North Pole City Tales: Complete Series Read online

  Tim ignored the villain and gazed up at Noel, surprised to find him smiling at him. “Tim, I can say without a doubt, that no one has eyes as beautiful, bright, and colorful as you. It’s like watching the Northern Lights.”

  “Wait… what?” Tim gaped at Noel, ready to ask what was going on when Noel kissed him. Something wasn’t right. It was… different. Tim pulled away, his gaze questioning. A slow, wicked grin spread across Noel’s face, and he bent his head to speak quietly.

  “Can’t pull one over on you, can I, Tim? Hold on tight and don’t let go. I’ll keep you warm.”

  Before Tim could ask just what the heck was going on, Noel’s eyes frosted over.

  “You idiots, it’s Jack!”

  They were the last words out of the hoodlum’s mouth before the whole room was reduced to a blur of white. An ice storm engulfed everything and everyone but Tim, who held on tight while Jack’s façade melted away, leaving the Prince of Frost in all his regal glory. Jack stood with one arm around Tim, the other held out in front of him, his whole body appearing as though it was carved of smooth, flawless ice, from the tip of his toes to his head. The wind howled and whipped at Tim’s hair, but to his astonishment, he felt nothing but warmth. When the wind died down, Tim lifted his eyes.

  Jack smiled warmly at him. “Well done, Tim.”

  “Yes, well, getting caught unawares seems to be a talent of mine,” Tim grumbled dejectedly.

  “Tim, if the Mouse King had succeeded in getting me out of the way, it would still have left two witnesses—you and Noel. If you hadn’t gone after his associate, he would have gone after you. When I saw you follow him, I knew that was my chance. You weren’t caught unawares, Tim. I was the soldier who alerted that lowlife to your presence.”

  “Wait, that was you?” Tim felt a great sense of relief rush through him. “So, I didn’t mess up?”

  “Nope. You led me right to him and made it possible for me to catch him unawares. Thank you, Tim. You’re a very brave elf.”

  Knowing he had been of help to Jack filled Tim with pride. Around them, the Mouse King’s soldiers were encased in ice, and Tim let out a small sigh of relief. “Do you think you’ll get them to talk?”

  “I have my ways,” Jack said gravely, snapping his fingers and causing all the doors in the room to slam open. A wave of toy soldiers flooded in and got to work taking away all the newly icicled prisoners.

  “Tim!”

  Spotting the real Noel, Tim ran to him and threw himself into Noel’s embrace. “You’re all right!”

  Noel hugged him tight before frantically checking him over. “I’m fine. What about you? Are you all right? Did they hurt you? I swear I’ll chisel them down to ice cubes if they hurt you.”

  “He’s fine.” Jack rolled his eyes at Noel’s fussing.

  Noel pinned Jack with a glare. “He would have been even better off if you hadn’t kissed him.”

  Jack merely shrugged at that, though the wicked gleam in his eyes said he enjoyed getting a rise out of Noel. “I wanted it to look convincing. If it makes you feel better, he knew.”

  “You did?” A smile spread across Noel’s face as he looked down at Tim.

  Tim couldn’t help his blush. “He doesn’t… taste like you.”

  “Jack? Are you all right?” Rudy came running and made to hug Jack when he noticed all the toy soldiers swarming around. Instead, he took a step back and swallowed hard. The sadness in his blue eyes made Tim’s heart ache. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  Jack took in the sight of his soldiers, then Rudy, before a heavy sigh escaped him. He turned to Rudy, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Tim gaped along with everyone else as Jack kissed Rudy thoroughly in front of everyone, and Rudy kiss Jack right back the moment he realized what was happening.

  After kissing Rudy to the point where the pilot looked about ready to swoon, Jack pulled away and turned to face his soldiers, his arm tight around Rudy.

  “If anyone has a problem with that, you can ask for a transfer. There will be no hard feelings. You have my word. Who I love has no impact on how I do my job. It hasn’t for the last two hundred years I’ve been lucky enough to have Rudy’s heart, and it certainly won’t now.”

  Tim’s heart went out to Rudy, who was all but bursting at the seams with pride at his fearless prince. Rudy had every right to be proud. Tim couldn’t imagine having to spend hundreds of years hiding his love, though he understood why the two elves had believed they had little choice. Despite their sacrifices, their love had remained strong. Tim looked up at Noel, who was smiling at Jack and Rudy, and quietly slipped his gloved hand into Noel’s. Noel’s surprised expression gave way to a warm smile before he pulled Tim close.

  They left the toy soldiers to deal with the prisoners and, most assuredly, a good amount of gossip. When Jack and Rudy walked out into the ballroom hand in hand, it went pretty much as expected. There was a great uproar, and soon the press arrived. Jack very gallantly gave his statement, in which he assured his continued service and dedication, along with his refusal to give up the pilot who made it all worthwhile. Every question fired at Jack and Rudy was met with a dignified response, and those questions deemed irrelevant or too personal, Jack made quick work of, proving he was no less the imposing Prince of Frost he had always been. He made it clear he would not tolerate any behavior from anyone that would impede his duties or those of their most esteemed pilot.

  “I expect nothing but respect for Rudy’s elf helpers, or any helpers that any of the Rein Dears may associate with, regardless of their enchanted nature.”

  Tim gaped up at Rudy, unable to believe what he’d just heard. “Is he saying… what I think he’s saying?”

  Rudy put his hand on Noel’s shoulder and addressed them both. “I’d like for you two to stay on as my helpers. It means I can lighten my workload, and, with Noel here being such a strapping elf, he can help take care of my plane. It also means I can take a vacation every once in a while.” His gaze moved to Jack, who winked at him. When he turned back to them, his cheeks were almost as red as his hair. “Um, yes, vacation. Where was I? Oh, yes, it offers excellent pay with some of the best benefits around. You even get a fully paid for apartment. Plus, Jack and I would feel honored.”

  “When you say helpers…” Noel prompted dubiously, drawing a laugh from Rudy.

  “I mean help only. Nothing more. Tim is all yours.”

  With a broad grin, Noel looked down at Tim. “What do you think?”

  Tim pursed his lips as he thought about it for a moment. Not having to hide, getting to be a part of something truly magical, being able to afford suits, groceries, and more. There was just one thing. “Will the new apartment have a cozy fireplace?”

  Rudy chuckled, though it was clear he didn’t quite understand Tim’s odd request. “You can have any fireplace you like. Is that a yes?”

  “Yes!” Tim agreed excitedly, and grabbed Noel’s hand, pulling him along with him as he ran from the ballroom. “We’re going to pack!”

  “Make sure you two are there for the big flight,” Rudy called out after them.

  “We wouldn’t miss it!” Tim waved back at Rudy, his thoughts on more than just packing, namely the grumpy elf at his side sporting a big grin. He and Noel had a lot to discuss, like the possibility of sharing more than just a cup of hot cocoa.

  Chapter Seven

  “Are you sure you don’t miss your old fireplace?”

  Tim glanced over his shoulder at Noel and snuggled closer. “My old fireplace didn’t come with my own personal elf blanket.”

  Noel chuckled and kissed the side of Tim’s head. “Yeah, that’s sort of what was wrong with my old place too.”

  Tim and Noel had shown up for the big flight as promised, and they’d watched in awe as all the Rein Dears stood on the Claus Causeway beside their fully loaded planes, waiting for the okay from Mayor Kringle himself. Jack had been there like he always was, only this time he’d been at Rudy’s side, giving him a goodbye kis
s and promising him nothing but clear skies. Not only had it been the most emotional flight in Kringle history, but the most memorable. The Rein Dears were met with nothing but the most heartfelt of cheers, including Rudy. Two other Rein Dears had shown up with elves as part of their entourages instead of sugarplum fairies, and they had thanked Rudy for inspiring them and providing them with the courage to do what they’d wanted to do for so long.

  According to Jack, only a handful of his garrison had asked for transfers, and although his father had yet to speak to him after having seen his son on the news, the Frost King announced that Jack would remain in his position for as long as he wished. Jack held onto the hope that his father would come around eventually. Overall, it had been an extraordinary Christmas Eve, and now, hours later, Tim sat in front of the cozy fireplace, with his favorite cup of hot cocoa and the elf of his dreams, who he also got to share an apartment with. Never in all his years would he have imagined that elf would be Noel, but now that they were here in each other’s arms, nothing felt more right.

  “Tim… Are you sure this is what you want?”

  Tim reached up to put his cocoa on the table by the mantle before turning in Noel’s arms and smiling at him. He’d been reassuring Noel for days, and he promised he would continue to do so until Noel believed this was everything Tim wanted. That he was what Tim wanted. Noel had a long way to go where his insecurities were concerned, but Tim was determined to be at his side every step of the way. He leaned into Noel and gave his lips a sweet, gentle kiss.

  “I think perhaps it’s time for a little reminder,” Tim purred. He allowed Noel to lower him to the fluffy white carpet before the warm fire, his stomach filled with fluttering butterflies. Noel’s weight on him was heavenly, and despite his larger frame, his sweetheart was ever so gentle. His lips touched Tim’s causing an explosion of heat to spread through Tim. Noel’s kisses ignited the flames of desire inside Tim unlike anything he’d ever experienced. The roaring fire in their fireplace couldn’t compare to the sensations that washed over Tim when he was in Noel’s arms, their tongues tangling and mouths exploring.

  Noel kissed his way down Tim’s neck as he expertly divested Tim of his clothes, as if he were unwrapping a most precious gift. A throaty moan escaped Tim, and he arched his back as the last of his clothes fell to one side. His cheeks burned bright as Noel sat back on his heels, his eyes dark as coals as he took in Tim’s nakedness.

  “You’re so very beautiful,” Noel said, sounding breathless.

  Tim felt his body flush in response, along with other certain parts of him. With a knowing smile, Noel slowly removed one layer of clothes at a time, forcing Tim to take himself in hand out of fear he’d explode.

  “You’re a terrible tease.” Tim pouted, making Noel laugh. He paused halfway through removing his shirt, his tantalizing skin exposed just above the waistband of his pants.

  “Should I stop?”

  “Don’t you dare!”

  “That was an adorable growl,” Noel said through a chuckle as he removed his shirt the rest of the way, allowing it to fall to one side.

  Oh my.

  Tim licked his bottom lip as he took in the sight of Noel’s bare chest. He was strong, his broad shoulders tapering to a slim waist. Tim’s heart skipped a beat as Noel unbuttoned his pants. The anticipation of what was to come was enough to have Tim writhing with want, and a whimper escaped him as Noel pushed his pants and underwear down. His nakedness had Tim gasping. When he lifted his gaze, he was stunned by Noel’s flushed cheeks and uncertainty.

  Tim sat up and took hold of Noel’s hands. “Are you all right? What’s wrong? Should we stop?”

  Noel shook his head, his gaze averted. “No. It’s just…” He lifted his glassy eyes to meet Tim’s. “No one’s ever looked at me the way you do. As if I’m something… extraordinary.”

  “That’s because you are extraordinary,” Tim said, his smile soft. He placed a kiss to Noel’s right cheek. “You’re kind.” Then placed a kiss to his left cheek. “Sweet.” He placed a kiss to Noel’s chin. “Take such good care of me.”

  Noel opened his mouth, clearly to protest, but Tim put a finger to Noel’s lips to stop him.

  “Forget the past. You’ve been forgiven.” They’d had a good long talk about Noel’s behavior and promised to always talk to one another, communicate their feelings. Noel had a habit of carrying his guilt like a heavy chain around his heart, and Tim swore he would do everything to help. “You’re wonderful, Noel, and I’m so very glad you’re mine.”

  With a sweet smile, Noel brought their lips together, and Tim pulled Noel with him as he lowered himself to the floor. In front of the roaring fire, Noel explored every inch of Tim with his hands and mouth. He left a trail of kisses down his stomach, his tongue darting out to taste Noel. He wet his fingers, and Tim sucked in a sharp breath at the feel of them inside him, stretching him, preparing him for Noel. Tim slipped his fingers into Noel’s hair, his head thrown back and eyes closed as Noel lit him up inside.

  “Open your eyes, Tim.”

  Tim did as asked, meeting Noel’s silver eyes just as Noel gently pushed inside him. He flinched at first, the sharp pain taking him by surprise. Noel stilled, and Tim cupped his face.

  “Don’t stop. Please.”

  Noel nodded and it seemed as though an eternity passed before Noel was buried deep inside him, their bodies as close as any two bodies could be. Another nod from Tim, and Noel gingerly began to move, and oh, it was pure magic. Tim wrapped his arms around Noel’s neck, his ankles crossed behind Noel’s back. Their lips connected, breaths mingling as Noel’s pace quickened, a swirling snowstorm building inside Tim. Noel snapped his hips, and it was as if a star exploded inside Tim.

  “Sugarplums!”

  Noel smiled against Tim’s lips. “Like that, did you?”

  “Yes! Do it again, please.”

  “Anything for you,” Noel said through a ragged breath. He snapped his hips again and again, and Tim slipped his fingers into Noel’s hair, grabbing fistfuls of it. The snowstorm inside him raged, building and building. Rolling thunder and a sea of white consumed him until his body could no longer contain his pleasure, and he tumbled over the edge, his cry mixing with Noel’s as a burst of bright colors tore from him, filling the room. Sweat beaded his brow as he lay spent, Noel falling beside him. Together they stared at the ceiling as they caught their breaths.

  “There are lights floating around the ceiling,” Noel said through his panting.

  “It’s the Northern Lights.”

  “Does… uh, that happen often?”

  Tim snickered before a laugh bubbled up out of him. He rolled onto his side to face Noel who appeared genuinely perplexed.

  “Do I often get so overwhelmed by pleasure that I expel the Northern Lights? No. I can’t say that’s ever happened to me before.”

  Noel looked from Tim to the ceiling and back. “Is it safe?”

  At Noel’s expression, Tim couldn’t stop himself from bursting into laughter. He had no idea why he felt so giddy. It was most likely a combination of what they’d done and the love in his heart for the amazing elf beside him.

  “What?” Noel asked, pulling Tim in close. He kissed Tim, and Tim melted like he always did.

  “I’ve always wanted to have a great adventure. It looks as if I’ve found it.”

  As they kissed beneath the beautiful colored lights in their warm cozy home, the snow falling silently outside their window, Tim looked forward to this new chapter in his life, one that would be filled with joy, love, and all manner of magic. Maybe he couldn’t convince Noel he wasn’t broken, but he might be able to convince him he’d been mended. Either way, he would spend every day showing Noel he was loved.

  The Heart of Frost

  BOOK 2

  Chapter 1

  “Are you determined to ruin the name of this family beyond repair?”

  Jack remained stoically in the center of the small, empty ballroom as his father paced slowly fr
om one side to the other, the train of his fur-lined blue-and-silver paisley robe polishing the already gleaming marble floor. Jack’s uncle and twin cousins stood to one side, pretending for all the world they couldn’t hear Jack being reprimanded like some fledgling elf. A faint rendition of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” floated in through the closed doors from the main ballroom. Now there was a thought. Rest. As in, he wished his father would give it a rest.

  “It’s a party, Father. Society dictates I should bring a guest, and I have.”

  “Yes, but not that guest.”

  “I wasn’t about to bring anyone else. For Kringle’s sake, am I no longer allowed to have any fun at all?”

  His father rounded on him, pitch-black eyes shining dangerously. “Fun? Is that all that matters to you these days?”

  Jack couldn’t help his surprise. “I’m sorry? Have you been paying the slightest bit of attention the last two years? I’ve worked myself to the bone building a case against the Mouse King, doing everything within my power to put him away once and for all. Not to mention attend to the rest of my duties, and you’re dismissing everything over one party?”

  “Don’t you take that tone with me—I won’t allow it.”

  “Pray tell, what will you allow?” Jack narrowed his gaze as his father continued to pace. Then it struck him. He should have known. Wasn’t it always what these petty arguments came down to? “This has nothing to do with the party. This is about him, isn’t it?”

  “It would have been better if he had left you be.”

  “Left me a monster you mean. Is that what you want? A weapon instead of a son?”

  His father stopped pacing, but he neither confirmed nor denied Jack’s words, bringing a lump to his throat. It’s true, his father had never shown him the same manner of affection his mother had, but could he truly have preferred Jack’s life not been spared? The thought cut deep. “Well forgive me for having a heart and daring to put it to use. Just because you’re incomplete doesn’t mean I should have to live my life the same way.”