North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Read online

  Jack joined the king at his side and embraced him. It was good to see the two close once again. For so long there had been a rift between them. Rudy would often confess his worries to Cupid, his fear the king would never approve of his love for Jack. At first the king was furious, but over the last few years, he’d come to see what Rudy meant to Jack, and how he’d underestimated the fiery Christmas elf.

  Jack turned to the quiet room. “As my father said, thank you all for coming. Our great kingdom would be lost without you. The last few centuries have been difficult. Losing my mother—your queen—was a fierce blow, one I didn’t believe I would ever recover from. Although my heart still mourns the loss, it remains beating with warmth, all thanks to one very special elf.” Jack smiled down at Rudy. “Will you join me up here, sweetheart?”

  Rudy smiled and took Jack’s hand, allowing him to help him up to the stage beside him. The ballroom was in complete silence as Jack spoke to Rudy for all to hear. “For years you’ve been a beacon in the snowstorm. The warm, bright red light guiding me home. I lost my heart to the ice all those years ago, and thanks to you, it was thawed. I never knew how much I needed that heart until the day I gave it to you.”

  Jack lowered himself onto one knee, and the room collectively gasped. He drew a small gilded box from his ceremonial military uniform and opened it before Rudy.

  “Rudy, will you do me the great honor of being my husband, and one day ruling at my side as prince of the Frost kingdom?”

  Tears welled in Rudy’s eyes, and he nodded fervently. “Yes!”

  The ballroom erupted into cheers and applause as Jack slipped a ring onto Rudy’s finger. Without hesitation, Rudy threw himself at Jack, and the two nearly toppled over, causing the guests to laugh. Cupid sniffed and did his best not to shed a tear, but what the holly, it was just the sort of occasion for it. He was so happy for Rudy. Perhaps the rumors circulating last Christmas regarding Jack proposing hadn’t been rumors after all. Jack stood and drew Rudy into his arms before kissing him. A roar of cheers and catcalls swept through the room. The excitement was palpable. There hadn’t been a royal wedding in centuries, much less one directly connected to the Frost monarchy.

  Rudy and Jack thanked everyone and left the stage. The room buzzed with talk of the wedding. When would it be, where would it be held, what would the couple wear…. It went on and on. Cupid and Blitz joined the rest of their Rein Dear brethren as they circled Rudy to offer their congratulations.

  Cupid hugged his dear friend. “Congratulations, Rudy! I’m so happy for you!”

  “Thank you. I was wondering why the Silver Bells Christmas Ball was being held here. Jack said his father wished to be present when he asked for my hand in marriage.” Rudy wiped a tear from his eye. “I still can’t believe it.”

  “Really? Jack adores you. I’m not surprised at all. Who better to rule at his side?” His friend and captain was too modest. Rudy deserved all the wonderful gifts he received in life. He was the most selfless elf Cupid knew.

  “Thank you.”

  A crowd gathered around them, all eager to talk to the happy groom-to-be. Everyone wanted to know what type of wedding Rudy wanted. While poor Rudy was ambushed on all sides with questions on everything from wardrobe to menus, Jack’s cousin Vale turned to Blitz with a smile. “Will you be bringing your family?”

  Blitz beamed proudly. “Of course. My parents would love it.”

  “Also, Ruse would be very displeased with you if you didn’t bring her,” Cupid teased.

  Blitz let out a snort. “Displeased? My sister would have my baubles if I allowed her to miss a royal wedding. I think Sage might enjoy himself. Plenty of sugarplum faeries for him to court.” He shook his head in amusement. “That elfling. I swear, one of these days a sugarplum faery is going to sweep him off his feet, and then we’ll see who’s feeling brash.”

  Vale chuckled and turned his attention to Cupid. “What about you, Cupid? Will you be bringing your family to the wedding?”

  “Oh, um, my mother passed quite some time ago. She was my only family.” A lump formed in Cupid’s throat, but he did his best to keep smiling. Vale’s expression turned sympathetic.

  “I’m so terribly sorry.”

  “It’s all right. Will you excuse me?” Cupid bowed graciously before turning and walking off at a brisk pace. He needed some air, and all of a sudden, it felt rather stuffy in here.

  “Are you all right?” Blitz’s hand landed gently on Cupid’s shoulder to stop him.

  “Yes. Just being silly.” Breathe. Everything’s all right.

  “About what?”

  “Everyone’s families will be in attendance. Even Vixen will have Vale at his side.” Cupid swallowed hard. It still hurt terribly even all these years later. “I’ll be alone.”

  “That’s not true.” Blitz cupped Cupid’s cheek. “You’ll have me. I’ll be at your side.”

  Cupid couldn’t help the way his heart swelled. “You’re too sweet.”

  “Humbug. I’m not being sweet. When have I ever not been at your side?”

  It was true. Ever since their days at Claus College and then the Rein Dear Academy, Blitz had been at Cupid’s side. They’d been like two peas in a pod. Still were.

  Blitz drew Cupid into a warm embrace. “Besides, Ruse loves you. So does the rest of my family. My parents have all but adopted you.”

  Cupid smiled at the thought of Blitz’s sweet mother. She fussed over him even more than she did over Blitz. Whenever they visited Blitz’s family, she’d feed Cupid far more than he could ever hope to eat, insisting he be well rested, and the slightest sniffle was cause for a healthy broth. Cupid stood on his toes and kissed Blitz’s cheek. Blitz’s dopey smile made him chuckle.

  “What was that for?” Blitz asked softly.

  “For being you. Thank you.” The music kicked off in a sweeping waltz. Blitz bowed and held his hand out.

  “May I have this dance?”

  Cupid smiled brightly and nodded. “I would love to.” He was so very lucky to have a dear friend like Blitz. He hoped things never changed.

  Chapter 2

  Here we go.

  Blitz pulled on his flight gloves as he headed for the lineup. It was the same year after year, yet each time he saw his Rein Dear brothers lined up in a neat little row in front of their biplanes, he smiled. Especially when his gaze landed on his dear friend Cupid. As the only Rein Dear who was part winter faery, Cupid was the smallest of Mayor Kringle’s nine Rein Dears. He was also the fairest, with his wispy pale-blond locks falling over his brow and his fair skin. His cheeks were always rosy and his blue eyes sparkled bright. Blitz was captivated by the sweet and timid Cupid from the moment they met. He never expected them to become friends back then. He figured their differences would be too great, but he warmed to Cupid instantly.

  Blitz took his position at the end of the line, though not before giving Cupid a wink when their eyes met. Should anything happen, Blitz was the last line of defense for his brethren. Rudy, as always, headed their squadron. Their captain waved at the cheering crowd, signaling their departure. The rest of them followed his lead, waving at the excited citizens of North Pole City who’d come to see them off. It was a grand event, especially since Jack Frost had attended to kiss his love good-bye and ensure the Rein Dears clear skies, a new tradition for them all.

  Everyone turned to their planes, their helpers running out to make their final checks. Blitz took the opportunity to pull Cupid behind his plane.

  “Be safe.”

  “And you,” Cupid replied sweetly. He threw his arms around Blitz and hugged him like he did every year before the Big Flight, and Blitz returned his hug, holding him close. Their embrace tended to last a little longer than a warm hug between friends, and Cupid did snuggle up close, but Blitz didn’t mind in the least. In fact, he secretly enjoyed it. Cupid had a way of drawing out Blitz’s affectionate nature the way few others could.

  Reluctantly Blitz pulled away. He smiled at Cupid and
gave him a nod before heading back to his plane and climbing in.

  “Are you lovebirds done?” Dasher’s voice came through the dashboard of Blitz’s biplane as he closed the door behind him.

  “Don’t you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?” Blitz settled into his seat behind the yoke before he fastened his harness. He then checked his gauges, ignoring Dasher cackling through the speakers.

  “I never get tired of hearing myself talk. I love myself too much.”

  Blitz muttered a few choice words under his breath. Nothing the rest of his brethren needed to hear him speak out loud. Dasher simply laughed. The jackanapes.

  No matter how many times he did this, the excitement never waned. One by one his Rein Dear brothers sped down the tarmac before the wheels of their colorful biplanes left the ground. Their planes ascended until soon it was Cupid’s turn. Blitz shouldn’t be nervous. Cupid was an expert pilot like the rest of them, yet until the pale blue biplane with white ice fractals and swirling white foliage was safely in the air, Blitz wouldn’t be at ease.

  As soon as Cupid was up in the night sky, Blitz relaxed. Donner came next. Soon Blitz was rolling down the tarmac. Moments later the earth disappeared beneath him and a few wispy clouds appeared outside his window. Thanks to Jack they had good flying weather. They might hit a small snowstorm along the way, but nothing they couldn’t handle. Jack made sure of it.

  Many often wondered how they could circle the globe in one night. Most humans believed it was still Mayor Kringle who delivered Christmas. Blitz chuckled at the thought. Mayor Kringle hung up his reins centuries ago when his once-tiny workshop flourished and soon became a town, then a city. Now North Pole City was the largest city at the North Pole, with thousands of citizens, shops, schools, a government, law enforcement, businesses, factories, and everything one tended to find in a large city. Running North Pole City wasn’t all Mayor Kringle did. He was also part of the Enchanted Council of Magical Creatures.

  The ECMC took up a great deal of Kringle’s time, and in a way, the council spawned the Rein Dears, special handpicked Christmas elves who would deliver Christmas on Mayor Kringle’s behalf. Blitzen had been a pilot for so long he couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Being a Rein Dear was who he was, and he loved it.

  Since the Rein Dears were connected to Mayor Kringle, they were able to draw magic from him, including the power to stretch time. What might appear like minutes to the humans were really hours for the Rein Dears, giving them ample time to spread Christmas cheer and deliver all the presents around the globe. Their biplanes contained every human’s coordinates and designated where a gift was to be released. Inside each biplane was an exact replica of Mayor Kringle’s magic bag. When a particular button flashed on his dashboard, Blitz would open the cargo door of his plane, and the designated gifts would zoom down undetected and appear in the right place when no one was looking. It was all very hush-hush.

  For hours they flew and delivered gifts, following their captain as he performed some loops and dips. Just because they were on the job didn’t mean they couldn’t have a little fun. They made all their deliveries right on schedule. Another successful year.

  As they soared through the air on the way back to North Pole City, Blitz allowed his gaze to wander ahead to Cupid’s biplane. Blitz flew just high enough to see it. His thoughts went to the other night at the Silver Bells Christmas Ball. Blitz enjoyed himself immensely. Then again he always did with Cupid around. Cupid was one of those few elves who possessed genuine innocence. Yet he wasn’t naïve in the slightest. He was quick-witted and sharp. Cupid rarely lost his composure, but when he did, he was as formidable as any elf.

  Blitz worried his bottom lip with his teeth. He’d kissed Cupid. At the time he didn’t give it much thought. What was a playful kiss between best friends? The last thing he expected was the jolt of electricity that set his body on fire. He’d never thought of Cupid as more than his best friend, but since that kiss, all manner of troubling notions had entered his mind. And his dreams. Blitz shifted in his seat. This really was not the place to be having such feelings.

  Even as he told himself as much, his imagination ran away with him, and he recalled one particularly sensual dream. He was in his plane, which was in the hangar, as he made repairs, when Cupid climbed in and slipped between him and the yoke. Blitz asked him what he was doing, and Cupid responded with the most sinful, sultry smile Blitz had ever seen.

  All Blitz could do was sit in stunned silence as Cupid lowered himself onto his knees and took hold of Blitz’s waistband. He pulled Blitz’s pants down, releasing his rock-hard shaft. Blitz groaned, his breath hitching when Cupid wrapped his plump lips around Blitz and began to suck. It was both excruciating and exhilarating.

  Blitz’s erection strained against his pants, and he adjusted himself with a groan, gently rubbing with his hand. He recalled every detail. How amazing it felt, how beautiful Cupid looked, the lust in his sparkling blue eyes.

  His plane dipped, and Blitz cursed under his breath as he resumed formation. Rudy’s concerned voice came in over his radio.

  “Blitz?”

  Holy holly, what the heck was he doing?

  “Sorry. I, uh, dropped something.”

  “Oh. All right. Be careful.”

  “Sure thing, Rudy.”

  Blitz cursed himself for letting his imagination run away with him. For holly’s sake, they were returning from the Big Flight. There was a good deal of ground to cover before they made it back home, but still. This was hardly the place to be fantasizing about such things. Worse yet was who he was fantasizing about. What would Cupid think of him? Most likely that he was a rogue of the worst sort. He needed to get himself together. Cupid’s friendship meant everything to him. He couldn’t jeopardize that over a silly kiss during a friendly dance. Yet he couldn’t help but wonder if Cupid felt the same. Had he experienced the same spark when he kissed Blitz?

  “You’re overthinking this,” he told himself. Cupid had never shown any interest in being more than friends. It was best he put all this behind him. With a decisive nod, Blitz endeavored to do just that. As they neared the faint glowing lights of their city below, Blitz smiled. It was almost time for their post-Big Flight celebration at the White Hart. He and Cupid always snuggled up close in their favorite love seat while sipping hot cocoa.

  Blitz groaned. So much for putting it all behind him.

  “Utter trash!” Gunne shook his head in repulsion at the newspaper in his hands. Despicable. Did they have no shame? What was the world coming to? “Disgusting.”

  “What is it now?” Calder asked. His brother didn’t so much as look up from his own paper. Were they even reading the same article? Gunne tilted his head to one side. Yes, Calder had the same newspaper. Had he not seen the headline? It took up the whole of the front page.

  “Those horrid elves are to wed.”

  “Who?” Calder blinked at him.

  “That bastard Frost and his faery prince.” Gunne flicked the front page of Calder’s paper, and his brother finally took notice.

  “Good for them.”

  “Good for them?” Gunne stared at his brother before letting out a sound of disgust. “I forgot you were a romantic.” He fluttered his lashes, only to receive a punch in the arm. “That hurt, you pinecone.”

  “Then stop accusing me of nonsense. What do you care what happens in the Frost kingdom?”

  “I don’t,” Gunne replied through his teeth. He turned his attention back to his newspaper and the large photograph of those goody Rein Dears, one tiny white speck in particular. Look at him. He thinks he’s so damned perfect. The paper was snatched from his hand, and he hissed at Calder. His brother ignored him, searching the article with his black eyes until he spotted what had Gunne in such a foul mood this morning. He could have looked at his own blasted newspaper.

  “No. Leave him be, Gunne.” Calder folded up the paper and tossed it on the stone slab table. “He made his choice. We must respect it.” />
  “He’s a traitor!” Gunne fumed. “He turned his back on us. On his brothers.”

  “He chose the path of light. Every Dockalfar has the right to that choice. It’s past time you left this anger of yours toward our brother behind. Cupid has his life, and we have ours.”

  “He’s our brother. He should be Dockalfar with us! As if it weren’t bad enough he turned his back on us, he pretends to be a Christmas elf? A Christmas elf? Odin’s sake, he could have chosen to be a blasted mushroom and he’d have more power.”

  Calder shrugged. “Clearly he’s not concerned with power. Not everyone is.”

  At times he wondered if Calder was truly related to him. “You’re missing my point.”

  “What is your point?” Calder let out an exasperated sigh and ran his fingers through his long white hair.

  Gunne jabbed his finger against the table for emphasis. “My point is that no matter how hard he tries to hide, it won’t change what he is. It won’t change the darkness in his soul. One day that darkness will find a way out, and then everyone will see him for what he is, wicked like us.” Of all the elves, Dockalfar were the most feared and reviled. They were malicious, tricksters with no remorse for those weaker than them. With darkened hearts, they wielded great magic. Yet even Dockalfar had honor. They had family and those they cared for. They felt pain and anguish. They simply addressed it differently, usually through vengeance. At least that was the way of a true Dockalfar. Calder was going soft.

  “Gunne, remember Mother—”

  “Mother chose him over us!” Gunne couldn’t help the venom in his words. “She decided he was too good to be Dockalfar. She was the one who split up our family.”

  Calder’s frown deepened. “Cupid was not made for the darkness. Her request was just. What’s more, Father agreed and chose to honor her wishes.”

  “You’ve always been soft when it comes to him.”