The Thing about Elves Read online

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  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  The Thing About Elves

  ISBN: 1-55410-746-6

  Santa’s Elves Series: Book 2

  Copyright ã 2006 Lynn Crain

  Cover Art by Martine Hardin

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Published by eXtasy Books 2006

  Look for us online at

  www.extasybooks.com

  Dedication

  All the Christmas Elves out there…you know who you are…and should be proud of the fact. You spread your cheer throughout the year, letting us all know what is important in life.

  All the critique partners past and present… you guys are and were great.

  Angie Waters… you pushed in all the right places at all the right times… I’m forever grateful.

  And as always to the boys, Gordon, Tom and Kyle… you’re the best.

  Glossary of Terms

  Loinnir—literal translation is shining glade; the area where elven magic exerts the most influence. In this area, elves are undetectable.

  Nor’ahkeem—process of bonding together lovemates for all eternity. Once the process is completed the lovers will have eyes only for each other with a love that transcends beyond forever.

  Heart—cridhe, criodhe, croí

  Mouth—beul, gionach; bél, béal

  Darling—àilleagan, cagaran

  Beloved—muileach

  Love—bàidh, gaol, gràdh, liobh, seirc; báidhe

  Good Morning—Dia dhuit ar maìdin

  I’m sorry—Tha mi duilich

  I love you—Tha gaol agam ort.

  May all your days be happy ones—A h-uile là sona dhuibh's gun là idir dona dhuibh

  Scathach—(Scau-ahch) The Celtic goddess of healing, magic, martial arts and of prophecy. She is also known as the Shadowy One and She Who Strikes Fear. She was a woman warrior who lived in Albion and possibly on the Isle of Skye who taught those with the need to defend themselves using martial arts.

  Prologue

  That human woman drove him crazy. Just what would he have to do to get her off his back?

  True, Angie was Tessa’s best friend and might prove to be a valuable asset in the delivery room due to her nursing background, but her incessant chatter would surely kill him. Sighing to himself, Ardan looked over the delivery room one last time.

  All was ready. This was a room he could be proud of and he knew it. He had built up the medical program for the elves and the rest of Santa’s helpers from the floor up. He had gone to the best schools and had a flawless education. But still…he knew something was missing…and right now he didn’t have time to figure out what it might be.

  His parents kept telling him the something missing was love. However, he knew to the contrary that wasn’t the case. He could live without that type of love… and sex… well sex could be had for a smile and without promise with women found in the human towns. And he didn’t want to bed an elf woman. That would cause more problems than he needed even though he was certain he could force himself to fall in love with one of them. The community was so small, everyone would know in a flash if he bedded a local woman. So love right now was just out of the question.

  Besides the human woman called Angie gave him more than enough to handle at the moment. Not that he thought of her in a sexual manner at all… well… that wasn’t quite true, even though he didn’t want to admit it to himself.

  It certainly didn’t help that she was the most attractive woman he had ever seen in his life. She was small…almost as small as an elf woman…and her hair was long and the color of midnight, which was such a contrast to his blonde locks. Her body was made for sin… at least that’s what she tried to tell him… and he had to totally agree in silence. The things he could do with a body like that…the things he wanted to do…shaking his head, he realized those thoughts would have to be banished from his mind forever. Human women were totally off limits.

  Ardan swallowed hard. He had never been affected by a human woman except…and that was one experience he could do without remembering… he would never fall for a common mortal woman again. Unexpectedly, an exotic scent wafted around him like a sensual summer’s day. He closed his eyes to brace himself for the impact. Did just her smell have to affect him so much? His body responded in ways he couldn’t control. He swallowed hard again.

  “What’s the matter now?” he practically barked out.

  “My, my…aren’t we sensitive today?” She clucked her tongue and stepped back to look at him.

  “You are trying my patience,” he growled and turned to her. She barely came to his shoulders and just one look told him he should consider devouring her rather than pushing her away. God, did she have to stand so close to him? He wanted so badly to lean into her. And he knew what leaning into her would cause.

  “I just wanted you to know that Jedrick called. Apparently, Tessa isn’t feeling well today and he’s sure they will be in later.”

  “How many times is that now?” Ardan shook his head. “They just need to be patient.”

  “This hasn’t been the easiest pregnancy. Carrying twins is difficult at best and even minor problems can quickly turn into major ones.”

  “I understand that and Tessa has received the best of care.”

  “I know.”

  Ardan watched as Angie turned and surveyed the room, taking in each and every detail. His heart began to beat faster.

  “You know you can be proud of the health care system you’ve brought to Santa and the community living here.”

  “I know,” Ardan began and sighed. The overwhelming sense that he missed something pressed on him.

  “I hear a ‘but’ in there somewhere. Just what’s the problem, Ardan? Am I finally getting on your nerves?” She winked at him.

  Stepping back he looked down at her. Was he that transparent? He drew himself up to tower over her. “Your incessant chatter does put me on edge sometimes.”

  He could almost feel the deep chuckle in her throat. It was as if a cat were purring.

  “Are you sure it’s that? Maybe it’s my quick wit or sexy body that’s thrown you off?” She leaned into him. “Surely, you can’t resist me forever.”

  Ardan snorted. Resist, indeed. “Madam, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Sure you do. You just don’t want to admit it, big boy. You want me.” She closed her eyes as if breathing in his scent just like he had done moments before when he had his back turned to her. “And I want you.”

  Slowly, she slid a finger up his leg and under his lab coat. If that hand or finger went an inch higher, she would know that he lied. Still, he tried to will his body to obey his commands. Human women were off limits. Angie’s hand continued its journey up his leg and he knew he was lost. How was he going to explain this?

  She leaned back, looked up and chuckled. “What do we have here?”

  Ardan almost felt physically sick. He hadn’t let a human woman touch him since college and here this one
was practically in his pants. He cleared his throat. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “And you call yourself a doctor?” She stood on tiptoes and pulled him down to her. “Maybe I’ll have to teach you,” she whispered in his ear as her tongue snaked out and gently caressed the flesh.

  It was all Ardan could do to not take her on the gurney this very moment. For some reason, his ears were extremely sensitive to her touch. “I’d rather you not do that,” he said dryly, trying not to let any emotion slip through even though it took every bit of elven magic to prevent it.

  “And what would you rather I do, my elf prince?” she murmured, her hand continuing to caress the growing bulge in his pants.

  Elf prince? He grabbed her hand and pushed her gently away. “I’m not one of your heroes in your fantasy books, Angie.” The tone of his voice brooked no argument

  She swallowed hard and moved away. “I know that,” she said quietly. “Is it my fault that you have a regal bearing and presence?”

  He had heard that before. “I’m sorry if you think I act just like one of those characters. I’ve told you it would never work between us.”

  “It works for Tessa and Jedrick.”

  “And frankly, I’m not sure why.”

  “Why are you a doctor if you don’t understand the very basics of human or humanoid behavior?” She looked at him and started to tap her small foot on the floor just like Eggther. Soon her arms were crossed in a defensive pose. “I’m waiting.”

  “I don’t personally think that one needs love to have a fulfilling life. I’ve told you this before.” He turned away from her and tried to subtly adjust his body.

  A small hand caressed his elbow. “You are wrong.”

  Turning, he smiled at her broadly. “I am never wrong.”

  “You are about this. Love is one of the most miraculous things in the world and you’ve totally closed yourself off to it.” She shook her head and looked forlorn, confused. “I don’t understand. You come from one of the most loving families and you’re just so…so…”

  “Different?” he supplied. “I just don’t have any illusions about what can and cannot be.” He looked down at her heart shaped face and patted her hand. “I’m sorry to shatter yours.”

  The front door buzzer sounded.

  “I guess that’s my queue.” Angie walked to the swing doors. “Someday you’ll see I’m right.” She kept her back to him and went into the outer foyer.

  Ardan rubbed his forehead. Why did he feel like such a heel? He couldn’t string her along. It wasn’t in him to drag someone through the motions when there could be nothing for them. Sex for sex’s sake was something he could never do again if he cared even one iota for the woman. The last time had almost killed him. The woman might be attractive but in the long run, she would tire of him and set him aside for another. He had had that experience once and had vowed never again. He didn’t care if it were the most attractive woman in the universe or not.

  Angie rushed in, her face flushed. “Doctor, you need to come right now.”

  “What is it?”

  “Tessa and Jedrick are here.”

  Ardan felt that sense of impending doom. “And?”

  “She’s having contractions and has been bleeding since this morning.”

  No time to think about himself. He needed to do what he loved best…being a doctor.

  Chapter 1

  Angie sat down hard and pulled off her surgical cap, her hair in wild disarray, regardless of the fact that it had been braided earlier. She had to resolve this within herself before she could ever help Ardan. And Ardan definitely needed help with this one. The almighty doctor had a hard fall. It was probably the first time he had even been faced with possible failure.

  The delivery had been difficult…very difficult in fact…at one point, even she felt they could lose Tessa. But Ardan’s quick thinking and using what she could only surmise was elven magic preserved Tessa’s and the twins’ lives.

  The twins were beautiful though they were a couple of weeks early. Both were a healthy weight, the little girl being seven pounds, five ounces and the little boy being an even eight pounds. They were very large babies for twins. The delivery had started out normal with Tessa’s contractions coming nice and steady, even though she had been bleeding since early morning. Sometime after the second hour, one of the twins’ heartbeats became erratic and continued to do so each time a contraction occurred. Then Tessa started to bleed really badly.

  They had only moments to prep and get her into surgery for an emergency C-section. And it hadn’t been a moment too soon. One of the placentas had started to detach from the uterine wall prematurely and then one of the twins had their cord wrapped around their neck.

  “Placenta previa and the umbilical cord too. Shit,” Angie said to no one but herself. Damn she was tired. They hadn’t seen it coming at all. Everything had indicated the whole process should run as smooth as glass even though it was a double birth. Still, she had to get in there to reassure her friends that all would be well.

  Slowly, she stood and made her way back to Tessa’s room. Entering, she hovered near the wall as Ardan looked at the monitors attached to her friend. Turning to Jedrick, she smiled slightly and tried to give him what encouragement she could. Tessa may not be out of the woods just yet but Angie knew they weren’t going to lose her.

  “Your vital signs are normal. And the babies are doing great.” He turned to hover over his niece and nephew, stethoscope in hand.

  “Don’t you dare wake those children,” Tessa stated quietly, her tiredness creeping into her voice. “I do need some rest, you know.”

  Ardan turned to face her. “I wouldn’t dream of disturbing their peaceful sleep.” He gazed across the room to Angie. “I think Angie and I probably need some rest too. You don’t mind if I leave some of the elven nurses to check you during the night, do you?”

  “Not at all,” Jedrick said. “Thank you, Ardan.”

  Angie watched him closely and could tell he swallowed hard before he answered.

  “You’re welcome.” It almost came out like a whisper. Nodding his head toward Tessa, he turned and fled the room.

  Angie sighed. This might be harder than she thought. She went and sat on the side of the bed across from Jedrick. Sitting there, she just quietly held her best friend’s hand. “Hey, lady. I’m sorry it was so rough.”

  Tessa squeezed her hand. “All I can think is that it’s got to get better, right? It can’t happen again, can it?”

  Jedrick glanced at Angie. “I’m not sure I’m going to allow a next time.”

  “You will if I have something to say about it, buster. Have you seen just how precious your children are?”

  Smiling, Angie allowed tears to glaze her eyes. “I’ll be honest, Tessa, I just don’t know if there can be another time. But I think it will be a while before you have to think about it...” She sighed and bit her lip hard.

  “You used to do that when we were younger. It helped you not to burst out in tears.”

  “What?” Angie questioned. She realized she had been biting her bottom lip and winced. “Yeah.”

  “Well…don’t…because if you do, I will. And I think that will be bad for my stitches.”

  Angie wiped her nose with a tissue she pulled from her pocket. “I guess you’re right.” She smiled down at her pale friend. “I can’t hide anything from you, can I?”

  “Not usually. But tell me true…is everything really going to be okay?”

  “I believe it is. Ardan is a wonderful doctor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so dedicated.”

  “It probably didn’t help that it was his sister-in-law, either.” Jedrick chuckled, looking the most relaxed he had in a while.

  Angie smiled back. “I’m sure it didn’t. But I can tell his feelings run deep… and this has affected him deeply… I hope he’ll be okay.”

  “I think it helps that you’re here. He’s never had someone who shared his passion for m
edicine before.”

  “Surely, Jedrick, there were people in school.” Angie watched him to gage his answer. Just looking at him made her suddenly realize just what her friend saw in the man.

  “Not any who wanted to give up their world and possible fame and fortune to help at a clinic that no one knows about, in a place no one knows even exists.”

  “Oh. I guess I never thought about that before.” She sighed again and looked at Jedrick once again. “Well…I got into medicine for the right reasons…I want to help people.”

  Tessa looked up at her. “Really? I thought it was always the money that motivated you.”

  “I have to admit that at first it did because money is really an important aspect of any career.” She sat more firmly on the edge of the bed. “Remember a couple of years ago when I went along with a group of doctors to Africa?”

  “Doctors without Borders, or some such group, if I remember correctly.” Tessa nodded her head slightly.

  “Yes…those guys…I discovered on the trip that I could really make a difference in people’s lives. I’ve been saving my money to do something like that ever since.”

  “But you just took that promotion last year,” Tessa said looking confused.

  “I did. And it was to enable me to save more money and get more vacation time to do the things that I really want to do.”

  “And here I’m having you use some of your precious vacation time.”

  “Don’t worry…I have almost six months…and I’m taking six weeks.” She squeezed her friend’s hand once again. “I would be at your side even if I had to quit my job. And you know that.”

  Tessa sighed. “I know…we’re the only family we have…aren’t we?”

  “Yup.”

  “You can just stop biting that lip of yours now,” Tessa chuckled.