Naughty Elf: Evan (Santa’s Naughty Elf Mates)

4. Holden

Chapter 4

Holden

Why did I go and say that? My wolf was being too insistent about Evan being our mate that the damn word just slipped out.

Personally, I’d never believed in fate. It seemed like a copout. An excuse people used when they didn’t want to take responsibility for what was going on in their life—good or bad.

But it was quite a coincidence that I was just thinking about being lonely and then a cute little hybrid of some sort ended up in my spare bedroom. It was time for some answers. “So, where are you from?”

His mouth dropped open and he seemed to have momentarily forgotten how to speak. “Um, up north.”

“Canada?”

The man nodded eagerly. “Yes, exactly. Canada. It’s very snowy up there.”

“Then why didn’t you have a better coat on?” He definitely didn’t look like any Canadian I’d ever met.

“Oh.” His eyes went up and to the right as if he were trying to think of a lie. Interesting . “I left it on the train. I was so excited to stretch my legs that I just left it right there on the seat and… Well, that’s why I was so unprepared for this weather.”

“I see.” I didn’t buy a single word of that, but I wasn’t going to make him tell me his secrets. We all had secrets, and I had just met the boy. No reason he would spill his guts to me. “You got family up there in… Canada?”

“No, not really. My best friend just moved, and I’m the last of my bloodline, so I figured it was time for a change.”

That I believed. It felt legit. Genuine.

“Well, I can appreciate that. I was in a similar boat. Ready to try something new.” I nodded toward the toolbox on the floor in front of the sink. “Didn’t expect it would require me to be a full-time handyman, but it’s satisfying work.”

He relaxed, probably relieved I wasn’t going to push him to talk about things he didn’t wanna talk about. “Is there anything I can help you with? Like I said, I’m good with wood.”

I definitely had some wood for him, but it was the kind that was getting bigger in my pants as I did my best to subtly adjust myself through my pocket. “Nah, I just need to pull off the P-trap here and run a snake through to clear the mucky slush. Then I’ll get dinner started. You’re not some vegan, are you?”

Evan grinned. “I actually do eat a mostly plant-based diet, but I’m not opposed to animal protein. I just didn’t get a lot of it in my village.”

“Good. I’ve got a couple rabbits in an ice box out back. I was planning on roasting them with some potatoes.” I nodded to one of the paper bags I’d brought in from my truck. “But since I was able to pick up some fresh rolls from the bakery, maybe we’ll do a stew instead.”

“That sounds delicious.” His stomach rumbled, and his palm immediately flattened over it as if that would keep it quiet.

“When was your last meal, omega?”

His eyes went wide. “How do you know I’m omega?”

“Really?” I cocked my head then shook it. “Can you tell that I’m alpha?”

He shrugged. “Well, yeah. Of course.”

“Exactly. And you didn’t answer my question.”

He sucked in a deep breath through his nose and then pulled his shoulders back as if steeling himself for a lecture. “Yesterday morning.” He then held up his mug and brought it close to his mouth. “But this helps for now.”

“Grab a roll from the bag. I’ll be done here in a bit. And help yourself to anything in the fridge or pantry behind you.” I took the last drink from my mug and placed it in the sink before dropping down to my knees and climbing underneath. “This shouldn’t take long.”

“Thank you, Holden.” I heard the paper bag rustling and assumed he was going for a roll.

Smart guy. Even after traveling, the aroma wafting off the freshly baked bread was irresistible.

Fixing the pipes was relatively easy, but my wolf got more and more antsy as I worked. He wasn’t usually so unsettled, but by the time I had the pipe cleared and water pressure back, I knew I couldn’t avoid a run any longer.

Okay, buddy. You can stretch your legs, but make it quick. This boy needs some food in him or he’s gonna wither away.

Evan had picked one of the books off the shelf in the family room and was curled up on the couch under one of my grandma’s quilts.

I walked in and stood at the end of the couch. “Have you read that one before?”

He looked up at me and shook his head. “No, but it’s really good so far.”

I could tell that he was only about a quarter of the way through it and he would be coming up on one of the sex scenes soon. “Just wait till you get to the good stuff in the middle.” I reached for my coat and slid it on. “I need to take care of a few things outside for a while. I won’t be gone too long, and then I’ll get dinner started. Do you need anything before I head out?”

“You’re leaving? Where?”

“Just outside.” I pulled back the curtain and pointed to the treeline. “It’s pretty dark, but I’ll be just beyond the trees. If you really need me, holler. I’ll hear you.”

Evan frowned and closed the book. “Okay. May I start dinner? I know how to make a good stew.”

“Go for it. The ice box is just outside the back door. Two rabbits should be enough, and there are veggies in the root cellar.” I opened the door and then closed it again to keep the cold air out. “Like I said, shout if you need me.”

He swallowed and nodded as he watched me walk out.

I was already stripping out of my clothes and shifting before I got ten steps off my porch. Something was definitely up with that guy, and I was going to find out what.