My Secret Santa Axton (Silver Ridge Christmas)

13. Ice King

Ice King

AXTON

"It's about fuckin' time," Mel's smile melts some of the ice permanently lodged in my chest. "Because you're stuck with me Ax."

"Gladly." I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips.

Mel's teasing hits home, stirring up memories of countless nights spent dreaming of this moment. She's been the center of my world for so long, I can't remember a time when she wasn't.

A chuckle escapes me, deep and genuine. It feels good to laugh, to let some of the tension melt away.

The windows rattle suddenly, startling us both. The storm outside is getting worse.

We glance out the window. The snowfall is thickening. The wind's picked up too, whipping the flakes into a frenzy.

"It's coming down bad out there. Let's get moving."

Mel nods, understanding in her eyes. "What about Lena? And those notes?"

"We'll deal with Lena and those notes later. Right now, getting you home safe is my priority."

Mel’s gaze holds mine, her eyes warming as a quiet intensity flickers beneath the surface, something unspoken yet unmistakable. I lead her towards the door, my hand hovering near the small of her back, not quite touching. The urge to pull her close, to keep her here where I can protect her, is almost overwhelming.

But as I reach for the doorknob, Mel's phone chimes. She pulls it out, frowning at the screen.

"It's my folks," she says, looking up at me. "They say the weather's getting bad. We should stay put."

Shit . I turn back to Mel, suddenly aware we're alone in my cabin. She shivers, wrapping her arms around herself.

The temperature is dropping fast. I need to make sure we're secure. These storms can last a few hours or a few days.

"Okay, let me put a few more logs on the fire. But first, let's get you out of those damp clothes."

Mel's eyes widen.

"I mean. To warm you up."

"uh huh… That's what all the boys say."

"Not anymore."

Her smile drops for a brief moment, and I know she probably doesn't trust this turn of events. But I'll do whatever it takes to show her.

"Come on, I've got some clothes you can change into. They'll be big, but they're warm."

I hold out my hand, and she slips her smaller one into mine without a second thought. It's a relief to know she still trusts me after all I've put her through. Tonight, I'll start earning her trust back, and maybe one day she'll love me the way I love her.

I lead Mel towards the bedroom, my heart thundering against my ribs. The weight of this moment, of finally letting her in, feels both terrifying and inevitable. I've dreamed of this for so long – holding her, loving her openly – but that familiar fear still whispers in the back of my mind, warning me I'll only end up hurting her.

Like your father hurt your mother.

I push the thought away, focusing instead on Mel's warm presence beside me. I'm done letting fear dictate my choices. Done hurting her by pushing her away.

"Here," I say, pulling out a well-worn sweatshirt and joggers from my dresser. "These should keep you warm."

Mel takes them, her fingers brushing mine. Even that small contact sends electricity through my body. "Thanks, Ax."

While she changes in the bathroom, I busy myself checking supplies. The storm's picking up outside, and the wind howls against the windows like a living thing.

I move through the cabin methodically, taking inventory. The pantry's well-stocked with non-perishables—force of habit from my military days. There's enough firewood stacked by the hearth to last several days.

The bathroom door opens, and all thought stops. Mel emerges wearing my clothes, and something primal stirs in my chest. The sweatshirt drowns her small frame, falling to mid-thigh. The joggers are rolled several times at the waist and ankles. She looks adorable and sexy all at once.

"What?" she asks, catching my stare.

"Yeah," I manage. "Just... you look..."

"Ridiculous?" she offers with a grin.

"Adorable," I say before I can stop myself.

"Smooth talker." She rolls her eyes. "How we looking, Ax?"

"We're good," I assure her, moving to stoke the fire. "Got plenty of food, water, firewood. The storm might keep us here a while, though."

"That's not a problem. That's the perk of working for my folks." She nods, watching me work. "Would you happen to have hot chocolate in that well-stocked pantry of yours?"

I smile. Some things never change—Mel's sweet tooth being one of them. "As a matter of fact, I do. The twins insist on it."

As I move to the kitchen, my ribs protest sharply. The mission that landed me these injuries plays through my mind like a bad movie.

We were in Serbia, tracking a weapons shipment. Everything went sideways when our intel proved outdated. The warehouse had twice the guards we expected, and they were better armed.

"Wrecker, we need that exit route now!" Owen's voice crackled through my earpiece.

I was setting the last charge when they found me. Three of them, armed to the teeth. The fight was brutal, close-quarters. I took a knife to the ribs before I could neutralize them.

The explosion went off as planned, but my escape route was compromised. Had to go through a window, two stories up. The landing... wasn't great.

A sharp pain pulls me back to the present. I must have winced because Mel's suddenly beside me, concern etched on her face.

"Let me," she says softly, taking the mugs from my hands. "You should rest."

I want to protest, but exhaustion is starting to set in. The mission, the emotional rollercoaster of tonight is all catching up with me. I sink onto the couch, watching as Mel moves around my kitchen like she belongs there.

When she returns with two steaming mugs, I'm struck by how right this feels. How natural. The storm rages outside, but in here, it's warm and peaceful.

"So," Mel says, settling beside me. "Want to tell me what really happened?"

I take a sip of hot chocolate, stalling for a moment. "Can't tell you everything. But... there was a job. Things got complicated."

She nods, understanding gleaming in her eyes. "Complicated how? Everett and Owen have been missing, too? Were they present for this complication?"

Sharp as ever . "Maybe. We had a situation escalate, and we needed to act."

"That's why you've been gone."

It's not a question, but I answer anyway. "Yeah. We had to move fast when we got the intel. So, I didn't have time to..."

"To let anyone know you were leaving?" There's hurt in her voice, but also acceptance. "You could have called or sent a text."

"I know." I reach for her hand, needing the connection. "I'm sorry. I'm used to it being just me. It's become a habit."

Mel squeezes my fingers. "A habit we need to break."

She stands and takes our mugs back to the kitchen. She returns with a sassy smile. "Is it too soon to cuddle?"

My breath catches at the casual intimacy of her words. This is what makes Mel so loveable. She's quick to call bullshit—hence marching across the ranch with her locket in hand— and she loves to cuddle.

Life will never be boring with her around.

I pat the spot next to me on the couch. She moves to sit beside me again, and I can't help but pull her closer. She fits perfectly against my side, her head resting on my shoulder.

She smushes her nose into my chest and inhales. "I love the smell of you."

"Woman, I think you've got a few screws loose."

"Maybe," she replies with a playful glint in her eyes. "Someone's gotta balance the ice king."

"Is that right?" I laugh, raising an eyebrow. "Ice king? Me ?"

Mel turns to me, a cheeky grin spreading across her face. "Oh please, you know exactly what I mean. The way you stand there and stare at me like you're made of ice. It feels like you have no feelings, no heart at all."

I chuckle at her boldness, knowing she’s not entirely wrong. I’ve struggled to let down my guard, especially with everything I've been through.

"You think I’m ice cold?"

"Absolutely. But that just means I have to work harder to melt you," she counters, her tone light and filled with mischief.

I reach behind her, grab the quilt, and drape it over us, pulling her closer. “Would you believe, I wanted to be near you? That I wanted to ensure you were safe?”

“Safe? I guess that’s one way to put it. You’ve been lurking more than a stalker ex-boyfriend,” she says, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"After Kenzie's abduction, I couldn't stay away," I admit. The significance of my admission fills the space between our heartbeats. “Even though it pained me, your safety was worth it.”

Mel's expression softens, her teasing demeanor shifting to something more sincere. "I appreciate it, really. But promise me you won't turn cold on me again."

"Yeah, I’ll keep that promise." I lean down, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"See?" she squirms beside me, wriggling into a more comfortable position as a contented sigh escapes her lips, sounding almost like a purring cat. "This is nice."

"Yeah, it is," I reply softly, feeling the warmth of her against me, realizing just how much I've needed moments like this.

The storm continues its assault outside, but I barely notice. All I can focus on is Mel's warmth against me, the faint scent of her perfume, and the way her fingers absently caress my arm. It reminds me of simpler times, those evenings filled with laughter, where comfort came as easily as breathing.

We'd cuddle up together on the couch, her head resting on my shoulder while we watched old movies. There were moments when she'd come to me after a disagreement with her parents, seeking solace in my embrace.

"Just hold me, Ax," she'd whisper, and I'd wrap my arms around her, feeling her tension melt away as she nestled closer.

And then there were the times she spent with the horses out at the ranch, the way her face lit up as she achieved something remarkable. I can still see her, laughing in delight after riding with a confidence I admired. She'd trot over to me afterward, eyes shining, and pull me in for a hug, asking for cuddles even then, and how could I refuse?

But everything changed after we separated. The absence of her warmth created a hollow space inside me. I didn’t realize just how much I craved that closeness until it was gone.

Mel shifts slightly, her head tilting up just a bit more against my chest, and I feel her breath even and soft. The storm outside may rage on, but here, in the quiet of my cabin, with her nestled against me, I can finally breathe.

"I meant what I said earlier," I say quietly, as if breaking this spell was possible. That Mel is in my cabin, resting her head over my heart. "I love you, Mel."

She shifts to look at me, her eyes soft. "I know. I think I've always known. Even when you were acting like an ass."

"I'm done acting like an ass ," I promise because I want more of this. More of her.

"Good." She leans up, pressing a gentle kiss to my jaw.

I tilt her chin up, capturing her lips in a proper kiss. It's softer than our earlier passion, but no less intense. A promise, a beginning.

When we break apart, Mel's eyes are shining. "So, what now?"

"Now?" I pull her closer, mindful of my injuries. She snuggles into my side, yawning. "Now we wait out this storm."