Mated to the Alpha and His Beta

Chapter 269

Lanie

“Hearing Zane sing “Hard Candy Christmas” was one thing,” I said around another flurry of laughter at the memory. Once Mason’s argument with Asher had dissipated, Quinn’s party had ended up being really fun. “But when Mason and Xander dueted with ‘Greased Lightning Gabriela, I swear to the Moon, I almost peed my pants.

“Hey,” Mason said mildly, “Your rendition of “Baby Got Back was truly inspired, Lanie.”

“No Eddie Grayfur classics? Gabriela chuckled softly and set the match to one of the candles on the

mantelpiece.

She’d had a fire going for us when we got home, and now she was adding the candles. She shook her head at her enormous son, bent over and shaking with laughter on the couch.

“You and your human music. Xander always did like to listen to it.” She put the matchbox on the mantel and her hands on her hips. “All four of you smell like a brewery. Do I need to bring you some coffee?”

“We’re all good, Ma. Thanks for watching the kids.” Xander straightened with a grin.

“Yes,” | echoed. “I didn’t realize how much I really needed to just do something…normal.”

Zane said, but his voice was rich with

and I had a good time here with the pups. They did wear me out, though I’m off to bed. Unless you need me for something? Should I wear earplugs to bed in case you all decide to start singing again?”

feet up on the coffee table and let my bod sink into the couch next to Xander. It wasn’t big enough for all four of us, really, but we managed to squeeze by me ending

had happened when Zane stepped in, but I knew we’d all been thinking about it. It

to me, but

me off his lap so he could poke the

us were taken care of. That we had what we

I

in this family, and I was so grateful

nothing else for so long the cr ackles and pops of the fire began to sound like a song. Finally, he finished,

between them, I could feel their awkwardness.

1/2

had to be said.

Zane

was obvious Mason wasn’t going to say anything. I leaned forward with my elbows on my knees and tried to choose my words carefully. The heat from the fire flared as Xander poked it again. “I apologize if it

were good. I needed that. Needed you,” Mason added casually, like