Chapter 5

Chapter

Five

CRIS

C ris paced along the edge of the North Pole's airstrip, his breath forming soft puffs of fog in the crisp, frigid air as snowflakes drifted down lazily from the sky. His boots crunched against the frozen ground, his body humming with a nervous energy he hadn't felt in what seemed like forever. He'd faced countless crises, managed the magic of Christmas through storm and strife, yet the idea of bringing her here, to this sacred, hidden world, set him on edge in ways he wasn't prepared for.

The swirling storm of thoughts in his mind made him doubt his decision. What was he thinking? Bringing someone he barely knew—but was that really true? Didn't it feel like he'd known her all his life and had just been waiting for her to arrive?—to the North Pole, the very heart of what most people thought of as Christmas? Bringing in outsiders was rare. There were strict rules about keeping their world hidden from the human realm. And now, here he was, waiting like a giddy schoolboy for a woman who had no idea how much her life was about to change.

Keely wasn't just anybody though. She was his mate—his fated mate. The realization still hit him like a punch to the gut every time it crossed his mind. He could feel it in his very core, an unshakable pull toward her that defied logic, binding him to her in ways he couldn't fully explain. And yet, it felt oddly comforting, as if his entire being recognized she was finally here.

Cris ran a hand through his dark hair, staring out into the snowy expanse. The hum of the private jet approaching reached his ears, and his pulse quickened. It was too late to turn back now.

Moments later, the sleek jet came into view, its lights cutting through the falling snow as it descended toward the landing strip. Anticipation and excitement were swirled together with a bit of dread. What if she rejected him? Rejected her place here at the North Pole or with him? It had only been a few days, but the memory of their night together—her soft skin beneath his hands, the way she'd called his name—burned bright in his mind.

The jet landed smoothly, and the door opened, revealing Keely's silhouette. Even bundled up against the cold in her thick winter coat, she looked as breathtaking as ever, her cheeks flushed from the biting wind, her eyes wide with a mix of wonder and uncertainty. He had to remind himself to breathe as she stepped out onto the snowy ground, suitcase in hand. It was as if he could feel the connection between them snap into place the instant their eyes met across the snow-covered expanse, electric and undeniable.

Cris forced himself to keep his distance, maintain control, even though his instincts screamed at him to close the gap between them. This wasn't just about him and Keely. The future of Christmas was at stake, and bringing her here was already a gamble.

Scanning the landscape, Keely approached. "This is… incredible," she breathed, her voice barely audible over the wind. "I've never seen anything like this. It's like something out of a dream."

Cris allowed himself a small smile; he was reminded of why he had been so drawn to her in the first place. Keely had a way of seeing the world that was rare—unique—and that perspective might be the key to saving Christmas.

"Welcome to the North Pole," Cris said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside him. "It's a little colder than what you're used to, but I promise you'll get used to it."

Keely met his gaze, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Cris's cock stiffened behind the fly of his jeans. The air between them was thick with the same magnetic pull that had been there since the moment they met. He fought off the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her like he'd been dreaming of since the moment he left her bed.

But he couldn't. Not now. Not yet.

Keely finally broke the silence, her breath visible in the frigid air. "I have to admit, I'm still trying to wrap my head around all this. I mean, the North Pole? You weren't joking."

"I wasn't," Cris replied, his tone softening. "But there's a lot you still don't know, and I'll explain everything. For now, let's get out of this cold, and I'll show you around."

As they walked, Cris led her through the snowy landscape, the towering pines dusted in white like something out of a holiday postcard. They reached the massive, intricately carved wooden doors of the North Star Toys workshop. Cris hesitated for a moment before pushing them open, allowing the golden glow of the workshop to spill out into the night.

Keely's eyes widened as she stepped inside, and Cris couldn't help but watch her, captivated by the enchanted look that crossed her face. The workshop was bustling with activity—elves working at their stations—their pointed ears covered by their caps—as they created toys and gadgets with an energy that buzzed in the air. Cris had asked that at least for now they try to keep the magical elements out of sight. He wasn't sure Keely was ready for the whole truth. Even shifters sometimes had trouble believing in magic at first.

"This is incredible," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "I mean, I've worked in toy design for years, but this… this is like nothing I've ever seen. It's so… alive."

Cris smiled and felt tremendous pride in the workshop and her appreciation of it—seeing it through Keely's eyes reminded him of just how special it was. "Our goal here is to create toys that spark imagination, that bring joy and wonder to children all over the world. Your designs—those I've seen already—fit perfectly into that vision."

Keely's eyes flicked up to meet his with a hint of surprise. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Cris said, his voice low, more intimate than he had intended. He couldn't help it—being near her again, seeing the passion in her eyes, made it impossible to keep things strictly professional. "You have a gift, Keely. You see the world differently. And right now, that's exactly what we need… what I need."

Keely smiled softly, the tension between them crackling like a live wire. Cris struggled to keep his thoughts focused, but every time he looked at her, memories of their night together flooded his mind. Her laughter, her soft moans, the way she had fit so perfectly against him… She might be bundled up in winter clothing, but he knew what lay beneath.

Focus, Cris. This isn't the time.

He cleared his throat and gestured toward a series of workstations where elves were assembling prototype toys. "This is where the magic happens," he said, trying to steer the conversation back to business. "These are some of the best toy designers and crafters in the world."

Keely moved closer to one of the stations, her eyes lighting up as she studied the intricate mechanisms the elves were putting together. "This is amazing," she murmured, running her fingers over a half-assembled toy. "I've never seen craftsmanship like this."

Cris watched her, struck again by the ease with which she immersed herself in the world of toys. She was more than just a designer—she had a natural curiosity, a love for creation that was rare. As she examined the prototypes, collaboratively throwing out ideas and suggestions, Cris couldn't help but be impressed by her innovative thinking. She had a way of looking at things that made even the most seasoned toy makers stop and listen. They either nodded and agreed or when they didn't, entered into a spirited discussion. Cris could tell his people were already falling under her spell.

But more than that, he was drawn to her spirit, her energy. Every word she spoke, every laugh that escaped her lips, wrapped around his heart like a spell he couldn't break. And as much as he tried to push his feelings aside, to focus on the crisis they were facing, the attraction between them only grew stronger with each passing moment.

"You're full of surprises, Keely," Cris said softly, his eyes lingering on her as she turned to face him. "I knew you were talented, but this… you're exactly what we needed."

Keely met his gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly at his words. The air between them thickened, charged with an energy that neither of them could deny. Cris's heart pounded in his chest as he stepped closer, his dark eyes locked on hers, the magnetic pull drawing him in despite his best efforts to resist.

"I'm glad I came," Keely said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm not sure I understand why, though, as your people all seem so talented."

Cris swallowed, his pulse racing as he fought the urge to pull her into his arms. "You will, Keely. You will."

He knew that once she knew the truth—the whole truth—about this place, and about him, there would be no turning back.

For either of them.

They continued their tour of the workshop's production area before Cris showed her to her own workspace. They stowed her things, and he took her outside to show her the various support departments: a mess hall, a bakery, laundry, and the like.

Keely blushed as he showed her the bakery. She had mentioned during their one night together that she had indulged in more than one fantasy about going down on some ‘hunky alpha male' in a bakery, knowing they might be caught at any minute. The scene had been in a book she'd once read. That small, uttered confession had been on his mind when he'd showed her the bakery, which at this time of day was deserted.

The deepening color in her cheeks indicated she remembered not only the fantasy she had shared with him but telling him about it. She turned to look at him. "The factory is amazing. It exceeds everything I've ever heard said about it."

Cris nodded. "We try to ensure our people have everything they need."

"It's almost like you don't want them to go anywhere."

"It isn't that," said Cris, shaking his head. "The plane makes routine flights south at least every other week; more often if needed, and employees fly at no cost to them. We just wanted to build something special—more of a community than just a place to work."

"I think you've done that. I would never have imagined leaving Otter Cove, but this is just a kind of winter wonderland."

"Don't you think you'd miss the warm weather?"

Keely laughed. "Have you spent any time in Otter Cove? Trust me, warm weather isn't really much of an option. Some people like to take vacations in warm, sunny places with tropical breezes, but I really like the cold. It's kind of part of my nature."

"A snow bunny, perhaps?" he asked, teasingly.

"No. I like red meat. An arctic fox. Bunnies are cute; foxes are sexy."

That caught him by surprise. He thought he'd sensed she was a shifter. An arctic fox-shifter perhaps?

"Have I persuaded you to sign on as our new head toy designer?"

"I'm not sure I want to leave my home permanently, but Schultz Toys has been sold to Vanguard Holdings. If nothing else, I could come up and work with you and your people for the rest of the season."

"Done," he said, relieved. "I'm glad you've decided to at least come up and help us for the season. I have to tell you, ever since you told me about that scene from the book you read, I haven't been able to come in here without thinking about it."

Cris drew her close, backing her into a spot in the bakery where he knew they couldn't be easily seen, but one which would leave him where he could observe anyone approaching. It wasn't that they couldn't be seen if someone tried hard enough or walked in on them, but he suspected that would be part of the allure for Keely.

Looking up at him, she blushed again as she removed her coat and pulled her sweater over her head. Grinning mischievously and sensually, she placed her hands on his belt. "Funny, I was just thinking about that when we walked in here. Is there anything you'd like me to do for you, Sir?"

At that moment, he wasn't sure who'd set up who to fulfill her fantasy, and he didn't much care. All he knew was the woman whose bed he had shared and with whom he'd had the most glorious and prolific sex was standing right before him, just waiting for him to take charge.

He wasn't going to give her long to wait. "It would be hard for anyone to interrupt us without being noticed, especially if something had your full concentration."

She walked her fingers up his chest. "Do you have something you'd like me to focus on, Sir?" she teased.

"As a matter of fact, there are several things I can think of that need your attention, but one stands out in my mind right now."

"Would you like me to open your fly so it can stand out without restraint?"

"You know I would," he said, his voice dropping into a lower register. "I want you naked and on your knees, Keely. The memory of watching my cock slide in and out of your mouth crosses my mind more times a day than I thought would have been possible. But you need to know that's not why I brought you up here."

She pursed her lips in the most adorable pout. "It isn't? I can't tell you how disappointed I am."

He chuckled and reached out to cup her breast, flicking the stiffened nipple that was tenting the soft, thin lace bra she was wearing. "Let me amend that, it isn't the only reason I did it. Now, I believe I told you to get naked and on your knees. I want to fuck that sassy mouth of yours."

Smiling, Keely removed her clothes and then sank down onto her knees. She unbuckled his belt before unbuttoning his fly. Cris raised his eyebrow as he looked down at her, but he didn't give any sign that he objected. Emboldened, she helped his rigid cock escape to be admired in its raw, wonderful, and fully engorged state.

Keely licked her lips before parting them and taking him in, sucking gently at first and then harder as he let out a stifled moan. The fact that anyone could walk in and catch them or see them from outside only heightened the air of delicious and sultry danger.

Looking up at him, he watched as she began to suckle his cock in the most sensual way, paying homage to it in her own way. Perhaps she had missed him, too. His hand trailed down to caress her hair softly, guiding her head up and down his shaft.

Keely explored his pulsing length, running her tongue along the veining as her head bobbed up and down, taking more of him with each downward stroke. The sound of his cock sliding past her lips as she licked him, combined with his pleasured groans, filled the air. Keely swirled her tongue around the plum-shaped head of his cock, tasting him deeply before drawing back until only the tip was still in her mouth.

His fist curled into her hair, driving her head back down as he sought the velvety place at the back of her throat. Holding her in place, Cris began to thrust shallowly inside her mouth, gradually picking up speed and depth, taking control and not relinquishing it.

She seemed to find the taste of him intoxicating, allowing her to disregard the fear of whether they could be seen or not. He could smell the uptick in her arousal as she sucked while he fucked her mouth. He closed his eyes and moaned, remembering how good it had felt to be balls deep inside her.

The fabric of his jeans rubbed against the outside of her cheek as he grew larger in her mouth, twitching and swelling as he began to press even more deeply, pushing her to take all of him. He grunted and groaned, unable to hide his arousal and pleasure.

One hand held her head firmly in place, giving her hair a small tug every time she tried to back off from him.

"God, yes," he murmured as he focused on his impending climax.

Harder and faster, he thrust in and out until finally he pushed her head down as he drove to the back of her throat, his cock shooting his seed down into her belly. Keely swallowed as fast as she could until he was done.

Cris released her hair, moving one hand down between them, stroking along her cheek and jawbone before finding its way to her chin. He grasped it between his thumb and forefinger, using it to pull her up from her knees for a deep kiss. Their tongues danced together hungrily as he pulled away from the kiss, panting heavily.

Cris stood close to Keely, the air between them buzzing with an almost unbearable tension. His gaze never left hers, drawn to the way her lips parted slightly as she looked up at him. The space around them felt small, intimate, and utterly charged with the magnetic pull that had been simmering between them since she stepped off the plane.

"God, I missed you," he confessed. "But as much as I'd just like to bend you over that worktable and fuck you hard before tossing you over my shoulder to carry you back to my bed, we do have work to do."

"Hmm… one fantasy to be replaced by another. Thank you, Sir."

He chuckled and leaned down to kiss her. "Get dressed," he ordered.

Keely took a small step back, reaching for her clothes. She got dressed, her eyes never leaving his. "You're so... intense," she whispered, her voice breathy and full of something that made his cock begin to tighten. "Ever since we met, it's like there's something... more. Something that shouldn't be, but feels like it's always been."

He nodded. She was right. There was something more—something neither of them could deny any longer. Cris took a step toward her, closing the distance between them, his heart pounding in his chest as his hand reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against her cheek. She leaned into his touch, her skin soft, warm, and alive beneath his palm. The connection between them flared like a flame, hotter, fiercer, pulling them both into its irresistible embrace.

"I don't know how this will all play out, but you need to know that I feel the same way," Cris murmured, his voice rough with the effort to contain himself. "But it's more than I've felt in... I can't explain it, Keely."

She smiled softly, her eyes searching his. Cris couldn't hold back any longer. He brought his lips crashing down on hers, claiming her in a kiss that was full of the longing and intensity that had been building between them from the moment they'd met. Keely responded instantly, her hands gripping the front of his shirt, pulling him closer as she kissed him back with just as much fervor.

Heat surged through Cris's veins as his hands slid around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. She melted into his embrace, her body pressing against his in a way that made his control slip even further. He wanted her—needed her—more than he could ever remember needing anyone. The fire between them roared to life as he deepened the kiss, his hands roaming, exploring, claiming every inch of her he could touch.

Keely moaned softly against his lips, her hands tangling in his hair, and Cris's heart raced with the knowledge that she felt it, too—this connection, this unstoppable force pulling them together. Every kiss, every touch, every ragged breath they shared only fueled the desire that burned between them.

He turned so her back pressed against the edge of the counter, the clutter of mixing bowls and baking trays forgotten as Cris's hands slid beneath her sweater, seeking the warmth of her skin. He felt her shiver under his touch, her breath hitching as he explored the soft curve of her waist, the intoxicating feel of her sending his senses spiraling. He wanted more—needed more of her, more of this, more of them.

Keely gasped as his lips trailed down her neck, her head falling back as she surrendered to the moment. Her fingers dug into his shoulders, and the heat of her breath against his skin was enough to drive him mad with want. Cris's mind raced, caught between the intensity of his desire and the knowledge that this—she—was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

But just as the moment deepened, the air filled with a sudden, deafening sound.

Alarms.

Cris froze, his senses jolting back to reality. The blaring sound cut through the haze of desire, reminding him of the responsibility he couldn't escape. He pulled back, his heart still racing, but the weight of his duties grounded him and reminded him that there was more at stake than just claiming Keely.

Keely looked up at him, her eyes wide with concern. "What... what is that?"

Cris clenched his jaw, struggling to tamp down the emotions swirling inside him. "It's the magic levels," he said, his voice tight with frustration.

"Magic levels?" she asked confused.

"Yes, I don't have time to explain. But they're important, and the alarm means they're dropping."

The bakery lights flickered, casting the room into a dim glow, and Cris's gut twisted with the reminder of the crisis they were still facing. He had let himself get swept up in the moment, in his growing feelings for Keely, but the reality of the situation came crashing back down.

Keely's hand found his, her touch grounding him, but also pulling him in two directions at once. "You need to go," she said softly, her voice full of understanding but also tinged with disappointment.

Cris nodded, torn. "I don't really have a choice, but I don't want to leave you... not right now," he admitted, his voice thick with the weight of his conflicted emotions. He cupped her face with his hand, his thumb brushing over her cheek, and for a moment, he wanted to forget everything—the alarms, the crisis, his responsibilities—and lose himself in her.

But he couldn't.

"I have to handle this," Cris said, forcing himself to step back, though every fiber of his being ached to stay with her. "I'll explain everything later, but right now... I've got to go."

Keely nodded, her gaze steady but filled with the same sense of loss he felt. "I understand," she whispered, though Cris could see the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, lingering just long enough to feel her sigh softly against him. "This isn't over," he promised, his voice low.

With a final look, Cris turned and ran toward the door. His responsibilities couldn't wait, not when the very magic that kept Christmas alive was slipping through their fingers. He could feel the weight of all that was at stake. But even as he rushed outside, the connection he felt with Keely burned bright, refusing to be extinguished.

As he hurried across the open space toward the heart of the North Pole's operations, Cris couldn't shake the growing sense of dread. Things were getting worse. The magic levels were dropping fast, and every moment they couldn't stop them increased the threat to Christmas itself. But as he ran, the snow crunching beneath his boots, one thought pulsed stronger than any other, and it wasn't concerning magic or Christmas or toys.

It was Keely.

No matter what was happening, no matter what challenges lay ahead, Cris knew one thing with absolute certainty—he wasn't letting her go. Now, he just had to figure out how to save Christmas... without losing her in the process.