Christmas Kisses

by Zodiac Shifters

  “Wife?” Aramond blinked. “What makes you think I’m mate…er, married?”

  The man chuckled and nodded toward the bookstore. “Saw you come out of there. I recognize the look of a man who just found the perfect gift for his wife. Been there many times.” He waved his hand in the air. “I’m off to find something for my gal before I head home as well.”

  Aramond smiled. “Good luck to you.”

  “Thank you, but after forty years, I know what she likes.” He winked and strode down the sidewalk, his gray hair bobbing from under his hat with each step.

  Aramond rubbed his chin, the stubble rough against his fingers. His mind raced, and uncertainty tightened like a coil in his gut. Would Danae like the tarot cards? He thought so, but doubt poked at the edges of his mind.

  A wind gust whipped snow against his face. The ice crystals stung his cheek, bringing him out of his musing. He needed to get home. Resolve built in his chest, and he picked up his pace. As the buildings receded behind him, the forest loomed.

  He glanced around, searching for any more humans. They needed to remain oblivious to the inhuman creatures that roamed the night, including him. With no one in sight, he slipped between the trees and morphed into his panther. His clothes, including the tarot cards, receded under his sleek black fur.

  Free to roam, to run in his beast form, he bolted over the underbrush and between the trees. The pine trees’ canopy kept most of the frozen flakes from reaching the ground, but some piled in the open spaces and along the path, slowing him down.

  Keeping his goal in the forefront of his mind, he ran, pushing himself through the snow. The cold froze his nose, and after several miles, the pads on his feet numbed.

  He emerged into a small meadow. Snow covered the grass and small boulders, burying them in a white blanket. The moon peeked from behind a cloud, and the few flakes that continued to fall sparkled in the light.

  Aramond glanced toward the path that led to the special cliff where he’d met Danae in May, changing his life forever. His chest expanded at the memory then constricted almost to the point of pain. Danae wanted to go to the cliff tomorrow night to celebrate the winter solstice and honor Alora and Lemuria. The snow was so thick, he wasn’t sure they’d make it.

  A snarl burst from his throat. No!

  Determination fueled by his love for his mate curled in his gut. The muscles in his legs tensed, and he pushed through the drifts, leaving a path in his wake. No matter what, Danae would have her special night. He’d make sure of it.

  Danae twisted in her chair, trying to ease some of the tension in her shoulders. The old wood squeaked in protest, and the small silver clasp slipped from her pliers and bounced across the table’s worn wooden surface.

  With more force than she’d intended, she tossed the tool onto her jewelry mat and rubbed the back of her stiff neck. “Aramond, why did you have to patrol tonight?”

  Snow drifted past the kitchen window, the large flakes illuminated by the porch light. One, then another, and another, landed on the glass pane. What if something happened and he never returned? She couldn’t face the abandonment, not again.

  Danae curled her fingers into a fist, her nails digging into her palm. A low growl rumbled in her chest. “Stop it, Danae. He’ll be back before you know it.”

  She gripped the pliers and focused on the neck chain. Concentrating on the silver link, she secured the clasp onto the last loop. After a quick twist and a pinch, the final piece was in place. She gripped each end and raised the necklace from the mat. The yellow sunstone dangled from the center, caught the light, and sent a beautiful cascade of sparkles across the wall.

  A sense of anticipation rippled over Danae’s arms. The necklace would look good around Aramond’s neck, accentuating the glint in his eyes. With tender care, she brought the jewelry to her lips and kissed the small gem. “May Alora bless us on the winter solstice.”

  Filled with unexplained restlessness, Danae placed the gift in a small leather pouch.

  Her gaze drew to the window. Snow fell fast and furious, creating a small drift along the pane’s edge. She stood with a start, knocking her chair over in the process. The old wooden back crashed against the linoleum floor.

  She raced to the window and drew the curtain. The porch light lit up the back yard in a winter wonderland. Snow covered the grass, the woodpile, and even the small birdbath situated next to the sleeping rose bushes.

  The hair at Danae’s nape rose. Her attention tore to the clock. Three a.m. The kitty clock’s black cat tail swung back and forth in an eerie counterpoint to her pounding heart.

  Where was Aramond? He should’ve completed his patrol by now.

  She bit her lip and swallowed the fear trying to claw its way up her throat. The snow slowed him down, that’s all. Leaning away from the window, she brought her fist to her mouth. Frustration pooled with the fear in her gut, swirling into a toxic brew. I must keep busy.

  She gripped the back of her chair, righted the thing, and shoved it under the table. Sighing, she cleaned up her jewelry making tools, opened the cabinet next to the sink, and stored her precious instruments on the shelf along with her gift for Aramond.

  Stacked in the drying rack, the dishes called to her, giving her a purpose. Working quickly, she picked up the bowls and placed them in the cabinet. The spoons and forks were next, along with the plates and pans. She wiped down the counters with a dishcloth then worked on scrubbing the sink. When she was done, the sink’s stainless steel surface sparkled from her effort.

  Through the window, only a few small snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky. Between the retreating clouds, the moon’s soft glow lit up the landscape, reflecting against the snow and the frozen crystals twinkled like miniature stars.

  “Aramond, please come home.” Danae’s whispered words, meant for comfort, only inflamed the burning fear racing through her veins.

  Chapter 4

  One paw in front of the other, Aramond retraced his steps through the snow. The path he’d created wound all the way to the top of the ravine. Between the treetops, stars dotted the dark sky. The storm was over.

  Happiness lightened the weight on his shoulders. He’d be able to take Danae to their special place tomorrow night.

  After crossing the small stream, still flowing despite the recent snow, he climbed the embankment. His breath eased from him in short panting puffs, crystallizing in the cold air. The old Victorian wasn’t far, but the effort he’d expended running to Port Townsend and clearing the pathway had left him more tired than he cared to admit.

  As he trudged forward, the icy snow no longer registered under his paws. Warning bells rang in his mind, but he shook his head and forged ahead. Gossum, the ever present threat, sometimes ventured inside the Keep’s boundary, and he’d been away longer than he’d anticipated, leaving Danae unprotected. The hair along his back stiffened. Fear was a powerful motivator.

  In the distance, a soft radiance shimmered between the trees, the glowing lights from the old Victorian. The muscles in his forearms shook from relief. As he inhaled, the astringent scent of Gossum assailed his nose, burning its way down his throat.

  He stilled, all of his senses on alert.

  Shadows flitted between the trees, heading for the clearing and the lawn leading to the house.

  A growl rumbled in his chest. The muscles in his hind legs bunched, and he launched himself, running through the snow at breakneck speed. When he burst from the forest, his enemy came into view.

  Two Gossum ran across the lawn. Both wore dark pants and shirts which contrasted against the white snow. Their bald heads gleamed in the moonlight, and their long, barbed tongues snapped in the crisp air.

  The skinnier of the two outran his comrade.

  Aramond couldn’t attack both. Fear slid along his nerves, colder than ice.

  He bolted for the nearest, his claws elongating and slicing through the snow. With a powerful lunge, he ripped his nails through the creature’s thin shirt and i
nto flesh. Black blood dripped onto nature’s white carpet, creating an ugly blemish.

  The Gossum hissed, and its sharp, knifelike fingernails clawed across Aramond’s shoulder, opening an old wound. Pain flared at the spot, clouding his vision.

  Operating on instinct, he clamped his teeth around the beast’s throat and ripped. The Gossum’s arms and legs stiffened before the creature disintegrated into a pile of sludge.

  Aramond didn’t have time to celebrate the victory. His gaze tore to the house. The other Gossum raced up the porch steps. Aramond’s throat constricted, the fear that he’d fail to protect Danae hitting him full force.

  He wouldn’t reach his mate in time.

  Danae leaned forward and clutched the dishcloth in her hands. Through the kitchen window the moon lit up the backyard, shining off the new fallen snow. Aramond should be home. She bit her lip, keeping the worry crawling up her throat at bay.

  At the edge of the property, movement between the trees caught her attention. Hope flared in her chest, lightening her mood. “Aramond?”

  She tossed the dishcloth at the faucet, where it wrapped around the handle before sliding into the sink. With rushed, hurried steps, she darted across the floor. Her hip connected with the kitchen table, and she cried out, but the bruise didn’t dampen her eagerness.

  As she approached the back door, the fresh scent of oak from the newly replaced wood lingered in the air. She gripped the handle and yanked it open.

  A cold blast of air whipped across her skin followed by the astringent scent of Gossum.

  Goosebumps rose along her arms.

  The vile creature raced across the lawn, approaching at a fast clip. Its sharp claws glinted in the light and saliva dripped from its serrated teeth. At one time, the evil beast had been a human male, but no longer. Behind him, Aramond, in panther form, tackled another of its kind. His snarl reverberated against the trees.

  Anger, bitter and hot, shot through Danae’s veins. She ground her teeth and transformed into her cat. In an instant, her clothes disappeared beneath her thick fur coat. She dug her claws into the wooden floor and let loose an answering snarl.

  The Gossum clambered up the porch steps, its long tongue snapping in the air.

  Danae launched herself and crashed into her enemy, claws digging into the beast’s chest. Momentum took them down. They collided with the hard cement steps.

  Pain blossomed in her chest. Danae couldn’t breathe.

  The Gossum’s tongue whipped past her cheek. Saliva dripped on her brow.

  A jolt of fury, fueled by disgust, rippled over Danae’s nerves. She raised her hind legs and scratched her claws down the Gossum’s torso.

  A tormented howl burst from the creature’s mouth. Black blood darkened the shirt. Disemboweled, its intestines slid onto the ground, steam rising from the mass.

  Drawing a ragged breath, one tainted with the enemy’s stench, cool blessed air raced down Danae’s throat. With a quick swipe, she slashed her nails across her enemy’s throat.

  The beast stilled. Black blood dribbled from its neck. A heartbeat later, the creature slid to the ground in a pile of black goo.

  Danae’s gaze tore across the lawn.

  Aramond bolted toward her, his dark, sleek coat glistening in the moonlight. A tremble born of relief surged through her, making her legs shake. Aramond was alive.

  She morphed into her human form, her loose shirt and jeans reforming onto her body.

  He’d shifted as well, now dressed in his boots, dark pants, and leather jacket. After wrapping his arms around her, he tugged her into his embrace. “Danae, thank the goddess you’re all right.”

  She choked out a laugh, a strange giddiness overtaking her. “I was worried about you.”

  He pulled back enough to look at her, his brows furrowing over his beautiful brown eyes. “Why would you worry over me?”

  The age-old fear rose inside, tightening her chest. “You were gone for so long, I thought you wouldn’t return.”

  A slow smile tugged at his lips. “Nothing, absolutely nothing, would keep me from you.”

  Tension slid from her muscles, easing away at his words. He had a dangerous job, protecting the Keep’s boundaries, and there was always risk. Yet, she knew deep in her soul that he’d do everything in his power to come home to her, and he had, proving his words. “I know that now.”

  He cupped her face in his palm, and with a tenderness she knew all too well, he stroked his thumb over her bottom lip. His icy-cold fingers sent a tendril of dread down her back.

  She drew away and gripped his hand.

  The skin on his palm was pale, his fingertips an odd shade of blue.

  Her heart skipped a beat. “Aramond, you have frostbite.”

  Chapter 5

  Aramond drew in a sigh of relief and followed Danae into the old Victorian. Closing the door behind them, he stole a glance at his mate. Strength and determination lined her features, accentuated by the glint in her deep brown eyes. She’d attacked that Gossum, killing the vile creature without hesitation.

  He inhaled a deep, satisfying breath. She was a strong, powerful female, capable of defending herself. How’d he forgotten that about her? When he’d reunited with her, she’d made it clear from the start she could handle any male that crossed her path, Gossum or Panthera. Trust in her abilities bloomed inside, easing his fear.

  He toed off his boots, set them next to hers, and followed her into the kitchen.

  With tender care, she wrapped her hand in his, intertwining their fingers.

  Her usual warmth was absent, his skin numb from the frostbite. He’d stayed outside in the snow far too long, refusing to give up his goal to complete the path to the top of the ravine. A smile tugged at his lips, and he wiped his mouth against his shirt to hide it. Tomorrow night he’d surprise her and take her there for the winter solstice.

  Danae drew him into the living room and over to the fireplace. Heat from the flames flared across his face and arms, but did nothing to alleviate the numbness in his hands and feet.

  “Warm yourself, I’ll be back in a moment.” She planted a tender kiss on his lips, lingering long enough to whet his appetite, but she was gone before he could stop her. The soft swish of her socks over the polished wood floor, gentle and familiar, competed with the crackling fire.

  Now was his opportunity. With his gaze on the kitchen doorway, he shoved his hand into his coat pocket. Rooting along the seam, he couldn’t quite grasp the velvet-wrapped tarot cards. Sweat beaded on his brow, part frustration, part heat from the fire. With more force than he’d intended, he gripped the pocket with his free hand and tugged it open.

  A loud rip echoed against the stone fireplace.

  “Aramond, what’s going on in there?” Danae’s voice filtered from the kitchen along with her footsteps.

  His heart skipped a beat. “Nothing.”

  “I’m just about done with the tea. Be right there.”

  He glanced into his pocket, forced his fingers to latch onto his precious gift and drew the velvet-wrapped cards from his pouch. His gaze flicked around the room. Where to hide it?

  On the fireplace mantle rested a cluster of three black cat figurines. He shoved the cards behind them, thankful he didn’t knock one over. The tension in his shoulders eased, but his doubt remained. Would she like his gift?

  The cadence of Danae’s soft footsteps filled the air, mixing with the fire’s soft crackle.

  Aramond grabbed a piece of wood from the pile and tossed it onto the fire. Sparks rose into the air as the flames licked at the new fuel.

  Danae trailed her hand down his arm, drawing his attention to her. “Here, this should help warm your hands.”

  She placed a mug between his fingers. He couldn’t feel the smooth cup, and he gripped it tight. Fear that the ceramic might break in his hands tripped along his nerves.

  “Between your Lemurian blood and the hot tea, you should heal fast.” She brought her cup to her mouth and blew across the surf
ace. The water rippled, and his attention drew to her plump, puckered lips.

  Blood pumped through his veins, warming him faster than the tea ever could. The numbness in his fingertips waned, replaced with his need to touch his mate, to feel her soft skin once again.

  A low, predatory growl rumbled in his chest, and Danae’s eyes widened.

  With deliberate care, he set his mug on the mantle then drew hers from her grasp, placing it next to his. “The tea is nice, but it isn’t what I need to warm myself.”

  “No?” Danae whispered.

  He chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her against him.

  She squealed at the contact, her hands landing on his shirt exposed beneath his coat.

  “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.” He tsked.

  “Forgotten what?”

  Sliding his hand up her back, he cradled her head in his palm. “How much I need you, my love. Nothing warms me more.”

  A soft sigh eased from her lips, her eyes sparking with her desire. “I could never forget that.”

  Happiness filled his chest, the warmth spreading from the inside out. He drew her to him until her soft, warm, and inviting lips met his. Their kiss took on a fevered intensity, and she dug her nails through his hair and into his scalp, scratching him, claiming him, loving him.

  When he broke the kiss, the first rays of the morning sun peeked through a slit in the curtains, casting a line of brightness over the couch and along the carpet.

  Danae purred. “The sun’s up. Seems we’re trapped here for the rest of the day. What do you suppose we do?”

  He smiled, and his broken canine nipped at his bottom lip. “Perhaps we should remain by the fire. You know, so we can stay warm.”

  “That works for me, but we have to get you out of these cold, damp clothes. Let’s start with this.” She tugged at his jacket, easing the material over his shoulders.