North Pole City Tales 03 - Vixen's Valor (4 page)

“Do you like my gift?”

Vixen pulled back, unable to help his flushed face at Vale’s newest sweet words. “Gift?”

With a smile, Vale motioned above them, and Vixen’s jaw dropped. “You… made this for
me
?”

“Yes. It will stand here as long as you wish it to. A token from me to you.”

“I don’t know what to say. It’s beautiful.” And Vixen meant it. He’d been given all manner of gifts, everything from new flight jackets to diamond baubles, but Vale’s romantic gesture, his gift of music and art, left Vixen feeling as if he’d just had his favorite cup of hot cocoa. At least until Vale led him over to the bench and sat down with him. Now he felt like he’d just had several cups of mulled wine.

“May I kiss you?”

Vixen blinked at the handsome elf. “You’re asking me for permission?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I don’t wish to assume my advances would be welcome.”

If Vale wanted to kiss him, why wouldn’t he simply kiss him? That’s what any other elf would do. Vixen considered this carefully. As he thought about this odd predicament over a kiss, he eyed Vale. The lieutenant sat close to him but wasn’t looming over him. He held Vixen’s hand in his gloved ones, and there was a tender smile on his kind face. He didn’t seem at all impatient or frustrated.

“And if I said no?” Not that Vixen had any intention of doing so, but he was curious.

Vale’s smile reached his sparkling gray eyes. “Then I would be content to merely sit here in your company, holding your hand.”

Now Vixen was truly perplexed. He’d been certain Vale desired him. There were few elves who didn’t. How could the lieutenant be happy to sit with him and do nothing? Perhaps Vixen had been mistaken. Was it possible Vale didn’t find him attractive? Vixen frowned at the thought. He’d never come across anyone who didn’t find him desirable. He’d have to do something about that. With a sultry smile, Vixen pulled away and started unbuttoning his vest, followed by his shirt. After Vale picked his jaw up off the icy floor, he threw a hand out to stop Vixen. Not the sort of reaction he was accustomed to when undressing for someone.

“What are you doing?”

“I…. Making a fool of myself, apparently.” His face felt hot enough to melt the icy gazebo around him, and he swiftly clutched the sides of his vest and shirt closed. What the holly had he been thinking? He jumped to his feet, feeling mortified, when Vale stood and caught his arm.

“Wait. Please, forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to make you feel foolish.” He wrapped his arms around Vixen and gently pulled him close.

“I thought you wanted me,” Vixen muttered pathetically. He’d never been rejected before. It felt awful.

Vale looked thoroughly confused. “I beg your pardon?”

“I thought you found me attractive.” Vixen was having trouble looking Vale in the eye, but he allowed the lieutenant to lift his chin. The warmth in Vale’s eyes and the tender smile on his face took Vixen aback.

“Have I given you reason to believe otherwise?”

“You said you’d be content to just sit here if I said no.”

“And you find that objectionable?” Vale asked with a thoughtful frown.

“Not particularly. It’s only that no one’s ever just sat with me. If I showed no interest at the time, they left. If I showed interest, well, they certainly wouldn’t be asking me for my permission.” They would be all over him, hands groping, lips roaming, bodies pressed together.

Vale’s frown melted away into a warm smile. “Vixen, you are the most beautiful elf I have ever laid eyes on. My desire for you is enough to melt glaciers. Yet I would never do anything that would hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable. I care for you. I want more from you than physical pleasure, and any pleasure sought or given would be done so with your consent.”

“Oh….” Vixen’s stomach twisted, and his throat went dry. The lieutenant was very forthright with his intentions, wasn’t he? “So, you’re not giving in to your desire not because you don’t want me, but because you care for me and want more from me?”

“Yes.” Vale placed a kiss to Vixen’s hand before taking the sides of Vixen’s shirt and doing the buttons up. Then he did the same with his vest.

Had any of the others ever wanted more from him? He supposed their absence was answer enough. Even with those few who had stayed after taking Vixen to bed, Vixen hadn’t lingered very long. Could it be true? What so many had said? Not that he cared. Unless…. Did Vale think the same? Vixen didn’t like the way his heart protested the thought.

“Do you think I’m a floozy?” He searched Vale’s eyes, finding nothing but truth and genuine affection.

“No, darling.”

“Everyone else thinks I am. Especially your cousin. He thinks I’m too free with my affections.”

“Has it made you happy?” Vale led him back to the bench where they resumed their seats. Vixen shifted close, happy to feel Vale’s arm around him. He thought about Vale’s question very hard.

“Yes.” At least at the time he thought it did. He’d never been one to believe in love or romance. From his experience, love never lasted. It was better to spare himself the pain. Having whirlwind affairs was much more exciting, and he never felt lonely. If he ever did, there were plenty of toy soldiers who’d keep him company. Though he wondered how many would do so if it meant keeping him company outside the bedroom.

“Then little else matters.”

Vixen stared at Vale, a lump forming in his throat. “Why are you so kind?”

“I’m not being kind, simply speaking the truth,” Vale replied. “You are a grown elf, free to do as you please with whom you please. If it makes you happy, no one has the right to tell you otherwise.”

No one had ever spoken to Vixen in such a manner. Or held him so gently, asked for so little in return. No one had ever accepted him as he was. “Vale?”

“Yes?”

“I’d like for you to kiss me.”

“As you wish.” Vale leaned in, and a host of butterflies appeared in Vixen’s belly, fluttering wildly. He closed his eyes, and at the taste of Vale’s lips against his, he melted against the strong elf, feeling a deep desire sweeping through his body. But along with the heat was something else, something he couldn’t put a name to. It was a new sensation that was both frightening and oh so wonderful. Vale allowed Vixen to set the pace, and unlike all his other amorous encounters that were a flurry of hands and fervor, Vixen went slow, enjoying the softness of Vale’s lips, the warmth of his strong body, and the scent of apple and spice that seemed to surround him.

Vixen lost track of how long he’d spent in Vale’s embrace being kissed. It was the first time he’d been kissed for such a lengthy amount of time. He enjoyed it very much. As Vale ran his fingers down Vixen’s jaw and nipped playfully at his lower lip, Vixen realized this whole encounter had gone far differently than he’d imagined. When Vale pulled back, Vixen let out a sigh. He was beginning to think he might have been a little quick to judge Lieutenant Vale.

“My uncle’s birthday is in three days, and the family is throwing him a party in the evening to celebrate. It will be at his palace. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?”

“To a party at the king’s palace?” Vixen could barely contain his glee. He’d never been to the King of Frost’s palace. Few had. Of all his Rein Dear brothers, only Rudy had been because of Jack, and now it was finally Vixen’s turn. “I’d love to!”

“Wonderful!” Vale delivered a sweet kiss to Vixen’s lips before standing and fetching the basket. He laid it down at their feet and removed the bottle of mulled wine and two glasses. “Would you care for a glass?”

“I’d love one.”

Vale poured them each a glass before offering Vixen some of the sumptuous treats from inside the basket—treats Vale had gone through the trouble of asking Rudy about.

“Vixen? May I see you again? Before the ball? I know the Rein Dears are very busy this time of year, but perhaps I might stop by with lunch?”

Vale watched him intently, as if there was a possibility Vixen might actually decline. In truth, Vixen did have quite a full schedule, but he always managed to squeeze in a little fun. “Tomorrow I’ll be at Cinnamon Square. I’ll be happy to have lunch with you.” He smiled sweetly and leaned in for a kiss. “Will you bring me three times as many treats as today?”

“As you wish.” Vale smiled broadly, and Vixen could have sworn the lieutenant was all but ready to melt at his touch. Had Vale heard him or simply agreed because he was smitten?

As they sat, drank, nibbled on goodies, and chatted, Vixen felt guilty for having brushed the lieutenant off so quickly all those months ago. Then his thoughts went to other dire matters. What was he going to wear to the king’s ball?

V
ALE
ARRIVED
around noon at Cinnamon Square with a sleigh containing three large baskets filled with treats. He wasn’t quite certain why Vixen had asked for so much. It was more than any one elf could indulge in. Hollis had been no help at all, stating Vixen was being selfish and wasteful, spoiling himself at Vale’s expense. Vale refused to believe it.

Upon entering Cinnamon Square, he realized it was quite a barren town with a few meager shops and little else. Down the cobblestone road there were a few gingerbread houses and a great deal of construction going on. Was he in the right place? What would Vixen be doing in such a small town? In the distance, he spotted Vixen dressed in his pilot’s flight jacket and goggles, looking handsome as always. He was speaking to Blitzen when he noticed Vale and waved. Seeming to excuse himself, he dashed over to Vale with a smile that stole his breath away.

“You came.”

Vale returned Vixen’s smile and bowed. “Of course.”

“Perfect timing.” Vixen turned and let out a whistle. Two toy soldiers materialized out of snowy nowhere, and Vale frowned as they came running with smiles that stretched from ear to ear. Vixen turned to their new guests. “Would you fellas take those baskets for me?”

The toy soldiers hopped to it, removing the baskets from Vale’s sleigh. He watched them curiously before Vixen took hold of Vale’s arm and led him down the road toward the construction. As they neared the site, Vale spotted some of the other Rein Dears working away.

“You’re building gingerbread houses,” Vale said as they approached one tiny house which looked about ready to crumble with the slightest breeze. Along with everyone else in North Pole City, Vale was aware of how the Rein Dears spent their time when not preparing for the Big Flight. Being a Rein Dear required more than being a darling celebrity. They worked hard year round for Mayor Kringle, spreading joy and helping those less fortunate. Vixen stopped before the closed door and turned with a broad grin.

“Brace yourselves, fellas. And whatever you do, don’t put down those baskets until I say so.”

Vale was about to ask what was going on when Vixen opened the door and stepped inside, calling out into what appeared to be an empty, shabby room with little furniture, “It’s here, just as I promised.”

All at once, the room erupted into a flurry of movement and noise. Elflings of all sizes popped out of every nook and cranny, flooding out from the wardrobe and from several wooden chests. Vale stood stunned as they were rushed.

Vixen led the terrified soldiers to a large oak table where they swiftly put down the baskets on his instruction. The elflings crowded the table, all three dozen or so. How the holly had they all fit in this tiny house?

“Calm down. Remember what we discussed.” At Vixen’s firm but gentle words, the elflings settled down. Wide eyes watched the pilot’s every move. Vixen thanked the toy soldiers, who all but scurried from the room once they were dismissed. “Vale, will you help me?”

Snapping himself out of his trance, Vale stepped up beside Vixen. “What would you like me to do?” Vixen gave him strict instructions on how many treats each elfling was to receive.

“Remember, there’s plenty for everyone, and you’ll all get the same amount, so no squabbling.”

Vale helped Vixen distribute all the treats, the room filled with cheerful laughter and teasing between the excited elflings who gobbled up their food. Vale couldn’t help but notice how worn out their clothes were and how some were barefoot. Their rosy cheeks were smudged with dirt. Vale leaned into Vixen, speaking quietly.

“Where are their parents?”

Vixen’s smile faded, and he led Vale away from the table, leaving the elflings to their treats. “They toil away down at the Rock Candy Mountains, mostly the mines. It’s the only source of income this town has. The older elflings work in the shops along with their elders.”

“And who looks after these elflings?” They were all so tiny, the tallest just about reaching Vixen’s waist.

“They look after themselves. Until now, this house has been the only thing keeping them warm. The town has very little, and the elves haven’t been able to afford new housing after last month’s blizzard knocked most of the aging structures down. So we’re here to help.” Vixen smiled and kissed Vale’s cheek. “Thank you for bringing the treats. I told them you would.”

Vale felt a tug at his pant leg and looked down at a tiny elf with big gray eyes and dark hair. “Are you Jack Frost?”

At the mention of his cousin’s name, all the elfings froze. Some of them hid under the table. Well, his cousin’s reputation certainly preceded him. Vale kneeled down and smiled warmly at the elfling.

“No. My name is Vale. Jack is my cousin.”

“Vale is a brave lieutenant. He commands the Toy Soldier army,” Vixen stated proudly, winking at Vale and making him blush. “He’s very kind.”

“Is Jack truly as scary as they say?” the elfling whispered, his little hands clasped together and his stance tense, as if the mere mention of Jack’s name might conjure him up.

“Only when he’s defending our kingdom against those who wish to do us harm. But sleep soundly, little one.” He ran a hand over the elfling’s head. “We would never let anything happen to any of you.”

“Nick’s just a scaredy cat,” one elfling piped up from the table. “He’s scared of everything.”

“Because his parents dropped him off here and never came back,” another elfling added.