Page 28 of Saved By Her Guardian
“Take the assignment and do it to the best of my ability.”
Grim smiled at her.“Good.Now, I can provide you with a talisman that will allow you to live in Northernmost and do your job.You’ll be able to leave Northernmost through the Portal without being tracked by Frost.As long as you have the talisman, you’ll be safe to come and go as you need to.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.”
He spoke a spell and drew what seemed to her like runes in the air, and then a necklace appeared, a black cord holding a rough piece of purple stone wrapped in silver wire.She took it and felt the warmth of her uncle’s magic pulsing through it.She put it on and said, “Thank you.For everything.And I know I’ve said it a lot, but I’m really sorry.I’m sorry I didn’t see the assignment for what it was and that I endangered myself and others because of my ego.”
“I’m no friend of Santa’s, you know,” he said, rocking back on his heels.“I tend to skew more evil than neutral, so he and I butt heads.But trust that I have your best interests at heart.I might be a little evil, but I’m still your only living family, and when you and Maverick get married, I’d like to be at the wedding and give you away.”
She smiled, her heart singing at the thought of marrying her sexy snow leopard.“I’d love that.”
Maverick joined them and she smiled at him and then gave her uncle a hug.
“You’ll be safe?I can tell you from experience that Frost isn’t to be trusted,” she asked.
“Perhaps, but he is one of my oldest friends.And I’m going to go give him a piece of my mind.Rest assured that you will be off limits from him, and the talisman will ensure you’re safe as you travel.”He looked at his watch and then up at the sky.“Take the rest of the day off.You’ll get your new assignment tomorrow evening, so enjoy your time off and keep me posted on how things go.”
“Thank you, I will.”
Grim extended his hand and Maverick shook it.“You’ve got your hands full with my niece, but if anyone can handle a rebellious reaper, it’s a Yuletide Guardian.”
“I’m just the male for the job.”
Grim smiled, nodded at them both, and then opened a portal and disappeared.
She turned and jumped into Maverick’s arms.“I’m so sorry!I messed up so badly.Can you forgive me?”
Maverick hugged her tightly.“Of course I forgive you, Aralyn.I was angry in the moment, but I understand now what you were going through.I’m sorry you were deceived, but it can happen to anyone faced with disappointment and heartache.”
“You’re so sweet to me,” she said.He set her on her feet, and she pressed her hand to his cheek.“Grim said I can live with you.But maybe we need to talk to Santa?What if he doesn’t want a reaper in Northernmost?”
“I don’t think he’ll mind, especially after he sees that talisman Grim gave you.”
She nodded.“I’ll miss Church, but I won’t miss this cemetery.”
“Let’s pack you up, sweetheart.I’ll reach out to the security team to let them know we’ll be on our way soon.”
They held hands and walked toward the abbey.“Could you tell them to wait a little while?”
“Why?How long do you need to pack up?”
“Not pack up, I want to celebrate.”
His brows rose and a purr stuttered in his chest.“Oh?”
“Yeah, I start my job tomorrow and you and I get to be together and we don’t have to wait until after Christmas.I might not be super looking forward to ferrying souls right now, but I can’t wait to be with you.”
“That’s definitely worth celebrating.”He opened the door to the abbey and said, “Baby, you can definitely handle ferrying souls.Grim has faith in you, but more than that, I have faith in you.And if it’s hard or sad, I’ll be there for you.”
“Oh, Maverick,” she said.“You’re going to make me cry.”
“Sorry, let’s think sexy thoughts instead.”
He purred again and her body lit up.Shutting the door with his foot, he growled softly and followed her to the bed.
Maverick hadn’t ever planned a date night before.He’d gone on dates when he was younger, but they’d always been on the fly, choosing something to do as they went along, not him entirely in charge of things.But he was excited to plan his first date with his mate.They’d been living together since Monday, and she was still getting used to Northernmost and all the magical people.She’d only ever been around reapers and humans and was getting to know about all the different magical people who not only called the North Pole home but also came to visit to replenish their magic.
As he finished getting ready, his phone buzzed and he saw his grandma’s name flash on the screen.
