by Shawn Lane
The Naughty Ones
By Shawn Lane
Published by JMS Books LLC
Visit jms-books.com for more information.
Copyright 2019 Shawn Lane
ISBN 9781646561759
Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com
Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.
All rights reserved.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Published in the United States of America.
* * * *
The Naughty Ones
By Shawn Lane
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 1
Christian gazed out the window at the snow, already feeling cold. Constant frigid bone-chilling weather was one of the major reasons he hated the North Pole. That and his unrequited love for his fellow Christmas Elf, Alistair. Once the season passed this year, he was seriously thinking of handing in his resignation.
He reached up and adjusted his pointy Elf cap as it had started slipping off his blond curls. Again. He envied Alistair for being brave enough to refuse to wear the regulation Elf attire. The Head Elf, Gabriel, had so far not forced the issue. Once Christian had shown up for an Elf meeting without his cap and Gabriel not only noticed, but gave him extra work as punishment.
There was no hope for it, he had to go out into the elements. He fastened his bright red cape firmly and headed for the front double doors leading outside from Santa Claus’s Castle. As soon as he stepped outside the icy wind whipped against his face. He squinted his eyes and turned so the wind was at his back.
Across the courtyard from the Castle, about one-hundred yards or so, was the Work Shop where the Christmas Elves made toys, ornaments, fruitcake, and other Christmas items up until Christmas Eve. And this was his destination. It seemed miles away as the snow and icy wind made it difficult to see. Christian ran toward the building, hoping his special tread Elf boots would keep him from slipping.
“Christian!”
His hand on the door of the shop, he froze. He recognized the voice behind the bellow, of course. Gabriel. The crunch of boots on the snow had him turning to face his boss. Barely keeping the wince off his face, Christian couldn’t manage a friendly smile. “Sir?”
Gabriel loomed over him, his muscular arms crossed in front of his chest, glaring at him. At over six feet tall, he stood a couple of inches taller than most of the other Elves. Probably three or four inches above Christian’s own five foot eight inches. Gabriel’s Elf cap sat on his dark brown head perfectly. His long, thick hair had been braided with red, green, and gold thread. His eyebrows were sculpted, his lashes lightly dotted with flakes of snow, his cheeks red from the cold. His emerald green eyes flashed fire. “How many times have I told you no running on the premises?”
“I-I-well—” he stammered. Of course. He always stammered around Gabriel. He hated making a fool out of himself, but he always did.
“It’s dangerous.”
“I have the special tread boots on,” Christian said.
“They’ve been known to fail. Nothing is perfect, Christian.”
Except you, apparently.
“It’s also behavior unbecoming an Elf,” Gabriel insisted.
“It’s cold out here, sir. I wanted to get inside the shop as quickly as possible.”
Gabriel smirked. “And yet, here you still are.” He leaned forward and straightened the red cape Christian wore. His gaze raked over him. “Are you wearing your thermal underwear under your clothes?”
It shouldn’t sound sexual coming from Gabriel, someone he didn’t even like, but the way Gabriel dropped his voice, low and rumbly, sent a jolt straight to Christian’s cock. He licked his lips and swallowed. “Um, no. I loaned them to someone else and they never gave them back. I haven’t been able to get a new pair made. Everyone’s too busy with Christmas.”
“You shouldn’t have loaned them out. I’ll see if I can arrange for you to get a new set.” Gabriel shook his head. “No more running. What are you doing this afternoon? You aren’t late for a task, are you?”
“No. I’m stringing beads for garland. We didn’t have to report until later today.” He hated feeling so inadequate, but Gabriel seemed to have that effect on him.
“Very well. Come by my office when you’re done,” Gabriel ordered.
“Sir?”
Gabriel reached past him and put his gloved hand over Christian’s. He jumped at the contact, but Gabriel just turned the handle and opened the door to the shop. “After you.”
Christian bit back the response he wanted to make, which was why he had to report to Gabriel’s office. He had a feeling questioning the boss wouldn’t go over too well. Besides, as soon as he stepped inside coming down the hallway toward him was Alistair. He straightened immediately, his hand going to his hair. “See you later, sir,” he said, absently, moving off toward his friend.
Alistair was not alone. With him was another male Elf, Kent, and a red-haired female Elf, Jasmine. Alistair had his arm wrapped around Jasmine’s waist and the three of them were laughing. Trying not to show his crushing disappointment, Christian smiled.
“Hi there.”
Alistair, his brown head bare of his Elf cap, naturally, and the others stopped. His friend grinned, his brown eyes sparkling merrily. “Hey, Christian. I haven’t seen you all day.”
“I had the morning off.”
“Lucky. We were just going to go down to the Gingerbread Café for some snacks. You want to come?”
Yeah, of course he did, but he also knew he couldn’t. He had a job to do and besides he was pretty sure Gabriel still lurked somewhere behind him, waiting, watching…judging.
“I really want to, but I’m due in the garland room.”
Jasmine smiled and patted Christian’s arm. “That’s too bad, Chris. Maybe next time?”
He forced his own smile not to falter. He did not like to be called Chris and he was fairly certain Jasmine knew it too. “Maybe. Have fun.”
Kent and Jasmine moved away, already heading down the hallway toward the Gingerbread Café, which was down at the end of the Work Shop, but Alistair lingered.
“Sorry, Christian. Maybe see you later tonight?”
“Sure, maybe.”
“I wanted to talk to you about Jasmine actually.” Alistair’s grin got wider if possible. “I know she’s not your favorite Elf, but…well, you’re my best friend and everything, so can you give her a chance?”
He swallowed, hoping his heart break didn’t show. “You’re getting serious then?”
“I think so. Yeah. Can you cut her some slack?” Alistair looked so hopeful.
“Of course.”
“Alistair, come on,” Jasmine called to him.
“I’d better go. Listen, later we’re goi
ng to the canteen, so after your shift, why don’t you meet us there?”
He nodded. “Sounds great. See you there.”
* * * *
It wasn’t until he was seated at a table, ale in hand, that Christian remembered he was supposed to report to Gabriel’s office. He’d have to hear about it the next day he supposed. Gabriel’s office was in Santa’s Castle, as were all the Elf quarters. He hadn’t even gone back there before going to meet his friends at the canteen.
Now, he was on his fourth ale and feeling no pain. Seated at the table with him were Kent, the slightly plump Elf who’d been with Alistair and Jasmine earlier, and Carl, a bald Elf that Christian had known since first coming to the North Pole. Alistair and Jasmine were on the dance floor rocking out to the loud rock song the canteen’s band played.
Carl took a sip of beer from the long-necked bottle. “You look like maybe you’ve had enough.”
“Only four,” Christian mumbled. He gestured to the waitress walking by for another. “Less than you.”
“I can handle mine better.” Carl shrugged. “Just a little longer now and the Christmas season will be over for another year.”
Kent paid them little attention. He was turned toward the band, tapping his feet to the music and drinking an Irish coffee.
“And then I have a decision to make.”
Carl frowned. “What decision?”
“I think I’m going to resign.”
Kent’s head swiveled so fast in his direction Christian was surprised it didn’t keep turning. “What?”
“Yeah, what?”
“Being a Christmas Elf is great and all.” Although honestly his fingers were stained red from stringing the little red wooden beads he worked with earlier that day and he wasn’t too thrilled with that. “But I don’t know. I’m thinking it’s just not for me.”
“What else would you do? Where else would you go?” Kent demanded.
The waitress plopped down his other ale and he took a big sip of it before answering. “I was thinking of going to work in Los Angeles or maybe New York.”
“New York?” Kent’s face contorted with disgust. “What would you do there?”
“I don’t know. A job, just like anyone else there.”
Carl gestured with his bottle to Christian’s pointy ears. “You’d have to hide those all the time.”
“I know. And there are Elves who do that now. Not everyone works for Santa.”
“There’s a huge waiting list of Elves who want to work here and you’re going to throw it away?” Kent tsked.
Christian scowled. “I’m just thinking about it for now. I haven’t decided for sure. Although, I’ve heard of a plastic surgeon who will alter our ears for pretty cheap.”
Carl choked on his beer. “Alter our ears? That’s a bit drastic, mate.”
“It’s better than standing out.”
“I would never leave,” Kent muttered, going back to watching the band.
Christian’s gaze strayed to Alistair and Jasmine gyrating to the music, their pelvises grinding together, their lips fused. He definitely should have skipped the canteen tonight. Should have gone to the castle and found some Christmas Spirit to lighten his mood.
Just then a pretty brunette Elf wearing a red and green plaid miniskirt approached Carl and begged him to dance with her. And of course, he agreed.
Shaking his head, Christian downed the rest of his fifth ale and then finished off Kent’s Irish coffee which he’d set on the table half-finished. When he noticed a bit of beer left in Carl’s bottle, he finished that too.
He realized, pretty quickly, he didn’t feel so good. The room seemed to be moving or spinning or something. His stomach gurgled. Gripping the table, he tapped Kent on the arm.
“I’m going to go back to the castle.”
“All right. Good—” He stopped as his gaze took in his empty glass. “What happened to my drink?”
“You finished it. See you later.” Still holding on to the edge of the table, Christian managed to stand, barely. His head swimming, he turned in the direction of the doors leading outside. He’d feel better as soon as he got some air. Even snow would be welcome at this point. Anything to get out of the stuffy, sweaty canteen.
Finally he reached the heavy glass door and flung it open, stumbling outside. Freezing air hit him immediately, stealing his breath. The snow had momentarily stopped, at least. He took a step, then two. He leaned against a lamppost and closed his eyes.
A throat cleared.
Christian opened his eyes with no little reluctance since he was pretty sure he knew who stood before him.
Gabriel.
The man was no longer dressed in Christmas Elf attire, but rather wore a forest green shirt and cape together with black pants and boots. His dark hair was also no longer braided but hung thick and glossy down his back, with some of it draped in front over his shoulders. Instead of looking like a jolly Christmas Elf, he expected Gabriel to be holding a sword as a warrior would.
“You didn’t come to see me after your shift, Christian.” The tone was icier than the wind that blew around them.
He straightened away from the post and planned to have his story ready, whatever that was, but he moved too quickly, and his foot slipped, pitching him forward and then down onto his knees with a hard smack.
“Are you all right?” Gabriel asked, crouching down to meet his gaze.
“I feel sick.” And he wretched all over the Head Elf.
Chapter 2
“I can’t believe you puked on the Head Elf.” Alistair shook his head and took a sip from the red and green plaid mug he held in his hands.
They were seated in a corner booth of the Gingerbread Café waiting for their shifts to begin.
Christian closed his eyes and wondered how he would ever get through the day with a raging headache. His temples throbbed. His forehead throbbed. The back of his damn head throbbed “Believe it. Only I could do something so stupid.”
“What did he say? What happened next?”
He frowned wishing Alistair would slow down. He was chattering like a chipmunk. “I don’t know. That’s the problem. One of many, actually. I blacked out after that. I woke up in my bed in my quarters.”
“Wow. I had no idea you were so drunk. I didn’t have that much, because I spent most of the night dancing.”
With Jasmine. Yeah.
He forced his eyes open and picked up his own mug. He had one with a drawing of a reindeer painted on it. No read nose, of course. He took a fortifying sip of the peppermint coffee. “I’m definitely in for it today.”
“Do you think he brought you to your room yourself? Or someone else?”
“No idea. I was still wearing my clothes from yesterday, but the sheets and down blanket were tucked around me.”
“That sounds like too sweet a gesture for Gabriel,” Alistair said.
He nodded. “I just hope Santa Claus doesn’t hear about it. I might not have to make the decision for myself after all.”
“Decision? What decision?” Alistair stuffed a bite of pumpkin muffin in his mouth.
Christian shrugged. “I’m sort of thinking this might be my last Christmas here. With what happened last night, maybe I won’t even make it past Christmas.”
“You can’t leave,” Alistair whined. “You’re my best friend. Who’s going to be my best man if I marry Jasmine?”
“Marry Jasmine? So, it is very serious, then.” He somehow managed to keep the dismay off his face. He thought so, anyway.
Alistair smiled. “I’m really in love with her, Christian.”
“That’s fantastic, Alistair. Congratulations. She feels the same way, I can tell.” The truth was, he had no idea, but he knew he should say something like that.
He’d never really had much hope of ever having a relationship with his best friend. Christian liked men and Alistair liked women. It couldn’t get any simpler than that. At least Alistair had always accepted Christian being gay. Some Elves snub
bed him.
“I think she does, too. We haven’t, you know, said it yet, but I think it’s coming.” Alistair checked his wristwatch. “We should probably get going. I’ve got tinsel making today. What about you?”
“Wreaths, I think.” Christian slid to the edge of the booth and stood. He left a couple of gold coins on the table for a tip. “I’m just going to try to get through the day without any trouble and then I’m going straight back to the castle and my quarters.”
They left the café and Alistair headed down the left corridor toward the tinsel shop. Christian had maybe ten minutes left, so he went to the door leading outside to get some fresh air. He hoped it would ease the hangover.
It had only just started snowing, light and fresh smelling, but the air was bitterly cold as usual. If he did resign or get sacked, he would make it his goal to find employment somewhere warm.
Sometime today, Christian suspected, he would have a command performance in front of Gabriel. He wouldn’t be finished stringing ribbons through wreaths until later in the afternoon, but he guessed the summons would come by then.
Sighing with regret, he inhaled one last breath of fresh air before heading back inside.
* * * *
Gabriel steepled his fingers and studied Christian as he stood before his desk. He’d sent a message to Christian to report here immediately following his shift earlier that day. And now here he was.
His red and green striped uniform shirt had a slight yellowish spot on the right side of his chest. Gabriel suspected it was a coffee stain. His red pants were badly wrinkled, and the knee-high green boots hadn’t been polished in some time. Of course, the red and green cap was crooked, with the little gold bell hanging off the back of his head. The young Elf definitely still felt the effects of his overindulging the night before.
Christian did his best to stand straight, giving rather a poor imitation of a military position. In reality, his right knee bent a little and he tilted his blond head, a habit he’d noticed from the Elf before. In truth it was hard not to notice the beautiful Elf. His not quite platinum blond locks always appeared messy, as though he’d jumped straight from bed. One such chunk of hair strayed just out of reach of his left eye. And speaking of eyes…Christian had the prettiest blue eyes Gabriel had ever seen, like a clear blue summer sky. With his peaches and cream complexion, perfect straight nose, and full kissable lips, he truly was breathtaking.