Page 15 of Bah Humbug Mate

“Are you trying to tell me…”

“You’re Dasher,” she said slowly and firmly. “You are Santa’s left wheel reindeer, but without you and Vixen in the team, their power has been diminished. It’s why people are losing their belief in Santa Claus. The song and the story got it wrong—you fly the left wheel or rear. Vixen flies in the right front. With your grandmother and mother gone, the legacy of being Vixen will fall to your fated mate.”

“Do you expect me to believe this…”

“Would it be nice? Yes. Do I expect it? Not right off the bat, but an hour ago, you didn’t believe reindeer could fly at all. Just think about it.”

“And Rudy?”

“That charlatan? His ancestors invented the whole guiding light/red nose thing. It never happened, but it made for a great story. He was banished from Santa’s herd, not because of his red nose, but because of his and his family’s duplicitous natures. They were also stripped of their ability to manipulate time.”

“I want to just kiss you, dismiss all of this, and get on with our life, but I can’t.”

“Damn, I was hoping for another kiss.”

With a quick efficiency that took her breath away, Dash pulled her to him and kissed her passionately before setting her back. “If we’re going to make the tree lighting ceremony down in town, we probably ought to get back.”

“And being seen there together is important.”

“It is. I told people you’ve been sick, so I’ll have to keep you close and dote on you.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.”

“No,” he said with a smile. “It doesn’t.”

They headed back into town, arriving just in time to join the massive crowd around the majestic tree. As crowds go in big cities, they might not be much, but it was pretty much everyone who lived there. As the tree began to light slowly from the bottom to the top, Dash turned her in his arms, tilting her head back and lowering his mouth to hers. He was definitely a member of Santa’s herd—all that existed for Noel was Dash. Time stopped and the cheer of the crowd as the star on top lit faded away to nothing.

“Move along, you two,” said Deputy Derek Grayson with a smile. “We can’t have these public displays of affection in the village square.”

“That’s bullshit, Derek. I’ve seen you and Tess lip locked many a time here in the village square. Just because Tess isn’t home and you’re having to do without doesn’t mean the rest of us have to.”

The deputy flashed a bright smile at Noel. “He might have a point.”

Noel laughed as she and Dash linked arms and meandered back up to the tavern and the apartments above it. She was hoping that they would be sharing one—or at least a bed—tonight. They went up the outside back stairs in order to avoid the teasing catcalls they knew would be coming their way.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone,” said Dash.

“Me too, but I’ve been on birth control for forever.”

“Bad menstrual cramps?”

“Nope,” she said with a grin as they reached the upstairs center hallway, closing and locking the door. “Ever the optimist.”

Dash laughed, unlocked the door to his place and swung her up in his arms. Noel thought she might swoon from the sheer romanticism, especially when he didn’t groan or act like he’d hurt his back.

“You were right. We belong together, and we’re right where we need to be. I don’t deserve you, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to ensure you don’t regret this.”

She was tempted to ask him if he would fly as part of Santa’s team but thought it might be better to wait.

“I need you more than my next breath,” he said, setting her down on the floor and beginning to undress her.

His head came down so his mouth captured hers, and she responded by melting into him. There was nothing else she could do. She was completely and totally enamored of him, but more than that, she knew him to be her fated mate and she was falling for him. Once he had her naked, he lifted her onto his bed and then quickly removed his clothes before stretching out beside her.

She hadn’t seen much but what she had seen had been nothing short of amazing. In keeping with their kind, he was longer and leaner than say the sheriff or his deputy, both of whom were bear shifters. And although he didn’t carry as much bulk or weight, he had broad shoulders that led into a well-sculpted chest, tapering down to a set of washboard abs and those sexy hip notches that served to direct her attention to his large, hard cock.

Dash’s hand covered her breast before capturing her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, twirling it between them before giving it a tug. His hand left her breast, and he covered her mouth with his. He might not have been with anyone in a while, but the man knew how to kiss. It wasn’t just a means to get to something else; it was an end unto itself.

She felt him check his impulse to have at her and instead he seduced her with long, lazy kisses that left her wanting more from him. He placed his flattened palm on her belly before moving his hand down to cover her soft mound, cupping it possessively. His hand continued down to slip between her legs, his fingers finding her clit without any need for direction or encouragement from her.

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