Page 8 of A Swan for Christmas

Chapter Four

Vic tossed a small plastic bag from the drug store onto the passenger seat of his truck containing the ankle brace he’d purchased for Kellan.

Kellan.

He’d barely had any sleep. All night his mind would drift to pictures of Kellan, then he would recall his enticing scent. After jerking off two times to imaginary scenarios with Kellan moaning and writhing beneath him, he’d finally managed to drift off. He’d then spent all morning repeating the same mantra over and over in his head—the one that reminded him that big bad wolves needed to keep their hairy paws off innocent, young swans.

I’ll get him settled, help him find work and introduce him to a few locals. That’s it.

Vic pretended that showing Kellan around was merely him being friendly and nothing more. As the innkeeper of Vale Valley, it was his duty to be welcoming.

As he pulled into his spot in front of his cabin, he pondered where he’d like to take Kellan on their sight-seeing trip. The day was sunny, but still way below freezing. The piles of snow from the recent storm sparkled beneath the rays of the sun and made the entire town appear as magical as it truly was. He decided to play it by ear, give Kellan the highlights then let him decide.

Vic already had everything he needed for their outing. He’d brought the new clothes by earlier when they’d shared breakfast together, and he’d been relieved to discover a healthy rosy glow blooming in Kellan’s cheeks when he’d arrived. After leaving Kellan so he could get ready, Vic had checked in on the inn and the restaurant. When Mark stopped by for his paycheck, he’d asked how Kellan’s ankle was doing, which had then sent Vic off to get the brace.

He snatched the bag off the seat then made his way across the parking lot to the elevators. Once he’d arrived at the second floor, he headed to Kellan’s room, surprised at how nervous and jumpy he was. I saw him less than an hour ago. What the fuck. Vic knocked on the door.

“Come in!”

He frowned then checked the knob. Sure enough, it was unlocked. Vic huffed as he entered the room.

“Why isn’t the door locked? You should be more careful!”

He winced at the sight of Kellan hugging his knees to his chest and staring at him with wide eyes. His voice must have come out louder than he’d intended.

“Is it because of the dragons? I didn’t think a lock could keep out any witches.”

Vic rubbed his forehead. Why did I ever tell him that? Then again, it wasn’t as if he could avoid them if he stayed in town. Vic’s chest tightened. He has to stay.

“I already explained that you have nothing to fear from our dragons and witches. We’re all good folk here.”

“I know, I’m sorry. But Finn used to tell me horrible stories about them. After mom and dad died, he said if I didn’t do everything he told me to do, he’d cut off my ears and sell me to the witches.”

Vic crossed his arms as he ground his teeth. He took a couple deep breaths before responding. No need to scare him any more than I already have. “Finn is an asshole. You said so yourself.” Vic scratched his head, trying to think of a way to make Kellan understand. “Look, I have a guy who works the front desk part-time. Mark is an initiate in the local coven and he’s one of my best employees as well as a really cool person. Do you think I’d entrust my livelihood to someone if I thought they were dangerous or evil?”

Kellan lowered his head and gradually let go of his knees. “You’re right. The fact that Finn was the one who told me that stuff is probably proof enough that it was all a pack of lies.” He lifted his gaze. “I promise I won’t embarrass you when you introduce me to your employee. I believe you.” Kellan chewed his lower lip and Vic held in a groan. “I might be nervous for a while until I get to know him, but I would never be mean or rude.”

Vic drew closer then sat in the other chair next to Kellan. He handed him the bag with the brace. “I know you wouldn’t. I can tell you have a good heart.”

They exchanged smiles and Vic sensed that another bridge had been crossed between them.

“Hey, if you’re about ready, you can put on this brace then we can get going.”

Kellan nodded. “I am.”

He lifted up his pant leg, the jeans Vic had purchased for him a perfect fit. Vic tried to divert his pervy thoughts about how cute Kellan’s ass had looked encased in them by mentally calculating how much Knight’s Auto Repair was going to charge him the following week to service the transmission on his truck.

Once Kellan had finished securing the brace, he stood up and tentatively placed his weight on it.

“Is it okay?”

Kellan took a few steps. “Yeah, this is great. Thanks.”

“Did you put the ice pack on it again this morning?”

He smiled. “I did.”

“And your foot was elevated above your heart?”