Cade plopped down in the empty cushion next to her. He stared at the tree. A frowned marred his forehead.

  “What’s up with you?” Again, as if she didn’t already know.

  “It looks too empty.”

  “Cade. I know you want to give Emma Grace any and everything, but you can’t. We discussed this.” She’d had to talk her mates down a few times over the past few months. They’d wanted to buy Emma Grace the moon. Their biggest concern was that she would feel left out or less loved with the new baby coming. Fiona kindly explained that if Emma Grace had to be provided with material things in order to feel loved they had failed as parents. There was nothing wrong with spoiling their daughter, but spoiling her rotten was altogether different.

  “I know. But, I look into those big brown eyes and I―”

  “Melt.”

  Cade offered her a crooked grin and nodded. “She looks so much like you that denying her is like denying you. Those big sad eyes of hers wreck me.”

  “I get it.” His incredulous expression told her he thought otherwise. “I do. Growing up the way I did? I want her to have everything I didn’t, but that can’t happen. Right now, Emma Grace is a sweet little girl. You start handing her the world without making her work for it and she’ll turn into a brat with an over inflated sense of self-importance and the worst case of entitlement you’ve ever seen. Allowing that to happen is doing a disservice to both her and society. Emma Grace wouldn’t be able to function as an adult because people won’t just be giving her everything she wants when she’s out in the real world. She’ll end up a spoiled rotten cunt who cries, whines, and bitches, blaming the world for her failures. I refuse to raise an asshole, Cade.”

  Cade blew out a breath and nodded. “I guess.”

  “Y’all did good. She’s getting the bike, the doll, and the art set she wanted. Her stocking is full of all the things she loves, hair ties, nail polish, lotion, and candy. There is such a thing as too much. Which will probably be the case when we find out what’s in that big heavy box from Hunter and Alan.”

  Declan tucked the last gift under the tree and joined them. “She’s right, Cade.”

  “Can I get that in writing?” She teased.

  “Brat.” He nuzzled her neck and growled.

  Fiona swatted at him. “Stop that.” Declan laid something in her lap as he pulled away from her neck. She looked down and gasped at the oval blue jewelry box that could contain only one thing. Mikimoto jewelry.

  “Merry Christmas, love.”

  “Yeah, Merry Christmas, angel.” Cade kissed her cheek. “Open it.”

  Fiona picked up the box and cracked open the lid. She was right. Only it wasn’t just any Mikimoto jewelry. It was the Morning Dew necklace in white gold with the white cultured Akoya pearl and sapphire pendant she’d spotted and fell in love with at Nordstrom in Austin last month. Her men had also bought the matching drop earrings. She was going to cry. “Oh, wow. Y’all this is too much.” She ran her fingertip across the smooth pearls.

  “No such thing when it comes to you, love.” Declan kissed the top of her head. “Do you like it?”

  “You know I do.” She shot an accusatory glare at Declan. “How did you know?”

  He blinked innocently. “A little birdie told us.”

  “Remind me to lay a big fat kiss on Shelly tomorrow.”

  “Mmm. Girl on girl. Merry Christmas to me,” Cade teased as he wrapped his arms around her.

  She snickered and jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. “Don’t make me sick Max on you.”

  “I dare the kitty cat to bring it.”

  Declan cleared his throat. “Would you like to put them on, love?”

  Fiona studied the simple elegant jewelry then shook her head. She knew if she put them on she wouldn’t want to take them off. “I’ll wait until morning. It would be too much of a tease to wear them for only a few minutes.”

  He gave her an indulgent smile. “I understand.”

  She cuddled with her mates for a few moments longer “We should head to bed soon. Bastian will be up looking for his next meal in a couple of hours.”

  “Did you pump so I can handle that?” Cade asked.

  “Yes.” As she much as she loved having that special time with Bastian, Fiona understood Cade and Declan’s need to be a part of his care, that included feedings. “However, if he won’t take the bottle….”

  “We’ll wake you.” Cade placed a soft kiss on her lips. “Why don’t you go get ready for bed? We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  ****

  They helped Fiona off the sofa and followed her with their eyes as she made her way towards their bedroom. Cade rubbed his chest as the familiar feeling of warmth took up residence there. “I love her so much.”

  “I know, brother. I do too.”

  Cade snickered when they sighed at the same time like lovesick fools.

  Dec glanced over at him. “Why don’t you go join our mate while I go downstairs. I’ll help Aunt Ilene and the uncles unload and make sure they have everything they need.”

  “Fiona’s gonna be surprised as hell. I can’t wait to see the look on her face.” He smiled then frowned. “We’re not fucking this up, right?” Cade knew they weren’t. Declan had never steered him wrong, but he still needed the reassurance.

  His older brother rolled his eyes. Cade got the biggest kick out of the unalphalike gesture every time. “We talked about this already.” Declan met his eyes. “The answer is still, no. We aren’t fucking anything up. Fiona may not know this is what she wants yet, but she will. She just has to see it in motion for that to happen.”

  “Okay, but if she gets pissed, I’m blaming you.” He ducked out the way when Declan took a swipe at his head.

  “Of course, you will. I wouldn’t want you to mess with a good thing.”

  Cade laughed and rubbed his hands together. “Tomorrow is going to be epic.”

  “Yeah, it is.” Declan held out his fist and Cade bumped it before they went their separate ways.

  Fiona was coming out of the bathroom as Cade walked into the room. He looked his fill at her naked body. She gasped and froze when she saw him standing there. Her hands twitched as if she fought the urge to cover herself. He didn’t like the uncertainty in her eyes. That would not do.

  He never took his eyes from her as he made his way across the room. He didn’t stop until she was in his arms. His eyes rolled back involuntarily at the feel of her lush body pressed to his.

  She watched him with a bemused expression.

  Cade shook his head. “Don’t ever feel the need to hide from us, baby. Your body is perfection.”

  She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Have you seen my stomach?”

  “Hey! This body nurtured our son and gave him life. Of course it’s not as firm as it was before. It’s only been a couple of days since you gave birth. However, if it really is a concern for you―this is a you issue, not an us issue―our shifter healing properties in your DNA will have your body back to the way it was before you got pregnant in a few weeks. But, just so I’m clear. I wouldn’t care if your body never went back to its prior form and neither would Declan. You will always be beautiful and perfect to us. You are our mate.”

  A tear leaked from her eye and he used his thumb to wipe it away.

  “I know you don’t care, in here.” She pressed a palm to her chest. “But in here―” She tapped her temple with her index finger. “―it knows what my eyes see in the mirror.” She placed the same finger over his mouth when he opened it to argue with her. “Thank you. I needed to hear you say that to quiet the negative voice in my head.”

  “When Doc gives his okay, I promise to show you how fucking sexy I think you are.” He turned her toward the bed and landed a loud smack on her ass cheek. “But for now, hop in. I need to hold you.”

  She crawled onto the bed and glanced back at him before wiggling her ass at him. He growled and made a move toward. Giggling, she clamored under the covers.

  He undressed. The heat in her eyes as she watched him burned him from the inside. He winked at her. “I’ll be right back.” He rushed to the bathroom and brushed his teeth. He glanced down at his still erect cock and groaned. “You need to calm the fuck down. We aren’t doing anything with our mate tonight. Not even a blow job. Don’t look at me like that. You know she is exhausted.” He planted his hands on his hips and blew out a breath. His cock bobbed in time with his heartbeat. “I’m officially ignoring you now.”

  He stepped from the bathroom and crossed to the bed. His mate’s eyes never left his dick. “Fiona,” he growled. Her eyes shot to his. “Stop looking at it. He’s on a time out and you aren’t helping.”

  She snickered and made a big show of clenching her eyes shut and covering them with her hands. He grinned at her antics. Cade climbed into bed and pulled her into his arms. She laid her head on his chest and wrapped an arm around his middle. “You know I don’t mind…”

  He clenched his jaw to keep himself from taking her up on the offer. Her hand began to make its way south. He intercepted it and entwined their fingers together. “No, baby. I want you to rest. Declan and I can see how tired you are.”

  She made a little disgruntled noise but didn’t argue. “Where’s Declan?”

  “He’s making sure everything is locked up downstairs. He’ll be up in a minute.”

  “Okay.” She yawned.

  “Close your eyes, angel. Christmas morning comes early for a certain little pixie.” Not to mention, Bastian would be up soon looking for a diaper change and a midnight snack. Cade held Fiona a little tighter and closed his eyes letting her rhythmic breathing lull him to sleep.

  Chapter 13

  The door to the master bedroom flew open and bounced against the wall. Fiona and her mates shot up at the loud bang. Her little shoulders scrunched up. Emma Grace glanced back and cringed, “Oops.” Then she flashed a smile at her, Declan, and Cade and ran to them.

  “Merry Christmas!” Emma Grace shouted and jumped on the bed. “Santa came! Santa came!”

  Fiona did her best not to moan when Emma Grace’s exuberance jostled her still sore body. Yes, she healed faster than most humans, but she was still a human who gave birth three days ago.

  Cade grabbed Emma Grace around the waist and pulled her into his lap. “Stop bouncing, munchkin. Mommy’s still healing.”

  “Oh, sorry, Mommy.” She frowned looking properly contrite then perked up in a flash. “Oh, I have to give Mommy something.” When Cade didn’t let her go, Emma Grace said, “I promised. Let me up please, Daddy.” Cade relented. Emma Graced kneeled next to Fiona and kissed her cheek. “Daddy told me to give that to you and to say congratulations.”

  Fiona glanced over at Cade with raised eyebrows. He looked utterly confused and shook his head.

  Emma Graced looked over her shoulder at Cade. “Not that Daddy. My first Daddy. He came to see me last night. He asked me to give you that kiss and say congratulations. Then he wanted me to tell Daddy and Da congratulations too and thank you.” She smiled brightly. “I told him Bastian’s name, and he cried a little. He tried to hide it, but I saw.”

  Fiona pressed a palm to chest and fought the emotion that bubbled up inside her. She blinked rapidly to dispel the tears forming in her eyes. She wasn’t surprised David sent her a message. He always did. She wasn’t surprised he’d visited last night, either. She knew he wouldn’t miss spending Christmas Eve with Emma Grace. She was touched that David included Declan and Cade in his message.

  “Guess what Daddy and Da?” She bounced on her butt as excitement lit her eyes.

  “What?” They responded at the same time.

  “Daddy said he knows your mommy and daddy. He said they were happy you found us and that I was the prettiest grandcub in the world. Isn’t that nice? They aren’t allowed to come visit me like Daddy is, but they watch over us. Daddy said so.”

  Fiona thought her men were going to burst into tears which didn’t help her emotional state in the slightest. She cleared her throat. “Wow. You and Daddy had an eventful visit, huh?”

  Emma Grace nodded. “Yes. He also read me a story then he had to go. That made me sad, but Daddy said he’d be back soon. He also told me if I needed him before he came back that he was only a yell away. He said that goes for Baby Bastian, too. He’s still sleeping by the way cuz I checked.” She shot them a dimpled grin before pushing on Cade’s shoulder. “Now get up. Santa came and Princess is in the den all by herself. She’s probably messing with the tree.”

  That got Fiona moving. If that little furry asshole messed up her tree, she’d… she’d… well she wouldn’t do anything to the cat, but she would not be a happy camper.

  Emma Grace let out a high pitched squeal when she spotted her bike by the tree then again when she opened Hunter and Alan’s gift. The box did not contain a puppy, but a purple and pink battery operated mini-quad ATV. Fiona wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but Declan and Cade assured her it was safe reminding her that Hunter and Alan would never give their little girl a gift that could cause her harm.

  Mounds of discarded colorful paper and bows littered the living room floor after all the presents were opened. Emma Grace gushed over how many gifts Santa and everyone else had given her. Fiona aimed a little I told you so at Declan and Cade and her mates accepted it with grace. Her men volunteered to clean up the mess and get Emma Grace and Bastian ready while Fiona showered and dressed before she started on their meal. With sly grins on their faces, Declan and Cade intercepted her on the way to the kitchen. They each took one of her hands and led her downstairs ignoring her questions about where her children were and what they were up to.

  She nearly fainted when she entered the kitchen and found it full of various family members. “What the fuck?”

  “Mommy! Bad word.”

  Fiona jumped. Emma Grace frowned at her from where she sat at the kitchen table with Luke and Jay. A half-eaten cinnamon roll in front of her on a plate. Well that answered one question. “Sorry, cher.”

  Aunt Ilene walked over to her and pulled Fiona into a hug. When Ilene finally let her go, she took Fee’s hands in hers. “you, my dear girl, have a habit of doing entirely too much. We knew you wouldn’t let a little thing like pregnancy or labor mess with the status quo. We decided―your mates included―that we wanted to give you this gift. So, we’re turning our little individual dinners into a family feast of which you have nothing to do but enjoy the food we prepare.”

  The pack kitchen was a flurry of activity. Fiona volunteered to help whoever needed it, but was denied and basically relegated to a chair at the kitchen table with a cup of hot cocoa or the sofa in the common room. She grumbled the entire time about Neanderthals and over-protective family members even though she secretly enjoyed how special their concern made her feel.

  Damon, Eric, and Paul fried two turkeys. Kell, Gunnar, and Marcus worked the grill and barbequed ribs, pork chops, and a brisket. Ilene, Shelly, Cathy, and Jennifer cooked the ham and sides. Lada, Nick, and Mal took care of dessert consisting of pumpkin and apple pies, cookies, super gooey fudge brownies that Fiona would murder for, and homemade ice cream. Declan watched over Bastian. Amelia and the tiny trio of Emma Grace, Jay, and Luke helped entertain Leo and Jonah.

  Where was Cade in all this mayhem you ask? Causing trouble. As usual. Fiona sat at the table and watched him. He grabbed a fork and tried to snag a bite of mashed potatoes, only to have his hand smacked by Ilene. He frowned and explained to his aunt he’d appointed himself royal taster. He said it was his duty as pack beta to ensure everyone’s safety and part of that was to make sure the food they were about to eat hadn’t been unknowingly poisoned. Ilene rolled her eyes, as did Fiona, when Cade delivered that made-up bullshit with a straight face.

  “They can’t help themselves. I’m positive it’s in their DNA,” Nick muttered as he plopped down in the chair beside her.

  “What is?”

  “That talent for spouting crap in a believable manner. Oh, and that grin. I cringe when I think about all the impressionable children the Creed men will inevitably corrupt over the next decade.” He let out a forlorn sigh. “Mine included. Leo already tries to mimic Mal in every way. I figure by the time Leo is five he’ll be selling G-strings and garter belts to nuns having convinced them it’s all part of the Vatican’s new uniform standard.”

  Fiona choked on her cocoa. “Don’t say shit like that when I’m drinking,” she wheezed. He patted her back.

  “Sorry, Fee.” He snickered. “But you know it’s true. You hear about the junior adaptive carrier system and non-age appropriate gifts Mal bought for Leo?”

  She nodded her head. “Some about the gifts.” Fiona heard bits and pieces of conversations between Mal and his brothers. “But not the junior… whatever?”

  “Adaptive carrier system. JACS for short.” Nick clucked his tongue. “One word. Camo.” He gave a full body shudder then proceeded to tell her about Mal’s shopping trip and special order baby carrier. By the time he was done she had tears in her eyes and her sides hurt from laughter.

  “It’s not funny, Fiona. Mal’s already recruiting Leo for war games.” He shook his finger at her. “They’ll pull Bastian into their evil lair. You’ll see.”

  Nick’s warning sobered Fiona quickly. “Damn. We’re doomed.”

  “Mm hmm. You know it, cousin.”

  Two hours later, Ilene deemed everything ready to be carried to the table in the dining hall. Fiona’s mouth dropped open in shock when she walked into the room.

  When she’d moved into the big house Fiona had the dining hall repainted choosing a deep red to replace the boring cream. The bold color added warmth and depth to the dark hardwood floors and dark furniture. But what she saw now, took her breath away. Someone had been busy, because she hadn’t bothered to decorate this room for the holidays, since it wouldn’t be utilized.

 

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