Fire & Ice Christmas, page 1
Fire & Ice Christmas
Megan Slayer
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2022 Megan Slayer
BIN: 010585-03440
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Changeling Press LLC
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www.ChangelingPress.com
Editor: Katriena Knights
Cover Artist: Bryan Keller
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Table of Contents
Fire & Ice Christmas
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Megan Slayer
Fire & Ice Christmas
Megan Slayer
Holly, mistletoe, big fir trees… plus fire and ice?
When it comes to Christmas, Isla is vital. She’s the water elemental in control of creating Christmas snow and ice. She frosts the windows and adds the perfect bit of snow to the trees. But being a water elemental in control of ice makes romance difficult. She can’t get close to anyone without putting on the big freeze. She needs the perfect man to balance her ice with a little heat.
Enter Fieren. The fire elemental knows she’s his counterpart, but they haven’t always gotten along. This Christmas he’s determined to forge a connection with Isla and make this chance last far beyond the holidays.
Magic happens at Christmas, and Fieren wants to make this one a holiday for the ages.
Chapter One
“You have to convince him to play along.” Santa nodded once. “Isla?”
She knew when she’d been summoned to the great ballroom that it was a mistake to answer the summons. She’d had the feeling she’d get conned into doing something. Santa didn’t make requests often, but when he did, they were doozies. This wasn’t going to be easy. Not by a long shot.
“We need him to make the sparkle and crackle for the party.” Santa shook his head. “Isla, you’re the only one who can convince him. He’s sweet on you. I bet he’d bend over backward for you.”
Isla folded her arms. She wasn’t fond of being pushed, but Santa knew how to get to her. Sweet on her. Fieren? Not possible. Bend over backward for her? Not a chance. She crooked her eyebrow. “How do you know this?”
“I’ve talked to him.” Santa rested his hands on his hips. His thick red suit jiggled when he laughed, and the fur pulled tight across his belly. “He tells me all sorts of things. It’s a gift because I’m Santa. Everyone one has a wish.”
“Right. And I’m his wish?” More like he wished she’d go far away. She knew Fieren too well. They might not be enemies -- rivals was a better term for it -- but he wasn’t fond of her.
“You’d be surprised.” Santa’s eyes twinkled. “We need both of you to help with the party. It won’t be Christmas Eve for the elves if there isn’t any fire or snow. That’s your forte. You bring the ice, snow and frost, while Fieren brings the fire. You can do it, and he’ll want to help.”
“Christmas Eve is tomorrow night. That’s a tall order, me conning him into helping. Especially for one night.” She shook her head. “I don’t think it’s feasible.”
A vision of Fieren filled her mind. The man was so annoying. He argued with her, constantly melted her ice, and she swore the flicker in his eyes never left. He went out of his way to make her life miserable. What was worse, he was handsome as hell and knew it. He wore his jet-black hair short on the sides and a little long on top, so it flipped over his brow, giving him a rakish appearance. His dark eyes twinkled, and his cropped moustache and beard added to his attractiveness. He walked with a swagger and wore his clothes tight enough that anyone could see he exercised.
He was sex on legs.
Every girl in Peppermint Valley wanted him, but none had him -- least of all her.
Did she want him?
No. He could take those sexy eyes and muscles somewhere else.
She bit back a groan. No matter how hard she tried, she’d never ignore the fact she did like him. He drove her nuts, but she wanted to get closer to him. Of course, she did…
Santa folded his arms, matching her stance. “Well? Are you going to do it?”
She didn’t want to. She was a proud elemental. An ice princess, of sorts. She flicked her fingers and snow appeared. What did she want with an annoying, know-it-all fire elemental who wore that suit way too well?
“Isla?” Santa tipped his head. “You’re thinking about it. You’re the only one who can create perfect Christmas snow. It’s all you. The ice isn’t as sparkly unless you’re the one who makes it, and the frost you make on the windows is top-notch. You’re my best ice elemental.”
She spied Fieren across the room. He’d shown up, eh? Of course, he had. Probably because Santa had called him. More like Satan… She swept her gaze over Fieren. He’d donned a blood-red suit, complete with a red-and-green plaid vest and his shiny dress shoes. He reminded her of a cross between the devil and a fire god, mixed with a businessman. Her mouth watered. Why did he have to look so good? Why did he have to be so… Fieren?
“Isla?” Santa laughed, and his belly really did jiggle like a bowl full of jelly. “Thank you.”
“I never said I would.” She hadn’t agreed at all.
“I can see it in your eyes. I’ll leave it to you,” Santa said. “I expect to see you both at the party tomorrow -- with the fire and ice.”
She gritted her teeth as Fieren approached. She hadn’t agreed to ask Fieren. Hadn’t even wanted to be around him. But here she was.
“Santa.” Fieren smirked. “I keep telling you we need to have a tropical Christmas this year. Do you know how many people would love that as the theme? The elves could show some skin, we could swim, barbeque, have fruit. It’d be a blast.”
She cleared her throat. Fieren knew she was standing there. He also knew the ways of the cosmos. Christmas meant snow. She made that snow. He had the summer, but she got the winter.
Santa chuckled. “You’re in fine form, Fieren.”
“Why not? It’s a great day for a little heat.” Fieren slid his gaze over to Isla. “You’re here.”
“Yes. I’m here.” She fought the urge to roll her eyes. “We need to speak.”
“What are we doing right now?” Fieren asked. “I’m talking. You’re talking.”
“I’m walking.” Santa waved and left them alone in the ballroom.
Of course, he was. Santa liked to start issues, then leave when they heated up. “Yeah.”
“Why are you so frosty?” Fieren asked. “Oh, wait. You’re an ice elemental. You’re supposed to be.” He laughed. “I crack me up.”
“You annoy the hell out of me.” Santa had to be half out of his mind to think she’d convince Fieren to help her. “What brings you to Peppermint Valley? Got tired of tanning?” Wit wasn’t her strong point.
“I’ve tanned all over. I’d ask if you want to look, but you’re so shy.” He clicked his tongue. “I’m here because the old elf asked me to show up. He’s vacated, so I’m not sure what he wanted. Looks like you and I are the only ones here.”
She gazed about. Shit. He was right.
He raked his fingers through his hair, making the action both effortless and sexy. “Are you reconsidering a snowy holiday? How about one with sand, sun and swimsuits?”
“I can’t do that.” She could -- if the suits were faux-fur lined and the sand was more like an ice-skating rink.
“You could if you tried. I bet if you lost a few layers, you’d be happier. You’re too buttoned-up.”
She had to be covered. She spent most of her time in snow.
“I bet if you unbuttoned that top button, you’d see the world isn’t such a bad place.” Fieren winked. “Might impress a few people.”
“So I have to change who I am to make someone -- I’m assuming you -- happy? No thanks.” He’d never listen to her, and he’d keep trying to make her into someone she wasn’t. And yet, Santa thought she’d get Fieren to listen. The old man should’ve asked him himself.
“Why do you always look like you want to kill me?” Fieren tucked his hands into his pockets. “Is every last bit of you covered in frost? Or is there a chance you’d melt just a little?”
He had no idea what he’d asked. Part of her wanted to stay guarded and safe behind her ice. She’d had her heart bro ken before and never wanted to go through that kind of hurt again. But how could Fieren know that? He barely paid her any attention unless it was to tease her. She was too prissy, too cold. She worried if she got close to another man, she’d accidentally freeze him to death. Guys didn’t like being chilled to the bone.
But part of her wanted to melt for him -- even if it was just a little. Something down in her belly tingled when he smiled at her. Her brain buzzed, like she’d downed too much caffeine. Her body ached for his touch, and her nipples beaded. She longed to feel his arms around her and hear him whisper something devilishly sexy in her ear.
Would he? Would he even want her?
“Ice princess?” Fieren curled his fingers under her chin, touching her for a split-second before pulling back. He tipped his head. “You have a peculiar look in your eyes. Isn’t Santa going to bring you anything under the Christmas tree? Or did he refuse to fill your stocking?” He snapped his fingers. “I know. He’s refusing to have Christmas snow, and you’re upset. Sometimes there just needs to be change, and this is the year.”
She swore she’d grit her damn teeth off. “That’s not it. None of that’s it.”
“Oh? Then what is?”
She summoned her strength and resolve. Santa had given her a job, and she’d do it. Would she be successful? She wasn’t sure, but at least he couldn’t say she hadn’t tried. “I have to speak to you.”
“Sounds like you already are.” His eyes flickered. “About?”
“The Christmas party this year. Santa wants me to ask you to work with me on the overall effect for the bash. Fire and ice. Or ice and fire. However you want to look at it.” She peered up at him. “Well? Will you help me with the Christmas bash for the elves?”
There. She’d asked. What did the fire elemental think about that?
* * *
Fieren wanted to answer with something snappy, but nothing came to mind. He’d run in the same circles as Isla for years. They’d been children together, and he’d watched her grow into the strong woman she was now. He thought he knew her.
Then she’d gone and asked that question. She wanted help. This woman, this elemental, never asked anyone for help. She hadn’t needed it, but still. She wanted assistance… from him.
He knew the elf party was coming up tomorrow. Every year the elves got one gigantic bash on Christmas Eve, starting right after Santa pulled away for his journey that night. The elves got the night to party, unwind and enjoy themselves while the big guy worked hard. After a week’s sleep, they all started right back up again, preparing for the next Christmas.
Tomorrow was the big bash. Santa always insisted on the party being fantastic -- plenty of music, dancing, more drinking than was probably possible, hooking up and a festive atmosphere -- which almost always meant snow, ice and frost. The trees looked better with a touch of snow. The windows seemed cheerier with a bit of frost. The blanket of snow on the ground added to the whimsy of the evening.
Except he didn’t agree. He wanted a bit of sand, some sun, plenty of bonfires to snuggle up by, maybe some palm trees, water… and barbeque. Was that too much to ask, to have a change of pace for the party? Maybe a theme each year?
She rested her hands on her hips. “You’re not even listening to me.”
He’d heard everything she’d said. He just hadn’t digested it yet.
“I don’t know why I bothered. I knew you wouldn’t do this.” She shook her head, then wandered away from him.
He watched her go, and his annoyance increased. She wasn’t supposed to leave him there. Wasn’t supposed to dismiss him this way. Who did she think she was?
“Wait.” He snapped his fingers. “I’m not done. I haven’t answered you.”
She turned on her heel and glared at him. “Did you just snap your fingers at me? Like I work for you?”
He’d meant to get her attention, not condescend to her.
She stood tall, even if she did stand nearly a foot shorter than him. “Look, I don’t know what you have against me, but I know you don’t like me. What’s your problem?”
He wanted to say something snappy this time, too, but she’d rendered him speechless. He saw her with new eyes. She wasn’t just a water elemental. She was a living being and darn cute. She’d been his nemesis for so long. Where he made light and heat, she created the festive feeling of Christmas with her snow and frost. But she wasn’t just her element. She was a beautiful woman, curvy and sexy, despite her buttoned-up appearance. He wanted to unwrap her like a gift and see what she hid under those long sleeves and skirt. He’d bet she was a knock-out.
“You can’t even answer me,” she said. “I should’ve known you weren’t going to treat this with any sort of seriousness.”
“Who says I’m not?” He just couldn’t get his brain wrapped around the idea that she needed him.
“Then why do you dislike me?”
He had to answer with intelligence and not his gut response. “Everyone likes you. How can they not? You bring snow, frost and ice. You’re the epitome of the Christmas spirit. You get the credit for making the party fancy because you blanket the area in snow and have just the right amount of ice and frost to make it pretty without being dangerous. I’m not even welcome around Christmas.” That wasn’t the most intelligent answer, but he couldn’t help himself.
She kept her arms folded, but her glare softened just a bit. “That’s why you tease me all the time?”
“Yes.” No. Hell, he wasn’t sure. “You don’t understand. I trip over myself when I’m trying to talk to you because I get the feeling you don’t like me.” There. He’d said that. He’d put it out there.
“I don’t like you because you don’t seem to care for me. Whenever you’re around me, you make disparaging remarks, you tease me and you act like I shouldn’t be here.”
Whenever he looked at her, he wanted to speak to her. He didn’t want to argue with her, but rather taste her kiss and feel her in his arms. The push-pull between wanting to give her hell because he was jealous and wanting to hold her because he was so damn attracted to her drove him berserk. He had no idea how to cope and said the first ridiculous thing that came to mind when he saw her.
She sighed again. “Okay, so we’re supposed to work this out at least long enough to work together for the party. I’m willing to put my frustration aside if you are.”
“Then we should.” He held out his hand. “Friends?”
She cautiously shook hands with him. “For now.”
He bit back a growl. This was why she drove him berserk -- she didn’t trust him. “Look, everyone loves what you do for Christmas. You make the snow. You make the ‘Christmassy feeling.’ No one ever asks me for that, and I’m jealous.”
“Of me?” Her eyes widened. “There’s nothing to be jealous of.”
“You get credit every year for the party. You make it fantastic, and it’s like there’s no wiggle room,” he said. “Do you know people like to be warm on Christmas? A fire is a good thing?”
“I know,” she replied. “People like to be safe on Christmas. It’s easier to drive when there’s no snow on the ground. They want to look at the falling snow, but if they have to go out in it, then it’s not so pretty. I’m jealous of the way they’re relieved when you inject your fire and warmth into the season.”
She was jealous of him? Ooh boy, he had a lot to learn. “It is nicer for driving, and people can enjoy going outside at Christmas.”
“So then what do we do?” She waved at the edge of the room. “Let’s go over here.”
He followed her to the edge of the cavernous room. As he followed, he drank in the view. She might be covered from her neck down, but her garments gave quite the outline of her body. She had a good figure. The skirt accentuated the curve of her ass. He noted the scent of vanilla in the air. Her perfume?
She stopped by the bandstand. When she turned, the vanilla scent grew stronger. He’d looked at her a hundred times, but now he truly considered her. Her blue eyes glittered, and she had a certain rosiness to her cheeks, like she’d been in the cold a bit too long. She’d pulled her dark hair away from her face and captured the strands in a ponytail, which accentuated the angularity of her face.
