Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 49

49 She is Human

Morgan POV

I can’t f**king believe he is claiming a human. I stomp down the main street of the village toward the castle. I can’t let that happen. I need Penelope’s help to stop it, but I can’t exactly admit I know who the incoming Santa Claus is. She knows that Jared fooled me, but I never told her about Nick. I didn’t trust her enough to share that part of my past. I also don’t want her trying to claim him for herself. I deserve to be with him, to be the next Mrs. Claus. I know he was angry and hurt, but if I can just explain how Jared tricked me, I can make him understand it was him that I loved.

I wish I could go back in time and tell myself the truth so I could have avoided all of this. I don’t care what he says. He is not going to pledge to a f**king human. His words from the café come rushing back. “My future bride and our little girl.” He got her pregnant. Is that why he insists on pledging to her? She basically baby trapped the next Santa Claus. I mean she obviously knows who he is, or she wouldn’t be sitting in a café inside the Elven Kingdom.

What the hell am I going to do now? She even has his sister on board, which is ridiculous. He needs an elf by his side. I mean he is the f**king prince of Christmas. Why would he even consider screwing a boring human? As soon as I reach the castle, I make my way toward Penelope’s wing. I’m just about to knock when I hear the queen’s voice. “I know you are disappointed sweetheart, but he has made his choice. You know we have no power over the Kringles. They are not part of our kingdom,” she says.

“I don’t care mother. I want Nick Kringle. I want to pledge with him. Whoever he has picked can’t be better than me. I am a f**king princess,” she screeches. “Calm down, Penelope. You are going to give yourself wrinkles with all that mean mugging you are doing,” the queen says. I cover my mouth to stop the laugh that wants to escape me. She does scowl a lot. “Mom, I do not,” she whines. I decide to tell them about the human. Even if they can stop the pledging and give me time to figure out how to convince Nick she isn’t worthy of being his, it’s something.

I knock twice, and the queen calls out for me to come in. I step inside and drop my gaze. “Morgan, now is not a good time,” the queen says. “I didn’t mean to overhear your conversation, my queen, but I have information on the woman that Nick intends to pledge to.” “Excuse me. How do you even know the name of the prince of Christmas,” she asks, irritation in her voice. “I saw Chrissy Kringle at Mirna’s café. The man that was with her, she called him Nick, her brother. I put two and two together since everyone knows she is the daughter of Santa Claus.”

“Come in and sit. Tell us everything you heard,” she says. I make my way to the chair near

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Penelope’s vanity. When I sit, I finally look up. “The woman that was with Nick was human. He is going to pledge to a human. He also said that they wanted me to leave so he could feed his future bride and their baby girl. The queen gasps and Penelope’s face turns a shade of red that I’ve never seen. “He knocked up a human,” she screams.

“Yes, she is probably baby trapping him. I’m sure he is just doing right by her but doesn’t.” Th e queen cuts me off. “Enough, you have no opinion on the prince. In fact, you will not repeat what you heard to anyone. Am I clear, Morgan,” she says. “Of course, your majesty. “Good, now go. Penelope and I will be making an early visit to the North Pole to offer a solution to the prince’s problem,” she says.

I stand and rush from the room. I hope it wasn’t a mistake telling them about Nick and the human. I hope whatever they do stops him from pledging to her and gives me a chance to talk to Nick. He looked as good as I remember. Maybe even a little buffer. Just the thought of what was under those clothes has me heading toward the servants‘ quarters. I knock twice and Henry opens the door with a smile. I don’t even let him speak before I launch myself at him. He will do, until I can have the real thing.

Nick POV

It’s been two days since we visited my grandparents. The closer we get to Christmas, the more I can feel my powers dancing under my skin. If this was any other time of the year I’d be out expelling the magic, but right now I can’t, just in case my father needs me. Our magic is intertwined. He can call on mine just as I can call on his. Making the trip requires both of our magic to ensure every child gets what they desire and deserve under the tree.

After Christmas, the first thing I plan to do is make sure Clarice’s grandmother’s cabin is exactly as she remembers it. We haven’t talked about where she wants to live, but the apartment definitely won’t do for our family. I can’t stop the smile that seems to be permanently on my face now. I am going to have my own family. Clarice shifts and I press a kiss to her forehead before I slide out of bed. Once I’m done in the bathroom, I head out to the desk in my living room. I pull the pouch out of the hand drawer.

I drop the ring into my hand that I purchased the day we were shopping in town. It’s beautiful despite not being a real diamond. There is a snowflake embedded in the crystal with two smaller crystals on each side. I smile knowing it will be real by the time I’m done with it. The sound of movement from down the hall has me shoving it back in the pouch and into the drawer. Clarice smiles when she sees me as she stretches.

Her T–shirt rides up and exposes her creamy skin. I had her three times last night, so I know she must be sore. I still make my way across the room and lift her into my arms. I kiss her breathless before I set her on her feet. The sound of a throat clearing has us both turning to look at my mother. “Mom, I suggest you stop popping in without announcing yourself, or you

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49 She is Human

120 Polata.

might get an eyeful,” My mother throws her head back and laughs. Clarice’s face flames red and she slaps my arm. “What its the truth. I can’t keep my hands off of you”

“Good to know. I’ll make sure I let you know next time. Nothing to be embarrassed about Clarice. Kringle men are insatiable,” she says, and I groan. “Could you stop saying things like that?” “Does it make you uncomfortable Nick,” she asks with a twinkle in her eye. “You know it does, mom.” “Then no, it’s my job as a mother to gross you out every chance I get,” she says and Clarice giggles. “Why are you here mom? Usually you’re attached to dad’s hip this close to the big day.”

“The queen and princess have requested to speak with your father and me. I think you should be there too. I have a feeling you are not going to like what they have to say,” she says. My body stiffens. “You’ve had a vision.” “I have, and we will be putting them in their place, but I would like you to be there since it involves you,” she says. “What about Clarice?”

“I don’t think she needs to be subjected to b**ch one and b**ch two, but it is up to her,” she says. I’m torn. I want her with me, but I also don’t want her upset. “I can just stay here and write. I haven’t got much done since I arrived, and I’m feeling inspired,” she says, with a wink. “You’re sure you’ll be alright?” “Nick, I’m a big girl. I can entertain myself for a few hours. Go handle what you need to. Make sure the royals know who you belong to,” she says.

I pull her into my arms. “I belong to you, Clarice, and I’ll shout it from every mountain.” I slam my lips down on hers and pour every ounce of love and want I feel into the kiss. When we finally break the kiss we are both breathless. I’m glad to see my mom’s gone. “Nick, I need you,” she says. What my queen wants, my queen gets. I lift her, and she wraps her legs around me. I carry her back to our room and give her what we both need.

An hour later, I appear in my parents‘ living room. My father is standing near the fireplace with a look that would make most men wither. “Dad, who pissed you off?” He turns to face me. “Queen b**ch and her mini me. They think they can come in here and make demands. I might just make the king a widower if she acts the way she did in your mother’s vision,” he says. “Ca Im down dad. They hold no power. Nothing they say will change a thing.”

He moves across the room and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m proud of you, son,” he says. His sentiment startles me. Not because I thought he wasn’t, but I don’t remember him ever saying it out loud so much. He pulls back and grips my shoulders. “Let’s get this over with so you can get back to Clarice and I can get back to work,” he says.

We make our way to his office where my mother and the Queen, along with her b**chy daughter, are waiting. As soon as I step into the room, Penelope squeals and jumps out of her seat. She rushes toward me, but I take a step back. Disappointment flashes in her eyes, and she starts to pout. “Nick, I missed you. I simply wanted a hug,” she whines. “No one touches me but my family and my future wife. I will not disrespect her by touching another

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ke she is ready to stomp and throw a tantrum. “Penelc this so–called future wife with Nick,” the queen says. A ere, you would do well to remember where you are and you speak about my daughter–in–law,” my mother says my mother brings a smile to my face. I think I’m going