A Very Mystic Christmas Read online

Submitted by Stephanie Shaw

  Ingredients

  Peanut Butter

  Honey Wheat Ritz Crackers (Any other round cracker will work)

  Chocolate or Vanilla Almond Bark

  Directions

  1. Spread peanut butter on crackers. Place 2nd cracker on top, and press lightly until peanut butter goes to the edge of the crackers.

  2. Melt almond bark in microwave, double boiler, or fondue pot.

  3. Carefully drop each “sandwich” in the chocolate and submerge so that it’s fully coated. Remove with a fork or tongs and set on wax paper or parchment paper to cool.

  ***Ingredient amounts will vary, depending on how thick you like the outer chocolate coating, and how much peanut butter you like. But note that if you use an entire box of Ritz, you’ll likely need at least 1.5 packages of almond bark. Otherwise, you can use fewer crackers if you’d like to use just one package.***

  Is That An Elf On Your Shelf?

  With Daniel

  “Okay, ‘fess up. Who does this belong to?” Placing the toy elf on the island counter, I glared at the three I felt were the guiltiest. Mason was busy helping Darcy set the table for dinner while Jasmine was searching the refrigerator for something.

  “Huh?” she asked, sticking her head out for a moment. It still seemed strange seeing Mason’s little sister all grown up, her blonde hair in a high ponytail. Well, not as weird as the feelings that stirred within me when I saw her. I knew she had a small crush on me; and if it weren’t for the fact that I knew Mason would kick my ass for even looking at her twice, I’d definitely make a move.

  She was beautiful and totally unassuming in how she affected people. As hard as it was for me, she was on my forbidden fruit list. There was no way I’d run the risk of hurting her and ruining our relationship. Besides, crush or not, I was pretty sure she saw me as another brother.

  “This.” I pointed at the elf, again. “Whoever thinks they can prank me needs to think again. There’s only one jokester in this Pack and it’s me.” I snorted with disgust as all three of them laughed. “It’s not funny. It’s creepy.”

  “Aww, scared of a little toy, huh? You need to man up, bro. It’s not going to hurt you.” Mason laughed, picking up the thing that had quickly become the bane of my existence. “Seriously, it’s harmless. Why the attitude?”

  “I think we’ve discovered his weakness. Some people are afraid of heights or of spiders.” Darcy left Mason’s side and patted my shoulder, a cheeky smile on her face. “Who would’ve thought our Daniel was scared of something so festive and cute? Poor, baby. I’ll protect you.” She snatched up the offensive toy and cradled it in her arms.

  “Just for the record, I’m not scared. I’m just creeped out by it. The little imp started appearing in the strangest places a few days ago. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, because we were decorating the house for Christmas. But now I know it’s following me. Like for real, its beady little eyes follow me no matter where I go and I swear it’s mocking me.” I knew how ludicrous I sounded, but I didn’t care.

  They all burst into loud laughter, obviously amused by my annoyance. “It’s mocking you? It’s a toy.”

  “Then why am I always finding it in my room, then? Just this morning, I went to use the bathroom and guess where it was? No, I’ll tell you. It was perched on the tank, like it was waiting for me—to watch me!”

  “Performance anxiety?” Mason chuckled.

  “I think he has a shy bladder,” Jasmine added.

  “Enough!” I groaned, realizing my mistake. I was almost positive that the culprit was here in this room, but I guess I’d underestimated their sense of honesty. “So much for thinking you’d take pity on me and own up to the prank. I should’ve known you’d use my pain to continue mocking me.”

  “Pain?”

  “Exactly. Last night when I climbed into bed, the damn thing was there, under the covers, with hands placed behind its head and a fake paper cigarette beside it. Like it was just waiting. What the heck? Whoever is behind this is seriously messed up!”

  “Or a genius.” Mason ribbed. “Makes me wish I’d thought of it first. It’s not every day I get to see you unnerved like this.”

  “It’s not funny,” I retorted.

  “Oh, yes, it is.”

  “Fine, if it’s not you, can you order whoever is behind this to stop. You’re the Alpha, after all.”

  “I could, but where would the fun be in that? It’s about time you get a taste of your own medicine. Just be glad it’s something as tame as this doll.” Mason folded his arms across his chest, leaning back against the kitchen counter.

  “So, that’s how it’s going to be?”

  “I say enjoy it. Merry Christmas.”

  I didn’t bother answering, accepting the momentary defeat as I dumped the popular toy in the trash bin. Sooner or later, I’d figure out who was behind this. And when I did … payback would be mine.

  ****

  There was nothing left to do but try and work out some of the tension I felt building inside me. My muscles were wound tight and I couldn’t stop thinking about that stupid elf and its beady eyes staring at me. Muttering to myself, I didn’t feel like talking to anyone, so I headed outside to the gym.

  That was one of the amazing things about living on Pack property. Mason worked hard to make sure members enjoyed all the creature comforts of a community, as well as extra perks. There was no more driving into town to use the weight machines when I felt antsy and needed to blow off some steam. The vote was unanimous when the Alpha suggested we convert one of the outer buildings into a state-of–the-art exercise room. Entering the building, I was glad to find it empty.

  An hour of channeling this aggression and I’ll be good to go. Nodding to myself, I didn’t waste any time. I grabbed a hand towel and hung it over the front of the treadmill and started pushing buttons. I ignored my regular hiking program and selected the briefer, cardio option to get the adrenaline pumping through my veins and place some distance between my troubles and me.

  The sound of feet steadily pounding on the belt also helped soothe my soul. I still couldn’t believe that none of my friends owned up to the prank. It was an unspoken rule that I did all the joking and pranking, a position within the pack I actually prided myself on. Everyone knew laughter was the best medicine, and there was no doubt that when it came to making people smile, I was an expert. Even if I sometimes straddled the line between funny and annoying, it was still my role to play and I took it seriously.

  Now, someone thought they could mess with me and it rankled. Not because I didn’t like laughing at myself, but because I had actually thought of the idea first, but hadn’t acted on it. I’d seen the Elf on the Shelf used in an annoying fashion before, on YouTube and the Internet, and I thought it was hilarious. I remember thinking it would be perfect to use against Mason; but I had forgotten about it. Never in my wildest dreams did I think someone else would use it against me.

  They’d beaten me to the punch and that’s what caused my frustrated outburst earlier.

  Just shake it off. It’s all good. Focus on finding out who is doing it and then get even.

  Sweat began dripping down the center of my back and my throat was dry from lack of water. How could I have forgotten water? Pushing pause on the machine, I quickly hopped off to grab a quick drink before resuming the last fifteen minutes of my workout. I was just starting to slide into the place I liked to call the “zone”—that state of mind where I felt nothing else mattered but the healthy thrum inside my body. I even whistled as I sauntered over to the cooler.

  It was hard to be anything but happy when working out. Even exhausted, with tired muscles, I felt alive.

  Tipping my head back to capture the last mouthful of cool liquid, I scrunched the paper cup and tossed it into the nearby trash bin like an NBA player attempting the winning shot. It landed inside with a slight rattle as it struck the bottom and I threw my hands up in the air, cheering like I was surro
unded by a gym filled with crazed fans.

  I was definitely in a better mood. Grinning, I bowed to my imaginary audience, flexed my biceps, and posed like a star. The air conditioning started blowing the back of my shirt, bringing me back to reality and reminding me that I still had a workout to finish. Swinging my arms like a windmill to keep them limber, I hurried back over to the treadmill.

  “What the hell?” I exclaimed to an empty room. It was empty, I was certain of it. The mirrors alongside one of the walls revealed no reflection but my own, and I hadn’t heard anyone enter. So how did that damn elf appear, perched beside my towel on the treadmill?

  Someone had attached a water cup to its hand using a rubber band, propping it up so the elf appeared to be toasting me. Like we were two friends hanging out together, taking a break before exercising. I didn’t care what anyone said. This thing wasn’t cute and adorable, and it sure wasn’t harmless. It was stalking me, mocking me. Driving me freaking insane.

  “How’d you get in here?” I blurted out, staring at it accusingly. My voice echoed off the walls and I groaned. “Damn it, I am going crazy. I’m now talking to it.”

  I knew it was irrational—that all I needed to do was ignore its evil face and sadistic grin or toss it in the trashcan. Deep down, I knew it was ridiculous to let it bother me, but I hadn’t been lying about it creeping me out. I didn’t even want to be in the same room with it, so I was left with no other choice.

  “You win, play thing of Satan. You win. I’ll leave you to your workout.”

  Not bothering to grab the towel and toss it in the hamper, I walked away, desperate to be anywhere but in there with the Chucky of all Christmas toys.

  The hairs on the back of my neck bristled and I swore it was boring holes in my back as I left the gym.

  ****

  Grumbling beneath my breath I slammed the door, the mini-buzz from my brief visit to the gym had already begun to fade. All I wanted to do now was to hide out in my room, shower, and escape the house completely. There was no way that “thing” could follow me all the way into town and the idea of a few hours without seeing it sounded perfect. It was my day off, so lunch and an afternoon matinee was just what the doctor ordered.

  The newly altered plans put a smile on my face and thirty minutes later, I was back to whistling a random Christmas carol from the radio in my room. I wasn’t going to let the thoughts of that evil elf spoil my fun or my mood. I even managed to tease poor April when she poked her head out of the kitchen, flour powdering her cheeks from whatever she was baking. Her face flushed an adorable shade of red as I winked, but I didn’t stop to chat. I was on an elf-free mission.

  All I needed to do was walk through the large family room and I’d be home free. Jiggling the car keys in my pocket, I didn’t notice how strangely quiet the living area was. There was almost always at least one or two pack members sitting on the couches watching TV, usually Wade or Eric, yelling at whatever referee was ruining their favorite game. Sometimes I’d find Jasmine curled up on the love seat, her nose in a book, or conspiring with Darcy.

  Darcy was like a ray of sunshine. Mason had experienced some pressure to date and find himself someone to settle down with. I’d been his wingman for years; and the steady parade of women trying to catch his eye had been exhausting. Seemed everyone liked the prestige that came with becoming an Alpha’s mate, but once they were exposed to the lifestyle, they didn’t like the responsibilities that came with it. I’d had to run interference a few times, untangling Mason from the grip of a calculating, social climber. All he wanted was someone to love; and, from what I’d seen, Darcy was it. She was exactly the right person for him and the pack adored her. Within a short period of time, she’d found herself an honorary member of our family; and it wouldn’t surprise me if Mason made it more permanent soon.

  Distracted by my thoughts, I brushed aside the feeling of being watched, and headed toward the front door. Suddenly the TV turned on, the volume loud, and I jumped with surprise. To an innocent bystander, it might have seemed like it was from fear, but there was no way my male ego would admit that.

  I glanced back and sure enough, the television was blaring to an empty room.

  “Hello?” Looking around, I was the only one here. “Okay, this isn’t funny.”

  I didn’t move, choosing instead to wait for movement. Nothing. Closing my eyes, I groaned loudly. I was going out of my mind, jumping at nothing. Letting out a nervous chuckle, I hurried over to the coffee table and reached for the basket where the remote usually sat.

  “Where is it?” I murmured, scouring the surface before glancing over at the entertainment unit. The remote was nowhere to be seen. Dropping to my knee to see if it had somehow fallen under the furniture, my hand came to rest on the couch cushion and I looked up.

  That damn elf.

  Sure enough, there he was, smiling like he had the biggest secret in the world, with a bottle of root beer propped beside him on one side and a bowl of popcorn on the other.

  “What does it take to get rid of you?” I asked, shaking my head. “You know what, I don’t care. Play whatever games; I’m out of here. Enjoy your movie!” Pushing up onto my feet, I gave one last disgusted look at the Christmas toy. If I didn’t hurry, I’d be late to the theater and my afternoon plans would be ruined.

  I didn’t know who was behind this, but there was no guarantee they’d hung around. I looked back at the TV. For my whole life, my mother had drummed it into me that whenever I left a room, I had to make sure everything was switched off. Lights. Irons. Kitchen appliances. Stereos. And, in this case, the television.

  Annoyed, I lifted the cushions beside the elf to see if the remote had somehow fallen between the cracks. When my search came up with nothing, I quickly scanned the room. It was nowhere.

  Barking out a laugh, I realized how stupid I was. I’d just wasted five minutes looking for the remote when all I had to do was turn the blaring flat screen off from the source. This was further proof I needed a break.

  I clicked the picture off, plunging the room back into the silence. It was so quiet that I heard a soft noise behind me.

  “Hey, if you find the …” Turning around, my words lodged hard in my throat when I discovered the remote tossed across the elf’s lap. I knew it hadn’t been there a few minutes ago. “Okay, enough is enough. Come on out. You’ve had your fun.”

  When no one emerged, all thoughts of my afternoon movie evaporated. This would be more fun and a game I could fully enjoy—hide and seek. I was a predator; and having fallen prey to this person’s pranks, I was eager to turn the tables. It was time to hunt down and destroy the person behind this evil taunting. Hello, jokester, good-bye blasted elf.

  “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. You have no idea who you’re messing with. Show yourself and I promise to go easy on you.”

  “Are you sure about that, chump?”

  I could’ve sworn the voice came from the elf.

  “Now, now. There’s no need for name calling.” I started moving about the room, thoroughly checking behind furniture for the culprit. “I’m a patient man. I’ve got all day.”

  There was a muffled laugh and I zeroed in on the direction it came from. The Christmas tree was standing in the furthest corner, beside the bay window, shrouded by dark curtains. I hadn’t thought to look over there, assuming the jingling of decorations would give away the person’s position if they moved.

  Using all the stealth I could muster, I tiptoed closer. “I must admit you had me going with the toy. I’m pretty impressed with your abilities. If you come out of your hiding place, I may make you my partner in crime.”

  There was a slight pfft sound. Whoever it was, they were definitely behind the curtains. A few more steps and they were busted. With dramatic flair, I grasped a handful of material and whipped the fabric to the side, shouting, “Aha!”

  Nothing. The space was empty. Moving the other panel, I discovered there was no one there, either.

  A
louder giggle came from behind me; and twirling around, I came face-to-face with the person who’d made the last few days a living nightmare for me.

  “Surprise!” Jasmine laughed, waving the elf’s arm with her fingers, a smug look of satisfaction filling her features. “How does it feel, Mr. Hot Shot?”

  “Hot Shot?” I fired back, stunned that it was her. I’d accused her earlier, with Darcy and Mason, but I’d never put any serious thought in it really being her. Pranking, or in this case, torturing didn’t really seem her style

  “Yes, you. Do you know how many times you’ve pulled similar stunts and thought it was hilarious? I figured it was about time someone gave you a taste of your own medicine. It’s only because I’m a sweet, good-natured person that I’m taking mercy on you and ending it now. I’d hate to make you cry, you know.” She had the audacity to wink at me.

  “It was you this whole time?” I still couldn’t believe it.

  “Yep. And it was worth it to see the look on your face every time you found the elf. It. Was. Priceless. I just wish I’d thought to video tape it.” She folded her arms across her chest, the elf hanging from her hand.

  “You do know this means war, right? I can’t let you get away with it. I have a reputation to protect.” I took a step toward her and, just like her brother; Jasmine didn’t back down, flinch, or move a muscle. She stood her ground, watching.

  “You deserved it. There’s no need to retaliate.”

  “Oh, believe me, there is definitely need to retaliate. And, I’m going enjoy making you squirm.” I was finally up close and personal with her and her bravery began to waver. It was one thing to joke around, but I could see the worry flicker in her eyes. She was remembering all the times I’d dished out payback to those who thought they could out-do me. “Thinking about my revenge, huh?”

  “You wouldn’t,” she whispered.