Holiday Spirit for Hire

by Isabelle Saint-Michael

  “The Werewolf that my sister just agreed to marry. While we’ve had a peaceful existence with them, this union would do a lot to improve trade. There is also a good chance that cancelling the binding could cause a war.”

  I took another deep swig of the hot drink. Just then I watched Fairwynn and Maerryn approach him. I swallowed hard.

  “You should get over there. If they about to do what I think they are…” My words died as the man sprang to his feet and started yelling. James ran towards the group but by the time he arrived Maerryn was drawing his sword.

  I slammed down what was left of the drink and placed the cup on the table beside me. I could already feel my cheeks growing pink. That was one strong drink, I thought to myself as I crossed the hall to join the brawl.

  “You can’t just cancel a binding contract,” yelled the Were.

  “Micholie, I love this Elf,” Fairwynn argued.

  I processed the name as the continued to argue. Micholie was threatening war and shame for the dishonor. Maerryn was threatening the same if he didn’t stand down.

  “Micholie Duncan?” I asked quirking my head to the side, staring at him wide-eyed.

  The Were froze and turned to face me. “Aye, My Lady?”

  I burst into a fit of giggles. He stared at me like I had snakes growing out of my head... or maybe just a wreath.

  “Micholie Duncan, you had a crush for the longest time on my cousin Lana. She used to tell me millions of stories about you when I would visit in the summer.” I started giggling again. “Like the time you tried to pee on an elec-” The large Were clamped a hand over my mouth.

  “Lana’s cousin? Just who are you, My Lady?” His voice was harsh.

  Grinning with what I could already feel was a slightly drunk grin I said, “Gracie MacGregor,” and giggled again.

  “A relation of Cariss MacGregor then?” he asked, his tone changing.

  “Yeah, that’s my father’s older brother,” I answered. I was swaying a little under the intoxication.

  Micholie reached out to steady me. “Yer Arjin’s lass?” There was a slight grin on his face.

  “Yesh,” I responded with another giggle.

  “He couldna hold his Dwarven brews either. How-ja end up here, girl?” He looked at what I was wearing. “In that?”

  I laughed. “I lost my job so I took a gig at the North Pole. I’m a Holiday Spirit,” I said with a nod. Before long we were seated by the fire chatting and drinking, comparing notes about the family.

  Fairwynn approached a little later to try and talk to Micholie again. When she interrupted he cut her off. “Yeah, yeah, true love, I’m happy for ya, Lass. Canya not see I’m talkin to my kin?”

  “What are you doing for the holidays?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “I thought about goin to Human realm and visiting Scotland’s clan lands.”

  “Ah, don’t do that. They’re all crossing the pond to my parents this year. There are going to be like fifty Were there from the day before Yule to New Years. Go to my parents',” I offered.

  “Will that be alright?” he asked, surprised.

  “Yeah, Mom is all about the more the merrier. I’ll shoot her an email tonight and let her know you’re coming.” We talked for a few more minutes and then exchanged the standard big hug.

  When I crossed back over to James, Maerryn, and Fairwynn, they were all staring at me wide-eyed.

  “You’re a Werewolf?” James asked.

  I shrugged. “Only half.”

  Maerryn stepped forward. “Well I certainly can’t thank you enough. Is there anything I can do to return the favor?” he asked.

  “Have a happy holiday so I don’t have to come back,” I smiled.

  Before I left, James had a large wooden keg of Dwarven Holiday Brew brought out for me. I thanked him again then tossed a little fake snow into the air while touching the keg. “Joy’s kitchen at the North Pole.” With a familiar twinkle the world melted around me.

  Chapter Four

  When everything came back into focus Joy was cooking at the stove. “Hi Joy!” I piped up.

  She jumped with a little squeak and whirled around. She eyed me where I sat on top of the keg with my feet dangling.

  “What are you wearing, dear, and where did that come from?” she asked motioning towards the keg.

  I hiccupped. “The Great Dwarven Stronghold gave it to me for preventing a war.”

  I looked down at my dress noticing I really could see right through it. “And this is the Holiday Spirit uniform Maggie assigned me.”

  Joy pursed her lips together for a moment. “What did you say to Maggie?” she asked.

  I laughed. “I don’t know. I just walked in with Justin and this is what I got.”

  “Oh,” said Joy.

  “Oh?” I asked.

  She smiled mischievously. “She has a little crush on my boy. He doesn’t normally help the new recruits with things like uniforms. She must have thought something was going on.”

  I shook my head. “Boy did she read it wrong. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Justin tolerates me at best.” I laughed a little, thinking about this morning’s exchange.

  She chuckled. “He can be a little rough around the edges because he takes his job very seriously. I promise you, he’s a teddy bear.”

  “Even so, I still think I’ll take my chances with the wolves.” I looked at the clock. It was nearly nine in the evening. “Do you need help cleaning up from dinner? I can go change and come back and give you a hand,” I offered.

  “That’s sweet of you, but I’ll be alright. How were the leftovers for lunch?” she asked.

  “What leftovers?” I asked.

  “The ones from breakfast you took with you this morning.” She glanced at me.

  “Oh, no. I took those to Justin. He missed breakfast because of me so I wanted to make sure he had food to start the day with.” Just then my stomach rumbled.

  “Did you eat lunch or dinner?” she asked me, eyeing my noisy belly.

  “No, I was really busy today and just lost track of time. I did have a cup of tea and a mug of this stuff.” I bounced on the keg to prove a point.

  “That’s not food. If you keep not eating and running around in next to nothing you’ll end up sick.” She turned and pulled out a tray. Immediately she began filling it with leftovers. She poured boiling water in a teapot as well then handed me the whole tray. “Just bring me back the dishes when you’re done.”

  “You didn’t need to do all that. I would have been fine making a cup of tea and a bowl of cereal or toast for myself.” I smiled down at the food.

  She rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why you haven’t wasted away if that’s how you normally eat. Now go get warmed up and eat something. Not another word.” Following orders I left the keg in the kitchen and marched across the cold threshold into Justin’s quarters.

  He was sitting in his chair by the fire reading when I came in. I walked across the room and sat the tray on the small table. He looked up from his book to say something and froze, his eyes large. “What are you wearing?” he asked, standing up from the chair.

  “The uniform Maggie gave me. Remember, you were there,” I offered. He crossed the short distance between us, tugging the blanket off the back of the chair as he came. In a fluid motion he swung it around me and began rubbing my arms and shoulders.

  “You’ve been out all day in only this?” I wasn’t sure he really meant for me to answer the question. I nodded.

  Reaching under the blanket ran his hands up and down my sides. “Your whole body is like ice.” His words were soft. He rested his hands on my bare thighs where the fabric split at the hips. “Didn’t you notice you were cold?”

  “Only up until they started making me drink at the Dwarven Stronghold. Then I didn’t really notice or care anymore.” I smirked.

  “They saw you? You were drinking on the job?” The softness in his voice was gone. Now it was a mix of shock and annoyance.

&nb
sp; “Yes, of course they did. I helped an Elven Prince and Dwarven Lady come together because they were in love. Then I prevented a war between the Werewolves and Dwarves. They were so happy they insisted I bring back a keg of Holiday Brew.” His jaw dropped.

  “You talked to them?” He sounded mad, really mad. “Holiday Spirits aren’t supposed to be seen and certainly not heard.

  “If they hadn’t heard me there would have been a war.” I wasn’t going to let him just stand here and yell at me.

  “Your job is Holiday Spirit. You are not supposed to talk to any of your cases.” He turned angrily on his heel and went to stand and look out the window.

  “Actually, it doesn’t say in the contract I can’t talk to cases.” I watched him stiffen. “You implied it when you talked about what I was wearing, but you never said it was an official rule.”

  I pulled the wreath off of my head, then unlaced the dress, letting it and the cape drop to the floor. I was just reaching for the flannel shirt I had worn the night before when he whirled around to face me. He stood there gaping. “If it’s not in my contract and you didn’t forbid me from doing it you really can’t be mad at me.” I tugged the shirt on, leaving the top few buttons undone.

  Justin shook his head. “I don’t remember telling you that it was ok to borrow my clothes,” he snapped.

  I blushed because I knew I was in the wrong. “I’m sorry, I just thought you would be more comfortable with me sleeping in this rather than nude.” I started to grab the hem.

  “No!” he said loudly. “That’s alright, you can borrow it. Just ask next time, alright?” I nodded.

  He looked over at the table. “If you’re going to eat you should do it soon. That seems like an awful big snack,” he teased.

  “Would you like some?” I offered as I sat down on the ottoman. He came to sit in the chair beside me, tossing the blanket back around my shoulders before sitting down.

  Between bites we actually talked. I asked about his day and he replied cheerfully. “Did you find the food court alright?” he asked, popping the last bite of bread in his mouth.

  “No,” I said, sipping on the now lukewarm tea.

  “Didn't anyone show you where it was?” he asked with concern.

  “No, I was out in the field preventing a war all day, remember? When I came in a little bit ago I was just getting back.” I took the last sip of tea.

  “You were out all day in that dress?” He was really starting to sound upset.

  “Yes, you gave me a job to do. I may not do it the way you think I should but I’ve never had my work ethic called into question.” I didn’t mean to get upset.

  “Shhh shh.” He rubbed my back through the blanket. "I wasn’t accusing you of anything. I was merely stunned. So if you were in the field all day…” He looked at the tray of food we just ate. “You didn’t eat lunch or dinner, did you?”

  I shook my head. “No, I didn’t have time.”

  He sighed. “Why didn’t you say that was your dinner?”

  “There was enough to share.” I started to stand with the intention of returning the dishes.

  He quickly stood up and took the tray. “I’ve got it. Would you like more tea?” he offered.

  Shaking my head I smiled. “No, I’m alright. Is there any way I could send an email though? I should let my parents know where I am and what I’m doing. My mother is a worrywart.”

  Justin took a step towards the door. “Sure, my tablet is on the bed. You’re welcome to use that. The whole Pole is wired for Wifi. I’ll be back in a few.” He disappeared out the front door.

  I walked over to the bed and began looking for the tablet. When I finally found it, it was under a thick fur-lined quilt. I lay flat on my stomach, noticing I couldn’t stretch the full length of the bed. I smiled, thinking Dwarves must move around a lot in their sleep. I flipped the electronic on and it glowed to life.

  I quickly shot Mom an email letting her know about my seasonal job and where I was. I also made sure to mention Micholie coming for the holidays. I knew she wouldn’t mind, but I also knew she disliked surprises as much as I did. When I finished, I perused my favorite social network sites and even peeked at eBay for some holiday shopping. I was amazed that it was taking Justin so long to get back, but then maybe he was spending time with the family. I shrugged it off. Just as I was placing a bid on a sweater the door burst open.

  “Grace, I brought you…” Justin looked at the chair by the fire and confusion crossed his face. He scanned the room and found me draped across the bed looking at the tablet. I immediately started to get up.

  “No, you don’t have to move.” He kicked the door shut and his shoes off and came across the room with two mugs of hot brew. “Sorry, they were cracking it open, then it needed to be heated and it’s not right everyone else was drinking it without you enjoying some too.” I sat up and happily accepted the mug.

  “This mug is much larger than the one I had today at the Stronghold,” I laughed. It must have been three times the size.

  “It’s because it gets much colder here. We want to make sure we don’t have to leave the warmth of the fire to refill as often,” he joked.

  I took a big sip and enjoyed the feeling of it burning down my throat. By halfway through the mug I was well past tipsy and by the end I was totally drunk. We talked about family, work and life.

  “When I was twelve my parents finally sat me down and explained what we were. I was really confused.”

  “I bet. I would be too.” Justin was an amazing listener when he was drinking.

  “I told my Dad it didn’t matter as long as I didn’t have to shave four times a day.” We both laughed. A shiver ran through me.

  “Are you cold?” he asked.

  “Just a little,” I mentioned, going back to the story. He shifted on the bed, tugging me to lean against him. He then pulled several of the blankets up around us. We continued telling stories and laughing well into the wee hours of the morning.

  When the alarm started buzzing I begrudgingly opened my eyes. I realized I was very warm and the outside of the cot was very cold. I put my head back down and snuggled into my pillows. They flexed around me, pulling me closer. I felt a movement and the alarm stopped making noise. I blinked my eyes open. I was still in bed with Justin.

  I tried to tell myself not to panic. I started to sit up, but he pulled me back down. In a half dazed sleep-filled voice he whispered, “If we skip breakfast and take a snowmobile we don’t have to get up for another hour.” I eyed him closely.

  “I need a shower,” I whispered.

  As if to prove a point he smelled my hair. “You still smell like a girl. You’re fine.” I started to try and get up, but the hangover hit me and I fell back against the pillows.

  “Hangover?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I answered.

  “See, it’s the Pole’s way of saying you should sleep another hour.” He snuggled closer. Giving up, I closed my eyes and dozed another hour.

  Chapter Five

  When the alarm sounded again we both opened our eyes and exchanged looks that said we needed at least another three hours of sleep. “Ready to get up?” asked Justin in a husky voice.

  “No, but I don’t really have a choice.” We both grumbled and climbed out of bed. “I have an hour, right?” I asked to clarify. He nodded. “I’ll meet you by the front door in thirty minutes.” I rushed to the closet, tugged out a clean change of clothes, and ran out the front door and to the bathrooms. I went to three bathrooms before finding a shower that was free. I did a quick wash, brushed my teeth, and yanked on clothes.

  As I hit the kitchen I smiled at Joy and asked if she had a couple portable mugs I could borrow. When she pointed me to the cabinet I made haste to grab a couple and fill them with coffee, milk and sugar, then dashed from the kitchen with a thank you. I heard her chuckling as I left.

  I was at the front door just as Justin tugged it open. He handed me a bag as he stepped out into the cold. “I thou
ght you may want your magic and uniform.”

  “Thank you,” I said as I handed him the travel mug full of coffee.

  “What’s this?” he asked, eyeing the mug.

  “Coffee,” I replied with a shrug. “I don’t know about you but I’m considered a lethal driver without it in the morning.” I tugged the bag over my shoulder.

  “About last night.”

  I cut him off. “We can’t tell anyone or they may get the wrong idea.” He nodded. “I know,” I smiled back at him.

  We walked in silence to the snowmobiles. “Do you want to drive?” A smile tugged at his mouth.

  I winced. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I haven’t finished my first cup yet.” We laughed but he took the bag from my shoulder and flung it over his. He quickly finished his coffee and tucked the empty mug in the bag.

  I climbed on, listening closely as he explained the controls to me. He then climbed on behind me, tucking his arms around my waist and pulling me back against him, cradled between his thighs. Even through my coat it felt nice to be pressed against him, but I wasn’t about to tell him that. Soon we were off whizzing over the frozen ground towards the workshop. I pulled off the path like we had a few days before and parked with the others snowmobiles hidden just out of sight.

  Taking the bag and my coffee back I smiled. “Thanks for the lesson.”

  “Anytime. Actually, I usually leave around six. Meet me here and we can ride back together.” His offer was compelling.

  “I’ll do my best.” I turned to head into the office. Luck was on my side and I arrived at five till eight.

  When I arrived, my desk was buried under a mountain of case files. I looked around the office but everyone seemed preoccupied.

  “Does anyone know why it snowed cases?” I asked the Spirits around me. Keeping my gaze even, I scanned each office inhabitant - no one would even make eye contact with me.

  “Oh, I see how this game is going to work,” I muttered.

  I spent the next two hours sorting and stacking the cases on my desk. When I finished, I had sorted what I figured were 'easily dealt with', 'lots of footwork' and 'might require an army' piles. I opened the first of the ‘footwork’ cases and read through it in more detail.