I sat on the couch where Max indicated, not sure what to think when a package wrapped in candy cane paper was placed on my lap. Even though I’d gotten Max a present, I hadn’t expected anything in return. He hadn’t even been sure I’d show up.
“Max, you didn’t need to get me anything,” I said as I touched the bright red bow. It had been a long time since anyone had gotten me a Christmas present.
“I wanted to. If you hadn’t shown up, I would have brought it over later. When I saw it in the store, I just… well… I couldn’t resist.”
Curious, I pulled at the paper until a shirt box was revealed. A black T-shirt sat inside. As I pulled it out, the picture on the shirt came into view and had me laughing. A very grumpy looking elf was featured with the words “Have a Grumpy Christmas” screen-printed in red and green letters.
“Are you trying to tell me something, Max?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. I think you need to smile more. Rumor has it you used to be married and your omega died. I don’t know the whole story. Don’t feel like you have to talk about it, but I’m a good listener if things ever feel, I don’t know, too much.”
“I appreciate it, Max. I’m not sure if I’m ready to talk about it yet. Soon, but not today.”
“Fair enough,” Max said. Then he dropped another present on my lap.
“What’s this?” I looked at the small package. It looked suspiciously like a CD case.
“Open it.”
The ripped paper revealed a music CD whose cover claimed it was Big Band Christmas music. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. Max paid attention to things I didn’t think he noticed. Like the type of music I listened to. He was to adorable for words sometimes.
“If you don’t like it, you can exchange it. I have a gift receipt.” Max’s words trailed off as he looked at his lap, looking for all the world like he’d done something wrong. It wasn’t a look I liked seeing on him.
“No. I like it just fine. I can’t believe you figured out my music preferences. It’s perfect.” I looked at the back of the CD, noting the names of the songs and the performers. “It has some of my favorites on here. The Glenn Miller Band. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. It’s perfect, Max.”
“I wasn’t sure if you’d have it already. I wanted to pick the same style of music without getting anything I’d already heard you listening to. I might have also snooped through your CD collection,” the omega said, looking relieved.
“Open your gift, Max. Please.”
Smiling, the young man pulled the gift I’d brought from under the tree. I couldn’t help but laugh as the young man ripped open the present. The smile on his face turned to one of wonder as he opened the box. He rubbed a finger almost reverently over the wood before taking out each of the rectangular slabs of wood he found inside. There were six in all.
“Oh, Pierce. How did you even know? These are fantastic.”
The happy look on Max’s face was worth the time I’d spent scouring the internet looking for the perfect gift. “Some of the cookies you gave me had been stamped with a design. I recognized the technique because my great-omegin used to have some cookie stamps. I remember using them as a child when we’d make cookies together. I figured anyone who used a cookie stamp would like cookie molds. I found this craftsman online who hand carves all his cookie molds so each design is slightly different. Do you like them?”
“Like them? I love them. I can’t wait to try them out. Later though. I think I have enough cookies in the house to feed the whole neighborhood right now.” He looked up at me, his smile shining bright. “It’s the best present ever. Thank you.”
I liked seeing the omega so happy. His happiness filled a space inside me that had been empty for too long. When he moved to sit next to me, I couldn’t resist tipping his chin up, covering his lips with mine.
Max sighed, sinking into the kiss. His lips parted, inviting me in before I’d even asked. He tasted of cinnamon, sweet and sexy, when I dipped inside to explore what he offered.
My cock hardened in my pants as the scent of something else hit my nose. Max was coming into heat. It was faint, but unmistakable. Breaking off the kiss, I rested my forehead against his, my ragged breathing mixing with his gasping breaths.
“Max, you’re going into heat.”
“No, can’t be. I’m on suppressors. I felt kind of hot and clammy the other day and figured it was almost time. I started suppressors that day.”
“I don’t think the pills are working. I can smell you. It’s getting stronger the longer we sit here.”
Max tilted his head, leaning in to move his mouth against mine. The touch a whisper as he spoke against my mouth. “Don’t care. Make love to me, Pierce. Please.”
“Are you sure? If the suppressors aren’t working, you could get pregnant. Please be sure, Max.”
“I’m sure I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone else before, Pierce. Please, don’t make me beg.”
“Never, omega mine. Never.”
Pulling Max close to me, I grazed my lips along the scruff of his jaw. “Bedroom. Now.”
With a smile, the omega stood, pulling me with him as we headed down the hall toward the bedrooms. He pulled his shirt off as he walked toward the bed. I followed him, my own shirt hitting the floor as I watched the omega standing before me.
Max was smaller than me, shorter, skinnier. Yet, his muscles were well defined, not limp. He took care of himself, but wasn’t overly muscular. He was
