A Very Mystic Christmas (The Mystic Wolves) (9 page)

“Wow, you’re so lucky. Maybe I’ll get to meet him next year.”

“Definitely. Night, Anne.”

“Night, Darcy.”

My last thought before falling asleep was of how happy Anne would be tomorrow morning.

****

The knock at the door woke us up. “Time to come downstairs, girls. Let’s see what Santa brought,” my mom called.

“Quick, let’s go, Anne.” I shook her roughly, impatient to see if he’d returned.

“I’m coming. I’m coming,” she groaned. Traipsing down the hallway in our bare feet, we were greeted by the delicious smells of breakfast and our traditional cinnamon rolls.

“Good morning, girls
.” My dad greeted us as he sat on the couch we’d hidden behind, a cup of coffee in hand. “Ready to open presents?”

Anne nodded, but I was too distracted. There
, by the fireplace, next to my gift was another—this one with a big, bright red bow and green glitter wrapping.

“Is that what I think it is?” I whispered in awe. He’d remembered.

“It is. This year Santa brought another present. One for you, and the other for Anne.”

My best friend gasped in surprise. “Really? Are you sure?”

“That’s what the tag says. See?” Sure enough, it read: “To Princess Anne, Love Santa.”

“He loves me!” Anne exclaimed, clapping her hands as we danced around the room with excitement. There
was nothing but happy tears when I watched her place the glittery tiara on her head. It was perfect.

This was the best thing he’d ever given me. Not the beautiful charm bracelet inside
my pretty silver box, although I wore it all the time, but it was the smile Anne wore all day. And that was the reason I still believe.

Candy Cane Pudding Parfaits

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 6 large parfaits

Ingredients

3/4 cup Candy Cane Oreo crumbs

1 pkg. cream cheese, softened (8 oz.)

1/4 cup sugar

2 Tbs
. milk

2 cup
vanilla Cool Whip frosting

1 box Jello candy cane instant pudding mix (3.4
oz.)

1 1/2 cup
milk

2 Tbs
. crushed candy cane pieces

Make Festive Holiday

Fudge Bites

Instructions

1.
       
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy.

2.
      
Stir in the milk.

3.
      
Fold in 1 1/2 c. cool whip frosting and set aside.

4.
     
Whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Let set for 5 minutes in the fridge.

5.
      
Layer the crumbs, cream cheese mix, and pudding in parfait glasses.

6.
      
Top with the extra cool whip and sprinkle with candy cane pieces.

7.
      
Serve within an hour of making.

Cinnamon Roll

Submitted by Caren Davis

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1/3 cup s
hortening

Cold Water

Butter

Sugar

Cinnamon

Method

1.
       
Mix the flour and shortening with a fork until it looks like cornmeal. 

2.
      
Add just enough cold water to mix together.  Do not over mix or it will make the dough tough. 

3.
      
Take about 1/3 of the dough and roll it out on a board that has been dusted with flour. 

4.
     
When the dough is rolled out spread butter over it, then sprinkle on cinnamon and sugar.  Roll the dough up and pinch the ends closed. 

5.
      
Put on cookie sheet or pie tin and bake in oven at 425 until golden brown.

Candy Cane Fudge

Submitted by Angel Downey

Ingredients

1 14
oz. can sweetened condensed milk

2 6oz bars milk chocolate

1 pkg mint flavored semi sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy

Directions

1.
       
Heat sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan, stirring constantly until mixture bubbles.

2.
      
Remove from heat, add chocolate and cover.

3.
      
Let set 5 minutes.

4.
     
Stir until smooth and pour into a foil lined 8-inch square pan.

5.
      
Sprinkle with crushed candy.

6.
      
Chill until firm, remove foil and cut into squares.

Yields 2 pounds.

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

Submitted by Laura Griffel

Ingredients

1
lb of sausage cooked and crumbled.

1
lb bacon cooked and in small pieces.

1 bag of frozen cubed hash browns

6 eggs

Method

1.
       
Cook hash browns in the grease of the bacon in a big electric or large frying pan like a wok.

2.
      
When potatoes have browned, add the crumbled sausage and when warmed through make 6 wells in the potato mixture and drop an egg in each well.

3.
      
Cover mixture and let eggs set to poached eggs or you can leave a bit runny.

4.
     
When eggs are done sprinkle bacon pieces and cheese until all is warmed and melted. Serve.

Makes about 8-10 servings or 6 for hearty helpings.

Ho, Ho, Who?

With the Mystic Wolves

“Santa, Santa, Santa!” Dozens of children cheered and called for the one they’d been waiting all evening to see. With eyes all aglow and chocolate mustaches from the milkshakes being served, if the man in the red suit didn’t arrive soon, they would riot.

I was just as excited as
they were, only for a different reason. Ever since I was a little girl, seeing Santa reminded me of magic.

The Mystic Wolves had an amazing tradition
that began when Mason first became the pack’s Alpha. As a way to develop and strengthen member relationships and to show his desire that they truly exist as a family, each year they hosted a Christmas party in Woodside Hollow as a gift to the community. It was my first time attending; but from what I’d heard, everyone loved it and the event was the highlight of the season for everyone in the area.

A little boy
, crashing about on a sugar high, ran past us as fast as his legs could carry him, hollering for his sister to wait. There was no denying the atmosphere was highly charged. Glancing around, my heart was full. The night had been a success, the air filled with talk and laughter, people smiling as they mingled from group to group. I’d met so many townspeople that there was no way I could remember all their names. Thankfully, Mason had been by my side, as we went visiting through the crowd, making sure everyone was enjoying themselves.

He was amazing and definitely loved
by everyone. Just like the man about to appear with a sack of gifts, Mason held the hearts of each child in his hands with his hugs and whispered jokes.

As guests arrived
, their eyes widened at the enchanting winter wonderland formerly known as the Community Hall. Everything sparkled with festive glitter; icicles and lights were strung from rafter to rafter. Christmas trees of every size stood in the corners, each decorated with themed ornaments. Along the back, children played an assortment of games—including Pin the Nose on Rudolph. It was an atmosphere of fun, created out of love for one another and their fellow man.

“How you doing?” Jasmine asked, coming up beside me. I’d been standing
off to the side, silently watching as I soaked everything in.

“Good. Overwhelmed
.” I laughed. “You do this every year?”

“Yep.
And now that you’re one of us, you can help organize it next year. I’d love to hear your suggestions and ideas.”

“Oh, no. This was perfect. Besides, I’m not officially a pack member.” I blushed at the hint of a
potential marriage proposal from her brother.

“
Yet
. Don’t you worry. You never know what the next year will bring.” With a conspiratorial wink, Jasmine grinned. “Or, if you’ve been a good girl, you can always sit on Santa’s lap and tell him you want my brother as a husband for Christmas.”

“Jasmine!” I gasped, looking
around to make sure no one had heard.

“What? Tell me that’s not what you’d wish for. I know you love him and he loves you. It’s merely a matter of time.” She said it so confidently; it made me wonder if she’d heard
something.

“Has he mentioned anything?” Facing her, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know or not. As much as I hated surprises, I did enjoy the ones Mason liked to spring on me. He’d shown me how to appreciate anticipation.

“May… be.” She drew out her answer.

“Well?”

“There is no way I’m telling you. First, he’d kill me; and second, it would land me firmly on the naughty list. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re waiting for Santa to arrive and I’ve worked hard at being nice all year. I’m not blowing my Christmas wish on you, BFF. Even though I love you.”

Seeing she was resolved, I let out a mixed sigh of relief. She hadn’t said yes, but it wasn’t a no
, either. The volume in the room had increased to an almost deafening pitch, so I had to lean in closer to whisper in Jasmine’s ear.

“He told me he loved me the other night,” I confessed.

She let out a shriek that rivaled the two brown haired girls beside us, currently jumping up and down, screaming for Santa to hurry up. They were holding ice creams cones, their dessert dripping everywhere, including down their party dresses.

“Oh my gosh! I knew he did. I just knew it. Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Oh my gosh
. How did he do it? Was it romantic?” Jasmine asked, rapidly firing questions at me until my head was spinning.

“Breathe, girl!” I coached, beaming. She was just excited as me. This was why I loved her so much. She was like a sister to me.
After the death my childhood friend, Anne, Jasmine’s friendship was a welcome gift. We’d instantly bonded as we discovered how much we had in common and our friendship had continued blossoming and growing from that moment on. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I think by dating Mason, I’d receive the blessing of a truly remarkable girlfriend. My life was beyond good. Him, her, their entire pack. Even Daniel, Mason’s best friend and second in command, made me laugh and treated me like I was part of the family.

“I wanted to keep it to myself for a little bit. Just until I quit pinching myself.”

“Why? You didn’t think he did? I’m sorry, Darcy, but all you have to do is watch his face when he looks at you, or talks about you.  I can’t believe you didn’t know. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother so happy and besotted. You’re perfect for him.” She clapped her hands in front of her, beaming with happiness. “This is going to be an amazing Christmas! Love is in the air!”

“Speaking of love, have you seen Mason? He said there was
a problem with the caterer he needed to take care of. That was about twenty minutes ago and he’s been gone ever since. I don’t want him to miss out on this. The way he was carrying on this morning about Santa, you’d think he was a little kid, too.”

“That’s Mason. He
is
a big kid at heart. He’ll show up in time. Trust me.”

“I hope so. Maybe I should go look for him?” I glanced around the hall again, but still
didn’t spot him. Everyone was accounted for—even Devlin, who’d been cornered by a group of women hell bent on getting him under the mistletoe. His panicked plea for me to help him had cracked me up. Any other time I would have helped, but it was good to see him sweat it out. Kept him on his toes.

“Actually, where’s Daniel?
He’s missing, too.

“He’s around
.” Jasmine rushed over and yelled. “Quick, come with me.” Dragging me behind her, I followed her toward the front of the chanting group, unsure of what she was planning.

“Seems like Santa got lost. I wonder if we sang really, really loud if he’d be able to find his way here. What do you think, boys and girls?” She was answered with a resounding yes. “Hmmm, what should we sing? How about Santa Claus Is Coming To Town?” I thought the ceiling would cave in on us from the stamping of dozens of feet. “Okay, let’s go . . .”

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

“I’m not sure if he can hear us!” I joined i
n, caught up in the excitement. “We need to sing louder!”

He's making a list

And checking it twice;

Gonna find out who's naughty and nice

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

“It’s working
. I think I can hear something on the roof! Don’t give up, everyone. Let’s show Santa how much we love him!”

He sees you when you're sleeping

He knows when you're awake

He knows if you've been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

O! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Better not pout

I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

“Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!” A loud greeting came from behind us, resulting in a thunderous cheer. My heart dropped knowing Mason was missing the best part of the evening, but there was no time for disappointment. Now that Santa had arrived, there was still more to do. Giving others some space to move, I headed to the back of the room to watch for Mason.

Parents clapped as they watched their child
ren rush forward, desperate to talk with St. Nick, and clamor up onto his lap. We’d set up a chair with a North Pole backdrop so everyone could get their photo taken. Jasmine helped organize the rambunctious group into an orderly line as the man Mason hired as the photographer came forward with his tripod.

“Who wants to come tell Santa their Christmas wish
, first?” A familiar voice called out. I hadn’t noticed Daniel enter the room dressed as an elf. He wore all green with pointy shoes on that jingled when he walked. He looked adorable in his red and white striped hat, I tried not to laugh out loud. He’d gone all out for the children—the tips of his ears were as pointy as his shoes.

“Me!”

“Me!”

“Pick me!”

“I do!”

The response was instant. Kids swarmed around Santa, reducing Jasmine’s efforts to complete chaos. No one minded, however,
and even the adults were caught up in the magic of the moment, as well. As everyone crowded around the beloved guest, I lost my chance to watch the wonder on each child’s face as they talked with the man in red. All I could see were people’s backs; and with Mason still not back, I decided I wasn’t going to wait any longer. He’d be upset if he got back and it was over, so it was up to me to make sure that he at least got to see a little bit of the joy the Pack was providing for the children.

Smiling
, I left my position along the far wall and thanked those I passed for coming, wishing them a wonderful holiday. I gave one last glance over my shoulder at the festivities before pushing through the swinging doors and into the kitchen. Business and problems could wait. If I had to, I’d drag him out of there.

“Mason?” I called out, only to be greeted by an empty
room. The food had been put away and, for the most part, the counters and dishes were washed and stored. There was no one in the pantry, either. A trash bin propped the back door open and I realized what had probably happened. With all the noise in the main hall, Mason had likely gone out to finish his conversation. It made total sense. But, as I stuck my head outside, the only person I saw was Wade coming toward me.

“You okay, Darcy?” he asked, surprised. “I though
t you’d be in there having fun.”

“I was. I’m looking for Mason. Have you seen him?”
The chilly air caused our breaths to create puffs of clouds.

“I saw him earlier. Maybe you should check
it out in there, again. I’m sure if you look hard enough, you’ll find him.” There was a knowing kind of twinkle in his eyes, making me wonder what he meant. “In fact, I’m positive. Come on, I’ll go with you.”

“I don’t know. I don’t want him to miss Santa’s visit. It sounds silly, but it’s one of my favorite parts of Christmas.”

“Oh, he knows.” Not waiting for me to respond, Wade grabbed hold of my hand and led me back to the party. The difference in volume between the quiet kitchen and boisterous hall was immediate. “Good luck, Darcy,” Wade yelled, smiling as he disappeared into the crowd.

Rising up onto my tiptoes, I scanned the room, searching for the man who made my heart skip a beat. I saw pack members
and Jasmine standing beside the photographer. I also caught a glance at Daniel bent over listening to something Santa was whispering in his ear. Mason was nowhere. Disappointed, I decided to wait with Devlin. Maybe it was time to put him out of his misery and help him fend off Woodside Hollow’s single women.

“Can I get everyone’s attention?” Cupping his hands, Daniel called the room to a somewhat quieter rumble. “It seems we’re missing someone. Maybe you can all help?”

Tears filled my eyes and I wondered if Wade had gone to Daniel for help. He must’ve found out his friend was missing and was making an announcement. Pausing mid-step, I waited impatiently.

“Yes, yes. We want to help Santa!” The children cried
out in response.

“Thank you, just for that, you’ll all receive an extra piece of candy in your stockings! Now, it seems someone special to Santa hasn’t come forward to tell him their Christmas wish. You wouldn’t want him to leave without hearing it, would you?”

“ No!” Daniel had them eating out of his hands.

“Then help me find
her. Can we all call out for Darcy?”

Suddenly my name filled the air, everybody
turned around in hopes of spotting me. I was shell shocked, unable to move. There had been no warning and no time to prepare for that moment I became the sole focus of an entire community of partygoers.