Page 42 of Elemental Fae Academy: Book Three

“Uh, sort of?” I knew the humans celebrated a holiday around a giant fat man with cookies, but I didn’t really understand the point of it. “It’s the same time of year.”

“Excellent.” She seemed quite pleased by the similarity, so I didn’t add any corrections. “I have an idea.”

“Oh?”

She nodded. “But first, we need a tree.” She jumped up, clapping her hands in excitement. “And ornaments.” Claire spun around, her joy palpable. “Oh, Vox, this will be so fun.” Another clap. “This is going to be the best fae holiday ever; you’ll see.”

“Sure,” I agreed. But why the hell do you need a tree?

Claire

Beautiful, I thought, evaluating my work.

All my mates were in the other room with instructions not to enter until I was ready for them. I could hear Titus chuckling at something Cyrus had said, their banter becoming friendlier every day. Which was perfect because I needed them in a good mood for this to work.

I tugged on the writhing garland—a vibrant green strand I’d created using my earth element. My gift came in handy for the flowerlike ornaments as well, while my spirit controlled the red butterflies fluttering around the branches. A different shade from my usual pink, but I wanted proper Christmas colors.

“Okay,” I breathed. “I think that’s about it.”

Wiping my clammy palms against my blue dress—an early present from Exos—I made my way toward the guest area where all my mates had taken up residence. Everyone had arrived last night and had given me all day today to work on this surprise.

The open windows lining the hall gave me a glimpse of the cheerful activities below as the entire city celebrated the Solstice holiday with lights and beautiful melodies. The scents and sounds weren’t exactly the same as Christmas, but close enough.

My tree and holiday brunch would do the trick of melding it all together.

Titus met me by the door with a suspicious twinkle in his forest-green eyes. “Why are you grinning like that, sweetheart?”

I blew a kiss at him in response, not ready to reveal my surprise yet. I needed Vox to confirm something first. “Your parents are gone, right?”

He raised a dark brow from his seat upon the couch. “Yeah, they’re out for dinner with one of the commissioners.” His lips twitched to the side, his expression contrite. “Sorry they didn’t invite you, but they insisted you would have found it boring.”

I laughed. “I’m sure that was their reason.” We both knew the truth. Some of the Air Fae found me to be an enigma and someone they wanted to know. Others, however, were horrified by the idea of a Halfling wandering among them. That I had five mates only made it worse.

Fine by me. Besides, Vox’s parents were right. I would have found dinner with some snobby commissioner terribly boring, and I really wanted to spend some quality time with my men.

Titus looked me up and down. “Are you bored, sweetheart? I can think of a few things that might entertain you.” He accentuated his proposal with a waggle of his eyebrows.

“Hold that thought. I have a surprise first,” I said, about to burst out of my skin. I’d been planning this for what felt like days.

“I like surprises,” Sol offered, always the first of my mates to jump on board when I had a crazy idea. He wrapped a massive arm around my shoulder and kissed the crown of my head. “Does it involve eggs and cheese?”

I chuckled. “It’s not food, well, not just food.” I tugged him by the arm, leading him toward the hall. “Come on. I’ll show you.”

Cyrus and Exos shared a quizzical look before shrugging and following along. Titus looked hopeful that my “surprise” would involve being naked, and Sol’s stomach growled. Vox poked him in the abs. “I just fed you an hour ago. How are you still hungry?”

My mates bantered and tried to guess what I’d been doing in the sitting room all day. The only one with any idea of my intentions was Vox since I’d needed his help in gathering supplies. But he didn’t know how I used everything. Nor did he know about the presents I slid under the tree this afternoon.

“I just want to know what you did with that poor tree,” Vox murmured.

Sol pegged him in the shoulder, making the Air Fae wince as pebbles clattered to the floor. “Don’t be rude. Claire’s excited, so I’m excited. Plus, she said there’s food.”

Vox gave me a playful smirk. “Well, you heard the ogre; show us your surprise.”

Sol hmphed but seemed satisfied and crossed his arms.

I grinned at them all and paused just outside the door. “Ready?”

They all gave me expectant looks.

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