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

didn’t simply rip apart the paper, discarding it to get to what was hidden inside. It was as if she cherished everything, even the large gold bow I’d placed on top to hold the tag. Once I’d noticed the care she showed over just the covering, I made sure I bought the prettiest and fanciest wrapping paper I could find.
    “Momma, can you save the bow, please? I want to add it with the others.” Handing it to Lynn, something melted inside me. I hadn’t known that. I’d assumed Darcy threw everything away. Making a mental note, I’d made sure the bow next year was bigger, prettier, and better.
    Her hands trembled slightly when the box was finally revealed. She paused for a moment, as if deciding how best to open it. Sometimes I liked to tease her by using a lot of sticky tape. Not this year. I was just as impatient for her to see what was inside as she was. Popping open the lid, there was a soft gasp before Darcy cried out with excitement.
    “Look, look what Santa got me!” The lights from the tree reflected in her eyes, causing them to sparkle. “Oooh!”
    As carefully as she could, Darcy lifted out the Venetian mask I’d brought home from my recent assignment in Venice. Packing peanuts fell to the side and I had to remind myself not to move. Never had I felt the need to join her as strongly as I did right then. I wanted to sit beside her and tell her about my travels and be part of her excitement, part of her life.
    The small mask was exquisite. The moment I’d seen it in the store window, I knew I had to have it to give to her. Pink in color, with golden highlights and scrolling, it was designed to rest over the wearer’s eyes, leaving the mouth uncovered. The decorative embellishment rested over the person’s forehead, like a fancy jewel belonging to a queen. Black and pink feathers were attached on the right side; the soft plumes complementing the golden ribbons that I imagined would trail over her shoulders. The mask hadn’t come with the carved stick for Darcy to hold it in place; but, for an extra price, the seller had obliged my request.
    It had been worth every penny. I’d have paid a million times more, just for the way she beamed with joy at her parents, her smile dazzling me. This was the bittersweet moment of my visit. I wanted to be included, but the timing simply wasn’t right.
    “It’s beautiful,” Darcy gushed. “Santa does love me!”
    “He does,” Dean answered, glancing at Lynn questioningly. I had no idea how she explained these gifts to her husband. But, thankfully, whatever she said, he believed because she hadn’t talked to me about it.
    “Honey, hold the mask up so I can take a photo for you.” Lynn gestured for Darcy to stand up, guiding her over the fireplace to pose with her present. Tears welled in my eyes. This was another new thing Lynn had mentioned doing for me, something that deeply touched me, as I looked forward to receiving the keepsake.
    Darcy all but glowed, one hand on her hip and the other holding the stick so the mask covered her face. Pride shone from her eyes and I could all but guess that she was thinking that as soon as she was done opening her other presents, she’d race over to her best friend’s home and show her what Santa bought.
    “Can we send a photo to Santa? I want him to see how much I love what he gave me. Maybe I can write him a letter to say thank you, as well. Oh, and that I love him very much.”
    There was no holding back the tears as I desperately tried choking back my emotions. There was a reason why I loved and stood as sentinel over this child. It wasn’t just because of a promise to my sister, or because Darcy was family. It was because of the genuine sweetness in her heart. I would have followed her anywhere, given my life to protect her, regardless.
    “That’s a perfect idea, baby girl,” her father answered, his own pride clearly displayed. “It’s always good to be grateful.”
    “Let’s finish unwrapping your other