North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Page 36

  “Breathe. Relax.”

  Donner nodded. He closed his eyes and breathed, wincing at the initial burn. Soon it gave way to a wonderful stretching, and slowly, inch by inch, Calder buried himself inside Donner. He felt so full, he was afraid to move. Gently, Calder pulled out partway and then pushed in.

  “Oh!” Yes, he liked that very much. He nodded and Calder repeated the motion. With incredible patience, Calder moved in and out, and Donner writhed beneath him with need. “Faster, please.”

  Calder obliged, picking up his pace. He kissed Donner deeply as his hips moved against Donner, the pleasure lighting Donner up from the inside out. Donner dug his fingers into Calder’s arms and wrapped his legs around Calder. Then Calder changed his angle, and Donner cried out.

  “Oh! Oh my, yes. Please, Calder.”

  Calder quickened his pace, the muscles in his arms straining as he seemed to be doing his best to control himself. Seeing such restraint had Donner losing what little of his discipline remained.

  “Don’t hold back,” Donner demanded.

  Calder shook his head. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “You won’t. I promise.” He was hardly a novice at this. It might have been a while, but he knew his limits. Right now he wanted all of Calder. Wanted everything Calder could give him. “Please, I need you to.”

  Calder snapped his hips, and a strangled cry escaped Donner. Goddess above, that felt so blasted good! “Yes, please! Again.”

  Calder chuckled, sweat beading his brow. He lowered himself on top of Donner, his fingers slipping into Donner’s hair as he snapped his hips again. Donner cried out, and Calder covered Donner’s mouth with his own, his kisses drowning out Donner’s cries as Calder pounded into him over and over.

  Sweet release bubbled up inside Donner, and he thought he might lose his sanity. His muscles tensed, and he gasped as he spilled himself over his and Calder’s stomachs. Calder’s hips lost all rhythm, and he kissed Donner fiercely. He held Donner tight, the muscles in his neck straining as he gritted his teeth, his body going rigid as Donner felt Calder’s release coat his insides. Calder pumped himself into Donner several more times before collapsing onto his side to catch his breath. He pulled Donner into his arms, kissing the top of his head. With a contented sigh, Donner snuggled close to Calder, his kiss-swollen lips curling into a smile.

  “Are you all right?” Calder asked quietly, his sleepy voice laced with concern.

  Donner nodded and gave him a reassuring squeeze. “I’m wonderful.” And he absolutely was. As he drifted off, Calder covered them in blankets, and all Donner could think about was how much he hoped they could do this again, very soon.

  Chapter 6

  Hope was something Calder never thought very much about. As a Dockalfar, hope wasn’t a word often spoken among his kind. Neither was love. Yet as he sat in the too-small chair sipping peppermint hot cocoa, snow falling outside the window of the cozy cabin, he couldn’t help his happy heart. A yawn caught his attention, and he stood, smiling at Donner as he walked into the kitchen. He was fully dressed, his black hair neatly combed. His vibrant, paisley lavender vest brought out his beautiful eyes.

  “I made breakfast,” Calder said, standing to pull out a chair for Donner.

  “Thank you.” Donner smiled sweetly, watching as Calder placed a plate of cinnamon French toast with plenty of powdered sugar on top in front of Donner, followed by a small pitcher of warm maple syrup. He poured Donner a generous mugful of hot cocoa with marshmallows, and Donner promptly dug in, letting out a little moan through his mouthful of toast. “This is so good.”

  Calder chuckled. “I’m glad you like it.” He resumed his seat, sipping his cocoa as Donner happily ate his breakfast. They were quiet, but it was a peaceful silence. Outside the sun was shining as a light snow fell. The forest stretched on for miles, and Calder realized how much he would enjoy having a cozy cabin in the woods. Perhaps just outside North Pole City.

  As the oldest, it was Calder who was meant to carry on his father’s legacy, to inherit his seat at the Council. However, until that day came, where perhaps Calder could do good from the inside out, he would lead his life in peace, away from the affairs of the Dockalfar. His father had given up long ago trying to mold Calder to his own image. Instead of getting angry, he simply chuckled and stated that perhaps Calder had some of his mother in him after all.

  As soon as breakfast was over, where he and Donner chatted about anything and everything, it was time to face the world outside. But first…

  “I have something for you.” Calder had woken up hours before Donner and had used his magic and the silver from several spoons—which he would have to remember to leave a few gold pieces for—to create his gift.

  “Oh?”

  “Yes.” Calder reached into his pouch and removed the silver chain holding a silver filigree locket. Inside was a purple stone the same shade as Donner’s eyes, and it sparkled like the stars. He held it out to Donner. “Here.”

  Donner’s lips parted, but no sound made it past them. He hesitantly reached out before tracing the star pattern with his finger. “It’s beautiful.”

  “It’s enchanted.” Calder took Donner’s hand and placed the locket in the center. “Not only will it allow you to see through any illusion fabricated by magic, but it will light your way. You’ll never have to face the darkness again.”

  Donner’s smile took Calder’s breath away. “How do I do that?”

  “Simply will it.”

  Donner closed his fist around the locket, then held it close to his heart. Rays of light shone through his fingers, and when he opened his hand, the entire room was awash in a warm lavender glow. The look of wonder on Donner’s face made Calder’s heart swell. The light faded, and tears welled in Donner’s eyes despite his wide smile.

  “This is the most wonderful gift anyone has ever given me.” He looped the necklace around his neck and tucked the pendant safely under his shirt before he threw his arms around Calder. “Thank you. I’ll cherish it.”

  Calder held him close. No matter what the future might bring, Calder would never forget this moment. “You’re welcome,” he replied softly, then placed a tender kiss to the top of Donner’s head. Reluctantly, Calder pulled back. It was time to go.

  “Your brethren must be wondering why you stayed. I’ll be sure to let them know we slept in separate rooms. Your reputation will remain intact. I promise. I’ll let them know you cared for me, but that was all.”

  Donner worried his bottom lip. He placed his hand to his chest where the pendant lay under his clothing. After a moment of hesitation, he shook his head. “Let them think what they will.”

  “But—”

  Donner put his fingers to Calder’s lips, his smile sweet. “I’m not ashamed. You’re a good elf. Kind and gentle, with a big heart. They should be honored to know you. I certainly am.” His cheeks turned pink, and he averted his gaze. “Besides, it will save us the explanation next time.”

  Next time.

  Calder had no words. He smiled and nodded before kissing Donner. A soft moan escaped Donner as he melted against Calder. Donner’s lips tasted sweeter than any of Honey Blossom’s decadent treats, and his body responded to Calder as if he were made for Calder’s touch. Donner pulled back with a soft sigh, his violet eyes filled with affection. No one had ever looked at Calder in such a way. He told himself he shouldn’t get used to it because it couldn’t last. A Dockalfar and a Christmas elf? Unheard of.

  “Come.” Donner took Calder’s hand and led him to the door. He gave Calder a shy smile, then took a deep breath before opening the door, his hand still in Calder’s. They walked through the village and stopped at the small gathering of villagers in the center. When the villagers all turned to look at them, Donner squeezed Calder’s hand, but he didn’t let go.

  The villagers exchanged glances before erupting into cheers. They crowded around Calder, all talking at once, thanking him for his bravery, telling him how grateful they were
and how helpful he’d been. Calder bowed his head, uncertain of how to take such compliments. This was all so very new for him. They asked if he was well, and he promised he was. The villagers had been evacuated in time, so thankfully no one had been hurt, and the last of the gingerbread houses would be completed by Jack’s toy soldiers.

  Jack, Rudy, and the rest of the Rein Dears, along with Jack’s toy soldiers approached. The villagers quickly dispersed. Jack dropped his gaze to Donner’s hand in Calder’s. When he looked up at Calder, he saw no anger or judgment there.

  “We may have underestimated you.” Jack’s jaw muscles tightened, and Calder could only imagine how much this was costing Jack, but Calder truly appreciated it. “I apologize for my harsh words to you.”

  “I humbly accept, Your Highness. Though you had every right to feel as you did. I cannot speak for the whole of my kind, but I can assure you that I only wish to live my life in peace, and perhaps one day be lucky enough to find what you have.”

  Jack blinked at him, as if Calder’s response surprised him. When Rudy slipped his arm around Jack’s waist, Jack’s expression softened. The blustering winter spirit actually smiled.

  “I wish you luck, then.” Jack cleared his throat, his usual grumpy expression returning. “We’re having a small get-together at my palace tomorrow night, and we would like for you to be the guest of honor.”

  “Thank you. That’s incredibly generous of you. As I can’t imagine when such an invitation might be extended again, I will happily accept.”

  “Wonderful!” Rudy smiled brightly. “We’ll send a sleigh to the Pine Needle Inn to pick you up.”

  Everyone chatted excitedly about tomorrow’s party, and Calder couldn’t help his own growing enthusiasm, especially since he’d be spending more time with Donner, who was currently surrounded by some of his Rein Dear brethren. Judging by his shy smile and blushing cheeks, Calder would hazard a guess that Donner was being questioned about his relationship with Calder. At one point, Donner lifted his gaze and their eyes met. His full lips parted slightly, and he lowered his lashes as he spoke to Cupid. Cupid bounced gleefully and threw his arms around Donner, hugging him tight.

  Not wishing to eavesdrop on Donner’s conversation with his brethren, Calder turned, a cheerful squeal meeting his ears.

  “Calder!” Tulip ran for him, and he knelt down, laughing when she launched herself into his arms.

  “Well, hello.” Calder smiled at Tulip as she settled against him and petted his hair.

  “Your hair is pretty,” she stated, very matter-of-factly.

  “Thank you. Your hair is pretty too.” He made to stand, when a half dozen elflings approached him. They seemed uncertain about getting closer until Tulip smiled brightly at them.

  “It’s okay. He’s a good elf.”

  At Tulip’s declaration, the rest of the elflings rushed him, knocking him onto his backside. He laughed as they climbed all over him, another settling on his lap, one hanging off his bicep, another braiding a part of his hair. They asked him all sorts of questions, from why he was so big, to why his hair was white, why his eyes were so dark, was his magic dangerous, was Donner his sweetheart?

  “All right, now,” Donner said as he approached, his dazzling smile reaching his lavender eyes. “Calder is a very busy elf. Go on and play.”

  The elflings squealed and ran circles around Donner, one of them bumping into the back of his legs. He lost his balance and landed in Calder’s lap. The elflings giggled and cheered.

  Donner gaped at them as they took off. “Those little imps. They did that on purpose.”

  “They seem convinced you’re my sweetheart.” Calder carefully helped Donner to his feet before getting up. He was brushing the snow off his tunic when he noticed Donner had gone quiet. “It doesn’t mean it’s true. They’re just elflings.”

  Donner gazed up at him. “What if… I’d like it to be true?”

  “Oh.” Calder’s heart pounded fiercely. “Then that would make me the happiest and luckiest elf around.”

  Donner laughed and threw his arms around Calder, standing on his toes and pulling Calder down to kiss him. He didn’t seem to care that everyone was watching them. Calder wrapped his arms around Donner and lifted him off his feet, kissing him. The elflings returned, cheering and bouncing, running circles around them. Donner laughed against Calder’s lips.

  “Perhaps you should put me down before they knock us over again.”

  Calder chuckled and put Donner down. His feet might be on the ground, but Calder felt as though he were soaring. Never would he have imagined himself so happy or so filled with hope. Tomorrow night, with Donner as his sweetheart, Calder would be the guest of honor at Jack Frost’s palace. He couldn’t wait.

  The next evening, Calder dressed in his best tunic, one he’d been reserving for a special occasion. Black with delicate silver embroidery on the hem, sleeve cuffs, and high collar, the tunic hugged his form comfortably. His wide black leather belt was new, his heavy black boots shined, and his hair neatly braided at his back. His heart fluttered, and all he could think about was seeing Donner again. He could hardly believe it. When Mayor Kringle had requested Calder train Cupid, he’d jumped at the opportunity. Calder agreed Cupid needed to be trained, but he also relished the time he could spend with his little brother. Over the years, seeing Cupid in the newspapers always left Calder with a heavy heart. He’d missed Cupid very much, but he’d respected his brother’s decision to be a Rein Dear. And now, not only had he reconnected with his youngest brother, but he’d found Donner.

  Calder chuckled as he smoothed down the long white sleeves of his undershirt. He remembered his first encounter with the enchanting elf. He’d mentioned Donner’s eyes, and Donner’s hackles had immediately gone up. Calder proceeded to tease him, and Donner flushed that wonderful shade of pink he’d come to love.

  “Disgraceful.”

  Calder stilled. It couldn’t be.

  “I never thought I’d see the day my brother would become pet to a bunch of Christmas elves.”

  Calder turned, his worst fear lounging in the armchair beside the fireplace. “How did you escape?”

  Gunne put a hand to his heart, looking hurt. Calder knew better. “And here I thought my brother would be pleased to see me.”

  “After what you did? How dare you—”

  “How dare I?” Gunne launched from the chair, his eyes blazing with fury. “How dare you! You betrayed me! Look at you. Dressing in finery, putting on airs for elves who are beneath you. Jumping through hoops for a treat. It’s pathetic!”

  “Does Father know?” Calder would guess not. His father had been furious at Gunne’s actions. The Dockalfar, for all their sinister ways, were very serious when it came to honoring their oaths.

  “Father is growing weak. All this talk about maintaining peace between kingdoms, the King of Frost being a powerful ally, blah, blah, blah. It’s sickening. He actually believed that pathetic excuse for a cell would hold me? A Dockalfar as powerful as me?”

  “He trusted you to be honorable,” Calder replied through his teeth.

  “Honorable? Honorable! We’re Dockalfar! We are not honorable!” Gunne paced, and Calder readied himself. He couldn’t let Gunne leave this room. Who knew what he had planned in that deplorable head of his. Calder hated the idea of hurting his brother, but he couldn’t allow Gunne to wreak havoc in North Pole City. He couldn’t risk Cupid’s and Donner’s safety.

  As Gunne paced, going on about how far the Dockalfar had fallen, Calder waited for the right opportunity. Gunne spun to face him.

  “I’ll show them all!”

  Calder thrust out his hands and released a blast of magic powerful enough to lift Gunne off his feet. Except it didn’t hit Gunne. It went through him. Calder’s eyes widened when he realized his grave error. He spun around and was struck by a paralyzing gust of dark magic. He hit the floor with a heavy thud, his body feeling as though it were made of lead. Gunne rolled him onto his back and grinned
down at him.

  “You’re like a giant paperweight.”

  Calder fought fiercely against the enchantment gripping his body, but it was a slow process. Gunne had tricked him.

  “Please, Brother. Don’t harm them.”

  Gunne blinked innocently at him. “Me? Why, my dear Calder. I’m not going to do anything.” He patted Calder’s cheek hard enough to leave a sting behind.

  Calder didn’t understand, but the truly sinister look that came over his brother’s face caused a lump to form in his throat. Oh, goddess! No.

  “You’re the one they should fear.”

  Calder’s eyes widened. “You can’t. Please.”

  “Hush now. When you wake up, we’ll be on the brink of a glorious war, and the Dockalfar will rule. Cupid will see the error of his ways and come back to us. Our family will be restored. All thanks to you.” Gunne stood, then headed for the door while Calder’s pleas fell on deaf ears. He couldn’t let Gunne get away with this. He closed his eyes, summoning the powers of his ancestors. He prayed he wouldn’t be too late.

  Chapter 7

  Where could he be?

  Donner made his way through the crowded ballroom, looking for Calder. So many elves were in attendance. Intimate dinner his left foot. Donner should have known where the Frost family was concerned, “intimate” was a relative term.

  There were dignitaries, royalty from various kingdoms, Donner’s Rein Dear brethren, Lieutenant Vale Frost, Major Hollis Frost, several dozen toy soldiers, sugarplum fairies, and anyone else who was able to coax an invitation out of Rudy. The poor fellow was dreadful at saying no. Donner spotted Cupid giggling at something his sweetheart had whispered in his ear, and it made Donner smile. It wasn’t long ago he’d wondered how two elves who were as different as night and day could fall so hopelessly in love. It made perfect sense. Now that he thought of it, those of his Rein Dear brethren with sweethearts had ended up with elves surprisingly opposite in nature, yet their differences complemented each other, and their love appeared all the stronger for it.