Chapter 1

chapter

one

“ H ecate, don’t you dare pee on that tree!” I shout at the black cat lifting her leg by the base of the Yule tree. Hecate’s piercing green eyes stare me down, and a disgruntled hiss in my direction lets me know that she is not pleased. “Rue, your cat is freaking me out again.”

Rue comes bouncing into the room, dancing to the holiday music playing over the small speaker on the antique wooden table where hundreds of ornaments are laid out. Her black fringe kimono flows around her body as she twirls and giggles to herself. “Hecate, you know that this is important to Hannah. Go urinate someplace else. Maybe try Theo’s place?”

With that, the black cat gives a soft purr and waltzes out of sight through the open front door. Rue’s contempt for Theo, the handsome elf antique store owner, has me rolling my eyes.

“Now, where were we? Oh yes, you were going to finally tell me what’s going on with you and Declan.” Rue takes a seat opposite me on the sofa with her legs stretched out. She adjusts her ponytail that’s attempting to contain her gorgeous tight black curls, which are escaping and framing her face.

“There isn’t anything to tell,” I reply awkwardly, avoiding making eye contact with the nosy witch. I reach for more ornaments off of the table and try to change the subject. “This tree is really starting to come together. Do you think it needs more lights?”

“Seriously? You know you’re shit at avoiding things, Han. It’s been awhile since you mentioned Declan. Did something happen?”

The truth was actually the complete opposite. Nothing happened. I met Declan, a ruggedly and deliciously masculine troll, a few months ago when I was out with friends. There was chemistry between us almost immediately, or so I thought. We exchanged numbers and went on one awkward date where he was painfully quiet.

Then, later that night, he showed up at my house with a giant tree as a gift. Yes, a real fucking tree. I’d been so confused, but I haven’t heard from him since.

I guess he wasn’t interested.

“Nothing happened between Declan and I. We went out once, and haven’t talked since.” I plop down on the sofa next to her feet and rest my head on the back.

“It makes no sense. You both were practically drooling over each other, and now you aren’t speaking?” Mischief danced in her eyes. “Want me to investigate?”

“Absolutely not. Now, let’s see if we can finish decorating your tree before I have to leave,” I say, picking up another ornament and hanging it on an empty branch. “There’s still so much I need to do before the party.”

The Whispering Springs library is hosting its first holiday party for the children of the small quaint town. It took a lot of convincing, but I was finally able to get the town counsel to allow me to throw the event. What better way to get kids excited about the holiday season and the library than one big party? Little did I know just how much this event was going to take over my life. My dreams are filled with cookies, cozy books, festive outfits, and all things Yule. It’s a large undertaking, but I was up to the challenge. It also doesn’t hurt that my friends are incredibly supportive and even pitching in.

This is my favorite time of year, when everything slows down, loved ones spend time together, and magic is in the air. I want this party to rival a Hallmark movie, and I’ll get my way if it’s the last thing I do.

I glance at my watch, a combination of brown leather, gold hardware, and a floral face, and realize that I’m going to be late to work if I don’t leave now. “Shit, I’ve got to go. Are you going to be okay without me?” I ask.

Rue stops wrapping the garland around the tree, a slow smirk rising to her face. Of course, she has to be a smart ass. She harnesses her powers, white light emanating from her open palms. Before I know it, the ornaments levitate off the table and float over to the tree, the garland wrapping itself around the pine needles.

I stare at her. “You could’ve done that this whole time?”

“Well duh, but where’s the fun in that? You better get going Miss Librarian.”

“You’re lucky I love you. See you tonight!” I call over my shoulder as I head out the door.

All of my friends are getting together tonight at Isla’s house for our weekly Girls Dinner. It’s a time honored tradition where we hang out, stuff our faces, and gossip. I secretly look forward to Girls Dinners when it’s Isla’s turn to host. That dragon shifter sure can cook. My mouth is watering already.

The sun shines brightly in the sky, but the bitter chill in the air makes me wish I’d grabbed a wool scarf instead of this thinner knit one. I should’ve known better than to go with the fashionable choice.

If only I was one of those monsters that’s covered in fur. Then, I wouldn’t have to worry about stupid shit like cold weather...or shaving my legs. A girl can dream, can’t she? There are plenty of days, just like today, when I wonder if it’d be better if I’d been born a monster. Not like there’s anything wrong with being a human, but I find myself envious of the monsters who’ve become my neighbors. Regular Hannah is pretty incredible, but monster Hannah would be next level cool.

The library slowly comes into view. The building used to be an old Victorian mansion, but the town transformed it into a library. Its violet exterior and black trim make it difficult to miss on Main Street.

Turning the brass handle on the front door, I’m met with frantic shouting. Mable—the head librarian and town eccentric—is pacing back and forth in front of a pile of rubble. My eyes dart to the ceiling where there’s a massive gaping hole where the roof should be.

“You have got to be kidding me,” I groan, closing my eyes and attempting to calm myself down. Pieces of roof are splayed across the circulation desk. “Mable, what happened?”

“Oh, Hannah. You won’t believe it. I was working behind the desk when there was a loud bang on the roof. I figured it was just some gargoyle teenagers messing around, but then this section of roof caved in. If you ask me, I think this was intentional and someone is out to get us.”

No, I do not have time for one of Mable’s conspiracy theories today.

“Mable, the Yule party is in two days. We can’t have it if there’s an effing hole in the roof. Okay, think Hannah, think,” I say. There has to be some solution to this problem.

“No worries, dear. I’ve already called in reinforcements,” she says, turning away and walking back to her office. I quickly follow behind her, brushing dust off my cardigan as we go. We definitely have our work cut out for us before we can reopen.

“Reinforcements?” I ask. Then a thought has me stopping in my tracks.

No, she can’t possibly mean…

“Hannah, you’re looking beautiful today.”

There is no mistaking that deep Scottish brogue. Whirling around, I’m met with the muscular chest of a man who starred in more than one of my dirty dreams. My eyes travel upwards until my gaze locks with Declan’s gorgeous chocolatey eyes.

Damn, he looks better each time I see him. His dark hair is short, with his curls begging to be touched. That yummy green skin of his reminds of this time of year, and those tusks practically beg me to run my fingertips over them.

I snap out of my lust filled day dream by Mable clearing her throat behind me. “Hannah, quit staring and say hello.”

When did she reappear?

My face is on fire as I look away, breaking eye contact. “Hi,” I mutter quietly.

He gives me a timid smile that makes my stomach do somersaults. Why did it have to be so weird between us? This needs to change today. We are both grown ass adults. Time to take matters into my own hands.

I clear my throat and plaster a far too wide smile onto my face. “Good morning, Declan. Did Mable tell you about our little issue?”

Declan stares at me for another moment before clearing his own throat. “Yes, she mentioned that there was a wee problem with the roof, but now I see that it’s not the small job I thought.” He walks over to examine the debris, and takes out his phone to type notes and take photos.

“So, what do you think? We have an event here in two days. Can this be fixed by then?” I ask, trying to not let my voice shake even though my stress level rises with each second that we stand here. My brain keeps switching between trying to get a peek at his delicious ass and spiraling down a pit of despair. It’s certainly interesting in my brain right now.

“Of course, I can get this done in time. It might take me right up until the party, but I can get it patched up,” he says with confidence.

My whole body relaxes and, without thinking, I launch myself at him. My arms wrap around his waist and squeeze him a fierce hug. I freeze instantly, wondering what the hell is wrong with me. I try to pull away, but his arms quickly wrap around my back, holding me to his firm chest.

“It’s my pleasure, lass,” he murmurs into my hair.

Oh boy, it does something to me when he calls me ‘lass.’ It probably makes me a basic bitch, but I’m a sucker for his accent. I could listen to it all day long.

Mable clears her throat again. “Well, if you’re done being weird with each other, I recommend you both get to work.”

We immediately jump apart, putting multiple steps between ourselves. I don’t miss the smirk on her face as she heads back into her office.

“She’s right.” With that, he turns and leaves the library without another word.