North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Read online

  The bells jingled as Vale maneuvered the sleigh out of the Claus Causeway toward the snowy fields leading to the Enchanted Woods. He’d spent several months pondering what he would do if Vixen accepted his invitation. Beside him, Vixen lifted the basket from the floor and placed it carefully on the blankets next to him. When he opened it, a multitude of mouthwatering scents wafted up to greet them. The kitchen staff had done a marvelous job filling the basket with freshly baked sugar cookies, small pies stuffed with spiced meat, roasted chestnuts, confectionary, a bottle of mulled wine with two glasses, and two sealed tankards of hot cocoa.

  Vixen gasped and swiped up a cookie. “Sugar cookies with sprinkles! These are my favorite.” He cast Vale a shrewd glance. “But you knew that, didn’t you?”

  “You caught me red-handed,” Vale confessed. “I asked Rudy what your favorite treats were.” A hand on his thigh gave him a start.

  “Apparently, he didn’t list my most favorite treat.”

  Vale swallowed hard. Holy holly, it was getting rather warm under these blankets. Seeming to sense his distress, Vixen chuckled and pulled his hand away. He nibbled on one of his cookies and took another from the basket. He snapped a piece off and held it to Vale’s mouth.

  “Open up, handsome.”

  Unable to do anything else, Vale did as asked, and Vixen popped the small chunk of cookie into his mouth. The cookie all but melted on his tongue, and he couldn’t help his moan. Catching himself, he gave Vixen an apologetic smile.

  “It’s been some time since I’ve indulged.”

  The heated look returned to Vixen’s eyes, and he pressed himself up against Vale. “Well, we’ll have to change that.”

  To Vale’s relief, Vixen pulled back when they reached the forest. He looked around, curious. “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” He hoped Vixen liked his surprise. It most likely wouldn’t be anything like what the Christmas elf expected, but he hoped Vixen wouldn’t be disappointed. Either way, he’d do his best to sweep the fiery Vixen off his feet and show him that, although Vale might not be as adventurous as some toy soldiers, it didn’t mean he had little to offer.

  Chapter 3

  What in Kringle Creation was Vale up to?

  Vixen stood in the middle of a clearing in the snowy woods with Vale’s basket of treats at his feet. When they’d arrived here—the middle of nowhere—Vale had helped him down from the sleigh, wrapped a blanket around him, and brought down the basket. He carried it while ushering Vixen into the woods. Vixen was curious and, admittedly, a little wary. It wasn’t every day someone took him into the woods. Though the snow-covered pine trees painted a pretty picture across the landscape, as did the thick blankets of untouched fallen snow, it was eerily quiet.

  “Stand here. Don’t move.” Vale winked at him before sprinting off. He came to a stop a few feet away, turned, then stood at attention before loosening the buttons of his stiff collar. He removed his pelisse and laid it gently on the snow-covered ground. Once again, he stood at attention, a small, mysterious smile coming onto his handsome face as he started to wave his arms.

  The snow danced and moved around Vixen, swirling and floating in ribbons and curls, whirling in delicate clouds of sparkling white. It took the shape of vines and flowers before freezing over into gleaming branches of intricately carved ice. Vixen couldn’t help his smile as Vale’s eyes frosted white, his coal-black hair frosting over the way Jack’s did but only a section on the left side of his head. Vale moved his hands with elegant grace, such as a conductor of a great orchestra might. That was when it struck Vixen. Vale spoke to the ice and snow as if it were music, his long fingers commanding and instructing. He swept his arms up wide, and the snow burst up on either side of Vixen like waves crashing against a shore. The spectacle was enchanting and enthralling. Vixen had never seen anything like it.

  If Vixen listened carefully, he could almost hear a beautiful waltz with sweeping instruments. As Vale picked up his pace, the snow around Vixen moved faster. It continued to climb and freeze, the ice splintering and chipping away at itself to leave behind detailed designs of reindeer frolicking in the falling snow. Vale was constructing some manner of structure around him.

  Snow sprang up from the ground in thick columns, twisting and freezing, vines of frozen ivy forming around them. Above his head, a dome ceiling of dazzling ice depicted chiseled images of sleigh rides through the woods, Christmas trees, and baubles. At waist height, a twisting and smooth banister of ice connected each column around Vixen. It was a gazebo! Vixen took in the magnificent structure around him, all of it artfully constructed of ice and snow. Icicles hung from the domed ceiling’s edges, glittering and reflecting colors in the sunlight.

  The ground rumbled beneath him, and he threw an arm out for balance, laughing as the whole thing rose from the ground. A set of wide stairs formed at one end and behind him, a curved bench formed from the ice. Snow fell from the sky as ice sculptures of polar bears playing and reindeer bucking sprang up around the gazebo. Vixen couldn’t help his gasp. It was truly a work of art. He turned and Vale stood before him, dressed once again in his pelisse. His hair returned to its natural coal-black state, his eyes sparkling silver. He held his hand out to Vixen.

  “May I have this dance?”

  “But there’s no music,” Vixen replied breathlessly, allowing Vale to take the fur blanket from him and lay it on the bench.

  A mischievous gleam appeared in Vale’s eyes, and he snapped his gloved fingers. The wind picked up, rushing into the forest behind them, and the waltz Vixen could have sworn he’d heard swept through the trees and shrubs, from violins to tiny bells.

  “How…?”

  Vale pulled him close and led him in a marvelous waltz before whispering in his ear, “Magic and the right muse.”

  Vixen’s face heated at the sweet words spoken with such sincerity. He laid his head against Vale’s shoulder so the lieutenant wouldn’t see him blush. What the holly was happening to him? Far more scandalous words had been uttered to him, and he’d never blushed so profusely. He’d had a lifetime of experience with brash and bold toy soldiers, of flirting and less than reputable nights. None had ever stolen his breath away or made his heart skip a beat. What was it about the unassuming lieutenant?

  “Do you like my gift?”

  Vixen pulled back, unable to help his flushed face at Vale’s newest sweet words. “Gift?”

  With a smile, Vale motioned above them, and Vixen’s jaw dropped. “You… made this for me?”

  “Yes. It will stand here as long as you wish it to. A token from me to you.”

  “I don’t know what to say. It’s beautiful.” Vixen meant every word. He’d been given all manner of gifts, everything from new flight jackets to diamond baubles, but Vale’s romantic gesture, his gift of music and creation, left Vixen feeling as if he’d just had his favorite cup of hot cocoa. At least until Vale led him over to the bench and sat down with him. Now he felt like he’d just had several cups of mulled wine.

  “May I kiss you?”

  Vixen blinked at the handsome elf. “You’re asking me for permission?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t wish to assume my advances would be welcome.”

  If Vale wanted to kiss him, why wouldn’t he simply kiss him? That’s what any other elf would do. Vixen considered this carefully. As he thought about this odd predicament over a kiss, he eyed Vale. The lieutenant sat close to him but wasn’t looming over him. He held Vixen’s hand in his gloved ones, and his kind face held a tender smile. He didn’t seem at all impatient or frustrated.

  “And if I said no?” Not that Vixen had any intention of doing so, but he was curious.

  Vale’s smile reached his sparkling gray eyes. “Then I would be content to merely sit here in your company, holding your hand.”

  Now Vixen was truly perplexed. He’d been certain Vale desired him. There were few elves who didn’t. How could Vale be happy to sit
with him and do nothing? Perhaps Vixen had been mistaken. Was it possible Vale didn’t find him attractive? Vixen frowned at the thought. He’d never come across anyone who didn’t find him desirable. He’d have to do something about that. With a sultry smile, Vixen pulled away and started unbuttoning his vest, followed by his shirt. After Vale picked his jaw up off the icy floor, he threw a hand out to stop Vixen. Not the sort of reaction he was accustomed to when undressing for someone.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I… Making a fool of myself, apparently.” His face felt hot enough to melt the icy gazebo around him, and he swiftly clutched the sides of his vest and shirt closed. What the holly had he been thinking? He jumped to his feet, feeling mortified, when Vale stood and caught his arm.

  “Wait. Please, forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to make you feel foolish.” He wrapped his arms around Vixen and gently pulled him close.

  “I thought you wanted me,” Vixen muttered pathetically. He’d never been rejected before. It was awful.

  Vale appeared thoroughly confused. “I beg your pardon?”

  “I thought you found me attractive.” Vixen was having trouble meeting Vale’s gaze, but he allowed the lieutenant to lift his chin. The warmth in Vale’s eyes and the tender smile on his face took Vixen aback.

  “Have I given you reason to believe otherwise?”

  “You said you’d be content to just sit here if I said no.”

  “And you find that objectionable?” Vale asked with a thoughtful frown.

  “Not particularly. It’s only that no one’s ever just sat with me. If I showed no interest at the time, they left. If I showed interest, well, they certainly wouldn’t be asking me for my permission.” They would be all over him, hands groping, lips roaming, bodies pressed together.

  Vale’s frown melted away into a warm smile. “Vixen, you are the most beautiful elf I have ever laid eyes on. My desire for you is enough to melt glaciers. Yet I would never do anything to hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable. I care for you. I want more from you than physical pleasure, and any pleasure sought or given would be done so with your consent.”

  “Oh…” Vixen’s stomach twisted, and his throat went dry. Vale was very forthright with his intentions, wasn’t he? “So, you’re not giving in to your desire not because you don’t want me, but because you care for me and want more from me?”

  “Yes.” Vale placed a kiss to Vixen’s hand before taking the sides of Vixen’s shirt and doing the buttons up. Then he did the same with his vest.

  Had any of the others ever wanted more from him? Their absence was answer enough. Even with those few who had stayed after taking Vixen to bed, Vixen hadn’t lingered very long. Could it be true? What so many had said? Not that he cared. Unless… Did Vale think the same? Vixen didn’t like the way his heart protested the thought.

  “Do you think I’m a floozy?” He searched Vale’s eyes, finding nothing but truth and genuine affection.

  “No, darling.”

  “Everyone else thinks I am. Especially your cousin. He thinks I’m too free with my affections.”

  “Has it made you happy?” Vale led him back to the bench where they resumed their seats. Vixen shifted close, happy to feel Vale’s arm around him. He considered Vale’s question very hard.

  “Yes.” At least at the time he thought it had. He’d never been one to believe in love or romance. From his experience, love never lasted. It was better to spare himself the pain. Having whirlwind affairs was much more exciting, and he was never lonely. If he ever felt alone, there were plenty of toy soldiers who’d keep him company. Though he wondered how many would do so if it meant keeping him company outside the bedroom.

  “Then little else matters.”

  Vixen stared at Vale, a lump forming in his throat. “Why are you so kind?”

  “I’m not being kind, simply speaking the truth,” Vale replied. “You are a grown elf, free to do as you please with whomever you please. If it makes you happy, no one has the right to tell you otherwise.”

  No one had ever spoken to Vixen in such a manner. Or held him so gently and asked for so little in return. No one had ever accepted him as he was. “Vale?”

  “Yes?”

  “I’d like for you to kiss me.”

  “As you wish.” Vale leaned in, and a host of butterflies appeared in Vixen’s belly, fluttering wildly. He closed his eyes, and at the taste of Vale’s lips against his, he melted against the strong elf, feeling a deep desire sweep through his body. Along with the heat came something else, something he couldn’t put a name to. It was a new sensation that was both frightening and oh so wonderful. Vale allowed Vixen to set the pace, and unlike all his other amorous encounters that were a flurry of hands and fervor, Vixen went slow, enjoying the softness of Vale’s lips, the warmth of his strong body, and the scent of apple and spice that seemed to surround him.

  Vixen lost track of how long he’d spent in Vale’s embrace being kissed. It was the first time he’d been kissed for such a lengthy amount of time. He enjoyed it very much. As Vale ran his fingers down Vixen’s jaw and nipped playfully at his lower lip, Vixen realized this whole encounter had gone far differently than he’d imagined. When Vale pulled back, Vixen let out a sigh. Perhaps he’d been a little quick to judge Lieutenant Vale.

  “My uncle’s birthday is in three days, and the family is throwing him a party in the evening to celebrate. It will be at his palace. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?”

  “To a party at the king’s palace?” Vixen could barely contain his glee. He’d never been to the King of Frost’s palace. Few had. Of all his Rein Dear brothers, only Rudy had been because of Jack, and now it was finally Vixen’s turn. “I’d love to!”

  “Wonderful!” Vale delivered a sweet kiss to Vixen’s lips before he stood and fetched the basket. He laid it down at their feet and removed the bottle of mulled wine and two glasses. “Would you care for a glass?”

  “I’d love one.”

  Vale poured them each a glass before offering Vixen some of the sumptuous treats from inside the basket—treats Vale had gone through the trouble of asking Rudy about.

  “Vixen? May I see you again? Before the ball? I know the Rein Dears are very busy this time of year, but perhaps I might stop by with lunch?”

  Vale studied him intently, as if there was a possibility Vixen might actually decline. In truth, Vixen did have quite a full schedule, but he always managed to squeeze in a little fun. “Tomorrow I’ll be at Cinnamon Square. I’ll be happy to have lunch with you.” He smiled sweetly and leaned in for a kiss. “Will you bring me three times as many treats as today?”

  “As you wish.” Vale smiled broadly, and Vixen could have sworn the lieutenant was all but ready to melt at his touch. Had Vale heard him or simply agreed because he was smitten?

  As they sat, drank, nibbled on goodies, and chatted, guilt washed over Vixen for having brushed the lieutenant off so quickly all those months ago. Then his thoughts went to other dire matters. What was he going to wear to the king’s ball?

  Vale arrived around noon at Cinnamon Square with a sleigh containing three large baskets filled with treats. He wasn’t quite certain why Vixen had asked for so much. It was more than any one elf could indulge in. Hollis had been no help at all, stating Vixen was being selfish and wasteful, spoiling himself at Vale’s expense. Vale refused to believe it.

  Cinnamon Square was quite a barren town, with a few meager shops and little else. Down the cobblestone road there were a few gingerbread houses and a great deal of construction going on. Was he in the right place? What would Vixen be doing in such a small town? In the distance, he spotted Vixen dressed in his pilot’s flight jacket and goggles, looking handsome as always. He was speaking to Blitzen when he noticed Vale and waved. He excused himself and dashed over to Vale with a smile that stole his breath away.

  “You came.”

  Vale returned Vixen’s smile and bowed. “Of course.”

  “Perfec
t timing.” Vixen turned and let out a whistle. Two toy soldiers materialized out of snowy nowhere, and Vale frowned as they ran over with smiles that stretched from ear to ear. Vixen turned to their new guests. “Would you fellas take those baskets for me?”

  The toy soldiers hopped to it, removing the baskets from Vale’s sleigh. Curious. Vixen took hold of Vale’s arm and led him down the road toward the construction. As they neared the site, Vale spotted some of the other Rein Dears working away.

  “You’re building gingerbread houses,” Vale said as they approached one tiny house which looked about ready to crumble with the slightest breeze. Everyone in North Pole City knew how the Rein Dears spent their time when not preparing for the Big Flight. Being a Rein Dear required more than being a darling celebrity. They worked hard year-round for Mayor Kringle, spreading joy and helping those less fortunate. Vixen stopped before the closed door and turned with a broad grin.

  “Brace yourselves, fellas. And whatever you do, don’t put down those baskets until I say so.”

  Vale was about to ask what was going on when Vixen opened the door and stepped inside, calling out into what appeared to be an empty, shabby room with little furniture, “It’s here, just as I promised.”

  All at once, the room erupted into a flurry of movement and noise. Elflings of all sizes popped out of every nook and cranny, flooding out from the wardrobe and from several wooden chests. Vale stood stunned as they were rushed.

  Vixen led the terrified soldiers to a large oak table where they swiftly put down the baskets at his instruction. The elflings crowded the table, all three dozen or so. How the holly had they all fit in this tiny house?

  “Calm down. Remember what we discussed.” At Vixen’s firm but gentle words, the elflings settled down. Wide eyes followed the pilot’s every move. Vixen thanked the toy soldiers, who all but scurried from the room once they were dismissed. “Vale, will you help me?”