Page 9 of A Swan for Christmas

Kellan inclined his head, a crease forming between his eyebrows. “I followed your instructions exactly, I promise. I don’t lie.”

Vic rubbed the back of his neck. “Right, sorry. Didn’t mean to imply anything. I’m just worried, that’s all.”

Kellan stared at him for a moment before his lower lip began trembling. Vic rushed forward in case Kellan was in any pain and needed his help. He grabbed his upper arms.

“What’s wrong?”

A tear fell from Kellan’s eye. “No one’s cared about what happens to me for a very long time.”

Vic yanked Kellan into his embrace, cradling and rocking him. He closed his eyes, rested his head on Kellan’s, losing the battle to remain indifferent to the young man. Just because he was doomed to never finding his true fated mate, it didn’t mean he couldn’t care about and love another. Even if in his mind it was odd that he should fall so hard and fast for Kellan, for a swan, that didn’t make it wrong.

The way Kellan pressed his cheek to his chest and hugged him back so tightly was nothing short of a confirmation that he was feeling the same way. He still intended to try and slow things down, if only to allow poor Kellan the chance to adjust to his new world, along with discovering his place within it.

Kellan loosened his hold and gazed up at Vic. “Is it okay that I like you and think you’re very handsome?”

Yup. That’s a rather direct confirmation. “Only if it’s okay that I like you and think you’re very beautiful.”

Kellan grinned. “Really? You think I’m beautiful? Finn always said—”

Vic placed a finger against Kellan’s lips. “Hey, let’s forget about him for now. I realize it’s going to take you a long time before for you to heal from what he and the rest of the herd did to you, but for now, maybe you can practice telling yourself that he was a horrible person who only wanted to hurt you, that none of what he said was true. What do you think?” Vic rubbed his thumb across Kellan’s soft cheek.

“I think you’re right, about everything.” He sighed. “You know, I still can’t believe that any of this is real. I never thought I’d find somewhere safe or someone who cared about me at all, let alone…” Kellan ducked his head.

“Hey.” Vic placed a knuckle beneath Kellan’s chin and encouraged him to look up. “You don’t have to hide from me. Ever. Now, you were going to say?”

Kellan’s brow wrinkled. “I don’t want you to think I’m pushy.”

Vic gave him a half-smile. He had an idea what Kellan might be driving at. After all, he’d spent all night and half the morning trying to tell himself he wasn’t falling for a near-stranger.

“I’ve been worried you’ll think I’m pushy. Tell me.”

Kellan cleared his throat. “I was going to say, let alone that I might find a mate.”

Vic’s heart swelled, and in that moment, he knew his feelings weren’t simply a case of misplaced lust, that Kellan meant something to him, that he had been led to Vale Valley for more than sanctuary. They might not be able to have a family since they couldn’t possibly be fated mates, but that was all right. They’d still have each other.

“Kellan, have you ever been kissed?”

Kellan blinked up at him as he shook his head.

Vic framed Kellan’s face with his hands. “Then I think we should do something about that.”

He held Kellan’s gaze for a moment before descending on him, capturing Kellan’s lips with his own, moving them over Kellan’s mouth. He kept his touch slow and gentle, imprinting the memory of their first kiss to hold dear in his heart forever. Kellan melted against his frame and kissed him back, his technique clumsy, but earnest. As their exchange heated, Vic wrapped one hand around Kellan’s nape and grasped his waist with the other. Kellan opened up to him and Vic dipped his tongue into Kellan’s willing mouth, tasting and exploring as much of the sweet man as he could.

Vic slowed the kiss before they got too carried away, still mindful of not overwhelming him. When he broke the connection, he framed Kellan’s face again and pressed his lips to Kellan’s forehead to seal his intent. They stared into each other’s eyes in silence as they caught their breath again.

Kellan curled his fingers in the fabric of Vic’s flannel shirt, clutching it as if he were scared Vic might run away. “That was… I don’t know how to describe it. Why do you taste so good?” He shivered. “I feel strange, like I’m about to burst out of my skin.”

Vic rubbed Kellan’s back, trying to soothe him. “You’ve been through so much in the past twenty-four hours and you’ve just been kissed for the first time.” Vic smiled. “You’re bound to feel on edge.”

The confusion in Kellan’s expression remained. Yes. Definitely have to slow things down. “Why don’t we go enjoy ourselves, see the sights? I have the whole afternoon free. When we come back, I’ll introduce you to the restaurant staff. When your ankle gets better, you’re welcome to help out there. Or, I can introduce you to some other people if there’s something else you’d rather do.”

“Oh no, I’ll help at the restaurant. I don’t want to be anywhere but here.” His cheeks flushed. “If that’s okay with you.”

Vic broke into a grin. “More than okay.” He let go of Kellan and plucked the jacket he’d bought Kellan that morning off the bed then held it out to him. “Ready to see your new home?”

Kellan grinned back. “Yes.” He sighed. “My new home.”

Vic helped him with the jacket and made a silent vow that he’d do everything in his power to keep Kellan safe and happy from then on. The young swan wasn’t the only one who never thought they’d find someone who cared that much about them.