by Lynn Crain
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Giselle’s Elf
Copyright © 2009 Lynn Crain
ISBN: 978-1-55487-344-9
Cover art by Martine Jardin
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.
Published by eXtasy Books
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Giselle’s Elf
By
Lynn Crain
Dedication
To all those who have a complicated life. Isn’t it fun? Enjoy every minute. Believe me, it’s worth every moment, good and bad!
And as always, to my children, Tom, Kyle and Kim, you all make it fun!
To Brenda, again I am ever grateful for the free quiet writing time. I have a fabulous time every Tuesday and Thursday!
And to Gordon, have I told you just how hot you are today? Love you always.
Forward
For those of you just joining my elf saga of the Locklin family, I hope you like your first look into their world. But let me forewarn you, these characters are actually minor characters, or so I thought, in the scheme of things even though they take center stage with their own story.
And the main reason they even get their own story is because of you, the readers and my fans. Once last year’s Christmas book was released, I received many emails asking about Giselle’s impending romance. Wait a minute, I thought and went back to my files to see what you all noticed. As I read through everything, I did see the beginnings of some sexual tension, which I knew would need to be resolved. Hence, this new story in the saga of Santa’s Elves about the irritating cousin who drove them all crazy. She obviously had a purpose I didn’t see then as I do now.
Also, I’d like to acknowledge the fact regarding a quote one of the characters had from Robert Burns and John Steinbeck. When Aingeal popped it out, I had to look as she’s always turning my worlds upside down with the unexpected. And at the point, the story turned a totally different way than I had ever expected. So, thanks to all the poets, authors and the characters out there, you rock our world and mine in particular.
I hope you all enjoy this story…and as always…another elf book was really fun to write.
Thanks for all your support throughout this series. Without you, it just wouldn’t be possible!
Lynn Crain
July 2009
Glossary of Terms
beloved — muileach
darling — àilleagan, cagaran
druaightagh - druid, occult, charmer, charming, magician, druidic(al)
good morning — Dia dhuit ar maìdin
heart — cridhe, criodhe, croí
hunter — sealgair, giomhanach
I cannot refuse you any more — Cha’n urrainn domh t’àideadh tuilleadh
I love you — Tha gaol agam ort.
I’m sorry — Tha mi duilich
I want you — Tha mi airson sibh
league - aonaich
loinnir — literal translation is shining glade; the area where elven magic exerts the most influence. In this area, elves are undetectable to the outside world.
love — bàidh, gaol, gràdh, liobh, seirc; báidhe
May all your days be happy ones. — A h-uile là sona dhuibh’s gun là idir dona dhuibh
mouth — beul, gionach; bél, béal
nor’ahkeem — process of bonding together lovemates for all eternity. Once the process is completed the lovers will have eyes only for each other with a love that transcends beyond forever.
of — de dhe
scathach — (Scau-ahch) The Celtic goddess of healing, magic, martial arts and of prophecy. She is also known as the Shadowy One and She Who Strikes Fear. She was a woman warrior who lived in Albion and possibly on the Isle of Skye who taught those with the need to defend themselves by using martial arts.
slànaighear — healer
The babe is mine. — An naoidhean thà e leamsa.
What do you fear? — ′De tha cur geilt ort
Prologue
Giselle stood and watched her best friend struggle to get out of her fabulous wedding dress. “Wait a minute, let me help you. You’ll want to pass this exquisite dress down to your daughter.”
“Think I’ll have a daughter?”
She looked at her friend, shocked. How could she miss something like a baby? “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Lacey frowned at her. “Of course not! I’m thinking of the future, silly.”
“Well, since that’s the case I think your chances are fifty-fifty.” She thought for a moment, then grimaced. “Maybe your chances lean a little more to boys. I’m my parent’s only child and Aunt Janice had two girls and four boys. I don’t know the family composition of Uncle Bevan’s clan except to know he wasn’t an only child and twins run in the family. Unusual for elves, I hear.”
“Do you need to analyze everything?” Lacey gazed at her. “When are you going to quit giving out more information on the elves than you need to? I didn’t ask you for a run down. Just your opinion. A simple yes or no would have sufficed.”
“Lacey, I was filling you in with what I knew about this family and babies. It wasn’t like I gave you state secrets or something. You just became family and have a right to know.” She turned away ready to burst into tears. In a matter of moments, she felt Lacey’s hand on her back.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by my comment. I know you need to be more careful now. The stakes are higher, especially in light of what happened today. Can you imagine the people who would want to get hold of one of us because we possess a family member who can teleport?”
She nodded, not trusting her voice.
“Look, I didn’t mean to come down on you so hard. You’re the only one who has really suffered any ill effects from what seems to be happening. Besides, if it weren’t for you, I’d still be in Boston.” Lacey rubbed her back in comfort. “I want us all to be safe. You included.”
“Safe from what?” Ronan questioned, his voice sliding down all Giselle’s nerves and making her tingle despite her emotional outburst.
Giselle’s rapid blinking made the tears come faster, necessitating her to wipe the tears away. “Nothing. I guess I should see if we’re needed here and if not, we should probably go home.” She exited the room in a hurry. She didn’t want anyone’s pity or comments at the moment, not her best friend’s and definitely not Ronan’s.
She walked to the far edge of the lounge, sat in a wide, comfy chair and looked out the window to the white landscape. The beauty of the north was different from any other place in the world. Its stark landscape made a person wonder what it had been like during one of the ice ages. The North Pole loinnir was huge when she thought about it. Each home site had trees and flowers in the spring, even though the world outside of Santa’s influence remained white and half-frozen in some places. Those who had a yearning for seasons got their wish within the sphere. Although
she had never said anything, Giselle knew Santa had changed everything about the area for her Aunt Janice.
Oh, to have someone love me that much.
She shook her head to get rid of the macabre thoughts. Never in her life had she felt sorry for herself. But in many ways the attack had taken away much of the confidence she had when facing the outside world. True, she was a rich, spoiled, little girl on some level, but her life was so—complicated—and in ways most people never dreamed about. Leaning back, she tried to move her mind to more pleasant thoughts. Loud voices behind hindered her progress. She turned to look at her cousins.
“What is going on?” she asked. Tension strained her voice due to the pounding in her head. “I’m trying to gather my thoughts and looking for a little quiet retrospective.”
“As if that should be so much of a hardship,” Maddox stated sourly. “But if you must know, we’re talking about Merna and the man who took her.”
Giselle rose slowly and went to stand by them, wondering if there were any news. “What about Merna?”
“Well, we don’t have a clue where they are, which has us very anxious.”
She looked at Ardan. Frustration etched his face. They were close in age, but had little in common. Matter-of-fact, she doubted the man had said a hundred words to her in her whole life until Angie came into the picture. “I can understand your unease.”
“Unease is an understatement. Mother is absolutely terrified what that man might do to her,” Aingeal stated as she walked up. “I think her biggest concern is Merna has taken them to some remote location where they won’t even have food.”
Giselle smiled, remembering how the girl mooned over some remote tropical isle or mountain place where people couldn’t be found easily. “I can see it happening. Merna always talked about a tropical paradise or a mountain dream. But can’t you—”
“There’s no way to track her,” Maddox interjected in a brusque manner. “Don’t you think we would, if there was?” Her youngest cousin glared at her.
“How rude.” Giselle didn’t understand everyone’s sudden animosity toward her. “I know your mother taught you better. I just think—”
This time Aingeal cut her off in a curt tone. “He’s right, Giselle, there is no way to track them.”
She threw her arms wide and growled. “If you all would let me finish, I’ll tell you what I’m thinking.” Giselle waited until she had the attention of all the cousins present. “Maybe you all don’t know this, but—” She stopped herself and groaned. If she told them what she had overheard years ago, her aunt would skin her. “Maybe your mother should be here.”
“She’s here,” Aunt Janice stated and moved to stand next to her children. “I don’t know what you can say that I haven’t thought of.”
“All right.” Giselle grimaced. “I overheard you once stating the kids were all tagged when they were younger. Santa wanted to be able to keep tabs on them for a variety of reasons. You were talking to my parents about us not following the rules or some such nonsense.”
“You and your cousins wellbeing is never nonsense.” Aunt Janice stood there, frowning, then recognition spread across her face. “You were standing outside of the door.” Janice scowled at her.
“Not intentionally.” Giselle felt like a little girl under scrutiny for doing something she shouldn’t and wanted to wring her hands.
“You were always doing things you weren’t supposed to be doing, young lady. You never knew when to quit.”
Her Aunt’s unending glower made Giselle more uncomfortable. She swallowed hard. “I don’t think that will be a problem anymore, do you?”
“I guess it won’t. But I don’t see how a conversation from long ago has any relevance to what’s happened here today. The circumstances were different.”
“Maybe I heard wrong, but can’t Santa send an item to a person he’s tracking without knowing where they are?” At her Aunt’s puzzled expression, she continued, “I mean from what I remember, Santa doesn’t know where they are exactly. But he can get a thought or even a note to them to tell them to come home. Right?”
“I think I see where she’s going with this, Mother.”
Aingeal’s curious glance told Giselle she may be on the correct path with her thoughts.
“I still don’t understand.” Janice appeared confused.
Aingeal touched her mother’s arm. “You told me a few years ago Santa had used a simple tracking spell to keep an eye on us. It couldn’t tell you where we were, but instead allowed a thought to be sent to where we were. That way you wouldn’t intrude on our privacy, but let us all know when we weren’t doing what you thought we should be doing. Like getting in by curfew.”
Comprehension dawned on Janice’s face. She gave everyone a wide smile. “I’d forgotten all about the spell or even telling you, Aingeal. And the rest of you weren’t ever supposed to know.”
Giselle grinned. “Doesn’t that mean you could send supplies to wherever they are?”
“Maybe.” Janice tapped her chin. “I don’t know since most of the items were things like Get Home NOW notes.” Janice turned to her oldest daughter. “Do you think we can do some reverse engineering on it? I mean, I can’t work spells or anything.”
Aingeal shook her head. “Probably not. Santa’s magic isn’t like ours. He is like a combination of all human elements, elves and every other magical creature out there. I think the reason has to do with the sleigh. You know his magical basket never gets empty since it’s constantly resupplied. He must have tagged us in a similar way.”
“Your resolution has some problems, but is definitely showing promise.” She turned to her niece and reached up to cup her face in both hands. “For once, your snooping might bring us some help. I’ll go talk to Santa. Why don’t you all come with me, then we’ll all get the answer at the same time?”
The little group followed her aunt with Giselle tagging at the rear. Maybe her life wasn’t as hopeless as it seemed. For once, she had helped an elf with no magic of her own, but with her wits and sharp mind.
Chapter 1
Giselle plopped down on the couch. It had been a long trip, but the wedding was absolutely everything she’d ever hoped for Lacey. Frowning, she wondered to herself where Ronan had gone. She hadn’t seen him since the sleigh had touched down at her father’s estate outside of Boston. Then again, he could be standing right next to her and she’d never know it. The damn man could become invisible.
Then there was the long, lonely taxi ride to her apartment when she needed a companion, even one as elusive as an elf who didn’t want to be with her.
“Look, if you’re in my apartment, you need to let me know. I hate it when you’re slinking around. I’m not sure what is scarier, knowing people may be out to kidnap me or you watching my every move.” She sat there looking around, not expecting a response, and nearly jumped out of her skin when Ronan appeared right next to the couch.
“You don’t need to yell. That might make someone suspicious. I was right next to you the whole time.”
She leveled her gaze at him. “Couldn’t prove it by me. You need to come up with some way to let me know you’re here, otherwise this whole protection gig isn’t going to work out. A touch to let me know you’re here would be wonderful.”
“Why? You don’t need to see me to know I’m protecting you.”
The man stood there, looking like a god of old. His hair, dark, wavy and streaked with white, almost touched his shoulders, and his face, a mask seemingly chiseled in stone with its angled features and lips. He hadn’t shaved in a few days and his cheeks were covered in a dark scruff. She adored scruffy and wondered how it would fee against her skin. His blue-eyed gaze was cold in its assessment of any given situation, this being no different. While his demeanor was all business, his body should have been put on the top ten list of most sinful indulgences. Her gaze lingered on the hard muscled planes etched by his dark t-shirt and jeans. The man definitely flipped her switches.
What was she thinking? He seemed like Ardan in many ways and it made her angry. Ronan didn’t seem to like people much, but there were attributes about them which compelled him to protect them. According to him, she was the first human he had ever been sent to protect and she needed to find out his reasons. Everyone had reasons. She didn’t need a handsome sexy elf around her if the only reason he protected her was because he was told to do so and wanted nothing from her.
“Why are you here? You’ve never said.” She leaned back into the soft cushions of the couch. The shocked look on his face said it all, but his mask slammed down, making her wonder if she had seen an expression.
“Do I have to have a reason?” He stood next to the couch, his hands casually folded in front of him.
She looked up and scowled. “Yes. I don’t want you here because it’s your duty. And for heaven’s sake, sit down. You’re giving me a cramp in my neck.”
“What else is there except duty?”
Her frown deepened and she leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees. “Are you kidding? You’re only here because it’s your duty? No one does what you are doing without expecting something. So what do you want, Ronan? What’s in this for you?” She sat straight and looked up at him again.
He gazed at her for what seemed like forever. “You’re right. I would like you to see the errors of your ways and learn to keep your mouth shut. Isn’t that enough?”
He turned to go, this time affording her the pleasure of seeing his backside. Heavens! I’ll need to take a cold shower. “Look, I might have been a little more forthcoming than I should be. I never thought—”
He cut her off. “That’s the problem, Giselle, you don’t think. You figure everyone will clean up the mess when you’re done.”
Indignant, she glared, her chest heaving with bent up frustration. “And I suppose you’re such an expert on me? According to you, you’d never seen me before in your life until you showed up in my alley!”
Ronan Munro faced and stared at the blonde. She was light to his dark. She was his antithesis, everything he wanted in a woman, but couldn’t possess. Or so he thought. From the moment he had stepped into that alley, he had been on a roller coaster ride, both physically and mentally. It was more than his old body could bear. And he was old by human standards, almost middle aged by elven.