Page 116 of Tangled In Tinsel & Knots
Pride surges through me. “It’ll get better. You’ll see. This is just the beginning of what I can give you.”
I adore having my Omega melt under my attention like this. Knowing I satisfied her and gave her exactly what her body was screaming for. There are so many things I want to do with her, to her body. So many ways I will make her fall apart. And I can’t wait to show her all the pleasure I can bring to her.
She’s starting to doze in my arms, her breathing evening out, becoming slower and deeper. Her body goes heavy against me, completely trusting.
I hold her carefully and let myself just exist in this moment.
I don’t remember the last time I felt this content. This right. Like after everything I’ve been through, I’ve finally found the one person who grounds me.
Hannah shifts slightly in her sleep, mumbling something I don’t catch, and I press a kiss to her temple.
Mine. Ours. Finally where she belongs.
And I’ll destroy anyone who tries to take her from us.
19
HANNAH
The parade is finally happening, and I’m trying desperately not to let my nerves show.
Main Street in Whispering Grove has been transformed into a winter wonderland for this event. The historic storefronts are decorated with garlands and lights, snow dusting the awnings, and enormous red bows attached to every lamppost. The street itself has been closed off for blocks, rope barriers keeping the massive crowd on the sidewalks while leaving the road clear for the parade floats.
And there are so many people. Way more than I anticipated.
Families with children bundled in winter coats line both sides of the street, standing three-deep trying to get a good view. Vendors are selling hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts from carts positioned at intervals.
I’ve been working on this parade for months, coordinating with float builders, securing permits, hiring support teams, arranging insurance, triple-checking safety protocols. Every detail has been meticulously planned and executed.
And I’m still worried something will go really wrong. But I’m also still humming from last night with Noel, my body pleasantly sore between my thighs, and I’m so grateful he helped with my pre-heat issues. The desperate ache has eased significantly, letting me focus on the event instead of climbing the nearest Alpha.
Though, deep down, I know it’s just simmering. Like a volcano building pressure, waiting to erupt. But not today. Please, not today. Get this parade done without a hitch. That’s all I need. Then next week, all focus shifts to the tree lighting celebration.
I’m exhausted but excited for today to be finished successfully.
Chris is standing beside me, so close our bodies are touching from shoulder to hip, and he leans in to whisper near my ear. “It’s going amazing. Coming together so well. You should be proud.”
I smile despite my nerves, some of the tension easing from my muscles. “I know, right? So far, everything’s running on schedule.”
He inhales deeply near my neck. “You smell so fucking good today. Can’t get enough of your scent.”
Heat floods my face, but I can’t help the grin. “Careful, or I’ll think you only keep me around for how I smell.”
“Oh, there are many other reasons.” His hand finds the small of my back, steady and grounding. “But your scent is definitely a perk.”
My phone buzzes with an incoming text, pulling my attention back to work.
Team Lead Alpha Unit: Float 3 released. Running smoothly. ETA Main Street viewing area 4 minutes.
I’m positioned at the optimal viewing spot about halfway down the parade route, earpiece in my ear connected to mycoordination team, phone in hand constantly updating with reports. The system I’ve set up is working beautifully. Each float has a team leader who reports to me at checkpoints, ensuring everything stays on schedule and any issues are addressed immediately.
So far, everything is smooth. I breathe easier, allowing myself a moment to actually enjoy what I’ve created. The parade itself is spectacular. The first float that passed was a winter wonderland scene of ice sculptures, performers dressed as snowflakes dancing and waving. The crowd loved it, children screaming with delight.
The second float featured a giant sleigh pulled by mechanical reindeer, with performers throwing candy to the kids lining the streets. The next float has everyone dressed up in red and white pants and shirts, collecting donations from people in the crowd for the local food bank.
And now I hear the excitement building as another float rounds the corner into view.
A huge inflatable balloon character, some cartoon Christmas elf I vaguely recognize from a popular kids’ show, bobs along above the float, handlers gripping guide ropes to keep it steady. The float itself is decorated to look like a toy workshop, with elves building toys and waving to the crowd.
