Billionaire Alpha's 99 Deadly Games

Chapter 136

"Merry Christmas," Kyle said, plopping down next to me.

I smiled at my big brother. "Merry Christmas."

"Crazy year, right?"

"Definitely. I mean, who would have thought this time last year that you would even be thinking about kids, let alone have one on the way, Daddy," I teased.

He looked at his mate and the love apparent on his face was fascinating. A year ago I hadn't known Kyle was even thinking about a mate, let alone had found her and kept it to himself for two years.

"How'd you do it?" I asked him.

"Do what?"

"Keep it from her. How did you live over two years of your life seeing your mate every day and not act on it? Not show even a hint of recognition?"

He frowned at my question. "It was a sacrifice I had to make, and in hindsight, knowing what I do now, I'd never have waited to talk to her, E."

I felt like he was trying to

onvey to me more than his words, but I didn't want the truth of them to resonate with me. I wanted his secret on how to deal, so that when the inevitable time came, I could

Patrick with as much indifference as he had shown all

of myself. I didn't want to be mean about it. But I was too scared to risk a life with him knowing I could lose him to something as stupid as the challenges. I knew my heart

lifted some as we sat around opening presents. I got a beautiful blue cashmere sweater, two new books I'd been wanting, a couple of gift cards, a planner for the coming year, and various other odds and ends. My favorite was a diamond heart necklace. It was stunning, but simple enough to wear every day. I adored

would think our pack would go all out for Christmas, but it

64.6%

Christmas was a more low-key, individual family affair. It was intimate and I loved it. It was a time to

so happy to have you here

my sweet sister-in-law. She may have been strong and powerful, and could kick my behind anytime she wanted, but I loved her and sometimes you just

hits me over the oddest things. I mean that was understandable, but sometimes it's like out of left field

various stories of when she

doesn't have anyone here in San Marco. Can I invite him to family dinner tonight? I just hate knowing he's

way and he stared at

I mouthed to

back, shaking his head,

was no way he could possibly know Patrick was my one true mate. I was just being paranoid. And when Mom

cause enough to get me out of dinner. At that

to you for a minute?" I

"Yeah sure, what's up?"

we

we made our way to