Page 22 of An Avalanche Hero Christmas

Survive.

And then what? Even if she managed not to get killed by the elements or by Boris, Mallory didn’t think she had anything to look forward to. A new job? A new home, maybe a husband and some kids? The idea almost made her laugh. Almost.

She heard a groan, and it sent a chill through her bones. Her first thought was that someone was nearby, and she stiffened, bracing herself for whoever could have stumbled upon them. But the sound was coming from deeper inside the cave.

Lance?

He groaned again. Was he in pain? Mallory inched closer, her hand already reaching into her MediPack.

“Lance?”

“…lia,” he groaned. His body twitched. “No…”

“Lance, are you okay?”

When he spoke again, she heard him clearly this time. Mallory’s entire body went rigid.

“Julia…”

Chapter Ten

A Midwinter Night’s Dream

“Lance? Lance!”

He heard Julia’s voice from the living room, the sweetest sound he had heard in a long time. It was soft, gentle like a trickling stream. A smile tugged at the corners of Lance’s mouth, and he paused in the kitchen, glancing up from the meal he’d been serving.

“I’ll be there soon!” he called back.

He spooned healthy portions of food onto the wooden plates, grinning to himself as he carried them in. He’d been working in the kitchen for the past couple of hours or so. More time than he usually spent preparing meals. But this was an exception. It was Christmas.

And he couldn’t wait to see Julia’s eyes light up.

It had been a little over two weeks since the fae woman showed up at his front door, covered with snow and trembling like a leaf. In that time, Lance had gotten to know her—in some ways more than others. Looking back on it now, he couldn’t resist a chuckle. Who would have imagined something like this happening to him?

If anything, this was a Christmas surprise. And a wonderful one at that.

He had to admit he wasn’t used to having other people stay at his place. He’d never really been one to accommodate guests, especially not for weeks. But Julia was different. Everything about the fae woman was different and wonderful. She was quiet, sitting or lying about the cabin, but Lance didn’t mind. He simply enjoyed her company.

It was strange. But he wasn’t complaining.

Humming to himself, he made his way from the kitchen to the living room, where Julia sat, one leg crossed daintily overthe other. She glanced up as he appeared, and her blue eyes instantly lit up.

“Oh, Lance!”

He felt a surge of emotions so powerful he thought his heart might burst. He set down the plates on a stool by the fireplace and turned to face her, unable to keep himself from beaming.

“Merry Christmas,” he told her, leaning in close for a kiss.

It had been over two weeks since he stepped aside and let her into his home. Two weeks since he assured her that she was safe under his roof. And Lance had kept his word. He’d been reluctant at first, but now he was more than happy to spend the rest of the year—and perhaps some more—with this woman.

“Merry Christmas,” she replied, batting her eyelashes at him. In the corner of his eye, he saw her wings flutter slightly behind her.

“You know,” Lance said, “I never imagined—”

A sudden bang cut him off. Every muscle in Lance’s body grew tense. The sound had come from the door.

“What was that?” Julia gasped, laying a hand on his arm.

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