by Breezy Jones
I wondered why that was, but I also couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to fight Ryker.
He wrapped his arms tighter around me and it felt so natural—so right. A low growl came from deep in his chest, but it wasn’t a warning.
It was a need.
My own inner wolf practically purred as I snuggled against him. I felt at home for the first time in forever. The realization shocked me, and I moved out of his embrace.
I couldn’t want him, I reminded myself, and looked away. I didn’t want him to see the vulnerability in my eyes. With everything that had happened, I’d almost let myself forget that being with Ryker would jeopardize his pack. That I wasn’t a pack princess.
Ryker tensed beside me, and I knew he’d noticed my distance—and my reason for it.
“Right,” he said, pulling himself free from the chair. “You should get some rest.”
I looked up at him, searching his face for some sign that he’d changed his mind about us—about his future—but he’d steeled his features into a stern mask. The hurt hit me sharp in the chest, and I opened my mouth then shut it again. I couldn’t allow myself to get close to him, and the harsh reality stung like a hard slap. Even if every fiber of my being was screaming out my desire for him.
Chapter Seventeen
The next day, I laid in bed reading through a romance book I’d snagged from my house the last time I was there. The cloud-covered sky matched my mood. Through the windows, I noticed the snow billowing. The cold gray light couldn’t penetrate my gloominess nor the howling wind.
I sighed, closing the book. My mind was so consumed that escaping into the world of fiction wasn’t an option. My thoughts were filled with Lindsey. No matter how much I racked my brain I couldn’t figure out what might have happened to her. So far, every team Ryker sent out to search for her returned empty-handed.
Tossing the book aside, I got up and went in search of coffee.
When I neared the kitchen, I noticed the light was already on. I turned the corner and found Lexi standing with her back to me, stirring something into a cup.
“Hey,” I said, walking over to her.
“Hey there,” Lexi said, turning around with two coffee mugs. She must have heard me on the steps.
I smiled. “Coffee? You read my mind.”
She quirked a brow and her lips mischievously as she handed me the cup. “Actually, it’s better than that.”
“Hot chocolate!” I inhaled the scent of fresh cocoa and grinned like a little kid. “When did you get here?”
“About an hour ago. I wanted to see you.” She cheesed. “Besides, hot cocoa is the best part of winter.” Lexi walked out of the kitchen.
I agreed and followed close behind. I took a tentative sip as I sat next to the crackling fire crackling. The hot drink felt wonderful warming my hands.
“Mmm…” I sighed. “I haven’t had hot chocolate since I was a young girl.”
“When I was little, I would sneak down the stairs to the delicious smell of cookies and hot cocoa. We’d sit by the fire and Ryker would read ‘A Christmas Story’ to me. I guess our mom used to do that for him as a kid. So, Ryker continued the tradition with me.” Lexi seemed lost in the memory.
Her words created a pleasant picture in my mind. Suddenly, I wanted to know more about her family. “You never talk about your mom. Does she live here in town?”
Lexi searched my face her brows knit together. “No. She died when I was a baby. I don’t really remember her. When I was little, Ryker would tell me stories...”
My eyebrows pulled down with sympathy as I watched her. “I’m sorry.”
Shrugging, Lexi said, “Don’t be. I have good memories of her thanks to Ryker.”
I twisted my lips to the side thoughtfully and took a sip of my cocoa.
“What about you?”
“Holidays weren’t a big deal growing up,” I admitted.
“Your mom didn’t celebrate?” she asked.
I frowned, chewing the inside of my cheek as I stared into the fire.
“No. She was always too caught up in her own relationships to worry much about her kid.” My gaze stayed on the intricately dancing flames. “Lindsey always tried to make them the best though. She loved Christmas and felt it was her mission to make me love it too.” The memory made my lips turn up at the sides briefly, but it quickly faded thanks to the ache deep in my gut.
How had Lindsey spent the last couple of Christmases? Had she been alone? I at least had Joe…
“I’m sorry. I guess can understand why the holidays would be hard for you,” Lexi said.
I tipped a curl back behind my ear, turning to gaze at her.
Her eyes shone in the fire, the light making them sparkle. “Ryker always made the holidays special for me despite our dad. Our father was a bit of a hard ass when it came to holidays.” Lexi’s voice lowered. “He didn’t think they were important with vampires running around.”
“Ryker did a good job then,” I said with a little laugh.
Lexi echoed my laughter, glancing back at the flames. “Yeah, I love Christmas.”
I gave her a toothy grin and looked down at the steaming liquid in my cup. “Lindsey was the same way.”
“Lindsey’s the vampire you saw?” Lexi said.
I looked up sharply with my brows knitting together. “How did you—”
“Ryker told me,” she admitted. “You two were like best friends, right?”
“Yeah,” I paused for a moment, thinking about the things that had bothered me since I saw Lindsey. “I keep trying to figure out what must have happened for her to become a vampire.” I pursed my lips together before taking another sip of cocoa. “She was as close to a sister as I’ve ever had.”
What had happened to her?
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—” Lexi started.
I shook off her apology. “It’s nothing, I just miss her…” I paused. “You remind me of her, actually.”
Lexi giggled. “Ryker will help you figure it all out,” she said, her expression suddenly serious.
I peeked at her beneath my lashes, hoping she was right.
Lexi smiled warmly, gazing into the flames. “Speaking of, he should be back in soon.”
I quirked a brow. “Where is he?” I asked.
Her lips widened. “He’s outside chopping some wood for the fire.”
“Ah,” I said, bobbing my head up and down and wrapping my hands around the heated mug.
We sat together in silence for a few moments. Both basking in the glowing of the fire.
As if our words had called him, the door opened and Ryker strode in hauling a pile of freshly cut logs in his arms. I sat up in my chair as Lexi’s face transformed into a wide grin. The sight of his muscles straining beneath the thin sweater he wore was almost enough to make me forget I couldn’t be with him. Or at the very least not care and kiss him, anyway.
“Hey, girls,” Ryker said as he laid the wood on the stone hearth and straightened just as someone pounded on the door.
Ryker walked over and opened it. Pops and Mason came in followed by two others from the pack. They were with us on Thanksgiving night.
“What’s up,” Ryker said as they filed into the room.
“Eric and Seth relieved us from watch,” Mason said.
Ryker grunted. “Anything new?”
Pops and Mason eyed each other.
“Not much,” Pops said, shrugging. “Still no sign of Santa, but there’s been a number of shifters—both wolf and reindeer—going in and out of the factory.”
“The ones that were kidnapped are still in some sort of trance,” Mason added.
Pops inclined his head before continuing, “We’ve also spotted some vampires.”
“Vampires?” Ryker asked, running a hand through his hair.
&n
bsp; At their words, I briefly thought of Lindsey but shook the thought from my mind. When I’d seen her on the full moon, she didn’t seem to be under a spell at all. Other than the fangs, she didn’t even look like a vampire. Her eyes were blue—not red—and she’d recognized me. She’d even tried to warn me. According to Ryker, vampires didn’t see past the blood lust so how was it that she did?
Mason shifted his weight. “Yeah, they seem controlled just like the shifters.”
“Describe their actions?” Ryker asked.
One of the other men, his brows drawn together, spoke up. “Their eyes were glazed over while their movements were either forced or too still—not natural. And they didn’t seem to recognize anything.”
“And they’re still standing guard it seems,” said the fourth man.
Ryker tilted his head and rubbed his chin.
“What are they guarding?” I asked, and everyone turned to me.
Mason shifted into a cowboy pose, his stance wide with thumbs tucked in his belt loops. “They seem to be protecting the warehouse. There must be something valuable inside to warrant all the security, but we don’t know what. There’s too many for us to sneak past right now.”
“You think they’d attack if approached like they did the other night?” I asked, setting my mug on the end table beside me.
Mason and Pops nodded in unison.
“We’ve tried getting close one at a time, when the security changes shifts, but they attack us every time,” Pops said.
“We need to find out who’s controlling them and how,” Ryker said.
Pops raised his hands in agreement. “Eric and Seth are on watch now, and that’s what they’re looking for.”
“There’s something else,” Mason said, drawing his lips into a thin line. “There were other shifters there—werewolves.” Ryker narrowed his eyes and Mason continued, “They smelled like whoever was in Nina’s house.”
My heart pounded. If that was true, somehow all of this really was connected to me. “Any idea who they were?”
“No. The scent isn’t recognizable. They’re different from other wolves. They’re supernatural but not like any we’ve ever run across,” Pops’ said. “They don’t appear to be controlled like the others who’ve been captured. I’d say they’re the ones in charge of the controlled ones.”
Ryker rolled his shoulders, squaring his jaw.
I looked away, searching the room as if it held the answers. “How do we know they’re not controlled, or are these new wolves behind this then?”
Pops shrugged. “We can’t be sure, but first observation makes it seem like they’re taking orders from someone else. But like I said, we haven’t found out who’s responsible.” Scrubbing a hand over his face, he continued, “We’ve overheard a few of their commands to the controlled. They mentioned someone called Master, but we haven’t heard any specific names. The movements of these new wolves aren’t forced like the rest. They appear alert, aware, and definitely in control of themselves.”
Ryker sucked in a deep breath. “All right, you all should head home. Get some rest. I’m sure it’s been a long morning for you. Lexi’s staying the night here.” He paused and glanced out the window. “So, you don’t have to guard her, Mason.”
Mason and Pops both raised their heads, then turned to the other two.
“Jason and Kane, you did good tonight. Head on home,” Pops said, clapping one of them on the shoulder.
They dipped their heads and moved toward the door.
Pops waved goodbye and headed out the door as well. Mason mimicked Pops’ gesture and followed in his wake.
Ryker rubbed his neck. His brows bent and I wanted to reach out to him—to help somehow. Instead, I wrapped my arms around myself to keep from touching him.
My mind reeled from Pops’ news. Everything was connected just like Eric had said. Whoever was looking for me was taking shifters and turning them into mindless zombies. But what did they want with me?
Lexi sucked in a deep breath. “Well…” she sighed, grabbing for my empty mug. “I think we need more hot chocolate.”
I gave a tight smile as she bounced into the kitchen. Ryker turned back to the fire. The silence stretched between us as my thoughts drifted back to who would be after me. Was it really such a big deal that I was the first female? That just didn’t seem like a good enough reason for kidnapping other people simply to get to me.
“I can’t believe Eric was right, and this is because of me,” I said. Frustration and irritation mixing in my lowered voice.
“It’s going to be okay. Maybe it is all connected, but I don’t have any doubt we’ll figure out who’s behind all this and stop them.” Ryker said, his eyes hard and sure as he stared at me.
I chewed my lower lip. “No, we need to do something else—something more.”
“We’ll figure this out, little wolf.” Ryker came over to me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and glanced out the window.
The sun had set outside making the room glow in the reddish flames of the fireplace highlighting the subtle tones in his hair. His golden eyes were like molten lava that I was more than eager to dive into.
Lexi returned with a tray and three hot cups topped with marshmallows.
“So, what are we going to do?” she asked as she set it on the coffee table.
“You aren’t going to do anything, little sister,” Ryker said with a hard glare.
She put her hands on her hips and poked out her lips.
I shrugged and said, “Maybe we should go to Joe? He might know something.”
Ryker turned his hard glare on me and huffed. “No, I don’t want to involve him more than he already has been. Wolves don’t ask for or need help from Winter Fae.”
“Well, we need to do something,” I said as Lexi plopped down on the couch with a fresh mug in her hands.
“We’re doing everything we can. I have men watching the warehouse.” Ryker said, without turning away from the fire.
I exhaled loudly, taking a mug and curling up in the recliner. “What about the council?”
“What about them?” Ryker asked, throwing a glance over his shoulder.
“Can’t they help?” I asked.
Ryker’s shoulders bent forward. “The council hates Christmas, remember? We don’t want to bring this to their attention and have them order us to stay out of it.”
“Well dammit, there has to be some other option. What if we used me as bait? I could lure out—”
“Hell, no!” Ryker said, his eyes dark. “That’s out of the question.”
A knock on the front door jolted me, and my argument died on my tongue.
“I’ll get it,” Lexi said quickly.
“No!” Ryker’s sharp answer stopped her in her tracks.
Ryker’s body stiffened as he peered at the door. He growled—this time it was a warning. I sat up straighter in my chair placing my mug on the table while Lexi’s gaze bounced between Ryker and me. When the pounding became urgent, Ryker finally stalked toward the door.
Ryker threw open the door. His body blocked my view from our guest, but a familiar scent wafted through the room.
“This had better be important,” he snarled.
I heard the soft answer of a female, and then Ryker huffed.
“Come in,” he said and moved out of the doorframe to allow access. “What is it?”
“We need your help,” a feminine voice pleaded as two girls hurried inside.
I recognized Vixen instantly. After all, you never forget your first reindeer shifter. The second girl I knew also by her pale blonde hair and lavender eyes—Ava.
Ryker shut the door behind them and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
Ava glowered, and she said, “They have Jack now and Santa’s sons—all three of them. Did you know that?”
“Jack?” I asked. “Like Jack Frost? Joe’s cousin?”
“Yes, and my sister,” the blonde said with a nod.
Ryker sighed, rubbing his eyes. “Ava, I’ve already agreed to look into all this.”
“And are you?” Vixen asked as she wrung her hands.
“Yes. In the meantime, I told you to get into hiding,” Ryker barked, making Lexi and I both jump.
“We’re doing our best, but we won’t abandon our own kind as they continue to go missing,” Vixen said. It was clear by her tone she expected Ryker to do nothing.
Ryker widened his stance as if bracing for an argument. “We know where they’re at, but we don’t know who or what is controlling them.”
“Well, let’s go down there and figure it out,” Vixen said, moving toward the door.
Ryker took one large step and blocked her.
“As you can imagine, there’s a lot on my plate right now,” he said. “And I’m not interested in adding your death to the list of problems. We’ll go in when we know what we’re dealing with, not before.”
Ava perched her hands on her hips and glared back at him. “More people are disappearing every day that you spend waiting for information.”
“We can’t just rush in without knowing who we’re up against,” Ryker said, shifting his weight to his other foot.
I frowned, racking my brain for something more we could do, something we hadn’t thought of yet. Beside me, Lexi’s brow creased, and her eyes bulged like a frightened puppy.
Ava threw her arms up. “Damn wolves! You’re all so damned stubborn. Look, you know as well as I do that with Jack gone there’s almost no hope of stopping whoever this is.”
Ryker thought about her words for a moment. “I don’t know about that, but we have intel that it might be your Saint Nick who’s behind it. So, excuse me for being cautious.”
“What?” Vixen and Ava exclaimed in unison.
“That makes absolutely no sense. He would never,” Ava said her voice, rising an octave.
Ryker sighed. “That’s why we need more information. If it is Santa, we don’t have the magic to stand up against him.”
Ava gazed at the door as if she was peering through it. “Even more of a reason you need Jack,” she told him finally.