A Mistletoe Wish, page 8
“Sir, I need you to decide on the Winter Prince and Princess. Here are the candidates.” She handed him a thick file folder.
“Can’t I get this electronically?” he asked, reluctantly taking it from her.
Gertrude shook her head. “I’m sorry. Some of the beings’ photographs won’t scan.”
He flipped through them half-heartedly. “Who do you think should be crowned?”
She blushed a deep crimson. “That’s not for me to say.”
It was then he saw that she had put her information in the file. He returned to his desk, hoping Rahl had decided to enter the competition. He hadn’t, but someone had put Ben down as the Winter Prince.
Ben glared out his door. It wasn’t a big stretch to think who did that.
Selena came in, looking flustered. “I’m not a klutz. It’s the curse.”
Suddenly, he knew who would be the Winter Prince and Princess.
“Why are you smiling like that?” she asked suspiciously.
“Close the door,” he said.
Gertrude nearly broke her neck, craning to see what was going on before she was shut out. Selena closed the door and turned back to Ben. He got up from his desk and came around to her side, looking down at her with a serious expression.
"Selena, I've made a decision about the Winter Prince and Princess. I think you should be the Princess," he said.
Her eyes widened with surprise. "Me? Why?"
"Because I am going to be the Winter Prince this year," he explained.
"Is this an ego thing, or are you going to be bait to draw Izina out?"
"Perhaps a little of both. But I also think you would look lovely in the traditional blue robes."
"I'm flattered, Ben. But I'm new to the town. I don't want to cause any hurt feelings.”
He pushed aside the nagging guilt at the thought of Gertrude’s reactions.
“I was thinking about traditions and how I’ve become jaded and soured on some of Hope’s holiday activities. I used to love them.”
“What happened?”
He grimaced. “Life or, in some cases, death. My family is long gone. So are my friends. That’s the disadvantage of being undead. Even the ones I changed into vampires are compelled to leave. We don’t do well living in groups.”
“It sounds lonely.”
“It is,” he said. “We visit each other, but the holidays can be a little discouraging. Everyone has their own plans. Everyone is busy. It’s easy to let one year pass into the other, and the next thing you know, it’s been decades.” He reached down and held her hand. “I know you’re far away from your family too. Let’s make this year different and special. I want you there by my side, celebrating in Hope.”
Selena squeezed his hand. “I’m afraid my curse will ruin the festival. If I’m on a sleigh, the blades would break, or the horse would go lame. If I’m up on stage, the microphone will go out, or it’ll snow so hard the ceremony will be canceled.”
“Then we’ll postpone it. Be my princess, Selena.”
For a moment, Ben thought she would agree. But she took her hand away. “I’m sorry. I can’t.” Ben's heart sank as Selena's words registered in his mind. He had been so sure that she would agree, that she would be willing to take a chance and embrace the holiday spirit with him. But the look on her face told him that she was hesitant, that something was holding her back.
"Why not?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
"It's just...I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of attention," Selena said, looking down at her hands. "Being a princess means being in the spotlight, and I'm not used to that."
Ben was disappointed. He had been looking forward to having Selena by his side, to showing her off to the town and proving to everyone that she was more than just a cursed outsider. But he couldn't force her to do something she wasn't comfortable with.
"I understand," he said, trying to hide his disappointment. "It was just an idea."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Selena went to answer it and found Gertrude standing outside, looking flustered.
"Master," she said, her eyes darting nervously between him and Selena. "We have a problem. The Winter Festival decorations are missing."
"What do you mean they're missing?" Ben asked.
Gertrude wrung her hands. "I don't know, sir. They were here yesterday, but this morning, they were gone. I've searched everywhere, but I can't find them."
Ben closed his eyes and took a deep breath. It seemed like everything was going wrong this season.
"Okay, we need to figure out what's going on," he said, trying to stay calm. "It's probably a kid's prank or some goblin mischief. Gertrude, check the cameras and see what you can find."
"They've been erased."
That was more concerning than the missing decorations.
"Who had access to them?" Selena asked.
"Just Rahl and Simon," Gertrude said.
"Rahl?" Ben thought, trying to contact his security chief through the bond they shared.
But there was no response. Rahl was either sleeping, or something more sinister had happened to him. He always responded to Ben’s call. Something was definitely wrong. Ben sent out a compulsion for the ghoul to abandon following the witch and return immediately to Hope.
"Gertrude, I need you to stay here and wait for Rahl," Ben said. "He hopefully will be here shortly. Selena and I are going to check in with Simon."
"Be careful, Master."
"Mayor," Ben corrected absently.
"I hope I didn't cause this," Selena muttered as they left the building.
"Unless your curse can wipe cameras and hide decorations, I think you're in the clear."
Selena nodded, but Ben could tell that she was still worried.
As they walked towards the police station, Ben couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. It was too quiet, too still. Normally, there would be a flurry of activity at this time of night, people rushing around shopping before the shops closed. But now, there was nothing but an eerie silence that hung over the town.
When they arrived at the police station, the wolves told them Simon had called in sick.
"We'll pay him a visit at his home," Ben said, guiding Selena back out to the street. "I don't like these coincidences. It's not like Rahl to not respond to a summons, and Simon is never sick."
"Do you think it's related to the missing decorations?"
"It's possible. But we won't know until we find them and get some answers."
They reached Simon's house, and Ben knocked on the door. There was no answer, so he tried again, louder this time. Still no response.
"Maybe he's asleep?" Selena suggested.
He tried to use his vampire strength to force the door open, but it wouldn't budge.
"Simon? It's Ben. Open up!"
Still, there was no response.
"Something's wrong," Selena said, gripping Artegenos tightly.
"I know. Stay here," Ben said before disappearing in a blur of motion.
He used his vampire speed to circle the building, looking for any signs of entry.
"What? Wait for me, damn it."
Ben noticed a window on the second floor that was slightly ajar. With a quick burst of strength, he lifted himself up and climbed inside.
The room was dark and silent, and the air was thick with a sense of foreboding. Ben's senses were heightened, and he could feel the presence of something dangerous nearby.
He began to make his way through the house, calling out to Simon as he went. But there was still no response.
As he descended the stairs, he heard a faint rustling sound coming from the living room. He moved towards the source of the noise, and that's when he saw the witch.
She was sitting in a chair by the fireplace, a wicked grin on her face.
"Well, well, well. Look who decided to come and visit," she said, her voice dripping with malice.
"Who are you, and what have you done with Simon?" Ben demanded.
"Simon is gone, and he won't be coming back. Not now. Not ever."
Ben's stomach dropped. He knew what that meant, but he had to be sure.
"Izina Broome, I presume," he said, lunging at her, teeth bared.
But before he reached her, the witch flicked her wrist, and an invisible force slammed into him, pinning him to the spot.
"Now, now. You're not going anywhere," she said with a sneer.
Selena burst into the room, Artegenos at the ready. "Let him go!" she shouted.
The witch merely laughed. "Ah, the cursed one. How delightful. I've been looking forward to meeting you."
"What do you want?" Selena demanded.
Izina's smile widened, revealing pointed teeth. "I want what any good witch wants. Power, control, and revenge."
"Revenge for what?" Ben snarled, struggling against the invisible force.
"For what you did to my cousin," she hissed. "You thought you could mind wipe her and get away with it? You thought wrong."
"Who is your cousin?" Selena asked. “Lettie?”
She scoffed. “No, not her. She’s just a power-hungry fool.”
“What’s your cousin’s name?” This was almost as bad as dealing with the sunsidhe and her riddles. How hard was it to say, “My cousin’s name is Wendy Witch, and she’s pissed that she didn’t get a powerful spell book?” Or whatever witches wished for these days.
"He knows." She sneered.
Selena rolled her eyes.
"Actually, I mind wipe a lot of people," Ben said. "I could reverse the hex if you stop your little vendetta against me."
Izina cocked her head at him.
"You have one week to fix this. After that, I'm coming for you and your whole town. And I'll use her curse to do it."
"What do you know about my curse?" Selena asked, lunging at Izina.
Izina turned into a crow and flew out of reach of Selena's swing.
Ben growled, his fangs elongating. "You're not going to get away with this."
"Oh, but I already have," she said, circling up to the open window in her crow form.
Selena gave chase, but her foot crunched through the stairs, and she sprawled out flat.
Izina flew out the window into the night. After a few moments, Selena freed herself and rushed to the window. The invisible force disappeared.
"Damn it," Selena spat, slapping the windowsill before turning her anger on him. "Don't you ever do that again. How can I protect you if you don't let me go through doors and windows first?"
“You’re right,” he said, holding up his hands in surrender. “I’m not used to having a bodyguard. I was worried about Simon. I never thought Izina would be in here waiting for us.”
“She could have killed you,” Selena said, approaching him fast. She grabbed a handful of his shirt and hauled him to her.
Ben was caught between anger and arousal. Her eyes were conflicted, so he said, “She wanted to talk. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been here waiting.”
Breathing heavily, Selena thought about that for a moment. She smoothed down his shirt. Ben liked the feel of her hand on his chest. “Yeah, you’re right. You were stupid for going in there first, but you’re right. She didn’t attack us. She must really want her cousin to go back to normal. You seriously don’t remember who she was?”
“Gertrude should have records on all the supplicants. We can start there.”
Selena realized they were standing very close to each other. Before she could take a step back, Ben slid his arm around her and pressed her closer. He could hear her heart racing, feel her breath on his skin. "I like that you were worried about me.”
Before Selena could respond, he leaned in and captured her lips in a searing kiss.
Selena froze for a moment, but then her lips parted, and she kissed him back with a fierce passion. She melted against him, her body responding to his touch. She wrapped her arms around his neck. They kissed hungrily.
Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.
She was sweetness and fire, roaring life back into his dull existence.
Ben's hands roamed over her body, cupping her curves and pulling her even tighter against him. She moaned into his mouth, and his cock jerked, aching to be freed from his suddenly tight pants.
His fingers lingered on her neck and then trailed down to her shoulder. Her skin was so soft beneath his touch.
Their tongues tangled. His fangs scraped against her lip, and she gasped, pulling away.
"Sorry," he said.
"No. It's okay." She smiled. "Just caught me off guard."
"We should find Izina's cousin," he said reluctantly. The last thing he wanted was to get caught with his pants down if Izina decided to come back.
"Yeah." They kissed once more, quickly, before Selena stepped back and ran a finger over her swollen lips. "But don't think this is over," she said.
Ben couldn't stop the grin on his face if he tried.
Chapter Ten
Selena
Selena stared up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Sunlight streamed through the curtains of her cozy bedroom, decorated with Duran Duran posters that were oddly comforting in this strange place. Worry gnawed at her gut about Izina Broome's threat to attack the town. She had to find a way to stop her before innocent people got hurt.
With a sigh, she dragged herself out of bed and began to pace. Her thoughts drifted to the impulsive kiss she had shared with Ben. What did it mean? Where could it possibly lead when she planned to leave town as soon as she dealt with Izina? Selena knew she couldn't stay in Hope forever, no matter how alluring the town and Ben were. She had a quest to complete, Fae artifacts to find, and a cure for her curse of misfortune to uncover. Hope was not her home.
Yet being here, accepted despite her curse in a way she never was in the Faelands, had awakened a yearning in her. The memory of Ben's lips on hers made her shiver, but she pushed the sensations away. They had enough to deal with trying to protect the town. She should pretend the kiss had never happened.
Selena's pacing was interrupted by a voice emanating from the ornate scabbard resting on her bed.
"You're going to wear a hole in the carpet if you keep that up," Artegenos chided.
Selena sighed, sitting down beside the sword. "I can't help it. There's too much going on and not enough answers."
"You'll unravel the threads soon enough," Artegenos said. "We always do."
Selena traced her fingers over the intricate scrollwork on the scabbard.
"It has protective runes carved into the leather, though I don't recognize the exact magic. Powerful but subtle and crafted by skilled hands," the sword remarked. "Those with mixed blood don’t often have these gifts. Nia would have been well sought after in any tribe."
“I wonder why she ran off when she saw me?"
“I sensed she was afraid.”
“I wouldn’t hurt her.”
“You were carrying an impressive ancestral blade,” Artegenos said proudly.
Selena smiled, but it dropped when her gaze fell on the small sprig of mistletoe resting in a vase by the window. Just looking at its white berries stirred bittersweet memories of her clan and her childhood before the curse. The magic within it would keep it fresh and alive until it was planted. If she couldn’t bring it home, she could still hope it would sprout roots and thrive in its new home. Kind of like her.
Except it was too early to think about things like that.
“I hope Wyatt finds her soon,” Selena said. “I know what it’s like to be driven from my home. I never wanted to make anyone feel like that.”
“Not everything is your fault,” Artegenos droned. “You should get some sleep.”
She should. Being a vampire’s bodyguard was playing hell with her circadian rhythms. And yet her mind wouldn’t stop whirling. “I should go look through Gertrude’s records for any Broome’s on the list.”
“Sykes is overseeing that project. You don’t want to step on his toes. He’s already feeling threatened by you.”
“Right.” She let out a long sigh.
“Delegation is a good trait in a leader,” Artegenos said. “At least your vampire mayor puts us up in style."
Selena smiled wryly. "Beats sleeping in the dirt. And he’s not my vampire.”
“Isn’t he?”
“This curse makes relationships...difficult." She paused, staring out the window. "Still, the people here accepted me so fast. In the Faelands I was shunned, but here..."
"Here, you could have a home if you can’t find a way to get rid of your curse," Artegenos finished gently.
“Maybe,” Selena nodded, throat tightening. She thought of Ben, his kindness and humor. A pang of longing went through her.
Artegenos read her mind. "Ben's a good man. You could have a life here."
"Until my curse hurts someone, and I’m banished again. I don’t know if I can face that again.”
“It’s not like you to be such a coward,” Artegenos admonished.
That stung. “It’s not like you to be such a nag,” Selena countered lamely.
Artegenos chuckled. “Perhaps. But I only want what’s best for you.”
“I know. And I appreciate it.” Selena sighed heavily. “I wish I could just be normal.”
“Normal is overrated,” Artegenos said firmly. “You have a unique destiny ahead of you. Embrace it.”
Selena nodded, but the weight of her curse was heavy on her shoulders. “I’ll try.”
“You should be sleeping.”
“You’re right.”
"I always am," Artegenos said with a hint of smugness.
Selena rolled her eyes.
“Go back to bed. You don’t want to be distracted tonight while guarding Ben.”
“I’m too distracted to sleep,” she admitted.
“Settle your mind,” Artegenos urged.
“That waitress, Jinx. Her tattoo bothers me."
“Or ignore me entirely.”
“Where have I seen it before?”
The sword hummed. "It must have been long ago if you can’t remember."
“Where would I have seen it?”
“You used to explore all over the Faelands. Perhaps it was something in a book, or perhaps it was a tattoo on someone you met.”
