Page 20 of Naughty

Chapter7

Kris

Red and Asmonprowl at my side as we investigate the house. How did I not know about him? Hanging my head, I think back through all the people I should know and care about. Have I really been that blind? One thing's for sure, if anything, this whole fiasco has shown me that I have to stop phoning it in.

I never wanted to be Santa. I dreaded the idea, loathed it even, but it's on my shoulders now. I have no choice but to finally accept the fact and actually step up to the plate. Looking over at Red and Asmon, my heart swells just a touch. I've treated them both like soured eggnog, and yet here they are helping me. Bitterness wells up for a brief moment only to be squashed by a wave of sadness. They're not really helping me. They're helping Christmas.

Shaking off my morose thoughts, I spy a door over in the corner. I make my way towards in when it opens, revealing Noel. My heart pounds as I see her there, all dressed in white. She's like a virginal wet dream. The fabric covers every inch of her, but it can't hide the curve of her breasts or the luscious dip of her waist. Growling, I stalk towards her, only to be yanked back by Asmon.

I turn to snap at him, but he shakes his head and draws me backward. Every inch of me strains to be reunited with Noel. It doesn't matter that she betrayed me. It doesn't matter that she's in the house of an enemy of Christmas. I just need her in my arms. Looking her over, I spot the purpling under her eye, and I snap. White clouds my vision, and I fight both Asmon and Red to get to her.

Someone hurt her. Someone dared put a mark on my elf. I'm the only one allowed to do that! They will pay with their life. I grunt and strain against their hold, practically foaming at the mouth. Asmon puts me in a chokehold, letting sweet oblivion take over for just a moment. It's enough to reset my brain. Looking up at Asmon, I see the sympathetic look in his eyes. I try to shove him off of me, but he still holds firm.

"Stop looking at me like that, you sopping polar bear!"

He chuckles and shakes his head. "That's a new one, I must say."

"Let me go!"

"I can't. Not until you calm down."

Red is at my back, his chest brushing against me. Caged between these two beasts, I howl up to the sky. They don't back down. Looking back over at Noel, the feelings resurge, and I lurch forward, only to have them both cage me in.

"Get ahold of yourself, Kris!" Red snarls, struggling against my arms.

"He can't. It's not his fault."

I look up at Asmon, anger and confusion swirling about in a dangerous mix.

"What do you know about it?"

"That's how I felt about Caitlin." He turns a snarl towards Noel. "I'm just sorry your mate is a backstabbing, conniving bitch."

I growl and swipe at Asmon, his words tipping the scales over to anger.

"You do not get to speak about her like that," I roar, clawing at his face.

Nodding behind me, Asmon backs up as Red encircles his arms about my throat. I grip his arm, trying to pry him loose. Red tightens his hold as he lowers me down to the ground. Once more, the black creeps in, but this time, they let it swallow me completely.

Time means nothing. I open my eyes, groaning at the pounding headache. Shaking my head back and forth, I attempt to clear the fog but only manage to make the headache even worse.

"How long was I out for?"

I crack an eye open and look at Red, irritated by the smirk on his lips.

"About ten seconds or so? I think you'll live."

Rubbing the back of my neck, I let Red help me up. The anger is subsided for now, but I can feel the possessiveness prowling about just beneath the surface. I look over at Asmon as realization flows through me. Noel is my mate. Oh, holy night. Everything makes so much more sense.

Noel stands by the door, still as a statue. She doesn't move; she doesn't speak. An eerie calm descends on the room. All three of us watch her, waiting for her to make the first move. It's the worst standoff of my life. I want to go over there, to grab her into my arms. Mostly, I want to punish her for running off like that. Shaking my head, I decide to make the first move. Ignoring the protests behind me, I take a few steps forward.

"Come here, Noel."

A seductive smile crosses her lips. Shaking her head, she crosses her arms and winks.

"No can do, Kris. I thought I made it clear that we were done."

"We can't be done. You're my mate."