If I had known “decoration duty” meant physically fighting a box of ornaments while being supervised by the grumpiest Beta in existence, I would have stayed in bed and pretended to be sick. Or dead. Either option felt reasonable.
The packhouse common room was already overflowing with pine branches, fake snow, glittery bows, and holiday music that sounded like it wanted to claw my ears out. Wolves ran around preparing for the festival, all smiles and energy and joy.
Joy. Gross.
Jonah spotted me the second I walked in. His face lit up like I was the answer to his prayers, which should have been my warning.
“Ayla! Perfect timing.”
“Oh no,” I said immediately. “Absolutely not. Whatever this is, no.”
He shoved a huge box of ornaments into my arms. “Great, thanks! All yours.”
“Jonah, I sw
