Page 60 of Frost and Felines

She saw confusion cross his face, those striking features tensing as he tried to understand. A warmth spread through her chest, melting the last of her reservations.

"I don't want you to leave this place," she continued, placing her palm against his cheek. "I want to stay here... with you."

Kieran went still. "Say that again."

"I want to stay," Mallory repeated, stronger now. "This place, these people—you. It's become my dream too."

His answering smile was blindingly beautiful. Without warning, he lifted her completely off the ground, spinning her ina circle as a triumphant laugh erupted from his chest. The sound echoed across the parking lot, pure joy in audio form.

"Put me down!" Mallory protested, though she couldn't stop her own laughter.

"Not a chance." But he set her down anyway, keeping her firmly in his arms. "You're never getting away from me again." His voice dropped to that low, possessive rumble that sent shivers racing through her.

"Is that so?" She arched an eyebrow, trying for skepticism despite the smile she couldn't suppress.

"That's most definitely so."

The morning sun broke fully through the clouds, bathing them in golden light as Mallory realized she had never felt so sure and so right about anything. This incredible, stubborn man who refused to let her isolate herself even when she had tried her hardest to push him away.

He leaned down, his mouth claiming hers with a possessiveness that made her entire body weak. His kiss was a declaration, a promise, and a claim. And Mallory returned it with equal fervor, her hands sliding into his hair.

When they finally pulled apart, Mallory felt light-headed, as though she might float away if Kieran's strong arms weren't anchoring her to the earth.

"Welcome home, Mallory," he murmured against her lips.

28

KIERAN

Kieran woke before dawn on Christmas morning, his body instinctively curling around Mallory's sleeping form. The scent of her hair—fresh rain with a hint of ozone that marked her storm magic—filled his senses. A year together, and still every morning felt like a precious gift.

He pressed a kiss to her shoulder and slipped out of bed, careful not to wake her. The Hearthstone needed its daily inspection before he could truly enjoy Christmas with her.

The inn hummed with holiday energy. Kieran moved through the halls with quiet authority, his tiger instincts alert for any problems. Charlotte had outdone herself with the decorations this year—evergreen garlands studded with twinkling lights, red velvet bows, and the massive tree in the lobby topped with their special mosaic DIY star from last Christmas.

"Morning, boss." Amy beamed from behind the front desk, handing him a clipboard. "Everything's on schedule. The Christmas breakfast starts at eight."

"Perfect." Kieran scanned the list, making mental notes. "Any issues with the Johnson family in Room 201?"

"Not since Mallory talked to them yesterday. Whatever she said worked—they haven't complained about the heating once."

Kieran grinned with pride. "She can outmatch even my most demanding guests."

After finishing his rounds, Kieran returned to their suite with two mugs of hot chocolate. He found Mallory sitting cross-legged on the floor by their small Christmas tree, already dressed in a soft blue sweater that matched the winter sky outside.

"Merry Christmas, beautiful." He set the mugs down and pulled her up into his arms, lifting her slightly off the ground with ease.

"Careful, tiger." Mallory's eyes sparkled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Gone was the woman who had been afraid to feel anything for fear of triggering her powers. Now she channeled her emotions with growing confidence. "I've been practicing something special."

She held out her palm where a tiny, perfect snowflake formed and hovered, glittering with controlled magic.

"Look at you." Pride surged through Kieran. "From hiding in isolation to crafting individual snowflakes in our suite."

"All thanks to you." She closed her hand, the snowflake disappearing. "Amazing what happens when a stubborn tiger refuses no for an answer."

Kieran pulled her close, his voice low and possessive. "Best decision I ever made, chasing after you that day. The Hearthstone has never been more successful."

"Because my decorating skills are superior to yours?" She raised an eyebrow.

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