Page 1 of Mistletoe and Mayhem
Story One - A Very Frenzied Christmas
CHAPTER ONE
“Absolutely not,” Ozen grumbled.
Avery smirked at him, waving the invite to Korath’s annual holiday party in his direction. “He promises no orgies.”
“He’s promised that before,” he growled, putting his hand out and taking the offered invite. “I’ve lost track of the number of times he’s said the same thing and then suggested he was innocent when several people followed him home. We’re not going.”
He had no intention of bringing his mate anywhere near one of his father’s parties. Not only did his father refuse to put away his true form, or any clothes on, there was always an orgy. And no one was getting anywhere near his mate.
Avery wrapped his arms around Ozen’s shoulders, leaning against his side. “He’s been begging for you to come visit,” he murmured, kissing his temple. “He misses you.”
He grimaced. That, unfortunately, wasn’t incorrect. Ever since he went to Korath for help when he’d been confused about his relationship with Avery, Korath had been calling more often. He took Ozen’s need for information as an invitation to change their dynamic and was disappointed when Ozen refused to bring his mate home for a visit. Maybe he’d consider it if he couldguarantee they wouldn’t be walking into a sex frenzy, and his father would put away his true form. He wasn’t entirely sure Avery would be immune to other incubi’s true forms. He wasn’t immune to Ozen’s.
No, despite the small amount of guilt he felt for ignoring Korath’s attempts to reconcile, he couldn’t risk bringing his mate around his father. He was a lot older than Ozen was. His magic was more powerful. And he wouldn’t be able to take it if Avery was even slightly affected by Korath’s magic.
Picking up his pen, he was about to RSVP ‘no’ to the event when the phone on his desk rang. Avery picked it up automatically, his voice chipper as he greeted whoever was on the line. “Ozen Hawksley’s office, Avery speaking. How can I help you?”
With Avery sitting on the arm of his chair, he could hear the other side of the line and listened intently when he heard his grandfather’s voice greeting his mate.
“Hello, Avery. I’m assuming Ozen can hear me?”
Avery snickered, sliding into Ozen’s lap like he belonged there. Because he did.
“Yep, he can hear you. Good morning, Grandfather Sylix. How are you? How are your mates?”
Grandfather’s grumbling chuckle was warm when he replied, “Feisty as ever. They’re looking forward to seeing you at Korath’s holiday party.”
“You’re going?” Ozen demanded. He’d thought his grandfather would avoid the party for the same reasons he did.
“Yes, we’re attending. Family is important, and he is trying.”
The guilt Ozen had felt earlier compounded, but then his gaze drifted to Avery and he doubled down.
“I understand that, but–”
“He’s made a vow to keep his true form and his magic to himself,” Grandfather interrupted, his tone reassuring. “It’s afamily holiday party, not one of his usual events. He has made sure to only invite those who respect those boundaries and will keep their true forms to themselves until the after-party. You should consider it, Ozen. He misses you.”
That was the second time he’d heard that just this morning, and his stomach churned with the guilt. He’d been the one to open the door to that particular relationship. And Korath wasn’t a bad person. Stubborn, and his morals didn’t align with Ozen’s in any way, but not a bad man. And he did love his children.
He looked at Avery, seeking guidance from his mate, who he trusted above all else. Avery gave him a soft smile, projecting love and reassurance along their bond.
“I think you should give him a chance. He’s trying, and you’d regret it if he was gone tomorrow.”
Ozen winced. “I’m sorry, my love. I didn’t mean to–”
Avery shook his head, cutting him off. “I didn’t say that to make you feel bad. Your family situation is a lot different than mine was. But I know you. Despite Korath’s flaws, you care about him. He’s making an effort to bridge a gap that the two of you have had for years. Give him a chance to make it right.”
Centuries, if they were being specific. But he saw Avery’s point. He also recognized the subtext, though Avery told him that wasn’t his intention. Avery had lost his parents to illness. If given the chance, Ozen had no doubt he would go to great lengths to be able to spend more time with them.
Ozen’s shoulders slumped with a defeated sigh. “Fine. We’ll attend. But if his glamor even flickers–” he began, his tone filled with warning.
“He’ll face both our wraths,” Grandfather finished. “He’s assured me he will behave. Thank you for giving him this chance. I’ll see you in a few days.”
They said their goodbyes and hung up, but after putting the phone back in the cradle, Avery didn’t immediately move away.He wrapped his arms around Ozen’s neck, nuzzling him and soothing him with chaste kisses until Ozen’s growls faded and his good mood returned.
After checking ‘yes’ on the RSVP, the card shimmered and disappeared, taking with it Ozen’s ability to change his mind. It was for the best. He’d go back and forth until the day of the party if obligation didn’t force him to attend.
