Page 6 of A Swan for Christmas

Chapter Three

Kellan wiped his mouth, barely able to finish the last spoonful of blueberries with cream that had been his dessert. Vic was being so good to him. Not constantly staring at and drooling all over the handsome shifter was going to take a lot of effort on his part. He didn’t want to wear out his welcome. While Kellan had eaten, Vic had gone downstairs to give the reception clerk a break. He’d just returned, and Kellan didn’t miss how his heart had skipped a beat the moment Vic had stepped into the room.

“How was everything?” Vic gestured to the empty plates.

Kellan chuckled. “Everything was wonderful. I promise I didn’t finish it all up to be polite.”

Vic perched on the end of the bed and folded his hands in front of him. Kellan still had his ankle propped up on the second chair. He pointed to Kellan’s foot. “Do you need some painkiller, or is that too tight or anything?”

Kellan picked at the blanket that had gradually pooled to his waist while he’d been eating. The room was more than warm enough and his body had finally gotten back to what seemed to be a normal temperature.

That was too close a call. “I’m fine, thank you.” He regarded Vic. “Are you sure I’m not keeping you from anything?”

Vic chuckled. “Trust me. I lead a pretty solitary life.” His eyes widened almost imperceptibly, as if he hadn’t meant to say that. He plucked his beard. “So… I don’t want to pry, but can I ask what you were doing out there like that? What I mean is, why didn’t you just shift? I thought swans were accustomed to the cold.”

“We are and I tried.” Kellan drew his eyebrows together. “Something weird happened, though. After I was pushed out of the truck and left behind, I figured I’d stay shifted until I found somewhere safe or warm.” He sighed. “I couldn’t really think clearly at all I’m afraid. I was too upset.”

A low growl sounded from Vic and Kellan straightened. He tensed as anger twisted Vic’s features.

“Who pushed you?” Vic bared his teeth and Kellan tugged the blanket around him again, his heart pounding. “I’ll make them pay!”

“Oh, uh…” Why did I mention that? “I’m sure they’re long gone, which is just as well.” He lowered his head. “They didn’t want me around anyway.” Kellan sniffed. “Haven’t for a long time.”

“Hey.” Vic’s tone had softened and he moved off the bed, kneeling in front of Kellan. He tilted his head to try and catch Kellan’s gaze. “Come on, look at me.” Kellan lifted his eyes to meet Vic’s. “Sorry I got so worked up, I didn’t mean to yell like that. I just…” He sucked in a deep breath before continuing, “I just can’t stand the thought of anyone being so cruel to you.” Kellan noticed Vic balling his fists. “You could’ve been injured much worse than you were, or even killed.”

Kellan took a chance and placed a hand on Vic’s shoulder. “I’ve been expecting something like this from them for a while, to be honest. And they were just pulling away from the rest stop when my brother shoved me out of the truck bed.”

Vic’s fell back on his heels as his jaw dropped. “Your brother? Where was the rest of your family when this happened?”

Kellan removed his hand. He didn’t want to upset Vic with the gruesome details of his upbringing, but maybe it was time to share what he’d been through with someone who might actually care. Vic seemed as if he did. What would that be like? Finn had tried to drill into his head that love was for losers and no one would ever love him anyway. Still, Kellan had held onto hope.

“I don’t have any other family. Only Finn, my brother. My parents were killed in a flying accident when they were caught in a blizzard a few year ago. Most of the bevy was lost, it was so horrible. Then there’s the rest of my herd, eight of us, including me.” Kellan’s shoulders slumped. “Well, seven now. And I guess I should stop referring to them as my herd.”

Vic settled on the floor at his feet, the large man gazing up at him with compassion. “You’re not alone, Kellan, I promise. Vale Valley exists for a reason, to be that shining beacon for those of us who’ve been cast aside.” Vic clasped his hand. “I lost my family too when a deadly virus tore through our pack. But I’ve found a home and community and have built a good life here. Everyone’s going to welcome you with open arms, I promise.”

A measure of peace filled him. Vale Valley could only be a million times better than living with his rotten brother or any of the other vicious members of his herd. Ex-herd. Kellan smiled.

“Thank you for everything, Vic. Especially for staying here with me tonight. I’ve been so lonely for such a long time. They all hated me because I wouldn’t steal like them.”

Vic’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re from a herd of thieving swans?”

Heat bloomed under his cheeks. “When I hear I tout loud like that, it’s even more humiliating. But it’s true. Finn took over after my parents died and since most of the remaining members didn’t have their parents either, I don’t know. He managed to convince the others to join him in his schemes.”

Vic ran a hand over the top of his head. “Wow. Okay, I’m trying to understand, so bear with me. Where are you guys from? Were you on your way somewhere when Finn pushed you out of the truck?”

Kellan rubbed a finger under his nose and nodded. “We were making our winter migration from Michigan to North Carolina. But Finn heard about a good score from a gaggle of geese that we could make on the way. I said I didn’t want any part of his illegal activities anymore, refused to be their lookout, and boom. Out of the truck I went.”

Vic was shaking his head and blinking as if in disbelief. “That’s… Damn. I’m so sorry, Kellan. But at the same time, I’m glad you’re no longer in those horrible circumstances. What awful shifters.”

“They were real assholes. I’m glad too.”

Kellan wondered if maybe Vic would take him on a tour of the town, or if he’d introduce him to his friends. He’d been serious about wanting to pay Vic back for his generosity, too. Kellan licked his lips. He would cherish any time spent with the handsome wolf.

Vic was tugging on his beard again with his brow furrowed, seemingly lost in thought. He tilted his head as he regarded Kellan. “You’re going to need some clothes and toiletries. I’ve got plenty of toothpaste and shampoos and stuff here, but I can’t think of anyone who would be about your size to borrow clothes from until we can get you some more.”

Kellan hugged Vic’s flannel shirt around him, crossing his arms in front of it. He didn’t want Vic to take it back right away. “Sorry. The clothes I had on when I was dumped wouldn’t have kept me warm enough out in the snow and I couldn’t carry them around with me while shifted.”

“Did you guys always leave your stuff in your vehicles when you shifted too?”