Possess Me Under The Mistletoe Page 15

  Another car zoomed past, and a giggle drew her attention to a young couple dressed up and walking down the sidewalk. The man held her close and she snuggled deeper into his side. This was what she’d craved… a man who was hers and she could go to parties with, spend holidays with, someone who had her back. Not hiding her feelings about him from those who were closest.

  “I changed my mind,” she said, sliding her hand into his, their fingers woven together. “Let’s tell him today.”

  Without warning, the front door swung open, and she flinched away, but Gunn tightened his hold, not letting her recoil.

  Her sights landed on Levi, one of Chase’s hunting buddies, and she released a loud breath. Levi had to be six-foot-five with tanned skin and dark hair cascading over his wide shoulders. The guy was handsome, even dressed in a deep-green knitted sweater that looked like it belonged on a sixty-year-old, but she doubted he realized how he affected women. Yet, he took everything so seriously. His job was his main focus.

  Levi’s gaze fell to her and Gunn holding hands. His lips stretched into a grin, and he gave a nod before breaking into a small laugh, his expression relaxed and unrestrained. “We were wondering when you two would turn up.”

  Levi’s deep voice streamed through the quiet street, and he drew Cyra into his arms, her hand pulled free from Gunn’s. Levi squeezed her so tight she swore he’d crack a rib. “Merry Christmas, Cyra.”

  “Th-Thanks, Levi. You, too. But I can’t breathe.”

  He whispered, “Gunn is an amazing guy. I was hoping you two would get together.”

  She broke free from his gorilla embrace, gasping for air, stunned by his admission. Levi and Gunn exchanged a man hug, complete with back slaps. Had Gunn told Levi about them or had she been that obvious when gawking at Gunn?

  “Has the party moved outside?” another male voice asked, and she recognized Saxon’s teasing voice in an instant. If she had a second brother, it would be Saxon, because, unlike the other hunters, who said their hellos and moved on, he asked her about her day, taught her tricks to heat up her cold apartment, and even helped convince Chase that she ought to live alone. He wore a V-neck black shirt and matching jeans, and his sleeve of tattoos was on display. She leaped into his embrace.

  He hugged her, and she adored how he always smelled of the sweetest, muskiest aftershave. “Girl, you better tell me you’re relocating to Chase’s and not leaving the country.”

  “And leave you?” She pulled away, noting he’d had a haircut; his hair had been trimmed super short along the sides of his head and long on top. In contrast, his usual stubble had grown to a beard. “Never. And the new hairstyle suits you. Brings out your cute eyes.” She nudged him.

  He puffed out his chest and grinned. “The girls love it.”

  “I bet they do.” Last time they’d spoken, she’d given him advice and taught him some pick-up lines that weren’t sleazy old man lines, but it was still a work in progress.

  “Head inside where it’s warm,” he said. “We’ll get your bags.”

  With a quick look over her shoulder, she saw Levi and Gunn in deep conversation with Saxon. Probably giving them a lowdown on the events… or was it a strategy on how to tackle Chase? Except she didn’t need Gunn or anyone to fight her battles. Chase was her family, and she’d speak to him first. Saxon grabbed Gunn in a playful headlock and rubbed his head while Levi playfully punched Gunn.

  She rolled her eyes and entered the townhouse. With her boots unzipped, she kicked them off and placed them on the shelf of shoes against the wall. She hung up her coat and turned toward the main room. The place had an open plan, so the kitchen and living room were one large space, and Chase had set up a long table. Next to the flat-screen television playing Miracle on 34th Street stood a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments of every color from the rainbow, including the tiny red-and-green stockings she’d sewn at school. She felt as if she’d just walked into the farmhouse, bathing in the delicious aroma of baked goods.

  Maddon lounged on the couch, a demon hunter from Argos who always joked about everything but was the most loyal person she’d ever met. Whenever Chase had a problem, he’d call Maddon, and the guy would rush over anytime, day or night. Chase and he were best buddies. He waved at her as he chatted with someone on the phone pressed to his ear. She caught the words “tracking” and “Monday.” Could be a new job. She marched closer, giving him a hug. No other girls attended the party. Chase had told her Maddon just broke up with his latest girlfriend, and, while Levi did have a love interest most hadn’t met yet, she was out of town for Christmas apparently. She’d grill him later about who exactly she was.

  Strutting deeper through the room, she saw no sign of Chase, but the glorious smell that came from the stove had her drooling.

  “Crap!” She’d forgotten the casserole she’d agreed to bring to the party. Maybe she’d whip up a cake if Chase had all the ingredients.

  Inside the oven, she found a dish of lasagna big enough to feed the whole street. Maybe we’ll have plenty of food. She stared at the row of plates piled high with snacks and sides on the counter, along with a smoked ham ready for carving. She grabbed a deviled egg and popped it into her mouth; the mayonnaise and tangy mustard was heaven on her tongue.

  Perhaps she’d make that cake. She checked the fridge for the eggs and milk. Instead, she found a trifle in a glass bowl, and, next to it, a chocolate cheesecake. Hell, Chase. He was stealing the limelight.

  “Cyra?” her grandmother’s voice called out.

  She spun, shutting the fridge door with her foot, her breath caught in her lungs. Her grandma stood across the kitchen, leaning against a cane. Short, white hair spiked along the top of her head, and her gray eyes watered. Dressed in a green dress cinched at the waist with a black belt, her grandma reminded Cyra of when she was younger.

  “Grandma.” Her throat choked up as she darted toward her. She hugged her, inhaling the familiar lavender perfume. Her eyes pricked with tears because she’d missed her so much, and suddenly felt like she was back on the farm where everything was perfect. Her grandmother seemed smaller in her arms—or maybe it had just been too long since she’d last seen her. She felt an ache beneath her chest that her grandma was getting older too fast.

  “I can’t believe you’re here. It’s the best surprise,” Cyra gasped, still unable to believe it.

  Grandma wiped her cheeks. “Dear. How could I not have Christmas with my two angels? I’ve missed you both.” She was small and pale-skinned, and had the most amazing smile that always brightened Cyra’s day. Right now, she had Cyra about to start balling her eyes out.

  Cyra ran a palm across her grandma’s spiky hair and smirked. “You let Chase fix your hair, didn’t you?”

  Grandma laughed and hobbled toward the oven. “He did a marvelous job. Now how is my lasagna going?”

  Cyra trailed after her and opened the oven door, but it was Chase’s voice that responded. “It smells divine, fortunately, because I don’t see Cyra’s casserole anywhere.”

  She whirled around and offered her brother a glare, followed by a smile. He’d shaved and looked younger than twenty-six. “For your information, I had every intention of making a casserole, but I had a late day.”

  Chase slouched on one leg and ran a hand through his short, wavy hair. One of his eyebrows arched the same way it always did when he was about to spring some amazing insight and prove whatever point he had. Had someone already told Chase? God, this group of friends never kept a secret, like last year Chase told me Maddon thought he’d gotten his ex-girlfriend pregnant, and everyone had talked about it before the girl had even confirmed she was pregnant herself. Turned out she hadn’t been, but it hadn’t stopped the group from coming up with plans for Maddon. How he’d have to find a bigger place, buy a stroller and all this other crap.

  Chase lowered his arms, revealing a green, long-sleeved top printed with a dancing reindeer, though it stretched across his chest and the fabric crawled up his stomach. S
ince he’d moved to Detroit, he’d bulked up.

  “Cute shirt.”

  “A gift from grandma.” His devilish smirk widened, because tradition at the farm had always been that everyone wore a silly Christmas outfit. She and Chase hated them but always dressed up, regardless.

  “I’ve got yours,” her grandma wobbled out of the kitchen, her cane striking the wooden floorboards.

  Cyra closed the distance between her and her brother and hugged him. “Thanks for letting me move in with you,” she began.

  His arms tightened around her, and he lifted her off the ground. “Hell, yeah, I’ve been asking you for weeks, so I was super happy when you called and finally agreed last night. I’ve got the bigger spare room cleaned for you.”

  Stepping back, she gasped. “The one with the bathroom?”

  He nodded and slid a strand of hair out of her face. “Consider it a Christmas gift, sis. Besides, I’ve missed not seeing you every day and not having someone to tease. It’ll be great living together again. But why the change of heart?”

  She shrugged. “Guess it’s the Christmas spirit.” The warmth in her chest spread through her entire body. Everything about today seemed perfect and how it should be. This was home and everyone she loved was under the same roof. “Hey, Chase, I need to tell you something. And please be open-minded about it.” She picked at her fingernails.

  “Here you go, sweetie.” Grandma reappeared and placed a green sweater in Cyra’s hand.

  Maybe having Grandma there might make talking to Chase easier? She always stood up to Chase when he got too hard on Cyra. But Chase had told their grandma they both worked for Argos and what the organization did, so demon hunting wasn’t new to her. Her grandma was opened-minded and rarely judged people, so she had high hopes for extra moral support.

  “Give me two seconds. Let me get changed first.” Chase was going to embrace Gunn as her boyfriend, for sure, but she just needed a few more seconds to chase away her doubts. She turned and darted toward the corridor that led to the bedrooms. She pushed herself into the spare room, the one Chase had just given her and tried to slow her breaths. It was devoid of furniture, but the huge windows overlooked a line of skeletal trees. In summer, they would blossom and make for quite a breathtaking view.

  She unbuttoned her white blouse with frilly sleeves, then slid on the sweater. Yep, she was going to just march back into the kitchen and tell Chase the truth, and then he’d have to deal with the news. God, if she could confront a demon, she could do this.

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “Come in.” She quickly tugged the fabric down her stomach.

  Gunn entered, his gaze settled on her top. “Adorable Christmas tree.” She glanced down to find a dancing tree. Damn, it was gaudier than Chase’s, but then she spotted what looked like a top in Gunn’s grip.

  “You got one, too?”

  “Chase handed them out to everyone. Anyway, saw you headed this way and figured I could steal a kiss.” He winked.

  She fought for each breath, and he drew her against him.

  Melting against him felt natural. Without any hesitation, this was where she ought to be… by Gunn’s side. His lips found her neck, and his kisses glided to her earlobe. He flicked his tongue out and pulled it into his mouth, sucking.

  Fire hit her core so fast, it rocked her.

  “You’re mine, baby girl, and I adore you.” He clasped her wrist, placing her palm above his heart.

  Her fingers crawled beneath his red top, skimming across his hot skin, loving the way his muscles flexed under her touch.

  In two seconds flat, he plucked the shirt over his head. His jeans hung low on his hips, emphasizing the V of his torso and the faint line of hair diving south. The urge to rip off his pants had her fingers tingling. She chewed her cheek at the idea of him taking her up against the wall.

  But instead, he dragged on his black top featuring Santa riding a unicorn. She burst out laughing and it was amazing to let out her anxiety. “That’s worse than mine.”

  Gunn stuck out his chest and patted his long-sleeved T-shirt. “Well, unicorns deserve love, too. Not just the reindeers.”

  “Ha. You’re hilarious.” Plastered against him, she lifted herself up, feeling shorter next to Gunn without her boots. “Tell me you’ll stay here all day.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.” His admission had her heart racing. “I have something for you though.” He reached into his back pocket and revealed a purple velvet pouch. “Merry Christmas, baby girl.” He set it on her palm.

  “When did you get me a gift? I haven’t got you anything and—”

  “I already have you. That’s everything I want. Now open your gift.”

  She pulled open the strings and took out a silver chain necklace with a quartz crystal pendant. A gasp fell from her throat. “Oh my god. This is gorgeous.”

  “Well, I lost the crystal you gave me. But actually, I had bought this for you two weeks ago, determined to break the ice between us. The jeweler told me it was white gold.”

  Her chest tightened. “Wow. I love it so much, Gunn. It’s beautiful.” Cyra pressed against him, kissing his mouth, chin, cheeks. “Thank you.”

  “Anything for you. Now let’s put it on.” He clasped the chain around her neck and at once, the crystal touched her skin and warmed her, like a connection between them.

  “It’s perfect.”

  His smile left her giddy. And then there was the way he stared at her as if he’d devour her any second. “Shall we join the party before they send a search party for us?”

  “Yep.” The idea of spending time with her grandma got her legs moving. Maybe they’d play board games and watch a movie. She opened the door, and with Gunn at her back, they emerged into the main room, where all eyes landed on her. Four hunters, including Chase, plus her grandma, lingered in the kitchen. Normally, she’d rush in there and toss out jokes at the guys like they were grenades, but today she couldn’t think straight.

  Her attention focused on Chase, who studied her with a narrowed gaze. She loved how much he cared for her, but he had to allow her the freedom to make decisions for herself. In the kitchen, strong hunters towered over her, and while other people might get intimidated, she wasn’t. Each one of them had hearts of gold and were her family, so, if she was going to have this conversation, it might as well be in front of them. Some of them might even weigh in on her side.

  “If I were half my age,” Grandma started, “I’d be in heaven right now with all these lovely men in the same room.” She laughed.

  Saxon, who now wore a red T-shirt with a reindeer head on it along with the words “Let’s Get Blitzened,” sidled up to her grandma. “I bet you had men eating out of your hands.”

  She patted his bicep, which he flexed on cue, and she said, “Well, I could tell you some stories.”

  “Grandma!” Chase hissed. Everyone else chuckled.

  But the moment Gunn stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, her insides froze. She chewed on the inside of her cheek as everyone’s attention fell on them once again. Yep, this was the right approach. She wasn’t backing away.

  Chase turned toward them and his smile fell, but it was her grandmother whose mouth fell open. She hobbled near. “Cyra, who is this young gentleman? You haven’t introduced us.”

  Her throat dried. “This is Gunn. He’s amazing, and we’ve just started dating this past week.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Gunn said before he let go of her to hug her grandma.

  Cyra glanced at her brother, who wore a stiff expression.

  Silence permeated the awkwardness unfolding before them. But she remembered Gunn’s words about staying by her side, not going anywhere, and no matter what, Chase had to accept her decisions.

  “All I ask,” Grandma said, “is that you take care of Cyra like she’s the last person left in the world.”

  “Ma’am, I give you my word.” Gunn turned to Chase, but it was her grandma
who ended the standoff.

  “Chase, why didn’t you tell me Cyra found such a nice boy?”

  Her brother rubbed his mouth and squared his shoulders. He stepped closer. God, he wouldn’t do something stupid, not in front of everyone? She’d once seen him punch a guy at school for picking on her. She got that Chase had taken over the father-figure role ever since they’d lost their father and grandfather, but he had to trust her decision now.

  Cyra blocked her brother’s path. “This is my choice, Chase. Gunn is an incredible guy, and nothing you will say will break us apart. Be happy for us, for me.” She swallowed hard, shivering worse than when she’d faced the demon.

  With a loud huff, he reached out and dragged her into a huge embrace. “Took you long enough to tell me.”

  “Wait! What?”

  Someone sniggered behind her. Levi offered her a wink. Bastard… That was what they’d been chatting about outside? She spun to Gunn. “You were in on this, too?”

  “Sis,” Chase said as he held on to her shoulder, turning her toward him, “no one told me. I was passing a window in my room when I saw you two kissing. You think I didn’t notice how you both ogled each other every time you were over? And… a few of the guys might have confirmed it.”

  Levi cleared his throat.

  “So, you don’t have an issue with it?” she asked.

  “Nope. But if Gunn hurts you in any way, then I’ll have a massive problem,” Chase explained.

  “And you won’t see my whooping coming your way, Gunn,” their grandma added, bringing everyone to laughter.

  The room filled with the sound, and Cyra hugged her brother. “Thank you, Chase. For always looking out for me and letting me stay here. For introducing me to Gunn.”

  He leaned closer to her ear and whispered, “Why do you think I asked Gunn to go help you on your first mission?”

  His confession rattled her. This whole time she’d judged her brother wrong, and it turned out he, of all people, had played matchmaker. “Love you so much.”

  The others carried platters of food to the table while Gunn approached Chase, who slapped his back. “I won’t stand in your way, but if you hurt her, I’m coming for you with a sledgehammer.”