Page 27 of Hostile Holiday

Hunter looked, and his expression softened. “Yes, it is. The first night with no binding. Are the lights shining brighter?”

Olmin said softly, “They are.”

Hunter chuckled. “They are welcoming her back.”

Orla was frolicking in the snow and whirling with her arms to the sky, and the sky was answering.

Maven watched the pure joy and glanced at Lord Winter. “Are you sure you want to bond with her? She is so innocent.”

Hunter chuckled. “She is aware, but she has no experience. If she wants to learn, I am at her disposal, but we are a match. Not soulmates but a match.”

Argo frowned. “Why not soulmates?”

“Because Orla believes it denotes an intended lack of effort. Soulmates just fall together and can separate at any bump. They may still be bound together, but since they didn’t need to get used to each other, every difference irritates them.” Hunter smiled. “I believe I can make the most inroads in affection on four feet.”

Maven blinked. “You change shape?”

Hunter nodded. “I do indeed. Winter wears many forms, but Orla wants a puppy, so I will have to see if any of the local wolves are willing to part with one.”

Olmin snorted. “You are going to give her a wolf?”

“We can’t all have feline familiars.”

Argo shrugged. “Your loss.”

Maven smiled. “I understand the fur fetish, though. There is nothing like feeling warm softness over muscle and knowing you are safe.”

Argo smiled softly at her. “Always.”

* * * *

Orla had so much fun running and jumping and dancing that it took a while for her to feel the cold. When she stopped, she felt the cold in her nose, her fingertips, and her toes. It was time to head back to Hunter’s home.

She walked with the stars showing her the way back. She hummed and lifted the edge of her skirt as she followed her own footprints back.

Walking back into the house, she stomped her feet to knock the snow off. Hunter was waiting in the kitchen and walked to her, rubbing her arms. “Are you cold?”

“No. I kept warm, and this robe and dress are technically made of fleece, so I am pretty toasty.”

He rubbed her arms. “So, I have been wondering if you want a pet?”

She stared at him in surprise. “Yes. Why?”

“I was going to see if any of the wolves in the area that have cubs they are willing to surrender to you.”

“A puppy?” She knew her eyes were wide. “I can have a puppy? Wait. I can’t have it at my apartment.”

“You can have it here. My house is large enough, and you are going to need more space as your power continues to bloom. Also, you can’t be seen in town while your other self is going about its daily tasks.”

“Oh. Right. How is it that we are both alive at the same time? I thought one would disappear when the other appeared.”

“No, when you two are in the same place at the same time, one of you will remain, and the other will fade.”

“Oh. So, do I have to wait until we find out which of us survives before I get the puppy?”

His eyes crinkled in amusement. “No. If the puppy shows, it shows.”

She nodded and looked around. “Is there any more cake?”

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