“You come after my family again, and next time I'll let my sword follow through. You’re a demon, so I can’t kill you, but I wonder? If I cut something off with my magically enhance sword,” I annunciated my point by pressing my sword harder, the blade digging into his groin. “Will it grow back?”
His eyes narrowed, but I saw past the hostility he used as a mask. He was scared. He may be a demon, but like any male, his manhood meant everything to him.
“Merry Christmas, Krampus,” I spat.
He growled in reply, before vanishing into thin air. I had been putting so much force onto my sword, I stumbled forward when he disappeared.
Sebastian reappeared seconds later, alone. At first, I was terrified, but then I saw the ecstatic expression he held.
“We found her,” he beamed.
Chapter 9
“A warehouse made to look like a Christmas wonderland?” I asked, holding Lizzy on my lap as all three boys curled up with me on the couch. I barely took a moment to clean up, torn between not wishing to worry the children with the sight of blood, but also not wanting to be parted from them. “All those glimpses make sense now.”
Sebastian nodded with a pronounced smirk. “And why she wasn't afraid,” he added.
Grayson sat beside me. His hand rested on Lizzy, who had fallen asleep on my chest, but she had her arms wrapped around what I was sure was now the newest addition to our family. Turns out what Krampus held captive within his sack were two large puppies. My father had made a calculated error and arrived in our rooms with both dogs squirming in his arms. Lizzy hadn’t parted with the dog since. The other laid at Sebastian’s feet. Why the demon had puppies in his bag was something I never wanted to know.
“It’s brilliant actually,” Grayson stated. “What kid would be frightened in a Christmas paradise?”
“If she hadn’t scratched her arm…” Sebastian began, but shook away the thought. I didn’t want to consider what would have happened either. “Good thing she’s too young to remember being kidnapped by a demon.”
“Are we doing the right thing?” I asked Grayson.
Damien had offered to pay the witch, the same one who had cast the spells on all the vampires in order to make them appear as children, to erase the last two and a half days from all the kids’ memories, but Grayson and I had declined. While I hoped I got my point across to Krampus, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t try again. They needed to be diligent.
Grayson nodded. “If we were to take their memories and something happened to them or their children because of it, we would never forgive ourselves.”
“Not that it’s any of my business,” Sebastian treaded carefully, “But I think it's the right choice. They’re young enough that they may think it only a bad dream, but if he comes back, they’ll remember. They aren’t normal children with normal lives and never will be, no matter how much you might want to protect them from that.”
He was right, of course, but it didn't mean I would stop fighting for them to have a childhood free from preternatural interference.
“Is it too late for our trip to Colorado?” I asked, causing both men to eye me quizzically after such an abrupt topic change. I shrugged and said, “I think we could all really use a holiday do-over.”
One year later
Snow flurries swirled around skyscrapers, dusting them with the signs of winter. The scent of car exhaust mixed with the sweet aroma of hot chocolate and tickled my nose in an uncomfortable way. We’d been at the ice rink for a while and it was almost time to call it a night. The sound of squealing children and wind whipping past the buildings met my ears. I breathed it all in, ready to return to the tower. I was here for the kids. I couldn't keep them locked up because it was Christmas time.
I stood by the side of the ice rink, watching all four children play. Grayson was on the ice helping Lizzy. My parents were both out there assisting the children as they needed, but I saw their watchful gazes diligently scanning the surroundings. The children seemed unaware they were surrounded by vampires, all of whom were on guard duty. In just over a day, I could finally relax as Christmas passed by, until next year, of course.
For the past two weeks, I’d been a bundle of anxiety, but I’d been doing my best not to let it show. Grayson was aware, even without my having to say a word. He did his best to ease that tension, but it remained a constant companion.
The only saving grace was Sebastian had yet to appear. Whether it was because there was nothing to worry about, or because he knew we were already overly prepared, I couldn’t be sure.
“Across the rink,” a familiar voice whispered in my ear. Speak of the devil. I didn’t glance around for Sebastian, but looked in the direction he indicated.
I peered up from where the kids were skating, and saw Krampus, in his human form, smirking at me. He had a scar across his hairline, one that hadn’t been there last year. It was exactly where his horn would be in his demonic form—if it still existed. I grinned in return.
“Bring it,” I mouthed.
His smile grew, showing off his teeth in a devilish grin, just before he vanished.
The End…?
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About the Author
USA Today bestselling author D.C. Gambel is a mother, army wife, and a hopeless romantic. Romance has always been her genre of choice whether it's contemporary, historical, paranormal, or even pushing towards erotica in both reading and writing. When she first decided to try her hand at writing, romance was the obvious choice. Getting lost in a different world, living unimaginable lives is something she strives for even if it's just a temporary enjoyment.
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The Edge of Forever Series
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Christmas with the Alpha
A Teflon Wolf Pack Story
Alyssa Daring
About Christmas with the Alpha
Tabiya Youngblood looks forward to Christmas every year. Her bar, The Wanton Wolf, is the only regulated shifter biker bar in the Midwest and it’s her busiest time cause lonely shifters and rogue vampires need somewhere to celebrate the yuletide. But it’s not the presents, abundance of patrons, festive decorations or cozy nights by the fire that gets her motor racing.
The holiday season marks the return of Granger “Grix” Stone. But this year is different. Grix is back with a purpose. And he has choices to make because there’s a price on his head that could put their annual mating reunion in jeopardy. If he wants to secure his future and make his bond with Tabiya permanent, he has decisions to make. But will Tabiya follow him anywhere? Or is this the last Christmas they spend together?
Chapter 1
Tabiya Youngblood heard the roar of the motorcycle pulling up in front of The Wanton Wolf and her pulse quickened. She knew it would be him before Granger "Grix" Stone even stepped through the threshold. A sensation of miniature pinpricks along her spine, a warm flush washed over her body and for a moment a smile graced her lips.
He was home.
Tabiya closed her e
yes, exhaled, and focused on the emotions coursing through her body. Her body went into arousal mode. Her heart pounded in her ears, and the beaming grin on her face had gone from small to wide and goofy.
It was part of the curse of their bond.
The hybrid witch wolf shifter and the future alpha. A non-realistic, non-existent fairy tale.
She tamped down her feelings and concentrated on the bar and the patrons. She glanced around the room until her gaze fell on her business partner and Hallowed Heart Coven sister, Khadijah Aimes looking at her with what Tabiya could only guess from her smirk was amusement coming towards where she was standing.
"I take it we're closing early." Khadijah leaned against the booth.
"Maybe. Maybe not." Tabiya shrugged. "He could just be here for a meeting."
"Yeah right." She laughed. "Christmas is only a few days away." She tilted her head, "Time for your annual holiday fuck fest."
"I wish you wouldn't call it that." Tabiya picked up three bottles of beer and poured three shots of tequila for Luanda the vampire waitress.
"Tab " Khadijah paused, "Sorry. But it's the truth. And I love you sis. But spare me the bond mumbo jumbo." She grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze, staring into her eyes. "You deserve better than some wannabe rogue, scared of commitment, rogue alpha wolf. You need someone who will be here for you." She pulled her into a hug. "There comes a time when love isn't enough."
Tabiya crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. "My heart and my head..." She stared at the scarred flooring. "I know." She nodded.
Part of her hated their connection. She was obligated to him and couldn't marry unless he severed the attachment. The other half loved their tenuous union. Grix was attentive in his lovemaking, made her feel like a cherished queen whenever he was around.
But she didn't want to saddle him with a broken mate who had problems with her animal shift.
It’s not your fault.
Her wolf had been damaged in a cruel, frivolous accident. And she was still recovering. And thanks to her coven and therapy she was doing better calling forth her wolf.
You just need to work on stamina and endurance.
Teflon Wolves were one of the most powerful packs in the region. Her coven protected the wildlands that the pack ruled. And being the youngest of both groups, Tabiya and Grix had been forced together during meetings, parties, and everything between.
He'd become her best friend, lover, and partner.
Seeing him standing there, made her realize how much she'd missed him.
Hot sex in black leather.
A full smile played briefly across his face as if he'd read her thoughts. And knowing him, he probably had.
The moment he stepped into the territory she'd felt his energy. It wasn't the hum of the engine or the purr of the machine. Motorcycles were the life's blood of her business. The Wanton Wolf was the only certified shifter biker bar in the region. She'd opened it as a safe place to party, hang and decompress without pack politics or supernatural laws affecting her sales.
The Christmas holiday was one of her busiest and favorite seasons. Lone wolfs, stray cubs, coven-less witches, fallen angels, and risen demons congregated together out of a need for something familiar.
She learned a long time ago that an obviously artificial tree was how to go for the bar. But her home was filled with natural pine, sweet apple, and savory nutmeg scents.
This year's motif home for the holidays highlighted by different hues of silver and blue. Baubles and trinkets in various shades were displayed throughout the dive chic aesthetic. Shimmery pearly lights twinkled around the beam and bluefish tea lights glowed from the antique sconces on each wall.
And Tabiya was happy to provide. Christmas was her favorite of all the holidays. She loved cozying up by the fireplace, decorating the bar with trinkets and ornaments from her travels. Each year, she looked forward to the return of Granger Stone for their annual holiday fuckfest. Not that she didn't indulge during other times of the year. But her Christmas romps with Grix were legendary in her mind. No one filled her or thrilled her like he did. He could make her come with just a look. And the things he could do with his tongue was illegal in three states.
Tabiya was perfectly content knowing that Grix was okay and living his life away from her. That he was happy. Their affair was complicated. They'd done the cohabitation thing, but reckless immaturity and youthful pride had interfered. Tabiya knew he still cared for her, perhaps even loved her, but their relationship existed in cycles and seasons.
Then the fighting had begun, wars between different groups erupted leading to regulations outlawing interspecies mixing passed.
Tabiya frowned, her gaze narrowed as she thought of the pain the laws caused for so many, like her parents.
And continued to cause.
The situation between the vampires, shifters, and other beings was precarious. That her brother Khaleesi was second in command to the head of the largest vampire family in the Midwest, Christoph Thorin of the Black Mark Clan, didn't help things either. It made for awkward family dinners.
Tab kept The Wanton Wolf neutral for anyone who entered.
But she didn't know if Grix was there because it was the holidays and they usually spent time together, rumors of the pending trouble in the territory with the Steeltooth Pride or to finally take his place as pack alpha since his uncle's killing.
"Bar's closed," Grix stood in the doorway. His black motorcycle boots showed their age, the tight black t-shirt strained against his muscular torso. His dark brown eyes shining, a smirk on his face.
Damn. He filled out a pair of jeans well.
A few patrons looked from him to her. The ones who recognized Grix, either from previous dealings or reputation, settled their tabs and left quietly with what could be interrupted as a nod of respect. Out of the corner of her eye, Tabiya saw Khadijah shake her head with a wry smile on her face and usher the remaining customers out.
"We're closed. Everybody out." she spoke, head bent, concentrating on wiping down the countertop. But her voice rang out clear, loud with each word enunciated.
"What are you doing here?" She tossed the rag on the bar, leaning back against the mirror, arms crossed.
"Just remembering when we broke that. And how." He motioned towards the glass with his chin. "Wanna go for it again?"
"I don't need another seven years of bad luck."
Grix laughed. "With all your potions and spells, I'm sure you can counteract it." He slid onto a bar stool.
Tabiya passed him a beer. Khadijah pointed towards the back room where the office and storeroom were.
"Thanks." Tabiya mouthed before Khadijah walked away. She was grateful for Khadijah's understanding and willingness to put up with the whims of her and Grix's relationship.
"Besides, you know I don't believe in bad luck." He looked around the room. "Nice decorations." He smiled, "I particularly like the Santa wolf on the top of your tree."
"You don't believe in much from what I recall."
He shrugged, took a long draw from the bottle. "The road. The pack." He paused, taking another drink. "You." He stared into her eyes. "Us."
"There is no us." Tabiya leaned forward.
"There will always be an us, Tabby." He finished the cold drink and sighed.
"This isn't the right place or the right time if you came looking to get into some trouble, Grix." She came around the bar to be closer to him. Her hand rested on the bar top, inches from his hand. "We've got enough brewing."
"I'm not looking for trouble, babe." He traced the tattoo on her forearm. "This time I kinda walked right into it." He ran a hand over his face, "Look. It's late. I'm tired. And I don't have time to play games." He frowned, "And your extracurricular witchy assassin activities." He paused. His gaze locked on hers. "Have created a stir. There's..." he trailed off.
"Trouble." She finished for him.
He nodded.
Taking a breath, she straightened, pulled away. "Where are
you staying?"
"With you." his face scrunched up at the question, his expression appeared to be a cross between amusement and confusion as if the answer should have been obvious.
And it was. But Tabiya didn't like making assumptions when it came to Grix. Whenever she tried to foresee his actions in terms of their relationship and future together, it backfired. He was a riddle to her. Sometimes she could read him, other times she couldn't. The only consistent thing was her ability to feel and connect to his energy.
"You're an alphahole. You know that." She growled.
"You're starting to give me a headache." He gave her a pointed look.
Folding her arms across her chest, she stared back at him, head tilted to the side. "You cut your hair." She caressed the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Got tired of chicks trying to play in my hair."
She grabbed his face, pulled him down into a deep kiss. Her kiss was rough, passionate, frantic. He pulled her up, closer to his body, deepening the kiss before withdrawing his tongue from her mouth.
"I didn't change the locks. You could have used your key."
He smirked, "You taste like chocolate and blueberries, Tabby." He snaked his hands around her waist, pulling her to him, so they were body-to-body, groin to groin. "I didn't want to risk shifting and killing any boytoys you had stashed at your place."
Curse of Christmas: A Collection of Paranormal Holiday Stories Page 62
