Malachi sighed heavily. “As if I, or anyone, can forget. There’s no need to remind us. Besides, it won’t be long before you’ll be passing on your crown to Jack, and then he will be king. What then? What do you intend to do with the rest of your immortal life? There must be more you wish for yourself other than ruling Winter Wonderland, Eirik. Unless you plan to stay home all day and watch after Jack and Rudy’s tiny elflings.”
Eirik gasped. “Elflings! Gods above, Malachi, they haven’t even exchanged vows and already you’re filling our home with tiny elflings!” The thought alone terrified Eirik. Malachi cackled evilly, and Eirik shoved his brother away from him. “You’re incorrigible.”
“And you, dear brother, are the most stubborn creature in the whole of creation! So what if he’s an elf? That sort of thing doesn’t incite scandal as it once did.”
Scandal. Eirik’s heart squeezed for Dasher as he recalled the elf’s heartbreaking confession. Was that why Dasher had nothing but trysts with toy soldiers? Could it be possible he’d been shielding his heart, just as Eirik was? For so long, Eirik told himself he’d never find love like he’d had with Vera, but now as he thought of Dasher, he realized finding such love hadn’t been his only fear; he feared losing that love as well.
Malachi stood beside him, offering his brotherly affection and warmth, both watching the Rein Dear games taking place in the snowy field behind the palace. Initially Eirik had been annoyed by the choice in location. How was he supposed to concentrate on his reading with all that blasted noise? He’d been prepared to have Jack move the games elsewhere—it wasn’t as if Jack’s palace was short of snowy fields—but just as he’d made up his mind, Dasher had walked out into the field, looked directly at him, and waved, a big smile on his handsome face. Eirik had waved back, then cursed himself for being such a sentimental fool. Since then, Eirik had sat in the comfort of his library, watching the games, or more accurately, watching Dasher.
Today, Jack’s team had Rudy, Vale, and Vixen, who all wielded power, even if Rudy and Vixen drew their powers from their beaus. Comet, Dancer, and Prancer were off playing games with Rudy’s helpers, Tim and Noel, along with some of the other guests, leaving Calder, Donner, Cupid, Blitzen, and Dasher on the opposing team. Calder and Cupid each wielded Dockalfar power, which was more than a match for Jack and his team. However, that left Dasher the odd one out.
As Jack hurled snow forward, it crashed like waves against the shore. Calder shielded his love, Donner, while Cupid shielded Blitzen. Dasher was swept off his feet and landed with an oomph on his back. Everyone laughed, and Dasher took it in stride, making snow angels from his position in the snow. How was it that an elf who had endured so much heartache still smiled and laughed? Dasher was full of spirit. He was mischievous, playful, and brash, yet gentle.
The game continued, and once again, Dasher was left to defend himself, which led to him landing in the snow time after time. Jack was looking rather smug.
“Well, that’s hardly fair,” Malachi said. “Poor fellow doesn’t stand a chance.”
Eirik unclipped his cape, folded it, and turned to Malachi. “Would you hold this for me?”
Malachi blinked at him. He appeared unable to speak. Ignoring his brother, Eirik unbuttoned his frock coat and laid that over Malachi’s arms as well.
“Excuse me.” Eirik headed for the door, shaking his head when his brother ran up beside him.
“As if I would miss this.”
With a chuckle, Eirik left the palace and made his way out to the field of battle just as a large wave of snow descended toward Dasher. Eirik brushed his hand through the air, and the cascading snow changed course, smacking Jack in the face. It knocked him onto his backside. Everyone doubled over with laughter, much to Jack’s befuddlement. Rudy helped his husband-to-be to his feet, and once Jack had brushed himself off, he glanced up, stilling when he saw Eirik. A hush swept over the battlefield.
“Father?” Jack asked, looking both curious and concerned.
Eirik unfastened his cuff links and began to roll one sleeve up to his elbow. “This battle is unfairly matched.” He finished rolling up the second sleeve and grinned wickedly. “I’m here to even the odds.”
Jack’s jaw dropped. He attempted to speak, but no words were forthcoming.
Eirik grinned roguishly. “I hope you’re prepared.”
Dasher stepped up beside Eirik, a dazzling smile on his handsome face. Butterflies filled Eirik’s stomach, their wings fluttering madly. How could one little smile stir such chaos inside him?
“Good morning, Your Majesty.” Dasher’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I hope you slept well.”
As Jack hurled a large ball of snow in their direction, Eirik leaned in to murmur in Dasher’s ear. “I sleep very well once I find my release to thoughts of you.”
Dasher let out an adorable squeak, his face going as red as Rudy’s hair. Eirik laughed, flicking his wrist and swatting the snowball in the opposite direction. It swooped in from one side, knocking Jack’s team off their feet in a neat little row. Ah, to be so young and unsuspecting.
As Eirik’s team readied themselves for retaliation, Dasher shook himself out of his trance. His lips curled into a sinful grin. “I see you have no intention of playing fair.”
“What’s the matter? Not up to the challenge?”
“Oh, something’s going to be up, all right,” Dasher purred in his ear. “Your hard shaft shoved deep inside me.”
Eirik straightened, his face all but bursting into flames. The heat didn’t last long, as he was struck by a blast of cold air. He stared up at the blue sky from where he lay in the snow. It was quite a beautiful day. The clouds were fluffy and white. One even looked like a rabbit. He groaned when Dasher bent over him, his smile smug.
“What’s the matter, Your Majesty? Not up to the challenge?”
Why, the mischievous little minx.
Dasher held a hand out, and Eirik accepted his help. Another avalanche of snow headed their way, and Eirik threw up his hands and brought the snow around him and Dasher up to form a protective bubble of solid white. As the snow fell around them casting shadows across the icy bubble, Eirik reveled in Dasher’s laughter.
“I’m so happy you’re here,” Dasher said, standing close to Eirik. He moved his gaze away, appearing uncertain. “I was afraid you might have regrets.”
Eirik wrapped an arm around Dasher and brought him up hard against him. “My only regret is that I did not kiss you sooner.” Eirik brought his mouth down over Dasher’s and kissed him heatedly. Instead of melting against Eirik as Dasher had done the first time Eirik had kissed him, Dasher wrapped his arms around Eirik’s neck and slipped the fingers of one hand into Eirik’s hair, grabbing a fistful of it. He returned Eirik’s ardent kiss, and Eirik moved a hand down to Dasher’s backside, squeezing a firm, round globe. Dasher moaned into Eirik’s mouth, the sound the most decadent noise Eirik had ever heard.
“You drive me mad,” Eirik confessed, sucking Dasher’s bottom lip into his mouth before moving his lips to Dasher’s neck, nipping, licking, and sucking. He slipped his leg between Dasher’s, the snow still falling around them. Dasher was straddling Eirik’s thigh, his thick, hard length giving away Dasher’s desire. Eirik cupped Dasher’s backside with both hands, and Dasher thrust against Eirik’s thigh, his entire body shuddering.
“Eirik, if we don’t stop, I’m going to disgrace myself inside my breeches.”
Knowing Dasher would lose himself in such a manner because of Eirik had Eirik moving his leg and reaching for the waistband of Dasher’s breeches.
“What are you doing?” Dasher asked, eyes wide. “We’re outside! In the middle of a game, with your son mere feet away!”
Eirik’s grin was naughty. “They can’t see through the shield, and Jack is determined to break down the walls while defending Rudy. The rest of them are busy trying to gain advantage over the other. We have time for a quick game of our own.”
The gasp Dasher let out was mu
sic to Eirik’s ears. What was it about Dasher that had Eirik feeling so bold? He released Dasher and removed his own hard shaft from his breeches.
“Do you wish to play?” Eirik asked, his grin wicked as he slowly began to stroke himself. “Or do you intend to leave me to my own devices?”
Dasher hastily unsheathed his own growing member. He spit into his hand, then palmed their erections. Eirik groaned, loving the blush on Dasher’s cheeks as he stroked them together. Eirik once again captured Dasher’s mouth with his, their mouths trying to consume each other. Eirik cupped the back of Dasher’s neck, holding him against Eirik as pleasure rippled through Eirik’s body. If he could, he would take Dasher right here, push him onto his hands and knees, and have him over and over until Dasher screamed his name and unraveled much like Eirik felt was happening to him at this very moment.
Eirik shoved his other hand beneath the waistband of Dasher’s breeches and slipped a finger between his cheeks, finding Dasher’s tight entrance.
“Eirik,” Dasher warned, his breath hitching. His face was flushed, his lips swollen from their kiss, and his hair a mess. Eirik could feel his release looming, and he pressed his finger inside Dasher, covering Dasher’s mouth with his and muffling the cry Dasher let out. Another squeeze to Eirik’s shaft, and his own release racked his whole body. Dasher’s hand milked every drop from them, and when they were done, Eirik tucked Dasher away before doing the same to himself. He took a handful of snow and cleaned Dasher’s hand, chuckling at Dasher’s dazed and satiated expression.
“You look utterly ravished,” Eirik said, loving Dasher’s disheveled state. Dasher’s eyes widened, and he quickly straightened his clothing. And here Dasher was supposed to be the rebellious one. The snow stopped falling, and there was silence out in the field. Snapping his fingers, Eirik burst the bubble, and beside him Dasher burst into laughter. The snow around Eirik and Dasher had been swept into a large hill of snow, one everyone was currently stuck in. Perhaps Eirik had not been as in control as he’d believed.
“What the holly was that?” Jack asked, staring at Eirik. As he looked at Dasher, Jack’s eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. Eirik followed Jack’s gaze, unable to help his smile. Well, there was no mistaking someone had clearly had their way with the blushing elf. Everyone stared at them, dumbstruck.
“Well, that was certainly invigorating,” Eirik stated. “I do believe we win. Jack, close your mouth. You look like a fish.”
Jack promptly closed his mouth.
Eirik turned to Dasher, who looked conflicted, uncertain whether to float away or bury his head in the snow. “Thank you. It was an absolute pleasure.” Eirik bowed, then headed back toward the palace, his smile stretching from ear to ear. He was starting to really enjoy these Rein Dear games. Or rather, simply enjoying a certain Rein Dear.
Chapter 5
A knock on the door jolted Eirik from his book. Was it teatime already? The days were going by so quickly. After that delicious encounter with Dasher during the Rein Dear games, Eirik had attended to several duties. Despite the festivities, Winter Wonderland did not rule itself, and he spent quite a deal of time checking in with his council. Today’s games had been followed by lunch in Jack’s garden, and although Eirik’s table had been set apart, as always, on the terrace overlooking the dozens upon dozens of tables, Eirik had a clear view of Dasher. Eirik had spent the entirety of lunch sending Dasher whispers on the wind, relishing the blush that spread across Dasher’s cheeks when Eirik’s words reached his ears.
Turnabout was fair play, and when Dasher had the opportunity, he would whisper the naughtiest things to the wind. At one point, Eirik had almost choked on his tea. It had made Dasher quite smug, and Eirik looked forward to making Dasher squirm. Business, unfortunately, had taken Eirik away from dinner with Jack and the rest of the Rein Dears. While his council babbled about when Eirik should pass on his crown, Eirik found his thoughts drifting to Dasher and his disappointment in not getting to see his smile. It made him very grumpy, and thankfully his council moved things along quickly after that.
Another knock sounded, snapping Eirik from his thoughts. “Enter.”
The door to the library opened, and Eirik closed his book. “Thank you, Juniper.” He turned to take the teacup offered, only to find a pair of strong hands and long fingers. Eirik narrowed his gaze. “You are not Juniper.”
Dasher’s smile was bright. “Juniper was bringing you your evening tea, and I thought with all the guests she’s tending to, I might be able to help lighten the load. She was very grateful.”
“One, there is more than enough kitchen staff to see to the guests and their needs. Two, your head is full of pinecones if you think I’d fall for such nonsense. Juniper would never give my tea to anyone nor allow anyone to be near my tea unsupervised. She is nothing short of fierce where my safety is concerned. Three, your silly smile will not save you. The truth now.”
“I may have told her I was sweet on you and was hoping to sweep you off your feet. She’s quite the romantic at heart. I told her I would never, ever do anything to hurt you. Also, Jack would have my baubles if I tried.” Dasher’s smile was almost bashful, and Eirik’s thoughts went back to earlier that week. A shiver went through him, and he scolded himself for succumbing so easily to his rising need. Then Dasher’s words sank in, and Eirik took the cup from Dasher with a scowl.
“No one is having your baubles or anything else of yours for that matter.” Realizing what he’d said, he quickly cleared his throat. “Unless you wish them to, that is.” Who was he to tell Dasher who he could give his affections to? He sipped his tea, ignoring the odd look on Dasher’s face.
Dasher nodded. He took it upon himself to inspect the bookshelves.
“I hear the library in your palace is ten times the size of this one,” Dasher said, running a finger respectfully over the spine of one of Eirik’s many volumes. It occurred to Eirik that he wished Dasher was running that finger over him instead. Goodness, it was as if he were young again, attempting to control his wild desires.
“Would you care for tea?” Eirik asked, uncertain why he was feeling so anxious when he had not only admitted to Dasher what he did late at night to thoughts of him, and he’d released himself all over Dasher’s hand mere days ago. He still couldn’t believe he’d done that.
“I would love some,” Dasher said, walking to the small round table where he’d placed the tea tray. He poured himself a cup, then leaned against the desk near the center bookcase, his strong hands enfolding the delicate teacup. Eirik took another sip of his tea, hoping it would conceal him raking his gaze over Dasher’s long, lean body. His breeches were snug against his legs, and when Dasher turned for some sugar cubes, Eirik’s breath caught at the sight of Dasher’s well-rounded backside. He allowed his gaze to travel up Dasher’s spine to his broad shoulders. Never had he thought he’d find himself attracted to an elf, much less filled with burning desire for one. All Eirik seemed capable of doing lately was thinking about Dasher and how it would feel to have Dasher beneath him. When Dasher turned back around, Eirik dropped his gaze to his tea. The worst part was, he had no idea what to do about his need, and it was driving his boldness, making it difficult to keep his hands off Dasher.
“May I borrow a book and read with you?”
Eirik was surprised by Dasher’s request. “Of course.” He couldn’t help his wide smile. “Choose any book you like.”
Dasher finished his tea and returned to the bookcases, scanning them until he found one he wanted. With care, he removed the book and carried it to the chaise lounge on Eirik’s right. It took Eirik a moment to settle, but when he did, he was wonderfully surprised by how nice it felt to have Dasher sit and read with him. Eirik finished his tea and returned the empty cup to the tray. He resumed his seat at the window and picked up his book. Within minutes the two of them were engrossed in their reading, and time passed far quicker than Eirik realized. It was only when he heard Dasher’s soft breathing that he realized Dasher had
fallen asleep.
With a chuckle Eirik got up. He put his book down, then walked over to the chaise lounge where Dasher lay, his open book lying flat across his chest. Taking care not to stir him, Eirik gently took the book and closed it quietly before placing it on the desk. He stood over Dasher, observing his sleeping form. Eirik swallowed hard. He’d never seen anyone look so at peace.
Eirik took his fur-lined cape from the wingback chair and laid it over Dasher, bringing it up to the elf’s chin. His fingers hovered near Dasher’s jaw. With some hesitation, he moved his hand and brushed Dasher’s hair away from his face, allowing his fingers to caress Dasher’s cheek. A low contented sigh escaped Dasher, but he didn’t wake. His lips parted, and even in sleep, he smiled.
“You confound me,” Eirik whispered, his heart beating rapidly at the knowledge that he enjoyed having Dasher at his side. Where there had once been aggravation, there was now calm. No, it was more than that. With every passing day, he looked forward to Dasher’s presence more and more. Eirik had never given much thought to his solitude, only knowing that he preferred it, but now when he was alone, he found himself wishing Dasher were with him.
With a heavy sigh, Eirik returned to his window seat. What was he to do? Soon the wedding day would arrive, and when it was over, everyone would return home to North Pole City, including Dasher. Eirik had to remind himself that Dasher was no ordinary Christmas elf; he was a Rein Dear, and he would always be a Rein Dear. Even after Rudy wed, he intended to continue in his position as Captain of the Rein Dear Squadron. Perhaps one day when he was crowned prince, he’d pass the title of captain to one of his brethren, but for the moment, he had his duties, which were very much a part of who he was, just as being a Rein Dear was very much a part of who Dasher was. Eirik understood, but Dasher had no idea what it would mean to be out in the world and be connected to Eirik. It was just another reason for Eirik to put a stop to whatever was growing between them before parting became any more painful.
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