Page 26 of Awakened By Her Guardian

Seth.

He turned and greeted them, then left the office.

“He looks a lot like you,” Gabriel said.

Santa chuckled and waved a hand. “Have a seat, you two.”

They took the chairs across from the desk, and Gabriel took Ana’s hand.

“I’m so thankful you both came through the fight yesterday relatively unscathed. Thank you for fighting for the Well of Magic and keeping each other, and all of us, safe.” He drummed his fingers on the desk for a moment. “Every time a Guardian finds his mate, we have a conversation like this.”

“About the future of the couple in Northernmost?” Gabriel asked.

Santa nodded. “So tell me what your thoughts are, and I’ll tell you mine.”

Gabriel cleared his throat, then told Santa they were obviously staying in Northernmost through Christmas Day, with Ana working the night shift to bring sweet dreams to the people here while he patrolled with the security team. After Christmas, they’d visit their families and take their time deciding where their future lay. Gabriel honestly didn’t care as long as he and Ana were together. It sounded trite, but it was true. He would be happy anywhere as long as he had her in his arms while they rested. He’d love to be with his pack, but they could make their own pack with her family or here in Northernmost, too.

“I’m a little worried about Nightmare targeting us,” Ana said. “But I can’t help that and will just have to deal with it when he does.”

Gabriel growled softly. He immediately thought of what it was like to see Ana trapped in Nightmare’s terror.

“I think he’ll target our people more as well, and you specifically. I have something to help.” Santa got up and went to the mantel, lifted a small box, and brought it over. The glossy wood box held a ring. The ring was made of thin gold strands braided together and set with tiny pale blue stones.

“Oh, it’s lovely,” Ana said. She took the ring and tried it on several fingers until she found it fit perfectly on the first finger of her right hand. “It feels powerful.”

“It is,” Santa said, taking his seat behind the desk. “It will protect your mind while you work, but especially while you sleep. It’s a ward that will keep evil out of your subconscious. I spoke to Sandman yesterday about the way Nightmare literally infects good dreams with nightmares, and while this isn’t foolproof, it will make it more difficult for him to give you nightmares and trap you in the loop of terror he seems to enjoy.”

“Oh, wow. That would be amazing.” She rubbed her thumb on the ring and smiled, but the smile slipped quickly. “You can’t make these for everyone.”

Santa shook his head. “I’m sorry I can’t. The power needed to make a ward like this is significant, and it’s not something I’m able to do for a large group.”

“Thank you,” she said.

Gabriel grunted. “I was planning to give her a ring too, but mine won’t have magical properties.”

Santa grinned and settled back in the chair with a laugh. “Sorry, my boy. But yours will come from the heart, and that makes it infinitely more valuable.”

“I can’t wait for that ring too,” Ana said.

“Whatever you decide for your future after Christmas, just know that you both have a place here if you want it. And if I can be of any help, reach out.”

“Thank you, Santa,” Gabriel said.

“You know, I once asked you for a pony,” Ana said as she rose to her feet with Gabriel. “And I’m curious why I never got it.”

Santa’s brow arched and his eyes flashed bright blue for a moment. “Where would you put a pony? You live in a subdivision with a postage-stamp yard.”

“I assumed the pony would come with a larger yard.”

He let out a bellowing laugh and said, “I deliver toys, not zoning permits.”

“Fair enough,” she said.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Gabriel said. “I’m in the throes of planning an epic date for my mate, and then the guys and I are going to shift and run around afterward while the girls talk.”

“Sounds like a fun time. Enjoy and be safe.”

They said goodbye to Santa and left the offices. There was something magical about the time leading up to Christmas with the toy builders hustling, the wish lists pouring in, and the naughty and nice lists being checked twice.