Page 34 of Naughty

Glancing back up at Asmon, I watch as his gaze softens. As a newly mated man himself, he knows what I'm going through. Just being away from her was going to be agony. Add on the stress of worrying if she's going to be okay, and I'll just go crazy. That won't be good for all the children counting on me.

"I understand. We can certainly come check on her and keep an eye on things."

"I was actually hoping she could stay with you at your cabin."

All three jaws drop. A myriad of expressions passes through Noel's eyes, but she keeps them in her head. Asmon clears his throat and shoots Caitlin a heated glance.

"Well, I had planned on fucking my mate every moment I was hard, but I supposed I can stop for a day or two."

A bright blush stains Noel's face. Gathering her into my arms, I glare at Asmon over her head. He smirks and shakes his head before winking at me. Again, I glance at the clock. Time is running short. Pulling Noel away, I kiss her forehead.

"Thank you for your sacrifice Asmon."

"Just payback for decades of you running your mouth."

Motioning for an elf to come forward with Noel's things, I squeeze her arm and stand. Asmon's face grows serious as he nods to the elf. Unease drifts through me from Noel, and I wish there were something I could do to reassure her. If only we'd found each other sooner or under better circumstances. As it is, it's the best I can do for the moment.

The rest of dinner goes by with an uneasy silence. Noel keeps getting plate after plate until I put my foot down and order the elf to take the rest of the food away. I can't let her get sick just to keep me here. Nodding to Asmon, I draw him off to the side of the room while the women start chattering about the things they wanted to do on Christmas Eve.

"I didn't want to say anything in front of Caitlin or Noel, but we need to be extra cautious. The list issue is fine. I made one final check before programming it into the sleigh. Unless there's another hacker other than Caitlin or Noel, we should be okay. What really worries me is the fact that he had other helpers. Other children he adopted alongside having Noel and Angelica."

I run a hand through my hair. "Who even knows if any of them were his too."

"Have you told her about Marcus?"

My lips twist up into a scowl. "I was hoping you would do that while I was gone."

"Kris Claus, I am not here to do your dirty work," he hisses, his gaze sliding over to the woman.

Caitlin rubs her chest for a moment and glances our way before forcing her attention back to Noel.

"I'm not asking you to do my dirty work...you're the one with the bloodhound thing."

"That's really going to help your cause."

"Just. Please? I've got enough to handle right now."

"No. I'm not going to have her freaking out on me when you're not here. Unless you're giving me permission to spank her to calm her down."

I lunge at Asmon with a roar, tackling him to the ground. His booming laugh echoes through the dining hall as we both tussle with each other, letting off some much-needed steam. A busted lip on his end and a broken nose on mine end the fight. We both pant for a bit before looking at each other and laughing.

Closing my eyes, I jerk my nose where it needs to be before sending cold into the wound to stop the bleeding and pull down the inflammation. I reach over to help Asmon, but he brushes my hand aside with a scoff.

"I wear my wounds like a real man. I don't need you babying me."

Shrugging, I straighten my clothes and dust off my pants.

"Suit yourself. Look. You're right. I need to handle this, not you. I'll tell her."

"Tell me what?"

I whirl around, staring deep into her wide eyes. Sighing, I slide my fingers down her cheek before resting my hand on her heart. I didn't want to tell her this then leave, but I can't leave her with questions in her eyes.

"Based on scent markers, Asmon is almost certain that you're either Marcus's biological daughter or close relative."

I watch her face intently. Not one emotion shows on her face. Reaching through our bond, I probe her just a touch, but there's nothing. I haul her into me, sending her wave after wave of love. After several minutes, she returns a little bit of it, but there's still a wall in place.

The clock chimes the hour, and I groan, pushing Noel away from me. My lips descend upon hers in a ferocious kiss. As I pull away, Caitlin draws near and wraps her arms around Noel's shoulders. I block as best as I can, as once again, Asmon has to take my mate away from me. Shaking my head, I force my thoughts into the recesses of my brain.

The sooner I deliver the gifts, the sooner I can wrap her into my arms. Storming out of the dining room, I make my way into the master prep area. My sleigh stands there gleaming, the back filled with my bag. Sighing, I slide my fingers across the cold chrome and send a prayer up the Fathers that tonight will go on without a hitch. Settling into the main seat, I pull up my list and skim it as fast as I can while the reindeer filter into the room.

Without saying a word, they line up in front of the sleigh and wait for the elves to stand by their sides. With Red not being here, they've had to switch up positions. Unease curls in my belly as I watch them all shift at once. With the ease of decades of practice, the elves harness up the reindeer. I cast one final prayer to the sky before pulling the reins taut in my hand.

"On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer, on Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner, on Blitzen."

The sleight jolts forward as all eight of them take off into the night. My stomach flips as they race towards the open door and straight down into the night. As I keep my eyes on the meter, all stats seem to be doing okay. The reindeer seem to be exerting a bit more force, but vital signs are good.