Page 3 of Frost and Felines

"Mrs. Henderson complains if people breathe too loudly." He grabbed another ornament, this one a delicate glass snowflake. "Tell the vendors we can use the sunroom, I'll fill in for Santa - did it last year anyway - and the carolers can move to the back garden for now."

"You're going to be Santa again?" Charlotte's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Last time you made three children cry."

"They were tears of joy."

"They were tears of terror. You growled at one of them."

"He was trying to pull my beard off!" Kieran protested, though his lips twitched with the memory.

Charlotte shook her head, but her smile remained. "Sometimes I forget you're actually running this place and not just charming the guests."

"I can do both." He winked at a passing family, earning giggles from the children. "It's called multitasking."

"Speaking of which, the mistletoe delivery arrived but they sent twice what we ordered."

"Perfect - hang it everywhere. Maybe it'll help some of our guests find their holiday spirit." His tiger rumbled with delight at the thought of spreading some romantic cheer, even if his own love life had been deliberately quiet lately.

Later that afternoon, Kieran balanced on a ladder, weaving pine garland along the dining room's exposed wooden beams. The scent of fresh evergreen mixed with the warmth fromthe stone fireplace in the corner, creating that perfect cozy atmosphere his guests loved. His tiger's enhanced senses picked up the sounds of children laughing in the lobby and the soft Christmas music playing through hidden speakers.

Charlotte's footsteps approached, her usual confident stride hesitant. That caught his attention immediately.

"What's wrong?" He didn't bother turning around, focusing on securing the garland with invisible wire.

"We need to talk." Her voice dropped low. "Privately."

The serious tone made him pause. He descended the ladder in fluid movements and led them to a quiet corner. "Spill it."

"The heat's out in the east wing." Charlotte twisted her hands together. "And before you ask - no, it's not normal wear and tear. Someone tampered with it."

His tiger surged forward, a growl rumbling in his chest. "Like the 'accidental' power surge that fried our reservation system last week? Or the delivery truck that mysteriously got our holiday supply order mixed up?"

"Chase is already working on it. He says he can have it fixed within the hour."

"Gregory is definitely behind this." The words came out as a snarl. "That pretentious chaos witch thinks he can mess with my inn?"

"We don't have proof-"

"Don't need it." Kieran's fingers flexed, his claws threatening to emerge. "First he tries to poach my staff with ridiculous salary offers, then starts spreading rumors about bed bugs, and now this?"

"Keep your voice down," Charlotte warned. "We have guests."

"You're right." He forced his tiger back, though anger still simmered beneath the surface. "But I'm done playing nice. If he wants to fight dirty-"

"No retribution." Charlotte's stern look reminded him why he'd hired her. "We handle this professionally. Besides, the holiday season is our busiest time. We focus on our guests, not petty rivalries."

"There's nothing petty about sabotage." But he knew she was right. He exhaled slowly. "Fine. But I'm installing security cameras."

"Already called the security company." Charlotte's tablet chimed. "Chase says he found traces of chaos magic around the heating system."

"Of course he did." Kieran's jaw clenched. "That smug-"

The words died in his throat as a familiar scent hit his nose - expensive cologne mixed with the distinct tang of chaos magic. His claws itched beneath his skin as he watched Gregory and Vivian sweep into the lobby like they owned the place, their designer winter wear a stark contrast to the inn's rustic charm. Kieran's jaw tightened as Gregory's gaze landed on him.

"Kieran, my dear fellow." Gregory's voice carried across the lobby, drawing attention. "I couldn't help but overhear around town about your heating troubles. Such a shame, especially during the holiday season."

His tiger wanted to leap across the room and wipe that smirk off Gregory's face. Instead, Kieran matched the fake smile with one of his own. "Nothing we can't handle. Just a minor hiccup."

"Of course, of course." Gregory's hand rested on Vivian's lower back. "But please, if there's anything we can do to help..."

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