Snowbound Christmas: The Christmas Collection, #4

By Heather Karn

A homesick polar bear. An unexpected mate bond. Can two different species fall in love?

 

Flint is feeling the sting of rejection when his brother, Bryar, alpha of the polar bear pack, asks him to live at Christmas Village as their representative. With concern, because polar bears are tight knit pack animals, Flint agrees. Little did he imagine that by going to Christmas Village, he would find his fated mate, something polar bears normally don't have.

 

While processing his shock, Flint is called upon to aid the elves when the worst storms Christmas Village has ever seen assault the North Pole. Between snow removal and learning about his new home, Flint tries to endear himself to his new mate. But as the weather worsens, and his concern about not being romantic enough heightens, can Flint prove he's the man his mate has been searching for?

 

"Snowbound Christmas" is the fourth novel in the Christmas Collection series following elves, dragons, and shifters. If you enjoy warm-hearted holiday stories with a bit of a paranormal twist, fated mates, and slow burn romance, "Snowbound Christmas" is for you! Buy now to have your heart warmed with Christmas cheer!

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather Karn
• Release date: Jun 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9781957119311

Book preview

According to my sister-in-law, Jolly, the cement floors of the barn were clean enough to eat off. I didn’t believe it for a second, and I wouldn’t be testing her theory, not even if my Alpha brother ordered me to do it. Not that Bryar would. He’d rolled his eyes behind his mate when she’d stated that fact yesterday. Jolly had also turned in time to catch him, and she smacked Bryar on the arm for doubting her.

That about summed up their relationship.

It was disgustingly cute, and I envied them.

A lot.

Even now, watching them hang ornaments on the giant pine in the corner of the barn, I had to plaster a smile on my face. I couldn’t be happier for my brother, finding love again after the death of his first mate. It just bothered me that he’d found love twice, and I couldn’t even find it once. That didn’t seem fair, but life wasn’t always fair. Our pack had learned that the hard way until we’d met Jolly.

Movement near the barn door drew my attention to a smiling blonde elf, who scanned the room. The moment our eyes locked, hers rounded and she spun on her heel and left the same way she’d come, through the tarped off tunnel connecting the lodge’s kitchen to the barn. It would provide safe passage for elves, polar bears, dragons, and wolves for tonight’s party if they wanted to come and go between the barn and lodge. However, watching the elf disappear into the tunnel, my heart ripped open a little further.

I wasn’t in the mood for partying, but I’d given Jolly my word that I’d attend. In return, she’d promised to make sure that I’d be seated far from Marta, the blonde elf who’d raced away from me just now. Sighing my displeasure at the turn of events in my life, I stepped up on the ladder standing beside me to tie the evergreen garland to the top of the wooden beam that crossed the barn’s width. First I’d have to wind the garland around the entire beam and then I’d have to attach large red bows to it with a few ornaments mixed in, per Jolly’s orders. I wasn’t the only one assigned this job. Several other polar bear shifters, and a few dragons, were busy doing the same task while even more were busy setting up additional trees and other Christmas décor.

This task may have been pointless to me, but it kept my mind off my misery and thoughts of my talk with Marta last night. I’d finally mustered the courage to tell her how I felt, how I was falling head over paws for her, but it hadn’t ended how I’d hoped it would. Instead, I wound up being friend-zoned. However, it appeared that I’d made things that much more awkward between us to the point that she couldn’t even stand to be in the same room with me, let alone remain friends. I fought not to sigh as I tugged the evergreen around the wooden beam a bit too harshly.

What’d that garland ever do to you, Flint? a deep, feminine voice laughed from below me and I couldn’t help but grin as I turned to stare down at the dragon shifter female watching from beside the ladder. Her arms were crossed as she arched a deep red brow at me. She was one of the dragons who’d pulled the sleigh that had brought Jolly to us, and she’d helped patrol the area afterward to protect us.

I shrugged and tugged on the evergreen again, this time with far more gentleness. Just taking out my frustrations on it, I guess.

Well, don’t let an elf see you, she muttered with a soft snicker. They’ll go postal on you like you just insulted their best friend.

Point taken. I’ll be more careful.

Is there anything I can do to help with your frustrations?

This time, I did sigh. Nope, I don’t think so. However, I wouldn’t mind some company if you aren’t busy with something else.

Nope, I’m not busy at all. Don’t tell Jolly that. In fact, if anyone asks, I’m helping you keep this garland evenly spaced and uniform. Actually, loosen that section a little. Yup, that’s perfect.

We worked as a pair the whole way across the barn, and Lizzette’s presence kept my mind off Marta. When the evergreen garland was all in place, the dragon shifter assisted with the bows, both of us starting at opposite ends and we met in the middle, where we grabbed the silver ornaments and worked our way back to the outside.

Well? I asked her when we met in the middle once again, this time both of us on the ground instead of ladders.

She brought a long finger up to tap her lips as she studied our work. Well, I think we make a great team. Not only does ours look the best, but we did it faster than anyone else. Not that it’s a competition…

But it doesn’t hurt, I finished for her as Jolly skipped over to assess our progress.

Very nice, she praised, beaming at our work. If you two were elves, this whole building would look fabulous, and in half the time it’s taking us.

Lizzette snorted, setting her balled hands on her hips, drawing my attention to her slim figure. I’d noticed the woman was gorgeous the first time I’d seen her, but I’d been so focused on Marta, I hadn’t allowed myself to think about Lizzette in that way. Then, I’d learned from Barkely, the other dragon who’d brought Jolly to us, that dragons had a fated mate. That meant one thing: I could look, but that was all. She already belonged to another, even if she had no idea who that dragon was.

And exactly what are the elves doing? Lizzette shot back to the head elf.

Decorating cookies, rehearsing for the live entertainment, and cooking. Jolly beamed up at us. The poor thing didn’t even stand as tall as my shoulders, and I was average height for a polar bear. This party is going to be the party of the year.

It had better be, Lizzette grumbled under her breath, making Jolly narrow her eyes at the dragon, but she wisely kept her thoughts to herself.

Elves could go a bit overboard when it came to anything Christmas, or celebrating anything. Tonight was a celebration that the treaties between the elves, polar bears, and wolves had finally been put in place. All people involved were hoping this led to a long, blissful peace between the races. Since I was training to be Bryar’s Beta, I was almost as hopeful as my brother that the tensions would ease and remain calm for many years to come.

A large hand slapped against my back, and I stiffened, ready for an attack before I recognized my brother standing beside me. Too much time spent expecting a surprise ambush had left me jumpy, even if peace was on the horizon. Bryar noticed and quirked his head at me, giving me a wry smile.

Jumpy much?

Long day, I grumbled, turning away from him to study my handiwork again.

Well, just remember, there’s food at the end of this long day. He nudged my shoulder with his. Until then, why don’t you help me set up the tables and chairs so the elves can decorate them?

Staring across the room at the rows upon rows of table and chair carts loaded down, my shoulders sunk. There was no getting out of this. Bryar may have asked, but he was the Alpha. He wouldn’t accept anything less than my compliance.

Yes, Alpha.

Bryar set his hand on my shoulder when I moved to cross the room, stopping me before I could take a step. He pulled against me, forcing me to turn and face him. The soft, narrowed gaze he shot me was a rare moment of openness he only showed to few people.

You know, Flint, sometimes I’m just your brother speaking to you and not your Alpha, just like it was with Dad.

I only nodded, not willing to admit I never could tell when Dad was being the Alpha or my father. The two of them were so alike, and I was…not like them at all. I preferred to have fun and play around while Dad and Bryar were all business and thinking about the pack. If I had to guess why Bryar hadn’t given me the Beta position yet, it was for that exact reason.

Let’s get back to work, I told him, lifting one side of my mouth in what I hoped was a grin and not a grimace. We don’t want to keep the elves waiting.

Indeed, Bryar laughed, stepping forward to cast Jolly a wink. Her cheeks reddened from his attention before she ducked her head. Again, their flirting was disgustingly cute.

I’d better go start those tables. Do you want to help me? I asked Lizzette, who appeared just as uncomfortable around the newly mated couple as I was in that moment.

Her gaze was one of utter relief as she took hold of my free arm and pulled me out of Bryar’s hold toward the tables. Yes. Let’s go.

Hauling me after her, Lizzette strode with purpose across the room, weaving past a couple ladders that were in our path as those using them finished hanging ribbons and ornaments. While the decorations were uniform, the hanging style was not, which was probably driving Jolly nuts. To her credit, she’d remained silent and let us work. Christmas wasn’t a huge part of our lives like it was for the elves, especially Christmas all year long.

How do you do it? I asked Lizzette when we reached the first table cart. We rolled the first circular table from the rack and to the opposite corner of the building where we proceeded to unlock the legs and stand it up.

Do what?

Live with Christmas all year long? I don’t mind Christmas for a few months, but doesn’t it get old living where it’s Christmas every single day of the year?

She thought about it for a second, shrugged, and turned to go grab another table with me on her heels. Not really. If you could see Christmas Village, you’d understand. It’s a way of life for the elves, and not only is it beautiful, but there’s just something about it. A spirit of love and peace that can’t be described, similar to what everyone else feels during the Christmas season, only amped up to a much higher level. That never grows old. You see, it’s more than just the decorations and things. When we reached the tables, Lizzette slowed and placed a hand over my heart. The elves in Christmas Village carry this spirit with them wherever they go, and they manifest it in the only way they know how: by decorating, singing, and overall making Christmas explode. It’s who they are at their core.

Then explain the elf who ran this place before Jolly, I directed, grabbing the next table from the cart as Lizzette bit her lip. The elf in reference had been a monster of a man. There was no way the Christmas spirit resided in someone like him.

Lizzette helped stand the table up when we had it in place near the first, nibbling her lower lip as she thought. Some people are dark inside and no amount of light can break through it and soften their heart. I’m sure there are polar bears out there who want nothing to do with packs and your peaceful way of life.

That was true. Some withstood the need we had to be close to our kind, and not just within proximity to one another. Like many other shifters, our kind needed physical touch. It was comforting and unifying. There were those who refused it, for reasons no one understood. Apparently this previous elf’s reaction fell under this unknown cause of behavior.

We had several more tables in place when I searched for Bryar. Hadn’t he been the one to suggest this? So, why wasn’t he helping us?

My eyes landed on him and Jolly, still standing where we’d left them, but they’d been joined by a tall, muscular man in red velvety pants, white shirt, black boots, and red suspenders. If the outfit hadn’t given him away, his snow-white hair and short cropped beard would have. Santa was more of an athletic man than I’d thought before meeting him. The bowl full of jelly description was nowhere near correct.

They were speaking too soft, and there was too much other noise for me to even hear their voices, let alone understand what they were saying to one another. Giving up even attempting it, I helped Lizzette set out chairs around the tables we’d already set up. A group of elves entered the building, their arms loaded down with canvas bags filled to exploding. They set them down on the first table they came to, and Santa, Bryar, and Jolly slipped out after the last elf had entered the barn.

It wasn’t long until the scents of cinnamon and pine mixed and mingled throughout the barn, cutting through the lingering scents of disinfectant and oil. Lizzette and I were joined by the other shifters in the barn, and together we could barely keep up with the table and chair preparation before elves were trying to decorate it. It wouldn’t even be an exaggeration to say they were attempting to decorate as we rolled the table across the room. One elf wound up in the medical room when her toes were run over by a table being rolled at top speed to reach its place. It wouldn’t have been too bad except that she’d been barefoot at the time and she was a tiny thing.

Well, that should do it, Lizzette stated, stepping away from the last table we’d set up as the decorating crew took over. Now what?

I shrugged and stared around the space. It had truly been transformed from a barn for tractors and wagon storage into an elaborate party room. I never would’ve believed it possible, but I was finding I greatly underestimated elves. That was something I needed to rectify.

My mouth opened to respond to Lizzette when I caught sight of Clayton, Bryar’s current Beta, stalking toward us. His blonde hair was almost golden, and it shimmered in the light drifting in through high windows and the artificial lighting inside. Like usual, he frowned at me. Not only was he the pack Beta, but he was Bryar’s best friend, and I was sure everyone wanted him to stay Bryar’s Beta since they worried I wouldn’t do a good job. If I was honest with myself, Clayton was by far the better choice, but I was loathe to admit it aloud. I was the Alpha’s brother. It was my place. Whether or not I was qualified was another thing altogether.

Bryar needs you to join him in Jolly’s office, Clayton announced in his no-nonsense manner, going straight for the matter at hand. He wasn’t one for small talk or unnecessary pleasantries if he could avoid it.

I’ll see you around, I told Lizzette before following Clayton from the building and through the connecting tunnel to the lodge.

He stepped aside when we reached the meal hall since Billow, his pregnant mate, was helping prepare some food for tonight at one of the tables. That left me to finish the walk to Jolly’s office on the second floor. The lodge was pretty much deserted with everyone either out in the Christmas tree fields or in the barn and kitchen preparing for tonight.

Jolly had told me repeatedly that I didn’t have to knock before entering her office, but I’d only followed through once and found her and Bryar making out. That was the end of never knocking on her office door again. She’d apologized profusely while Bryar had tried to hide a grin behind his hand. Again, cute but disgusting.

My knock was answered a few seconds later by my brother, and the emotion in his eyes was unreadable. For once, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and he was trying to keep all emotion from his face as well. He never did that to me. For that reason alone, my body and mind went on alert, sensing discomfort from Bryar even if I couldn’t see it.

What’s wrong? I asked before he had time to invite me into the office.

He tried for a smile, but it appeared pained. Santa would like a word with you.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the office was my sister-in-law’s strained smile. The next was Santa sitting in one of the two guest chairs. Jolly was rarely without a wide, cheery smile, so whatever they’d left the barn to discuss was big, and that it involved me was terrifying. Heart pounding hard in my chest, I turned to Bryar.

Please tell me what’s going on? You’re all acting weird and it’s freaking me out. Did I do something wrong? For the life of me I couldn’t figure out what that could be, but Bryar was already shaking his head.

No, no you’re fine. Please relax.

Like you’re relaxed?

Bryar furrowed his brow and a gentle pressure pressed against my mind: his Alpha power.

Flint, sit down. Please. He tacked the last part on as an afterthought while I made my way to the only other empty chair: the one sitting beside Santa, who gave me the first welcoming smile since I’d knocked.

Hello, Flint, he greeted me, eyes sparkling with cheer. This was one part of the few characteristics of Santa humans had right.

Hi, Santa. I glared up at Bryar as he passed me to stand beside Jolly’s executive chair. He rested his elbow on the back and stared at me, his lips pressed into a thin line. He hated using his Alpha influence on anyone, but he did it when necessary. Releasing a deep sigh, I turned back to Santa. Bryar said you wanted to speak with me.

That’s true. I have a proposition for you. Santa leaned toward me, resting his elbow on the armrest of his chair. I’m leaving for Christmas Village in the morning, and I’ve been contemplating how to best continue working with the polar bears while I’m there. You have unique customs that the dragons don’t have, and I wish to learn more from you, and I want to have a liaison in Christmas Village, an ambassador, if you will, with the pack.

Okay…

I’ve asked Bryar if he’d let you come with me to be that ambassador.

The words hung in the air as my chest squeezed. A clock on the wall ticked away the time second after second as I allowed Santa’s statement to settle into the nether reaches of my brain. When my mouth could form words, I looked to Bryar. However, I didn’t need to ask him what his decision was. It was written all over his face, from his pained expression to his tight-lipped frown.

I was accompanying Santa to Christmas Village.

Taking a long, deep breath to steady my nerves, I tried to process what was happening. Santa wanted me as an ambassador of the polar bears and he wanted me in Christmas Village. Christmas Village. My stomach dipped and the room swam. I did the only thing I could think of in that moment and stuck my head between my knees as my breathing became labored.

Hands on my shoulders anchored me as panic fought to set in. Easy, Flint. It’s okay, Bryar murmured. We knew this would be difficult for you, which is why we brought you here instead of telling you in front of the others. There was no easy way to tell you this.

Why me? I gasped, holding onto his arms for dear life.

Because you’re smart, dependable, loyal, and the most elf-like bear in the pack. Jolly says you’ll fit in the best of anyone.

I’m going by myself? My voice pinched and I whipped my head up to stare into his light blue eyes, the same shade as mine.

Bryar hesitated, his lips pressed together again and the corner of his eyes crinkled. "Yes, you’re going alone. I can’t spare anyone else in the pack right now. With spring and summer coming and all the work that