North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Read online

  Cupid’s bottom lip jutted out. “Humbug.”

  “I don’t know what you’re complaining about,” Donner teased as he walked into the room. “You ate your weight in sugar cookies this morning.”

  Cupid’s cheeks went bright pink. “Practicing magic makes me hungry.”

  “Of course it does.” Donner took a seat at the table, his violet eyes sparkling with mischief. Calder was reminded of the cupcake he’d purchased.

  “I brought you something.”

  Donner straightened. “Me?”

  “Yes.” Calder very gently opened the box to remove the lavender cupcake. He placed it on a small plate in front of Donner. “It reminded me of your eyes.”

  Donner stared at him. “You… you brought me a cupcake because it reminded you of my eyes?”

  Calder nodded. He pointed to the little star on top. “The color, but mostly the way it sparkles.”

  Donner opened his mouth to reply but said nothing. He closed his mouth, his cheeks growing pink. Calder quite liked to see that particular hue on his fair skin.

  “Thank you,” Donner replied quietly.

  “We should get started,” Cupid said cheerfully, his gaze on the box of treats.

  “Of course.” Calder walked to the end of the room. It might have been a ballroom at one point, but now it looked somewhat abandoned. At the moment, it seemed to be where random objects came to rest. Chests, old gilded mirrors, chairs, and even a battered old sleigh. Calder waited patiently as Cupid stood at the opposite end.

  “Ready? Calder asked, his voice projecting through the room.

  Cupid nodded. “Yes.”

  For days Calder had been teaching Cupid how to manipulate the darkness with his magic. Now it was time he learned to deflect it. Blitzen hadn’t been the least bit happy about the idea, but it was necessary. With the world knowing Cupid had Dockalfar blood, there was no telling when a challenge might come, and Calder intended for his little brother to be ready to protect himself. At least he and Blitzen had agreed on that much.

  Calder closed his eyes, summoning the darkness within him. It filled his soul, wrapping around his heart before spreading through his body like a rolling fog. He thought of what he wanted to do and then snapped his wrist. It was only a small pulse, and he didn’t hurl it across the room as he normally would have against a foe. He sent it off in a small wave. Cupid threw his hands out, but not in time. The pulse knocked him over. With a huff, his sweet brother pushed himself to his feet, calling out across the room.

  “I don’t know what I did wrong.”

  “You waited too long to protect yourself,” Calder replied. “Let’s try again.”

  Again and again Cupid was knocked off his feet. He could see Calder’s magic, but he couldn’t seem to find the right moment to deflect it.

  “Why don’t I demonstrate? You send a blast at me, and I’ll deflect it,” Calder stated.

  “But…” Cupid wrung his hands. “I still don’t know how to control it. What if I hurt you?”

  “You won’t. I’ll deflect it. Come now.” Calder readied himself.

  Reluctantly, Cupid agreed. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, summoning the darkness. With a fierce cry, he sent out a blast of dark magic.

  “Ouch!”

  Calder snapped his attention to the table where Donner sat, his finger bleeding.

  “Calder!”

  Cupid’s cry came moments before Calder’s world went black.

  Chapter 3

  “Of all the foolish, irresponsible, bauble-headed things to do!” Donner fumed, pacing the room.

  “Would you please stop yelling at him?” Cupid huffed before he turned his attention back to Calder. “Calder, please wake up.”

  “He should have been paying attention,” Donner replied through his teeth. “You had just attacked him, and he left himself wide open! What kind of a lesson is that? A lesson in what not to do, that’s what!”

  Donner couldn’t believe Calder’s recklessness. How could he look away at the exact moment his brother had launched an attack on him?

  Because he was worried about you, you silly moose!

  Poppycock. Why would a Dockalfar care that he’d cut his finger? It was only a little cut. He hadn’t been paying attention when slicing his cupcake. Nor had he expected the knife to be so sharp. Next thing he knew, he was bleeding, and Calder had been slammed into the wall so hard he was out before he hit the floor.

  “I thought you were learning to control your powers,” Donner said, turning to Cupid.

  “I am. It takes time. Calder’s been mastering his powers for hundreds of years. I’ve been doing it for mere weeks.”

  “Then he should know better than to have you attack him!” Donner went back to pacing. Maybe they should call Jack. No, he might put an end to this and send Calder off. Not that Donner cared if he did. He didn’t. But Cupid would be disappointed and all pouty. He was doing it for Cupid. Obviously.

  “He would have deflected it if he’d been paying attention,” Cupid replied crossly as he brushed Calder’s hair away from his brow. Donner came to a halt. He spun on his heels.

  “What are you insinuating?”

  Cupid opened his mouth to reply when Calder groaned. His eyes fluttered open, and he frowned.

  “You pack quite a punch, little brother.”

  “Oh, Calder! Are you all right?” Cupid helped Calder sit up.

  “I’m fine. That was rather impressive.”

  Cupid’s bottom lip trembled, and he threw himself into his brother’s huge arms. “I’m so sorry, Calder.”

  “Hush now,” Calder assured him, one large hand on Cupid’s blond head. “It’d take a lot more than that to hurt me.”

  Donner hadn’t expected such tenderness from a Dockalfar. Calder seemed aware of his size and strength as he comforted his much smaller sibling. His smile was genuine and warm. After assuring Cupid he was just fine, Calder released him and stood, towering over both Donner and Cupid. That might intimidate other Christmas elves, but not Donner.

  “What were you thinking? Turning away during an attack?” Donner scolded, poking Calder in the chest, more gently this time to save himself a broken finger.

  Something suddenly occurred to Calder, and his expression became concerned. He took Donner’s hand in his, drawing a gasp from him.

  “What are you doing?” Donner tugged at his hand, but it was no use. Calder inspected his finger and the thin red line of blood.

  “You cut yourself,” Calder stated with a frown. Before Donner could reply that it was nothing, and it truly was, Calder put his finger to Donner’s. A heat seared his skin, and Donner winced.

  “What are you doing?”

  Just as quickly as the heat had come, it was gone. When Calder removed his finger, Donner noticed the thin red line running across it. Wait. Donner’s finger didn’t hurt. His head shot up, and he stared at Calder.

  “What did you do?”

  Calder smiled warmly. “Dockalfar can’t heal, but we can transfer wounds, transfer the pain elsewhere.”

  And he’d chosen to transfer Donner’s pain to himself? Donner didn’t know what to make of that. Why? Why would he do such a thing? Donner didn’t ask. He was too afraid of how Calder might reply.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt.” Rudy entered the room, his face flushed and almost as red as his hair. Donner couldn’t imagine putting together a wedding the scale of Rudy and Jack’s. Two kingdoms were being united through marriage, the Frost Kingdom and North Pole City, which meant everything was twice as big and twice as challenging. Donner felt for Rudy. He hoped Rudy and Jack managed to get through the wedding plans long enough to enjoy their big day.

  “Is everything all right?” Donner asked.

  “I’m afraid the rehearsal has been moved up to tonight. The King of Frost arranged for soldiers from the toy soldier army to perform at the wedding. Unfortunately, their rehearsal clashed with ours. I’m so sorry.”

  Donner walked over and patt
ed Rudy’s arm. “Just breathe. It’s all right. You know we’re here to help any way we can.”

  Rudy looked relieved. “Thank you, my friend. If you would all make your way to the grand ballroom, Jack and I will be in there shortly. We’re just rounding everyone up.”

  “I can fetch Blitzen,” Cupid volunteered cheerfully.

  “Thank you, Cupid. That would be a great help. You can finish your training after rehearsal if you’d like. I’ll see you all shortly.” Rudy left, and Cupid sprinted off, calling out behind him.

  “I’ll be back soon, Donner!”

  Before Donner could reply, Cupid disappeared around the corner, leaving Donner all alone with Calder.

  “Perhaps you should wait in the library,” Donner suggested, hoping Calder would do just that. Besides feeling foolishly nervous about Calder watching him dance, he could imagine what his brethren might think at seeing Calder there. He doubted any of them would be impolite, for Cupid’s sake if for nothing else, but there would be toy soldiers there, and they weren’t so timid.

  Calder seemed to think about it. “Will there be music?”

  “It’s a dance rehearsal, so I imagine so.”

  “Wonderful. Then I’ll stay.”

  Donner suppressed a groan. What could he say? The elf had brought him a cupcake and then healed his finger. It was not as if Donner had any say in where Calder should or shouldn’t go.

  They arrived at the grand ballroom. Donner had been in the room several times, but he still found it breathtaking. Its silver-and-white marble pillars stood regally supporting grand arches intricately decorated in pale blue and silver. The orchestra arrived, arranging themselves at the very end in their place, all dressed in white with white instruments.

  Where was everyone?

  “Perhaps we can find a way to amuse ourselves until the others arrive.”

  Donner’s cheeks burned, and his heart fluttered most awfully. He spun on his heels and found himself face-to-chest with Calder. Swallowing hard, he lifted his chin. It wasn’t right for an elf to be so tall, or so… broad and muscular. Calder smiled, and Donner’s heart fluttered again. How very annoying.

  Calder moved his arm, and Donner took a quick step back. He was surprised when Calder held out his hand.

  Donner blinked up at him. “What are you doing?”

  Calder nodded toward the empty ballroom floor.

  “I’m not dancing with you.” The very nerve. As if Donner would do such a thing. It would require him to hold Calder’s hand and get… close.

  Calder shrugged. He put one hand to his chest and held the other out before he began to dance and sway. Plum pudding. The elf had gone mad. Calder smiled as he danced, his large stature not impeding his easy grace in the least. Donner would never have suspected the elf possessed such flair. It was difficult not to watch him, and even more so to appear indifferent. Not when Calder waltzed around him. The orchestra began to play a soft melody, and Donner cursed under his breath. Were they trying to be droll?

  “Join me,” Calder said.

  “No.” Donner folded his arms over his chest. Absolutely not. Dance with a Dockalfar? Absurd. He could just hear the gossip now.

  Seemingly unperturbed by Donner’s refusal, Calder began to sing.

  Oh, for the love of holly. He sings too? Calder sang in a smooth baritone that did the strangest thing to Donner’s skin. He didn’t like it one bit. He especially didn’t like it when Calder sang about Donner’s eyes and the stars.

  Calder danced closer, his voice low and dripping with honey. “Dance with me.”

  “I’ll do no such thing.”

  “Afraid I’ll sully your reputation?” He stopped behind Donner and murmured in his ear. “Or afraid you might like it?”

  A gasp escaped Donner, and his face burned crimson. He spun, bringing his hand with him. To his chagrin, Calder caught his wrist. His grin and eyes were filled with mischief.

  “Careful, little dear, or someone might get the wrong idea.”

  “Release me this instant,” Donner demanded, his temper rising. The audacity!

  Calder chuckled and twirled him around. Donner released the most unflattering yelp. He lost his balance and fell against Calder, his hand on Calder’s chest as he looked up into his eyes.

  “Well, now, what’s this?”

  Donner swiftly pushed himself away from Calder. Of all the elves who could have caught him, why did it have to be Vixen? He was a terrible gossip.

  Vixen looked from Donner to Calder and back. “Did we interrupt something?”

  Donner felt his cheeks burn. “Don’t be ridiculous. I tripped.”

  “Of course.” A mischievous smile spread across Vixen’s handsome face. “I always land in the arms of big, strong elves when I trip.”

  Donner was so scandalized, he had no reply. Beside Vixen, Vale Frost studied him curiously. Plum pudding! When had Lieutenant Frost come in? What if he got the wrong idea? What if he told Jack that Donner was… was…? What was he doing? Nothing! He hadn’t done anything. But Vale didn’t know that. What if he told Jack that Donner and Calder were—which they weren’t! Crabapples.

  Luckily, in a matter of minutes, everyone was in attendance, and Jack was addressing the room. “All right, everyone. I have some bad news. Thistle, the toy soldier who was chosen to dance with Donner, has had an unfortunate sleighing accident. He’s well, but I’m afraid he won’t be doing any dancing for some time. Not until his leg is healed.”

  Rudy turned to whisper in Jack’s ear. Whatever he’d said, it was clear Jack wasn’t happy about it. The two turned from the crowd, and Jack shook his head as Rudy gently argued his case. Donner had no idea what was going on. Jack seemed ready to deny Rudy’s request until their captain placed his hand to Jack’s cheek. It would seem the Prince of Frost could only say no to his love for so long, and the tender caress was his downfall. He let out a heavy sigh and nodded. With a bright smile, Rudy turned to address Calder.

  “Would you mind standing in for Thistle? At least until we find the right partner for Donner.”

  Donner gasped, and the room broke off into whispers and murmurs. Pair him with a Dockalfar? How could Rudy ask such a thing? Even if it was just for rehearsals, it was likely the press would be in at some point to take pictures. The whole of North Pole City couldn’t get enough of Jack and Rudy’s wedding preparations. What if someone were to snap a picture of him dancing with a Dockalfar?

  “If Donner accepts, I would be honored,” Calder replied.

  “Do we really have time to teach a Dockalfar to waltz?” Dasher asked, his narrowed gaze on Calder.

  Dasher had been gone for days, chasing a quarry he could never hope to catch, and here he was passing judgment on Calder. The nerve. Donner supposed he should be grateful the King of Frost hadn’t turned Dasher into an ice sculpture for his insolence. Honestly, as if Dasher stood a chance with the frosty monarch.

  “I know how to dance,” Calder replied, resulting in several surprised expressions.

  Donner worried his bottom lip with his teeth. Blasted Calder. Now everyone was looking to Donner. If he said no, he would be disappointing his captain and dear friend. If he said yes, he was risking his reputation. Resigned, he gave a nod, and even attempted a smile.

  “Of course, Rudy.”

  “Wonderful! Everyone, please split into two even groups, lining up on either side of the floor.”

  Donner swept past Calder, growling at him. “If the press appears, you must make absolutely certain I’m not photographed dancing with you.”

  “Would it be so terrible?”

  “Yes, it would be. Everyone would think you and I are… that we’re… I can’t be seen with a Dockalfar!”

  Calder took hold of Donner’s arm and turned him, his hand on Donner’s cheek stilled him.

  “Easy, my little dear. Your reputation won’t suffer on my account.”

  Donner was relieved, yet annoyed at being addressed once again as Calder’s “little dear.”
/>   “Thank you,” Donner managed, letting the endearment go. Calder was being cooperative, so it was best Donner not tempt him into changing his mind.

  “Everyone, take your positions.”

  Calder towered above the rest, his great height even surpassing Jack’s. He stood before Donner and held out a hand. Clearing his throat, Donner accepted. He couldn’t believe he was doing this. He must have gone mad. His hand was enveloped in Calder’s much larger one, and when Calder placed his right hand to Donner’s side, Donner did his best not to fidget.

  “Your hand,” Calder prompted with a mischievous smile.

  “I beg your pardon?” Donner blinked at him dumbly.

  “Your hand. Place it on my arm.”

  “Oh! Right. Yes.” Positions and all that. Oh dear. Doing as instructed, Donner placed his left hand on Calder’s arm.

  Rudy and Jack took their positions in the center between both rows of dancers. “All right everyone,” Rudy said cheerfully. “Follow our lead and remember to listen to the music.”

  The orchestra began to play a beautiful waltz, and when Rudy and Jack began to move, everyone followed suit. Donner had danced the waltz countless times, but he’d never felt as self-conscious about it as he did now. Before he could give it any more thought, he was whirled around. Donner did his best not to smile.

  Calder took hold of his waist and lifted him at the same time as the others lifted their partners. Donner held on to his strong arms. “Admit it,” Calder said. “You’re enjoying yourself.” He turned, then placed Donner gently on his feet.

  “You’re very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

  “No. I can see it in your eyes.”

  “Poppycock. What you see is my ever-growing frustration. Why are you so blasted tall?” It was like dancing with a tree!

  “Why are you so grumpy? Not very natural for a Christmas elf. Well, unless you’re Blitzen, but from what I hear, he’s always been like that.”

  Donner glowered at him. “I’m not grumpy.”

  “Oh? That frown says otherwise.” He leaned in close. Too close for Donner’s liking. “What’s the matter? Afraid you might like me?”