Merry & Bright: A Christmas Anthology (Nocturne Falls Universe) Page 5

  “What shall we call him?”

  Stella pushed her face into the puppy’s neck. “How about Snowflake?”

  He laughed. “That sounds about right.”

  “Also better than White Cold Fluffy Thing. I mean, it could work, but it’s such a big mouthful of a name for such a little bit of fluff.”

  “True.” Draeken patted the newly christened Snowflake on the head.

  Riker came to stand in the doorway. “What are you two doing out here? I was sent over on reconnaissance.”

  Stella held out the wiggling little dog. “Draeken got me a puppy for Christmas. Isn’t he perfect? I’m calling him Snowflake.”

  Draeken looked sideways at his brother, expecting some sort of disparaging comment, but Riker grinned. “Snowflake is perfect. Who knew my little brother could select such a great gift?”

  “What did you get Elise?” Draeken asked.

  “Laser scope for her favorite gun.”

  “Wow. Aren’t you the romantic?”

  “It was what she wanted.” He accompanied the remark with a shrug and a punch to Draeken’s shoulder.

  “What are we going to feed him?” Stella asked.

  “Oh, I got puppy kibble and treats. Also a food and water bowl combination. And best of all, he’s been trained to use a litter box like a cat.”

  “Really?”

  He’d believe it when he saw it, but the guy at the animal shelter insisted the puppy was litter-box trained. Win-win as far as he was concerned.

  “Well, let’s hope so. For my Plan B, I have a good-sized animal carrier in the garage to keep him inside so he won’t try to mark his territory. I know you don’t want that smell in the house for the rest of the holidays.”

  “True.” She shook her head at him in admiring wonder. “You and your Plan B schemes. You’ve thought of everything, Draeken. Thank you.”

  “I wanted you to be surprised.”

  “Check.”

  “And I wanted you to be happy.”

  “Double check.”

  “Mostly I wanted you to love me and be glad you married me.”

  “I would have loved you and been glad I married you even without the puppy. However, in our brief time together, I’ve become hopelessly attached to Snowflake, so he stays.”

  “Good.”

  Stella put her cheek on Snowflake’s back, rubbing her face into his fluffy fur. She carried him inside to show him off to the others, who were all appropriately wowed by Snowflake and his wiggly bodied, face-licking ways.

  They all settled down to chat. Stella held Snowflake on her lap. Draeken reached to pat him on the head. Snowflake wiggled off Stella’s lap and leapt to the floor, his butt-wiggling dance of joy signaling loud and clear his eagerness to at long last roam free.

  Draeken leaned down to retrieve him, but Snowflake had other ideas. In a flash, he was gone, out of the living room and down the hallway toward the bedrooms. The rapid clickity-click of his little puppy nails on the wood floors told them all he was headed for the spare bedroom.

  Stella started to get up, but Draeken put a hand on her arm. “No. I’ll get him.” The sound of puppy nails on wood ceased. It was all quiet down the hall. That might be bad. Draeken hadn’t set up the litter box yet.

  “Snowflake?” he called.

  Riker and Bubba laughed.

  “What?”

  “He’s only been here for ten minutes. You think he knows his name already?” Riker had a point. Draeken looked toward the hallway.

  Elise said, “Better go find him quick before he starts marking his territory.”

  Draeken took a single step to go capture Snowflake, but the rapid-fire sound of puppy nails on hardwood resumed. In an instant, the pup was back in the living room, dragging a small box with a colorful picture on one side.

  Draeken tried to grab dog and box, but Snowflake was too fast, dodging his reach like he’d been born to do it. “You sneaky little beast.” Draeken realized he’d selected a very wily puppy. That could be good and bad. Good, because he’d fit right in with the two of them. Bad, because that made him, well…wily and unpredictable.

  The puppy bounded toward Stella, one corner of the box clamped between his little sharp teeth.

  Riker said, “What’s he got in his mouth?”

  Stella saw the box and her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. She pointed, her mouth an “O” of surprise. Draeken got the drop on Snowflake, scooping up the naughty little puppy and wrestling the box from him. “I guess it would be a waste of time to tell you not to chew on stuff,” he said.

  Snowflake said, “Woof,” and licked his chin. His wiggly little body never stopped moving.

  The corner of box had several puppy teeth marks on it, but hopefully the contents had survived unscathed. He looked at the box more closely and saw a picture of a cute little bunny family—a mama bunny, a daddy bunny and a cute little baby bunny wrapped in a little blanket. “Who’s this for?” Draeken asked.

  The room went silent.

  Stella, eyes still wide, said in a small voice, “Um…you.”

  “Me?” Draeken’s brows furrowed as he tilted the box to read the description on one side.

  Riker grinned at him. Elise also grinned. Bubba and Astrid grinned. What was everyone grinning about? He looked at the box again and read out loud, “Some bunnies, a soon-to-be new parent’s keepsake ornament.”

  He tilted his head as he tried to puzzle it out. “Who’s about to be—” And then he understood everything. “Wait. Is it us?” He felt his eyes widen to the size of dinner plates.

  Stella nodded slowly. “Yes.”

  Draeken couldn’t immediately grasp the concept of pending fatherhood. “Was it because of the fertility vibes from the mistletoe at Enchanted Garden?”

  “Um…No. I was this way when we got to town. What do you think?”

  Draeken shook his head in wonder. He walked over and gently dropped Snowflake in Riker’s lap. Instantly, Snowflake sped his little puppy forelegs up Riker’s chest until he could coat his face with puppy slobber.

  Draeken turned to Stella. She rose from the sofa, looking verdant and perfect and beautiful. Now her uncertain mood and attitude and the crying made sense. She carried his child. His. Child.

  Draeken looked into her eyes and spoke from his heart. “Stella, I think we will make awesome parents.” He couldn’t hold back any longer. He grabbed Stella and hugged her tight, then released her just as fast. “Sorry! Are you doing okay?” He put a hand on her belly, as if that would help protect his coming child.

  “I’m fine. Just tired and, you know, really tired all the time, like I need to take a nap every hour on the hour. And stupidly emotional.” Tears rose in her eyes as though just saying the word held the power to make them appear on command.

  “Well, I can’t wait for us to be parents.”

  Riker said in mock complaint, “Way to be favorite son, Draeken. Mom and Dad will probably move to Alienn the minute they find out their first grandchild is on the way.”

  Stella laughed. “They are always welcome.”

  Draeken looked deep into her eyes. “Best present ever.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded.

  “Even more than that electronic dart board you wanted?”

  He laughed. “Yes. A baby is so much better than a dart board.” Then he added, “But if you got that, too, I’m not taking it back.”

  “Bad news. They were out of stock for the holidays.”

  He shrugged, chiding himself for feeling disappointed that he wouldn’t get the toy he’d coveted. He was going to be father. Wow.

  “Good news, though,” his woman said. “The back order will arrive sometime after the first of the new year.”

  “Awesome. You are the best wife, Stella.”

  “And you are the best soon-to-be-bunny dad ever.”

  They kissed and kissed and kissed until Bubba groaned exaggeratedly from the sofa, muttering about public displays of affection
running rampant even in Nocturne Falls.

  Draeken didn’t care if all the people in three galaxies saw him kissing his wife. It awed him that this wonderful, strong, independent woman had chosen a scoundrel like him. And now she was giving him a child. It was more than he could have dreamed possible when fate reunited him on Earth with the woman he’d loved and lost on Alpha-Prime. All it had taken was a spaceship crash, a certain beautiful woman on a mission and a magical place called Nocturne Falls.

  Stella gasped out a laugh when he broke their kiss to sweep her off her feet.

  “Riker, happy to see you. Snowflake’s stuff is in the animal crate in the garage,” he said over his shoulder. “Everyone else, glad you could make it to the party. See you in the morning. Say good night, Stella.”

  Her lips spread in sexy anticipation as he carried her to their bedroom. Tunneling her fingers through his hair, she whispered against his lips, “Good night, Stella.”

  The End

  The Wizard’s Mistletoe Magic

  by Jax Cassidy

  Chapter One

  Kearney exited the Hallowed Bean and took a sip of the black coffee. It tasted just as addictive as he’d remembered. His sour mood instantly vanished as the liquid warmed his insides. It had been two years since he discovered this magical brew in Nocturne Falls, and it became a staple for every visit.

  “Been a while old friend,” he said to the paper cup in his hand, before finishing off the drink and discarding the empty cup into the nearby trash receptacle.

  He had to admit, this quirky little town with its supernatural residents had grown on him. Although it celebrated Halloween 365 days a year, the prominent orange and black decorations weren’t overshadowed by the addition of snow flurries. Somehow, the wintry weather seemed to give the festive mood a livelier boost for the tourists and its citizens. He blew out a cold stream of air and noticed there were more folks out than usual. He quickly side-stepped a googly-eyed couple and allowed them to pass without running into him.

  Humbug.

  Kearney scowled, his inner Scrooge returning. He could do without the excessive jolliness this year. This season always held too many memories he’d rather bury. The dull ache crept back into his heart, reminding him of a past he’d never forgotten. His lips stretched into a thin line as he made his way down Black Cat Boulevard. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his pea coat and walked in the direction of where his car was parked several blocks away.

  It was hard to believe that the last time he’d taken off from his official duties was exactly a century ago. Not by choice back then and not this time around either. Was it so bad that he enjoyed the demanding position as the personal bodyguard and guardian to Ace Conall, the wizard prince of the Kingdom of Draíocht? The fast-paced lifestyle left him little time for distractions or dwelling on things that didn’t serve him. He had no complaints about working non-stop because he viewed the lad more as family than a mere obligation.

  Marriage to Luna had transformed Ace to a dedicated family man. Having a mermaid/heiress wife of a luxury resort in Mer Haven kept him quite busy these days. Especially now, more than ever, since their daughter Aquarius was born. Kearney hated to admit that being in Nocturne Falls may just be what he needed right now. He might as well make the most of it, and perhaps a month of freedom would allow him some uninterrupted R&R time.

  However, before he could start his forced mini-vacation, he’d have to drop off holiday presents to their good friends Keke and Rock Winthorpe, the unicorn shifters. The couple had already promised him the use of their rental cottage, but he’d forgotten to inform them of his much earlier arrival date than previously arranged. It wasn’t unusual for them to keep the place vacant during the holiday season in case family or friends decided on unexpected visits. The newlyweds were an easy going pair so he knew his unexpected appearance wouldn’t be an issue.

  Kearney relaxed as he passed the familiar shops and the unique street lamps with their angled metal cobweb shaped brackets. This was a welcome change from Mer Haven where he couldn’t turn a corner without running into a mermaid—literally! He’d also grown accustomed to all the nautical paraphernalia and beachside vacationers. He couldn’t complain because there were stellar perks that came with the move. He owned a secluded beach house and a nice piece of property on the island that boasted beautiful sunny weather year round.

  Since he didn’t have any solid plans for the day, he wasn’t in a rush to get to the cottage. Kearney decided to stop off at Bell, Book & Candle to pick up some reading material. The local bookstore was one of his favorite spots to hang out. He could spend endless hours absorbed in a good novel there. This place was special, mainly due to the proprietor, Agnes Miller. She was a real interesting woman from her personality to her looks. Recalling the kind bookseller put a smile on his face.

  Agnes had a short, chic, silver-gray bob with teal and purple streaks and baby bangs. She wore big, round, black-rimmed glasses that made her bright blue eyes more prominent, reminding him of an animated character. Chatting with the woman was always pleasant, but he was most impressed by her wealth of knowledge when it came to book recommendations.

  Kearney lifted his gaze and in the distance he noticed the green striped awning that matched the exterior paint colors of the bookstore. He approached the store and slowed his pace, stopping not far from the street artist who’d set up shop on the sidewalk near the door. He couldn’t help noticing the lovely green mistletoe with its glittery red ribbon hanging from a rod above the easel. The paint stained wooden stand held a breathtaking painting that depicted a happy scenario of a little girl on a carousel. The little fist tightly held onto strings that belonged to a cluster of balloons floating above her. Beside the decorative horse stood her father with a bright smile and cotton candy in his hand.

  The dreamy style was reminiscent of Degas’ ballerinas, with a contemporary spin that meshed perfectly with the classic techniques. What made the piece stand out was the pop of bright colors and use of varying thicknesses of the abstract lines, which made for compelling elements in the artistic storytelling.

  The petite, dark-haired woman took one last look at her work and appeared to be pleased with the final product. She signed her name at the corner of the canvas before submerging the paintbrush in a jar of liquid on the small table beside her. She wiped her hands on her apron and pushed back the seat to stand up.

  “It’s a stunning piece,” Kearney praised. “Quite inspiring, actually.”

  As she turned to respond to his comment, the smile on his lips was quickly erased.

  Kearney felt like he had been thoroughly gut punched. He held his breath as he gaped in recognizable disbelief at the beautiful vision innocently returning his gaze. This was the same face that had haunted him for the past century.

  Chapter Two

  “Saoirse—”

  “Excuse me?” Kaia tried hard not to drool at the super-hot man talking to her.

  His face had paled as if he was staring at a ghost. He seemed to struggle to catch his breath as he brought his hand to his chest. For some reason, his action made her heart ache in response.

  Her eyebrows knitted together in concern. “Are you okay?”

  The man seemed to be frozen in place, except for the strange expression she couldn’t decipher. Heaven help her, but she was worried the handsome stranger was having a heart attack right in front of her eyes.

  “Can I get you anything?” she asked loudly and her voice jolted him out of his daze.

  He seemed to recover and mustered a weak smile. “I—I’m fine, lass,” he answered in a thick Irish brogue.

  Somehow she wasn’t convinced. Heck, she was known to leave clients speechless with her art, but none had dropped from cardiac arrest. Not if she could help it. She prayed he wouldn’t be the first.

  “You want to sit down for a second? Or would you like some herbal tea to warm up? It’s organic.” Kaia gushed, reaching for her thermos on the ground. Why was she so nervous?r />
  He held up his hand to stop her. “I’ll be fine, Miss—”

  “If you’re sure,” she replied.

  “I’m sure.” He nodded, his coloring started to come back.

  “WHEW.” She grinned. “I suck at CPR, anyway. Probably would’ve had to ask Agnes to do the honors of reviving you…if it had come to that.” Her comment elicited a laugh from him.

  Sweet candy corn! He appeared even more handsome than from first impression.

  “Sorry for the scare,” he added. “Must be the jet lag.”

  Kaia saw something in his eyes. They were sad. Distant.

  “No worries. Crisis thankfully averted.” She held out her hand, not thinking. “I’m Kaia Wyntir.” She’d forgotten to put her gloves back on after the painting session when he’d distracted her.

  “Kearney.” He reached for her hand, holding on for a few seconds longer than customary. Not that she was complaining, since his gentle grip felt nice. Firm. Calloused, yet masculine.

  “Kearney Maclachlan. Pleasure to meet you.” The way he’d said the last sentence in that yummy accent sent a delicious shiver across her skin.

  Suddenly, she realized her error.

  A flash of fragmented images and intense emotions assaulted her. Nothing made sense except for the yearning. The kind that made her long for a love so deep that her soul ached, leaving her feeling hollow. She quickly pulled her hand away, breaking their connection. Kaia felt frazzled until reality came back into focus.

  “Um, yeah,” she responded awkwardly. “Nice to meet you, too.” Her fingers still tingled as she tried to appear normal. She quickly yanked the gloves out of her coat pocket and pulled them on. She continued to feel his warmth seeping through her skin, heating up her internal temperature a few degrees. It was her turn to remind herself to breathe. She’d never been affected by anyone’s touch until now. Oddly, it stirred up familiar sensations yet she’d never met him until now. She brushed it off as the unexpected energetic connection they’d shared.