Loving Blitz (11 page)

“Jack?”

Jack’s frown deepened. “You two shouldn’t be here.”

“Forgive me, but it’s terribly important.” Cupid came to stand before the imposing winter spirit. “You must forgive Rudy for what he did. I know he should have told you, but he loves you more than life itself. He couldn’t bear to hurt you. It’s like that when you care so deeply for someone. Their pain becomes your own.”

“Cupid, your loyalty is admirable, but—”

“Let him finish,” Blitz demanded gently.

Jack arched an eyebrow at Blitz, his boldness surprising Cupid as well.

“By all means, continue.”

“I too kept a secret from those I cared for very much. From my Rein Dear brothers, from my Captain, from you, and from… the elf who captured my heart centuries ago.”

Jack widened his eyes, and he looked from Cupid to Blitz and back before his expression softened. “Seems to be a lot of that going around lately.”

Blitz took hold of Cupid’s hand and gave it a squeeze, helping him gather his nerves.

“I knew it was wrong of me to hide what I was—what I am—but I was scared of losing those I cared for. Of hurting them, or worse. I feared I’d put them in danger. I see now that I should have had more faith in them.”

“And what is this secret?”

“It’s true I’m part winter faery and part elf. But I’m not a Christmas elf. I’m….” Cupid held his head high. “I’m Dockalfar. The elf who gave Hollis the spell to sabotage Rudy’s plane, the one who has torn us apart, is my brother.”

Jack jumped to his feet. “What?” He loomed over Cupid with a menacing growl, but Cupid stood his ground. He had to make things right.

“I’m prepared to face whatever punishment you see fit.”

“You’re a dark elf, and you hid that from us? Why shouldn’t I lock you up with Hollis?”

Blitz pushed himself between Jack and Cupid. “Cupid is no different now than when you thought he was a Christmas elf. Nothing has changed.”

“Everything has changed! Dockalfar are manipulative, wicked liars and tricksters. Look what his lies have brought us!”

“No,” Blitz snapped. “Gunne’s actions are his own. When you lost your heart to the ice, Rudy never saw you as the monster most would have seen. He loves you. Has always been by your side, no matter what a miserable, unbearable bastard you have been at times.”

“You dare—”

“I bloody double dare, Frost! Get off your high horse and take a look at what you stand to lose for the sake of your pride.” Blitz turned to Cupid. “Show him.”

Cupid swallowed hard. He shook himself from his stupor and nodded. He held his palm open to show Jack the tiny seed. Concentrating very hard, he did what the king told him. He was part winter faery. He had to believe there was more inside him than darkness. Gritting his teeth, he summoned the life inside, drawing it out from its seed. A flower blossomed, glowing white and blue. It was a rose whose beauty could not be rivaled, the edges of its petals frosted over, and at its center a glowing warmth.

“It can’t be….” Jack edged closer, hesitating as he eyed the flower. “Is that…?”

“An Elska rose, like the ones your mother grew in her garden.”

Tears sprang in Jack’s eyes, his fingers hovering over the petals. “Where did you find it?”

“Rudy. He sent us to find it. For you. He wanted it to be a surprise. For your wedding day, so that you might have a piece of her.”

Jack’s head shot up, and a tear sprang free to roll down his cheek. “Rudy asked you to find an Elska for me?”

“Yes.” Cupid handed Jack the flower, knowing Jack would cherish it and preserve its beauty.

Jack studied the Elska for the longest time before speaking up, his voice rough with emotion. “I fear I may have made a terrible mistake.”

Cupid placed his hand on Jack’s and smiled. “We all make mistakes. It’s important we atone for them.”

“I have some groveling to do. I was….”

“An ass,” Blitz offered cheerfully.

Jack arched an eyebrow at him. “Thanks.” His expression softened as he turned his gaze on Cupid. “Thank you. I need to place this somewhere safe, and then go home to Rudy.”

“Good luck.” Cupid watched him go. They’d done all they could. Now it was up to Jack to mend the rift between him and Rudy.

“Let’s go home.” Blitz took hold of Cupid’s hand, and Cupid could barely contain his joy. Home. With Blitz.

“Let’s go home,” Cupid agreed.

JUST AS
Cupid had hoped, Jack apologized profusely to Rudy, though Cupid was certain there was plenty of groveling and sweet kisses involved as well. The wedding remained on track, and there was a celebration at Jack’s palace to announce the wedding date. Everyone cheered and applauded when Rudy announced the wedding would take place in Jack’s vacation palace in Svalbard, Norway beneath the Northern Lights on the second of February, in honor of Jack’s mother, as that had been her birthday.

Cupid couldn’t help but notice Major Hollis wasn’t in attendance.

“What’s going to happen to Hollis?” Blitz asked Jack.

“Rudy has remained true to his word. He’s not pressing charges and insists it was an accident. Ginger, his mechanic, has testified to the dark magic found in Rudy’s plane. My father found Fig, who proved as a witness. There’s also the extensive file on my cousin’s character and his history in our military as a Toy Soldier. The courts have been swift and discreet. No word will get out of my cousin’s brief imprisonment. He is guilty of sabotage and will be joining the Rein Dears in building gingerbread houses for the less-fortunate elves. They release him in three days.”

Cupid stared at Jack. “Hollis will be building gingerbread houses with us?”

“For some time. I know he didn’t mean to hurt Rudy, but the fact remains he should have given more thought to his actions.” Jack smiled ruefully. “A trait that seems to run in the family.” He cocked his head as he studied Cupid. “I suppose this means your secret remains safe?”

Cupid couldn’t help his blush. “Mayor Kringle and I are going to discuss a way to release it to the public. I’ve had enough secrets to last me an eternity.”

“Where’s Dasher?” Rudy asked curiously. “I haven’t seen him at all tonight.”

“I don’t know,” Cupid replied worriedly. “We haven’t seen him since we went to see the king the day before last. You don’t think the king’s imprisoned him or frozen him?”

Jack waved a hand in dismissal. “My father undoubtedly scared the berries out of him. He’s most likely recovering from a bruised ego somewhere.”

“And your father?” Cupid asked.

Jack shrugged. “No doubt hiding away in his library. He’s content there. We’ll see him at the wedding.”

There was an outburst of gasps and murmurs at one end of the room, and Cupid turned to see his big brother. “Calder?”

Jack rolled his eyes. “For holly’s sake, another one? How many brothers do you have?”

“Only the two,” Cupid assured him.

Jack was ready to leap into action when Cupid stopped him. “Wait! Please. Calder isn’t like Gunne. He’s never hurt anyone.”

“And you expect me to trust him?” Jack fumed. “After what happened?”

“Please, give him a chance to speak.” Cupid turned as his large and daunting brother came to a stop beside them. Calder was always the quieter of the two. It might have been years since Cupid had interacted with his brothers, but he remembered Calder always being gentle with him when he was but a tiny elfling.

Calder loomed over them, even over Jack. A giant among elves. Calder’s long white hair was tied neatly at his back, his tunic stretched over his broad chest, and his shirt’s sleeves pulled over his muscular arms when he moved them.

“Why are you here?” Jack demanded. “Has your family not caused enough heartache?”

Calder narrowed his eyes at Jack, but his deep baritone voice held no ill will. “I have come to apologize for my brother’s despicable behavior.”

“And why is your brother not here to apologize?” Blitz asked warily. He held Cupid close to him.

“My brother is facing justice for his crimes. When Cupid chose the light, an oath was made by our family not to interfere in his life. My father is an elf of his word, as am I. My brother has allowed himself to be consumed by his pain and anger. He will cause you no more harm.” Calder turned to Cupid and smiled warmly. “My, look at how you’ve grown.”

“Not nearly as much as you! You could have spared me a few feet,” Cupid teased. He realized now how much he missed Calder. His oldest brother had never been like the others. Always quiet and off on his own.

Calder let out a hearty laugh. He knelt down and held his arms out. Cupid didn’t hesitate. He threw himself into Calder’s embrace.

“How I’ve missed you, little brother. The Dockalfar have the most absurd rulings.” Calder hugged him close, but was mindful of his size. He pulled away and wiped a tear from Cupid’s cheek. “What’s this, now?”

“I’m sorry. I’m being silly. I did try very hard not to miss you, but seeing you here….”

Calder stood and patted his cheek. “Perhaps you might be seeing more of me.”

Jack looked from Cupid to Calder and back. “Cupid, I’m not certain that’s a good idea.”

“Don’t get your baubles in a twist, Frost.” Calder rolled his eyes. “Mayor Kringle has asked that I show Cupid how to wield his powers properly, so that there won’t be any more accidents.”

Frost gaped at him. “Mayor Kringle asked you to come?”

Calder bowed his head in respect. “Yes. I know you all have no reason to trust me, and yes, I am Dockalfar. But I have never embraced my kind’s ways. I have no desire to cause mischief or malice. I simply wish to lead my life in peace.”

Donner scoffed. “A likely story for a Dockalfar.”

Calder turned, his frown aimed at Donner. “You have strange eyes, elf.”

Donner blinked at him. “Already you insult me? Off to a great start, I see.”

“I meant no insult. I’ve never seen an elf with violet eyes.”

“Well, now you have.” Donner folded his arms over his chest. “Why should we trust you?”

“You shouldn’t.” Calder leaned into Donner and gave him a toothy grin. “I am a very wicked elf. Stand too close and I might just eat you up.” Calder snapped his teeth, and Donner gave a start. He took a step back before glaring at Calder, who laughed. Grumbling under his breath something about Calder being a pompous jackanapes, Donner took a step behind Blitz.

“So you’ll be staying in North Pole City for a while?” Cupid asked hopefully. He turned to Jack. “Please, Jack. I promise I’ll keep an eye on him. He’s nothing like Gunne. I swear to you. Mayor Kringle wouldn’t ask him if he didn’t trust him.”

Jack considered his request carefully. He opened his mouth to answer, but a sigh escaped him instead. His gaze hardened as he observed Calder. “Your brother has great faith in you. Don’t make me regret this.”

Calder simply nodded.

Rudy’s expression turned sympathetic. “You two do realize what a stir this will cause in the city. I fear most may not feel the same way about your brother as you. They will fear him.”

Calder placed a hand on Cupid’s shoulder and gave him a reassuring wink. “Nothing I haven’t faced before. I’ll be fine.”

Jack and Rudy continued to make their rounds as everyone went back to chatting. Cupid was quite certain many were discussing his brother. Calder would show them. Not all Dockalfar were mean-spirited.

“Oh!” Cupid beamed widely at his brother. “Calder, this is Blitz. My, um, sweetheart.” Cupid felt himself blush furiously as Calder’s eyes widened.

“Your sweetheart?” Calder grinned widely. “That’s wonderful!” He scooped Blitz up in a crushing bear hug. “I’m so happy for you both!”

“Thank you,” Blitz squeaked. He was promptly placed on his feet.

“Well, I’ll leave you to your festivities. I’m staying at the Pine Needle Inn on Candy Cane Lane. We’ll have dinner soon.”

Cupid gave his brother a big hug and waved him off. He was so glad Calder came. It was so long since he’d seen him.

“He’s not at all like Gunne, is he?” Blitz said. “Why didn’t he choose the light like you did?”

“Calder is the oldest. He was meant to carry on our father’s Dockalfar name. He’s tried, but I could always tell his heart wasn’t in it. He simply didn’t wish to disappoint father. By now he should have married, but father doesn’t know his preference leans more toward elves than sugarplum faeries. Gunne, on the other hand, seems to go through sugarplum faeries like Mayor Kringle goes through cookies.”

“You seem happy.” Blitz pulled Cupid into his arms and kissed him.

“I am happy. Jack and Rudy are together again and set to marry. I have my big brother back. And I have you.” Cupid nuzzled Blitz’s neck, dizzy on his wonderful scent. He melted against Blitz as they kissed, his heart filled with love and warmth. When others would have seen the darkness in him, Blitz saw only the light. Cupid had always wanted a home of his very own, and in loving Blitz, he’d found one.

More from Charlie Cochet

North Pole City Tales: Book One

All is not sparkly snowflakes and sweet candy canes in North Pole City. Office workers Tim and Noel do nothing all day but antagonize each other—petty fighting that might be based on hatred… or a heated mutual attraction. It’s up to Jack Frost and his elf-friend Rudy to broach the hostilities and introduce some Christmas kisses, but is the Frost Prince up to the challenge of launching a new romance when someone’s trying to break his holiday spirit?