Brac Village 25

  Once Upon a Christmas

  Kyle Harrison has had his eye on Mack Fargo for weeks. Although he volunteers at the local rec center, working in the daycare room, and cares for Mack’s son while the doctor works, he can never work up the courage to flirt with Mack. Until a snowstorm blows through and Mack rescues Kyle from walking home. What starts out as a kind gesture turns into so much more as Kyle learns about Mack’s world and just how scary a place it can be.

  Mack’s wife died during childbirth, and now his in-laws are desperate to get their hands on his son. They believe they should be raising Joshua, not a single father, so they hire someone to kidnap the pup. But they aren’t the only in-laws giving Mack problems. Kyle’s parents are against them being together, but being in the holiday spirit is hard when a hired gunman is out to get them.

  Genres: Alternative (M/M, Gay), Contemporary, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Shape-shifter, Vampires/Werewolves

  Length: 28,328

  ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS

  Brac Village 25

  Lynn Hagen

  

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK

  Once Upon a Christmas

  Copyright © 2018 by Lynn Hagen

  ISBN: 978-1-64243-561-0

  First Publication: December 2018

  Cover design by Emma Nicole

  All art and logo copyright © 2018 by Siren Publishing, Inc.

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

  All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book or print book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at legal@sirenbookstrand.com

  PUBLISHER

  Siren Publishing, Inc.

  www.SirenPublishing.com

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Lynn Hagen loves writing about the somewhat flawed, but lovable. She also loves a hero who can see past all the rough edges to find the shining diamond of a beautiful heart.

  You can find her on any given day curled up with her laptop and a cup of hot java, letting the next set of characters tell their story.

  For all titles by Lynn Hagen, please visit

  www.bookstrand.com/lynn-hagen

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS

  Brac Village 25

  LYNN HAGEN

  Copyright © 2018

  Chapter One

  Kyle Harrison stood by the door of the rec center and watched as one of the kids from art class was carted away by her dad, dashing to their car as the snow fell in big, fat flakes. The storm was getting closer, and Joshua’s dad still hadn’t picked his son up yet from the daycare where Kyle volunteered.

  “Don’t worry,” he said to the baby. “Your daddy will be here soon.”

  He bounced the infant in his arms while he prayed his car started when he left. The rust bucket had been giving him troubles for a month now, and Kyle worried he’d be stuck at the center through the storm. The coordinator of the center, Mr. Baskerville, had left Kyle with the keys, asking him to lock up.

  Kyle liked that Mr. Baskerville had trusted him since he’d been volunteering for only a few weeks. Then again, the guy always had a slight smell of booze on his breath, and Kyle suspected he snuck off from time to time for a little drinky-drinky.

  Since it was Friday, Mr. Baskerville had probably wanted to hit the bar early. Kyle wished he had a social life. Not that he wanted to drink, but his life consisted of volunteer work, his part-time job at the diner, and then always going home afterward to his lonely apartment. But that was his own fault since he chose to go home instead of finding something to get into.

  He really did need to get out more often.

  His heart thumped wildly when he saw the dark blue truck pull into the parking lot. Kyle bit his lower lip, his heart kicking up a notch as his gaze drank in the hot hunk that climbed out of the driver’s side and hurried their way.

  When Mack Fargo stepped into the center and brushed the snow from his strong shoulders, Kyle feared he’d swoon and faint. How could anyone be that good-looking and not have a horde of admirers trailing behind him? Mack had come in a few weeks ago with his shirtsleeves pulled back, and Kyle had noticed tattoos on both his arms. He usually wasn’t into bad boys, but no gay man in his right mind would be able to resist the hunk.

  “Sorry I’m late.” Mack’s deep voice made Kyle feel as if the sound vibrated in his own chest. “I got stuck at the clinic. Thanks for keeping an eye on Joshua.”

  He plucked the baby from Kyle’s arms, and Kyle secretly inhaled deep drafts of his masculine scent. He wasn’t sure if Mack was gay, but that didn’t stop Kyle from having the naughtiest dreams about the man.

  “It was no problem.” Kyle grabbed Joshua’s diaper bag and handed it over. “He’s never a problem. Your son is such a happy baby.” And his daddy is such a hottie.

  Mack pulled something from his jeans and tucked it into Kyle’s shirt pocket. “I’ll see you Monday, if the weather permits.”

  Kyle tried to think of something to say, something that would make Mack stay longer, but nothing came to mind as he watched the guy head toward his truck and then strap Joshua into his car seat before he got in and drove away.

  With a sigh, Kyle grabbed his coat, put it on, and then locked the center up before walking to his car. He nearly jumped for joy when the engine turned over. That was a first. Usually he had to beg and plead while turning the key a million times.

  Unfortunately he had to sit there and wait for the engine to heat up because his windshield was frozen. By the time he pulled away, Kyle wasn’t sure who was shaking more, him or his car. He eased out of the parking lot as his tires slid a few times. He gripped the wheel tightly and prayed he didn’t slide right into a parked car.

  He made it onto the main road and drove toward his apartment but decided he’d better stop at the grocery store before he was snowed in. Then Kyle remembered Mack had shoved something into his pocket.

  When he checked, he pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. Why on earth had Mack given him that? Was it a tip, or did Kyle look like he needed the cash? Whatever the case, Kyle was thankful and would spend it on groceries.

  He would’ve turned on his radio and sang along, but his stinking radio didn’t work, so all Kyle could do was hum as he drove like a snail down the slushy road. Every time his tires didn’t catch, Kyle’s heart went crazy.

  As soon as he saved enough money he would get them replaced, but until then, he bit his lip through the white-knuckle drive. Kyle was supposed to work the second shift at the diner, but Cody had called him earlier and told him not to come in. His boss was closing the diner until the storm blew over.

  That was a relief because Kyle didn’t want to drive again today, especially if the snow piled up.

  He maneuvered his sedan into the parking lot of the grocery store, turned his car off, and then got out. It wasn’t until he made it to the automatic doors that he realized the store was closed.

  “Are you freaking kidding me?” he shouted at the sign as he waved his fist at the glass.

  The wind blasted past him, making Kyle fold his arms around himself as he shivered. There was nothing he could do, so he ran back to his car and got in.

  It coughed and made a grinding noise, but wouldn’t start.

  He pressed his forehead into the steering wheel. “I really hate my life sometimes.” Since he knew nothing about cars, Kyle didn’t bother popping the hood.

  He simply sat there, staring at the deserted road in front of him, wondering what he should do. It was too cold to walk home, but if he stayed in his car, he’d freeze to death.

  None of the businesses around him looked opened. All the lights in the stores were out. Even the sidewalk sign in front of the coffee shop had been pulled inside. Brac Village seemed deserted as the snow continued to fall, blanketing the town in its cold beauty.

  With no other choice, Kyle got out and started his trek home.

  * * * *

  Mack cursed as he strapped Joshua back into his car seat before jumping into the driver’s seat and starting his truck. He’d gotten all the way home before he remembered his son was low on diapers.

  “Sorry, buddy. Your daddy is a scatterbrain sometimes.” Mack had been working late at the clinic, and by the time he could get out of there, he’d rushed to pick Joshua up from the center, passing the store on his way.

  He could still see Kyle standing by the door, coddling Joshua in his arms as he waited for Mack to show up. The guy was the sexiest man Mack had ever seen, but he wasn’t sure if hitting on his son’s daycare provider
was appropriate.

  But he’d have to break the ice sooner or later considering Kyle was his mate. Mack’s wolf had gone nuts the first time he’d laid eyes on the guy, and since then, Mack had struggled with how to approach Kyle. It wasn’t as if he could tell Kyle he was a wolf and that they were destined to be together. He wasn’t sure how well that would go over with the human.

  Even if Kyle accepted the fact that they were mates, that didn’t mean he wanted to become an instant father. That was one of the many indecisions that plagued Mack every time he saw Kyle.

  He’d even considered inviting his mate over for Christmas, but how awkward would asking him have been since they didn’t really know each other?

  “It’s about time you rectified that,” he said to himself.

  Joshua babbled in his car seat. Mack smiled and tickled his tiny belly. “What do you think, slugger? Should Daddy ask him out on a date?”

  Mack’s chest ached when he thought of how his wife had died during childbirth and feared maybe he was jumping back into the dating game too soon. It had been only seven months since he’d lost Belinda, and he might’ve backed off the idea of asking Kyle out if Mack hadn’t discovered the little human was his mate.

  Joshua smiled and waved his fists around as he gurgled.

  “Yeah, I think I should, too.” He was squinting past his windshield at the falling snow when he spotted someone walking down the street. It was bitter cold outside, and no one should be out in this weather. The closer he got to the person, the more familiar the guy seemed. “Shit,” he said and then turned to his son. “Sorry for my language.”

  Mack pulled to the curb and hopped out but stayed close to his truck since his son was inside. “Kyle, what’re you doing out here?”

  The guy looked near tears. “My car won’t start.”

  “You’ve got to be freezing.” It was a ridiculous comment considering the temperature outside. Mack grabbed Kyle around his shoulders and his coat felt like ice. “Get into my truck so you can warm up.” The guy’s shoes were soaked through, and he was shivering like crazy.

  “The store was closed,” Kyle whimpered. “I stopped to get groceries, but it was closed, and I was forced to walk home.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Just get into my truck.” Mack opened the driver’s door and got Kyle inside as quickly as possible. He didn’t want the heat to get sucked out and for Joshua to get cold.

  When he jumped in and closed the door, he placed Kyle’s bare hands against the vents. “Just give it a minute.”

  “So c-c-cold.” Kyle leaned forward and pressed his face against the vent. “Need h-h-heat.”

  Mack rubbed his hands up and down Kyle’s arms, trying to warm him up faster, as Joshua sat there staring at the guy. Then he smiled and babbled, reaching for Kyle.

  “Not now, buddy.” Mack pulled away from the curb and headed toward home. His mate needed to be taken care of, and that would be hard to do if he dropped Kyle off. His car not starting had been an unfortunate event, but it also now gave Mack the time he would need to get to know his mate better.

  As soon as Kyle thawed and if he didn’t demand to be taken home. The guy was so skinny he should’ve turned into a walking icicle. He pressed his knuckles to Kyle’s cheek, concerned at how cold his skin felt.

  “I’m sorry I’m making you go out of your way,” Kyle said. “I don’t mean to be a bother.”

  “Trust me.” Mack pulled his hand away. “You’re not a bother.”

  Kyle gave him a wobbly smile before he closed his eyes and sighed. “This heat feels good.”

  Mack relaxed a bit when Kyle settled back. He still shivered but not as badly as before. That still didn’t mean the guy wouldn’t become sick from the exposure. He was human after all and susceptible to human ailments.

  “Where’re we going?” Kyle crinkled his nose as he stared out the window. It was an adorable look on him. “This isn’t the way to my apartment.”

  Mack had to think of a quick lie so he wouldn’t scare his mate, although he wasn’t crazy about the idea of lying to him. “Joshua needs to eat.” Which was the truth. “You don’t mind hanging out at my place, do you?”

  Kyle glanced at him, suspicion and worry in his pale blue eyes. “You’re not some weirdo kidnapping me, are you? I really hope not because I’ve grown attached to your son, and I’d hate to think his dad was a crazy man.”

  Mack chuckled as Kyle curled his lips in. At least his mate had a sense of self-preservation, even if it had kicked in after he’d gotten into Mack’s truck. But his mate had nothing to worry about. “I promise I’m not a danger to you.”

  “I hope not. You live too far from my apartment, and I’m not walking home from your place.” Kyle twisted around and tapped Joshua on his nose. “I didn’t think I’d see you so soon.”

  Joshua grabbed Kyle’s finger and tried to eat it.

  “See,” Mack said. “I told you he was hungry.” He had to stop his hand from gliding down Kyle’s leg. Mack knew he had to take things slow, but his wolf was anxious to claim their mate. It whimpered inside Mack, panting to get closer.

  Thankfully they made it to Mack’s house before his wolf won the struggle.

  “Welcome to my humble abode.” Mack parked the truck and then slipped out to grab Joshua, Kyle right behind him as the wind gusted, sending frigid air all around them.

  He quickly unlocked the door and let them in before shoving it closed behind them. “It’s not fit for man or beast out there.” He stripped his son out of his coat and set him in his saucer. “Make yourself at home,” he said to Kyle.

  His mate stood inside the door, glancing all around. He looked as if he’d bolt at any second, and Mack couldn’t figure out what he’d said to make Kyle so nervous.

  Then he looked to where Joshua was, and his jaw dropped. His infant had just shifted into his wolf form. Kyle wasn’t the only one who was shocked. Considering Joshua was a half-breed, he shouldn’t be able to shift at all.

  * * * *

  “Don’t panic.” Mack held up his hands as he moved slowly toward Kyle. “I promise he won’t hurt you.”

  Kyle looked down at Joshua and grinned. “I know he won’t hurt me. He’s just a baby.”

  Mack’s brows shot up as Kyle knelt and made a kissy nose for Joshua to come to him. The small wolf puppy climbed over the saucer, and then fell, but recovered and padded his way to Kyle, his little tail wagging the whole time.

  “Why aren’t you freaking out?” Mack asked. “You’re human. You should be running for the door.”

  “Because Johnny told me about shifters,” Kyle said. “Though I’ve never seen anyone shift before.” He scratched Joshua under his chin, and the puppy nibbled on his fingers. It was the cutest thing ever. “I just wished I’d known he was a shifter so I could’ve watched out for him better in the daycare room. I don’t think Mr. Baskerville knows you guys exist, and he would’ve freaked out if he’d seen Joshua change.”

  “Like I’m freaking out?”

  Kyle glanced up at Mack. He’d been babbling because he’d been so nervous around the gorgeous guy, but the look of shock in his pretty green eyes made Kyle stand up straight. “What do you mean?”

  Mack rubbed a hand over his chin. “He’s never shifted before. His mother was human. Usually half-breeds can produce canines, but they can’t shift into their full animal form.”

  “You mean this is the first time you’ve seen Joshua as a wolf?”

  Mack closed the distance and scooped the puppy from the floor, turned him over, and started to scratch his belly. “Yep, this is my very first time seeing him like this.”

  Father and son looked so cute together. Kyle sighed, wishing he had someone to scratch his belly. Mack would do, but he’d just confessed to having a wife, so Kyle knew he didn’t stand a chance.

  Duh, he has a son. You’ve already established you didn’t have a shot with him.

  He wanted to smack his inner voice for popping his delusional bubble.