Dasher could barely contain his smile, and his heart thumped away with glee. Eirik placed his hand to Dasher’s cheek, and Dasher covered it with his own. Heartache filled Eirik’s eyes.
“When I saw you lying there in the snow… I couldn’t recall the last time I was so frightened. Actually, I could.” Eirik swallowed hard and closed his eyes. “All I could think was ‘please, not again.’ Mostly, I feared I would never get the chance to ask you to stay.” He opened his eyes, and they were filled with so much love. “Stay with me. Love me. Let me love you.”
A gasp caught in Dasher’s throat. “Are you sure?”
“I haven’t felt this certain in a very long time. So, will you stay with me, in my palace? Will you sleep in my bed and let me wake up to you every morning and hold you in my arms every evening?”
“Yes, Eirik. I would love to.” Dasher laughed with joy as Eirik leaned in to kiss him. Never had he felt so happy. There would be so much to do, so much to discuss. An ache in Dasher’s side had him recalling everything that had occurred with exceptional clarity. “How did I survive?”
“Kringle.”
Dasher nodded. “What if it comes back for me? What if it hurts you? I can’t—”
“I won’t let him harm you. Not again.”
Dasher opened his mouth to reply but paused when he realized what Eirik had said. His brows furrowed in confusion. “Him?” The pained look on Eirik’s face and the uncertainty in his eyes worried Dasher. “Eirik? What is it?”
Eirik sat up with a heavy sigh. He ran his fingers through his thick black hair before meeting Dasher’s gaze. Dasher sat up, preparing himself for whatever it was Eirik was about to say.
“Kringle believes it is a lost soul consumed by dark magic. That it has been following you for some time.”
Dasher didn’t understand. “But why me?”
Eirik reached out and took Dasher’s hand in his. “Love, we believe the lost soul is Wren.”
“No.” Dasher shook his head, unable to believe what Eirik was saying. “It can’t be.”
“Kringle has heard of creatures whose souls are trapped by the grief they suffered in their lives. They’re deceived by dark magic, led to believe they will find the peace they seek.”
Dasher felt sick to his stomach. “Wren? Why would he want to hurt me?”
Eirik pulled Dasher onto his lap, his strong arms wrapped around him. “The creature resents your love for me.”
“Creature?” Dasher shook his head, anger rising through him. “He’s not a creature.” Dasher tried to get up, but Eirik held on.
“Dasher, please. You’ve only just healed. You must rest.”
“This is all my fault. I need to talk to him.”
“To whom?” Eirik asked, finally releasing Dasher, who was determined to get up. He held on to his side and sucked in a breath at the pull in his abdomen. The wound had healed, but he still felt the ache. It didn’t matter. He needed to move. Needed to do something.
“I need to talk to Wren. Reason with him.”
Eirik quickly got up. He blocked Dasher’s path to the door. “What happened to Wren was not your fault. You can’t blame yourself.”
“But I do. My relationship with him led him to the Enchanted Woods, and now he’s stuck here, feeling nothing but pain.” Tears welled in Dasher’s eyes. “You didn’t feel what I did, Eirik. It was crushing.”
“Darling, this is not the Wren you knew and loved. It’s not even Wren, but a warped version of his soul trapped in darkness. There is no reasoning. It will try to kill you again.”
“He tried to kill me because he felt I’d betrayed him. I need to make him understand.” Dasher narrowed his eyes at Eirik. “Let me pass.”
Eirik straightened to his full height and squared his shoulders. “I forbid it.”
Dasher stared at him. “You what?”
As if realizing his mistake, Eirik quickly held up his hands in surrender, his expression softening. “Forgive me, I—”
The storm of emotions that had been building inside Dasher erupted. “You forbid it? I am not one of your toy soldiers to be ordered about! Is that what you intend to do when I disagree with you? Order me into submission?”
“No, of course not,” Eirik said softly. “Forgive me, I just…” He let out a resigned sigh and stepped to one side.
Dasher marched toward the door as Eirik spoke, his voice still quiet.
“I do not see you as one of my subjects but as my equal. I love you, and I would do everything in my power to see you happy, even if it means watching you walk away from me.”
The softly spoken words took hold of Dasher’s heart and squeezed. He closed his eyes for a moment to gather himself. Eirik loved him. Was it so difficult to believe Eirik only wanted to protect him? Dasher would have done the same. Opening his eyes, he turned to face Eirik, his anger melting away at the heartache he was causing the one he loved. It struck him then that he’d been about to do what Wren had done—walk away instead of turning to his love. Dasher swallowed hard.
“I still want to talk to Wren, but… maybe you’ll come with me when I do? To keep me safe.”
Eirik let out a sigh of relief. “I would love nothing more. But after you rest. Please. It’s quite late in the evening, and your brethren will no doubt wish to see you come morning.”
Dasher nodded. Eirik was right. He was already feeling tired, and all he’d done was walk from the bed to the door. If he was going to confront Wren, he would need his strength. He’d also like to see Rudy and apologize for this mess. His brethren must have all been so terribly worried.
As Dasher lay down on Eirik’s large bed beneath the covers, he watched his love turn the lamp out, the only glow coming from the moonlight filtering in through the gossamer curtains on the large window at one end of the room. It was a clear, beautiful night. Eirik joined Dasher under the covers, and Dasher wasted no time in snuggling close. He let out a sigh, his body releasing its previous tension. Eirik held him, placing kisses on his brow, his cheek, his nose. He was so wonderfully tender. A deep yearning filled Dasher, and he planted a kiss on Eirik’s chin before nipping it with his teeth, satisfied by Eirik’s sharp intake of breath.
“Dasher…” Eirik warned tenderly, rubbing Dasher’s arm. “You’re hurt.”
“I’m alive, and at this very moment, I need to feel you down to my soul. Please, Eirik.” Dasher cupped Eirik through his trousers. “Let me feel you.”
Eirik nodded, and Dasher kissed him, putting all his love and longing into his kiss.
With exceptional care, Eirik unbuttoned Dasher’s shirt, then pushed it off his shoulders. They undressed each other, Eirik mindful of Dasher’s side. He went slowly, leaving scorching kisses in his wake with every patch of skin he uncovered. When they were both naked, Eirik gently rolled Dasher onto his uninjured side, and after fetching provisions, lay behind Dasher.
“Please, Eirik. I need to feel you inside me.”
Eirik planted kisses on Dasher’s shoulder as he pushed a slick finger inside Dasher, making him groan and writhe with pleasure. Dasher used the pearly drops gathered at the tip of his shaft to stroke himself languidly as Eirik took his time, stretching Dasher first with one finger, then two. Dasher trembled with anticipation, and he moaned when he felt the tip of Eirik’s hard length breaching him. Eirik pushed himself in inch by inch until he was fully seated inside Dasher.
“I love you,” Eirik said, his arm coming around Dasher’s chest to gently hold their bodies together. “I don’t know when it happened, but I think my heart was yours before my head even knew.”
“I feel the same,” Dasher whispered, afraid if he spoke any louder this would all be a dream. Eirik began to move slowly, drawing out and then pushing in. Dasher let his head fall back against Eirik’s shoulder, allowing everything that was Eirik and his love to envelop Dasher. He was stretched around Eirik’s length and his body felt so full. Dasher laced his fingers with Eirik’s, bringing their hands against his chest over his
heart. Their breathing turned into panting as Eirik quickened his pace, and when he shifted, stars exploded in Dasher’s vision.
“Oh, gods above! Eirik!”
Eirik nibbled on Dasher’s ear, the sound of skin against skin heavenly, and when Eirik took hold of Dasher’s shaft, pumping his fist to match his thrusts, Dasher thought he would come undone. His muscles tightened, and just as he felt Eirik lose all rhythm in his thrusts, Dasher’s release exploded through him, coating Eirik’s hand. His muscles clamped down on Eirik, and Eirik’s roar was muffled by Dasher’s hair. The two of them shuddered, Eirik’s arm tight against Dasher, and Dasher holding on to him as if he might fall away if he didn’t. Once their breathing settled, Eirik nuzzled Dasher’s temple. Dasher turned his head, and Eirik kissed him, their tongues softly entwining.
Forced to come up for air, Dasher lay satiated. He smiled when Eirik snapped his fingers, and a second later a damp cloth dropped into Eirik’s hand.
“Very handy, those powers of yours.”
Eirik laughed. It was a deep rumble that rose from his chest and gave Dasher butterflies in his stomach. “Why on earth would I leave this bed when you’re in it?”
Dasher hummed his approval. He felt his face flush as Eirik cleaned them both up, then with a snap of his fingers the cloth was gone. Oh, they could certainly have some naughty fun with Eirik’s winter gifts. Mindful of his side, Dasher turned so he faced Eirik. He was so blasted beautiful, Dasher couldn’t help but run his fingers through Eirik’s thick mane.
“You enjoy that,” Eirik said, a smile on his face as his eyes drifted closed.
“I do. Very much.” Dasher continued his exploration, tenderly caressing Eirik’s stubbled jaw and trailing his fingers down his neck and over the sculpted muscles of his chest.
“You’re incredible.”
Eirik sighed. “You certainly know how to stroke my ego.”
Dasher reached down to palm Eirik’s shaft. “I know how to stroke many things.”
“Dear heavens,” Eirik said with a groan, thrusting into Dasher’s hand. “I’m in for quite a ride with you, aren’t I?”
Dasher hummed as he kissed Eirik’s lips. Oh, but you have no idea.
The next morning, after a night of tender affection, Eirik had breakfast brought to them in bed. Having been raised in humble surroundings, Dasher was unaccustomed to such opulence, but he would be lying if he said he wasn’t enjoying it. He felt oddly comfortable, though he was quite certain that was down to Eirik.
Once they’d eaten and dressed, Eirik kissed his cheek, letting him know Rudy was waiting to see him. Swallowing past his emotions, Dasher nodded.
“I have a meeting with Jack and Kringle, but I promise to return the moment I’m done.”
Dasher couldn’t seem to bring himself to do anything other than nod. He sat in the large wingback chair by the window, uncertain as to why he felt so nervous. This was Rudy, one of his dearest and closest friends. They hadn’t always seen eye to eye, and there had been a time when Dasher believed Rudy was far too stuffy, while Rudy believed him to be far too unpredictable, but things were different now and had been for some time.
The door opened, and Rudy peeked in. “May I come in?”
“Of course,” Dasher said, smiling wide. His happiness chased away any hesitation. Dasher motioned to the empty wingback chair across from him, and as soon as Rudy sat, Dasher felt more at ease, though no less remorseful.
“I’m so sorry this is happening just days before your wedding.”
Rudy frowned, concern in his sparkling pale-blue eyes. “None of that now. What matters is that you’re all right.”
“Thank you. Did… Kringle tell you what happened?”
Rudy nodded. “I’m sorry, Dasher. Why didn’t you tell us what Wren meant to you? We knew you cared for him, but we didn’t know how much you loved him.”
“I was afraid.”
“I don’t blame you. It wasn’t as though Jack and I had been open about our relationship. At times, I wonder how long we would have hidden from the world if Tim and Noel hadn’t come into our lives.” Rudy looked down at his fingers and sighed.
“It was different for you. Jack stood to lose so much. Eirik could have cast him out, stripped him of his powers, and who knew what else.”
Rudy cast him a knowing glance. “Eirik?”
Crabapples! “I mean, um, the king.” What was he on about? It wasn’t as if Rudy or the rest of his brethren didn’t know. “I love him.”
Rudy’s smile was radiant, and he stood. He drew Dasher to his feet and carefully wrapped his arms around him, mindful of his still healing body. “I’m so very happy for you, Dasher.”
Dasher returned Rudy’s embrace, closing his eyes and basking in his friend’s love and understanding. Rudy was so good. Always had been. Was it any wonder so many looked to him for inspiration? However, Dasher couldn’t help his worry. He pulled back, his hands in Rudy’s. “What of Jack? Do you think he’s against it? I mean, Eirik has kissed me in front of others, so I’m certain he knows.”
“Oh, he knows. Believe me, if Jack were against it, you would have heard about it by now. Jack is happy for his father. He’s been worried about him for a long time, even if he refused to discuss it.”
Dasher stared at him. “Really? Jack approves?”
Rudy cringed. “I don’t know if approves is the right word, but he’s certainly not against it. In fact, he told Eirik that you were good for him and that should Eirik pursue an amorous relationship with you, he would support it.”
Dasher couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Jack had given his blessing? The very same Jack Frost who constantly threatened Dasher with imminent freezing?
As if reading his thoughts, Rudy laughed softly. “I know, but Jack loves his father dearly, and they are now in a good place, making up for so much lost time.” Rudy leaned in to whisper conspiratorially, “One piece of advice? Don’t call him son.”
Dasher blinked at Rudy before breaking out into laughter. Rudy soon joined him, and the two of them couldn’t keep from falling into fits of mirth. Dasher made the mistake of picturing Jack’s face, and it was all the worse. The door opened, and Jack peeked in, sending them into another fit.
“What’s going on?” Eirik moved past Jack, walking into the room with Jack close behind.
“I think he’s finally lost his marbles.” Jack looked from Rudy to Dasher and back.
“Well, if he has, then so has your Rudy,” Eirik said, smiling.
Rudy wiped a tear from his eye as he headed over to Jack. He placed a kiss on Jack’s cheek. “Hello, darling.”
Jack wrapped Rudy up in his arms, a big dopey smile on his face. It would appear when it came to love, the Frost males were rather hopeless. Dasher could hardly complain, especially when Eirik took hold of his hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.
Summoning courage, Dasher met Eirik’s gaze. “I think it’s time to lay my past to rest.”
Chapter 8
Eirik walked at Dasher’s side, his heart in his throat. At Dasher’s words, Eirik had wanted to refuse, but he knew he couldn’t. This was something Dasher needed to do, and Eirik understood. It didn’t mean he had to like it. He’d managed to convince Dasher to give himself one more day of rest and healing before facing Wren, and at least this time Dasher wouldn’t be alone.
“I still think this is a terrible idea,” Jack grumbled from behind them. “Wren’s spirit is angry enough without seeing Father here. It will most likely only make things worse.”
“Wren has to see Eirik.” Dasher laced his fingers with Eirik’s and smiled up at him, love and affection in his beautiful eyes. “He needs to see that I’m happy. I know it’s what he would want for me. I simply need to reach him.”
“And what if he can’t be reached?” Jack asked worriedly. “What if there is nothing left of the Wren you knew but his anger?”
Dasher squeezed Eirik’s hand, his voice thick with emotion when he spoke. “Then we’ll
move forth with our plan. I’ll distract him, while you and Eirik freeze him. We’ll let Kringle handle it from there.”
There was so much that could go wrong, yet Eirik had faith in Dasher. His love was far braver than Eirik could have imagined. If they didn’t do this, Wren would continue to haunt them, even without the creature present. Eirik didn’t want that for Dasher or Wren. It was easy for Eirik to be angry with Wren for the pain he’d left behind in Dasher’s heart, but from what Eirik had learned of Wren from Dasher, the elf had not deserved such a terrible fate.
Soon, they were outside and mere feet from the woods where Dasher had encountered Wren. Inside the palace, Kringle awaited their word. Should Eirik call, Kringle would immediately appear. Eirik would remain close to Dasher, with Jack waiting just outside the woods, ready to join them at a moment’s notice.
“Are you certain you want to do this?” Eirik asked. He knew what the answer would be, but he needed to ask regardless. Dasher turned to him, his warm smile reaching his kind eyes.
“I am.” Dasher cupped Eirik’s face and pulled him in for a kiss. It was sweet and filled with so much love. When Dasher pulled back, he took hold of Eirik’s hand and laced their fingers together again before heading into the woods.
It was a beautiful day. The air was crisp and the snow pristine beneath their boots as they entered the forest. The birds chirped merrily as the sun’s rays filtered through the snow-covered branches of the many trees around them. It was peaceful. Eirik walked hand in hand with Dasher to the spot where Dasher had been wounded. He swallowed hard, doing his best not to picture Dasher in the reddened snow. He heard Dasher breathe in deeply through his nose before letting it out slowly through his mouth.
“Wren?” Dasher called out. “It’s me. It’s Dasher.”
Eirik remained vigilant, watching for any movement. He listened to the wind, closed his eyes as it whispered in his ear.
“He’s coming,” Eirik said, opening his eyes just as the forest plunged into darkness. It would seem Wren had grown more powerful since their last encounter. Eirik readied himself. Ahead of them, a large shadow slowly lumbered forward, and Eirik didn’t dare make any movement. Instead of attacking, the shadow twisted and contorted until it took the shape of an elf. The blackness faded, and Eirik was stunned by the pretty Christmas elf standing there. Not a monster, but a slender elf with fair hair and deep chocolate eyes. Dasher released Eirik, and as much as Eirik didn’t want to let him go, he did.
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