The Scent of Christmas Read online

  “Come in.” My voice was gruffer than I intended.

  “Hey, boss. The shipment of bull’s blood is in.” It was Chester, one of my most loyal employees.

  “Thanks. Leave three bottles at the bar and take the rest to the back. Make it a special today.”

  “Got it.” He disappeared.

  Bull’s blood sounded morose, but it was a rich, full-bodied wine from Hungary I’d tasted at a recent wine expo. I thought my shifter clientele would enjoy the name, not to mention the wine itself.

  The bar was getting busy, judging by the noise level that made it to my office. Paperwork and bookkeeping could wait until tomorrow. I had to check whether my staff needed help. I glanced at the wall clock that has graced the office since my childhood. It was ten o’clockalready. Holy shit, the time had flown by.

  I was right—for once, the bar was packed. Maybe it was the colder weather, or perhaps the new DJ—whatever it was, I welcomed the change. I stood at the back, surveying the crowd. There was a good mix of young college kids, couples, and older friends having a beer. I smiled. This is how I remembered my bar in the old days, and the way I wanted it to become once again.

  I sniffed the air. A certain scent had caught my attention. It was a mix of chamomile and pine, and I knew it was the scent of an omega. It destroyed my focus, and I vowed to find its owner.

  My bartenders acknowledged me with nods, and I jumped right into action, taking orders and mixing drinks. If only every night could be like tonight, there’d be no financial issues.

  “Can I try your new wine, please? I think it is—let me remember—bull’s blood?”

  My gaze flew to the source of the sweetly accented speech, and I wasn’t disappointed. He was younger, perhaps mid-twenties, with dark brown hair and a short, sexy beard. I took a deep breath. This was the omega I’d scented earlier. Well, I obviously had a good nose for these things, because this one was gorgeous. And a foreigner to boot! I’d always been in favor of cultural enrichment.

  “Sure. Six ounces, or nine?” I couldn’t tear my gaze from his soulful eyes.

  “Nine, please.”

  He smiled, but his eyes belied his real mood.

  “What’s wrong?” I poured his wine. He could interpret my question as nosy, or he could see it as a friendly attempt at getting to know each other.

  “Nothing.” He took a sip of wine and I waited for his reaction with bated breath.

  “Well, what do you think about the wine?”

  “It is very good. Almost as good as what I used to make back home.”

  My brow shot up. “Make? You can make wine?”

  He nodded enthusiastically. “Yes. It’s an old family tradition. We usually used berries and such, but sometimes we’d stick to grapes.”

  “Interesting.” I wasn’t just saying that. “And where’s home?”

  “Well, my home is here now, but if you must know, I’m from France.” This time, the smile spread to his eyes.

  “What’s your name?” I asked.

  “Nico. And you?”

  “Will. Will Bisset.”

  I took an order from a patron next to him and continued chatting. This Frenchman was no ordinary customer. Oh, no, this one was very special.

  “I’m going to have to try some of your wine, then—and maybe carry it as a local specialty. What do you think?”

  He shook his head. “No. I just arrived recently and have been way too busy to dabble in it again. Maybe next year!”

  “Next year. It’s a deal! How do you like Vale Valley? And how did you find us?”

  “I love it! It’s very friendly to shifters, and I need that tolerance.” He leaned forward. “It’s a long story, but I have reasons to avoid normal places. It’s hard for me to keep my secret.”

  I inhaled sharply. “Too bad. Want to talk about it?” Poor guy sounded like he needed a friend. Well, I could be his friend—and maybe more. Much more, if I had my way.

  His eyebrow twitched and he looked down. “Maybe another time. Not looking to have a long and deep discussion right now. Know what I mean?”

  I nodded. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be, after all.

  His eyes pierced mine. “How about later…when your shift ends?”

  I nodded so fast I thought my head would fly off. “Sure. I’ll be around.”

  He smiled and ordered another glass of wine. “Great. I love meeting new people.”

  “Chester, thanks for closing up. You can come in an hour late tomorrow night, if you want.”

  “Thanks. Bye, boss.” Chester looked from me to Nico, but didn’t say anything.

  I wasn’t known for picking up omegas, especially not at work, so this was unusual, but he respected me and I knew he wouldn’t intrude.

  “Come, let’s go.” I said to Nico.

  We kept our distance on the sidewalk, but there was no mistaking the chemistry between us. The street was quiet. Most bars hadn’t emptied yet, and people were staying put in the warmth of the indoors until the very last minute.

  “Look at the snow.” Nico held out a bare hand to catch a snowflake. His breath came out in a fog as he chuckled.

  It started coming down again, but slowly, like what you’d see in the movies. The air was still, without a breeze. Just a chill in the air and a magical snowfall.

  “Yeah, it’s pretty, isn’t it?” I said. Just like you, I wanted to add.

  “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen so much snow in my life.” He adjusted his stylish red scarf.

  “It is. Why did you leave France?” I stuck my hands in my pockets. I wasn’t nearly as prepared as Nico was. All I had was a hat pulled tightly over my head. It hardly covered my ears.

  Nico sighed. “I’m a shifter, but not a very good one.”

  I cocked my head as I glanced over at him.

  “What I mean is—when I get anxious or scared, I can’t control it very well. I start shifting into my cat.”

  I frowned. “Well, that’s unfortunate. As in, you can’t control it?”

  He shook his head. “Not when I’m having a panic attack or something like that.”

  “Hmm, sorry to hear that.” That really was unfortunate because in most human communities, the revelation of your shifter status was usually your death sentence. Humans didn’t understand—they were ruled by fear. Luckily, the humans in Vale Valley were a special stock, tolerant and knowledgeable about our kind and our ways. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

  “Thanks. What kind of shifter are you?” He had a twinkle in his eye. “I’m guessing some sort of predator. You have a bad boy vibe.”

  His chuckle was contagious and I found myself grinning.

  “I wouldn’t say I’m a bad boy. But yes, I’m an arctic wolf.”

  His eyes widened. “An arctic wolf? Cool! I’m a Norwegian Forest Cat—but from France, if that makes sense. We’re similar to your Maine Coons. I’ve had wolf friends, they’re the coolest!”

  “Thanks.” My cheeks burned. Was this cat making me blush? “I must admit, I haven’t had any cat friends. I do know a snow leopard, my buddy Ren’s alpha, but as for small cats, no. You’re the first.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows. “So, I’ve popped your small cat cheery, huh?”

  I laughed and threw an arm around him. “You could say that.”

  We fell silent. Our bodies pressed together but we continued walking.

  “Speaking of Ren, he owns and runs a creperie. You’re French so you must love them.”

  “Crepes? Yes, I adore them! I can eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Where’s this place?”

  “On Henderson, I think. It’s usually closed by now, but how about a proper date? You and me?”

  His eyes shone in the moonlight. “Yes, I’d like that. I hope you’re going to show me your place now. It’s getting chilly...” His voice trailed off.

  A small, playful smile graced his lips, and I couldn’t help myself. I leaned in and kissed him, again and again. We stood in the middle of the street, mel
ded together, lips devouring each other.

  Nico

  What was I thinking? Short answer: I wasn’t. A quick roll in the hay requires no deep thinking. And that’s what the doctor ordered for today—a quick love session to forget my troubles and let the stress melt away. Will was the perfect partner.

  His rugged features had sparked my interest right away. I’ve always been a sucker for the manly types, the ones who’d throw you over their shoulder and have their way with you, and he looked the part.

  Back at his place, I gasped when I freed his cock from his boxers. They weren’t joking when they said everything was bigger in America! My juices flowed as I imagined his massive cock pounding away at me. I bit my lip and gave him a coy look.

  “Surprised?” he asked.

  “Pleasantly.” I gave him a tender kiss and licked his tongue. This always made alphas crazy with lust.

  I was right about Will. He was gentle, but wasted no time. I swooned when I spied his strong, solid chest, sprinkled with just the right amount of hair. His muscles tensed as he picked me up and pinned me against the wall, our cocks rubbing together as he kissed and sucked on my neck.

  I moaned when he gripped my cock. The pressure was just right and given the generous amount of pre-cum that had trickled from my tip, he had a perfect stroke.

  With my legs wrapped around his waist, I had only the wall behind me and his hands on my ass as supports, but they were more than enough.

  “Is your ass wet, my omega?” he whispered in my ear.

  “As wet as it’s ever going to be.” I ran my hands through his hair as he kissed me and tweaked my nipple.

  He didn’t take my word for it. I groaned as he pushed a finger in my ass and twirled it around. Holy shit, is this how American alphas fucked? Why had I waited this long to take one for a test run?

  He pushed another finger inside and stretched me even further, making me whimper. With one of his hands around my cock and the other pleasuring my ass, I didn’t know how much longer I would last. Thankfully, he slowed down, looking deep into my eyes.

  “You have so much raw sexuality. I’ve never been with someone like you.” His words came out silky smooth.

  “Maybe it’s the French in me, you know. They say we’re randy. But I don’t know; I just love it with you. If you’re not careful, I’m going to come here and now,” I said, blushing. I was normally too shy to share my feelings, but today I felt uninhibited. Bold, even.

  “Well, let’s get to it, then.”

  I nodded my assent. There was nowhere I’d rather be—this was just what I needed for my soul.

  With a swift and almost effortless motion, he hoisted me even higher. His cock disappeared under me, but I soon felt it press insistently against my asshole.

  I moaned as he slid it in. He’d made me so wet there was no resistance, even though he was huge.

  He began thrusting just as I’d managed to calm my breaths. His eyes burned into mine as he stretched me, letting me feel every inch of his manliness. His strong grip made me feel small and fragile—he could probably snap me in two at any time, but the softness in his eyes told me he wouldn’t, even if he wanted to.

  Each thrust made me forget all my worries and stress, took away my heartache, and connected me to Mother Earth. There was something primal about being taken by a strong alpha. I wanted to remember these sensations forever.

  Will’s eyes were fierce with lust, with a total need to possess me. And possess me, he did. Each of his thrusts brought me closer to climax until I could no longer hold back, and I came, my white cream spurting onto our chests. I didn’t break eye contact except to squeeze them shut at the moment of nirvana.

  With a grunt, he filled me with his sweet fluid, continuing to pump me full until he was spent.

  “Nico,” he whispered. He pulled me to him, our chests rubbing together, my cum making us slide against one another.

  “That was great.” I whimpered as he thrust into me one last time.

  His knot grew and expanded, filling my channel. I held on tight as he turned and lay me on the bed, twisting into position behind me.

  “There we go,” he said between shallow breaths. He snaked an arm around my waist and hugged me, his strong arm pulling us close together.

  I waited for my heart to calm. A strange feeling washed over me. I was happy, satisfied, but at the same time, a pang of guilt nagged at me. I tried to push it out of my consciousness, to no avail. I felt like shit for enjoying myself and thinking of my own pleasure while that little boy lay in the hospital. My hand flew to my stomach to quell the growing sensation of nausea.

  “What’s wrong? You’re so quiet.”

  “Nothing.” I bit my lip. Just because I was having these thoughts didn’t mean I should ruin his mood, too. “That was just what I needed. And you?”

  He rubbed his face against the side of my head and whispered in my ear. “You’re incredible. I knew the moment I saw you in my bar that I had to have you.”

  “That’s sweet. I was drawn to you too. The plan was to have a couple of drinks and make it an early night. But once we started talking, I couldn’t leave. You look great behind that bar, you know. Have you worked there long?”

  “It’s my bar.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He kissed my neck. “I own it. It was my father’s before me, but now I own it and run it.”

  I smiled. “Wow, it’s cool you still help out with the hands-on stuff.”

  “You’ve got to, these days. Can’t just sit in the ivory tower counting money. Well, especially when there is none.”

  “What do you mean?” I didn’t want to be nosy, but since he brought it up…

  He let out a deep breath. “I don’t want to burden you with it.”

  I was taken aback, but shouldn’t have been. So what if he didn’t want to share his worries with me? It wasn’t as if he knew me all that well, after all.

  “All right, here goes.” He leaned on one of his elbows and looked down at me. “The bar isn’t doing so well. Actually, it’s been crap for a while now, and I don’t know if I’m just beating a dead horse. You can’t squeeze water from a stone. Know what I mean?”

  I nodded. My own business wasn’t going swimmingly, but I was just starting out. “I’m sorry to hear that.” I offered him a kiss, and he gladly returned it.

  Suddenly, he caressed my face. His touch was much gentler than you’d imagine from looking at him. He must have a tender side behind that rough facade.

  “It’s nice to talk about these things with someone other than my buddies and my mom. Most of my friends are also in business, and there’s always been a healthy competition between us. I don’t like sharing my troubles with them.”

  “That makes sense.”

  His knot softened and deflated gradually, and he was finally able to pull out. He crawled over me and lay down on my other side, facing me. Damn, he was so mesmerizing. High cheekbones, strong jaw, deep eyes. He was so gorgeous, he could have modeled for Greek statues.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s been a while since I’ve opened up to anyone.”

  I raised a brow. “For real? You seem so open and friendly, though.”

  He shook his head. “No, I’m not.” I frowned, which elicited a chuckle from him. “I mean, I’m friendly and all, but I’m not usually this talkative.”

  “I find that hard to believe, but I’ll take your word for it.”

  “Good. Hold on, I’ll be right back.”

  Without another word, Will got up and left the room. Once I was alone, my mind wandered, and the little boy’s face came to the fore. What could he be doing? My gaze flitted around the room, spotting my clothes, strewn about the room. My pants by the desk, my shirt by the night stand. I sighed and began picking them up. I loved spending time with Will, but a part of me wanted to be on my own—maybe I should visit the boy in the hospital.

  I pulled the shirt over my head.

  “Hey, what are you doing
?” I turned to see Will holding out a glass of water.

  “I didn’t hear you come in,” I said weakly, taking the glass.

  “Are you leaving already?”

  “Um, I guess so. I mean, aren’t you tired?”

  He grabbed my hand and pulled me back down on the bed. “Stay, omega. We don’t have to be anywhere.”

  I remembered visiting hours wouldn’t start until around eight in the morning.

  I kissed him. “Fine, I’ll stay. But no guarantees about tomorrow, okay?”

  He nodded and pulled the duvet aside, motioning for me to get in bed. I pulled the covers over myself and threw my head down on the pillow. This alpha had magical powers of persuasion.

  I stirred from sleep, and it took me a minute to remember where I was. The scents were different and the sheets had a new feel to them.

  Will! I was at Will’s house!

  My eyes popped open, and I stared into his handsome face. He was fast asleep and looked dead to the world.

  A quick glance at the wall clock in the shape of a wolf’s head told me it was already nine in the morning. Holy shit! I had to get up. The little boy was probably wondering where the hell he was, and mine is probably the only familiar face he would see. I had to go see him right away.

  Waking Will up would be a mistake—he’d start asking where I was headed, and I didn’t want to explain right now. I dressed up quickly and tiptoed down the stairs. After putting on my coat and boots, I turned the front door handle gently.

  “Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” boomed a voice from behind me.

  I jumped and looked. It was Will, and he was heading right toward me.

  Will

  Humor wasn’t my forte, which was made obvious by the horrified look on Nico’s face.

  “Shit, I’m sorry, kitty. I didn’t mean to scare you. Come here.” I held out my arms, hoping he’d jump in them.

  Nico stepped forward tentatively but melted into my arms once we made contact.

  “Seriously, are you taking off?” I asked softly.