Page 46 of Unwrapping Ember
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, and Santa thinks you're going to absolutely love it."
With that, I close my eyes and snuggle deeper into Koda, feeling his warmth envelop my cold skin. The crackling fire and the howling wind outside lull me into a deep, peaceful sleep. As I drift off, I can feel his steady heartbeat synchronizing with my own, and for the first time in a long while, I feel a profound sense of safety and love.
In the depths of night, I dream. Strange visions flit before my closed eyelids: swirling snowflakes morph into soft petals that kiss my cheeks, and I dance among them, weightless and free. Yet, amidst thebeauty, Koda’s voice reverberates, grounding me in this surreal world—a whisper that wraps around my heart like a silk ribbon.
A flicker of light pulls me from the edges of my dreams. The warmth next to me shifts ever so slightly, and I instinctively lean closer to Koda, seeking that comforting presence. I feel him stir, and as if sensing my movement, he tightens his hold around me, his breath brushing against my hair, sending tingles down my spine.
I open my eyes, the darkness of the cabin illuminated by the glowing embers in the fireplace. The room is quiet, except for the soft crackling of the fire and the hushed rustle of snow outside. The clock on the mantel ticks away the last moments of midnight, and with it comes the anticipation of Christmas morning. I glance at Koda, his strong profile etched in the flickering light, and my heart swells with something indescribable.
eleven
Whipped Cream & A White Christmas
Baine
Ican’t seem to shake the memory of Ember riding me in the snow the other day. It was exhilarating, fiery—everything I had imagined and more. Ever since she arrived at our doorstep, she has enveloped us in an intoxicating haze, and none of us have been able to break free from it. She belongs here with us. We all feel it.
It’s not just about what happened to her at school; a decade ago, Koda, Ev, and I would have subjected that bastard to a taste of his own bitter medicine. Yet we’re no longer the reckless souls we once were. Still, something has to be fucking done—he can’t continue to prey on women as if it’s acceptable. He needs to be taught a fucking lesson, and I’m certain that Koda and Ev share my feelings too.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I gaze out the window as the sun begins to tease the horizon. The darkness still reigns, but the snow glimmers beneath the moon’s gentle glow. My thoughts swirl around how we can address this issue and take action. I know Ember is resilient and strong, but she shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone. In the morning,I plan to speak with Koda and Ev, hoping we can devise a plan to set things right. For now, I just want to be there for Ember to show her unwavering support. Christmas is upon us, mere hours away before the house awakens with lively chatter. The imminent thought of Ember’s departure tugs at my heart; none of us want her to go.
A part of me wants for her to become a permanent member of our unconventional family, but I need to discuss it with Koda and Ev. For now, my main concern is Ember’s well-being. I can’t let her leave without knowing she’s alright, and if that means confronting the man who caused her pain, then so fucking be it. It’s the least we can do. We’ll sort it out. Together, we’ll make things right.
I hear footsteps in the hallway, and my door creaks open, drawing my gaze to Ember. She stands hesitantly at the threshold, nervously chewing her lower lip, a shadow of worry etched in her deep brown eyes.
“What’s wrong, doll?” I ask.
“I couldn’t sleep anymore. Can I come in?” She replies softly.
I step over to her, taking her hand gently. “Do you want to lie down and see if you can drift off again?”
She meets my gaze, desire flickering in her eyes, a longing that feels palpable. Without a moment’s hesitation, her lips find mine, pulling me deeper into my room. I stumble back, taken aback but not resisting. Ember’s kiss is tender and warm, stirring something within me as her hands caress my skin. We tumble onto the bed together, lost in the electric connection, the world around us fading away. Eventually, we pull apart, breathless and slightly dazed.
“I didn’t see that coming,” I say, my voice low and hoarse.
“Neither did I,” Ember admits, a shy blush rising to her cheeks. “But I’m happy it happened.”
We lay here in silence, our fingers woven together, feeling the warmth of each other. The fear that once clouded her eyes has been replaced with softness—a vulnerability that captivates me. This is the EmberI’ve always known, but now there’s an openness in her gaze that tells me she’s allowing me in like never before.
“I’m sorry for kissing you like that,” she murmurs, breaking the stillness. “I just... I needed to feel something other than fear.”
Gently, I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my heart aching for her turmoil. “You have nothing to apologize for,” I reassure her. “I’m here for you, Ember. Always.”
Ember
Typically, Christmas finds me at home with my parents, relishing every moment. However, this year is different, in ways I never expected. To be honest, I could have returned yesterday; the roads had cleared, but something deep within kept me here with my friends.
During my time with them, I’ve come to realize I’m not alone in facing my own version of hell.
Koda endures his torment, deprived of contact with his child, still paying for a crime he didn’t commit.
Baine is ensnared in a loveless existence, burdened by turmoil, hurt, and depression.
Everest continues to grapple with the heartbreaking pain of losing his child—something only those who have experienced it can truly understand.
Each day spent here eases my pain, and the fog begins to lift, bit by bit. I believe the four of us were meant to be together, bound by our mutual struggles, to help heal one another in ways no one else can.