uptight, but I had a few minutes alone with him the other day, and he was personable. For whatever reason, Cole brought the worst out of him. If he grew up with his dad’s beta feeling that races shouldn’t mix, then it’s no wonder he felt that way. I just couldn’t help but wonder how Rage broke the mold.
“Because he wouldn’t really do it.” Rage rolled his eyes at his friend. But just in case, I step in.”
“Don’t be a poor sport, Stone.” Audrey began opening her present. “She isn’t even your girl.” She unwrapped her present and opened the box, and her mouth dropped open. There inside was a carved wolf made of wood and painted all black with white around its snout and ears. “That’s me.”