I groaned but couldn’t deny she was right. Thinking of them had calmed the storm inside me almost instantly.
“Look there.” Mom gestured toward the far wall of the courtyard, where a section of crystal provided a clear view of the training fields beyond.
Nine reindeer moved in perfect synchronization across the snow, their powerful bodies executing whatever maneuvers they were working on. Even from this distance, I recognized them.
A physical ache bloomed beneath my ribs, like homesickness for the people standing right in front of me. My magic surged in response, but this time it wasn’t chaotic; it was a focused current flowing outward, reaching for them.
“The North Pole amplifies magical connections.” Mom’s voice softened. “What you’re feeling is normal for mates in proximity to each other.”
I walked to the wall and pressed my hand against the crystal window, watching as Rudy suddenly paused, his head lifting as if sensing something. The other reindeer followed suit, all turning toward the castle in perfect unison.
Toward me.
I traced my finger around the rim of a steaming mug, watching the miniature marshmallows slowly dissolve into the hot chocolate. The guys’ kitchen was cozy, with mismatched dishes in the cabinet, a dish towel with a reindeer wearing sunglasses thrown over the oven handle, and the lingering scent of whatever ridiculously delicious thing Dane had baked earlier.
Their North Pole cabin was essentially Klarhaven 2.0, but with extras. There was a massive game room with a pool table large enough to land a small aircraft on, a movie theater with recliners that practically swallowed you whole, and stables for when shifting back to human form was too much effort.
I’d chosen to process my Christmas identity crisis in the castle, but standing in their kitchen felt more like home than any crystal-encrusted royal bedroom ever could. The thought should have terrified me, but it didn’t. The castle impressed me, but this place disarmed me, sneaking past my defenses with warmth instead of splendor.
I could feel each of the guys moving through the house. There were nine distinct tugs on my soul, like someone had tied magical bungee cords between us.
“Are you going to drink that or continue your staring contest with it?” Kip leaned against the kitchen counter beside me, his eyes dancing with amusement.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’m strategizing the optimal whipped cream to chocolate ratio.” I squirted out the fresh whipped cream that Cole had whipped up and put into a canister.
“She’s nervous,” Vix called from across the room, where he was adjusting the collar of his crimson jacket. “First official public appearance as Santa’s daughter since her return. I’d be surprised if she weren’t.”
I lifted the mug to my lips, using the whipped cream mountain as a shield while I watched the guys preparing for the tree-lighting ceremony. They’d all dressed in coordinating outfits of deep greens, rich burgundies, and midnight blues that somehow looked festive without veering into tacky territory.
“It’s not a coronation,” I muttered into my drink.
Pierce took the mug from my hands and set it on the counter. “For the North Pole, it might as well be.” He wiped a smudge of whipped cream from my upper lip with his thumb. “The first Christmas with the Claus heiress returned.”
My stomach performed an elaborate gymnastics routine. “Don’t call me an heiress. It’s weird.”
“Would you prefer ice princess?” Dane smirked from where he was helping Don with his cufflinks. “Or perhaps her royal frostiness?”
I flipped him off, earning a chorus of laughter from around the room.
Blitz approached with a garment bag draped over his arm. “Your mom sent this over.”
As he held up the bag for me, I unzipped it to reveal a dress that made my breath catch. Deep red fabric with silver threading along the bodice that formed intricate snowflake patterns.
“Holy sugarplums,” I whispered in awe.
Cole’s warm hand settled at the small of my back. “Need help getting into it?”
My cheeks heated at the double meaning in his words. “I think I can manage clothing myself.”
“Pity.” Cole twisted away as I swatted at him on my way to change.
Alone in the guest bedroom, I shed my casual clothes and carefully slipped into the dress. The fabric settled against my skin, molding to my curves in a way that defied normal textile physics. When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself.
My silver hair cascaded over my shoulders, catching the light with every movement. The dress made my skin glow with an inner luminescence, and my eyes shimmered like sunlight through ice.
I touched my reflection, half-expecting my fingers to pass right through it.
A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.
