North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Read online

“No! We can’t leave him in there! Calder!”

  Jack came running, his eyes wide. “What happened?”

  “The snow is collapsing. There are still villagers in some of the houses, and Calder’s inside the mine,” Dasher explained.

  “Calder!” Cupid came running, only to be restrained by Blitzen. “Jack, you have to do something!”

  “Everyone stand back!” Jack’s eyes frosted over, his hair turning white from the roots to the tips. The snow cascaded down, hitting the mine as Jack summoned his powers, sending a bluster of wind against the falling snow, but there was too much of it. The remaining villagers fled from their homes at the base of the mountain, and Jack’s attention was divided between keeping them safe and the snow hurtling toward the mine.

  “There’s nothing we can do,” Blitzen replied somberly.

  “No! Calder!” Donner tried to push away from Dasher, but his friend threw his arms around him and lifted him off his feet, carrying him away from the mine. The snow barreled down the mountain, and as much as Jack tried, there was too much snow and not enough time. Calder would be crushed.

  “There’s too much snow. Everyone fall back!” Blitzen picked up a distraught Cupid, and everyone pulled back as far away from the base of the mountain as they could.

  “There must be something we can do,” Cupid cried, clutching Blitzen. When no reply was forthcoming, Cupid buried his face in Blitzen’s coat.

  Given no choice, Donner was dragged away to a safe distance as the ground rumbled and shook with the incoming ocean of snow. It rolled down the mountain, crashing into the mine like a colossal wave, swallowing everything in its path. Jack was forced to release the hold on the snow over the mountain to protect the villagers who had yet to make it to safety. The wood of the mine splintered and catapulted in various directions. What wasn’t covered was destroyed. Who knew the damage that had been caused inside?

  When it was over, stillness spread for miles. No birds chirped and not even the wind blew. Donner’s heart shattered.

  Chapter 5

  Donner dropped to his knees, awash with regret. If only he’d done something, spoken up when he’d had the chance. He had so much he wanted to share with Calder.

  “I said such terrible things,” Donner murmured to no one in particular.

  “You defended him when no one else would,” Cupid said with a sniff. He hugged Donner tight. “He liked you.”

  Donner swallowed hard. “I liked him too.” So very much.

  “What in the name of Kringle creation is that?” Dasher helped Donner to his feet, and they all took a step back.

  Donner watched in stunned silence as something large and shiny surfaced from the snow. It looked like a giant lump of rock candy from inside the mine. The sun’s rays reflected off the sharp candy edges. It rolled closer to them, and when it came to a stop, everyone edged closer, gathering around it. Donner stood with his heart in his throat as he carefully approached the giant ball of rock candy. Hesitantly, he put his hand to its cold hard surface.

  A crack appeared, splintering into another and then another. The crowd gasped as the hard candy cracked until it burst into hundreds of candy crystals that rained down on them from the sky. On the snow, wrapped protectively around Tulip, was Calder. With bated breath, Donner knelt beside Tulip, astonished to find the fluffy bunny alive and well in her embrace. He put his hand to her head. Her eyes fluttered open, and she smiled up at him.

  “Oh, thank goodness!” Tulip’s mother fell to her knees, crying as the tiny elfling bounded into her arms, bunny and all.

  Dasher stared down at Calder. “He… he risked his life to save her.”

  “Of course he did,” Donner replied softly. He placed his hand to Calder’s cheek before moving it to stroke his hair, brushing it away from his face. He looked peaceful, as if he were asleep. Cupid was at his side, his fingers to Calder’s neck.

  “He’s alive.” Cupid looked up at Donner with a wobbly smile. “He’ll be okay.”

  Donner nodded. He stood and turned to his Rein Dear brethren. “We should take him inside and get him warm.” His brethren nodded, and they all pitched in, helping to carry the larger, heavier elf toward one of the nearby sleighs. Donner sat in the backseat against the far corner, and he asked his brethren to lay Calder across the seat. He’d hold him. Thankfully, no one questioned him, and they did as he’d asked. They lay Calder with his head in Donner’s lap. Calder was too tall to lay out across the seat, so his legs were bent at the knees, but it would do.

  Dasher climbed behind the reins and set them on the road back to town. On the ride there, Calder stirred with a groan. His eyes slowly opened, and he blinked a few times before he focused on Donner. A beautiful smile came onto his face.

  “Hello, little dear.”

  Donner let out a huff, pretending to be put off by the endearment. “You scared the holly out of me.”

  “I’m sorry.” Calder placed his hand to Donner’s cheek, and Donner leaned into the touch. He didn’t care that Dasher sat in front of him and could hear them. “Are you all right?”

  “Am I—” Donner shook his head and tried his best to keep his emotions at bay. “How can you ask me that after what I did? You could have been killed.”

  Calder frowned at him. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. Out of everyone you could have asked for help, you chose me. You trusted me enough to help Tulip. I’m touched and honored. Thank you.”

  “What would I have done if you’d—”

  Calder put his finger to Donner’s lips. “That’s enough of that now. I’ll be just fine. Tulip is safe. That’s all that matters.” He closed his eyes and carefully turned to nuzzle his face against Donner’s stomach. “I wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.”

  Donner sighed and ran his fingers through Calder’s hair, comforting him. He smiled warmly, feeling when Calder fell asleep.

  “So… you and Calder.”

  Donner glared at the back of Dasher’s head. “Whatever you’re going to say, I suggest you don’t.”

  “I was just going to say he’s not what I expected.”

  “We judged him before knowing him. What does that make us?” Donner asked quietly.

  “Don’t listen to what anyone says. Follow your heart.”

  Donner was surprised. His friend had never been one to spout such tender words. Dasher led a fast-paced life filled with festive cocktails, late nights, and lots of frolicking in the snow with whatever toy soldier or pretty elf caught his eye. He’d only ever been concerned with having fun and being as scandalous as possible. When Donner heard his Rein Dear brother had set his sights on the King of Frost, he truly believed Dasher had gone mad.

  “How is the king?” Donner asked cautiously.

  There was a long pause before Dasher replied. “Locked up in his icy ivory tower, as always. He had his guards escort me out, and now he refuses to see me. I suppose I should be grateful he didn’t freeze me and place me in his garden as a lawn ornament.”

  Donner thought about that. “What are you going to do?”

  Dasher shrugged. “What can I do?”

  “Not give up.”

  Dasher turned in his seat. “What are you talking about? He cast me out.”

  “Why do you think that is?” Donner really shouldn’t encourage Dasher. For all he knew, they could end up with one less Rein Dear. The King of Frost was not to be trifled with. Then again… Donner looked down at Calder.

  “If the king felt indifferent toward you, why cast you out? Why spend so much energy keeping you away?” Donner lifted his gaze to Dasher’s and smiled. “He’s the King of Frost. Why should he care about one little Christmas elf?”

  “Sounds to me like he’s purposefully pushing you away,” Calder murmured.

  Dasher rolled his eyes and turned back to face the front. “Now I’m taking romantic advice from a Dockalfar?”

  Calder smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he gazed up at Donner. “Well, if you’re going to go out in a s
nowy blaze of glory, why not do it for love?”

  Donner inhaled sharply. Calder couldn’t possibly be implying what Donner thought he was. As if sensing his uncertainty, Calder gave him a wink, then closed his eyes, snuggling against Donner. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had been so affectionate toward him. His Rein Dear brethren were affectionate, but not in the same way. They roughhoused and teased each other, but Calder’s touch sent shivers through Donner. His heart beat fiercely, and his stomach filled with butterflies. He didn’t dare think about what that might mean.

  Once they arrived at the village, Donner and Dasher helped Calder into one of the small homes. It was empty at the moment, with the elves visiting family in North Pole City until construction was completed in their town, but it had food, firewood, and enough supplies to keep Calder in comfort.

  There was no point in putting Calder in the bedroom or on the couch. As sturdy as the furniture might be, they would be far too small for Calder. For now, Donner had Dasher help Calder onto one of the stools by the fireplace in the living room.

  “Do you need anything?” Dasher asked Donner, his gaze shooting over to Calder who had his eyes closed and his head in his hand.

  “I’ll be fine, thank you. Would you please make sure we’re not disturbed? He could use a good night’s rest. I’ll make sure he’s comfortable.”

  Dasher studied Donner, a small smile spreading across his handsome face. For a moment, Donner thought his friend might tease him, but he was relieved when Dasher simply nodded and walked out, closing the front door behind him. Donner quickly went to work warming the small home, stoking the fire and then grabbing every blanket and fur he could find. He brought pillows and arranged everything near the fire. When he was satisfied Calder would be comfortable and warm, he turned but halted when he found Calder watching him, a soft smile on his face.

  “You needn’t go through so much trouble for me.”

  “Nonsense. You need to rest after the stunt you pulled today.” The more Donner thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He went to Calder’s side and slipped an arm around him. “Come on now.”

  “Yes, sir,” Calder teased, his voice a low growl that sent a tingle through Donner. Carefully Donner helped lower Calder onto the floor and got him comfortable. As Calder fluffed his pillow, Donner couldn’t help pacing. So many things could have gone wrong.

  “Why are you trying to wear a hole in the floor of this lovely cabin?”

  “You could have been killed!” Donner stilled and put his hand to his lips, taken aback by his outburst.

  Calder sat up slowly and stared at him. “I’m sorry.”

  “You should be! Do you have any idea what it felt like to watch you run in there, knowing I could do nothing to help you? It was awful.” He resumed his pacing. “All I could do was stand there, frozen to the spot. It was horribly dark. No lighting at all. I wanted to go, I really did, but the darkness…”

  Calder patted the fur-lined floor beside him. “Please.”

  Donner was tempted not to, just on principle, but he feared if he didn’t sit, his legs might give out at any moment. He dropped down onto the blanket beside Calder, his heart hammering in his ears when Calder slipped an arm around him and pulled him close. Calder’s body was strong, but soft, and so very warm.

  “How long have you been afraid of the dark?”

  Donner swallowed hard. “The others don’t know,” he replied quietly. Calder nodded, and Donner took that to mean he wouldn’t reveal Donner’s secret. “I was a tiny elfling, no older than Tulip, and I was at a winter festival with my parents. It was such a beautiful day, the snow falling, just days until Kringle’s Big Flight. I was so excited. I couldn’t stop from running around and bouncing. We were on the outskirts of North Pole City near the Enchanted Woods. I can’t even remember what festivities we were taking part in. I just remember turning around and seeing the prettiest, most magical little snow bunny I had ever seen.” He wrapped his arms around himself, aware of Calder hugging him close.

  “I was so happy, running after it, mesmerized by how fluffy it was. I wasn’t aware of how far I’d run, squealing in delight as it hopped. Before I knew it, I’d followed it into a cave. The darkness had never bothered me before. As I went farther into the dark, I grew apprehensive. The bunny suddenly disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.” Donner felt Calder stiffen beside him. Undoubtedly, he knew where this story was going.

  “It was so dark and suddenly so cold. I was all alone. I couldn’t find my way out no matter which way I turned. Then faceless creatures, like malnourished hounds, emerged from the shadows, talons on their clawed feet. They poked and nipped at me and scratched my skin. I was terrified, screaming and crying for my mother. I had never been so scared in all my life. Darkness surrounded me, and all I could see was the red of their eyes. I heard laughter, sinister and mean. It felt as if I’d been there for hours, but when my father finally found me and the creatures vanished, he assured me it had been only minutes. They said the bunny had been an illusion used merely to lure me in as a cruel sport. It had been created by a… a…”

  “Dockalfar,” Calder finished gently. He rubbed his big hand up and down Donner’s back soothingly. “I’m sorry.”

  “Ever since that night, I’ve been terrified, not of the dark, but what might be lurking there.”

  Calder took hold of Donner’s chin, with fingers far gentler than should have been possible for his great size. He turned Donner’s head toward him, his eyes filled with sadness.

  “I’m so very sorry for what happened to you. It was unforgivable.”

  “It’s not your fault. You’re not at all like the rest of them.”

  “We’re not all so terrible. The majority live up to their reputations, but not all.”

  Donner swallowed hard. They were so close. Calder’s lips were but a hairsbreadth away. What might his lips taste like? And those eyes. Donner could easily get lost in them.

  “I was worried for you,” Donner confessed shyly, his hand coming to rest on Calder’s chest. “What you did, risking your life to save Tulip… That was… so very brave.”

  “I simply did what had to be done, but it was worth it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

  “Why?”

  “To have you look at me the way you are now.”

  “Oh, I—” The rest of Donner’s sentence never made it past his lips as Calder stole his voice and breath with a passionate kiss. At first it stunned Donner. He was being kissed by a Dockalfar. No, he was being kissed by a sweet, selfless elf who’d risked his life for another. Donner threw his arms around Calder’s thick neck and returned his kiss with equal fervor. Donner let Calder pull him into an embrace. Calder’s muscular arms felt wonderfully strong, and Donner felt safe.

  Calder deepened their kiss, his mouth warm and soft against Donner’s. He smelled of the forest, of a bright winter’s day. His gentleness enveloped Donner. How could an elf of such strength and size, possessing such dark magic, be so wonderfully tender?

  Donner moved his hands up and slipped them into Calder’s hair. It was white as the purest snow, fine and soft, falling in silky strands through his fingers, over Calder’s shoulders and halfway down his back. Usually he had it bound in its leather strap at his back, but Donner loved to see it loose. Such a stunning creature.

  Calder pressed his lips to Donner’s skin just behind his ear, and fire spread through Donner’s body, threatening to set him ablaze from the inside out. His whole body shivered. Never had he felt such heat. It consumed him, flooding through him, burning his skin. He wanted Calder desperately, wanted to feel his smooth skin against his own, feel his hard body against his.

  “Calder,” Donner pleaded, not entirely sure what he was asking. All he knew was he needed more of what Calder offered.

  Calder lay Donner gently on the fur blankets. He quickly yet carefully removed Donner’s clothing piece by piece, and Donner had never felt more exposed. The roaring fire cast dancing sha
dows across the room and a glow around Calder as he moved. He sat back on his heels, and Donner watched with mounting desire as Calder removed his tunic’s belt and dropped it on the floor to one side. Next, he removed his tunic and undershirt, leaving him bare to the waist. Donner inhaled sharply at the sight of Calder’s expansive solid chest.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  Calder stilled, his expression softening. “No one has ever called me that.”

  “Then they’re foolish for not seeing what’s right in front of them.” Donner had no idea where his bold words had come from, but they were the truth.

  Calder’s eyes turned smoldering, and he leaned in to kiss Donner within an inch of his life. Donner ran his fingers over Calder’s smooth charcoal skin, eagerly exploring his finely sculpted torso and arms. Calder caressed his hip, his lips leaving a trail of kisses down Donner’s neck, over his chest, and low onto his stomach. His tongue poked out to lick the tip of Donner’s shaft, and Donner gasped, arching his back. Urged on by his reaction, Calder swallowed Donner’s shaft down to the root.

  “Oh, dear goddess!” Donner’s skin was on fire, his toes curling as Calder sucked, licked, and nipped at his most sensitive spots. Donner had never felt so sinfully good. Calder moaned around Donner, making him tremble.

  “Calder, please.”

  Calder pulled back, and Donner mourned the loss. His face grew hot as Calder bent Donner’s knees. Donner’s eyes widened when Calder removed his trousers, exposing his length and girth. As if sensing his apprehension, Calder placed a kiss to the inside of Donner’s thigh before meeting his gaze, his voice steady and comforting.

  “I won’t hurt you, I promise. I would never hurt you.”

  Donner nodded fervently. He believed Calder. It was madness, really, but it was as if he could see into his nearly black eyes to Calder’s soul, and it wasn’t made of darkness like everyone said. There was so much more to Calder than his Dockalfar blood. It might be a trait of his kind to be wicked and cruel, but it wasn’t in Calder’s nature.

  A slicked finger pressed to Donner’s entrance, and he gasped. His body shuddered with anticipation, and he grabbed fistfuls of the fur blankets. Calder prepared Donner with his fingers as his mouth continued to drive Donner to the brink of madness. Donner wasn’t going to last long if Calder continued with this sweet torture. Just as the thought crossed his mind, Calder replaced his fingers with the tip of his shaft.