Page 38 of Naughty

Chapter11

Kris

As the sleightouches down inside the barn, all I can think about is Noel. If everything is planned right, she should be tucked away in our bed with Asmon and Caitlin nearby. Leaping out of the sleigh, I quickly go to each reindeer and touch their forehead in thanks for a safe flight.

The halls are dim as I make my way through. As I pass by my study, I notice the faint glow coming from within. Easing my way around the door, I spot Asmon in my chair with a book. His eyes leap towards mine as I step inside, his body coiled and ready to attack. Once he realizes it's me, he slumps back into the chair and thumbs back through the book.

"I was certain you'd fall right out of the sky."

"Your faith in me is astounding."

Reaching into my bag, I hand Asmon two parcels. Caitlin's name twinkles up from the larger of the two.

"Since Caitlin truly is on the nice list, I supposed she deserves a gift from me. I can't let her near my computer, but she ought to have one of her own."

Smirking, Asmon sets the gift down on the chair as he stands up.

"Great. Just what she needs. Another distraction. Seriously though, she'll love it."

I watch his face as he opens his own package. Asmon stands there for a moment, his body tense. The small, misshapen lump of wood sits in his hands.

"Where did you find this?"

"Father Christmas always knows the heart of a nice boy or girl."

He smirks and gives my arm a light punch before running his fingers over the crude whistle. Bringing it up to his lips, he blows through it, letting loose the sound of a squeaky train.

"I found it years ago and refused to give it to you. Every Time I saw it, I remembered you and Father whittling away, laughing and telling stories. Back then, I didn't understand. To me, you were just one more person taking away his affections. I hope this can be the start of us mending our bridges."

Without a word, Asmon engulfs me in a giant hug. I pause in shock for several moments before wrapping my arms around him to hug him back. Just before it gets awkward, I slap his back and pull away.

"Go be with your mate for Christmas. I'm certainly going to be with mine."

He gathers up his presents and makes his way down to his guest room. I give him some time before I make my way to Noel. Reaching down into my pocket, I finger her gift, smiling as I get closer. I ease the door open, listening for a moment, waiting to hear her soft snores before walking in. As silent as possible, I pull out her gift and strip out of my clothes. Making my way around the room, I light the candles I left there before I had to go on my Christmas run, and I watch the firelight play over her body.

Noel's body is warm and inviting as I crawl into bed next to her. Pulling her to my chest, I bury my nose in her hair and inhale her scent. I lie there, wrapped up in her until my body feels heavy and drowsy with sleep. Shaking my head, I force myself to stay alert. This is Noel's first Christmas with me, and I want it to be one she'll remember forever. Turning her in my arms, I run my nose alongside hers before brushing my lips across her forehead.

She squirms for a moment before cracking an eye open. As her gaze focuses on me, they pop open as she gasps. Launching herself at me, she peppers my face and chest with kisses. If this is what I have to look forward to every Christmas, I won't mind the agony of being separated quite as much. Pulling her away, I draw her up until she's sitting next to me. I brush her hair out of her face and smile down at her.

"Since it's after midnight, I suppose I can say Merry Christmas to you and possibly give you your present. Or we could go back to bed, and you can wait until morning."

Noel wriggles about as excitement fills her body.

"I would love to celebrate with you now."

Chuckling, I fist her present in my hands.

"I thought as much." Pausing, I look down at my hands then back up at her. "We are bonded mates, but I want to be more than that. You willingly submit to me with your body, heart, and mind, but if you'll accept me as your master, I want to make it official."

I open my hands, revealing a delicate, silver collar. The thin, mesh band is encrusted with diamonds that glint in the candlelight. Hanging from the middle is a crystal snowflake. Her eyes mist with tears as she stares down at it. Nodding, she pulls her hair back and looks at me, love shining from the depth of her eyes.

"I couldn't imagine a better way to start Christmas, Master Kris."

Slipping the collar between her raised arms, I clasp it about her neck. It fits perfectly. Gathering her into an embrace, I kiss her deeply, thanking the Fathers for my little Christmas elf. I pull her away for a moment and frown down at her.

"You realize this is forever, right? No take-backs."

She giggles and drapes herself over my thighs, arching her backside up into the air.

"As long as that means daily spanks, I guess I'll live."

Skimming my palm against her naked flesh, I give her a light smack.

"I think I can manage that."