The Wolf Who Saved Christmas: The Wolf Who Saved Series, #1

By Chloe Zane

Baxter Lawson doesn't like the holidays. He especially doesn't like Christmas. But when his well-meaning Aunt Hilde throws her stunningly handsome single neighbor Baxter's way, maybe the holiday won't be a complete wash.

Let's face it, a gift like Logan Price isn't the kind you return to the store.

When a Christmas tree and ornaments disappear right before a community Christmas Eve party, and their scheduled Santa is nowhere to be seen, Baxter is given no choice but to step in. Luckily for him, he won't be spending Christmas Eve solving this problem alone. Using his wolf powers for good, he and Logan search for a way to make it right before the party is ruined. After all, if you think he's going to stand by and let someone else's Christmas be ruined...you have another think coming.

The Wolf Who Saved Christmas is a fluffy-sweet first installment in a holiday-themed series. This 18k novella features a VERY slow burn romance, a reluctantly festive Alpha wolf, a spitfire aunt, bad Dean Martin impersonations, a John Deere mower, and a creative use for kinetic sand. The Wolf Who Saved Series will follow Baxter and Logan book to book while building on their relationship, so hold on tight! We're starting off slow, but by the end, you'll never want to say goodbye.

Previously published as Athena Blaez.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chloe Zane
• Release date: Apr 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201771898

Book preview

Chapter One

Hey, Bax! A word, man.

Baxter Lawson finished tightening the last screw holding the lawn mower engine to the frame before he turned his attention to his pack mate and employee. Clint settled on the overturned milk crate next to him. Got a few?

Always. Hand me that wrench. Baxter motioned behind Clint. What’s up?

Can take off a few hours early? I have to run into Pensacola and visit the kids in the pediatric ward to give out candy for Christmas.

Baxter fought the desire to roll his eyes at the mention of the upcoming holiday. "How the hell did you even get involved in that? You’re about as far from Santa as any one person can get."

Clint grinned wickedly. Funny story. I was dating this guy and he had this thing for volunteering. They needed a Santa Claus one year, and I got shoved into the suit. When I visited all the kids in the hospital and saw their faces, I dunno, man, something just clicked. It’s very rewarding.

Baxter’s eyebrow lifted.

And sex as Santa was pretty rewarding, too.

Uh huh. Baxter held up a hand before Clint had the chance to elaborate. Never mind. There are certain things I do not want to know. Are you even still seeing the guy?

Nah, that ended a while back. But this? This stuck. It’s meaningful. It’s about something bigger than me.

Baxter thought life having any sort of meaning like that was far overrated. Life was what it was for him. It had never been easy. Not for him, not for any of his pack. What meaning was there to find in constant misery?

It wasn’t until Hilde Brentworth took them in and gave them structure and stability that his life changed. So, if Baxter had any ‘meaning’ for his life it was to give back to her.

But he wouldn’t begrudge his fellow wolves the opportunity to find it for themselves.

He looked around the shop. Sure. We’re quiet for the moment, and I can spare you.

Thanks, man. What are you doing for Christmas Eve? Got anything special planned?

Nah. Not much for holidays. I figured I’d watch a game or something. Find a movie that isn’t some sappy ‘romance saves Christmas’ and hunker down for the night. Head to Hilde’s for Christmas lunch tomorrow. That’s about it.

Good luck finding a non-sappy Christmas movie. The holidays are all about love, man, Clint said.

Baxter grunted. You better get going if you’re going.

Thanks! I’m throwing a small get together at my trailer later, Clint said as he rose to his feet. I promise, no kids. Just the guys, beer, take a page from your playbook and crank up Netflix. Maybe even head to the beach for a bonfire. If you want something to do.

Baxter waved him off. Nah. I have to stop by Aunt Hilde’s before I go home, and who knows how long that will last.

You were always her favorite.

Gimme a break. Only because I was the tallest kid who could reach the top shelf.

At least you didn’t have to crawl under the house to wrap pipes, Clint said with a shudder. Is she settled into her new house okay?

Yeah. That’s why I’m stopping by at lunch to see if there’s anything needs doing. Make sure to go by and see her. She misses all her boys.

We’ll be there tomorrow. Clint clapped Baxter on the shoulder and pushed to his feet. I’m out. Thanks again.

He gave a small wave and left the shop.

Baxter glanced at his watch. He was almost done with this lawn mower, and there were only a few odds and ends left to repair. Ricky, what are you working on?

The young wolf peeked out from the parts room. Just looking for the new order of #4 screws. Seen them?

On the desk in the office. Come here.

Ricky trotted over to where Baxter finished up the mower and wiped down his tools. Get this loaded on Ernie Springer’s trailer then call to tell him it’s done. The invoice is on the desk. When Jarod gets back from lunch, tell him Mrs. Davis’ chainsaw needs repairing next. All that is on the workbench over there. Baxter flapped his rag in the direction of where the jobs were lined up. Xander will be here to lock up tonight. Think you can hold down the fort until he gets here?

Sure, Bax! Ricky’s face lit up. He was still so enthusiastic about life, even after he was abandoned when he was small. Just like his whole pack had been left at the mercy of the system who didn’t want lycan-infected children.

Hilde Brentworth was their savior. All of them. She stepped up to the plate when no one else would and helped to give newly infected kids a chance at a normal life.

As normal as any lycan could hope to have.

Alright, Baxter said, pulling out his phone. Three messages from Aunt Hilde. Need anything while I’m out?

I got it, boss. Ricky gave him a goofy salute.

Text if you need anything.

If I don’t see you until tomorrow, have a good Christmas Eve, Bax, Ricky said after him.

With a grunt, Baxter grabbed the keys to his truck and headed off on his errands.

Baxter waited patiently for the security gate to open. That was new. A glossy black wrought-iron gate swung open on silent hinges. That was the biggest giveaway it was