Naughty Elf: Evan (Santa’s Naughty Elf Mates)

11. Evan

Chapter 11

Evan

I slept for the rest of the afternoon, allowing my body to recover from the trauma of the heat and the quick relief from finally getting Holden’s knot.

When I was awake enough to notice the aroma of food coming from the kitchen, my stomach growled, and I realized how hungry I was. I’d only picked at breakfast and missed lunch, so I definitely needed to eat. I quickly got dressed and then padded out to find my alpha. Just saying that made my tummy flutter.

He said he wanted me as his omega and that he wasn’t going anywhere. And I believed him.

As soon as I stepped into the kitchen, Holden turned in my direction and came straight for me. “Hey there.” He pulled me against his chest and held me tightly. “How are you feeling?”

“So good.” I pushed my face into his neck and breathed him in. “Like, really, really good.”

Holden chuckled and rubbed his hand down my back and then up again. “I’m happy to hear that. I made some dinner, if you’re hungry.”

My stomach rumbled loudly again, and I nodded. “Definitely. What smells so good?”

“I made a tater tot casserole.”

My eyes went wide because he didn’t seem like a tater tot kind of guy. “You did? That sounds delicious.”

He shrugged. “I don’t make it often, but I picked up the ingredients at the store the other day and…it seemed like the right kind of celebratory meal.”

So much of the nervousness I’d been holding finally released from my body when he confirmed we were celebrating. “Yeah? That sounds great.”

“Then why don’t you have a seat and I’ll serve us?”

I frowned, wanting to take care of him. It was funny how strongly that instinct kicked in as soon as I had an alpha to care for. I’d always thought I’d be a terrible domestic omega, but I suddenly wanted nothing more than to keep my alpha happy and content. “I can do it. I’m kinda wired to take care of others, so I don’t mind at all.”

Holden pulled me against his chest again and kissed the top of my head. “I would love for you to take care of me. Our family. But today, you need to rest. You’ve had a physically and emotionally draining day, so thank you for the offer, but please, relax and eat. And then I have something to show you.”

“A surprise?” I suddenly forgot about wanting to feed my alpha and was completely focused on that magic word. “I love surprises.”

He smiled. “Good. Then eat up, and I’ll show you what I brought for us. It’s gonna need a lot of your help.”

“And I even get to help?” This was the best day of my life. I sat down and quickly ate up the food Holden put in front of me. It tasted delicious, but I didn’t even care about the taste as much as the surprise coming after it.

I waited as patiently as I could while he had seconds, and then I quickly cleared our dishes and put them in the sink. It was almost painful to leave them sitting there, but there would be plenty of time for cleaning up later. Right now, it was surprise time. I turned to Holden and clasped my hands in front of my chest. “So, what is it?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Okay, okay. It’s right out on the back porch.” He placed his hand behind my back and gently nudged me to the door.

I was completely clueless as to what it could possibly be, so I held my breath and waited for the big reveal.

Holden opened the door and right outside was a giant Christmas tree. It was perfectly shaped and taller than any I’d ever had in my home before. “You got us a Christmas tree?” I jumped up and down, giddy with excitement. I hadn’t been sure if Holden would be interested in celebrating Christmas, but having a tree would feel like being at home. At least a little bit.

“Yeah, a huge pine fell, and when I was clearing it, I realized it would look nice in here.” He shrugged and glanced up at me. “I don’t know how to decorate it or anything, but I figured you would be the expert at that.”

“I am.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and went outside to where the tree was just waiting for me. “It’s perfect. Thank you so much. I’ll make our first tree the best ever.”

He nodded as he crossed his arms over his chest, looking me over with approval. “I know you will, omega. And if you put on your shoes, I’ll show you something else.”

My jaw dropped. “Another surprise? I had no idea you were such a gift giver.”

Holden rolled his eyes. “Neither did I. I’ve never given much thought to it before, but I guess you just bring out that side of me.”

I smiled and then ran into his arms again. “Thank you, alpha. Let me get my shoes, and you can show me what else you have.”