She squeezed his arm.“Oh, Sebastian, this is incredible.”
His wolf was prancing like a show pony.
He pulled out her chair for her, then set the basket on the edge of the table and pulled out the meal that Morty had made for them.He’d told him to prepare whatever would make Emberlin fall in love with him, and the gruff elf had said food was powerful, but not quitethatpowerful.
He set two covered plates on the table and a bottle of cranberry cider with orange peels and cinnamon sticks.After taking off the lids, he set the basket under the table and read the card that Monty had slipped in.
“Lovebirds, your perfect first date starts with caprese salad followed by filet mignon in a red wine reduction and truffle mashed potatoes.Best wishes for a most magical evening, the staff of the dining hall.”
“Oh my gosh, he’s really very sweet,” she said.
When he’d taken his seat, he smiled at her and took her hand.“Happy first date, Emberlin.”
“Happy first date, Sebastian.”
* * *
The amazing meal was finished with a plate of handmade chocolate-covered strawberries courtesy of the chocolatiers.They sat at the table for a long time after the meal was over, watching the Northern Lights dance in the sky and talking about their lives.After dropping off the basket in the dining hall, they walked to the apartment.
“Hello, you two,” Santa said, waving from down the hall.“Congratulations on your mating.”
“Thank you,” Sebastian said.
“Thanks,” Emberlin said.
“How is your sister?”he asked.
“I’m not sure, actually.Struggling with what happened of course, and angry.She’s being cagey with me, so I’m trying to give her some space.”
“I’m sure she’ll be fine in time,” Santa said.“Thankfully he didn’t turn her evil.There were worse things than what happened.But that doesn’t ease what happened to her.”He paused, then said to Sebastian, “Before I forget, you’re coming back to work tomorrow?”
“Yes, I just took tonight off for our first date.”
“I wish you could take more time off to enjoy your mating, but this time of year, we need all hands on deck.”
“I understand, and it’s really okay.The important thing is that the Well of Magic is safe, and everyone here in Northernmost too,” Emberlin said.
Santa nodded with a smile, his eyes twinkling.“Sebastian, before your shift tomorrow, bring Emberlin to my office.If you’re up for it, I’d like to talk to you about utilizing your unique magical talents to help keep our people safe.”
“I’d be happy to,” she said.
“Absolutely,” Sebastian said.
“Did you talk to Mother Nature about your coven?”
“Not yet,” Emberlin said.
“You can stay in her coven even if your home address changes, such as if you both were going to stay here in Northernmost or eventually move to the wolf pack.The only time we minimize trips out of here is in December for safety reasons, but otherwise, you’re free to join in their ceremonies and gatherings whenever you’d like.It’s up to you of course, and you two did just meet.Just something to think about and discuss with her when the time is right.”
“Thank you, that’s good to know.”
They said goodnight to Santa and continued to the apartment.
He pulled her close as he shut the door.
“Sebastian?”
“Yeah, sweetheart?”
