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“Good luck,” Winter said.

When Royce was gone, True said, “I thought Frost always turned warlocks when he took their magic.”

“He does if they’re useful to him,” Winter said. “If he’s taking magic and essentially turning magical people human, then he must have enough turned followers in his army and is simply taking in the magic so he can replenish himself and them.”

“That’s really awful,” she said. “I can’t imagine not only being abducted but also losing that part of myself. It would be like not being able to shift anymore.”

“He takes fairies too,” Pixie said. “Not as often, because our shadow magic makes it difficult for him to find us, but every now and then he manages to take someone, and he always seems to turn them evil.” She shivered.

“If Frost keeps dropping magicless people farther outside the perimeter, eventually one will be too far for us to find,” Orin said.

“What if he’s doing it to see how far you’ll go?” True asked.

Winter hummed. “That’s possible. We’ve toyed with that idea, whether he’s just being an asshole because he can, or if he’s doing it for a reason. He’s so insane there’s no telling what his plans really are.”

“At least they found the warlock,” Pixie said. “And he’s safe now. I hate this time of the year. It’s so stressful even though everything is lit up with lights and bows.”

The conversation stopped dead for a few moments as they all considered the most dangerous time of year for magical people. Then True reached for Winter’s hand and said, “I don’t imagine the Guardians get too many quiet days here.”

He shook his head. “Not really. There are a finite number of us in the Guardians, but also among the elves on the security team. We have to work even when we find our mates.”

She gave him an understanding smile. “Do you have to work tonight?”

Hunter shook his head before Winter could answer. “I’m covering tonight. Pixie is gathering teeth, and if I don’t work when she does, my bear gets really grumpy missing her.”

“I’ll have to work tomorrow,” Winter said. “But maybe we can have a fun date tonight.”

“Isn’t this our date?” she asked.

“Well, something more fun,” he said. “Maybe with cheesecake?”

She gifted him with a sweet smile that made her eyes dance. “You’re speaking my love language.”

As the meal wound down, Pixie said, “I have a fabulous idea for your date.”

“Oh?” Winter asked.

Pixie pushed back in her chair and stood, and Hunter did too. “The roof garden. We had a date up there. It’s freaking magical.”

“Did you see the storm out there?” Winter asked, looking past her to the blowing snow through the windows.

“The elves put a temporary dome over the garden to protect the plants,” Hunter said. “And there are heat lamps too. I was on my way to the security office the other day and helped them carry up the lamps. It’s pretty nice up there.”

“That sounds really perfect,” True said.

“I have the best ideas,” Pixie said.

“You sure do,” Winter said.

“Have a great date,” Orin said. “And I’m not family, but I’m part of the polar bear clan, so welcome to the group.”

“Thanks,” True said.

They parted ways and bussed their dishes to the kitchen window. Then Winter took True’s hand and they walked over to the buffet line. “I need a cheesecake,” he said to Reece, one of the elves who worked in the bakery.

“A piece?” she asked.

“A whole one.”