Page 240 of Bliss & Her Idols

And happy.

Cricket’s expression is unusually serious. “The doctor rang me this morning.”

I stiffen. Panic skyrockets through me.

My grip tightens on Cricket’s chin like that can stop him saying the bad news that I fear more than my own death.

“What…?” I whisper.

“My last tests came back.” Cricket’s expression softens. He shakes himself out of my grip, before hugging me and pulling me against his neck. I feel like I should be the one to comfort him but I can’t help taking desperate breaths of his scent and clutching tightly onto his jacket. I don’t want to hear this. “I never believed that this could be cured. I’ve been seeing the doctors and doing the treatments to make the rest of you happy. I’m sorry. I’m too old for them to work fully. The doctors can’t cure me, but I can find ways to live with it. I’m still going to fight for every day that we have left together. They can probably extend that time or at least, give me a better chance. I never thought that I’d be bonded, have my own pack, or be loved by the female Omega in a pack. I’m having my first ever Christmas with a family who love me. Please, can we wait until after Christmas to tell the others? Let’s make the most of every moment.”

Tears chase down my cheeks. But I ignore them. All my focus is on the incredible Omega who has spent six months trying to make us happy.

I want to spend the rest of my life with him and grow old under the leaves of the forest, walking hand and hand in the dappled sunshine, as our hair fades to gray.

If we can’t have that, then I’ll take it day by day.

I’ll fit in as much pleasure and joy into each of those days for my Omega, while making sure that he gets to experience the normal family life that he’s missed.

If he wants a happy Christmas without sadness, then it’s the least that I can give him.

“You tell them when you’re ready,” I reply. “How can we help your condition at home?”

“I love the baths that Charming runs for me. They help with the pain. Also, Jin’s massages. Plus, nuzzling with you in our nest and your scent helps me more than anything.” He kisses the stop of my head. “Until the day I die, I will love you with my whole heart, body, and soul. You’re my everything, Bee.”

“Then remember that you’re mine.” I draw back from him, meeting his amber gaze. I’m breathing too fast. “And you’re not going anywhere.”

He ducks his head, quirking his lips. “Yes, ma’am.”

I deliberately lick along his scent gland. Deep inside, through the bond, I feel that Iamhelping his condition.

Our connection is stronger than most Omegas in a pack.

Even our nest and intermingled scents eases his pain. Nuzzling, my purring, and pheromones has the same impact.

I’m going to spend as much time with him as I can, scenting and marking him.

If our bond strengthens, then it will be harder for it to shatter. I will take whatever I can get. Every extra year on his life is more important to me than any year of my own life.

Perhaps, pack bonds are even more of a lifesaver than I’ve realized.

Suddenly, I hear Jin’s caramel voice mingled with Torin’s deeper one like smoke gusting through the door in warning.

Hurriedly, I wipe away the tears on my cheeks.

Then the door bursts open.

Jin tumbles through the door in a whirlwind of long frost white hair and laughter.

He still likes to make dramatic entrances.

He’s wrapped around Torin, looking like sin in leather trousers and a sleeveless punky top with blue dragon scales that are more like chainmail. His hair hangs loose and free around his shoulders how he likes it best.

He’s breathtaking but tough.

He’s still the Ice Dragon but now on his own terms.

Jin bonded with Piper over punky clothes. He truly has always loved my style, and as soon as he was free to choose his own wardrobe, he was like a kid in a candy store, when he peered inside Piper’s closet.

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