“These are amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better first Christmas together, and honestly, it’s the best one I’ve ever had. I generally spend them alone,” I told them, trying not to let emotions overtake me as I gazed at five happy faces. Everyone’s laps were full of gifts that came from our hearts. What more could we ask for? They loved each other as much as they loved me, and it showed in ways like this. “I love you.”
They chorused their responses back to me, but a loud rumble echoed from my stomach, ruining the sweet moment. It had been a long time since the potluck and ice skating, and my body was protesting, loudly.
Evander snorted, standing up and grabbing a large gift bag to stuff all of our shredded wrapping paper in. “Okay, time to feed our mimic.” Once the room was cleaned and we were dressed properly, we made our way to Gretta’s. Thank the gods she kept later hours.
The place was fairly empty when we got there, but Gretta’s face lit up when she saw us coming in.
“Just grab your usual table. Do we want my special or something else?” she called out, already making the drink choices we’d been ordering each visit.
Glancing at the sign, I saw she was offering turkey and all the usual accompaniments. All of us immediately ordered that, a smile lighting up her face in response. She was one of the many things I loved about this town.
We were only in town for one more day, and realizing that had a wave of sadness hitting me. I loved spending time with the pack and Cole, and I didn’t want to go back to reality. It wasn’t as peaceful, which, if I was really making myself face the facts, was a vast understatement.
“You should make an extra plate for yourself. Come have dinner with us!” Lachlan called out, and Gretta damn near cried at the offer. She turned to her cook who grinned and waved her off. I could only imagine how tired Gretta must be; with how popular her place was, the woman rarely got a break, and I think everyone was so busy enjoying the food that they never asked how she was doing.We scooted around so she had space to sit, and she came over with her own cup of cocoa, dropping into the seat with a groan.
“You’re too sweet to this old lady,” she muttered, but there was no heat behind it.
“You’re timeless, my dear,” Evander said, giving her a wink, and I swear her wrinkled cheeks turned red.
“So, Gretta, tell us about yourself,” I requested, regretting that this place was the only thing I knew about her.
“You should hear the stories,” Lach teased with a grin. “This lady used to be an amazing singer, I hear.”
“Oh, you can quit buttering me up. I already made you a pie,” she told him, but her smile was practically glowing.
“Did you always live in this pack?” I asked, and she shook her head.
“I grew up near the Smokies,” she revealed, “and there was this handsome bear that would travel through every few months. It was part of a trade agreement Lachlan’s great grandfather had with our pack. So, for years, I’d get all dolled up and try my damnedest to catch his eye, but he wasn’t having any of it. Turns out, my big brother had warned him not to even think about it,” she said, laughing and rolling her eyes. “But one time he showed up unexpectedly, and I was in bear form. She knew he was hers and demanded his attention. He shifted right then and there, his bear answering her call. That’s the moment we realized we were mates,” she said, her smile wistful and her eyes misty. Lachlan reached out and gave her hand a squeeze. “He died almost ten years ago. Some kind of condition we didn’t know about, a rare heart defect. But man… we had the best life together. The gods looked out for me.”
“That’s so sweet,” I choked out, my voice cracking. Luckily, our food was brought out then, giving me a moment to collect myself.
“Now I give my days to this place. I love feeding the pack; it gives me a purpose,” she finished, smiling warmly, and I truly believed she meant it.
“Well, we’re grateful for your food, and I’m also thankful for you treating me so kindly from day one,” I told her, receiving a wink in return.
“I’m not one to judge based on species, and I think you’ve taught this pack some invaluable lessons, my dear,” she said. Now it was my turn to blush.
Our conversation strayed to lighter territory as we finished our food, staying well past our welcome. It wasn’t until she was yawning and her staff had closed the kitchen down did we finally decide to call it a night.
“Come give me a hug,” she said, giving each of us a squeeze that warmed the soul. “You’ve given this old woman the best Christmas she’s had in years. Thank you.”
“Well, we actually have one more thing,” I said, reminding Lach. He reached under his seat to pull out the gift bag we’d snuck in with us, having tucked it away while she was making our drinks. We’d meant to give it to her earlier but had forgotten in the chaos of the holiday. Her mouth fell open when she saw it.
“For me? Oh, you shouldn’t have,” she stuttered, but she should’ve known Lachlan wouldn’t let her refuse it.
“Come on, this is a Gretta-only gift,” he teased, and she finally took it. She opened it gingerly and pulled her present out, her eyes growing glossy with tears as she unfolded the adorable apron. It had a thick buffalo plaid print with a large bear silhouette on the front, her name stitched in the center of the bear.
“This is beautiful, thank you!” she gushed, clutching it to her chest like it was already precious to her, and I had a feeling it really was.
“You’re welcome. And thank you for joining us,” Lachlan said, placing a kiss on her cheek before we readied ourselves to walk out. Gretta walked us to the door, giving one last wave before she locked herself inside. She lived above the restaurant, so the building really was her heart and home. No one spoke until half our walk was done. “Thanks, guys,” Lach said softly.
“For what?” I asked, unsure what he meant.
“Just being you,” he said simply, twirling his ring over his finger. “Hey, how did you get our ring sizes?” The question caught me off guard, and I burst out laughing.
“I bought a sizer online and tried them on while you guys were asleep,” I revealed, and they all looked at me, startled. “What? It’s not my fault you guys sleep like you’re in a coma.”
“That’s kind of brilliant. I’m impressed,” Aeson joked, wrapping an arm around me.
“I need a long bath and some comfy pajamas,” I stuttered as a particularly cold wind hit us, seeping into my coat and making me shiver.
I was already daydreaming about which of my new bath bombs I was going to use, each pampering gesture a reminder of how damn lucky I was to have guys like them.
The bathroom was filled with steam and the scent of berries and vanilla, my favorite. I was beyond relaxed, but the longer I sat here, the more I wanted to be in bed with my guys. Standing up, I pulled the plug and wrapped a towel around myself.
After drying off, I tossed my towel in the hamper and grabbed the red, sheer lace lingerie set I’d bought myself. The bottom was lined in white, fluffy fur, and it was the perfect balance of sexy and playful. Once I’d slipped it into place, including the matching thong, I pulled my dark brown hair out of the messy bun and let it hang in waves down my back.
Tristan and Aeson both fell silent when I walked out of the bathroom, matching smirks gracing their lips as two sets of eyes raked over the nightie. Evidently, the other guys had all gone to the back bedrooms, giving us some space.
“Damn, Kitten,” Tristan husked, standing up and walking over. Wrapping one hand behind my neck and one on my hip, he pulled me flush to him and crushed his lips against mine. I lost myself in the feel of his kiss until Aes joined us, stepping up behind me and sweeping my hair aside. Tristan moved his hand to give our partner room, and soon, lips were on my neck, nibbling their way to my shoulder. Hands roamed my body, my pussy already aching.
“Bed, now,” Aeson ordered, and Tristan pulled me down with him, collapsing backward. We only parted long enough for Aeson to strip us, taking ea
ch piece of clothing off then trailing kisses over the exposed skin. Before I could process, he was between my thighs, spreading them wide and spearing his tongue into me.
My head fell to the side as I gasped for breath, only to see Tristan naked and watching us while lazily stroking his cock, the tip already leaking precum. I licked my lips and opened my mouth in invitation, wanting this moment to be close to both of them. He grabbed a pillow to prop me up then straddled my chest, putting his cock in the perfect position.
My tongue darted out to lick over his slit, tasting the salty precum before taking the tip in my mouth. Smacking his ass, I urged him to move, and without hesitation, he started fucking my mouth while Aeson tongue fucked me.
I gasped around Tristan as Aeson roughly sucked my needy clit into his mouth until I was coming, whimpering around Tristan’s cock. Thankfully, he didn’t stop, simply groaning as I swallowed, knowing it drove him crazy.
“Fuck, you feel so good,” Tristan praised while Aeson crawled closer, taking my ankles in his hands and shifting me until he was plunging inside of me, the stretch making me gasp. Before long, he was fucking me relentlessy. Looking up, I could see his hands trailing our boyfriend’s body as we all lost ourselves in each other, a mindless mess of pleasure.
“I’m coming,” Tristan gasped, but his warning didn’t stop me, I hollowed my cheeks and gave him even more until his hot cum hit the back of my throat and I was swallowing him down. The moment he was clean, he pulled out of my mouth and collapsed next to me, lazily playing with my hair as he hungrily watched Aeson’s hands.
Aeson’s fingers found my clit, slowly bringing me right to the edge as he continued to fuck me hard, only backing off when I was close. When his movements turned jerky, he teased me straight into another, so I was coming again, my pussy pulsing around his cock and milking an orgasm from him. He whispered my name reverently as he filled me.
We lay there, tangled together and catching our breath, just enjoying the moment until I couldn’t take the stickiness anymore. Aeson chuckled as I shifted restlessly before helping me up and leading us to the bathroom. We showered quickly, cleaning up before getting dressed and collapsing into bed.
It was honestly the best ending to the perfect Christmas, and I wouldn’t change a thing about our holiday together.
Want more of Obsidian Cove? Check out the books here, also on Kindle Unlimited!
Call of the Siren: https://geni.us/cots
Path of the Bear: https://geni.us/potb
Trial of the Vampire: https://geni.us/totv
Mark of the Psychic: https://geni.us/motp
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Charming Christmas by Katie May
Blurb
Peony and her charming Devils are enjoying their first Christmas together as an engaged group. But will a horrible misunderstanding end their relationship once and for all, or will they find a way to rely on magic and each other to conquer the storm?
This is a holiday follow-up to the bestselling standalone, Charming Devils! While you don’t have to read Charming Devils to enjoy this story, it will provide background into the characters and their relationship.
https://books2read.com/CharmingDevils
Chapter 1
Peony
The campus is decorated in a fine layer of snow. It covers the steeple roofs, pebbled pathways, and the icy asphalt. A frigid wind whips my white-blonde hair around my shoulders as I pick up my pace, moving under the awning of the science building.
“I swear my nose has frostbite,” I gripe when I spot the familiar cascade of golden hair. A stylish pink beanie rests snugly on her head, matching the bright color of her coat and nail polish. Unlike me—with wayward strands of hair sticking to my cheeks and the corner of my mouth, and ungodly red cheeks—Mariabella looks perfect. Ethereal. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles.
Mariabella’s decision to transfer to State was the best one she ever made. She claimed it was because she didn’t like the curriculum at her other school, but I think she missed me. And Felicia, the girl she’s been seeing off and on since the summer after high school ended.
“You look like shit,” she teases as she holds open the door, gesturing me through. I gratefully enter the building, inhaling deeply when I no longer feel as if my breath will turn to ice. The warm arm cocoons me instantly, and I relish the sensation, loving the way it kisses my skin.
Like a wet dog, I shake from side to side, allowing the snow to slide off my new coat I got early for Christmas. My hat is removed next, and I grimace at the amount of snow and sludge that congregated there.
“Why didn’t you just ask someone for a ride?” Mariabella questions, way more amused than she should be, considering the fact that I almost died from hypothermia. “They’re going to be pissed that you walked in the storm alone.”
I make a face, though internally, my stomach flutters like a thousand butterflies have been set free.
Hopefully, they’ll be pissed enough to punish me. I realized months ago that I rather like their punishments.
“They won’t know, because you won’t tell them,” I counter immediately, but of course, fate likes to fuck me anally with no lube.
“Tell them what?” an amused voice questions from directly behind me. I wince, mentally wondering if I could run away and pretend I didn’t hear him, but I know that he will only chase me.
He always chases me.
Sure enough, when I glance over my shoulder, Cassian Jereome stands directly behind me, having come from his general education elective, Environmental Biology.
Even after an entire year, my breath still catches when I catch sight of him.
His onyx skin. Buzzed black hair. Brown eyes that almost seem golden when the light hits them just right. His easy-going smile is plastered firmly in place, though it fades when he catches sight of me.
He eats up the distance between us in three quick strides, while Mariabella cackles beside me, that traitor.
“What the fuck, Peony?” His eyes travel across my trembling form, his eyes darkening to almost black with each second that passes. “Why do you look like an icicle?”
“A sexy icicle, right?” Mariabella taunts in a singsong voice. “One you want to lick all over?”
I shoot her a venomous look over my shoulder, but she only laughs harder and flips me off.
“I always want to lick her,” Cassian responds immediately before dragging his attention back to me. “Now what happened?”
“Nothing.” I press onto my tiptoes to kiss his frowning lips. “I just walked from home to school.”
“In the storm?” His brows furrow as an incandescent fury distorts his gorgeous face. “Why didn’t anyone drive you?”
The house Lucas purchased was large enough to comfortably fit all of us, but small enough that the garage only held two cars. Elias had to use one of them to get to work this morning, and Cassian left early with Karsyn to drop him off at football practice before band practice. The third car, resting to the side of our house, just off the driveway, was covered in a layer of snow so deep, I couldn’t back out. And since Lucas had the LSAT today, I didn’t want to bother him. Yeah, the overachiever is taking the LSAT his freshman year of college…and will no doubt nail it, just like he does everything in life.
Cassian’s face hardens the longer I refuse to answer, but I simply smile and unfurl my stiff fingers. Immediately, a brilliant ball of flames dances across my fingers, and I hold it near my frigid nose.
“See? All better,” I try to reassure him, but I swear he looks even more panicked.
“Don’t burn your fucking nose off, Peony!” he hisses.
“He who hath so little faith,” I taunt, allowing the flames to die down and kissing him a second time
. He finally relaxes as my tongue snakes out to lick the seam of his lips, but all too soon, I pull away, loving the way he sighs my name. His eyes burn with a fierce and all-consuming love that threatens to swallow me whole. And I’ll go willingly, just to be loved by this man.
“We are going to be talking about this at home,” he all but growls, those plush, pillowy lips of his thinning. I have the sudden urge to close the distance between us again and bite down on his bottom lip. Maybe lick the pain away with my tongue.
But I’m a classy girl, and I resist the urge.
“You gonna tattle on me, Cass?” I cock my hip to the side, even as Mariabella begins to tug on my arm, attempting to lead me to our shared class. “Because if you don’t…” I take a step closer and trail my fingers down his muscular chest, stopping at the waistband of his pants. “I can make it worth your while.”
His eyes flash with heat, no doubt remembering our last play time a few nights earlier. We remained tangled together for hours, his cock sliding in and out of my pussy, before we got out some of the toys. And in the safety of his bedroom, I pegged him within an inch of his life, loving the way his huge dark body jerked on the bed beneath me.
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