The Naughty Ones

By Shawn Lane

Young Christmas Elf Christian is thinking of leaving the North Pole after this Christmas due to his unrequited love for his best friend Alistair. But before he can make a decision on his future, he finds himself in trouble with the dark-haired, sexy Head Elf Gabriel.

Trouble comes in the form of having to be the Head Elf’s assistant for the season, but after a kiss under the mistletoe, their relationship takes a naughty turn. By Christmas, Christian only has eyes for Gabriel. Will the Head Elf return his feelings?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Dec 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9781646561759

Shawn Lane

Shawn Lane is a multi-published author of gay romance. She lives and works in Southern California. She has been published by Loose Id, Amber Quill Press, Evernight Publishing, MLR Press, JMS Books, and Ellora’s Cave. For more information, visit smlgr8.blogspot.com.

Book preview

5

Chapter 1

Christian gazed out the window at the snow, already feeling cold. Constant frigid bone-chilling weather was one of the major reasons he hated the North Pole. That and his unrequited love for his fellow Christmas Elf, Alistair. Once the season passed this year, he was seriously thinking of handing in his resignation.

He reached up and adjusted his pointy Elf cap as it had started slipping off his blond curls. Again. He envied Alistair for being brave enough to refuse to wear the regulation Elf attire. The Head Elf, Gabriel, had so far not forced the issue. Once Christian had shown up for an Elf meeting without his cap and Gabriel not only noticed, but gave him extra work as punishment.

There was no hope for it, he had to go out into the elements. He fastened his bright red cape firmly and headed for the front double doors leading outside from Santa Claus’s Castle. As soon as he stepped outside the icy wind whipped against his face. He squinted his eyes and turned so the wind was at his back.

Across the courtyard from the Castle, about one-hundred yards or so, was the Work Shop where the Christmas Elves made toys, ornaments, fruitcake, and other Christmas items up until Christmas Eve. And this was his destination. It seemed miles away as the snow and icy wind made it difficult to see. Christian ran toward the building, hoping his special tread Elf boots would keep him from slipping.

 Christian!

His hand on the door of the shop, he froze. He recognized the voice behind the bellow, of course. Gabriel. The crunch of boots on the snow had him turning to face his boss. Barely keeping the wince off his face, Christian couldn’t manage a friendly smile. Sir?

Gabriel loomed over him, his muscular arms crossed in front of his chest, glaring at him. At over six feet tall, he stood a couple of inches taller than most of the other Elves. Probably three or four inches above Christian’s own five foot eight inches. Gabriel’s Elf cap sat on his dark brown head perfectly. His long, thick hair had been braided with red, green, and gold thread. His eyebrows were sculpted, his lashes lightly dotted with flakes of snow, his cheeks red from the cold. His emerald green eyes flashed fire. How many times have I told you no running on the premises?

I-I-well— he stammered. Of course. He always stammered around Gabriel. He hated making a fool out of himself, but he always did.

It’s dangerous.

I have the special tread boots on, Christian said.

They’ve been known to fail. Nothing is perfect, Christian.

Except you, apparently.

It’s also behavior unbecoming an Elf, Gabriel insisted.

"It’s cold out here, sir. I wanted