Page 9 of A Winter Gift

Mina shivered, and I forced myself to take a step back. I needed to get my wolf under control before I did something I regretted. The tension left the sweet omega's shoulders, and she tipped her head up, looking at me with a soft expression.

"What are you doing in here?" I asked, forcing my eyes away from her and to the baskets of prepared vegetables that covered the countertops. "Are you stealing chard? Or is it the sprouts that called to you?"

She smiled, scrunching up her nose at the sight of the bitter vegetables. "Actually, my plan was to hide turnips in my leggings."

"A perfectly reasonable vegetable to steal." I smiled, loving the way she leaned in toward me. "Skip the cookies and cakes, and go right for the turnips."

"I especially like how hard they are to eat," she teased, biting her bottom lip. "I like it when my teeth feel like they might break while I'm eating."

"Well, the next time I head to Stone City, I'll be sure to bring you back some boulders to snack on."

She laughed, the sound light and breathy. My wolf preened at being able to make her giggle like that, even if it was just silly banter.

"I was looking for something to fix my tapestry," she said, motioning to the tin on the top shelf.

"Did something happen to it?" I hooked my thumbs into my belt to keep from reaching for her. My fingers tingled with a deep need to feel her velvety dress again.

"Oh, no," she smiled sweetly. "I just like to fuss. One of the beads isn't sitting right, so I was looking for something smaller."

I loved how much care she took in the delicate things she created. Everyone in the pack begged her to create quilts for them, and being the sweet omega she was, she always obliged. Even my own mother had a soft blue throw made by Mina sitting in her favorite chair at home. For the first few weeks after Mina gifted it, it smelled strongly of her, and I shamefully inhaled the addictive scent every chance I got.

The things this tiny omega did to me…

"Can I see what you made?" I asked.

"You want to see it?" She looked almost surprised, pressing her little hand over her heart.

"Of course." I straightened my back, eager to see what her skilled fingers had made. "Your designs are always my favorite part of the pack festivals. There's a reason you always make the main piece."

Mina opened her mouth as if to say something, then paused, seemingly too touched for words. It made my heart race. She was talented, kind, and gorgeous, and I wanted to scream it from the rooftops.

Clasping her hands under her chin, Mina smiled at her feet as she edged around me and into the main room.

In the spot of honor, behind where our Pack Alpha would sit, was a stunning white and gold tapestry hanging on the wall. The soft fabric held an intricate design of the Moon and several stars twisted with gold and silver thread. A few delicately placed beads shimmered in the dim light.

"This is stunning," I whispered, examining the edge of the Moon. The threads appeared braided, but I couldn't tell how they were secured in place. "Your hands do such wonderful things." Mina's eyes widened slightly, and the tips of her ears went pink. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she said quickly, ducking her head in a bashful manner. "Thank you. For the compliment."

My wolf pawed at the inside of my chest, urging me to snatch her up and scent her. Carry her away so no one but me could see and love her. "It's true," I said, trying like hell to ignore my beast. "Everything you do is amazing."

Mina lifted her chin, her brown eyes looking deep into mine. The space between us seemed to warm with something wonderful and exciting. Her lips parted, the tip of her pink tongue just barely visible. I wanted to taste that wet mouth more than anything else in this world. Consequences be damned.

I reached out, touching her long tresses between my thumb and forefinger. She didn't move away, and hope bloomed in my chest. Mina's soft throat worked as she swallowed, her full breasts rising and falling as her breath picked up.

"Mina," I growled. A shudder worked through her, and I snatched an arm around her waist, jerking her to me. I couldn't have stopped myself even if I wanted to. My pull to her was outside of my control. It was like the darkness that hugged the Moon each night—we were meant for each other. Desperate to feel more of her, I splayed my hand across her lower back, then leaned down and purred into her ear. "I'm going to kiss you."

A soft whimper left her lips as she pushed herself onto her tiptoes, inviting me closer. I hovered just over her soft lips, her sweet breath fanned over my face, then I—

A loud pop cracked the air, followed by the explosive sound of glass shattering and the wind howling. Mina screamed and pushed herself against my chest. I turned my body to shield her from the noise, cradling the back of her head and pressing her flush against me.

Confused, it took me a moment to focus on the chaos that had just erupted inside the once peaceful hall.

A heavy branch hung awkwardly through the large window on the other side of the room. It shook and jerked with the wind, sending more shards of glass skittering across the floor. I stared at the damage for a moment before resolving myself to not being able to fix it. At least not while the storm raged. It would have to wait.

For now, I needed to get Mina out of here.

Scooping her up, I made my way back to the kitchen. Her small hands pressed between us, her fingers like ice. Once inside, I sat her on the counter, forcing my hands away from her. Snow clung to her wavy hair, framing her face like a wild mane.

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