by C. D. Gorri
She was so happy, she could hardly contain herself. She hummed Christmas carols as she started decorating and making notes for her staff. She almost didn’t hear Sander call her name.
“Noelle? Noelle, look, I said you could throw the party here, but you should know. I’m leaving in the morning.”
She stopped her preparations and turned to face him. The kitchen was crowded with cookie sheets and ingredients for canapes and hors d’oeuvres. She had all her “to-do” lists ready for her employees.
After a few dozen more kisses, she nearly lost it when he told her the time. He even helped her set up some indoor decorations in the ballroom for the night’s festivities.
Christmas Eve was her favorite day during the holiday season. She loved the preparation and anticipation for the coming day. For years, she wished for something, someone, special to share it with and for the first time ever, she felt this was it. She didn’t have to wait any longer.
It was really here. Her favorite day, and she was not sitting home with her mom waiting for a Christmas miracle. She was living one!
Looking at her like she was about to break was the man who, in one day, had stolen her heart. And now, he said he was leaving. Her Christmas wish up in flames. She dried her hands on her apron and turned to face him.
“Okay,” she said.
“Noelle, I-”
“Let’s not worry about tomorrow. Look, I hear a truck pulling in, please tell the guys to come inside to get their lists?”
“Okay. Noelle?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry,” he sounded terribly sad, and it was all she could do not to tell him it was okay. She swallowed the tears that threatened to spill.
“If that’s Paul and Rick just send them in here, okay? Thank you,” Noelle kept working. What else could she do?
She closed her eyes as she listened to his receding footsteps. She knew she was foolish and naïve for building whatever this was, up in her head, but she could feel her heart breaking at the thought of him leaving. Not when she’d just found him.
Anger and confusion threatened to overpower her as she stepped into one of the several guest bathrooms. She took a look in the mirror and sighed as she bit back tears. She’d never been one to wallow or indulge in self-pity.
Her mother had been made a widow young in life, but she’d never been bitter. On the contrary, she’d shown Noelle nothing but love and contentment. One thing she’d always said to her daughter was that you had to go out and take you’re shot at happiness when it came your way. You only get one life, honey, so you better live it.
She wiped her tears and took a good long look at herself. It was Christmas Eve. A time for miracles. Noelle was nothing if not a believer. And she believed with all her heart that she was in love with Sander. Her heart squeezed, and she hiccupped at the admission.
So, what? You love him. You love that big, scaly, sexy IceDragon. And this is what you are going to do, Noelle, you are gonna pull yourself together and show him that Christmas is a time for love and magic.
He may not believe in the things she did, but she knew how he felt. Even if he didn’t. She wasn’t giving up yet.
Hope warmed her from the inside out. She straightened her shoulders and headed out to the ballroom. She had an event to host!
CHAPTER 10
“I can’t believe you did all this in three hours!” Sander’s exclamation rang throughout the whole of Castle Falk.
Several strangers wearing black shirts with the Present Tastes logo on the back looked at him with raised eyebrows. A few shrugged and simply continued to go about their work. Sander didn’t mind. He was still taking it all in.
Boughs of holly and mistletoe covered the doorway, wrapped with red velvet bows and dozens of twinkle lights. The entire place smelled like cinnamon and pine trees. His Dragon growled at the reminder of Noelle’s spicy fragrance.
His beast was not the only impatient one. Despite being taken aback by the holiday splendor she’d managed to create, Sander still longed for a glimpse of his little vixen. The time without her had dragged on almost unbearably. Where is she anyway?
He’d left his home earlier after trying several times to talk to her about the bomb he’d dropped. I’m leaving in the morning. What an idiot he’d been! He’d realized his mistake immediately, but Noelle had work to do and couldn’t spare him a moment.
At first, he huffed and followed her, expecting her to give in. When she showed no signs of relenting, he found himself at a loss. He’d never experienced anything like it.
He was happy, frustrated, exalted, upset, forlorn and delighted all at once. He didn’t know what to make of the jumble of emotions, so he did the only thing he could think of. He called his big brother.
“Sander? This is a surprise!”
“I need your help, Callius.”
“Of course, what’s wrong? Is it a battle-”
“No, no battle, brother, calm yourself. I, I met a woman-”
“Ah, the lovely Ms. Gifford, I take it. Well, that’s wonderful man! What is the problem?”
“You know the problem, Cal! I’m maimed! No good for her. I had already accepted my solitude and impending death years ago, but now-”
“You love her, Alexsander.”
“But I do not deserve her. I do not want to feel like this!”
“You know, Sander, the one thing I have learned since I’ve found my mate is that what we want and what we need are sometimes two very different things. Have you asked yourself what it is that she wants?”
“She wants me.”
“Then why deny it. It is fate. Be happy, brother.”
After that brief and unsatisfying call, Sander left the castle. He’d run out on Noelle, and on his feelings. Leaving her alone with her team to perform their jobs while he tried to sort out the jumbled mess of emotions he’d been dealing with since the second he looked into her striking blue eyes.
She was the most perfect woman he’d ever seen. And he didn’t just mean the curve of her inner thigh as it led to heaven, the swell of her sumptuous breasts as they filled his mouth, or the spicy scent of ginger and cinnamon that seemed to ooze off her silky skin. Fuck. If he kept thinking like that, he’d need to excuse find himself another cold shower.
It was more than her physical perfection that drew Sander to her. Noelle was the most giving and optimistic person he’d ever met. Like a ray of sunshine, her smile held promises for a future he’d never thought possible. She made him want. He craved her like a starving man craved food.
More than that, he wanted to make her happy, to see her pleasured until her limbs were useless, and her mind eased from worry. He wanted to keep her safe and protected, cherished and loved. Yes, loved. Fuck, when did that happen? When did Sander begin to think in those terms? It was more than this sad excuse for a Dragon had felt in a long time.
Shame washed over him again. He’d treated her too roughly. Had since the second he opened the door that morning, naked as the day he was born. He hadn’t been able to control a single instance of their time together to his utter embarrassment. She’d turned him into a horny teenager again.
You are a fool, Sander. She is too good for the likes of you. Nothing more than a carnal beast at first glance. Driven by desire, he had taken her precious innocence.
Not that she’d complained or anything, but still. He had no right to her. That privilege was for the one meant to be her husband. Someone whole, pure, worthy of her.
His Dragon reared back and loosed a deafening roar inside of him at the very thought of another man’s hands on his Noelle. Rip. Break. Kill. Mine. Es Meus.
Fuck. He was in trouble. Walking outside in the cold had done nothing to clear his head. But while he was out inspiration had hit him. Sander felt practically giddy with purpose.
He’d needed to do something for Noelle. After all, she’d given him so much of herself. So selfless and gracious. Pure and innocent. Her emotions were like a beacon leading him home.
Now that he was back inside of his home, he realized his paltry offering paled in comparison to the amazing job she’d done in his absence. She was no damsel or maiden waiting for a Dragon or Knight to save her. She was like nothing in any of the tales he’d read from his prison on the Isle of Pain.
Noelle was a woman, fully at home in the modern world. And yet, she was pure and honest, warm and caring, like every dream of a mate he’d ever had. Before Dragomir had maimed him. Before he’d thought his world was over.
Sander exhaled and took slow steps into the place his brother had made their home. Warm and inviting, Castle Falk had never felt that way to Sander before. She was the reason. His heart swelled with the realization.
Noelle had turned his castle into a home just by being there. She’d taken one Christmas party and created a certifiable winter wonderland in the middle of the castle!
Sander’s heart thudded inside of his chest. He felt a thrilling sort of pain right there, where his heart was beating so furiously. He recognized the fierce swell of pride as he looked around. He was proud, of Noelle, of her accomplishments. Proud, and something more.
CHAPTER 11
He shook the snow off his leather shoes and wandered the hall until he reached the ballroom. Piles of mouth-watering food were beautifully arranged on long silver trays. Mini quiches, croquettes, sliced fruit, a wide variety of cheeses and crackers, cocktail sausages, tiny little finger sandwiches, and so much more. His mouth watered, but he bypassed the trays looking for something else to satisfy him.
A crystal bowl full of sparkling cranberry punch sat on a cheerfully decorated table with dozens of little crystal glasses surrounding it. It looked tempting and sweet. Sander smiled as he automatically associated it with Noelle. She was sweet alright, and he longed to taste her again. There were smaller tables set with comfortable looking chairs surrounding a space that had been cleared for a dance floor.
Playing cards and board games were arranged on small shelves for easy access around the room, as well as ornament and cookie decorating stations. The teens from the outreach program were going to love it. She’d really thought of everything.
If he didn’t know anything at all about Christmas, that room with all its beautiful décor was enough to get him and anyone else in the holiday spirit. Christmas music played softly in the background, and twinkle lights glittered everywhere. But what struck him from the second he came into the room was the enormous Christmas tree.
It sat opposite the marble fireplace that was glowing with soft flames. She’d used a single-color theme on the enormous fir tree, big and beautiful enough to rival any department store version. Dozens of white ornaments graced the branches. There were snowflakes, feathered birds, balls, sprigs of holly, presents, bows, and strings of silver and white beads with tiny crystal stars hanging from every limb.
His eyes stopped and went wide when they reached the top. He sucked in a breath. Sander couldn’t look away. Atop the twelve-foot, blue spruce sat something he never imagined he’d see on a Christmas tree. His face broke out in a wide smile. That little minx!
He turned suddenly and looked for Noelle, but she was nowhere to be found. He went from room to room calling out her name, but she managed to evade him. Some Dragon you are! People began to arrive, a mix of adults and teens. The crowd grew thicker as did his frustration.
Thankfully employees from Present Tastes were there to greet them and take their coats, because Sander had no time for such niceties. He ignored them in his search. Where the devil was she? It was as if she’d simply disappeared!
He returned to the beautifully decorated tree and stood there. His eyes were riveted to the white Dragon who sat atop the boughs. He stuck his hands in the pockets of his black slacks and frowned.
He’d dressed up for the occasion. For her. It felt right and proper as he donned the expensive suit that was perfectly tailored to his body. He hoped Noelle would approve.
Sander growled deep in his throat as he thought of her. Noelle, where are you? One corner of his mouth lifted, and he shook his head. It was hopeless. He was a goner. She was incredible. Sigh. Only his little minx would put a Dragon on top of a Christmas tree!
“Do you like it?” A soft, familiar voice tickled his ear. Sander tensed then exhaled, relief making his shoulders drop as he turned to face her. Thank the gods! She is still here.
His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. Holy Shit! For the second time that day, Sander’s breath was stolen from him.
Noelle was wearing a blood red dress with long, sheer sleeves. The fabric clung tightly to her shapely curves and the bodice dipped slightly in front. Just enough to make him want to pull it all the way down to free those magnificent breasts of hers. His mouth went dry and his cock twitched as he took in every inch of her, devouring her with his eyes.
Her long, dark locks floated around her shoulders. Like a sheet of silk, one he wouldn’t mind seeing spread across his bed. Her blue eyes sparkled like sapphires as he continued his thorough perusal. Noelle’s lips were painted the same blood red color of her dress, the contrast against her ivory skin stark and stunning. Beautiful.
“I asked if you liked it?” She nodded her head towards the tree, but Sander couldn’t look away from her.
“Yes,” his voice came out deep and growly. He liked it alright. He’d never liked anything more.
“I had Paul run into town, there’s a shop there with all sorts of treasures, I saw it there before and, well, after today it made me think of you.”
“Noelle, I-” Sander took a step towards her, but she backed up. He frowned, disliking her retreat. He moved again, but before he could speak a short, dark whirlwind interrupted them.
“Hi, Noe! Kisses! So, who is this?” The woman with the dark, curly hair was obviously a friend of hers.
The stranger wore loud, vibrant colors over her curvaceous frame that oddly enough didn’t clash with her dark olive skin tone and tightly curled hair. She had a certain charisma about her that was hard to ignore, though Sander would have preferred doing just that. However, ignoring the woman was not an option as she headed straight towards them and embraced Noelle.
“Joselyn! Hi! I am so glad you made it. This is Sander Falk. He’s, um, Callius’ brother. This is my friend, Joselyn.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Joselyn,” he said.
“Yeah, well, just so you know, you hurt her, you deal with me,” the shorter woman glared at him, a warning flashing in her eyes. Sander inhaled as he he took in the obvious threat. Ah. A Witch in our midst. He smiled and arched an eyebrow.
“I have no intention of hurting anyone, augura Joselyn,” he added the common term for her kind in his language wondering if she’d notice. The sudden flare of her nostrils told him that she did. Her eyes darted to Noelle’s puzzled ones and she forced a smile.
“Listen Noe, you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, Joss, sheesh. Will you please greet the guests while Sander and I talk a moment?”
“Yeah, sure,” she walked away, but not before she returned Sander’s smile with one of her own. Any other time, he’d enjoy the challenge, but not right then.
His heart was pounding, and his head was roaring. Every time he tried to speak to Noelle, they were interrupted by another guest. Patience was not one of his strong suits, especially not when he was so close.
“Noelle, may I have a moment?”
“Yeah, sure, just let me check on things. Okay, everyone seems okay.”
They almost made it out of the room when a pleasant looking, brown-haired man with a wicked grin walked up to Sander with his hand outstretched. Werewolf. Sander wanted to roar, but he understood from his brother he was in Werewolf territory and needed to remain cordial.
“Hello! You must be another Falk brother? My name is Seff McAllister, I uh, work for Rafe Maccon. He wanted to tell you he was sorry he couldn’t be here, new baby and all that. Anyway, thank you for hosting this event it means a lot to us. The Macconw
ood-Nighthawk Teen Outreach Program really appreciate the gesture. Ah, Noelle, darling, you look gorgeous,” he leaned in and kissed her cheek and, that time, Sander did growl. The Werewolf looked up. The slightly amused grin on his affable face did not warm him to Sander in any way, shape or form.
“What a wonderful job you’ve done here! Your father would be proud.”
“Thank you, that means a lot to me,” she smiled at the Werewolf and it was all Sander could do not to shift and swallow the man whole! Merry Christmas indeed!
As if sensing he was on the menu, the Wolf said his goodbyes and moved through the crowd. Sander didn’t stop watching him until he sided up to a woman with a mane of wild red hair and eyes that kept changing colors. Another Witch. The town seemed full of them!
“Oh my God, that’s Seff McAllister, he’s the Beta for the Macconwood Pack. He’s taller than I expected, cuter too-” before she could finish her sentence Sander was dragging her into the hallway.
“Sander?!”
“Did you just call that dog cute?”
“Sander! Where are you dragging me?”
“I’ve been waiting to tell you this, Noelle. I know I lack the tact, but about what I said before,” he pulled her up the staircase that led to his quarters and locked the door with a swipe of his hand.
“Sander, let’s just-”
“Please, hear me out, love.”
He turned her to face him and grasped both her hands in his. Nothing had ever been as important as that moment.
“Noelle, I’m a fool.”
CHAPTER 12
Okaaayy. Not exactly the declaration of love she was looking for, but what did Noelle expect? Her Dragon was not the average guy. Her Dragon. Yes. Mine.
The flash of possessiveness caught her off guard. She knew it wasn’t logical, okay, it wasn’t even near the realm of logic, but she loved him. From the second she laid eyes on him, she’d lost all claim to her heart, her soul, heck, every single inch of her body. Sander was it for her. The one.
