A Very Mystic Christmas Read online

  “Why shouldn’t I?”

  “Because my brother’s your best friend?”

  “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. I promise I won’t make you wait too long for my vengeance.” I leaned in and snapped my teeth at her, chuckling when she squeaked and stumbled backward.

  “Daniel, please,” she begged, stretching out her hand to ward me off.

  “Not listening. You tortured me without mercy with that damn elf, and I’m going to enjoy this.” I stepped closer. Not because I was really going to do anything, but just by the way her eyes widened in anticipation made my taunting all the more sweeter.

  Jasmine gulped, her gaze darting back and forth as she searched for a way to escape. “Um, Daniel? Look.” She pointed up and smiled.

  Cocking an eyebrow, I shrugged. “So? It’s just another Christmas decoration. It’s not going to save you from me.”

  “It’s mistletoe; and we’re standing under it.” She blushed and I realized her meaning.

  “Think you can distract me with a kiss? I don’t know. It would have to be a pretty amazing one for me to forgive you.” I was totally messing with her. As much as I’d wondered what kissing her would be like, there was too much at stake if I ever screwed it up.

  Her bravery had returned and fire sparked in her eyes. “I have it on good authority that I’m pretty good at it.” She tilted her head as if challenging me to prove her wrong. It had the opposite effect. Instead of stoking my curiosity, it fired up my mile long protective streak.

  “Who have you been kissing?” I ordered.

  “None of your business.”

  “You’d better believe it’s my business.”

  It was her turn to raise her eyebrows at me. “Maybe I’ll share that secret with you in exchange for a pranking pardon.”

  “No, you’ll tell me.” I stared hard at her.

  “You’re as big a pig as my brother. A girl doesn’t kiss and tell.”

  “He mustn’t have been any good then.” I smirked. My comment caused her skin to flush with indignation. I’d struck a nerve. “Maybe it’s a good thing we’re standing underneath mistletoe. Maybe you need to know what it’s like to really be kissed.”

  “You wouldn’t!” she stammered, nervously

  “You’re the one who offered. I’m just looking to collect.” I closed the distance between us, encircling her waist with my arm. Tugging her against my body, she squeaked again and I tried not to laugh. This was too easy.

  “Daniel.”

  “Sssh, don’t worry, honey. I’ve got you. I’ll be gentle.” Cupping her face, she closed her eyes, moistening her lips.

  I faced a decision—one that warred inside me. Here was the perfect opportunity to put my questions to rest. I could kiss her and blame it on the mistletoe, as well as being caught up in the moment. There were only a few years difference between us and we’d grown up together, so wouldn’t it almost be expected? Or, I could maintain my resolve, and respect for my Alpha, and keep her at arm’s length.

  Truth was, I liked having her in my arms a little too much. Her body trembled against mine and there was no mistaking it, she was responsive. One small kiss. My mouth began watering at the thought.

  A million thoughts raced through my mind and I made a choice. Brushing my lips across her forehead, I tried to ignore the disappointed exhale she released. She wasn’t the only one wondering what it would’ve been like had I chosen otherwise. A voice screamed in my ear that it wasn’t too late to change my mind, to lower my mouth and claim hers.

  Unfortunately, we never found out what might have been. Seconds later, Mason entered the room, looking for his sister.

  “Hey, what’s going on?” he asked suspiciously. I dropped my arms from around Jasmine and stood back.

  “Nothing,” she answered for both of us. “Nothing; but Daniel got his just desserts.” She pointed down at the discarded elf, smiling as though the last few minutes hadn’t happened.

  “That was you?” Mason asked incredulously.

  “Uh huh.”

  “Ohhh, she got you good!” He high fived his sister before pulling her into a hug. I squashed the fleeting thought that she should’ve been in my arms. There was no point playing the ‘what if’ game. Our relationship would remain the same—she would continue to be the sister of my best friend and Alpha. Nothing more.

  “Meh, she was okay. For an amateur.” I winked at her and was relieved when she punched my shoulder.

  “Hey, this amateur almost made you cry. Don’t ever forget that.”

  Joking back and forth, Mason finally shared what had him looking for her and I realized I’d missed my movie. Staring at the elf, I realized there was no need to hide away. The mystery had been solved; and hopefully, everything would return to normal.

  One last look at Jasmine as she left with her brother caused my chest to tighten.

  I sighed, thinking of what might have been.

  Mom’s English Toffee

  Submitted by Lisa Markson

  Ingredients

  1 cup butter

  1 cup sugar

  1 Tbs light corn syrup

  2 Tbs water

  1 cup chocolate chips

  1 cup almonds, sliced

  Preparation

  1. In a heavy saucepan, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips and nuts.

  2. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until candy thermometer reads 300 degrees or until candy is thick and golden.

  3. Spread on a greased baking sheet and then sprinkle with chocolate chips. Spread chips evenly until melted and top is completely covered.

  4. Sprinkle with almonds and refrigerate to set.

  5. Break into pieces before serving.

  Ginger Bread Cookies

  Wet Ingredients

  1 1/2 cups dark molasses

  1 cup dark brown sugar

  2/3 cup cold water

  1/3 cup butter

  Dry Ingredients

  6 cups flour

  1 tsp. allspice

  2 tsp. ginger

  1 tsp. cloves

  1 tsp. cinnamon

  1 tsp. salt

  Directions

  1. Mix all wet ingredients together then add in all the dry ingredients.

  2. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or best if overnight.

  3. Roll out 1/4″ thick and cut into shapes.

  4. Place on un-greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approx. 10 minutes.

  5. Let cookies rest in the pan for another 2-3 before transferring to rack for cooling.

  Frosting Ingredients

  1 stick butter

  1 can sweetened condensed milk

  Powdered sugar

  1/4 tsp. salt

  1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

  Directions

  1. Mix butter, salt and vanilla together.

  2. Add powdered sugar and condensed milk to desired consistency.

  3. If using a frosting decorator like a squeeze bottle, you’ll want the frosting to be a bit thicker.

  Great Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

  Submitted by Michelle Graves

  Ingredients

  3/4 cup Margarine

  1/4 cup molasses (level full)

  1 cup sugar

  1 large egg

  2 3/4 cup flour

  2 tsp. baking soda

  1/2 tsp. salt

  Method

  1. Mix first three ingredients well then add in the egg.

  2. In a separate bowl combine the flour, salt and baking soda.

  3. Once combined, slowly add in wet mix to the flour. Stir until no flour is visible.

  4. Refrigerate dough until it is cool.

  5. Roll dough in little balls then roll in sugar.

  6. Bake at 350 degrees until light brown on top level of the oven.

  Baked Double Chocolate Peppermint Donuts

  Ingredients

  1 cup unbleached all purpose

  1/4 cup cocoa powder

&n
bsp; 1/4 cup honey

  1 tsp. baking powder

  Pinch salt

  1/4 tsp. cinnamon

  1 egg

  1 cup low-fat buttermilk, well shaken

  1 Tbsp. canola oil

  1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

  2 peppermint candy canes, crushed

  1/3 cup mini bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips

  Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. Combine the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients, whisking until well combined.

  3. Slowly fold the wet ingredients into the dry, adding more buttermilk if the batter is a little thick.

  4. Lightly coat a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray and then sprinkle in a small amount of the mini chocolate chips.

  5. Carefully spoon in batter and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  6. After a few minutes, remove the donuts from the pan – they should pop right out. Invert and top with a sprinkle of finely crushed candy canes, which should stick right to the mini chocolate chips.

  7. Serve immediately. Yields approx. 8 doughnuts.

  I Love You S’More

  With Mason and Darcy

  “You won’t even give me a small hint?” I asked, curious as to why Mason was being so secretive. Part of me was desperate to know why he’d become so cloak and dagger all of a sudden; but a larger part was merely excited by how closely he stood behind me. After leading me into the outside gardens, he’d wrapped one arm around my waist and placed his warm hand over my eyes.

  “What would the fun be in that, sweetheart?” His heated breath tickled my ear, a complete contradiction to the frosty air brushing over my exposed skin. He’d given me enough time to gather a warm coat and slip on my winter boots before whisking me away from Jasmine, his sister and my best friend. She had simply rolled her eyes at her brother, making rude, kissy noises when we left. Me? I was still mesmerized by him—although we’d been dating for a few months, that chemistry was still sparkling and new. He gave me butterflies whenever he looked at me; spoke to me, or was pretty much in the same vicinity as me.

  There was no fear of falling in love with him. I’d already fallen head over heels.

  “Can I at least open my eyes?” I laughed softly.

  “Not yet. Just wait.” His fingers moved slightly. “Promise me, Darcy, that you’ll keep them closed when I move my hand.”

  “Hmmm, I don’t know if you can trust me,” I replied, teasing him. I was having too much fun just being with him.

  “In that case.” The pressure lifted from over my face and was quickly replaced with something softer, warmer. As Mason tied the ends of his scarf around my head, I tried not to grumble. “Can you see anything? Be honest.” He leaned in so he could whisper lightly into my ear. “I’ll know if you’re lying.”

  When he was close like that, it was impossible to think, let alone lie. “It’s all dark. I promise.”

  “Hold on to me, okay? Where I’m taking you isn’t that far.” Gripping onto his forearm, I nodded.

  I usually didn’t like being so vulnerable, especially around others. There was definitely a certain level of trust with family and pack members, but my past dating experiences had put the fear of God into me. I found guys generally said one thing; but when they felt no one was watching, they acted the complete opposite. I couldn’t count how many times I’d been left disappointed.

  But not Mason. If anything, he was too good to be true. My mother still liked reminding me how our meeting was the result of her meddling—her setting me up on a surprise blind date. I’d come so close to backing out and canceling. If Mason hadn’t arrived at the exact moment he did, I probably would have. And missed out on falling in love with one of the most amazing men I’d ever known.

  Love. We’d yet to exchange that four-letter word, but I felt it strongly. I was simply waiting for the right time to say it.

  Time, and a heavy dose of bravery.

  We’d only gone a little way before Mason carefully brought me to a stop. Even with the scarf blocking my vision, I was still free to use my other senses. Taking in a deep breath, faint smoke tickled my nose, confirming what my ears could hear—the crackling of a fire. If the sound of logs burning didn’t tip me off, the blast of heat across my skin was a definite clue.

  Before I could say anything, to tell him I’d guessed his surprise, Mason unwrapped the blindfold, tossing it to the side. Spinning me around in a loose embrace, there was a tender smile on his face.

  “Surprise, beautiful.” He brushed a faint kiss over my lips, leaving an even fainter taste of something behind. I couldn’t help it. I licked my lips and caught the familiar flavor of mint.

  “Mmmm.” I touched his mouth again, hoping to capture more as I licked the pad of my thumb. “Peppermint?”

  “Candy cane. I couldn’t resist swiping one from the Christmas tree in the main living room.” He winked and my insides flip flopped. Mason didn’t hold himself back when it came to flirting with me and I wondered if I’d ever get used to it.

  “Well, it was delicious.”

  “Then, by all means, have another taste.” Cupping the sides of my face with his hands, Mason leaned back in and, instead of a soft, lingering kiss, he plundered my mouth with absolute perfection. He was amazing at so many things. But kissing? Kissing, he’d mastered like an art form. Giddiness swirled around inside me, as my fingers fisted in his dark suede jacket, hoping it would keep me from toppling backward. That was the thing about Mason—sometimes it was hard to remember to balance, breathe, and think when he touched me this way.

  There was definitely evidence of the candy he’d eaten as his tongue danced with mine. An explosion of flavor threatened to override my senses. From that moment on, I vowed that candy canes would be my favorite Christmas treat, ever. In fact, if I survived this kiss, I planned on buying out every box I could find, just so I could enjoy them the whole year through.

  Shivers skated over my skin as his fingers tangled loosely in my hair, the friction causing goose bumps to surface. He knew exactly how to touch me, something else he’d become an expert at very quickly.

  When I’d first seen him standing on the other side of my doorway, that fateful day, my wolf had instantly recognized him as our mate. She’d yipped excitedly. The more we dated and the more we got to know each other, I realized her instincts had been correct; there was no doubt in mind that he would one day become my husband.

  Kisses like this confirmed it, and my body was in complete agreement with what my heart and mind already knew. Mason O’Connor was mine.

  Breaking the seal of our lips was slow, as if we wanted to hang on to the intimate moment a little longer. It was always like that. “Wow,” I said breathlessly.

  “Exactly.” Mason studied my face, his gaze bouncing back and forth between my eyes and my lips, like he hadn’t quite made his mind up whether to continue kissing me or stop. I knew what I wanted, but warning bells rang in my head. With as much as I loved Mason and the way he made me feel, I also knew that I couldn’t let our hormones override the promise I’d given my mother and Vivien, her witch friend. Until I was officially mated and married, I needed to remain a virgin. This hadn’t been a burden to honor … that is, until Mason. I’d been upfront with him when we first started dating; but as the months passed and our connection grew, it was hard not to cross the line.

  “So, now you have me here, what will you do with me?” I asked, huskily. Desire flickered in his features. It was the wrong thing to say, as my own needs and wants surfaced. To break the tension growing between us, I stepped back and rested my hand on his arm. “Looks like you have something fun planned.”

  Reluctantly removing my gaze from him, I smiled at the sight of the roaring fire and provisions he’d brought. There was a red plaid blanket spread out over the ground with another folded neatly at the edge, along with a picnic basket. He’d arranged for a ro
mantic date—the mood set by the flickering light dancing from the fire and the stars above us.

  “A twilight picnic?” Stepping further away, my hand fell from him as I walked over to the blanket and sat down. I patted the empty space to my right. “Come join me.”

  I thought Mason would sit beside me, but he had other ideas. Cradling his legs around me, my back against his chest, he sat behind me. “I know we haven’t had much alone time this past week, with work and pack business, but I’m glad you’re here. I figured if we did something fun outside, the cold air would keep people away.”

  “Ahhh, smart. But I think I found a flaw in your brilliant plan.”

  “You have?” I could hear the humor in his voice.

  “What about us being cold? Or do you have some secret fantasy about dating an ice princess?” I laughed. “Or, is it that you like my red nose?” I had no doubt I rivaled Rudolph right now, the weather chilling my skin.

  “I like everything about you, including your poor nose.” Pulling me to the side, he kissed the tip. “Hmmm, yeah. It’s pretty cold. Looks like we’ll need this sooner than I thought.” Mason reached for the second blanket and with a few flicks of his arms, he had it wrapped around his back and around me.

  “Better?”

  I wanted to tell him that I was perfectly fine and content with the way his body cocooned mine. “Toasty. Thank you.”

  “Now, if you’ll do me the honor of opening the picnic basket, maybe there’s something else in there to keep you warm.”

  Eagerly, I dragged it in front of me and unlatched the wicker top. A huge smile spread across my face as I lifted out a hot thermos. “Hot chocolate?”