Chapter 234

Evaline:
The soft glow of the tree lights greeted us as we all made our way into my bedroom. I hadn’t realized how warm and cozy this place had become, with the tree twinkling in the corner, the fire crackling gently in the hearth, and the room filled with the presence of the brothers.
It was supposed to be a calm, quiet Christmas Day. But the moment all four of them followed me here – uninvited, but welcome – I knew things wouldn’t stay quiet for long.
My room was spacious, but not enough for four large, muscled Alphas to lounge comfortably. The couch near the fireplace could seat two at best, and the armchair beside it held another. River claimed the armchair without a word, lounging with a quiet sort of elegance only he seemed to possess.
“I’ll take the floor,” I said and settled down on the thick, soft rug between the fireplace and the tree.
Kieran surprised me as he joined me there without a word. He lowered himself beside me, folding one leg beneath the other, his body warmth brushing against mine.
This left the couch for Draven and Oscar.
The gifts they had brought were sitting before them. All four were wrapped neatly in the same plain, cream-colored paper with a silver bow – my doing. I had spent nearly an hour choosing the right paper, the right words for the note cards… and now, I was regretting every second of it.
They hadn’t brought any other gifts with them, just mine.
“You guys aren’t opening the presents you gave each other?” I asked.
Draven was the one who answered. “We have been giving each other gifts for years. Same styles. Same brands. It’s all very predictable by now. Not much of a surprise left.” He shrugged, then added with a knowing smirk, “I’m actually looking forward to seeing what you got me.”
My stomach did a nervous little flip.
I wasn’t looking forward to that at all.
The gifts I got for Draven and Oscar were personal. Intimate. Because they were my mates. But if they opened their presents right here, in front of River and Kieran… there’s no chance the two wouldn’t notice.
And then there was River.
God. The box I wrapped for him now felt like a ticking bomb. I had not expected to be in the room when he opened it.
“You start,” Oscar said suddenly, gesturing at the pile of gifts beside me. “Let’s see what your friends got you.”
Grateful for the change in focus, I nodded and reached out for the nearest box. It had Mallory’s handwriting on it. I opened it to find a set of my favorite skincare products sitting inside. Along with it were handmade Christmas chocolates and cookies. I grinned, my heart warming at the thoughtfulness.
Kyros had sent me a small pocket-sized book of motivational quotes and an expensive fountain pen set. It was simple, but meaningful. “For all your notes and secrets,” he had written on the tag.
Rowan’s gift made me pause. It was a personalized leather journal with my initials embossed in rose-gold. The pages were creamy and blank, waiting to be filled. I smiled, running my fingers over the cover.
Noah had sent a beautiful set of scented candles, each one labeled for a mood – “Focus,” “Relax,” “Dream.”
Selene’s gift was a framed photograph of our whole group taken on Halloween. I blinked hard at the sudden rush of memories it brought.
And Ria, sweet as always, had sent a spa gift box – bath bombs, oils, scrubs, and a fluffy robe with my name embroidered on the collar.
I had never felt so seen. So cared for.
But as the last of my friends’ presents was opened, the weight returned to my chest. There were only four left now.
I didn’t want to open them. Not with River and Kieran present in the room.
“I’m tired,” I said suddenly, shifting my position and reaching for the one person I hoped would understand me without question. “Draven, why don’t you go next?”
I looked right at him, pouring all the silent pleading I could into my gaze. Get full chapters from.net
Please. Understand. Don’t open it here.
There was a pause and I held my breath.
His eyes twinkled as he turned the box over in his hands. “Hmm… I don’t think I’m ready to share what I got,” he said dramatically. Then, with a grin, he stood. “I’m taking this somewhere private.”
Before anyone could react, he was already halfway out the door, the box tucked under his arm.
Oscar let out a soft snort. “Drama king. Let me go and see what he’s up to.”
With that, he stood too and raced after Draven. But I didn’t miss how he too had taken his present away.
And then it was just me, Kieran, and River.
The tension returned like a cold breeze. Kieran picked up his gift and sat a little straighter.
“I’ll go next then,” he said, unwrapping the cream paper with casual ease.
Inside was the custom pen I had gotten him – a sleek, matte-black writing instrument with his initials engraved in gold on the cap. It was elegant and powerful, just like him. A symbol of intelligence and authority.
He held it between his fingers, testing the weight, before looking at me with a slow, warm smile. “This is perfect. Thank you, Evaline.”
I nodded, feeling oddly shy. “I thought it matched your style.”
“It does.” He leaned closer and whispered, “I’ll treasure it.”
But then he turned his attention to his brother. “River? Your turn.”
No.
I could have screamed it out loud.
My stomach sank. My heart stuttered. But I couldn’t stop him now.
River’s eyes flicked from Kieran to me. He leaned forward, long fingers picking up the gift box I had wrapped for him with so much care. The same silver ribbon. The same paper. But inside…
I swallowed hard as he began to pull at the bow.
I knew… it was a big mistake.