Free Taken by Desiree Broussard Page A

There was even a giant star at the very top, so big that it was almost like a beacon.
    The area around the tree had been floored off to create an area for the vampires to dance. The only lighting in the middle of the amphitheater came from the large tree. It was surprisingly romantic, especially considering the amount of mistletoe that was hung everywhere . Keely arched an eyebrow at the sight, but she didn't comment.
    Outside of the dance floor, it grew considerably brighter. Large wooden displays separated the rows of seats from the main part of the amphitheater, carefully cut and painted to symbolize different Christmas buildings. Strategically placed snow machines blew out fake snow, while the lights blinked on and off. There was something new to be seen everywhere she looked. From huge stockings to roaring fireplaces to giant outdoor snowmen, Kosmas had thought of everything. Keely felt as if she'd been magically transported to her childhood vision of the North Pole. It was perfect, and it was all due to her mate.
    She turned, her arms snaking around his waist as she hugged him hard, soot and all. “Thank you,” she quietly sobbed. “It's amazing.”
    “I love you,” he murmured quietly, his muscular arms holding her close. They fitted together perfectly, despite his significantly larger abdomen. “I made a huge mistake in how I reacted the other night, and I'm sorry for that. I could have handled it a lot better than I did. I'm not used to being wrong, but I was. I hope that this helps to make up for some of the hurt you've felt lately.”
    As far as apologies went, his was amazing. “I suppose it does,” she teased him, still holding onto him tightly. “It would be a lot more effective, though, if you put that mistletoe to good use. I'm assuming that you know what it means to stand underneath it with me, right?”
    Kosmas growled. “Why else do you think I got so much?”
    Keely tilted her face up to his, her eyes focusing on his strong, firm lips, still visible despite his huge beard. “Let's put them to good use, shall we?”
    He pulled her impossibly close, his head lowering down to kiss her. “I thought you'd never ask.”
    *
    The festivities were in full swing, the vampires' first Christmas a huge success. Keely sat next to Kosmas on her throne, attempting to hide a yawn. She hadn't slept much the night before, but neither had Kosmas. Between exchanging gifts and making love, they'd had a very busy night.
    The large diamond and ruby ring on her finger glinted from the Christmas lights all around them. Keely smiled, happier than she'd ever been. Kosmas had put some serious effort into his gift list, and the ring was just one of many things she adored. It was amazing that he'd been able to acquire it all. Kosmas had to have some serious pull with someone back on Earth.
    Her list hadn't been as extensive as his had been, which made her feel bad. Kosmas hadn't seemed to mind, though. He'd been especially pleased with the solid gold wedding band that she'd presented him with. It was now on his finger, where he'd sworn that it would remain. Keely blinked back tears. The ring had belonged to her father, and now it belonged to her mate. It was a miracle that the guard sent to retrieve it had found it. She was willing to bet her home had been ransacked repeatedly since she'd left it behind.
    Abby sat in the distance, quietly watching some of the vampire children that had gathered around her. All of a sudden she smiled, as if her companions had said something amusing. Keely watched it all, deeply relieved. Already, the girl was finding love and acceptance amongst the vampires. Despite Keely's initial distress, it was all working out.
    The amphitheater was loud with the sounds of Christmas music, laughter, and conversations. The vampires of Golden Harbor not only enjoyed the celebration, they were loving it. Well, all of them but one, Keely corrected herself.
    Zander stood next to a lit-up reindeer, his arms