Page 23 of Frost and Felines

"Charlotte," Kieran whispered, touching his manager's elbow. "The LED candles from the dining room."

"Already on it," she murmured back. "Amy's gathering them now."

Kieran slipped through the crowd as they moved onto "Deck the Halls," their voices growing more confident. He caught Mallory's eye across the room. She gave him a slight nod, never missing a beat as she conducted the impromptu choir with subtle hand gestures.

The carolers were starting "O Come All Ye Faithful" when Kieran returned, his arms full of battery-operated candles. He distributed them quickly, the soft LED glow creating pools of warm light throughout the room. The effect was magical – better than their original lighting plan.

"This is so romantic and inspiring," he heard one guest whisper to another. "Like something out of a movie."

Kieran made his way to Mallory's side, sliding an arm around her waist. She leaned into him slightly, still leading the group in song.

"You're brilliant, you know that?" he murmured in her ear between verses.

"Just quick thinking," she whispered back. "Though I suspect your rival's behind this?"

"Gregory won't know what hit him when I track down proof." His tiger stirred, his protective instincts rising. "But right now, I'd rather focus on how perfectly this turned out – thanks again to you."

The corners of her mouth quirked up. "Are you going to sing then, Mr. Striker, or just stand there looking pretty?"

"Both," he grinned, joining in as they started "Joy to the World," his deep baritone complementing her clear soprano.

Kieran soon carried another armload of LED candles into the dining room, his tiger senses easily navigating the dim space. The soft glow caught Mallory's pale face as she arranged the candles on each table. His inner beast purred at the sight.

"Let's set up Christmas trivia at this table." He placed his candles down, purposefully brushing against her arm. "Unless you're afraid of losing to the master?"

"Master?" Mallory's eyebrow arched. "That's quite a claim."

Charlotte chuckled as she distributed card decks at the next table. "Don't let him fool you, dear. His ego's bigger than his knowledge."

"Is that a challenge I hear?" Kieran pulled out a chair for Mallory. "Care to prove me wrong?"

"Since you asked so nicely." Mallory settled into the seat, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

The game started, and Kieran's competitive nature surged. He knew every answer about Santa's reindeer and Christmas movies, but Mallory matched him point for point. Her quick wit and sharp memory impressed him more with each round.

"Final question," he announced, leaning forward. "In Victorian England, what Christmas treat was considered good luck to eat on each of the twelve days of Christmas?"

"Mince pies," Mallory answered without hesitation. "And the superstition said you'd have twelve months of happiness."

"That's..." Kieran checked the card, his tiger bristling at being bested. "Correct. You win."

Mallory's excited laugh rang out, clear and genuine. The sound hit him like a physical force, making his chest tight. He'd gladly lose a hundred games to hear that laugh again.

"Don't pout," she teased, reaching across to pat his hand. "You're still the master of... something, I'm sure."

"I excel at being a gracious loser." He captured her hand before she could withdraw it. "And at knowing when I've met my match."

The candlelight caught her blush, and Kieran's tiger preened at the reaction. Around them, guests moved between tables, their enjoyment filling the room with warmth despite Gregory's attempted sabotage.

"Well played, both of you," Charlotte said, dropping more card sets on their table. "Now, how about helping me teach Uno to that family over there?"

"Ready to lose again?" Mallory stood, tugging Kieran up with their still-joined hands.

"With you?" He squeezed her fingers gently. "Always."

Kieran walked Mallory to their rooms later that night, his tiger prowling beneath his skin with satisfaction at how the evening had played out. The LED candles had created an ambiance no electrical lighting could match, and the spontaneous a cappella caroling had brought everyone together in a way his planned program never would have.

"You truly saved the night," he said, pausing between their doors. "That singing was so inspired."

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