“Why is the sky so blue, Daddy?”
“Because sunlight scatters all over as it hits the Earth’s atmosphere in different ways. Blue scatters more and travels shorter and smaller distances so we see more of it.”
“Why is Billy Thompson so mean?”
“I don’t know. Why do you think Billy Thompson is so mean?”
“I think he’s scared and lonely and he takes it out on others.”
“Is that so? What do you think you can do about that?”
“I think I’ll tell him to either stuff it or he can’t be my friend anymore.”
“What do you think Billy will do?”
“I think he likes being my friend so maybe he’ll try to get better. I’ll help him.”
“That’s my boy.”
“Why are you smiling like that? You look ridiculous!”
“Can I have a pony for my birthday this year?”
“How about we start with riding lessons and see if you like it before we go all out on the pony?”
“Really? Wow, Daddy. Thankyouthankyouthankyou!”
“Why is Poppy so happy lately?”
“Because he’s happy. How would you feel about being a big brother?”
I paused the video on my son’s face as it exploded with pride. He’d been so excited about being a big brother. It was all he’d talked about that day as we all piled into the car for an ultrasound appointment we never made it to. An instant was all it took to change all our lives forever. It took away the most important people in my life. It changed me forever. It took more than just my leg. I could deal with the loss of a limb easier than I dealt with the loss of my family.
Craig would have turned sixteen today. What kind of man would he have grown into? I shook my head at the thought. He would have been the best man he could be. With Grant as his omegin, he couldn’t help but be that. Grant had a way of bringing out the best in everyone around him. I know he’d brought out the best in me.
Sometimes, I wondered what my husband would have to say about how I’d spent the last few years grieving. He’d been a big believer in making each day its best. Whenever something went wrong, he’d find a way to turn it around, making a disaster into something to celebrate. Something told me Grant would come back to kick my ass if he could see me now. He’d want me to live. He’d want me to celebrate life and take whatever happiness I could find in the wreck my life had become.
Max was a shining light in the darkness. I wanted to walk toward it, but I was afraid to take what he’d been offering since I met him. Could I be happy again without Grant and Craig in my life? It almost seemed like a betrayal to their memory to reach for happy again.
“Never a betrayal, sweetheart.” I could almost hear Grant’s voice in my head as surely as if he were standing next to me. “We’ll always be in your heart, but we’re gone now. Max is here. Don’t let fear stand in the way of what could be your future.”
The tears fell, silent sentinels to the pain trapped inside. I missed them both so much. Looking to the past hurt so much, but looking forward to a future without them seemed like the worst sort of betrayal.
“Did you love me, Pierce?”
“With all my heart.”
“Don’t turn me into a martyr then. I was a man. A man who loved you, but I’m gone. Max is here. Take a chance. I give you my blessing.”
The screen turned blurry as more tears fell. For the first time I could remember since the accident, sobs wrenched from me as all I had lost hit me. They were gone and never coming back. It was the most cathartic moment in my life. It was also the saddest. I felt as if I was closing a door on the life I’d had before. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be as happy as I’d been before that day, but Grant was right. They weren’t here anymore. I couldn’t betray the love I’d shared with them by turning away from the possibility of a happy future with someone like Max.
Chapter Twelve
Max
Before I knew it, the big day had arrived. I’d kept busy each day, baking, packing boxes of cookies, and sending them all off until the only thing left was waking up Christmas morning alone. I’d tried not to think about it while I ran around doing the things I traditionally did each year. Reminding myself I’d wanted to spend my first Christmas in my new home, I shrugged off the lonely feeling welling up inside me. It had been my decision. If I felt a little out of sorts, that was all on me.
Feeling a little feverish and grumpy, I moved almost by rote as I pulled the cinnamon rolls out of the fridge. They’d slow proofed and puffed up nicely overnight. Preheating the oven to the proper temperature, I slid the pan into the oven once it beeped. Christmas morning and ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls always seemed to go together and I couldn’t wait for the smell of the baking treat to fill the house.
While I hoped Pierce would take me up on my invitation to spend the day together, it dawned on me I never gave him a time. Thinking the smells which would soon be emanating from my oven might entice the man over sooner rather than later, I went around opening windows. It was a nice brisk morning for Southern Florida and the cool air felt good. It had been cold enough the past few nights to trigger the heat, but the day was already warming up enough the cool air circulating through the house felt good against my skin.
The cinnamon rolls were cooling on the counter, waiting to be iced, when the doorbell rang. The sound filled me with hope as I raced to see who was waiting on the other side of the door. The open door revealed the face of the man I wanted to see most.
It took me a moment to understand why I had to look up. Pierce was standing on two legs, looking nervous. When I looked down, I guessed he was wearing the prosthesis he mentioned, but I couldn’t tell anything was amiss with his leg. His muscular thighs were hugged with soft, well-worn looking denim, emphasizing the fact the man worked out. If I didn’t know he was missing a leg, I’d never be able to tell as he stood there waiting for me to say something.
Shaking myself, I opened the door wide, waving him in. “I’m so glad you took me up on my invitation. I was beginning to think I might be spending the day alone.”
“I almost didn’t come over. It was the distinctive smell of cinnamon rolls which convinced me,” the alpha said as he stepped into the room. “I brought you something.” He handed me an expertly wrapped gift I hadn’t noticed. It was small and rectangular in shape, but had some weight to it, making me curious about what it contained.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I said, smiling at Pierce. “But, I’ll take it because I love presents. Go on into the kitchen. I’ll just stick this under the tree for later.”
Pierce walked with more of an even gait than I expected for him to have. He’d obviously had a lot of practice and I wondered how long it had been since he’d lost his leg. Shaking it off as none of my business, I gave the present a small shake before tucking it under the tree to sit next to the presents I’d gotten the alpha. Shaking it had given me no clue as to what was inside which got my curiosity piqued, but I was a good boy and left it alone despite wanting to give it another shake.
The alpha stood in the middle of the kitchen, looking uncertain, and that just would not do. “Sit, sit!” I moved around him to the counter where the rolls sat, taking plates down from the cabinet above. Dishing up a large cinnamon roll for each plate, I set one plate in front of Pierce while the other went to the seat next to him at the small table.
“I have eggnog and hot chocolate. What’s your pleasure?” I asked the alpha.
“Either. Surprise me,” Pierce said, a finger swiping through the thick coating of icing from his roll. Watching his tongue dip out to lick the sugary treat was almost my undoing. A moan escaped me as I imagined what else that tongue could be licking in that moment.
I turned back to the counter to hide the sudden bulge in my pants, but not before seeing the twinkle in Pierce’s eyes as he winked at me, a smile playing on his lips as he took his first bite of the cinnamon roll. The moans emanating from him made me smile as
I poured two large glasses of the eggnog I’d made the night before.
As I set the glasses at the table, I noticed Pierce had finished his food and was eying the roll still on my plate. With a laugh, I grabbed the pan from the counter, giving the alpha another serving.
“I did promise to feed you more than you could eat today. Please, eat all you want. There’s plenty,” I told him with a happy little chuckle. It was good to see the man relax as he ate his food.
Chapter Thirteen
Pierce
Helping Max clean the kitchen seemed like a good thing to do. Despite his protestations, I think he enjoyed the company as much as I did. Afterward, I trailed after Max to the living room. It was cozy, with Christmas decorations sprinkled throughout the room, tastefully reserved. A small table had a small winter village set up with fake snow and little villagers mingling around a central gazebo where carolers were entertaining. Max picked up a remote and soon Christmas music filtered through the room from hidden speakers.
I sat on the couch where Max indicated, not sure what to think when a package wrapped in candy cane paper was placed on my lap. Even though I’d gotten Max a present, I hadn’t expected anything in return. He hadn’t even been sure I’d show up.
“Max, you didn’t need to get me anything,” I said as I touched the bright red bow. It had been a long time since anyone had gotten me a Christmas present.
“I wanted to. If you hadn’t shown up, I would have brought it over later. When I saw it in the store, I just… well… I couldn’t resist.”
Curious, I pulled at the paper until a shirt box was revealed. A black T-shirt sat inside. As I pulled it out, the picture on the shirt came into view and had me laughing. A very grumpy looking elf was featured with the words “Have a Grumpy Christmas” screen-printed in red and green letters.
“Are you trying to tell me something, Max?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. I think you need to smile more. Rumor has it you used to be married and your omega died. I don’t know the whole story. Don’t feel like you have to talk about it, but I’m a good listener if things ever feel, I don’t know, too much.”
“I appreciate it, Max. I’m not sure if I’m ready to talk about it yet. Soon, but not today.”
“Fair enough,” Max said. Then he dropped another present on my lap.
“What’s this?” I looked at the small package. It looked suspiciously like a CD case.
“Open it.”
The ripped paper revealed a music CD whose cover claimed it was Big Band Christmas music. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. Max paid attention to things I didn’t think he noticed. Like the type of music I listened to. He was to adorable for words sometimes.
“If you don’t like it, you can exchange it. I have a gift receipt.” Max’s words trailed off as he looked at his lap, looking for all the world like he’d done something wrong. It wasn’t a look I liked seeing on him.
“No. I like it just fine. I can’t believe you figured out my music preferences. It’s perfect.” I looked at the back of the CD, noting the names of the songs and the performers. “It has some of my favorites on here. The Glenn Miller Band. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. It’s perfect, Max.”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d have it already. I wanted to pick the same style of music without getting anything I’d already heard you listening to. I might have also snooped through your CD collection,” the omega said, looking relieved.
“Open your gift, Max. Please.”
Smiling, the young man pulled the gift I’d brought from under the tree. I couldn’t help but laugh as the young man ripped open the present. The smile on his face turned to one of wonder as he opened the box. He rubbed a finger almost reverently over the wood before taking out each of the rectangular slabs of wood he found inside. There were six in all.
“Oh, Pierce. How did you even know? These are fantastic.”
The happy look on Max’s face was worth the time I’d spent scouring the internet looking for the perfect gift. “Some of the cookies you gave me had been stamped with a design. I recognized the technique because my great-omegin used to have some cookie stamps. I remember using them as a child when we’d make cookies together. I figured anyone who used a cookie stamp would like cookie molds. I found this craftsman online who hand carves all his cookie molds so each design is slightly different. Do you like them?”
“Like them? I love them. I can’t wait to try them out. Later though. I think I have enough cookies in the house to feed the whole neighborhood right now.” He looked up at me, his smile shining bright. “It’s the best present ever. Thank you.”
I liked seeing the omega so happy. His happiness filled a space inside me that had been empty for too long. When he moved to sit next to me, I couldn’t resist tipping his chin up, covering his lips with mine.
Max sighed, sinking into the kiss. His lips parted, inviting me in before I’d even asked. He tasted of cinnamon, sweet and sexy, when I dipped inside to explore what he offered.
My cock hardened in my pants as the scent of something else hit my nose. Max was coming into heat. It was faint, but unmistakable. Breaking off the kiss, I rested my forehead against his, my ragged breathing mixing with his gasping breaths.
“Max, you’re going into heat.”
“No, can’t be. I’m on suppressors. I felt kind of hot and clammy the other day and figured it was almost time. I started suppressors that day.”
“I don’t think the pills are working. I can smell you. It’s getting stronger the longer we sit here.”
Max tilted his head, leaning in to move his mouth against mine. The touch a whisper as he spoke against my mouth. “Don’t care. Make love to me, Pierce. Please.”
“Are you sure? If the suppressors aren’t working, you could get pregnant. Please be sure, Max.”
“I’m sure I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone else before, Pierce. Please, don’t make me beg.”
“Never, omega mine. Never.”
Pulling Max close to me, I grazed my lips along the scruff of his jaw. “Bedroom. Now.”
With a smile, the omega stood, pulling me with him as we headed down the hall toward the bedrooms. He pulled his shirt off as he walked toward the bed. I followed him, my own shirt hitting the floor as I watched the omega standing before me.
Max was smaller than me, shorter, skinnier. Yet, his muscles were well defined, not limp. He took care of himself, but wasn’t overly muscular. He was perfect.
Even as I reached for the snap on my jeans, I had doubts. I hadn’t been with anyone since the accident, never made love to another man as I am now. What would he think when he saw my leg? What was left of it. I almost turned and walked out of the room in that moment.
“Hey. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but stop,” Max said as he crossed the room. His hands caressed my abs, gentle, seeking.
“I… uh… Max, my leg.” I took a breath. “I’m afraid it’s not pretty.”
“Don’t care. I don’t care what it looks like. Make love to me, Pierce. Please.” He begged so pretty. I had to take a leap of faith the leg, or the lack of one, didn’t matter. As I kissed him in that bedroom, time stood still. The feelings sweeping through me sent me off-balance. All the while the musk of Max’s growing heat swelled, wrapped around me, making my cock rock-hard. It was too late now. Max was mine, and I intended to claim him.
Chapter Fourteen
Max
Seeing Pierce uncertain as he stood by the bed, his hands hesitating over the snap on his jeans, unsettled me. The alpha should never worry I might find him unattractive. He was hot as sin. I didn’t care what was left of his leg looked like. All I cared about was making love to the hot alpha I wanted to make mine.
Throwing caution to the wind, I dropped to my knees before the alpha, my hands replacing his as I unsnapped his jeans. His skin twitched as my finger scraped against it. His abs contracted as he sucked in a breath. Smiling, I released the snap, moving on to the zipper. The soft rasp
of the metal was the only sound in the room.
Easing his jeans down, his big cock popped straight out at me, already dripping with the proof of his desire for me. I couldn’t help the smile that popped onto my mouth.
“Commando, huh?”
Pierce shrugged. “I wasn’t expecting this. I need to do laundry. Couldn’t find any clean briefs.”
“Nothing wrong with that from where I’m kneeling.” Leaning forward, I swiped my tongue against his dripping slit, getting my first taste of the hot alpha I wanted to make mine. His musky scent wrapped around me, enticing me, making me braver as I worshiped the alpha standing before me.
Steel core wrapped in silk, his cock was a thing of beauty. I couldn’t get enough as I took him into my mouth, sliding down until the head hit the back of my throat. I wanted to deep throat the man, but my gag reflex kicked in and I had to draw back.
Pierce’s hand stilled my head as I went in for a second try. “There’s no rush. We have all day. Take it slow, Max.”
Slow is what we did. Somehow, we both made it to the bed in a tangle of arms and legs. The man’s pants were wrapped around his thighs as he lay on top of me. Kisses landed on every inch of my skin, warming me until I sizzled from the heat we generated.
The first touch of his tongue against my puckered hole had me almost bolting straight up from the shock as bolts of desire shot straight to my cock. I’d never been so hard before. Only for this alpha. This man set my body on fire like no other ever had before.
When the head of his cock butted against my hole, it fluttered, my whole ass twitching in anticipation. Confusion filled me as I waited. When nothing happened, I opened my eyes to look at Pierce.
“Are you sure, Max? There’s no going back for either of us after this. I don’t think I could let you go if I tried.”
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