Vixen pressed his lips together and said nothing. That’s where Fern was wrong. Vale wouldn’t come for him, though he was certain someone else would. Jack would make quick work of this traitor. A heartbeat later, and the chamber dropped in temperature.
“That must be your love now, come to save his precious Christmas elf.”
Vixen held back a smile. “I don’t think so.”
Jack and Hollis entered the room appearing more imposing than ever, their expressions grave. “Release him, Fern, and I might spare you your brother’s fate,” Jack said, his pitch-black eyes gleaming dangerously.
“What are you going to do?” Fern scoffed and held the end of the scepter against Vixen’s temple.
Jack’s eyes frosted over, and his hair drained of its color. The wind picked up, and the temperature continued to drop steadily. “Easy. Freeze you both. Sort it out later.”
Fern gaped at Jack. “You can’t be serious.”
Hollis took a step forward, his eyes frosting over like his cousin’s and the left side of his hair turning white. “Do we look like we’re kidding?”
“You’d chance killing him? How well would that go over with Kringle? The Big Flight is in two days.”
“I’ll fly in Vixen’s place until a new Rein Dear is appointed,” Jack said, his face turning to Vixen. “I’m sorry, Vixen. You know as well as I do that it won’t stop with the Mouse King. This fortress is holding some of the most dangerous magical creatures in our history. It’s not only our kingdom’s safety that’s at stake.”
Despite the fear threatening to take over, Vixen nodded. “I understand. If this is what it takes to make everything right again, do it.”
“No!”
Vale’s cry startled Vixen, and he shook his head, unable to believe Vale had come. How could Jack let his cousin come here, knowing he held no powers?
“Damnation,” Jack growled, rounding on his cousin. “Vale, I thought I told you to stay home.”
Well, that answered that.
“Not while this fiend had Vixen. I’m sorry, Jack, but I won’t allow you to hurt him.”
A lump formed in Vixen’s throat. Vale had come here for him? After everything he’d done?
“It’s the only way,” Hollis said gently. “We can’t sacrifice the safety of our kingdom, of the world, for one elf, Vale.”
“Have faith, brother.” Vale turned his gaze on Vixen, his expression softening. Was it possible Vale had forgiven him? Vale took a step forward and held out his hand. “Throw me the scepter. I’ll do as you wish.”
“Have you gone mad?” Hollis demanded, making to go to his brother only to be stopped by Jack.
Vale smiled at his family and something in his eyes sent a chill through Vixen. “You keep him safe.”
“You can’t!” Vixen cried out. It struck him then what Vale intended. Fern had no idea Vale was no longer connected to the Frost family, that he held no power. If Vale took the scepter and summoned the king’s magic, who knew what it would do to him? While Vale suffered the punishment of summoning magic he was unworthy of, distracting Fern in the process, Jack and Hollis would stop Fern and save Vixen. Vale was going to sacrifice himself for Vixen.
Vixen couldn’t allow it. Tears welled in his eyes. “Vale, thank you, for everything you’ve done for me. You’re truly the most wonderful elf I’ve ever known. I’ve never experienced love and could hardly define it, but I’d like to think it’s what I have in my heart for you. I do believe I love you.”
“Vixen?” Vale took a step toward him, his eyes going wide.
Vixen twisted in Fern’s grip and grasped onto the scepter, reaching deep down inside him for valor and whatever else was necessary to do what needed to be done. “I summon the power of Frost!”
“Vixen, no!” Vale screamed, the blast from the scepter throwing him off his feet along with everyone else.
Vixen landed harshly on the ground some feet away, the scepter still in his hand. He gasped and wheezed for breath, his whole body racked with shivers as ice travelled through his veins. His lips were cold, his body heavy as if made of stone. Vale dropped to his knees beside him and swiftly gathered him in his arms, his eyes filled with unshed tears. “Vixen, what have you done?”
“I couldn’t… let you…” His teeth chattered, and his sight grew blurry. A commotion sounded close by, and Vixen heard Rudy shouting for him. Knowing his friend was nearby comforted Vixen. “I’m so cold.”
Vale hugged him close, shouting over his shoulder. “Jack, do something!”
Jack was at their side immediately, his hands on Vixen’s chest. “The ice is consuming him. Even if I undo the process, there’s no telling the damage—”
“Please.” Vale kissed Vixen’s brow, and Vixen closed his eyes. For a moment a tiny bit of warmth spread where Vale had placed his lips. Jack’s eyes frosted over along with his hair, and a fierce snowstorm swept into the tower, surrounding Vale. Jack’s startled expression told Vixen it clearly hadn’t been his doing. Vixen tried to shake his head. He didn’t want Vale taken from him, not now, not when he had so little time. He tried to speak but couldn’t. His fingers brushed against Vale’s as Vale was lifted off the ground by the arctic winds. As Vixen gasped his last breath, he was content knowing for the first time in his life, he had found the valor to do what was right. Then everything went black.
Chapter 9
Vixen.
Someone was calling his name, but it was so far away. There was nothing around him but blackness. At least he wasn’t cold anymore. A subtle, familiar scent enveloped him. Apples and… spice. He knew that scent. It brought a wonderful peace to him and made him feel toasty all over. He groaned and pushed at the darkness. Something pressed against his cheek and he leaned into the touch. He liked it. It was soft. His eyelids were heavy, but he tried his hardest to open his eyes, and a sliver of light shone through. Slowly, he blinked, the world bursting into sound and color. Although his vision blurred, it was slowly gained focus.
“Vixen?”
He knew that voice. The sweet tone made him smile, and he turned his head to the most glorious sight.
“Vale?”
“Oh, thank the gods!” Vale very tenderly embraced Vixen and kissed his lips, sending a wonderful warmth through him. Where was he? Vale pulled back, and Vixen saw he was in Vale’s bedroom, warm under several fur blankets. Across the room a fire danced and crackled inside the hearth.
“I’m so glad you’re all right.”
Vixen turned his head and found Rudy sitting on the bed to his left, tears in his pale-blue eyes. “Rudy… I’m so sorry.” His voice was hoarse, and his body ached fiercely.
“Hush, it’s all right. Don’t you ever run off like that again, you hear me?” Rudy brushed a tear away from his cheek, and Vixen frowned. Why was his friend crying? Come to think of it, why was he in bed?
A deep voice pierced the silence of the room. “That was a very foolish thing you did, young Vixen.”
Vixen’s eyes widened as the King of Frost approached the bed, his expression stern. It all came to him with exceptional clarity. The scepter, the Mountain Fortress, Fern. Vixen tried to get up and hissed at the ache in his bones.
“Easy there,” Vale said, helping him sit up against several pillows. “Your body isn’t fully healed.”
“What happened?” Vixen asked, glancing around the room. Jack, Hollis, and even the chancellor were there. “How am I alive?”
Vale took Vixen’s hand in his, and placed it to his lips for a kiss before answering. “Jack sent word with the wind to the king. Uncle Frost immediately reinstated me and returned my powers, which meant I was once again connected to the Frost monarchy. Since I was connected, so were you through me. The connection solidified before the last breath left your lips. I used the scepter to summon my uncle’s power and withdraw the ice from within you.”
Vixen bit his bottom lip and turned his attention back to the brooding king. He steeled himself and met the king’s pitch-black gaz
e. “I’ve brought your nephew and your family nothing but trouble. It was all my doing. I only wish I hadn’t been such a coward and hadn’t waited until now to come forward. Whatever punishment you see fit to give me, I shall accept without protest.”
“I think almost dying is punishment enough, elfling. I expect you will be more conscientious of your actions from this point forward.” The king arched an eyebrow at him and Vixen nodded fervently, even if it ached to do so.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The king looked around the room and sighed. “Honestly, you youngsters are so impetuous! Love will not always save you, you know. This will hardly be the last threat to our kingdom. There is always someone trying to bring harm.” He turned his attention to Rudy and Vixen. “As Christmas elves connected to this family, you must remain vigilant. You’re in a very vulnerable position. Our enemy will not hesitate to use you against those you love. You must do everything in your power to make certain you do not find yourselves in such a predicament. I’m afraid I have no choice.”
Vixen leaned into Vale, his eyes wide as the king held up his arms, his hands palm out.
“Uncle? What are you doing?” Vale asked worriedly, holding Vixen against him.
The balcony doors burst open, a fierce gale engulfing the room in wind and snow. It swirled around the king before shooting forward and striking both Rudy and Vixen in their chests. Vixen gasped for air, clutching his chest tightly as the cold spread through him. Jack was at Rudy’s side, holding him tightly against him. A heartbeat later, and the storm vanished. A strange tingling spread through Vixen, and although his body ached a little, it had been healed. He felt stronger than ever. The king gave Vixen a nod.
“Blow into your hand.”
Vixen and Vale exchanged glances, but Vixen did as the king ordered. He held his palm up before his lips and he blew. To his astonishment a glittering swirl of white appeared.
“Holy holly berries!” Vixen gasped. “What does this mean?”
“It means now you are truly connected. But be warned, you draw your power from your love. Jack, Vale, it is up to you to teach your beaus how to control their new powers for they are connected to your own.”
Vixen stared down at his hands before moving his gaze to Vale. “I don’t think I deserve such a gift, Vale. What if I hurt you again?”
Vale kissed his cheek and pulled Vixen close. “We shall take this journey together, my love. I trust you and hope that you will always trust in me. I love you, Vixen.” Behind them Vixen could hear Jack and Rudy murmuring softly to one another.
“All right, I’ve seen enough sweetheart kisses and heard enough tender whispers to last me an eternity. Malachi, let’s leave the youngsters to their courting.” The king swept toward the door to the room when something occurred to Vixen.
“Your Majesty? What happened to Fern?”
The king’s eyes clouded over as he spoke. “He’s joined his brother. It appears we still have toy soldiers out there loyal to the Mouse King. Worry not, elfling. I shall see to it.” With a bow, the king left the room along with the chancellor, who had a smile on his face. Jack stood and cleared his throat, his strong arms folding over his expansive chest.
“You both have a terrible habit of running headfirst into the fire. I don’t suppose anything I say will change that.”
Rudy slipped his arm around his grumpy lover. He stood on his toes and kissed Jack’s cheek. “Perhaps a certain someone would concede that we Christmas elves are stronger than we appear to be and stop telling us to stay home.”
Jack let out a huff, his gaze dropping to Rudy’s. “Fine. I expect both of you to be ready for training soon. It takes a great deal of control to wield our power. I don’t need you freezing your brethren’s baubles off by accident.”
“Not even Dasher’s?” Vixen asked hopefully.
Jack opened his mouth, then closed it. He pursed his lips, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes before his lips curled into a smile. “I might consider it.”
They all laughed, and Rudy squeezed Jack tight. Vale gave Vixen a subtle squeeze, and Vixen was grateful when Rudy and Jack bid them farewell, leaving them on their own.
“I have my own gift to give,” Vale stated, and Vixen could barely contain his excitement as Vale called upon his powers, the side of his hair growing white. He curled his finger around a lock of white hair, and Vixen watched in amazement as it returned to its former pitch-black state. Vale then curled the same finger around a lock of Vixen’s hair, and a cool breeze circled him before disappearing. With a smile, Vale summoned a gust of wind to carry a small mirror over, and Vixen gasped at his reflection. A small lock of his hair had drained of color, remaining snowy white.
“Oh, Vale… it’s beautiful.”
“It’s my promise to you. I am not only connected to you through magic, but through love.”
“I wish I had something to give you,” Vixen confessed.
“You already have, my darling. You’ve given me the greatest gift of all. Your heart.”
Vixen snuggled close to Vale and lifted his face so Vale could kiss him. He loved kissing Vale. Loved the feel of his soft lips, the sweet taste of Vale’s tongue, the tempestuous storm he stirred within Vixen. Storm…
Vale put a hand to Vixen’s cheek. “What’s on your mind, darling?”
“Well, I was just thinking about the evening we made love.” Vixen slipped his hand under Vale’s open jacket to push it off his shoulders.
“What about it?” Vale asked, his voice going low and husky. He placed a kiss to Vixen’s brow, then his cheek and down his jaw.
“What do you suppose will happen now that I’m connected to you? Do you think we might be connected in other ways? Do you think… we might feel it when we make love?”
Vale leaned in and brushed his lips against Vixen’s, his hand slipping under Vixen’s shirt. His eyes frosted over, a sinful smile coming onto his handsome face. “Why don’t we find out?” He placed a hand to Vixen’s groin, and Vixen thought he would lose himself right there and then.
“Oh my…” He swallowed hard and met Vale’s gaze. “I think Jack’s right. I need practice. Lots of practice.”
Vale threw his head back and laughed. He rolled over Vixen and kissed him passionately. As Vixen wrapped his arms around Vale’s neck, he couldn’t believe all that had happened. He’d certainly learned his lesson, and he had no intention of ever taking anything for granted again. Not his position as a Rein Dear, not his friends, his sweetheart, or any other precious gift that came his way. Whatever the future held for him, at least he knew he had valor within him. Valor he would summon to strengthen his heart and his love. A love he hoped to explore fully with the wonderful elf in his arms.
Loving Blitz
BOOK 4
Chapter 1
The Silver Bells Christmas Ball was truly a sight to behold. Its splendor never ceased to enchant Cupid. This year it was even more magnificent due to it being held at the King of Frost’s palace in Winter Wonderland, rather than Santa’s Grotto in the heart of North Pole City. Cupid had been to the king’s palace on previous occasions with his fellow Rein Dear, but never for anything as illustrious as this. Festivities were held in the smaller ballrooms, with only the most prestigious of events appointed to the grand ballroom.
The room seemed infinite, a never-ending stretch of gilded ivory columns, grandiose arches, and gleaming marble floors. The rows of diamond chandeliers hanging from the ceiling sparkled like a sea of stars. It was as regal and elegant as the king himself. At one end of the room, the orchestra’s musicians were dressed in white from head to toe as they played sweeping waltzes and holiday carols on their white instruments. On the opposite end of the room, tucked in an alcove atop several steps, sat the king’s white-and-silver throne. It was magnificent and befitting its king, with armrests carved into fierce polar bears. The back fanned out in twisting and swirling branches, and the seat was of tufted blue velvet. It was intricately carved and decorated fr
om clawed feet to the tip of each branch.
Cupid was mesmerized from the moment he stepped foot inside the ballroom. There was certainly something different about this year’s Silver Bells Christmas Ball besides the change in venue. Something in the air made it feel… especially important. There were far more guests than usual, many whom Cupid didn’t recognize.
“Here you go.” Blitz handed Cupid a glass of bubbly pink strawberry champagne, Cupid’s favorite. Blitz was always so thoughtful. Cupid didn’t know what he would do without him. They were as different as night and day, yet their differences seemed to complement each other. Cupid couldn’t think of anyone whose company he preferred more than Blitzen’s.
“Thank you,” Cupid replied sweetly. “You look wonderfully dashing, as usual.” Blitz always looked handsome, but in the auburn frock coat with gold braiding and matching vest, he looked even more fetching. His broad shoulders, tapered waist, and muscular legs had more than one sugarplum faery taking notice. Elves too, for that matter. “I see you’ve yet to set fire to your cravat.”
Blitz tugged at the offending article of clothing. “I feel like this blasted thing is trying to strangle me.”
“I know it’s uncomfortable, but it’s only for one night.” Cupid chuckled at Blitz’s pout. Blitz didn’t enjoy dressing up as much as Cupid did. Actually Blitz hated it. He was far more content in his everyday Rein Dear garb of wine-red shirt and black vest. Whatever Blitz wore, he always looked large and imposing. Especially when he stood next to Cupid, which was more often than not. Blitz was taller and larger than the rest of the Rein Dears. Wherever they went, he stood out. Some elves were intimidated by Blitz and his somber expression, but few knew the burly elf the way Cupid did. He was really just a big softie, and he gave the most wonderful hugs.
The two of them stood to one side of the ballroom, sipping their drinks and watching the crowd as they danced or chatted. To think another year was almost gone. In a few days it would be time for the Big Flight. Cupid could barely contain his excitement. It was his favorite time of year.
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