“Wren.” Dasher’s voice was barely above a whisper, and he tentatively moved forward. Wren smiled then, a sweet boyish smile that lit up his eyes, and Eirik’s heart splintered for both Wren and Dasher. As Dasher approached, Wren’s gaze moved to Eirik, and his appearance darkened.
“What is he doing here?” Wren demanded, his voice a frightening growl.
“Look at me, Wren,” Dasher insisted gently. “Look at me.”
Wren moved his eyes to Dasher, and all at once he lightened. He held his arms out, and Eirik could do nothing but watch as Dasher walked into Wren’s arms. Dasher held the smaller elf close, tears streaming down his cheeks as he ran a hand over Wren’s hair.
“I’m so sorry, Wren. Why? Why didn’t you turn to me?”
Wren pulled back. “It was the only way.”
“No.” Dasher shook his head, his hand going to Wren’s cheek. “You had me. You had our brethren. We would have found a way. We just needed a little time. Together, we would have gotten through it.”
Wren searched Dasher’s gaze. “You mustn’t blame yourself. It was my choice. I was afraid, and so I ran. I never meant to hurt you. I’m to blame for everything.”
“No,” Dasher said firmly. “You did nothing wrong. You were good, and kind, and gentle. We were both treated poorly by an unforgiving world.”
Wren nodded. He looked down at their hands before looking up at Dasher with hopeful eyes. “Come with me?”
“I… can’t.”
“Because of him?” Wren asked, glaring at Eirik, the darkness beginning to form around him.
“Because of me.”
Wren stilled. He stared up at Dasher, searching his gaze. “I don’t understand.”
“I loved you, Wren, and when you left, I was certain I would never find such love again. I locked away my heart, never giving all of me to anyone. And then I saw Eirik, truly saw him. When I looked into his eyes for the first time, I saw a reflection of my own pain.”
Eirik was startled by the words, and he did his best to hold his emotions at bay. Was that what had drawn Eirik to Dasher? A mutual heartache? Perhaps, but somewhere along the way, that pain they shared had turned into hope and then love.
“I love him, Wren. He’s brought me a happiness I haven’t felt in a very long time.”
Wren swallowed hard. He blinked through his tears, his gaze never leaving Dasher’s. “He truly makes you happy?”
Dasher nodded.
“And he loves you? Truly loves you?”
Dasher turned then to look at Eirik, his smile stealing Eirik’s breath away.
Eirik brushed a tear away from his cheek. “With all my heart.”
Wren sighed. He stood on his toes and kissed Dasher’s cheek. “All I ever wanted was to make you happy.”
“And you did.” Dasher leaned in and kissed the top of Wren’s head. “You will always be a part of me.”
Wren smiled. He stepped away from Dasher, the shadows of the forest fading away, and the sunlight shining through. Eirik’s need to offer Dasher comfort propelled him forward, and he crossed the distance between them. He placed a hand gently on Dasher’s shoulder, and Dasher covered his hand with his own.
“What will happen to you now?” Dasher asked Wren worriedly.
“Now,” Wren said, his smile becoming warmer, “I am free. I’m no longer bound to this world or my grief. I have found peace.”
Together they watched Wren turn and walk off into the forest, a soft white glow surrounding him. He disappeared before he reached a cluster of trees.
Dasher released a shuddering sigh. He turned and wrapped his arms around Eirik, who didn’t hesitate to return his embrace.
“I’ve never met anyone as courageous or in possession of a greater heart than you,” Eirik said quietly, kissing the top of Dasher’s head.
“Thank you,” Dasher replied, his voice somewhat muffled against Eirik’s chest. After a moment, they walked back toward Jack, who paced anxiously. When he saw them, he let out a sigh of relief. He ran over, surprising Eirik and Dasher when he threw his arms around them and hugged them tight.
“Thank the heavens you’re all right.”
Eirik chuckled and patted his son’s back. “We are. I must say you’re rather calm.”
Jack blinked at him. “Well, you said you would shout if you needed me, and you didn’t, so—”
“That’s not what I was referring to.” Eirik took Dasher’s hand in his and winked at him before turning to Jack.
“Oh? Then what were you referring to?” Jack asked, looking puzzled. Ah, his dear sweet boy.
“To the fact that you’re getting married at the end of the week.”
Jack stared at them. “I’m…” His eyes widened. “Oh sweet Christmas, I’m getting married this weekend.” Jack doubled over and put his hands to his knees. “I feel rather light-headed.”
Dasher laughed, and Eirik sent word on the wind to Rudy, informing him his husband-to-be was on the verge of collapsing in the snow. Oh, there he goes.
When Rudy came running, he found Jack lying on his back looking as if he were about to make a snow angel. Either that or about to become one with the snow, considering how pale he looked.
Rudy knelt beside him. “Darling?”
“I’m getting married this weekend,” Jack informed him.
Rudy’s smile made Eirik chuckle.
“Yes, I know.”
“Oh, right.” Jack nodded. “You’re going to be there.”
“I should hope so, seeing as how I’m the one you’re marrying.”
Eirik and Rudy both helped Jack to his feet. Rudy wrapped an arm around Jack’s waist.
“Come along, darling. We have a rehearsal dinner to prepare for, if you’ll recall. Perhaps a peppermint julep might help.”
“Or three,” Jack suggested. “I think I might like three.”
Rudy kissed Jack’s cheek, laughing softly. “Or three.”
Eirik watched them go, his heart swelling with joy.
“He’s going to make a fine king one day,” Dasher said, leaning into Eirik.
Eirik nodded. He couldn’t agree more.
Chapter 9
Beneath the night sky, under a blanket of dazzling stars and the magnificence of the northern lights, Jack and Rudy stood facing each other—their hands clasped—under an archway of delicately etched ice entwined with red and white roses. It was an outdoor wedding, its grandeur and charm befitting the Prince of Frost and his love. Hundreds of ice crystals hung from the white frosted branches of the white trees on each side of the expansive aisle, and white paper lanterns lit up the place with an ethereal glow.
Sculpted ice creatures frolicked in the snow, from playful bunnies to adorable foxes. Eirik’s ice unicorn lay settled in the snow to the right of the altar as if watching the proceedings. Snowbirds fluttered cheerfully or perched on branches.
Jack looked dashing in his regal attire, his black uniform and fur-lined pelisse a sharp contrast to all the white. The silver braiding sparkled in the moonlight, as did the slim silver prince’s crown around his brow. Dasher could barely conceal his pride as Rudy smiled brightly at Jack. He was stunningly dressed in his red frock coat and breeches, his royal red cape lined in white fur stretched out behind him. The intricate white brocade on his frock coat hem and sleeves was gorgeous. He looked every bit the prince he would soon become. The two gazed at each other in adoration, and Dasher dropped his eyes to his hand where it lay inside Eirik’s, unable to believe he’d found his own fairy-tale love.
Mayor Kringle stood at the altar, towering over Jack and Rudy. His cheeks were rosy and his white beard neatly trimmed. He was an imposing spirit in stature, with an impressive breadth to his shoulders and chest, somewhat different to how humans had been depicting him for decades. He was certainly jolly and possessed a ravenous appetite for sweets and cookies, but rather than being portly, he was more solid and toned from all the work he did. A wreath of twigs, berries, and holly leaves sat on Kringle’s
neat white hair, his forest-green coat brocaded with holly leaves and berries, the sleeves, neck, and hem lined in white fur. He was certainly a sight to behold, and Dasher could feel Kringle’s pride spreading to all the Rein Dears through their magical link. It was warm and wonderful.
Dasher sat next to Eirik in the front row of white chairs, and as Kringle spoke of love and union, Eirik squeezed Dasher’s hand, tears of joy in his eyes. Jack and Rudy exchanged vows, the love they had for each other shining in their tear-filled eyes.
Dasher leaned in to whisper in Eirik’s ear. “You must be so very proud. He’s a good soul. One filled with love, kindness, and compassion. He may have lost his way more than once, but the love in his heart showed him the way home.”
Seemingly swept up in his emotions, Jack wrapped his arms around Rudy and lifted him off his feet. Rudy threw his head back and laughed before cupping Jack’s face and kissing him sweetly. Jack placed Rudy on his feet, and they turned to face their friends and family, both blushing to the tips of their ears. Kringle declared them married, and Dasher joined the crowd as they cheered, standing and clapping. Delicate snow flurries rained down on them like confetti as they headed down the aisle arm in arm, waving to the guests, the air filled with beautiful music.
Dasher turned, ready to leave along with all the other guests for the sleighs waiting to take them to the reception, but Eirik took hold of his hand and turned Dasher to face him. Eirik lifted Dasher’s hand to his lips for a kiss.
“Jack isn’t the only one who found his way home.”
Wrapping his arms around Eirik’s neck, Dasher smiled against Eirik’s lips. “No, he isn’t.”
“Come, there’s something I wish to show you. We’ll join the others in a moment.”
Curious and excited, Dasher nodded. He followed Eirik through the trees, enchanted by all the ice and snow creatures playing and pouncing. Wherever he turned, there was music and life. Dasher couldn’t think of a more perfect night. They took a path that looked very familiar, and when Dasher glanced behind him, he realized they were in Eirik’s garden. This time, nothing blocked Dasher’s path, though when they reached the clearing where they’d shared their first kiss, Dasher spotted a large ice mural.
“You made a new one.”
“I did,” Eirik replied, his tone quiet and almost bashful. “I hope you like it.”
Dasher stepped up to the mural, a soft gasp escaping him. It was similar to the previous one Eirik had created. The thick curved ice was etched beautifully, depicting a stunning winter scene filled with all manner of enchanted creatures at play, swirling foliage, and lush trees along with music notes floating through the air. Only this time, in the center of the expansive kingdom below Eirik’s home and taking up a large section of the mural, were two regal stags with great antlers, a crown etched into the flank of the one on the left, and a heart into the flank of the one on the right. Their necks arched toward each other forming a heart shape, their noses touching.
Dasher ran his fingers reverently over Eirik’s stag, his heart swelling with love. In the ice, leaping and prancing reindeer surrounded them, one was slightly larger than the others. It was clearly Jack and the others, Dasher’s Rein Dear brethren. Unlike the first mural, which had filled Dasher with sadness, this one filled him with warmth and joy.
“Oh, Eirik. It’s beautiful.” Dasher turned, and Eirik drew him into his arms.
“Not nearly as beautiful as the elf who inspired it.” Eirik brushed his lips over Dasher’s. “I never thought I would find such joy again, or such love. Thank you for your courage, your daring, and for taking a chance on a grumpy winter spirit.”
Dasher all but melted when Eirik kissed him. As he wrapped his arms around Eirik, the love in his heart making it ready to burst, he wondered if Eirik was aware of his own daring. For so long his beautiful king had lived in fear of falling in love and losing his heart. In the end he found the courage he needed to gift his precious heart to Dasher, and Dasher would forever cherish it, along with its king.
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Also By Charlie Cochet
FOUR KINGS SECURITY
Love in Spades
Be Still My Heart
Join the Club
Diamond in the Rough
THE KINGS: WILD CARDS
Stacking the Deck
FOUR KINGS SECURITY UNIVERSE
Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts
LOCKE AND KEYES AGENCY
Kept in the Dark
THIRDS
Hell & High Water
Blood & Thunder
Rack & Ruin
Rise & Fall
Against the Grain
Catch a Tiger by the Tail
Smoke & Mirror
Thick & Thin
Darkest Hour Before Dawn
Gummy Bears & Grenades
Tried & True
THIRDS BEYOND THE BOOKS
THIRDS Beyond the Books Volume 1
THIRDS Beyond the Books Volume 2
THIRDS UNIVERSE
Love and Payne
PARANORMAL PRINCES
The Prince and His Bedeviled Bodyguard
The Prince and His Captivating Carpenter
The King and His Vigilant Valet
SOLDATI HEARTS
The Soldati Prince
The Foxling Soldati
The Soldati General
COMPROMISED
Center of Gravity
NORTH POLE CITY TALES
Mending Noel
The Heart of Frost
The Valor of Vixen
Loving Blitz
Disarming Donner
Courage and the King
North Pole City Tales Complete Series Paperback
STANDALONE
Forgive and Forget
Love in Retrograde
AUDIOBOOKS
Check out the audio versions on Audible.
About the Author
Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.
Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.
Website: www.charliecochet.com
Email: [email protected]
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North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Page 45