North Pole City Tales 03 - Vixen's Valor (10 page)

Despite the fear threatening to take over, Vixen nodded. “I understand. If this is what it takes to make everything right again, do it.”

“No!”

Vale’s cry startled Vixen, and he shook his head, unable to believe Vale had come. How could Jack let his cousin come here, knowing he held no powers?

“Damnation,” Jack growled, rounding on his cousin. “Vale, I thought I told you to stay home.”

Well, that answered that.

“Not while this fiend had Vixen. I’m sorry, Jack, but I won’t allow you to hurt him.”

A lump formed in Vixen’s throat. Vale had come here for him? After everything he’d done?

“It’s the only way,” Hollis said gently. “We can’t sacrifice the safety of our kingdom, of the world, for one elf, Vale.”

“Have faith, brother.” Vale turned his gaze on Vixen, his expression softening. Was it possible Vale had forgiven him? Vale took a step forward and held out his hand. “Throw me the scepter. I’ll do as you wish.”

“Have you gone mad?” Hollis demanded, making to go to his brother only to be stopped by Jack.

Vale simply smiled at his family and something in his eyes sent a chill through Vixen. “You keep him safe.”

“You can’t!” Vixen cried out. It struck him then what Vale was doing. Fern had no idea Vale was no longer connected to the Frost family, that he held no power. If Vale took the scepter and summoned the king’s magic, who knew what it would do to him. And while Vale suffered the punishment of summoning magic he was unworthy of, distracting Fern in the process, Jack and Hollis would stop Fern and save Vixen. Vale was going to sacrifice himself for him.

Vixen couldn’t allow it. Tears welled in his eyes. “Vale, thank you, for everything you’ve done for me. You’re truly the most wonderful elf I’ve ever known. I’ve never experienced love and could hardly define it, but I’d like to think it’s what I feel in my heart for you. I do believe I love you.”

“Vixen?” Vale took a step toward him, his eyes going wide.

Vixen twisted in Fern’s grip and grasped onto the scepter, reaching deep down inside him for courage and whatever else was necessary to do what needed to be done. “I summon the power of Frost!”

“Vixen, no!” Vale screamed, the blast from the scepter throwing him off his feet along with everyone else.

Vixen landed harshly on the ground some feet away, the scepter still in his hand. He gasped and wheezed for breath, his whole body wracking with shivers as ice travelled through his veins. His lips felt cold, his body heavy as if made of stone. Vale dropped to his knees beside him and swiftly gathered him in his arms, his eyes filled with unshed tears. “Vixen, what have you done?”

“I couldn’t… let you….” His teeth chattered, and his sight grew blurry. He could hear a commotion close by, hear Rudy shouting for him. He felt comforted knowing his friend was nearby. “I’m so cold.” Vale hugged him close, shouting over his shoulder.

“Jack, do something!”

Jack was at their side immediately, his hands on Vixen’s chest. “The ice is consuming him. Even if I undo the process, there’s no telling the damage—”

“Please.” Vale kissed Vixen’s brow, and Vixen closed his eyes. For a moment he could feel a tiny bit of warmth where Vale had placed his lips. Jack’s eyes frosted over along with his hair, and a fierce snowstorm swept into the tower, surrounding Vale. Jack looked surprised. It clearly wasn’t his doing. Vixen tried to shake his head. He didn’t want Vale taken from him, not now, not when he had so little time. He tried to speak but couldn’t. His fingers brushed against Vale’s as Vale was lifted off the ground by the arctic winds. As Vixen gasped his last breath, he was content knowing for the first time in his life, he had found the courage to do what was right. Then everything went black.

Chapter Nine

V
IXEN
.

Someone was calling his name, but it was so far away. There was nothing around him but blackness. At least he wasn’t cold anymore. There was a subtle, familiar scent enveloping him. It was… apples and spice. He knew that scent. It brought a wonderful peace to him and made him feel toasty all over. He groaned and pushed at the darkness. Something pressed against his cheek and he leaned into the touch. He liked it. It was soft. His eyelids were heavy, but he tried his hardest, and a sliver of light shone through. Slowly, he blinked, the world bursting into sound and color. Although his vision was blurry, it was slowly gaining focus.

“Vixen?”

He knew that voice. The sweet tone made him smile, and he turned his head to the most glorious sight.

“Vale?”

“Oh thank the gods!” Vale very tenderly embraced Vixen and kissed his lips, sending a wonderful warmth through him. For a moment, he wondered where he was. When Vale pulled back, Vixen saw he was in Vale’s bedroom, warm under several fur blankets. Across the room a fire danced and crackled inside the hearth.

“I’m so glad you’re all right.”

Vixen turned his head and found Rudy sitting on the bed to his left, tears in his pale blue eyes. “Rudy… I’m so sorry.” His voice was hoarse, and his body ached fiercely.

“Hush, it’s all right. But don’t you ever run off like that again, you hear me?” Rudy brushed a tear away from his cheek, and Vixen frowned. Why was his friend crying? Come to think of it, why was he in bed?

A deep voice pierced the silence of the room. “That was a very foolish thing you did, young Vixen.”

Vixen’s eyes widened as the King of Frost approached the bed, his expression stern. It all came to him with exceptional clarity. The scepter, the Mountain Fortress, Fern. Vixen tried to get up and hissed at the ache in his bones.

“Easy there,” Vale said, helping him sit up against several pillows. “Your body isn’t fully healed.”

“What happened?” Vixen asked, looking around the room. Jack, Hollis, and even the chancellor were there. “How am I alive?”

Vale took Vixen’s hand in his, placing it to his lips for a kiss before answering. “Jack sent word with the wind to the king. Uncle Frost immediately reinstated me and returned my powers, which meant I was once again connected to the Frost monarchy. And since I was connected, so were you through me. The connection solidified before the last breath left your lips. I used the scepter to summon my uncle’s power and withdraw the ice from in you.”

Vixen bit his bottom lip and turned his attention back to the brooding king. He steeled himself and met the king’s pitch-black gaze. “I’ve brought your nephew and your family nothing but trouble. It was all my doing. I only wish I hadn’t been such a coward and waited until now to come forward. Whatever punishment you see fit to give me, I shall accept without protest.”

“I think almost dying is punishment enough, elfling. I expect you will be more conscientious of your actions from this point forward?” The king arched an eyebrow at him and Vixen nodded fervently, even if it ached to do so.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The king looked around the room and sighed. “Honestly, you youngsters are so impetuous! Love will not always save you, you know. This will hardly be the last threat to our kingdom. There is always someone trying to bring harm.” He turned his attention to Rudy and Vixen. “As Christmas elves connected to this family, you must remain vigilant. You’re in a very vulnerable position. Our enemy will not hesitate to use you against those you love. You must do everything in your power to make certain you do not find yourself in such a predicament. I’m afraid I have no choice.”

Vixen leaned into Vale, his eyes wide as the king held up his arms, his hands palm out.

“Uncle? What are you doing?” Vale asked worriedly, holding Vixen against him.

The balcony doors burst open, a fierce gale engulfing the room in wind and snow. It swirled around the king before shooting forward and striking both Rudy and Vixen in the chest. Vixen gasped for air, clutching his chest tightly as the cold spread through him. Jack was at Rudy’s side, holding him tight against him. A heartbeat later, and the storm vanished. A strange tingling spread through Vixen, and although his body ached a little, it had been healed. He felt stronger than ever. The king gave Vixen a nod.

“Blow into your hand.”

Vixen and Vale exchanged glances, but Vixen did as the king suggested. He held his palm up before his lips and he blew. To his astonishment a glittering swirl of white appeared.

“Holy holly berries!” Vixen gasped. “What does this mean?”

“It means now you are truly connected. But be warned, you draw your power from your lover. Jack, Vale, it is up to you to teach your beaus how to control their new powers for they are connected to your own.”

Vixen stared down at his hands before moving his gaze to Vale. “I don’t think I deserve such a gift, Vale. What if I hurt you again?”

Vale gave his cheek a kiss and pulled Vixen close. “We shall take this journey together, my love. I trust you and hope that you will always trust in me. I love you, Vixen.” Behind them Vixen could hear Jack and Rudy murmuring softly to one another.

“All right, I’ve seen enough sweetheart kisses and heard enough tender whispers to last me an eternity. Malachi, let’s leave the youngsters to their courting.” The king swept toward the door to the room when something occurred to Vixen.

“Your Majesty? What happened to Fern?”

The king’s eyes clouded over as he spoke. “He’s joined his brother. It appears we still have toy soldiers out there loyal to the Mouse King. Worry not, elfling. I shall see to it.” With a bow, the king left the room along with the chancellor, who had a smile on his face. Jack stood and cleared his throat, his strong arms folding over his expansive chest.

“You both have a terrible habit of running headfirst into the fire. I don’t suppose anything I say will change that.”

Rudy stood and slipped his arm around his grumpy lover. He stood on his toes and gave Jack’s cheek a kiss. “Perhaps a certain someone would concede that we Christmas elves are stronger than we appear to be and stop telling us to stay home.”

Jack let out a huff, his gaze dropping to his love. “Fine. I expect both of you to be ready for training soon. It takes a great deal of control to wield our power. I don’t need you freezing your brethren’s baubles off by accident.”

“Not even Dasher’s?” Vixen asked hopefully.

Jack opened his mouth, then closed it. He pursed his lips, a mischievous twinkle in his eye before his lips curled into a smile. “I might consider it.”

They all laughed, and Rudy squeezed his love tight. Vale gave Vixen a subtle squeeze, and Vixen was grateful when Rudy and Jack bid them farewell, leaving them on their own.

“I have my own gift to give,” Vale stated, and Vixen could barely contain his excitement as Vale called upon his powers, the side of his hair growing white. He curled his finger around a lock of white hair, and Vixen watched in amazement as it returned to its former pitch-black state. Vale then curled the same finger around a lock of Vixen’s hair, and a cool breeze circled him before disappearing. With a smile, Vale summoned a gust of wind to carry a small mirror over, and Vixen gasped at his reflection. A small lock of his hair drained of color, remaining snowy white.

“Oh, Vale… it’s beautiful.”

“It’s my promise to you. I am not only connected to you through magic, but through love.”

“I wish I had something to give you,” Vixen confessed.

“You already have, my darling. You’ve given me the greatest gift of all. Your heart.”

Vixen snuggled up close to Vale and lifted his face so Vale would kiss him. He loved kissing Vale. Loved the feel of those soft lips, the sweet taste of Vale’s tongue, the tempestuous storm he stirred within Vixen. Storm….

Vale put a hand to Vixen’s cheek. “What’s on your mind, darling?”

“Well, I was just thinking about the evening we made love.” Vixen slipped his hand under Vale’s open jacket to push it off his shoulder.

“What about it?” Vale asked, his voice going low and husky. He placed a kiss to Vixen’s brow, then his cheek and down his jaw.

“What do you suppose will happen now that I’m connected to you? Do you think we might be connected in other ways? Do you think… we might feel it when we make love?”

Vale leaned in and brushed his lips against Vixen’s, his hand slipping under Vixen’s shirt. His eyes frosted over, a sinful smile coming onto his handsome face. “Why don’t we find out?” He placed a hand to Vixen’s groin, and Vixen thought he would lose himself right there and then.

“Oh my….” He swallowed hard and met Vale’s gaze. “I think Jack’s right. I need practice. Lots of practice.”

Vale threw his head back and laughed. He rolled over Vixen and kissed him passionately. As Vixen wrapped his arms around his lover’s neck, he couldn’t believe all that had happened. He’d certainly learned his lesson, and he had no intention of ever taking anything for granted again. Not his position as a Rein Dear, not his friends, his sweetheart, or any other precious gift that came his way. Whatever the future held for him, at least he knew he had courage within him. Courage he would summon to strengthen his heart and his love. A love he hoped to explore fully with the wonderful elf in his arms.

About the Author

C
HARLIE
C
OCHET
is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From historical to fantasy, contemporary to science fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and, boy, it’s hot! When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

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