Rudolph's Reins

By Pelaam

A reunion of friends leads Clevelly to a magical revelation.


Rudy makes a surprise visit to an old friend Casey. Rudy and his friends Nic and Jack haven't seen Casey since he and Jared admitted their love. But all doesn't go smoothly. A misunderstanding by Jared needs addressing, and Rudy's just the one to put things straight.


At the offer of attending reindeer games with Rudy, and seeing Nic and Jack again, the couple quickly agree, and Jared arranges to be met at the airport by his cousin Clevelly. When Rudy meets Clevelly, he immediately recognizes the man as his mate. But since Rudy is a reindeer shifter and Clevelly is human, courtship proceeds slowly.


When danger strikes, will Clevelly accept Rudy for who, and what he is, will he don Rudolph's reins?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Dec 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685502645

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

Book preview

Rudolph's Reins

By Pelaam

Published by JMS Books LLC

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2023 Pelaam

ISBN 9781685502645

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Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author's imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

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Rudolph's Reins

By Pelaam

Chapter 1

There were still a few months to go before the magical date and Casey rolled the snowball decoration in his hand with great care. Christmas was an odd time of year for Casey. He stared at the figures of Santa, Jack Frost and Rudolph, a strangely human looking reindeer, in the globe. Only to Casey, these weren't just imaginary childhood figures.

Not only had Casey met them, fought alongside them, and rescued his husband, Jared from an ice witch. He'd also met Santa's elf warriors and reindeer shifters. Sometimes Casey wished Jared remembered what had happened.

But as far as Jared, and the friends they'd holidayed with at the time, was concerned no one had ever gone missing. Nic had used his magic to make sure Casey and Jared returned as if nothing had ever happened.

And because Jared didn't remember anything, he couldn't understand the affection Casey felt for this particular decoration. Sometimes, Casey was almost sure the figures smiled at him. Maybe. It is magical after all.

That morning, Casey was a little late leaving for work, as he intended to stay back that evening doing some paperwork. Casey texted a message to Jared to let him know he was leaving. Then settling the decoration away, Casey headed to the garage and drove into town. Parking the car in his designated space under his salon, Casey joined the rest of his team.

The salon had a full day booked. Not a single one of Casey's stylists had a gap in their schedule. Even Casey himself had a few clients dotted throughout the day. But the thing on Casey's mind was a big wedding he'd been booked for. Which was now just four short weeks away.

Not only was it a society wedding, which meant coverage by the press, but the very demanding bride-to-be had chosen six bridesmaids. Casey and his team would be doing their hair, both bride and groom's mothers' hair, and even a grandmother's. It was a huge amount of work, and it had to be his best.

For some reason Casey found himself concentrating on the upcoming wedding less, and on Rudy more. Deciding to clear his mind, rather than risk making an error, Casey cleared the rest of his schedule and left the salon. His most experienced stylist could cover for him.

His thoughts still whirling around, Casey headed for his favorite coffee shop. Although it was a little off the beaten track, they served excellent coffee, good food, and had attentive staff. He'd treat himself to a café latte and do some people watching.

Inside the café, Casey ordered his drink and chose a fruit tart to accompany it. Selecting a table with a good view of the street, Casey sat and waited for the waitress to bring his order. When a shadow flickered over the table, Casey looked up, expecting his drink and cake.

Instead, his heart felt as though it stopped for a second. Rudy!

Good to see you, Casey. Rudy grinned at him, before plonking himself unceremoniously opposite him.

It's good to see you, too. Casey knew he was staring, but he'd never expected to see Rudy again. He dropped his voice. Are Nic and Jack here?

Before Rudy could reply, a waitress brought Casey's order, along with a carafe of water and two glasses.

Can I get you anything, sir? The waitress smiled at Rudy.

Hot chocolate, please, with plenty of chocolate sprinkled on top, and some marshmallows.

Yes, sir.

Waiting a moment for her to walk away, Casey picked up his latte and took a sip, then set the cup back down. When Rudy didn't speak, Casey frowned.

Well?

"Not here. Rudy pointed down as if at the ground. They're on South Island. That's where the games are."

Games? What games? Casey picked up his latte, sipped, and almost choked at Rudy's deadpan reply.

Well, the reindeer games, of course.

Quickly setting his mug down, Casey grabbed at the glass of water as he coughed and spluttered.

Are you all right, sir? One of the waitresses hurried over, hovering at his side as if unsure whether to bang his back or leave well alone.

He's fine. Rudy gave her a brilliant smile. Just went the wrong way.

Casey glowered at Rudy as he got himself under control. Reindeer games. You having me on?

Me? Rudy's hands flew upward to his chest, his voice rose a full octave, and Casey winced.

Not so loud. People are looking.

At me? Rudy openly looked around as if counting the faces turned in their direction. Most people quickly glanced away.

At us. And I don't want to be stared at, thanks. I live and work here, remember?

Hmm. Boring human stuff. Rudy sighed, but dropped the