Jingled

by Tana Stone

  Randi waved a hand at the white border of the red jacket. “We know you said white fur, but it seemed so dull without a little bling.”

  The red jacket and pants were edged in rows of fluffy white fur—faux, she hoped—with a line of bugle beads embellishing the fluffy cuffs. It was hard to imagine her tall, muscular mate wearing something so sparkly.

  Monti shifted and the beads knocked against each other. Or so noisy.

  “Why don’t we ask the Drexian himself?” Randi asked, looking past her toward the front door.

  Kax ducked slightly as he entered the shop and a bell trilled overhead. He caught sight of Bridget and the two alien designers, and wound his way around elaborate display tables to reach them.

  “We were just showing your mate the Santa suit,” Monti said, his smile wide as he stared up at the tall, Drexian warrior.

  Kax looked at the suit, and then peered down at Bridget with one eyebrow cocked. “This is what you wish me to wear?”

  She stood and leaned against him, enjoying the solid feel of him and the warmth emanating from his body. “Not exactly.” She dropped her voice. “This is a little more flashy than most Santas. Unless you’re a drag queen.”

  His raised eyebrow went even higher. “I may be from one of the elite houses of the Drexian empire, but I am not a queen. We do not have royalty.”

  There wasn’t time for her to explain drag queens. Bridget turned to Monti and Randi. “The suit is perfect, except we need to lose the beads.”

  Monti’s face fell. “But that’s the best part.”

  “It’s our touch of creative expression,” Randi said.

  Bridget leaned close to the two men, putting her hand up to the side of her mouth as she whispered, “I don’t think someone as straightlaced as Kax can pull it off.”

  They quickly glanced at the imposing Drexian, and away again.

  “You might be right,” Monti whispered back.

  Randi bobbed his head up and down, giving her a sympathetic look. “I see what you mean. It does take a certain panache to pull off glitz.”

  Monti patted her hand. “We’ll take them off. You two just wait right here.” And, with that, the pair bustled off to the back of the shop, dragging the bulky red-and-white suit with them.

  Kax pulled her close, wrapping his thick arms around her. “I don’t know whether I should be thanking you for saving me from that sparkly outfit, or if I should still be upset that you roped me into this in the first place.”

  Bridget pressed her palms against the hard planes of his chest, tilting her head back to look up at him. “Once they get the suit fixed, you’re going to be the sexiest Santa this side of Saturn.”

  He chuckled and ran a finger down the side of her face. “If you say so, although I cannot imagine a chubby elf with a white beard being sexy.”

  “Usually, I’d agree with you, but I don’t think there’s ever been a Santa as built as you.” She moved one hand down from his chest to his stomach, her fingers bumping across the defined ridges of his muscles through the dark fabric of his uniform. “Or one with a six pack.”

  His brow furrowed. “Are you feeling better than you were this morning?”

  She remembered the nerves she’d had when she’d woken up and realized that today was the day of the big party. Although she was used to performing on stage, party planning was something else altogether. Between Mandy’s eagerness to make the station feel like Christmas, and Serge’s general excitability, she definitely had butterflies.

  “Much better,” she assured him. As long as she steered clear of the bubbly.

  He smiled, a low growl escaping from his throat, and he glanced around the empty shop. “How long do you think it will take them to fix the suit?”

  Bridget grinned up at him, taking him by the hand and pulling him to the nearest dressing room. “Long enough, tough guy.”

  The dressing room was spacious, with a single upholstered chair and a three-sided mirror angled around the open space. Shiny hooks were bolted to the bare walls, and Bridget remembered using them to hang all the gowns she’d tried on back when she’d been planning her wedding to Kax.

  Her pulse fluttered as she reminded herself that she was actually married to the gorgeous alien, whose hands were roaming up her thighs as he pushed her up against one of the walls that didn’t have mirrors. Bridget used her foot to push the door of the dressing room shut behind them.

  “I like your dress,” he said, as he kissed her neck and ran his hands up under the short, flared skirt. His fingers found the wisp of lace that was her thong. “But I like this even more.”

  Bridget’s breath caught in her throat as his fingers skimmed underneath the strip of lace, running down the curve of her ass to the slickness between her thighs. It took only the softest touch from him to get her wet, and she felt a rush of heat between her legs as his fingers teased her.

  Lifting her face, Kax crushed his mouth to hers, his kiss hard and needy. Her moans were swallowed as his tongue delved deep, and desire arrowed through her. His touch felt hot on her flesh, and she instinctively arched into him, savoring the feel of his hardness.

  Moving with desperate quickness, she unfastened his pants and yanked them down so they pooled to the floor. He groaned, deepening his kiss as she stroked him through the tight boxer briefs that could barely contain his swollen length. Slipping her fingers beneath the fabric, she freed his cock and wrapped one hand around the shaft, her fingers not reaching all the way around.

  Pulling back, she met his molten gaze. “I need to taste you.”

  His eyes were half-lidded with desire as she led him to the chair and pushed him down, kneeling between his open knees. Bridget locked eyes with him as she took the crown of his cock in her mouth. The skin was velvety smooth, and she made a small breathy noise as she let her lips slide down and take him fully in her mouth.

  Kax clutched the arms of the chair; letting out a primal sound when she sucked hard, then took his shaft into her throat. She couldn’t take all of him. His cock was too long, and she fisted the base of it even as she felt the crown hit the back of her throat.

  Moving her mouth up and down his rock-hard length, Bridget felt the slow burn between her own thighs and the electric tingle along her skin. She felt powerful hearing his moans and feeling him arch up beneath her, desperate to have more of his cock in her hot mouth. Arousal coursed through her and liquid heat coiled in her belly as she sucked harder.

  With a single move, Kax lifted her up by the arms and brought her down on his cock, impaling her and making her throw her head back and gasp. The momentary shock as his thickness stretched her gave way to the intoxicating sensation of being filled completely. Bridget had never felt as perfectly complete as she did when her mate’s cock was lodged deep.

  Bridget met his gaze, his green eyes dark and intense, and the veins on his neck straining. Her legs straddled his thighs, and he clutched her waist to lift her up and down.

  “So tight and wet,” he said, his voice rough.

  She leaned down so that her lips buzzed against his earlobe. “So huge and hard. Just like I like it.”

  A low rumble was his only response, as he lifted her up again and spun her around so that she faced away from him. Leaning forward a bit, she arched her back as he continued to pump her up and down on his cock. The new angle sent a jolt through her body, and she felt her release growing.

  Kax slid his hands up past her waist to cup her breasts through her dress. Even through the fabric, Bridget’s nipples were puckered into hard points. The feel of his fingertips rubbing against them made her cry out, wanting more. Her breath was ragged and her heart raced, keeping pace with his frantic rhythm.

  When he thumbed her nipples hard, her body detonated, convulsing around him. She screamed as the sensations tore through her, feeling his thrusts become more urgent as he hammered hard, finally holding himself snug as he pulsed hot inside her.

  Bridget sank back against him, swiping a strand of hai
r out of her face as aftershocks made her body twitch. His chest rose and fell, his breath uneven and warm on her neck.

  Sliding his hands up to her belly, he tucked his face next to hers. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

  She twisted slightly to meet his eyes. “Tell you?”

  He rubbed one hand over the curve of her usually-flat stomach. “This is new.”

  She glanced down. He was right. She’d never had a stomach pooch before. She frowned and ran her own hand over it. She knew she hadn’t been eating more than usual. Actually, she hadn’t had much of an appetite lately. Everything she tasted had made her want to hurl. Her mouth went dry. It couldn’t be.

  She turned to face Kax completely. “I thought it was impossible for us to get pregnant.”

  “Improbable, cinnara,” he said. “Not impossible.”

  Tears stung the backs of her eyes, and she knew instantly. “We’re pregnant.”

  Kax nodded, his own eyes shining as he pulled her into him. Muffled cheers went up from outside the dressing room door.

  Bridget laughed through her tears of joy. “I guess the Santa suit is ready.”

  “Take your time, sweeties,” one of the alien designers called out. “We’re so happy for you.”

  Kax shook his head, chuckling as Bridget sat up. “This is the best Christmas present I could ever imagine.”

  “Does it make up for the suit?” she asked, motioning to the door.

  He kissed her softly, then wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye. “Definitely.” He cupped a large palm over her belly. “This—and you—make everything worth it.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Dakar leaned back to take in the towering tree twinkling with lights. “You have to admit. The humans have outdone themselves.”

  His best friend Torven grunted in response. “I still do not understand the point.”

  The promenade had started to fill with people, as cheery music was piped overhead. Instead of the usual instrumental music playing on the station that Ella had assured him was hilariously outdated, a singer was crooning about seeing mommy kissing Santa Claus. Dakar wondered if this Earth holiday was kinkier than he’d been told.

  Serge and Cerise bustled around in matching cherry-red suits as he directed Vexling waiters, while Neebix bartenders wearing lighted antler headbands passed out red and green cocktails from behind the bars. A Gatazoid with blue hair steered a hovering cart around them topped with trays of confections, the heady scent of sugar trailing after it.

  “It’s a party.” Dakar laughed, running a hand through his hair and sweeping it up in a top knot. “You know, fun. Drinking, dancing, women.”

  Torven cut his eyes to him. “I do not dance, and I already have a woman, as do you.”

  Dakar sighed. “I know that, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy ourselves with our mates.” He scanned the crowd looking for Ella, his breath hitching when he spotted her near the tree. Even though he’d already thoroughly inspected every millimeter of her body, the sight of his mate’s wild, dark curls spilling down her back never ceased to arouse him. Naked or clothed, he found her to be the sexiest female he’d ever laid eyes on.

  Torven snorted with laughter next to him. “You’ve never been good at hiding your feelings when it comes to females.”

  Dakar wrenched his gaze away from Ella. “Can you blame me, Torv? She’s perfect.”

  Torven thumped him on the back. “I’m glad to see that your infatuation hasn’t waned. You’ve finally found a female who can hold your interest and keep you in line. There was a time when I didn’t think that was possible.”

  “What can I say? I’d never been in love before I met Ella.”

  Torven grinned, clasping his hands behind his back. “I am happy for you, my friend.”

  “I’m happy for both of us,” Dakar said. “Who would have imagined things would have ended up this way, when you and I were on our way to the Boat from our Inferno Force battleship?”

  Torven glanced down at the illuminated patterns of blue light swirling on the floor. “Not me.”

  Dakar nudged him. “Speaking of our better halves, where is Trista? Down in the hangar bay?”

  Torven gave him a half grin. “Not tonight. From what I understand, the party is not optional for any of Serge’s tribute brides, but she was running late getting changed, so she sent me on ahead. She said if I watched her dress, we’d end up spending the whole night in our suite.”

  “That sounds about right.” He’d barely seen his best friend for a solid week after the wedding ceremony, and more than a few times, Torven had shown up for meetings with his clothes disheveled and his face flushed.

  “Dorn doesn’t look like he’s in the party mood, either.” Torven nodded toward their former Inferno Force commanding officer who stood looking down at his device with a scowl on his face.

  Dakar had seen the Drexian huddled in intense conversation with his brother earlier in the evening, and he hoped it was nothing serious. It hadn’t been long since they’d wrested Vox from the Kronock’s control, and he knew there would be retribution from their enemy at some point. He hoped for the humans’ sake, it wasn’t tonight.

  “Why don’t you spend time with your mate while I talk to Dorn?” Torven said.

  “You sure?” Dakar would much rather steal a few moments alone with Ella, than talk battle and military strategy with two gruff warriors, but he did not want to neglect his duty.

  Torven took a step back. “If there’s something you should know, I’ll tell you.”

  Dakar watched the massive Drexian part the crowd on his way to Dorn, before turning and heading for Ella, who stood at the base of the imposing tree with her friend True, holding a tablet with one hand and tapping the surface with the other. He had to push through groups of unmated Drexian warriors as they stood talking and looking awkwardly around, and mated Drexian-human couples in various stages of embrace. As he saw one Drexian give his bride a playful spank on the ass, Dakar wondered how many drinks the warrior had polished off.

  He came up behind Ella and slipped his arms around her. “I didn’t think work was allowed at the party.”

  She jabbed an elbow in his gut as she spun around. “What the hell—? Oh, sorry, babe. I didn’t know it was you.”

  “Who else would it be?” Dakar rubbed his ribs.

  True put a hand to her mouth, clearly to stifle a laugh. “You’re brave to sneak up on her when she’s working. She gets in an ‘Ella zone’ and forgets anyone else exists.”

  Dakar had seen her in that zone before, so he knew what the blonde was talking about.

  Ella touched a hand to his midsection, her expression apologetic. “It was instinct. Did I hurt you?”

  Even though it had hurt, Dakar shook his head. “Of course not.” He wound an arm around her and pulled her close. “Any chance you can take a break and actually enjoy the party?”

  True nodded. “That’s exactly what I was saying. Everything is perfect, so she should relax.”

  “So far,” Ella said. “I don’t know if the holographic fireworks and snow will actually work. I’ve never set up a holographic display like this outside one of the holodecks or holosuites.”

  True put a hand on her friend’s arm. “It will work. You’re a genius when it comes to holo design.”

  “I agree.” Dakar bent down, swept a mass of curls off her shoulder, and kissed the side of her neck.

  Ella managed a smile and leaned back into Dakar. “You’re both biased.”

  “Just because you created the perfect man for my holodeck simulation?” True said, twirling a strand of hair around one finger. “Yep, pretty much. If you can do that, you can do anything.”

  Ella tilted her head at True. “Perfect man?”

  “Just the people I was looking for,” Mandy said, interrupting the conversation as she hurried up with Reina in tow. “Have any of you seen Bridget?”

  Dakar tried not to gape at the tall Vexling who stood next to Man
dy. She wore a skintight, black dress and heels with straps that crisscrossed up her spindly, bare legs. Her blue shock of hair had been curled and she wore heavy rouge on her usually pale, gray cheeks.

  “I haven’t,” Ella said, also staring at the Vexling. “Wow, Reina. You look…”

  “Amazing,” True finished Ella’s sentence for her. “I love that dress.”

  Mandy had to reach up to put a hand on Reina’s shoulder. “Doesn’t she look great? She let me give her a makeover earlier.”

  Both women smiled, and Dakar managed to close his mouth.

  “I looked for Bridget at the bridal salon, but Monti and Randi insisted she wasn’t there.” Mandy nibbled her bottom lip. “I’d hoped to have Santa out already.”

  “I’m sure Kax is getting dressed,” Dakar said. He’d heard that the former member of the High Command had been sweet-talked into dressing up in a costume for the party. Ella had explained the concept of Santa to him, but he still found it bizarre. How could humans believe that story and not think there was life outside their planet? Ella had told him that it was only the children who believed, but Santa and the Tooth Fairy made him seriously question humanity. A flying creature who took teeth? It was barbaric, if you asked him.

  Reina peered easily over the women’s heads, clearly searching for someone. Dakar knew women well enough to know that the Vexling was out to entice someone. He wondered who it was.

  “If you see either of them, let me know, will you?” Mandy asked.

  “I hope you’re getting to enjoy the party,” True said. “After all the hard work you put in.”

  Mandy let out a long breath and touched her belly. “I’d enjoy it more if I could have a cocktail, but I do not trust this potent alien booze. One sip of Noovian whiskey and my baby might come out with extra limbs. You know even one drink can damage a fetus?”

  Dakar knew that Dorn’s mate worked in the sick bay, so he wasn’t surprised by her medical knowledge. He thought her assessment of the drinks—especially the ones being served at the party—was on point. He caught a glimpse of a Drexian warrior with a pale-haired human kissing him, both of her legs wrapped around his waist. Another human woman was making eyes at an unmated Drexian, her tongue licking her top lip and causing him to growl. He glanced over at the Neebix bartenders—mischievous aliens known for being handsome and horny. He’d be willing to bet all the credits he had to his name that the special holiday drinks contained Palaxian Pleasure Tonic.