Jude Mercer boards the plane on December 22nd with a six-month-old baby, two bags holding everything she owns, and the desperate hope that Christmas miracles are real. She shifts Bonnie higher on her hip, her diaper bag sliding off her shoulder for the third time. She almost turns to ask Ryan for help before remembering—Ryan left seven months ago. It’s just her now.
Her seat is double-booked. The man in 23E refuses to move. The flight attendant looks harried. Then the pilot’s voice crackles over the intercom about a massive snowstorm approaching their destination.
Perfect. Absolutely perfect. But the flight attendant pulls her aside. “We have one seat in first class.
Would that work? ”
First class on Christmas week for free. Maybe there is some magic left after all. The seats are actual chairs.
The lighting is warm and soft. Quiet jazz plays from hidden speakers. The attendant leads her through the curtain, and Jude stumbles out her thanks, still talking as she sets down her bag. Then she looks up, and the words die in her throat.
The window seat is occupied by a man who is not merely handsome—he’s beautiful in a way that makes her forget how to function. Dark, tousled hair. Strong jawline. A charcoal suit that costs more than her entire wardrobe.
Jude’s brain short-circuits. She discreetly lowers her nose to her own shirt and inhales. “Yep,” she smells like regurgitation and sweat. She’s about to sit next to that for two hours.
“Ma’am? ” the flight attendant prompts. Jude settles in as quietly as possible. Bonnie gets squirmy, grunting in displeasure.
“Sorry,” Jude whispers toward the man. He doesn’t acknowledge her existence. Right. She’s invisible.
That’s fine. She gets Bonnie situated with a bottle, which buys twenty minutes of peace. The plane taxis. The man closes his laptop but doesn’t look her way.
Jude tries to stay awake—she really does—but she hasn’t slept in thirty-six hours. The seat is comfortable. Bonnie is content. Her eyes drift closed.
She doesn’t see the man finally turn to look at her. Doesn’t see his expression shift from surprise to something softer as he takes in the sleeping woman and baby. Jude wakes to something warm and solid beneath her cheek. For one blissful, disoriented moment, she can’t remember where she is.
Then awareness trickles in—a firm shoulder, the scent of expensive cologne, steady breathing, the hum of airplane engines. Her eyes snap open. Oh no. She’s draped across the hot businessman’s shoulder like he’s a pillow.
Her mouth is dry. She was probably drooling. She shifts carefully, trying to unstick her cheek from his suit jacket without making it obvious. She looks up.
He’s staring right at her. Dark, intense, very, very awake. “Oh god,” she blurts, jerking upright. “I’m so sorry.
I didn’t mean to. ”
He raises one eyebrow. “You weren’t sleeping? ”
“I was meditating,” Jude hears herself say, which is possibly the stupidest lie she’s ever told.
“It’s a thing. Very calming. ”
“You drool when you meditate? ” he asks, dry as desert sand.
He gives his shoulder the tiniest shake, where there is unmistakably a wet spot. Jude wants the floor to swallow her whole. She’s about to offer Venmo—she has like $47—when she notices something else. He’s holding Bonnie.
Her baby is sitting calmly on his lap, one large hand supporting her back, the other gently bouncing her. Bonnie is gurgling, happy, content in the arms of a complete stranger. “What are you doing? ” The words come out sharper than Jude intends.
The man doesn’t flinch. “She woke up fussing about twenty minutes ago. You were finally sleeping. I didn’t want to wake you.
” He glances down at Bonnie, something softening in his face. “I remember what it’s like when they’re this age. I never slept either. ”
Oh.
He’s a dad. The tension dissolves. “You have kids? ” she asks.
“A daughter. She’s almost thirteen. ” His mouth does something complicated. “Which comes with a different set of challenges.
”
“Is it as bad as everyone says? ”
“Worse. I’m pretty sure she hates me most days. The other days, she ignores my existence entirely.
”
There’s pain there, hidden beneath the dry humor. Jude recognizes it—the specific ache of loving someone who won’t let you close. “She doesn’t hate you,” Jude says gently. “Teenagers are just practicing being adults badly.
Give her time. ”
He looks at her then, really looks. Something passes between them. “I’m Landon,” he says.
“Landon Harlo. ”
“Jude. Jude Mercer. ” She reaches for Bonnie.
“This is Bonnie, who apparently likes you better than her own mother. ”
“I doubt that. ” But he hands the baby over carefully, making sure Jude has her securely before letting go. Jude is about to say something else when the plane lurches hard.
Her stomach drops. Passengers gasp. Overhead bins rattle. Bonnie lets out a startled cry.
Landon moves impossibly fast. His hands are there steadying both of them, his body angling to shield them. “I’ve got you,” he says, calm and certain. “Hold her close.
”
The pilot’s voice crackles over the intercom. “Folks, we’re experiencing severe weather. We’ll be making an emergency landing at a regional airport nearby. ”
Emergency landing.
Around them, people are panicking. But Landon is a wall of calm. “Look at me,” he says. “Breathe.
We’re going to be fine. I promise. ”
She doesn’t know why she believes him, but she does. The wheels hit hard.
The plane bounces once, twice, then settles with a screech of brakes. They’re down. Safe. “You okay?
” Landon asks quietly. Jude looks at him—how calm he stayed, how protective, how his reflexes were too fast, his presence too solid for a normal person in a crisis. Something about him doesn’t add up. But right now, she’s just grateful.
“Yeah,” she manages. “Thanks to you. ”
His expression shifts, something warm flickering in those dark eyes. “Anytime.
”
The regional airport is dismal. Half the overhead lights flicker. Snow falls in aggressive flurries beyond the massive windows. Jude takes her place at the back of the airline counter line when a woman in front turns around.
“Do you want to go ahead? You’ve got your hands full. ”
Jude reaches the counter facing a tired woman named Sharon. “All flights are grounded,” Sharon says flatly.
“Nothing’s going out until tomorrow morning at the earliest. ”
“But I have a connecting flight. ”
“Your connecting flight was out of Portland, departing tonight. You’ve missed it.
”
“Can we rebook? ”
“Everything’s booked solid through Christmas. I’m sorry. ”
Jude scribbles down her contact information “and steps away.
” She finds [an] empty seat and drops into it. Bonnie starts fussing“harder. ” She forces herself to move“unzipping her suitcase. ” She glances up and sees Landon by the windows“phone pressed to his ear.
” “Someone’s coming to get him“ of course. ” [She] pulls out her phone with shaking hands. ] 4782. The number mocks her.
Not enough for a hotel. Not even close. Bonnie’s crying escalates, and suddenly Jude is crying too. Silent tears streaming down her face while she rocks her wailing daughter in a dingy airport terminal on December 22nd with nowhere to go and $47 to her name.
“Hey. ”
Jude’s head jerks up. Landon is back. He looks uncomfortable, like he couldn’t make himself leave.
“Did you find a hotel? ” he asks gently. Jude can’t answer. “I just overheard someone say everything nearby is getting booked up.
Do you need help calling around? ” He stops when he sees the tears on her face. “Hey,” he says softer, sitting down beside her. “It’s going to be okay.
”
“I don’t have enough money,” Jude hears herself say. “That’s why I’m going back to my grandma’s, even though we don’t get along. I lost my apartment after my husband left. Everything I own is in this suitcase.
And now I’m stuck here with my baby. ” She cuts herself off, mortified. “You should go. Your ride is probably—”
“Don’t apologize.
It’s perfectly all right to need help sometimes. Look, I’ll book you a room. ”
“No“I can’t let you pay for—”“You can pay me back when you’re settled. ” He puts the phone to his ear.
Every call comes back sold out. Hope drains from his face after each rejection. Then the driver appears. “Sir, the car is ready.
”
Landon turns back to Jude. “Come with me. ”
Jude blinks. “What?
”
“Come where? To my house. There’s plenty of room. You and Bonnie can stay until the flights resume.
”
“I don’t even know you. ”
Landon shifts“looking almost nervous. “My entire family is going to be there. My parents“ my thirteen-year-old daughter“ River.
My brother and his family are arriving tomorrow. It’s not just me in some isolated house. ” And honestly“ he glances toward the windows where the snow is now a full blizzard. “It’s a lot better than spending Christmas Eve in this airport.
”
Jude’s mind is racing. In the bathroom“ she types Landon Harlo into the search bar. CEO of Harlo Industries“ tech company worth millions. Everything looks legitimate.
She stares down at Bonnie. “What do you think“ baby girl? Should we trust the handsome stranger? ”
Bonnie reaches up and grabs her nose.
Jude takes that as a yes. “Okay,” Jude says. “Thank you. I really appreciate this.
”
The SUV glides through the dark streets. The houses get bigger“ the lots get wider. Landon has taken off his tie and jacket“ sleeves rolled to his elbows revealing forearms more muscular than she expected. For just a second“ his eyes seem to catch the light wrong“ glowing gold.
She blinks hard. When she looks again“ they’re perfectly normal. Dark. Must have been street lights.
The SUVslows in front of an ornate iron gate that slides open smoothly. Landon’s estate is massive“ but somehow still warm and inviting. Three stories of stone and timber with tall windows glowing golden. Jude’s breathing picks up.
This isn. ’t just wealthy“ this is the kind of rich she. ’s only ever seen in magazines. “Full disclosure,” Landon says suddenly“ grimacing.
“My dad makes terrible jokes. ”
Jude blinks. “Dad jokes. ”
“Really bad ones.
Just warning you. ”
“That’s okay. I’m a good audience. ”
A tall man steps out onto the porch“ grinning wide.
“Welcome. Come on“ hurry inside. Don. ’t keep the baby out in this wind.
”
“You must be Jude. ” He pulls her into a bear hug. “I. ’m Declan“ Landon’s father.
And who’s this little pup? ” He coos at Bonnie. “This is Bonnie. ”
“Gorgeous.
Absolutely gorgeous. ”
Landon’s mother appears near the staircase—tall“ elegant“ poised. “I’m Algra. ” Her eyes assess Jude and Bonnie with a quality that makes Jude wonder if it really is nice to meet them.
“Thank you so much for having us,” Jude says quickly. “I know this is probably really weird“ but as soon as the airline calls“ we’ll be out of your hair. ” She looks at Landon and smiles. But Landon isn’t looking at her.
He’s staring up the grand staircase“ his expression hopeful and uncertain. “River,” he calls out. “She’s in her room“ though she is aware we have guests. ” The emphasis on guests is subtle“ but there.
Landon’s face falls just a fraction before he schools it neutral. “Come on,” he says“ turning back to Jude. “Let me show you to your room. ”
Jude walks into the guest room and gasps.
Not because of the room itself“ though it. ’s gorgeous“ but because of what. ’s waiting inside. A brand new car seat.
A portable crib“ already assembled. A mountain of stuffed animals and toys. Shopping bags overflowing with baby clothes“ dippers“ blankets“ bottles“ formula. Everything still has tags on it.
“What is all this? ”
Landon shrugs. “Just some necessities. ”
“Necessities?
” Her voice goes up an octave. “I made a few calls from the car. Some things are leftovers from Jared and Freya’s baby showers. ”
“My niece and nephew.
Twins. Real menaces. ” He smiles. “You’ll meet them tomorrow.
”
Jude’s throat feels tight. “I can’t accept all this. ”
“You can. And you will.
Bonnie needs these things. ”
“But I can’t pay you back. ”
“I’m not asking you to. ”
They stare at each other.
Jude holds Bonnie like a shield. “Are you sure? About us being here? Your mother seemed—”“My mother’s just protective.
She’ll warm up. ” He takes a step closer“ then another. “You’re not overstaying. You’re welcome here as long as you need to be.
” He reaches out slowly and adjusts the blanket slipping off Bonnie’s shoulder. His fingers brush Jude’s collarbone for a second. His hand is so warm it. ’s almost startling.
“And if the flights don. ’t clear up by Christmas Eve” he continues“ his dark eyes holding hers. “You’re welcome to spend the holiday with us. With my family.
”
Jude’s brain shortcircuits. “That’s very generous“ but I don. ’t want to intrude. ”
“You wouldn’t be intruding.
” His eyes are intense. “I mean it. You and Bonnie are welcome here. ”
Her face feels hot“she knows she.
’s blushing. She met this man six hours ago. But the way he. ’s looking at her“ the way it feels to have someone take care of her for once“it.
’s intoxicting. She could get used to this. To him. That.
’s the scary part. Jude wakes to soft winter light“filtering through cream curtains“and for one disorientated moment has no idea where she is. Then it comes back. The plane.
The airport. Landon. She feels rested. Actually genuinely rested.
Then panic hits. Where’s Bonnie? She scrambles to the crib. Her daughter is just lying there“awake and content“staring at the mobile of stars.
“You slept through the night” Jude whispers“ picking her up. “You’ve never done that before. Not once. ”
After changing and feeding Bonnie“Jude looks down at herself.
Still wearing yesterday. ’s wrinkled clothes. She digs through her suitcase“finds one gray cashmere sweater her grandmother gave her three Christmases ago“and puts on makeup. “What are you doing?
You’re putting on makeup to go downstairs for breakfast. ” But she knows exactly what she. ’s doing and exactly who she. ’s doing it for.
In the kitchen“Algra is at the stove. “Good morning“ Jude. How are you settling in? ”
“Great“actually.
This one here slept through the whole night for the first time ever. ”
A glass on the dish rack starts to slide off. Algra’s hand shoots out“impossibly fast“ and catches it without even glancing at it. “Wow.
Nice reflexes. ”
Algra looks up like she just remembered Jude is there. “So“will your husband be joining us for Christmas“ Jude? ”
“I’m not married.
”
Algra glances at Bonnie“then back at Jude. “The father’s not in the picture. ”
“No. ”
“Oh.
” Algra’s lips purse. Declan bursts in“sweeps Algra into his arms“twirls her across the kitchen“dips her dramatically“and plants a loud kiss on her lips. Algra actually laughs. Then Declan scoops Bonnie out of her carrier.
“And there’s my favorite little pup. ”
Then Landon walks in“and Jude’s brain completely shortcircuits. He’s just showered“dark hair still damp“fitted black t-shirt“dark jeans. He pours coffee and slides it across the island to her“exactly how she likes it.
“Did you sleep well“Jude? ”
Her face goes nuclear. “Great. Fantastic.
The bed was—I mean the room was wonderful. Thank you. ”
Landon’s smile widens slightly“like he knows exactly what he. ’s doing to her.
Then the kitchen becomes chaos. Landon’s younger brother Beckett strides in“followed by his wife Lauren and two seven-year-old twin tornadoes“Jared and Freya. Jude laughs as the twins spot Bonnie. Then everyone goes quiet.
A teenage girl stands in the doorway. Tall“dark hair“Landon’s jawline“green eyes. River. Lauren jumps up“and so do the twins“but River stands stiff“not hugging back.
Jude glances at Landon. His jaw is tight“arms crossed. He’s staring at his daughter with painful intensity. River doesn.
’t look at him“not once. “River“I thought maybe after breakfast we could—”“I have plans. ”
“What plans? ”
“Does it matter?
” She finally looks at him“something challenging in her gaze. “Honey“I’m not working today. ”
“Oh“so I should just drop everything cuz you’re free? ”
“No“I just mean it.
’s Christmas Eve tomorrow. I thought we could spend some time. ”
“I’m good. ” River stands abruptly.
“I’m not hungry. ”
She walks out. The silence is excrudiating. After breakfast“Jude takes Bonnie outside.
Footsteps crunch behind her. “Landon“hands in his pockets. “Want a tour of the property? ”
They walk to the stables.
“It’s definitely not my business” Jude says carefully. “But is River okay with us being here? ”
“You’re not causing problems. River and I—it’s nothing to do with you.
Her mom left three years ago. I don. ’t know. I guess we haven.
’t recovered. ”
“I’m sorry. Breakups are hard. ”
Landon looks away.
“I meant the relationship with River. It was awful when it happened“but what really hurt was watching the women I once loved abandon my daughter like that and having her suffer for it. ”
Jude shifts Bonnie. “Ryan left when Bonnie was two months old.
Just packed his stuff one morning. He never wanted to be a father. ”
Landon looks up at her“and something passes between them. Two people who have been abandoned.
That afternoon“Jude heads to the kitchen“determined to help with Christmas preparations. But Algra barely glances at her. “We have it covered. Thank you.
”
In the family room“Declan is mid-sentence. “Good run last night. If you ask me“the snow makes it more—”“He stops as Jude enters“looking vaguely guilty. A run in the middle of a blizzard?
Jude thinks. Sometimes it almost feels like they’re all sharing a big secret hidden in plain sight. “Your baby’s crying. ” Jude startles.
River is standing right beside her“and she hadn. ’t heard her approach. They climb the stairs together. Jude rushes into the guest room and finds Bonnie wailing.
As she scoops her up“River hoveres in the doorway. “Thank you” Jude says. “For letting me know. ”
“It’s a big house.
Sound doesn’t carry. ” Bonnie gurgles. “Guess she wants to know how you are. ”
A small smile tugs at River’s lips.
“Would you like to hold her? ”
River’s eyes go wide. “I . .
. want to. ”
Jude carefully transfers Bonnie into River’s arms. River’s entire face transforms“the guarded expression melting away.
Later“the family gathers to decorate the massive Christmas tree. Declan wrestles with tangled lights. “Hey Jude“you know what’s bigger than a Christmas tree? ”
“What?
”
“A Christmas—”“Declan pauses for effect—“forest? ”
Jude bursts out laughing. Landon appears“eyes wide. “December 23rd“2024.
It finally happened. The old man made someone laugh. ”
Soon everyone is laughing. Even River.
Even Algra. Landon moves closer. “Thank you. ”
Jude looks up at him“forgets how to breathe.
“For what? ”
He just shrugs. “
They work side by side“arms brushing. “Is your family as chaotic as mine?
” Landon asks. “My parents died when I was a freshman in college. Car accident. I don.
’t have any brothers or sisters. ”
Landon’s hand stills. “I’m sorry. ”
“Your family isn’t chaotic.
This is nice. ”
They both reach into the ornament box at the same time. Their hands collide. Neither pulls away.
She looks up and finds him staring with an intensity that makes her skin feel hot. “Landon? ” Algra’s voice cuts through. “We need to talk.
Now. ”
Landon jerks away and practically runs from the room. From the hallway“Jude hears Algra. ’s voice raised.
Disapproval. Warning. Why does it feel like she and Landon are doing something dangerous? Later that night“Bonnie wakes up fussy.
Jude makes her way down to the dark kitchen. She’s warming a bottle when something outside catches her eye. A huge white wolf sits in the snow“watching her. Its fur is pristine“almost glowing.
Its eyes are gold. Bright“intellgent gold. Jude presses her palm against the glass door. The wolf’s ears twitch“but it doesn.
’t move. “What are you doing? ” Jude spins around. Algra stands on the other side of the island“arms crossed.
“There’s a wolf outside. Right there. A huge white wolf. ”
“A wolf in this neighborhood?
We’re miles from the nearest forest. You must have imagined it. ”
“I didn. ’t imagine—”“But when Jude turns back“the wolf is gone.
“I saw it” Jude insists. “You’ve been under a lot of stress. The mind plays tricks. ” Algra hands Jude the bottle.
“Get some rest. ”
Jude retreats upstairs. But she can. ’t stop thinking about those golden eyes.
The same golden color she. ’s seen flash in Landon’s eyes. And in Algra. ’s.
I’m losing it“she whispers to herself. But deep down“she knows she isn. ’t imagining anything. Something is happening in this house.
Something impossible. The next morning“Jude finds herself in the library“drawn by the quiet and the floor-to-ceiling windows. Bonnie drows in her arms. Her gaze lands on photographs covering one wall“a visual history of the Harlo family.
Young Declan and Algra on their wedding day. Becket and Lauren. And then Landon’s wedding. Jude stops and stares.
Landon looks younger“expression open. His bride is beautiful“tall“blonde“fit. Elegant and expensive. Jude touches her messy bun self-consciously.
Yeah“she and Kendra are definitely not in the same league. The door opens. Landon freezes in the doorway. “Sorry.
I didn. ’t know you were in here. ” He starts to retreat. “No“please.
” Jude calls out. “I’m the intruder here. This is your home. Stay.
I’ll go. ”
Landon blinks. A small smile spreads across his lips. “You’re not intruding.
” He closes the door and walks toward her“wearing dark jeans and a gray Henley that clings in ways that should be illegal. His gaze falls on the wedding photo behind her“and he winces. “Bad memories“huh? ”
He doesn.
’t reply. Just stares. “We had to retake that photo a hundred times” he says finally“looking at Bonnie. “Before Kendra was satisfied with how she looked.
”
“Well“it’s a very nice photo. ”
Landon shakes his head. “She left me for another man. She left River for this other man.
Doesn. ’t matter what it looks like. ”
“It’s her loss” Jude says firmly. Landon goes very still.
“You really mean that? ” His voice is quieter now“rougher. Jude’s mouth goes dry. “I mean—you’re pretty great.
”
“Huh? ”
“Did that sound weird? It sounded weird. ”
Landon’s hand comes up slowly“giving her time to pull away.
She doesn. ’t. His fingers brush her cheek“impossibly gentle. “Jude” he says“and the way her name sounds in his voice makes her breath hitch.
His head dips lower. He’s going to kiss her right here in the library with her baby in her arms—
And Bonnie releases a loud“piercing wail. They spring apart like they’ve been electrocuted. Jude pats Bonnie’s back“trying to look anywhere but at Landon.
But when she risks a glance“he’s still staring at her. His chest is rising and falling faster than normal. His jaw is tight. And his eyes“his eyes are doing that thing again.
That flash of gold she keeps seeing and dismissing. “I should work” he says“backing toward his desk like he doesn. ’t trust himself. Jude nods.
“She probably needs a diapper change” she manages“even though that. ’s not why Bonnie is crying“and they both know it. She’s halfway to the door when Landon’s voice stops her. “Jude.
” She turns back. He’s gripping the desk edge. “Thank you for what you said about River. I’ll give it some thought.
”
In her room“Jude whispers to Bonnie“already calming down. “We have a problem. A really big problem. ” Because she almost kissed him.
No“he almost kissed her. And she wanted him to. God“she wanted him to so badly. The next morning“Jude helps the catering chef in the kitchen“learning the Harlo family stories.
Then the chef mentions something that makes her ears perk up. “Sophia“Declan’s mother“used to bake these chocolate chip cookies every Christmas that Landon absolutely adored. Him and Becket would fight over the crumbs. ”
“Do you know the recipe?
”
“I do“actually. ”
Later“after Bonnie goes down for her nap“River hoveres in the doorway. Jude asks her to watch the baby“then heads to the quietly empty kitchen“the recipe clutched in her hand. Chocolate chip cookies with nutmeg and cinnamon.
Sopha’s secret was brown butter and homemade vanilla extract. She’s sliding the first batch into the oven when she hears footsteps. “What’s all this? ” Landon stands in the doorway“sniffing the air.
“Your grandmother’s cookies. The chef gave me the recipe. I wanted to do something nice for you. ”
Landon crosses the kitchen“peering through the oven window like a kid on Christmas morning.
“How much longer? ”
They work in companionable silence“Jude shaping cookies“Landon washing dishes. Their eyes meet once“twice“three times. Each time they smile“small secret smiles that make Jude’s stomach flip.
When the timer dings“Landon inhales deeply as Jude pulls out the golden tray. “Oh my god“that’s exactly how I remember them. ”
She brushes her hair away“leaving a streak of flour. Landon’s eyes track the movement.
“You have some flour” he says softly. He reaches out“uses the back of his fingers to gently wipe her cheekbone. Then he flips his hand“cuping her face. His head drops lower.
“Landon” Jude whispers. Landon shudders. His eyes flash. That gold again“unmistakeable.
His head drops lower. Jude can feel his breath on her lips. Her eyes start to close. “Stop.
Just stop this. ”
The voice is sharp“angry“loud enough to shtter the moment. Landon stops touching her immediately. Jude turns to see River standing in the doorway“Bonnie in her arms“the teenage girl’s face twisted with anger“fear“something else.
“River” Landon starts. But River is already shaking her head“backing away“holding Bonnie like a shield. Jude opens her mouth“but no words come out. “River“I know this must be—”“River’s eyes flash.
Literally flash. Gold“bright“inhuman. “What do you think you’re doing? ” she asks“voice sharp.
“Your dad invited us. We were stranded. ”
“What are you doing here? With all of us“you don’t belong.
You’re human. ” She makes the word sound like an insult. “River” Landon says. “That’s enough.
”
“She’s not part of the pack” River continues“turning to Landon. “She’s not one of us“Dad. ”
“What are you talking about? ” Jude asks.
“What pack? ”
River’s glare transforms into something darker. “Here” she says“carefully handing Bonnie back to Jude. “Take her.
”
Jude does“confused“as River takes several steps back“putting distance between them. And then she changes. Her body convulses. There’s a sickening sound of bones shifting“breaking“reforming.
Her spine arches impossibly. Her face elongates into a muzzle. Fur erupts from her skin. And then a small brownish wolf with bright green eyes is standing where River was.
Jude gasps“stumbling backward“arm outstretched instinctively. “Shift back! ” Landon growls. His voice is nothing like Jude has ever heard—commanding“powerful“terrifying in its authority.
The wolf’s body convulses again“the same brutal process in reverse. And then River is standing there again“human“naked. Landon throws her a jacket. Jude’s chest is heaving.
She can’t stop shaking her head. “We’re shifters” River says to Jude. “The entire family. All the people you’ve met in the past few days“the chef“the driver“everyone.
” She tils her head mockingly. “Dad is Alpa. He succeded Grandpa. He’s the leader of the entire pack.
”
Jude’s pulse thunders in her ears. “I . . .
I don. ’t understand. ”
“Shifters mean we can shift into animals. In our case“wolves.
”
Jude swivels toward Landon. “It was you outside that night? The white wolf? ”
Landon nods“lips pressed tightly together.
“Are we safe? ” The words tumber out before she can stop them. “Is my daughter? ”
River gasps like Jude just slapped her.
Landon’s expression drops. Disappointment floods his features. “See“Dad” River exclaims. “She’ll never understand.
”
“River—”“No“Dad. It’s time you acted like an Alpa and did something about the outsider among us. I don. ’t understand how you could bring her here in the first place.
Do the oppossite of what you did last time“when mom left and you just let her go. ” Tears spill down her face. She wipes them away angrily and bolts up the stairs. “I’m sorry” Jude says desperately.
“Landon“I didn. ’t mean to. ”
Landon whirls on her. Jude takes an involuntary step back“clutching Bonnie tighter.
His eyes flash gold. His jaw is tight. When he looks at her now“it’s like he’s looking at a stranger. “River’s just trying to protect herself” he explains.
“And the pack. ”
“I understand that” Jude says quietly. Landon’s expression softens just a fraction. “I’m not sure you do.
”
“Of course I do. She’s shocked“just like I am. ” She takes a breath. “Look“I apologize for the question earlier.
I didn. ’t mean to imply you couldn. ’t control yourself or that you’d hurt us. ”
“Jude“I understand where you’re coming from” Landon interrupts“sounding defeated.
“But I can’t risk hurting River again. ”
“Of course not. I don. ’t want that either.
”
“Well“perhaps you shouldn. ’t have asked her if she was a threat to you and your baby then. ” Landon’s shoulders tense. “You were looking out for your kid“but I need to look out for mine.
” He shakes his head. “Bringing someone new into our lives so suddenly was thoughtless. Especially when that someone is—” He doesn. ’t finish.
He doesn. ’t have to. Human. “You can’t expect me to take all this in stride.
I need time to process. ”
Landon stays quiet for a moment. When he speaks“his voice is flat. “I think you should leave.
I’ll arrange for someone to pick you up tomorrow morning first thing. ”
The air leaves Jude’s lungs like she’s been punched in the chest. “Landon“you—”“Like I told you before“it’s too complicated. ” He steps back.
“I’m sorry. I have to think about River. ”
“Landon” Jude’s voice breaks on his name. But he doesn.
’t turn around. Just opens the door and walks through it“slamming it so hard behind him the whole frame rattles. Jude stands alone in the kitchen“surrounded by the smell of cookies“and the ruins of something that might have been beautiful. A sobb forms in her throat.
She won. ’t cry. She won. ’t.
But the tears come anyway. Jude can’t sleep. Every time she closes her eyes“she sees Landon’s face. She gives up and checks on Bonnie“sleeping peacefully“then tiptoes downstairs.
In the kitchen“she washes a baby bottle“then freezes. There’s a rustle outside. Through the glass doors“she sees a figure wrapped in a blanket sitting on the porch swing“watching the falling snow. River.
The girl turns around as if sensing Jude’s presence. After everything that happened“will River even want to talk to her? But she’s leaving tomorrow. She might as well try.
Jude steps outside. “Sorry“I didn. ’t mean to intrude. I was just hungry.
” She lifts a plate. “Skiped dinner. ”
“Me too” River says quietly. “Want to share?
”
River shrugs. It’s not a no. Jude takes a seat at the other end of the swing“placing the plate between them. “Dig in.
”
River starts crying. Not quiet tears“full body-shaking sobs. “You don’t have to eat the brie” Jude hurries out. “I also brought nuts—”“I’m sorry“Jude” River chokes out.
“I’m sorry for earlier. ”
Jude doesn. ’t hesitate. She slides closer and throws an arm around the girl’s shoulders.
“You don. ’t have to apologize. You were looking out for your family. ”
“Still“I shifted right in front of you and scared you.
”
“Well“you were rather abrupt” Jude concedes. “But I understand. ”
River looks at her“wiping her cheeks. “You do?
”
Jude nods. “Ever since my parents died in the car accident“I’ve been pushing people away. I was nineteen when it happened. An adult“yet still a child.
I pushed friends away because I was secretly terrified they’d disappear from my life“too. Even Bonnie’s father“I always kept him at a distance“always kept an exit strategy. Always on the lookout for the first signs he was pulling away“so I could drop him first. ” She laughs bitterly.
“Ironically“he still took me by surprise when he announced he couldn’t do this and left. But that’s not my point. ”
“What is your point? ”
“My point is that all I accomplished was making sure I was truly alone.
Someone who didn’t have anyone to ask for help when she needed it most. ” Jude looks directly at River. “Your mom left. And I know that must have hurt“but it’s not about you or your dad.
It’s about her. Her choices. Her decisions. ”
River starts crying again“but silently now.
“Mom left when she found her fiancée mate. I begged her not to go. When that didn’t work“I yelled at her like I yelled at you tonight. And she still left.
” She wipes her face. “She was dad’s mate“but chosen“not fiancé. And the pull isn’t as strong with chosen mates. At least that’s what the lore says.
”
They sit together on the porch swing“watching the snow fall“letting the cold night air sting their faces. “Your dad isn’t going to leave you” Jude says“meening it. “He would never. ”
River hesitates.
“You don. ’t know that. You don. ’t know what fiancé bonds do to us shifters.
My dad isn. ’t very big on trust or meeting new people. Yet he knows you for all of five minutes“and he brings you to our pack. ” She pauses deeply uncomfortable.
“Are you . . . do you think I’m your father’s fiancé mate?
”
“Look“River“Jude says carefully. “I’m not exactly sure what a fiancé mate is. But what I can tell you is that your father’s already made his choice. And that choice is you.
”
“What do you mean? ”
“Landon said someone’s picking me up in the morning” Jude says“trying to keep her voice steady. River sits up straighter. “He can’t mean it.
He has feelings for you“I can tell. ”
“Look“it’s complicated. I like him“too. ”
River’s eyes light up.
“You do? Even though we’re not human? ”
Jude chuckles. “Honey“your dad opened his home when I was desperate and alone on the brink of a complete meltdown.
He bought a ton of stuff for Bonnie“never asked for anything in return. ” She squeezes River’s shoulder. “So“if he or anyone else in your family needs to be a wolf sometimes“I promise it’s fine by me. ”
River gapes.
Then she throws herself into Jude’s arms“gigling through her tears. Jude joins her. And for a moment“sitting on a porch swing in the middle of a snowy Christmas Eve with a teenage werewolf“everything feels almost okay. Almost.
Jude wakes to sunlight streaming through the curtains. Her heart is heavy. Today she leaves. Today she goes back to her real life“the one where werewolves don.
’t exist and billionare CEOs don. ’t almost kiss her in their kitchens. She picks up Bonnie“and in the kitchen finds Algra drinking coffee. “Good morning“Jude.
”
“I’m just—Bonnie needs a bottle. ”
Algra frowns. “I hope I haven. ’t made you feel so unwelcome that you feel the need to explain yourself for entering a kitchen.
” She lets out a sound that might be a laugh. “I especially apologize for when you saw Landon outside that night. I gaslighted you. I’m sorry.
”
“I get it. I’re a mother“too. I understand wanting to protect your family. ”
Algra gives her a thoughtful look.
“Guess it doesn. ’t matter now. ”
“Landon asked me to leave. ”
Algra pats her shoulder.
“Landon’s just protecting himself. Don. ’t let him be a coward. ” She takes Bonnie.
“I’ll feed her. He’s in the library. Go talk to him. ”
A bit dazed“Jude nods.
She makes her way down the hall“her heart hammering. As she lifts her arm to knock“she hears River’s voice from inside“and drops her hand. “I’m really sorry“Dad. ”
“This is the fifth time you’re apologizing“River.
” Landon’s voice is gentle“patient. “Does that mean Jude and Bonnie can stay? ”
“River—”“She’s your fiancé mate. Isn.
’t she? ”
A loud intake of breath. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s obvious.
”
A beat of silence. “Does everyone know? ”
Jude holds her gas. p.
Oh my god. Is she Landon’s fiancé mate? “Dad“please” River says“pleading. “Ask her to stay.
She told me she likes you. ”
“Really? ” Hope fills Landon’s voice. “Yeah.
And I like her“too. And Bonnie. Do you like them? ”
A pause“then so quietly.
“Of course I do. But I—”“Good” River interrupts“amused. “Jude“you can come in. ”
Jude jolts.
Through the door“she hears River giggle. “We’re wolves“remember? Your heartbeat gave you away three minutes ago. ”
The door opens and River strides out“puling Jude into a quick hug.
“Dad didn’t know you were there. He was too preoccupied cuz he likes you. Good luck. ”
Jude takes a deep breath and peers around the door.
A hand sneaks out and gently pulls her inside. Her back hits the door and suddenly Landon is there, caging her in with his arms on either side of her head. “Hey,” he says, sheepish. “Hey,” Jude manages.
His gaze travels down, taking in her red dress. His eyes darken to almost black, and a low rumble erupts from his chest. “Was that the wolf? ” she asks.
Landon rubs the spot over his heart“looking embarrased. “I’m sorry. That must be weird. ”
“No.
It’s kind of hot“actually. ”
Landon smiles softly. “I’m also sorry for what I said. Saying you need to leave.
I wanted to rip out my tongue as soon as—I mean“of course you can still leave anytime you want. You’re not forced to remain if you don’t want to. River was hurting and you were scared for Bonnie and I just—”“Landon. ” His mouth snaps shut.
In a small voice:“Yeah? ”
“I think I’ll stay for Christmas. ” Jude smiles. He smiles back“slightly hesitant.
“And then? ”
Jude shrugs. “We’ll see. ”
“Okay.
” He nods rapidly. “We’ll take it slow. That is“if—Wait“I messed up again. I didn’t mean to presume you’re staying because of“you know“us.
You definitely don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I’d rather die than pressure you into—”“Hey. ” Jude interrupts“reaching up to cup his face. “Big Alpa“shut up and kiss me already.
”
Another rumble erupts from Landon’s chest“deeper“more resonant. He leans in slowly“giving her time to change her mind. She doesn. ’t.
When his lps finally meet hers“it’s gentle at first“tentative. But Jude rises on her toes“pressing closer“and Landon makes a sound low in his throat and deepens the kiss. His hand cupes the back of her head“fingers threading through her hair. His other hand finds her waist“puling her flush against him.
When they finally break apart“both breathing hard“Landon rests his forehead against hers. “Merry Christmas“Jude. ”
She smiles“about to reply“when from somewhere in the house“Declan’s voice booms. “Are they done kissing yet?
The twins want to open presents! ”
“Grandpa! ” River’s mortified voice carries clearly. “Give them a minute.
”
Landon groans“dropping his head to Jude’s shoulder. “Come on” he says“taking her hand. “Let’s go face the chaos. ”
They walk toward the living room together“hand in hand.
When they enter“the whole family erupts in cheers. River is grinning. Algra winks. Declan is already launching into a terrible joke.
The twins are bouncing like they have had eighteen cups of coffee. Becket hands Jude hot chocolate. Lauren squeezes her shoulder in welcome. And Bonnie“sweet“perfect“Bonnie“is in Algra’s arms“bab ling happily.
Jude takes her daughter and settles onto the couch next to Landon. This time yesterday“she was alone“stranded“terrified. Now she’s surounded by warmth and laughter and a family that apparently includes werewolves. Now she’s allowing herself to hope“really hope“for the first time in years.
So maybe this Christmas miracle isn. ’t over yet. Maybe it.
’s just beginning.
