Page 63 of Destined to Fight

“Nae, we dinnae celebrate Christmas, and we typically stay away from large gatherings of humans.”

Ginna was skipping ahead as they talked. A woman who looked to be in her sixties was skipping like a schoolgirl down the sidewalk on Christmas Eve. Her joy spread to Kelly, and suddenly the two of them were skipping hand in hand.

They skipped all the way through the neighborhood to the parade.

Kade paid for the carriage ticket, and they walked from house to house admiring the decorations until it was their turn to ride.

Kelly noticed Fabian scanning the area regularly for threats. He and Kade stayed by her side protectively, with Asmund close behind them. She could tell they were trying to enjoy themselves for her sake, but they were being extremely cautious.

As they walked back toward the area where the parade began, the clip-clop of horse’s hooves sounded in the distance, making Kelly’s heart warm. She’d always loved the giant animals, and she held fond memories of the few times she’d gotten to ride them as a child.

The carriage passed them as they walked, two beautiful draft horses pulling it effortlessly. It stopped ahead and the passengers got off, holiday cheer painted on their faces.

When they reached the carriage, Fabian broke away from them and went to the horses. He spoke softly to them and placed his forehead against theirs, one by one. It was as if he was saying hello to an old friend.

Kade offered his hand and helped her in, then everyone else followed. He sat next to her and draped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. She could feel the coolness of his touch even through her sweatshirt.

Fabian took the seat on her other side and told the coachman they were ready.

“We are pulled by two very fine animals this evening. They are happy and well cared for,” he announced to the group.

Kelly raised an eyebrow at him. “What, you had a conversation with them?”

He nodded. “Of sorts. I will tell you more later.”

“Uh huh.” She silently wondered when Arcane things would stop surprising her.

The carriage jerked, and Christmas music made its way from below the seats as the horses began to pull them.

The neighborhood was beautiful. Each house was adorned with carefully placed lights and decorations.

Much as she tried to ignore it, the Christmas spirit wrapped its gentle arms around her and drew Kelly in. She rested her head on Kade’s shoulder and enjoyed the scenery as it drifted by.

Years of hatred for the holidays began to melt away, and Kelly found herself truly enjoying the moment.

Kade leaned in to her neck, his lips brushed across the soft sensitive skin there. Her body instantly responded, and a rush of heat went straight to her core. He whispered in her ear, “I can smell shifters; a pack is approaching. Listen to Fabian. He will get ye out of here.”

19

Nothing like an impending attack to ruin the mood.

Fabian straightened next to her, ready for a fight.

Ginna and Asmund made an effort to act normal, but they too readied themselves.

One of the horses chuffed, and the other followed with a snort.

“Whoa,” the driver said, and they came to a stop.

A growl came from far off, barely audible to Kelly from its distance.

Kade answered with a burst of power, knocking the air from her lungs as it passed through.

The growl turned to a snarl, then it was joined by yips and growls of support.

Fabian leaned to her and spoke low enough that the coachman couldn’t hear, “We cannot show our powers in the presence of humans. Do not use your power. Follow my lead.”

She nodded.

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