A Very Klaus Christmas: The Aurora Marelup Series, #7

By Serenity Rayne

The children are all grown and it's time to call them all home for the holidays. Messengers are sent far and wide to locate all of Aurora's bloodline. The kids have a real surprise waiting for them this year. Jayce and I have spent the better half of the last month planning Christmas. Between the food and presents I believe we are all set. Now, we just have to keep Aurora out of the presents till the children arrive, easier said than done.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Serenity Rayne
• Release date: Oct 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215793992

Book preview

PROLOGUE

It's been almost thirty years since we liberated the Marelup Castle from Vladimir and the Strigoi. The once-grand castle was virtually to the point of disrepair, falling in on itself in places. The natural stream that provided fresh water for the inhabitants had flooded the lower levels. All of the extra moisture had started to cause structural instabilities.

The battle which ensued here didn't help with the level of devastation that the years had wrought. Walls were torn down, and the towers' remains fell to the dragons' might that had hit them. Once we removed the majority of the unstable structures, the planning for the construction began. Between the Lycan pack and the Great Bear Clan, we spent a great many years on the renovations.

Within the first twenty years of the castle's renovations, our numbers increased sevenfold as a family. Our beloved mate Aurora had given us a total of eleven children to love and raise. I am twice blessed; she gave me a son and daughter to call my own.

With as many fertility problems as the Lycans have been having, I feel incredibly fortunate. My daughter has taken over the Marelup Castle, which Aurora aptly renamed the Castle of Wolves. She wasn't sure if I, Jayce, or Dominik would provide her a female wolven heir for the castle. So, in her infinite wisdom, she renamed the castle for whichever daughter took over. Lucky for me, I had a daughter and named her Kirra.

Hey, Klaus! Dominik says, trying to get my attention. All of the invites went out as planned. He smirks and crosses his arms over his broad chest. The cording in his forearms ripples with the movement. Now, we wait. He says just before turning back around the way he came.

He didn't even give me a chance to answer him before he left. I turn on my heel and head out into the courtyard. The wall we had created as a memorial stands tall and proud. Those that died during the liberation and those that passed in service to the crown are proudly memorialized here. Aurora's great family and close friends now have their place of honor.

Gently I rest my hand on the stone for Aurora's twin that died in utero. Out of all the deaths, this one, in particular, hit her the hardest besides Andre's. To think she would have had someone exactly like her, so she wasn't alone is mind-blowing—two hybrids with incredible powers from both species.

Deep in thought, I continue to read the names to myself when lithe arms wrap around my torso. Sighing softly, I rest my hands on top of my mates. What's on your mind, love? Aurora says as she nuzzles my shoulder blade.

So much has changed, I state as I turn in her arms to face her. For example, all of our children are grown and have families of their own. Shrugging as I look down into her grey-blue eyes. Soon, all of your grandchildren will fill the castle halls. Honestly, I can't wait.

Aurora still looks like the perfect angel I met all those years ago. Ruby lips purse as she ponders how to respond. The creases between her eyebrows scrunch and un-scrunch as she debates what she wants to say. The numbers are staggering if you think about it, Klaus. Aurora begins to laugh as she moves away from me and mentally starts counting off the grand-babies. We need a larger table or a second one. Aurora raises both eyebrows at me.

Why? I have a distinct feeling I'm going to regret my question instantly. Lucky for me, Dimitri walks up in the middle of the conversation.

Aurora looks at Dimitri then back over to me before counting off. Try thirty-five grand-babies, eleven children, and sixteen mates to go with our children. Plus, the six of us and my father and his mate. Aurora cants her head to the side, waiting for the total to hit Dimitri and me.

Dimitri is the first to pale at the total. Sixty total family members! He exclaims as his palm hits his forehead.

Double blinking, I look between Dimitri and Aurora, shit! And that's without Dimitri's daughter and grand-daughter, I say, sighing. How are we going to fit everyone?

Aurora shrugs her shoulders and tries to look innocent. I'm not sure, but I'm sure you two brilliant males can figure it out! She bounces up and kisses me passionately before bounding over to Dimitri to kiss him as well. Just like that, she's gone and dropped the logistics of this cluster fuck in our laps.

We need to get Jayce involved, I say to no one in particular. As the words escape my lips, Dimitri is already calling Jayce. I listen to him relay the issues, and Jayce is laughing on the other end of the line. Apparently, Aurora had already summoned him, and he's in-bound with Alaric. Dimitri and I collectively sigh and head to the office on the first floor. Once there, we start to list the children, their mates, and the babies born of those unions.

Digging through papers on the desk, I find the schematics for the Grand Ballroom. The dimensions are twice that of the banquet hall; it will be perfect for the Christmas dinner. The only problem we have is getting a second large table. Dimitri starts to smirk and calls his carpenters in his clan. They assure him that they can have it built in less than a week with chairs. Some of the event's stress starts to melt away; at least seating won't be a problem.

While we are figuring the hall's layout and the seating chart, Marco and Luna walk in with their three children in tow. Daddy Klaus, Papa Bear, can we help at all? Luna asks from under Marco's arm.

Dimitri starts to nod, and I smile at her. Of course, little one, go find mom and pick out a menu for Christmas dinner. I'll need Marco to help with bringing back the table when the carpenters say it's ready. Marco smirks, knowing we need his dragon to do the heavy lifting. He bows his head and