by E Hall
In the kitchen, everyone asks about my new “toy.” When I spot Avril, seated alone on the far end of the table, I sit down.
“Congrats on the new wheels.”
Knowing she isn’t above giving her car a nickname, I ask, “The real question is what do I name it?”
We go back and forth and a few others, including Corbin, chime in.
“So far the top suggestions have been, Nora, Warrior Princess, Puddles, Thor, G.I. Jane, and the Gray Ghost.” I shake my head. “None of them feel quite right.”
“What was the name of the ghost that lived at Lonsdale?” Avril asks, having heard the recap of his heroism, going to the otherside to find my dad.
“Alister?” It’s like a lightbulb goes off in my mind. “Yeah, I think he’d like that. The Jeep is utilitarian, but classy in its own way.”
“Only if you keep it polished,” Corbin says.
“Don’t worry. I will. Alister the Gray Ghost. I like it.”
The next few days mark Christmas Countdown gifts nine through six. Corbin gifts me with a bookshelf stocked with some of my favorite novels from back home and a few new ones too. He consulted my mom since I wasn’t able to take any of them when I left New Hampshire.
On day eight, I get a jigsaw puzzle of a cheery Christmas scene with a note that says, Assemble at your leisure, no saving the world required. XO Corbin Claus
On day seven, I get seven different bags of coffee beans from around the world. Corbin knows I need my magic juice, wolf or not.
On day six, my present isn’t presented until I tuck into bed. Corbin sits in the chair opposite me. That will change after our wedding night. The guy must be wrecked with exhaustion. He jokes, only to me, that our love fuels him.
As I say goodnight, he covers me with the softest, fluffiest, snuggliest blanket ever. It’s like fur and kind of smells like him.
“I know you get cold. This is for nights when I’m on patrol.”
“Are you scheduled for tonight?”
He nods. “I’m afraid so, but it’ll be nice to run under the stars.”
“Be careful,” I say.
“There’s nothing to worry about now.” He kisses my forehead.
I reach out, giving him a big hug and an even bigger kiss. I don’t let go. I want to believe him, but it’s hard not to worry about Melchior out there, stalking the woods.
I don’t sleep much, thinking about that, Christmas, and the wedding. I pull out my diary and jot down a few more ideas for decorations and details I don’t want to forget.
The next morning, my mom drops by Headquarters. Her arms are full of bags like she just went shopping. A few of the wolves give her suspicious looks, likely at her vampireness—it’s taking everyone a bit to adjust to life sans the curse that kept everyone divided.
She waves her hand dismissively. “Mother of the bride, coming through.”
I laugh. “Mother of the Alpha might work better around here.”
She sets the bags on the table in the kitchen. “I’ve been shopping.”
“I can see that.” I eye the bags from familiar stores back in the States that we’d only ever set foot in, but never purchased items from. There are also a few boutique shops that I haven’t heard of.
“I know Corbin takes good care of you, but you were cold the other day. I want to make sure you have plenty to wear.”
“You are such a mom.”
“And a very wealthy woman who had to pretend to be poor for years so we didn’t draw any attention. It wasn’t like I could stride onto Fifth Avenue with you on my hip, drop ten grand, and go unnoticed.”
My jaw lowers. “Did you do that?”
“I was accustomed to that kind of lifestyle. I tried it once and thought a vamp had spotted me. It was too close. I feared we’d been found. Turned out to be a member of the Brooklyn Vampire Club. Years later, we crossed paths again—Ivan, I think you’ve met him.”
I nod. “Scary dude.”
“Yes, but he’s also very charitable and understanding. He hooked me up with the job in New Hampshire.”
“So we were rich all that time? I’m sorry I came along and ruined things.”
“You did no such thing. You made life perfect.”
“Tell that to all the fae, humans, and other magicals who suffered because of me.” I fiddle with a loose thread on my shirt.
“Kenna, they suffered because of Melchior. Now, get your head out of the mud and bring these bags to your room. We have to review some wedding details.”
Alpha or not, I obey because she’s my mom and I get her some tea. We sit at the table, discussing seating arrangements (being mindful of how inter-magical mingling is new), the flowers (the wolf sense of smell is sensitive), and the all-important gown (there are so many to choose from).
“Corbin gave me a dress when we were in Las Vegas. I should probably wear that.”
We go to my room and I show her.
“It’s lovely. What if we have the skirt altered? I know a witch who’s a wicked seamstress. She can sew a full skirt. Then, when you want to dance or whatever, it can revert to this original version. What do you think?”
I sling my arms around her. “Mom, I don’t know what I’d do without you. I think you missed your calling as a wedding planner.”
“Well, I planned the former Queen of Concordia’s nuptials.”
“Wow. We have a lot to catch up on. First, we have to figure out how we’re going to get the scepter back.”
“No, we have to plan your wedding and your honeymoon,” she singsongs.
“Corbin hasn’t even gotten me a new engagement ring.”
“Oh, you’ll get it,” she says knowingly.
However, it doesn’t come on Christmas countdown day five, which I figured would be the day to get the ring because of the chorus to the carol Twelve days of Christmas with its five golden rings! Instead, I get a new diary, which I am excited about because the one I have is almost full.
On day four, I get a basket filled with candy, popcorn for popping, and “tickets” so Corbin and I can have our very own movie night in. This one must have been an impromptu gift because I was just commenting on how I miss going to the movies—the closest theater is in Intherness.
I walk into one of the lounges and everyone goes quiet, including Avril, Heather, Harper, and Hannah. I notice, it’s all girls—the betas too. My cheeks heat. I worry they’re talking about me behind my back—mean girls all over again.
“We heard about the latest round of gifts, Avril says.
“He’s spoiling you.” Camilla lifts and lowers her eyebrows.
“Rotten,” Inga adds as friendly as ever.
“And I’m not complaining.”
Then, the team tackles me with tickles.
“And you better not complain when you find out what we have in store for you for the bachelorette party,” Heather says.
“When is it?” I gasp for air, writhing under their fingers.
“Christmas Eve-Eve,” Avril says.
“So three more days?”
“Yep. But first, we have the winter solstice celebration tonight,” Harper says.
I remember Corbin inviting Clove. I hope he comes, and I hope my wolves behave themselves because if they don’t stop tickling me, I’m going to go all Alpha on them.
Chapter 12
Corbin
The days are sliding by so fast, I can hardly keep up. I asked Kenna to keep the Christmas countdown gift giving quiet, but the entire pack knows about the romantic presents. She seems to love them all, and I’m especially excited about tomorrow’s gift, but first, we have the annual winter solstice bonfire.
The clearing is dark as the entire pack walks along the trail. They’re at mine and Kenna’s backs in descending order, holding lit candles. Clove and Pepper bring up the rear as honored guests.
I thought the pack might be wary, but the story of Pepper’s dragon and bravery spread fast. Along with breaking Melchior’s Accords spell curse, the cu
rse of forgetting lifted, but it’s taking time for everyone to adjust.
The night is dark, the moon waxing. The stack of logs and scrap wood in the clearing is a massive silhouette that only the eyes of a wolf can see.
I catch Kenna’s expression in the candlelight. She looks serene and peaceful. Her beauty is so complete my words to begin the solstice celebration catch in my throat. She is the one for me. There is no doubt. But I feel the pull of her fae and fears she does too.
Everyone gathers around in a wide circle with flickering candles, waiting for me to begin.
In a loud voice, I say, “The last time we were down here the former fae king challenged my mate and me to an Alpha Call-Out. There was bloodshed, fighting, and fear. I smell it lingering now and hope that the light of the longest night of the year can burn it away. I ask you to welcome the return of the light, including friendships, kindness, and understanding.”
The pack cheers and lift their candles.
“We are also celebrating the breaking of the curse and a birthday. Kenna’s brother, Clove, recently came of age. He’s a hybrid like your Alpha, and tonight, we want to wish him many years of peace as part fae and part wolf.”
Again, the pack hoots and whistles.
Kenna’s shoulders lower with relief. I suppose she wasn’t sure if they’d accept him.
Clove stands beside her. His shoulders aren’t square with strength and pride like a member of the wolf pack. Rather, he’s tall, lanky, and stands casually, at ease like the fae. Yet, power simmers below the surface. I hope that when we find the scepter and the dragon guardian uses it to restore peace, he’ll never have to use his magic for defense again. None of us will.
Each member of the pack steps forward, closing in around the stack of wood. As one, we extend our candles, lighting the fire.
It instantly bursts into flame. Fire scratches the sky. Logs pop, sending sparks in every direction. Warmth radiates from the blaze.
Music comes on. Food appears on buffet tables. Chatter brings life to the clearing. This time, I let out a long breath, feeling relieved. This is how it should be.
Kenna comes up to me. “I’m proud to be part of this pack and call you my Alpha. What you said was powerful, special.”
I lace my fingers through hers. “It’s nice not having to watch over our backs.”
Baker appears with a plate heaped with loaded potato skins, sausage, and salad. “How’d the meeting with Clint and Brucker go?”
I eye his plate.
He pokes the salad with his fork. “Hungry?”
“I’ve never seen you eat something green.”
Camilla pops over. “He needs to eat his veggies.”
“Okay, Mom.” Baker sniffs.
She tugs on his arm. “And Corbin probably doesn’t want to talk pack business right now.”
I shake my head. “True, but I’ve settled everything with the officials. They’re relieved that there haven’t been any more deaths. Without giving details, I assured them that we resolved the problem.”
“Has it? We haven’t captured Melchior,” Kenna says.
“Do we need to?” Camilla asks. “We broke the curse.”
“He could make another curse,” Kenna says.
“Should we go to the den and have a meeting or can we enjoy the solstice?” I ask, sharper than I mean to.
My betas edge back.
“We don’t have to talk about it right now, but we need to discuss it,” Kenna says just as sharply.
Her Alpha meets my Alpha.
Baker crunches on the salad.
Kenna’s gaze flits to her brother and Pepper. They’re standing off to the side, alone and slightly awkward. Not with each other, but surrounded by a bunch of wolf shifters. We’re in physical form, but all the same it must be odd for them.
“I say we bring out dessert soon.” Kenna hardly touched her sausage.
“That’s my girl. Now, you’re making sense,” I say.
She stalks off toward Pepper and Clove.
A short time later, members of the pack appear with trays lined with oversized cupcakes. They’re topped with a tall swirl of vanilla frosting, covered with golden sprinkles, and a star cookie on the top.
Kenna carries a tray with eighteen of the treats lit with eighteen candles. She sings happy birthday and everyone joins in.
Clove is red-faced, but he could easily blame it on the proximity of the bonfire. They both have always wanted a family and to belong somewhere. As tough as it was in the beginning, I’m glad to help bring them together.
Her brother bends over and blows out all eighteen flames. They instantly come back on. Kenna must’ve gotten trick candles. The third time it happens, I notice Pepper subtly blowing a stream of fire to relight them.
Kenna catches her, and everyone laughs.
We carry on well into the night, singing, dancing, and eating. Eventually, the pack goes for a run. Kenna stays back with Clove and Pepper.
It’s not the same in the wilds without her, but soon we’ll marry and have more time together.
The next day, I make plans for just the two of us. In the afternoon, I present her with Christmas countdown gift number three.
Kenna opens the box and pulls out a brand new pair of ice skates. “These are awesome. Is the lake frozen yet?” she asks.
“Not quite, but I figured we could go into Intherness.”
She lights up. “I remember you telling me about the canals there that freeze and are strung with lights at night.”
“And the best part, the chocolate cake and cocoa you can have served with caramel, marshmallow cream, or double chocolate.”
“Oh, babe, you had me at chocolate,” she says.
She throws her arms around me in a hug, sparking something in my chest
We get in her Jeep and drive south to Concordia’s capital. The recent snowfall iced the evergreen trees and filled the fields we pass.
On the ride there, I have to repeatedly change the conversation from Melchior and the scepter to Christmas, our wedding. When neither of those does the trick, I turn the Christmas carols up loud. Yes, out of character for me, but we don’t need to worry about that loser fae anymore. He lost his throne. He learned his lesson.
When we get to Intherness, the city center bustles with holiday visitors and shoppers. The last time Kenna and I were here together, I almost killed her. So did her brother, a vamp, and what turned out to be a member of my pack, Amanda.
I push those thoughts out of my mind as we enjoy the booths with food, crafts, and games at the Christmas Market.
We near the entrance to the ice skating area. Christmas lights, wreaths, and ribbons decorate the fence.
“This is amazing. So festive.” Kenna bounces on her toes as we wait in line. “There’s just one problem, I’m not very good at skating.”
“I bet you’re mistaken. You’re a wolf now.”
“Are they Olympic skaters?”
“Some have been. But we’re agile, nimble, and athletic.”
“I was always good at softball. But winter sports and I didn’t ever really see eye to eye.”
“We have ball games in the spring. I’ll make sure you’re on a team. But if you and winter aren’t the best of friends, Hawaii is probably sounding good right now. But wait and see. You might surprise yourself out there on the ice.”
After I buy tickets, I take Kenna’s hand. We walk down a lantern-lit path to an area with an arrangement of wooden benches. The hot chocolate shack has a long line, but I know where to get even better cocoa later.
We lace up. I help Kenna to her feet. She wobbles, getting used to balancing on the blades.
I give her a few pointers. We step onto the ice. Soon, she glides smoothly. I take the opportunity to let loose. Being around so many humans causes my wolf to get restless. I have to diffuse the energy. I kiss her on the lips, and then rush forward, pumping my legs and feeling the wind on my cheeks. Moving in a circle, I grab Kenna’s hands. We spin in loops th
en move to the ice-covered trails that leave the city-center and thread through the nearby woods. The frozen surface below us sparkles and the lights around us twinkle. Kenna keeps up with me.
“I think you’ve got the hang of it,” I say as we fly across the ice.
With her, no matter what we’re doing, running as wolves, skating, or snuggled up watching a movie, my heart thunders. We glide together, moving away from all the troubles that colored the beginning of our relationship.
Her eyes fill with wonder as she looks from the canopy of trees above to the lights to me. Her smile warms my heart—it could probably melt the ice too.
Eventually, we loop back to the entrance. I circle my arms around her from behind and kiss her cheek.
She giggles. “Your lips are freezing.”
“I know just what I need to warm them up.”
“That hot chocolate you’ve been teasing me with?”
“I was thinking of something else, but we can have that first.”
Back at the Christmas Market, Kenna and I order cups of hot cocoa that overflow with fixings—she gets everything from whipped cream to chocolate shavings to caramel sauce. I stick with the traditional marshmallows.
We walk around and pick up a few gifts for Christmas.
Strolling hand in hand, Kenna says, “This is nice. Another first for me.” She confesses that she rarely dated and never really had a boyfriend. “You’re making up for Christmas gifts that I didn’t get from cute guys. Without me knowing, my mom probably scared them away. But I always knew someone was out there for me.”
“Hold up. Are you saying I’m a cute guy?”
“Oh, you’re more than cute.”
“Go on...”
“You’re handsome, hot, my hero, and when you’re a wolf, very hairy.”
I toss my head back with laughter. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
We pass colorful light displays, decorated trees, and carolers.
My wolf feels at peace.
“Hey, let’s head over there where it’s quieter. Or we could head back,” she suggests as though the singing and music irritates her.