Page 35 of Nice

I reach out to her, trying to apologize when she zips away, slinking into the snowstorm. Frowning, I watch the area she once occupied, thinking that I'll be able to catch another glimpse if I just wait long enough, but she never appears again. With a frustrated snort, I turn my attentions back to Caitlin. She lies there in the snow, her body wrapped up as much as possible in a thick fur coat. Her face is pale. Grabbing the lantern, I hold it up to her, a smile crossing my face. She's here. She's actually here.

Her skin is like ice when I brush my fingers across her cheek. She doesn't even stir at my touch. Panicked, I set the lantern down and grab her in my arms. Not once does she move.

"Caitlin. Caitlin speak to me. Please. Caitlin!"

I shake her about, trying to get a response. I place my head against her chest, thankfully hearing a heartbeat, but it's sluggish. Red snorts next to me and motions with his head towards his back.

"Let Red take her Northport. It's closer than your house. We'll get her fixed up. I promise you." Kris leans down to touch my shoulder.

I clutch her in my arms, not wanting to leave her side for a moment. Fear and desperation war within me.

"Please Asmon. Let me make this right."

Snapping into gear, I toss Caitlin facedown onto Red's back while Kris lays straps across her to hold her in place.

"Don't you dare drop her," I growl, watching closely as Kris tightens the last strap.

As well as a reindeer can, Red rolls his eyes and takes off into the night. I watch, helpless, as my future once again disappears into the night. Kris smacks my back, drawing me out of my stupor.

"Come on, you’re not going to let that showoff beat us, are you?"

Kris takes off in a dash, leaving me bewildered. Who the hell is this and what has he done to Kris? Shaking my head, I tromp after him. The polar bear, finally free of Kris's power, lopes off into the trees. The wind whips me as I race after Red. The only thing I can think about is how pale she looked lying in the dark fur. I should be grateful that the Fathers led to me to her, but my heart is still beating out a frantic staccato. They wouldn't let me find her only to take her away, would they?

The cynical part of my brain says yes. Until Kringle, no Claus ever gave a damn about us. It would be fitting to have her die in my arms. I push that thought out of my brain and focus on what I can do in this moment. Hopefully just being in Northport will be enough to revive her, but as a mortal, it's chancy. My thoughts race as fast as my legs, and soon, I'm passing through the gate. I pause to shift back into human form, willing the illusion of clothing into my body. I've already scared the elves once today, no need to do it again.

Kris stumbles in right after me, his cheeks pink with exertion.

"Jingle balls," he mutters, taking in huge gulps of air. "I was sure I'd win."

I blink down at him. "This was a race?"

"I thought maybe it could be like old times."

I shake my head and continue to Northport. His words strike a chord in me, and I finally understand what's happening.

"I don't care how guilty you feel. Pretty words aren't going to change the fact that if she dies, I'll kill you. Christmas be damned."

He stares at me, his eyes wide. "You would kill me over a mortal?"

"No. I will kill you over this mortal."

I ignore his sputtering and keep walking. I've been separated from Caitlin far too long already. The massive doors part as I climb up the stairs. The sea of elves part and gesture, each one leading to me to where Caitlin lies. The air is still and somber with hushed tones flitting about. My heart climbs into my throat the closer and closer I get.

She's dwarfed by the huge bed she's laying on. Her damp hair fans out about her head, making her look even smaller. Easing my way over, I stand next to an elf taking her pulse. He turns to me, his eyes sad. Patting my hand, he walks away, leaving me in the room alone. Unshed tears clog my throat as I lay my palm against her cheek. She's still breathing, but it's slow and stuttering.

The doctor doesn't have to tell me anything. I know she's dying. Yet again, I'm left with nothing. Kneeling at the bed, I bury my face in the covers and sob. My heart rents in two. Fisting the blankets, I pour out every emotion. All my grief, all my longing flows out of me. Time has no more meaning. My knees and legs ache from their position, but I ignore them. Nothing else matters.

A small cough catches my attention. Looking up, I see Kris make his way towards me, his own eyes wet.

"You love her that much?"

"She's my everything," I whisper. "She's my mate. I was just too stupid to listen."

Nodding, he pulls out a cup and a knife from behind his back. "Then what are you waiting for? Claim her. Give her your essence. It may be the only way to save her."

I stare up at him. Guilt flows out of him. I take the items and sigh. Father never took a mate, but I still know how it's done. Will it save her though? Nothing I've learned of mating mentioned near death experiences. Both parties were always happy and prepared for the day. Not like this. Looking back at her small form, I straighten my shoulders. The least I can do is try. If I don't do this, I'll spend the rest of my life wondering.

"I'm still going to kill you," I mutter, setting the cup down on the standing near the bed.