Jingle Bear: BBW Paranormal Holiday Shape Shifter Romance (North Pole Book 1) (2 page)

Chapter Three

Quinn woke when he hit the white powder. Tiny flakes rose high off the ground, swirled around like a powdery dust cloud and settled around him.

When he fell asleep the night before, he’d been wearing a pair of plaid flannel pants and nothing else. He sat up and noted the clothes were his, but he hadn’t put them on. He brushed the icy flakes from his sweater as he looked around and tried to figure out his location. There might be snow everywhere, but he wasn’t at the Pole anymore.

He reached for his necklace and cursed when he found it missing. Every resident of the North Pole had a magic necklace that allowed passage to and from the Pole. He wouldn’t be able to travel home without it. He halfheartedly dug through the powder in case it had fallen off, but he knew he wouldn’t find it.

A minute later, a red velvet Christmas stocking floated down from the sky. The cuff of the stocking had his name embroidered in shimmery, gold thread and a rolled up piece of parchment paper peeked out of the top. He grabbed the paper and the stocking disappeared, along with the red ribbon tied around the missive. He unrolled the paper and read the large, elegant scrawl.

Dear Quinn,

You’ll get your necklace back when you allow love into your heart again.

Until then, enjoy your vacation.

Love,

Santa

He read the words three times and then he crumpled the paper into a ball and hurled it into the snow. It disappeared as soon as it hit the dust.

Dammit!

Mark had been right; he shouldn’t have tried to trick the big man.

He stood and dusted the ice and flakes off of his clothes, then set out to find out where he was. He’d landed on the side of a log cabin, and after surveying the area, it looked like some sort of resort or camping facility. When he heard noise on the other side of the small building, he walked around to find the source.

The minute he turned the corner and saw the woman wrestling with the giant log, a myriad of emotions washed over him and for several seconds, he literally couldn’t move. Anger, resentment, a fierce desire to protect and defend, followed by instant, blazing arousal confirmed Santa had sent him directly to his true, intended mate.

The feelings were unmistakable, and the truth of the match couldn’t be denied in his heart or his mind. He’d never felt anything like it, even ten years ago when he’d thought he’d found the one.

Shit! The big man really did know everything.

She looked about a foot shorter than him, but she was taller than most women, and for that he was grateful. At his height of six feet, seven inches tall, everyone except for a few polar bears, was shorter than him. He preferred tall women. He also liked a woman with a bit of meat on her bones and a curvy silhouette.

Even though she wore a bulky sweater and a winter coat, he could tell she had ample curves to pleasure him. Her long, blond, curly hair was pulled back in a rubber band, but a few loose strands had fallen out and framed her face in an unruly manner. It reminded him of sex hair and jealousy instantly swamped him.

Did she have a husband? A boyfriend? A lover?

Deep down he knew she was single, but at the same time, she lifted the ax over her head and slammed it down into the wood at a weird angle. He saw the look on her face and knew the force of her swing had ricocheted back into her arm. How could she be so careless?

Rage replaced the jealousy and he lashed out, condemning her for her actions.

“What the
hell
do you think you’re doing?” he roared.

Her cheeks turned red when she turned to look at him, confirming her attraction, but he knew the moment her desire turned to anger. He’d been rude and he deserved her fury.

He was so out of practice, he had no idea how to handle a woman. Especially the woman destined to be his mate. He had to try and be nice. He needed to woo her, not show her the grumpy bear he’d been for the past ten years.

He sent her in the house and cut the wood.

As an enforcer, he faced danger monthly, sometimes on a daily basis. He was trained to use the newest, most advanced weapons, and he knew all the forms of hand-to-hand combat. He defended Santa’s Village with pride, and yet he feared this woman, his mate, would be his biggest challenge of all.

She’d been hurt, that much he could tell, and she seemed to distrust him, which seemed appropriate given the circumstances. There was more though, and he knew gaining her full trust would be a bumpy road.

Somehow he had to convince the fiery woman inside he was worth a chance.

***

When he finished cutting everything, Chloe saw him place the ax back into the holder and walk to the front door. She opened the door as he stomped the snow off of his boots.

“Thank you for doing that for me. Would you like some warm coffee, or water? I can heat up a can of soup if you’d like. Are you hungry?”

“Coffee and soup sound great,” he said. “How’s your arm?”

“My…,” she’d completely forgotten about the pain in her arm as she watched him chop the wood. “It’s fine, thank you.”

He sat at the small kitchen table while she prepared the meal, and suddenly the room seemed smaller, but cozier. The table and chairs looked like a child’s set compared to his massive frame, but instead of being afraid, she felt serene and protected.

What the hell? He’s a stranger!

“Are you staying in one of the cabins?” she asked.

“No.”

“Are you from around here?”

“No.”

“Oh,” he was starting to freak her out, and she mentally questioned the sanity of inviting a stranger into her space. “Well, how did you end up in the snow behind my cabin?”

“That is a very good question,” he said as if he were as confused as she. “I guess I’ve been traveling for so long, I’ve kind of blocked out some of the details. I happened to see you out there and walked over to lend a hand.”

Sweet, but somehow she knew he wasn’t telling her the whole truth. It didn’t matter, soon he’d be on his way and she’d be alone again.

Unfortunately, the feeling didn’t give her the same satisfaction it had the night before.

She set two bowls of steaming hot soup on the table and then returned to the tiny kitchen for the coffee, spoons and sugar.

“Sorry, I don’t have any milk or cream,” she said and sat down in the chair opposite him.

“No problem. I usually drink it black anyway. What’s your name?”

“Oh, sorry, my name is Chloe Winters, what’s yours?”

“Winters? Really? That’s ironic,” he said.

“How so?” she asked.

“Never mind. It’s nice to meet you, Chloe. My name is Quinn Miller. What’s this?” he asked, pointing to her shopping list.

“Oh, that’s a list of supplies I need to pick up once the snow melts.”

“That could be days. Please tell me you have more than this can of soup and coffee in those cabinets,” he asked, his tone condescending as if he already knew the answer.

“Of course I do,” she lied.

He seemed to pick up on her fib and the legs of his chair scraped against the wood as he stood up abruptly. He stomped into the kitchen and opened the fridge and then the cabinets.

“Three cans of soup? That’s what you call picking up supplies?” he stomped into the living room and pointed at the tree and boxes of ornaments on the ground next to it. “You picked up a Christmas tree and ornaments, but not food?”

His voice boomed around the room and the sudden urge to cry was masked by her ire. Who the hell did he think he was? Who looked in a stranger’s cabinets and then chastised them for the contents? He might be sexy, but just like her ex, he was an asshole who thought he could yell and push her around to get his way. No way in hell. The lunatic had to go.

“What I do or don’t buy with my money is my business. I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but you have no right to go through my cabinets or question my choices. I want you to leave. Now!” she said the last word louder than the rest to emphasize her point.

Hopefully he would respect her wishes and leave, because she’d never be able to fight him off if he decided to attack her. Her size and strength compared to his were both utterly ridiculous.

“Chloe, I’m—”

“Please. Leave.” She said, cutting him off.

He nodded and walked out the door.

She bolted it behind him and watched him trudge through the snow with nothing more than his boots, jeans and thin sweater. He didn’t look back, and instead of feeling relief, she felt the oddest sensation to run after him and beg him to return.

She shook her head. She didn’t free herself of one jerk so she could find another. She wasn’t that crazy…was she? The thoughts made her sick to her stomach, and she curled up on the couch and covered herself with the quilt.

She had no idea why Quinn stirred up so many feelings, but she was glad he left. She didn’t need someone like him in her life.

Although she repeated the phrase over and over inside her head, she couldn’t help feeling like something was missing, as if her destiny had just walked out the door.

Several minutes later, she decided a nap would help clear her head, and she closed her eyes and let the sleep carry her to a place where men didn’t yell and snow gods lusted after tall, curvy women.

Chapter Four

Well, that went well. Not!

Quinn trudged down the mountain of snow and into the town. His long legs made it easy for him to navigate the covered landscape, and his leather boots kept his feet dry. When he reached the town, his pants were damp and covered in frost from the knees down, but he barely felt the cold.

Polar bear shifters were used to the conditions of the tundra and their body heat protected them with or without their fur. The thin sweater and jeans he wore were more than enough to keep him protected from the elements, even when temperatures dropped to near freezing. It was part of the magic that allowed him to shift, and prolonged his life. He wouldn’t live forever, but everyone in Santa’s Village had lived well past a normal human lifespan. If Chloe agreed to become his mate, she wouldn’t gain his internal heater, but her aging process would slow to match his.

As he walked through the town, he couldn’t help but smile at Santa’s twisted sense of humor. Christmas trees, candy canes, a dressed up Santa and a barn full of reindeer lined the busy street, along with bakeries, restaurants and ornament shops. His vacation from the North Pole, Santa’s Village, was in Christmas Town, a popular holiday attraction.

He looked around and noted at least one thing hadn’t changed since the last time he’d visited the real world.

He still gained attention wherever he went.

His height, combined with his broad chest and shoulders, had always garnered stares from both women and men. He’d learned to ignore it over the years, but his people skills were rusty. He’d never liked being the center of attention, and his reactions needed some gentle reminders. Scowling until people looked away in fear seemed wrong.

The local strip mall was located on the edge of town, far away from the holiday festivities. It contained a grocery store, a large discount pharmacy chain store, two fast food restaurants and a gas station.

He opted for the large discount store. Hopefully he’d be able to find a change of clothes along with everything on Chloe’s list.

If she realized he’d taken the sheet of paper when he left, she didn’t call him on it. He half expected her to chase after him, demanding he give it back, but she’d stayed in the cabin. It took everything he had not to look back at her, but he forced himself to stay on his mission and pick up the supplies.

An hour and a half later, he’d purchased everything on the list, plus a few extras including a few articles of clothing for him and a sled to haul it all back up the mountain. If she forgave him, the sled would be useful for some fun in the snow.

The thought froze him as he tied his bundles to the wood. He couldn’t remember a time in recent years when he’d opted for a sled ride, or a roll down a snow hill. When was the last time he enjoyed a sugar cookie or sang Christmas carols? Santa had been right. He wasn’t fun anymore, and if he were being completely honest, he hadn’t allowed himself any fun since his mistake.

Meeting Chloe made him want to be a better man. The type of man he was before when he knew how to have a good time, and people didn’t feel like they had to walk on eggshells around him. He wanted to enjoy his work, but also his life. He wanted to feel all the emotions like he did when he first encountered her wrestling with the log.

There was so much more to life than feeling either grumpy or grumpier, and for the first time in ten years he wanted to experience something else. He wanted to live again.

He had a feeling Chloe would help him. If he could convince her to give him a chance.

But how? You insulted her and stormed out like an arrogant asshole!

The only thing he could come up with involved showing up with gifts, apologizing and confessing some of the truth. If she relented, he’d do his best to prove she’d made the right choice.

The moon reflected off the snow as the night fell and he carefully hauled his purchases up the mountain. He hoped that she’d be sympathetic when she saw everything he’d purchased, and not kick him out in the cold. He could survive a night out in the elements, even in his human form, but he’d rather spend the evening inside with his sassy mate.

***

Chloe shivered and pulled the quilt tighter around her body, but the cover did nothing to block the cold. She opened her eyes and looked around the dark room. Outside, night had fallen and the light from the moon trickled through the open curtain in the kitchen.

She got up and ran to the light switch, certain she’d left it on, and realized the power had gone out while she’d slept. The temperature of the room had dropped significantly, and though she wore socks, her toes were ice cold. She needed to pile on some layers and get a fire going or she’d freeze as the night wore on.

She layered on another sweater, her winter coat, hat and gloves, and went outside to gather some wood. With her arms full, she turned and saw a silhouette walking up the hill toward her cabin. He was pulling something and for a moment, she thought the hotel had come to rescue her. By the time she figured out Quinn walked toward her, it was too late to run inside and pretend she didn’t see him.

“Hey, let me get that for you,” he said and ran up and took the wood from her.

“Thanks,” she said cautiously. “What’s all that?”

“That,” he smiled, “is your list. Plus a few extras. Let me put this inside and then I’ll haul the sled up.” He ran up the steps and entered her cabin as if he belonged there.

Chloe stared at the sled, and though she was still mad, she couldn’t help but smile. He’d brought her a peace offering and her heart warmed at the gesture. She didn’t want to make excuses for him, but he’d made an effort and she didn’t want to send him away.

“It’s almost as cold in there as it is out here. How long has the power been out?” he asked when he emerged from inside.

“I’m not sure. I fell asleep after you left and just woke up a few minutes ago.”

“About that…,” he started. “I’m sorry about the way I acted earlier. It’s a long story, but I’ve been in a bad mood for a really long time. My boss forced this vacation on me, and I know we’ve just met, but you’re the first person I’ve met in a long time who made me want to feel something else. It’s a little overwhelming,” he took a deep breath. “I don’t have a place to stay, so if it’s okay with you, I’d like to stay here and get to know you better.”

She shook her head and he held out his palms as if to ease her fears.

“Just talking, I promise.”

How boring!

Just talking. Of course.

Even though he’d said she made him want to feel
something else
, it certainly wasn’t something in the bedroom. He’d bought the supplies because he needed someone to talk to and a place to stay, and deep down she knew it was mostly the latter. She hated how much she wished it were because he wanted to be with her, but she knew the truth. Men built like him didn’t date women like her. Getting through the night while staring at his perfect physique would be difficult, but not something she couldn’t handle. She’d been
just friends
with several good looking men over the years.

“Okay,” she relented. “You can stay.”

“Thank you, Chloe, you won’t regret it,” his eyes sparkled like ice crystals when he smiled and she was again reminded of a snow god. He hauled the sled up the steps and quickly untied the bundles and carried them into the house. When everything was inside, he immediately started arranging the wood in the fire place while she unpacked the bags.

He’d purchased everything on her list, some clothes for himself, including a pair of flannel pajama bottoms with candy canes on them, and three boxes of cookies piled high with icing.

In the last bag she found two matching hat, scarf and mitten sets. They were crocheted in red with green and white striped trim.

He stood when the fire roared to life and placed the protective screen around the blaze.

“You found the hat and mitten sets,” he said when he joined her next to the table. “I picked them up in case you didn’t bring a set of your own. You’ll be much warmer in the snow if your hands are protected.”

He’d bought her an accessory set in Christmas colors to keep her warm, but equally surprising was the set he’d purchased for himself. If they went anywhere, they’d be a matching pair, and though she knew it wasn’t his intent, everyone would think they were a couple.

The fabric she held in her hands became blurry, but if he noticed, he didn’t let on. His gesture reminded her of everything she’d ever hoped for and everything she’d never have. He was exactly the type of man she’d always wished for.

“I’m going to heat up some water so we can warm up with some hot chocolate and cookies,” he said.

When he turned his back to pull a pot out of the cabinet, she wiped her eyes and cleared her throat. They were friends, nothing more, and she needed to stop fantasizing and remember her place.

“That sounds great, but why did you buy so many?”

“Cookies? Because I love them, especially the ones with a thick layer of icing on top.”

“Really?” she asked as he kneeled down in front of the fireplace and heated the water.

“Oh yeah,” he said. “I’m a sucker for most desserts, but cookies are my favorite.”

Every man she’d ever met hated dessert and looked down on her whenever she opted to make or buy something sweet.

“You have to see if you still feel the same after you try my Candy Cane Cheesecake.”

“Candy Cane Cheesecake? Really? You’re on.”

His enthusiasm made her laugh and he joined in. The boisterous sound filled the cabin and reminded her of Christmas and everything she loved about the holiday.

“Want to help me decorate the tree?” she asked.

“Yeah, that sounds great. Is it leaning on purpose, or would you like some help?”

“Very funny,” she said, and slapped him on the arm. “Help, please.”

They decorated and talked for hours. She told him about her dream to open a bakery and a little about her ex, and he shared certain aspects of his job and told her about his scar. She knew he’d left some pieces out, but so had she. Some things were hard to share and they’d only known each other a day.

Had it really only been that long? Their connection was strong and when he spoke, it didn’t feel like
just friends
. A great void would be left behind when he left. She wanted to know how long he planned to stay, but she didn’t dare ask. If he planned on leaving in the morning, she’d rather not know until then.

She pulled the quilt up tighter around her neck and watched him eat another cookie. For his size and strength, she expected crumbs everywhere, but he ate as if tasting each cookie for the first time.

“Are you still cold?” he asked.

The power never came back on and though he kept the fire roaring, the room still held a chill.

“Yeah, and tired,” she said and yawned.

“Come here,” he said and held out his arm. He still had on the thin sweater from earlier, but he’d changed into his pajama pants after they’d decorated the tree.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she responded.

“Then don’t think about it,” he said and motioned her over with his hand. “Come on.”

She knew she shouldn’t, but she wanted to touch him more than her next breath.

When she leaned up against him, he wrapped his arm around her and his warmth seeped through her layers. She unconsciously scooted closer and snuggled deeper into his embrace.

“You’re so warm,” she said, sleepily.

“Yeah, and soon you will be, too. Good night, Chloe.”

“Good night, Quinn.”