“No one does. Except for your brothers.” Which was exactly how he wanted it.
“And Ivy.”
“No, Ivy doesn’t know. I told her I had other money. I don’t want her worrying about me. She’s got Charlie and Hank to take care of. She doesn’t need the burden of her brother.”
“I doubt Ivy would think of you as a burden.”
“No, probably not. But this is my business, and I’d like to keep it that way.”
She nodded. “I understand. Completely. I’m the daughter of an alpha, and sister to two sons of an alpha. I get all that macho nonsense.”
He frowned. He’d just laid his soul out and she was calling it nonsense? “It’s not nonsense. It’s a man wanting to take care of things his own way.”
She popped her hip out. “Even if taking care of things his own way means ignoring the woman right in front of him?”
Sam stared at her. How was she not getting it? “I cannot be the man you need.”
“How do you know what kind of man I need? Isn’t that my decision?” She rolled her eyes. “Let me tell you something. Men of the alpha werewolf variety would do themselves a huge favor by getting out of their own way.”
“I’m not in my own way.”
She laughed. “Oh, Sam. So pretty and so dumb. Fortunately for you, that’s a combination I can work with.”
She walked toward him, eyes sparking gold.
The walk-in seemed surprisingly warm all of a sudden. He backed up into the shelves with no further room for retreat. He understood the look in her eyes, but she wasn’t going to sway him with her ridiculous curves and soft mouth and beautiful smile.
Okay, that was a total lie. “Bridget, you don’t understand.”
“No, you’re the one who doesn’t understand.” She kept coming until her body met his.
“What are you doing?”
She slipped her hands underneath his coat and snaked her arms around his torso. “I’m cold, and you’re going to warm me up while we finish this conversation.”
He didn’t want to smile, but he couldn’t stop himself. “You say that like it’s an order, but I already offered twice so clearly I’m happy to do it.”
She tipped her head back. “It is an order. So you have to follow it. Plus, technically, I outrank you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. The feel of her body against his almost dropped him to his knees. “How do you figure that?”
“My father’s pack was bigger than your father’s pack, I’m higher up in the birth order than you, and I’m older than you.”
“The age thing again? You’re only older by three years.”
“So you see my point. I’m in charge of this situation now.”
“I don’t think—”
She pressed her index finger over his lips. “Shh. You just listen. First of all, it completely sucks that you’re paying the price for your father’s crimes, but there’s not much any of us can do about that but move on. Secondly, I don’t need gifts or trips or fancy dinners. You know what I like?”
He shook his head carefully so as not to dislodge her finger.
“I like evenings in. I don’t get many because I work so much, but a night on the couch with a takeout pizza and a movie? Heaven. That only thing that could make that better would be you on the couch next to me. Possibly with your shirt off. Or pants. I’m not picky.”
“I’m exceptional at evenings in. With or without clothes.” He grinned as new ideas rose in his head and fresh heat filled his body.
She patted his chest with her other hand. “That’s the kind of positivity I like. And as far as your current situation goes, I could always use more security at Howler’s. If you want to pick up a few shifts on the nights you’re not on at the firehouse, I’d be grateful to have the help.” She took her finger away. “You interested?”
“Is this a pity job?”
“No way. I’m an awful boss. You’ll see.”
He laughed. “Is that why Lenny quit?”
“Very funny. Do you accept?”
He nodded. If this was her way of helping him out, it was sweet and he needed the money too much to be prideful about it. Not to mention he’d have done it for free just to be around her.
“Good.” Her fingers traced designs on his chest. “I will have to check what the handbook says about employee fraternization.”
“So we’re fraternizing now?”
She nodded and wiggled her finger back and forth between the two of them at chest level. “This? Us? It’s happening. We are officially a thing, and I don’t give a flying fox who knows.”
“And when one of your brothers tells you that you can do better?”
“They won’t. They know better. And I promise you if I’m happy, they’ll be happy.”
“I better keep you happy then.”
She smiled. “Yes, you’d better.”
“That sounds like an order.”
“Well, I am your boss now, seeing as how you just agreed to work for me, so you really have to do what I say.”
“Is that so?”
She nodded. “You don’t want to get fired on your first day, do you?”
He shook his head, doing his best to look serious. “Absolutely not. That would look awful on my résumé.”
“Exactly. So when I tell you to do something, do it.”
“Yes, boss.”
She leaned back, eyes bright with wicked intent. “Kiss me again.”
Chapter 5
“What the—” Julian gasped as he opened the walk-in door and stared inside.
Bridget got up and stretched, suddenly aware that she and Sam were in their wolf forms. She quickly shifted back to her human one. “Sorry to startle you, but we had no choice to keep warm. What time is it?”
“Nearly five a.m. I was walking through the front of the house on my way out and saw the truck was still outside. Finally put two and two together. Have you been in here all night?”
Beside her, Sam shimmered into his human form as well. “All night.”
“Bloody hell.”
“Yeah,” Bridget said. “Your kitchen helper? She didn’t get stuck in here because she didn’t know how to open the door. The hinge pin on the lever is missing. No one would be able to get out of here. And your cook must have known because there’s a wooden door wedge in here. Maybe your grandmother should learn to speak German.”
Julian shook his head. “I’ll talk to her. I’m terribly sorry. I’m surprised you didn’t just break through the door.”
Sam snorted. “I thought of that, but Bridget said your grandmother would make me pay for it.”
Julian sighed. “She’s not wrong.” He pulled the door wide and stepped out of the way. “You must be freezing. You want some coffee or something?”
Bridget looked at Sam. “If it’s okay with you, I’d rather just get going.”
Sam nodded. “I would too.” He glanced at Julian. “Our families must be worried about us.”
“Of course. It is Christmas, after all. Again, I’m very sorry.”
Bridget shrugged. “Just get the door fixed. I don’t think anyone else would be as easygoing about getting stuck in there.” Because getting stuck with Sam had worked out extraordinarily well.
“That’s for sure.”
“We know our way out.” She gave him a wave and grabbed Sam’s hand.
He squeezed back. “Let’s get out of here.”
They raced through the house and out the front door. The snow had stopped, and in the waning moonlight, everything sparkled and glimmered like a fantasyland. “It’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you.” He kissed her. “Let’s get you to your brother’s.” He opened the truck door for her. Once she was in, he got to work brushing the snow off the windshield before joining her in the cab.
He got the engine started, then they both checked their phones while they waited for it to warm up.
“Five missed calls and thirtee
n text messages,” she announced. “Mostly from Hank and Titus. Aw, one from Charlie wondering where his auntie is.”
“Three missed calls and seven texts for me, including one from Charlie too.” He glanced at her. “We’d better answer some of these, but I’m not sure anyone will be up to get the phone calls just yet.”
“Not even Charlie? It is Christmas morning.”
“Good point. He could be. But I’m not sure Hank or Ivy would appreciate being woken up any early than necessary.”
“True. Just texts then.”
They took a few minutes and returned the messages.
“Ugh.” Bridget wiggled her fingers. “Texting with cold thumbs is really hard.”
Sam put his phone back on the dash and adjusted the temperature. “A few more minutes and the heat will be cranking.”
“Good. Right now I’m not sure I’ll ever be warm again.”
He looked over at her, his gorgeous face lit up with a brilliant smile. “It was pretty warm being curled up together.”
She smiled back. “Yes, it was.” Being next to him in wolf form had been perfect. Warm and comfortable and as easy as if they’d been together all their lives. “When’s your shift at the firehouse over?”
“You mean the one I missed most of?”
She laughed. “Yeah, that one.”
“It’s over at nine a.m.”
“And then?”
“Then I’m going to visit my nephew and my sister and give them their Christmas presents.”
“And visit your girlfriend. I’ll be over there too, you know.”
“Yes, and visit my—” He smiled again and shook his head. “I don’t think I can call you that.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
A hint of sadness pulled at the corners of his smile. “I don’t have a gift for you.”
“Tell you what? Next year you’ll get me two.”
He laughed and shook his head. “You’re so sure this is going to work.”
“Sam, how do you honestly feel about me?”
His face went sweetly serious. “I’m crazy about you. I can already feel those possessive wolf urges kicking in. You’ve started something in me that I don’t think can be stopped.”
“I feel the same way about you. There’s no reason we can’t make a go of this.”
He nodded, slowly. “You’re right. My… girlfriend is right. And hot. And a really good kisser.” He leaned toward her.
She put her hand on his chest and grinned. “This discussion isn’t over yet. After you visit with Charlie and Ivy and me, then what are you going to do?”
Her hand didn’t do much to stop him. He nuzzled her neck while he answered. “Then I’m probably going to go back to the firehouse and crash. I have forty-eight hours until my next twenty-four-hour shift.”
She shivered at what his tongue was doing. She squirmed sideways so she could look him in the eye. “How about you go back to the firehouse, pack a bag, and come to my place? You can sleep there. Then when you wake up, I’ll make you dinner and we can hang out and watch It’s a Wonderful Life and maybe do some more snuggling. That could be my present.”
He nodded as his hands came to rest on her hips. “I could do that.” His eyes narrowed. “Does that mean you’re getting me something? Because really, my being there is about the only present I’ll be able to swing this year.”
She laughed with the sudden surge of emotions that filled her. “You’re all I want for Christmas, trust me. Although I’m pretty sure I can find something extraspecial for you to unwrap.”
“Bridget Merrow. Are you propositioning me?”
She poked him in the chest. “Maybe you’re not so dumb after all.”
The End
About Kristen Painter
Kristen Painter is a little obsessed with cats, books, chocolate, and shoes. It’s a healthy mix. She loves to entertain her readers with interesting twists and unforgettable characters. She currently writes the best-selling paranormal romance series, Nocturne Falls, and award-winning urban fantasy. The former college English teacher can often be found all over social media where she loves to interact with readers.
www.kristenpainter.com
Sugar Plum Fairy by Chloe Cole
About Sugar Plum Fairy
It’s only her first day on the new job, and already fairy Holly Tucket is in over her head as she attempts to use her powers to turn super nerd Alex Nelson into a lady-killer before Christmas Eve. Little does she know Alex isn’t who he pretends to be, and when it comes to making women melt, he doesn’t need any help…
Security expert Alex Nichols has been undercover for four months and is putting the finishing touches on a smuggling case that has kept him secluded and celibate. When a sexy redhead shows up on his balcony claiming to be a fairy sent to teach him how to please a woman, he just can’t bring himself to send her away.
Chapter 1
“Him. He’s the one.”
Mila arched a perfectly shaped raven brow. “Are you certain you wouldn’t like a little more time to choose? This shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
“Nope, that’s the guy. I’m sure of it,” Holly said with an emphatic nod, despite the jiggly sensation in her belly.
“It’s a one-shot deal you know. If he’s a dud, that’s that. Fail.”
“I know.”
“All right,” Mila said, her tone indicating that, while it may have been “all right”, it certainly wasn’t smart. “Sign here.”
Mila held out the elaborate gold pen and Holly resisted the urge to wipe her sweat-soaked palms on her jeans before taking it gingerly. With a trembling hand, she scrawled out her signature and then held the pen back out to Mila, who shook her head.
“Keep it. You might need it.”
Oh ye of little faith.
She was right though, better safe than sorry. “So now what?”
“Now you get to work. You have,” Mila raised an elegant wrist to check her watch, “thirty-two hours and fifty-nine minutes to get it done.”
She cast a dubious glance at the image of a man in a lab coat sitting in a coffee shop, tapping away on his laptop.
“And judging by the looks of him, you’ve not a moment to spare. If you need me to intervene, you know what to do.” She picked up the contract and stood to go.
“Wait!”
Mila paused and cocked her head expectantly.
“What if I can’t go through with it?” Holly whispered.
“Then you call me and I’ll intervene.” Uncharacteristic concern clouded Mila’s ice-blue eyes. “You know, not everyone is cut out for this kind of work. You don’t have to do it.”
“Yes I do. I have to at least try. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t.”
“All right then, give it your best shot. Always remember to look at it like a public service. You’re helping people become more comfortable with themselves. Like a therapist. Now, hop to it.”
And with a flick of her manicured fingertips she was gone.
“Showoff,” Holly grumbled.
She looked down at the bowl of water on the table and into the face of her new charge. Oblivious to her voyeurism, he slid his glasses back up the bridge of his nose, unaware that his life was about to change forever.
If she had the skills to pull it off.
The thought kicked up the swarm of butterflies that had taken residence in her stomach since the day Mila had summoned her about the possible promotion.
I could have said no.
She let out a snort of disgust. As if. It would have been an unforgivable slight if Holly didn’t at least try out for the job Fairy Queen Lucienne had selected for her. If she crashed and burned and was a major disappointment to everyone involved—again—she could just go back to her old job and forget it ever happened.
Maybe then they’d all finally just let her be. And who knew? Maybe she’d be great at it.
With a sigh, she dipped her finger into the water and the scene reflected ther
e shuddered and disappeared.
The clock was ticking. She had to get this done before the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, or she was toast.
She picked up the suitcase Mila had given her and laid it on the coffee table. Aside from the lingering scent of lilacs that accompanied her mentor everywhere, it was the only evidence of her having been there.
Although the potential contents of the bag terrified Holly, she was grateful for both it and the scent that still permeated the air. Both were ironclad evidence she wasn’t a raving lunatic.
On her twelfth birthday, as it was for all the fairies, she’d blossomed and was introduced to the world of magic. Even after fifteen years, every so often she still needed reassurance that she hadn’t lost her mind that day; that her whole life wasn’t just some prolonged delusion.
With no time for further contemplation, she opened the suitcase and then covered her eyes, peering down through the cracks of her splayed fingers. The tried and true method did little to soften the blow.
It was bad.
Really bad.
Three pairs of stiletto heels, two black and one red, stared back at her. Always practical, even in spite of the nerves clawing at her, she decided instantly on the red ones. That way when she toppled down the stairs and broke her ever-loving neck, at least the shoes would match the pool of blood that would likely be her final resting place. Mila would’ve been proud to know that at least one of her lessons had stuck.
A woman should always put her best foot forward. The way to lure a man is to C.A.S.T., darling. Color coordinate, emphasize your Assets, and never leave home without your Stilettos and a Thong.
Ah jeez, and speak of the devil, there it was.
Holly wrenched her stupid fingers away from her stupid eyes and gnawed her lip as she stared down at the teeniest, tiniest scrap of underwear she’d ever seen. It made dental floss look positively substantial.
Well, fiddlesticks.
Chapter 2
Alphas for the Holidays Page 34