Free A Siberian Werewolf Christmas by Caryn Moya Block Page B

come apart
were too big to swallow. “I think this is a very nice present. But
there are so many others. Let’s put this one aside while we keep
looking.”
    Illarion nodded solemnly and took the
toy to the counter. They continued their search, trying out
different toys, until finally they picked the best ones. Slava paid
for Illarion’s presents for the twins, and Vikenti made a big deal
of having him pick the wrappings. Maggie paid for hers and it was
decided they would come back for their packages on their way out of
town. As Slava and Illarion headed for the door, Maggie turned back
to Vikenti, lowering her voice, she whispered to him.
    “Where might I find
a Zhaleyka to buy
for Slava in the village?”
    “I know just where to get one. Would
you like me to buy it and bring it to the lodge? That way your
secret will stay safe.”
    “That would be perfect. Thank you,
Vikenti.”
    “I will see you at the
lodge for dinner, malyshka . Enjoy the rest of your
day.”
    Maggie waved and hurried after Slava
and Illarion as they waited at the door.
     
    §
     
    Peace settled over Slava. He walked
through the village, holding hands with Illarion on one side and
Maggie on the other. Shopping had always been a chore before today,
but now he enjoyed each new discovery that left Maggie’s eyes
shining or Illarion jumping up and down. He made arrangements for
supplies to be delivered to his house as well as picked up a few
gifts for his family.
    At the village gathering house they
enjoyed a cup of tea and a piece of poppy seed bread. News soon
circulated that the single human looking for a mate was in town,
and the gathering house began to fill up. Slava’s wolf rushed to
the surface. His hackles rose with a sense of danger. He glared at
the newcomers, warning them off. When two men began to approach the
table, Slava stood, blocking Maggie from their sight. He let the
wolf show in his eyes and his lip curled back in
warning.
    She is off limits until
the Christmas ball. Until that time, you will stay away from her by
order of the Alpha, Slava sent into their
minds with his telepathic gift. Pain knifed into his head, but he
kept his challenging stare, and the men turned away. He still heard
their grumbling, but no one else dared approach.
    “Is everything all right?” Maggie
asked.
    Slava hurried to reassure her as he
sat back down. “Everything is fine. How do you like the poppy seed
bread?”
    “It’s one of my favorites.” Maggie
took another bite before offering another piece to
Illarion.
    The door opened and Kolya stepped in.
He gave a hard look to the men around the room before approaching
the table. “Everything okay? How do you like the village,
Maggie?”
    What are you doing
here? Slava sent.
    I heard you warning the
others away. This is not a good situation. We need to get you out
of here. These men are hungry for a mate and don’t like that you
are keeping her to yourself .
    “It’s lovely, so quaint. The people
here are very talented artists. I could shop all day,” Maggie
replied.
    You told me to guard her
until the Christmas Ball.
    Kolya looked around the
room. Yes. But let’s be cautious and try
not to stir up trouble. His gaze returned
to Maggie. “The weather is getting ready to turn. I came to let you
know so you could start back to the lodge.”
    “Oh.” Maggie turned to look at Slava
and Illarion before looking back at Kolya. “Well that’s okay, we
were just finishing up. Right, Illarion?”
    “Right. Thanks for the
food, dyadya .”
Illarion wiped his mouth with his sleeve and grinned over at
Slava.
    “It was my
pleasure, Larya .
Next time use a napkin. Come. If the weather is turning, we need to
get our guest back home. Maggie, if you are ready?”
    Slava rose and waited to take both
Illarion and Maggie’s hand as he ushered them outside. Several of
the men at the counter frowned and one of them growled. Kolya
quieted them with a look and followed Maggie and Slava outside.
“I’ll walk