Normal. Right. Because nothing about this situation screamed “normal.” Not the men who could shapeshift into reindeer, not the fact that my dad was apparently Santa Claus, and definitely not the way my heart raced every time one of them looked at me like I was the center of their entire world. Iwasn’t sure if I wanted to laugh, scream, or throw myself into the nearest snowbank and stay there until spring.
Don stepped forward, his hand brushing mine in a silent offer. His touch was grounding, like he knew exactly how off balance I felt. “It’s not far. We’ll take it slow.”
Slow. Sure. Because watching Don shift into a massive reindeer that could probably pull a freight train was slow and relaxing. The air shimmered around him like magic always did when they shifted. By the time he settled into his reindeer form, Pierce and Vix were already circling the sleigh, their hooves kicking up tiny clouds of snow.
Blitz nudged the sleigh with his head, gesturing for me to climb in. I hesitated. “If I fall out, I’m going to make the sharpest candy cane possible and seek revenge.”
Vix snorted, his breath puffing into the cold air. I shot him a glare but climbed in, sinking into the cushioned seat and pulling the thick blanket around my shoulders.
Don took the lead, magic lifting the harness and hooking him to the sleigh. I’d half expected us to lift off, but instead, we moved forward across the snow, gliding effortlessly. Don moved with a grace that shouldn’t have been possible for something so large. Blitz fell in beside him, his movements more energetic, like he was barely containing his excitement. Pierce and Vix flanked us, their hooves crunching in perfect rhythm.
We passed through a clearing and into the trees bowing under the weight of the snow, their branches sparkling as if they’d been dusted with glitter. The forest was quiet except for the sound of hooves and the occasional rustle of wind through the trees. It was beautiful in a way that made my chest ache, like I was seeing something I’d been missing my entire life.
It was far too quiet, and I cleared my throat. “I’m calling my father tonight. No more secrets. I want to know everything and why I’ve been lied to.”
Vix trotted closer to the sleigh, his eyes watching me with what looked like concern.
“Don’t give me that look. He owes me an explanation. Besides, I’m still not convinced this isn’t some elaboratehallucination. Maybe I hit my head at Sinclair’s, and I’m in a coma dream right now.”
Pierce veered close, his antlers nearly grazing the sleigh in what I took as a denial of my assessment of the situation.
“And another thing, how is this supposed to work between all of us? Do you guys... share girlfriends regularly? Is this a reindeer thing or a you thing?”
Blitz made a sound that suspiciously resembled laughter.
“That wasn’t a joke,” I muttered, though my cheeks warmed. “I’m curious about the logistics of dating eight magical men.” It pained me not to say nine, but Rudy had made his feelings toward me very clear.
Don looked back over his shoulder and gave me a wink.
“Eyes on the road, big guy! Does this thing come with insurance? It certainly didn’t come with a seatbelt.” I felt along the inside of the sleigh. “We’ll have to install one if you plan on flying me in this thing.”
Vix made a snorting noise, and I pointed a finger at him. “You might be very confident in your sleigh-flying abilities, but I am not.”
The trees thinned as we crested a hill, and the sleigh slowed as we reached the top. My breath caught in my throat.
Reinberg sprawled out before us, a picturesque winter village straight out of a storybook. Smoke curled from the chimneys of cozy cottages, and the streets were lined with twinkling lights. In the center of the village stood a massive Christmas tree, its branches adorned with glowing ornaments and topped with a glittering star. The air smelled of pine and cinnamon, and the faint sounds of laughter and music drifted toward us.
A frozen pond reflected the colors like a mirror, and tiny figures skated in graceful loops. Market stalls lined cobblestone streets, and in the distance, a magnificent clock tower rose above it all, its face glowing gold.
For a moment, all my worries and questions faded into the background, replaced by a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years. Something unfamiliar bloomed inside me, and a warmthwrapped around me like a hug, settling into my bones with quiet certainty.
I recognized it after a moment of confusion.
Joy.
The sleigh curved along a winding path until we reached an enormous barn with soaring timber beams. Lanterns hung from iron hooks, casting the cavernous space in a golden glow.
My reindeer escort slowed as the barn doors closed behind us, hooves clopping against the stone floor as we glided to a gentle stop in the center of the space. Workers stopped what they were doing, their attention drawn to the four reindeer. I clutched the blanket tighter around me, suddenly self-conscious.
A woman in a dark green cloak swept forward, her long blonde braid swinging as she moved. “Welcome back, boys!” She patted Don’s flank with easy familiarity, which immediately put me on edge. “All clear to shift. No tourists.”
The woman turned toward me, her bright smile freezing mid-welcome. Her eyes widened, lips parting in unmistakable recognition. It wasn’t the practiced pause of someone trying to place where they’d seen me before, but something deeper, like spotting a ghost walking in broad daylight.
“Oh!” She recovered quickly, smoothing her expression into something warm but careful. “Welcome to Reinberg. I’m Astrid.”
I stood from the sleigh on wobbly legs. “I’m Neve.”
Her eyes flickered over my face, lingering too long on my eyes and then my hair. “Yes. You certainly are.”
