Free A Very Mystic Christmas (The Mystic Wolves) by Belinda Boring

from the family. Only Lynn was in on my secret. It was imperative that no one knew the lengths I’d gone to in keeping my oath. And even though it pained her not to confide in her husband, the fewer people who knew, the better.
    The young girl , sitting cross-legged by the tree with her long brown hair in pigtails, was worth all the cloak and dagger antics. She was the number one priority in my life. Not because I was an Enforcer and it was my responsibility to keep people safe, but because Darcy Matthews was beloved by me; she was a precious child, and my niece.
    Standing in the shadows, camouflaged and kept from sight, the resemblance to my sister, Elynor, was uncanny. A familiar ache pierced my heart at the thought. The pain was never too far away. I missed my sibling so much and wished, just once, I could speak to her again. To hear her voice, her laughter, see her smile at something I’d said. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for Elynor and my being here proved that.
    “Momma, is it time?” Darcy’s question snapped me back from my thoughts and past memories. I knew I was biased; but in all my very long years and travels, I’d never seen a child like her. From the reports her mother told me, she was incredibly smart and at the top of her class in all things. Darcy also had a sweet nature, showing kindness to those around her, especially her friends and family. Pack members spoke fondly of her and I held on tightly to any stories I heard about her.
    The sacrifices I’d made to ensure she had a happy childhood had paid off. She was completely unaware of any threats or danger. I’d taken care of that by never being too far away; and even though she didn’t know about me, I would continue to protect her. That’s what uncles did, after all.
    “Yes, honey. You can open your gifts.” Lynn smiled, casting a knowing look to where I stood, nodding. I appreciated her help with this. Selfish as it was, I couldn’t resist being part of today. Each Christmas , from the day she was born, I’d sent her a gift– something from my travels that I hoped would make her eyes light up with wonder. Nothing was too expensive when it came to Darcy, the more exotic the better. Lynne had chastised me about spoiling her daughter, but I couldn’t help it. It was the least I could do.
    Remembering earlier presents, a nervous flutter broke out in my chest. Faberge eggs, Japanese kimonos, porcelain dolls from Paris—Darcy had squealed with girlish delight over them. Her delicate little fingers stroked carefully over the craftsmanship, her mouth puckered into an “ooh”. She’d twirled around, like the princess I believed she was, after putting on the kimono last year, repeatedly asking her father if he thought she was pretty. These were the memories I cherished; and the reason why, each year, I made sure there was a special box under the tree with the tag that read, “Love, Santa.”
    Darcy scrambled to her knees, inspecting the pile of presents underneath the tree. I thought she would pick the first one she reached or the biggest one; but judging by the look of determination on her face, she was looking for something special. I couldn’t help but smile. I knew which one she was searching for.
    “Momma, I can’t find it.” She sounded close to tears as she rechecked the gifts. “It has to be here.”
    “Pick one, Darcy,” her father interjected.
    “But, I always start with Santa’s. Do you think he forgot?” She glanced about and spotted a large decorated box by the fireplace.
    Pfft! There was no way I’d ever forget. What I’d carefully chosen for her was too big to join the other wrapped surprises.
    Chuckling, Lynne shook her head at her daughter’s excitement. “Santa loves you. He’d never miss visiting you at Christmas.”
    I studied Darcy’s face—her look of concentration was priceless as she cautiously began peeling away the festive wrapping. I wondered how she could be so patient. Unlike most children, she