Hi there, so it is still Christmas Day for me even if it might not be for everyone. This is the last chapter. I hope you'll enjoy it.

Zed was more than happy to finally come to a stop in front of his childhood house. Addison had curled up against her door and had shied away from his touch. He had wanted to break something but instead he'd tightly gripped the steering wheel and stared ahead. She had asked him to get her home and he would, but he knew that one look at her would break his resolve and he would stop in his tracks. He kept his eyes glued to the road; Addison's sobs overwhelmingly loud in the otherwise silent car.

Zed put the car in park, turned it off and finally allowed himself to look at his mate. Addison was shattered, there was no doubt about it. Sighing, Zed got out of the car and walked to the passenger's side. Addison sniffled; her sobs replaced by quiet hiccups as she followed Zed with her eyes. When he moved to open her door, she scooted back to avoid falling.

Zed bent at the knees, lowering his tall frame until he was at eye-level with Addison. With slow and tender motions, he dried her cheeks with his thumbs and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Relief flooded through the zombie when she leaned in his touch.

"I'm going to pick you up, okay?" Zed warned her.
"I can walk," Addison croaked.
"Don't worry about it."

For a second, he thought she might argue, but she took a deep breathe before visibly deflating. Zed reached for Addison, hoisting her up in a bridal carry. Part of her thought it was ridiculous, but she was too exhausted to care. She curled against his chest, one arm sneaking around his neck to steady herself. Zed's hold on her was strong and unmoving, barely shifting her as he closed the car door with his foot.

Zed got them inside, silently closing the door behind them to avoid calling attention to their arrival. There was no accounting for his dad's hearing.

"You're home early, everything…"

Zevon trailed off when he looked up from his book. Addison hid her face in Zed's shoulder in shame, blinking rapidly to keep the tears at bay. Zevon sighed. Things clearly hadn't gone the way they'd been hoping. He watched as his only son climbed the stairs with his mate in his arms, cradling her tenderly. How could Addison's family stand in the way of her happiness?

AZAZAZAZ

Zoey was playing calmly in her bed when she heard the front door. She perked up instantly, jumping off the bed and making a dash for her door. It was only when she reached it that she realized something was wrong. Not only was it too early, she couldn't hear her brother's boisterous voice nor Addison's musical giggle. Zoey cracked her door opened and risked a glance. Zed was holding onto Addison like both their lives were depending on it. Zoey might be young, but she's not stupid. She silently backed away and sat on her bed. Life was unfair and she was helpless. She brought her legs to her chest, letting her forehead drop on her knees. Zoey sniffled, wiping at her traitorous eyes. Zed and Addison had more than enough to deal with; there was no need to add her big emotions to the mix. She breathed in deeply. Her eyes fell to her side, brightening unpredictably.

AZAZAZAZ

Zed tenderly placed Addison on the bed. She sat there, staring at the wall yet not seeing anything. He knelt at her feet, unlacing one boot at a time to take them off. Once they were out of the way, he ran his fingers through Addison's beautiful white hair. His hand settled to the back of her head, and he brought their foreheads together. The movement seemed to snap her out of it. With a sharp intake of breath, she started blinking, trying to push back another round of tears.

"Hey, there," Zed whispered. "Let's get you out of this dress and into something more comfortable, alright?"

Addison nodded silently, not trusting her voice quite yet. Zed helped her to her feet before carefully unzipping her dress. Addison shrugged it off and let it pool at her feet. She looked down at herself and sniffled. She had dressed to impress having every intention of celebrating with Zed that night, both Christmas as well as their mating, She sure didn't feel like celebrating anything now. She knew her mom was set in her ways, but she'd never imagined it would be that bad. A light touch on her shoulders startled her. She shook her head to help her focus.

Zed.

His furrowed brow let her know just how worried he was behind his smile. With another sniffle, she wrapped her hand behind his neck, bringing his forehead to hers once more. Breathing in deeply, she let her body relax. Her family might suck but she still had him. If she had to do it all over again, she still wouldn't change a thing. Zed was more important. If he was by her side, she could overcome anything.

She shivered, suddenly reminded that she was standing in her underwear. Zed cursed under his breath, reaching in his closet for a shirt. She accepted it gratefully. Addison briefly entertained the idea to look through her suitcases for sleep pants, but she was frankly exhausted, and she had left them in her car. After assuring her he wouldn't be long, Zed left her to get comfy. She was glad for the chance to be alone, removing her runny makeup. The sight of her puffy face in the mirror almost caused the tears to run down her cheeks again. She took yet another deep breath to compose herself. She had slipped into bed, ready for the day to finally end when a timid knock came at the door.

"Come in?"

Zoey's head popped through the half-open door.

"Addie?"

The girl in question straightened up, forcing a smile.

"Hey Zoey! Looking for your brother?"
"No… I…"

The little girl groaned, letting out an exasperated sigh at her own awkwardness and walked into the room. She was clutching a heap of fabric to her chest.

"I brought you something."
"Oh yeah?"

Zoey hurried to her side, holding out her bunched up treasure. Addison unfolded it to reveal a large quilt. It was old, that much was clear by how thin the fabric was in certain spots, but it was also well-loved. Addison ran a hand over the festive patterns with reverence, her touch featherlight. There was no doubt in Addison's mind that it had been quilted by hand.

"Mom made it when she was pregnant with Zed."
"Zoey…" Addison's heart throbbed.
"I thought it might help to cheer you up?"
"I… Zoey!"
"Christmas was her favourite holiday, you know?"
"Zed mentioned that."
"He says she used to say that Christmas was made for us because red and green are our colours. I was too little when she died to remember her."

Affection and sorrow hit Addison like a giant wave. She moved to the side and patted the spot next to her. Zoey didn't need any more encouragement. She climbed in bed and scooted closer to Addison. Smiling at the little girl, she spread the quilt over both of them. Zoey called her name in question. Addison hummed and brushed green bangs away from her warm brown eyes.

"I'm sorry your family was mean."
"It's okay, Zoey. My dad is on my side so I have to hope that my mom will come around eventually."
"I'm sorry you're alone for Christmas."
"Oh, Zoey!" Addison wrapped an arm around the child to hug her. "I'm not alone. I've got Zed and you… and your dad."
"Yes! And we're great at Christmas."

Addison's laugh bubbled out of her. The buzzing feeling of stress finally receded, allowing her to finally breathe freely. She wasn't alone for Christmas; she'd never be alone anymore. Zed would be by her side from now on.

AZAZAZAZ

Zed climbed the stairs with Addison's suitcases. He'd stopped on his way out to tell his dad how bad things had actually gone. Zevon had huffed in disdain at Missy's behaviour, assuring Zed that Addison was more than welcome to stay with them until the end of break and even for the summer if it came down to it.

More than ever, Zed was grateful for having such an understanding father. While Addison was still grieving the loss of her family's support, he knew that she'd soon worry about her living situation – and that she had assumed Zevon would be fine with her moving in with them. They would still need to figure out what they'd do once they were back on campus, but that could wait.

Before going back to his own room, Zed poked his head through Zoey's door, intending to let her know he'd be ready for their story soon. He frowned at the empty space. Maybe she was in the bathroom? He'd come back in a while. He stepped inside his own room only for his heart to melt at the sight. Zoey and Addison were snuggling in his bed, whispering quietly and both smiling softly. His sister looked younger than her years and Zed let himself imagine his future. Images of a child much younger with bright green hair but Addison's blue eyes, of a sleeping baby with snow-white hair, these images ran freely through his mind. They'd spend Christmas Eve together, reading the same stories Zed's mom had read to him… It would be perfect. He didn't dwell on it, however tempting that might have been. Instead, he grabbed the old leatherbound book from his bookshelf. Right now was just as important as the future.

AZAZAZAZ

Christmas morning arrived like it always did, silently creeping through the night until each household woke up. There was something quite magical about Christmas morning, it wasn't the coldness in the air, or even the presents under the Christmas tree; no, the most magical part of Christmas morning could be found in children – big and small, the younger ones and the ones that aren't technically children anymore – children waking up on Christmas Day with a twinkle in their eyes and a gleeful energy that could only mean that Christmas had came once more.

Zoey Necrodopolis woke up in her bed like she always did. She didn't startle awake like she did younger, but also didn't awoke languidly. One moment she was asleep and the next she wasn't anymore. All she knew was that it was Christmas. You could never be too old for Christmas. She jumped out of bed, her feet catching in her blankets. She knew Zed must have tucked her in the night before. She'd fallen asleep snuggled between Addison and him and she'd gotten too big for her dad to put her to bed. Good thing her big brother was a strong football player.

Zoey skipped down the hall, bursting with excitement. Her first stop was her dad, shaking him until he was awake enough to shoo her away to take care of the lovebirds. She didn't hesitate for a second before pushing the door open and jumping on the bed. Addison and Zed both startled awake and had widely different reactions. She started laughing while he groaned and moaned. Used to her brother's antics, Zoey kept pulling on his side of the blankets until he let out a playful roar and mercilessly attacked her with tickles.

It wasn't until Zevon yelled that coffee was ready that Zed deigned let his sister leave. She ran back out of the room in a fit of puffs and giggles. He snorted with disbelief before turning to Addison. Her hair was mussed from the night, her cheeks pink from her laughter and she was even more striking than the night before.

"Merry Christmas, Addie. You look delicious… I mean gorgeous."
"You big flirt!" Addison shook her head fondly. "Merry Christmas, mate."

Zed let out a low-growl, feeling himself stirring in his sleep pants. He captured Addison's lips with a burning kiss. She melted into it with a sultry moan. Zed moved his hand down the column of her neck, caressing her side until he reached the hem of the shirt she'd borrowed. He pushed past it, brushing up her thighs and revelling in the creamy skin he knew was covered in his love bites. His fingers were almost there, he could feel the heat radiating from her core, making him drool with anticipation when Addison pushed him away. He pulled back immediately and searched her face for answers. Had he done something wrong?

"Sorry, big guy. As much as I would love to, your family is waiting for us downstairs."
"They can wait," Zed whined.
"Do you really want Zoey to come back and walk in on us?"

Zed shuddered at the thought; it the effect of a hundred cold showers. It was Addison's turn to snort. She got up, opening the closest suitcase and pulling out a pair of leggings.

"That's what I thought. Come on!"

With yet another groan, Zed pulled himself off the bed. Grabbing Addison at the waist, he pulled her closer.

"Rain check?"
"I'm counting on it. You didn't even get to unwrap me last night," she teased him with a smirk.

Zed leaned down to kiss her again, just as passionate as before.

"Yuk!"

Both Addison's and Zed's head swivelled to the door. Zoey was standing there, wrinkling her nose.

"It's time for gifts, not kissing!"

AZAZAZAZ

Zevon heard the disgust sound from his youngest all the way to the living room, but there was no scrambling noise or screams of horror. When the trio came down the stairs, his children were bickering playfully about the importance of Christmas over kissing while Addison watched over them with a roll of her eyes or two. Nothing indecent then. Probably not thanks to his son if the guilty looks he kept sending his way. Zevon really loved that girl.

They settled around the living room, Zoey pouting but allowing Zed and Addison to sit together on the loveseat if they promised to keep the kissing down. Christmas at the Necrodopolis' house was very different than Christmas at the Wells' house. Addison's many Christmases had nearly always been a calm and ceremonious affair. She vaguely remembered tearing through wrapping paper when she was very little, but she'd learned early on to carefully unwrap gifts. The whole thing was very Seabrook-perfect. The Necrodopolis didn't work light that. One by one, the gifts were opened. Each one punctuated with laughter and retelling of memories, jolliness crackling in the air. When Zed handed Zoey a familiar box from both of them, Addison felt her breath catch in her throat. She'd forgotten all about it, but now it seemed crucial that Zoey love her present.

She had nothing to fear as the little girl threw her arms around Addison when she saw it. Addison returned the hug with relief, holding her close. She couldn't believe how fast she'd gotten attached to Zoey. When they finally let go of each other, Addison fastened the charm bracelet to her wrist, promising her that they'd fill the bracelet as she would grow up. After thanking both of them profusely, Zoey grabbed a box from under the tree.

"It's for both of you. From me and dad. But I chose it."

Frowning, Zed turned to look at his father.

"I thought we'd have to wait another year," Zevon admitted, "but turns out your sister was right."

Once the paper was gone, Zed passed the box over for Addison to open. Her hands were shaking as she pulled out the colourful ornament. It was the one she'd studied at the market. Merry & Mated, our first Christmas as mates. It was beautiful. She turned to look at Zed, only to find him just as awestruck as she was.

"Fine." Zoey said, interrupting her musings.
"What?"
"You can kiss. But just one!"

Addison smiled and curled a hand around Zed's neck, bringing him close to press a chaste kiss on his lips. He grinned goofily as she pulled back, lovingly tucking a lock of white hair behind her ear. It pained him pull away to grab a small box from under the tree.

"It's for you."
"I thought we said no gifts, Zed."
"You got me that scarf, didn't you?"
"Zed!"
"It's too late, better take it."

Addison glared at him, but she carefully placed the ornament back in its box before she took the offered gift. Under the festive paper, the gift was tiny, jewellery box tiny… Addison kept a neutral face, but inside her heart was racing. It couldn't be, right? It was too soon. Opening the case, she was flooded with a strange combination of happiness, relief, and disappointment. It wasn't a ring. The content of the box was just as thoughtful as Zed, only not a milestone event. Nested on a satiny pillow was a little charm. A little silver brain.

"I was going to give it to you before things got… real." He paused, letting her know he meant it differently for her than the rest of his family. "I wanted you to have a piece of me even if…"

Zed didn't finish his sentence, but she understood it perfectly. Even if they never got together… Unable to find the right words, Addison leaned in to kiss him again. Her zombie.

AZAZAZAZ

By mid-afternoon, the Necrodopolis house had calmed down. Eliza had shown up around lunch to exchange gifts with Bonzo in tow. Addison decided right then and there that she liked Bonzo. He and Bree would probably get along just right. Speaking of her best friend, she had video called at some point to ask how things had gone. Bree had gotten a retelling of the disastrous night and was now on a war path. For now, Addison just enjoyed cuddling on the couch with Zed while he watched football and Zoey played with her new toys.

When the doorbell rang, Addison waved everyone off to go answer herself. She was more than surprised to see her father standing there. She invited him in, an uneasy feeling settling in her stomach. Her mother had not turned him against Zed and her, had she? Noticing Dale behind Addison, Zed jumped to his feet to greet the man. Hugs and Christmas wished were exchanged before Dale turned to Zevon.

"You must be Zed's father."
"Oh yes. Zevon. Addison's father, I suppose."
"Dale." He extended his hand to shake his. "I was sorry to learn that my wife paid you a visit a few days ago." Everyone stood in an awkward silent but Dale kept going. "Anyways, while I did have a gift to drop off, I also wanted to introduce myself. I wasn't the best at first, but Zed makes Addison happy and I couldn't ask for anything more. You can be proud of your son."

Zevon grabbed the other man into a bear hug, Dale chuckling warmly. After a quick introduction to Zoey, Addison's father turned his attention back to his daughter.

"I thought this might be too much for a Christmas gift, but considering what happened in the last few days, I believe this might be the perfect present for the two of you. It's also a mating present," he explained as he handed Addison an envelope.

Zed and Addison both frowned but he motioned for them to open the present. Addison pulled out perfectly folded papers. Her face went blank and she passed them to Zed. As he read through them, his expression dropped in awe, looking back from his mate to her father.

"Seriously?"
"Yes, Zed. Completely."

Addison teared up, wrapping her arms around her father, and feeling all of 6 years old.

"What is it?" Zoey piped up.

Still holding the papers, Zed ran a hand through his hair, messing it all up.

"An apartment. He got us an apartment."

Dale went on to explain that he had owned the apartment since his own college days. He hadn't wanted Addison to move in alone in the city and had been wondering for weeks what to do since the tenants had moved out earlier this fall. The apartment was for them to keep, rent or sell, but he had thought they might enjoy having their own space for now. Dale had been thanked profusely and invited to stay for hot chocolate, if not dinner.

Addison looked at her father talking to Zevon, both of them bonding over the football game, at Zoey and Zed playing together on the floor and decided that it was the best Christmas she had ever had. Sure, it stung that her mother wasn't there, but she was happy. She had good people in her life. She had Zed. Who knew being late that fateful Tuesday morning would change her life for the better?

From the floor, Zed looked back at Addison. His mate. She was perfect, yet so much more than he could have ever imagined when he first fell for her in freshman year. She was his mate. She loved him and his zombie. He couldn't believe he was actually mated.

And if he'd asked his father for his mother's engagement ring, well… who knew what was yet to come?

I hate endings which is probably why this took me so long to write. I got most of it done in the last 48 hours and while I tried to edit, it's probably far from perfect. It did seem right for me to post it on Christmas though.

Thank you so much for everyone who has read this story. Even more thanks to those that left me favourites and reviews. You have no idea how much it meant to me.

This story is over, but I'll still be working on Not Your Usual Omega (the next chapter is actually almost done) so come and check it out.

Merry Christmas folks!