Jingle Bats: A PAHL Christmas Special by Athena Steller

Author:Athena Steller [Steller, Athena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: NA
Published: 2025-12-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Aries

“Mama!” Aries raced to the front door before his mama had gotten all the way inside.

“Baby!” She dropped her bag to open her arms for him.

He threw himself into her arms. It had been forever since he’d seen his parents. Okay, maybe not that long. They’d come to check on him after the injury. But it was still longer than he had ever been away from her. Even in college, she would drive up for all their games since they’d only been a few hours away.

“My turn!” Nix bitched from behind him. “Move, brat.”

His mama released Aries and pushed him toward his stepfather before she pulled Nix close. That was fine. He didn’t need all his mama’s attention. Aries moved to hug his father.

His dad did give the best hugs.

Aries buried his face in his father’s shoulder. Now all of his family was there, so it could be the perfect Christmas. He pulled back to grin up at his dad. “Glad you finally arrived.”

His father nodded. “Your mom was determined. You know we would never miss a holiday with our boys if we can help it.”

He bounced. “Did she bring them?”

“Of course she did. White suitcase,” his father replied.

Aries turned and nearly ran into Nix. “She brought them!”

Nix rolled his eyes. “Did you think she wouldn’t?”

Aries scowled at his brother as Nix went to hug their father.

“Where’s Gem?” their mama demanded.

“Right here.” Gem walked down the staircase toward them. “I just thought I’d let Aries and Nix fight over who got to hug you first. I didn’t want to get trampled.”

Ignoring the teasing, Aries dropped to his knees in front of the white suitcase his father had wheeled in.

“What are you doing?” Vin asked, leaning over him.

His mama had Evan wrapped up in a tight hug. At least he was properly distracted.

“Did you hug my mama?” Aries asked.

“What are you up to?” Vin demanded. “And yes, I greeted both of your parents.”

Dang! Aries was hoping to pull out the surprise without Vin noticing. “Nothing,” Aries lied. He laid his hand over the zipper of the suitcase.

Vin narrowed his eyes. “I think you can wait a few minutes to see what your mom brought you.”

But it wasn’t for him! No, this surprise was for Vin and Evan. His parents’ way of welcoming them to the family. “But—”

“I’ll take your bags upstairs,” Gem offered. “Let Nix show you the house.”

“It’s so gorgeous,” his mama said. “I would love a tour. And did you do the decorating, Nix? Excellent job, son.”

Nix began talking to his mom about all the decorating he’d done, including how tricky it had been to get all the boxes delivered in time. Still kneeling, Aries peered up at Vin, hoping his Daddy would follow along with his mama.

His mama spotted him and smiled. “Ah, thank you, Aries. You can carry that one wherever the tree is.”

“There are trees everywhere,” Gem stated with a snort as he started to carry their parents’ suitcases up the stairs.

“The main tree,” Nix drawled, while walking arm is arm with their mom.

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