by penny watson
He feigned disappointment. “Stanley’s hurt.”
Kiana cocked her head to the side. “I’m sure he’ll get over it.” They both turned to see Boris tucking more blankets around the sleeping girl, and crooning softly.
“Well, look at that. I guess Boris is a multi-faceted guy. He’s been a bachelor for so long, I didn’t think he really liked kids.”
Oskar, Kiana and Boris stepped out of the room, quietly shutting the door behind them.
Oskar turned to Kiana. “You’d better text your roommate and let her know you’re not coming home tonight. I don’t want her to worry about you.” He handed her a cell phone.
“Oh! Thank you for reminding me. I totally forgot about Trish. And she does worry. A lot. Luckily I’m on vacation this week because of the holiday so the library won’t even notice I’m missing.”
“How about Mr. Brockman?”
Kiana nodded. “I’ll call him tomorrow.” She stared at the cell phone. “So, you get cell phone service in the North Pole?”
“It’s—” Boris started to say.
“Elfin magik, right? Sheesh. That’s pretty damned convenient. How are your roaming charges up here?” she asked sarcastically.
Oskar started laughing. “Believe me, elfin magik has its drawbacks, too. It’s not all fun and games. What are you going to tell Trish about your absence?”
Kiana paused. “I’ll tell her I’ve decided to take a spontaneous trip out of the city for a few days. I do that sometimes.”
Boris saluted and headed for the front door. “I’ll see you in the morning, Boss. Don’t worry about all this stuff. We’ll get everything squared away tomorrow. Nice to meet you, Miss Grant.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Boris.”
“Kiana?” Gabi’s sleepy voice called out from the bedroom. Kiana hurried back to the room and pushed open the door.
“What is it, sweet pea?”
“I don’t want to sleep alone. Could you… could you…”
Kiana smiled at the little girl and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Wanna have a slumber party tonight?”
Gabi’s face lit up. “Oh, yes, please. Wiebe doesn’t let me go to parties. Says they’re a waste of time.”
Kiana’s smile slipped for just a moment and then she was fluffing up pillows on the other side of Gabi’s king size bed. “Well, we girls know slumber parties are an extremely important part of life, right?”
“Promise if you guys decide to have a pillow fight to give me a call. I’m actually Pillow Fight Champion of the World. Just ask my brothers.” Oskar winked at Gabi.
Kiana laughed. “Hmm. Maybe tomorrow, Mr. Champion. Tonight Gabi needs a good night’s rest.” She pulled her boots off and climbed under the covers. “We’ll see you in the morning.”
Kiana scooted over and spooned Gabi protectively under the covers. The tiny elf sighed and snuggled into her embrace. Oskar felt a tightness in his chest as he watched Kiana gently stroke Gabi’s hair until the little girl’s eyes began to droop. He leaned over and kissed both of them on the forehead.
Kiana glanced up at him and whispered “Thank you. For everything.”
He nodded and rubbed his thumb across her cheek. “Gute Nacht,” he quietly responded, careful not to disturb Gabi. He reluctantly left them and headed back to his own bedroom.
Oskar lay in bed a long time waiting for sleep. His mind was a jumble of emotions, but most of all, he was happy Kiana was under his roof. He didn’t care that hiding her would complicate things just as the investigation was getting under way. Funny, his cottage had always been his own domain, closed off to visitors. But seeing Kiana and Gabi cuddled up in the guest bedroom felt like the most natural thing in the world.
When Oskar finally dozed, he dreamt of a young girl in Hawaii, a girl with haunted aquamarine eyes, dressed in raggedy clothes and flip flops. Groups of children passed her on the beach and hollered “Haole girl,” laughing viciously. Two sun-darkened adults snored behind her, propped up by a palm tree. Long dirty dread-locks reached past their shoulders, and a haze of smoke surrounded their camp.
Oskar could smell the marijuana and hear the ukulele music coming from a bar down the beach. The girl peeled a green banana with shaky fingers, just as the sky filled with a blast of color—fuchsia, apricot, gold. She was oblivious to the stunning sunset and the gentle swell of salt water at her feet. All of her attention centered on the meager meal.
When a teenage boy tried to snatch her dinner, she fought him, kicking and hitting until tears rolled down her face. The boy took the stolen fruit and hurled it into the sea, laughing with his friends as they taunted her. Defeated, she curled up on a ratty blanket to sleep, her stomach still growling.
Oskar woke up, short of breath. Sand pooled on his pillow, and the scent of coconut oil lingered in his room. He stared at the ceiling, a bitter taste in his mouth. It had been much worse in Hawaii than he’d imagined.
He thought of Kiana, spooning Gabi next door, protecting the little girl while she slept.
Schlaf gut meine Engel… Sleep well my angels.
Kiana awoke the next morning to the sound of giggles. She opened one eye and found a tiny pixie face staring down at her.
“You look silly in the morning.” Gabi touched a lock of Kiana’s hair.
“I do? What’s so silly about how I look?”
“You hair is really messy. It’s all over the place.”
Kiana laughed. “Uh huh. Well, maybe you can teach me how to make those cool braids you have. You look like an expert.”
The girl’s face fell. Kiana propped herself up on one elbow. “What’s wrong, honey?”
“Wiebe yanks my braids,” Gabi whispered. “It hurts.”
Kiana took a deep breath to control her anger. She gently ran her hand over Gabi’s silky braid. “Wiebe will never hurt you again, Gabi. Oskar and I won’t let that happen.” She swallowed and pulled the girl close for a hug. “How about we snuggle up in bed and read some Dr. Seuss books, okay? And then I’ll fix you some breakfast.”
Gabi grinned. “Thanks, Kiana. I’m used to reading by myself. Wiebe doesn’t like me to make any noise.” She jumped from the bed and dashed to the living room.
Kiana leaned back against the pillows and sighed. Gabi definitely showed symptoms of abuse, but she still had a joyful heart. Thank God.
Early morning sunshine slanted into the guest bedroom. Curious, Kiana slipped from the bed to examine the view from the huge picture windows. What a magical sight. Oskar’s entire cottage was surrounded by a forest of towering pines, all capped with snow, glistening in the sunshine. Icicles dripped from the eaves and sternschnuppen flitted about the property, flashing and singing.
She had never celebrated a real Christmas as a child, but Glasdorf was everything she imagined it would be. Enchanted, sparkling, filled with adventure. She’d accepted this was real… a place where a children’s legend made dreams come true. How wonderful that the Klaus brothers were part of such an awe-inspiring undertaking every year.
Surprisingly, Kiana felt a sense of purpose here, also. Gabi needed an advocate. There was simply no way Kiana would leave until the child’s safety was guaranteed. Somehow the mischievous elfin girl had wormed her way into Kiana’s heart. It would be difficult to leave her.
And Oskar as well.
Whether or not she was willing to admit it, her unwelcome crush on Oskar Klaus was growing into something more.
“I got them!”
Kiana turned just as Gabi raced back into the room with a basket of books. She jumped into the air and soared to the bed, bouncing several times on the thick mattress. Funny, for a moment it looked as though Gabi actually flew through the air, suspended just a bit longer than normal before she landed. Kiana blinked and decided it was just her imagination.
“So, what’s first on the agenda?” She returned to the bed and lifted the covers for Gabi to burrow under.
Gabi plopped a copy of The Sneetches and Other Stories on top of the b
lanket. “How about this one? I love Too Many Daves. The names are funny.”
“Oh, good choice, Gabi. I like this book, too.”
A light rapping on the door caught their attention. Oskar leaned against the doorframe and lifted a bakery bag in his hand. Kiana froze for a moment.
God, he looks gorgeous.
Her heart skipped a beat. He’d dressed in layered T-shirts, low rider jeans, and a Red Sox baseball cap over his messy hair. A silver snowflake medallion hung around his neck on a black leather cord. His emerald eyes sparkled as he greeted them from the doorway.
“Did I ever tell you that Mrs. McCave had twenty three sons and she named them all Dave?” Oskar winked at Gabi. “Good morning, sleepy heads. I’ve already been to Klaus Küche to pick up donuts. Anyone hungry?”
“Oskar!” Gabi squealed with delight and flung herself from the bed into his outstretched arms. Kiana watched in shock as the girl’s body spiraled in the air before she landed in Oskar’s grip.
“Whoa! You can really get airborne, Honigbienchen. How’d you do that?” He glanced at Kiana who shook her head in confusion.
Gabi was already rummaging through the bakery bag. “Uh, I don’t know. It’s easy.”
“Well, okay then. I’ll bet you’d be killer on the slopes. Ever try snowboarding?”
Gabi munched on a chocolate donut. “No, Wiebe doesn’t let me do stuff like that. Only…”
Oskar set the elfin girl on the floor. “Only what, Gabi?”
Gabi suddenly looked uncomfortable. “Nothing.” She shook her head. “Nothing.” She peered up at him. “Could you teach me how to snowboard, Oskar? It looks like fun.”
“I think that’s a great idea. Boris just called. He’s investigating some leads right now and will meet us back here in a couple of hours for a powwow. I picked up clothes and supplies for both of you lovely ladies in town. They’re in boxes in the foyer. Including snow pants and goggles. And…”
He stepped back into the hallway and emerged with two snowboards in his hands. “… One rockin’ miniature snowboard for the Honigbienchen…” He handed the adorable mini board to Gabi who squeaked with happiness. Her name was etched onto the board with rainbow glitter.
“And, one excellent board for the visiting librarian…” He carried another snowboard from the hallway and offered it to Kiana with a flourish. She bounced out of the bed and grabbed it, laughing with excitement. The board was custom painted with stacks of books and her name in neon aquamarine.
“Oh, Oskar. I love it! Thank you!” She threw her arms around him and he took the opportunity to pull her tightly against him. Instantly the attraction flared up between them. She gazed into his face and licked her lips.
“Thank you for the board. That was really sweet,” she said breathlessly, staring at Oskar’s mouth.
Oh, Kiana, you are in big trouble now…
“Uh huh.” Oskar leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. “Did you sleep well, Moon Goddess? Was everything okay last night?” His eyes searched her face intently.
“Of course. Gabi slept like a baby.”
He swept her tousled hair from her face and nodded. “All right. I just want to make sure.”
Kiana frowned at his concerned expression. “You look thoughtful this morning. What’s wrong? Is something going on with the investigation?”
Oskar shook his head. “No. I actually did some nosing around this morning, talked with elves all over Glasdorf. But no one has any idea who would be dabbling in Dark Magik.” He toyed with a strand of her hair. “Just wanna make sure you feel safe and secure here.”
Kiana smiled. “I do. This place is so beautiful. I love your cottage, and I love the woods around your house. I can’t wait to go snowboarding!”
Oskar grinned back. “Me, too. I just know you’re going to be a natural.”
She glanced out the window at the bright sunshine. “Isn’t there supposed to be total darkness at the North Pole until the March Equinox?”
Oskar laughed. “Yeah, you’re right Miss Librarian. Then six months of light until the September Equinox. Except, you’re forgetting one thing.”
“Don’t tell me. It has something to do with elfin magik.”
He tipped back his head and roared with laughter. “You’re getting it now, sista. The elves want the environment here to be as normal as possible, so they’ve created regular cycles of day and night all year long. Otherwise, we would all go nuts. Seriously.”
Kiana quirked a brow. “I’m not entirely convinced you aren’t. Or myself for that matter.” She glanced at Gabi, who was stuffing chocolate donuts in her mouth and twirling around the room with her snowboard.
Oskar whistled. “Hey, Honigbienchen, how about we unpack our boxes and get dressed. I’m ready for our lesson. How about you?”
“Yes!” Gabi yelled enthusiastically. She bounced up and down and raced out of the room.
He offered a donut to Kiana. “Gotta try these. Fresh and hot from my brother’s bakery. They’re delicious.”
Kiana accepted the treat. “Thanks. What exactly does Honigbienchen mean anyway? It sounds like a German word.”
Oskar picked up the boards and headed toward the foyer. “It is. It means little honeybee. It’s a term of endearment.”
“I just started my German lessons at the library, so I’m not too good yet. Do you speak fluent German like Sven?” Kiana asked.
Oskar rolled his eyes and adopted a mock falsetto. “Oh, Sven, could you please teach me German?” He batted his eyelashes. “You’re soooo smart!” He raised an eyebrow at Kiana. “Sound like anyone you know?”
Kiana laughed. “I did not sound like that! He was nice enough to offer to tutor me if I needed help.”
“Yeah, well I speak fluent German, too. If anyone is giving you private tutoring lessons, it will be me. Verstehen Sie?”
Kiana followed Oskar into the hallway. “Ja. No problem. I didn’t mean to ignore your linguistic capabilities,” she said, surprised by his obvious jealousy.
“You wrote me off because of my hair and tats. Admit it.” He waited for her answer.
Kiana shook her head in denial, growing instantly serious. “That’s not true. You just threw me for a loop, that’s all.” She swallowed nervously. “I was attracted to you right away and was scared you were a player. You’re not, right?”
“There’s only one woman I’m interested in ‘playing’ with, Kiana, and that’s you. No one else, just you.” Oskar’s intense gaze pinned her in place.
He set the boards down on the floor, propping them against the wall, then turned to her and pulled her slowly into his arms.
“I want to play with you in the morning…” He kissed her forehead gently.
“In the afternoon.…” His lips traced her cheekbone.
“All through the evening…” She loved the way he tugged her top lip with his teeth, then swirled his tongue along the flesh. She was panting now, and so was he.
“All night long.” His hands cupped her face and she melted into the hottest, sexiest kiss of her life. Both of them were trembling, tasting, moaning with pleasure. Her body was completely plastered against his hard frame, head to toe.
A short giggle broke her out of her daze.
“I thought you needed mistletoe for that,” Gabi said, peeking at them from the foyer.
Oskar released a long-suffering sigh and rested his forehead against Kiana’s. “That was really impeccable timing,” he whispered hoarsely.
Kiana nodded. “Uh huh.” She touched the scruff of Oskar’s beard with her fingertips. “Thanks for the good morning kiss.”
“There’s plenty more where that came from,” he answered. Clearing his throat, he turned to Gabi. “Kiana and I are just pretending there’s mistletoe, honeybee. You ready for your lesson?”
“Yay!” She twirled in place, modeling her new snowsuit. “I’m ready!”
Kiana laughed. “Me, too. I want to see you in action.”
Oskar coughed. “Your
wish is my command, Moon Goddess.” He raised a brow, causing Kiana to blush.
“Behave, Bad Boy.” She reluctantly left him to search through the boxes for her own snow gear.
The truth was, she really didn’t want Oskar to behave at all.
Ingo returned to the Bibliothek the next morning, at sunrise. He was determined to find the damned reversal spell first thing, and let poor Oskar Klaus off the hook. The guilt burned his stomach like a shot of whiskey. The youngest Klaus son had his hands full investigating the explosion, and the last thing he needed was a broken heart. Ingo wanted to help with the investigation, too. Perhaps it would assuage his guilty conscience.
The books that Master Ralf left out for him were stacked neatly on one side of the table, snoring quietly. Ingo took several volumes that looked promising and laid them open. The spells sighed, yawned and opened their eyes, peering at him from the pages. Taunting him, as if to say “You’re back, old man, but we will never reveal our secrets to you!”
It took about an hour and finally he found what he was looking for. Written in an ancient language, a mixture of Old German and Elfin symbols, he found the spell to reverse Zottig Herz. First, he had to read a long dramatic scolding about how the spell was a selfish indulgence, and any elf who used it should be ashamed. He sighed. Why the hell did the masters create it in the first place? Then, he had to tease the spell from the pages, weaving a basket from strands of magik.
The reversal spell was ornery for sure. With each sticky strand that caught a few words, the spell would cuss, snap and spark at him, clearly irritated with his machinations. When half the spell was trapped, it got really incensed, and smoke began to pour from the pages. Ingo worried that the library would burn to the ground before he got the bugger under control, but a few more sneaky strands trapped it for good. The spell unraveled before his eyes, and a clear passage appeared in the text.
Elated, Ingo copied the words into his notebook, then stuffed it into his satchel. He waved his hand at the scattered volumes, and they danced back to the shelves.
