Page 7 of A Swan for Christmas

“Yeah.” I guess now Hans can have my shiny red parka he was always trying to take from me. He’d left his jacket in the cab of the truck when they’d stopped to use the restrooms. “I was so scared, Vic. I only had my jeans, T-shirt and hoodie. Not even my boots, just my Chucks. No money, either. Finn never let me have any.”

A low rumble sounded from Vic’s chest then his eyes widened. “My apologies. I didn’t mean for that to come out. But that brother of yours needs to be taught a lesson.”

“I wish he’d get thrown in jail. All of them. They don’t care who they steal from.”

“I’m right there with you. So, you shifted. What led you this direction?”

“Well, I’m not sure exactly. I couldn’t go back on the highway, it was too dangerous. It was starting to get dark and I knew I’d be in trouble if I didn’t find shelter soon. Swans don’t do well on their own, we always move as a group. When I went through the woods behind the rest stop, I found a small river which I thought would be perfect for me to travel on. I could make good time and I knew it would eventually lead me somewhere.” Kellan smiled. “And it did.”

Vic smiled back, his gorgeous hazel eyes with flecks of gold crinkling at the corners, and Kellan thought he could drown in them.

“How about I grab some more grooming stuff for you, and I can at least get you one of my T-shirts to sleep in for tonight.”

Kellan supposed he could relinquish the red flannel for the tee, as long as both belonged to Vic.

Vic plucked his phone from his jean pocket. “If you give me your clothing and shoe sizes, I can pick up some stuff for you in the morning. Then, if you’re up for it, I’ll show you around a bit. Let you see what the place is like in the daytime.”

Yes! Kellan barely stopped himself from pumping his fist in the air. “I’d love that, thank you. Do you think we could get a closer look at the lake? I’m hoping I can shift again now that I’m feeling better and I’d like to get some time in the water before it freezes over.”

Vic grinned. “No worries there. The lake never freezes. You can use it year-round.”

Kellan sucked in a sharp breath. Year round? “How come?”

“More of our town magic.” Vic winked.

Kellan could barely sit still, he was so excited. The main reason swans moved around in the winter was to find water sources that weren’t frozen. If he could always have the lake to float on in winter, he’d never have to go anywhere else. I could stay here with Vic. He gave himself a mental slap. Vic was being awfully nice, but that didn’t mean the hunky wolf wanted a love-starved swan clinging to him.

“That’s amazing. The whole town sounds amazing.”

Vic nodded, still smiling. “I think so. Let me go grab those things for you.”

He pushed up from the floor and when he reached his full height, Kellan was once again reminded what a large and imposing man Vic was. Kellan stared up at him with wide eyes.

So strong.

As Vic turned to leave, Kellan almost jumped from the chair to stop him. He didn’t doubt that if his ankle hadn’t been sprained, he would have. As if Vic had sensed his intentions, he peered over his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I won’t be long.”

After he’d shut the door, Kellan brought the collar of Vic’s shirt to his face and pressed his nose against the fabric. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he remembered how comforting it had been when Vic had carried him. Held me.

A tear leaked from one eye at the realization that no one had touched him with any affection ever since his mom had died. It had been more than eleven years ago when he’d only been eight years old. Kellan sighed. Don’t go there. You don’t need to anymore.

He had Vale Valley and a new beginning.