Page 25

25

MALLORY

M allory folded her last remaining sweater with trembling fingers before placing it in her duffel bag. The soft cashmere reminded her of the way Kieran's hands had felt against her skin. She swallowed hard and turned to grab another item from the dresser.

"This is the right thing to do," she whispered to herself, her voice echoing in the empty suite. "The only thing to do."

The room felt colder now, stripped of the little touches that had made it feel like home these past weeks. No books scattered on the coffee table, no half-drunk tea cups by the window seat where she had spent hours watching the snow fall. Just bare surfaces and hollow spaces.

A burst of laughter filtered in from somewhere nearby as the staff prepared for tonight's New Year's Eve celebration. Mallory's chest tightened. She would miss Amy's sweetness, Charlotte's steady wisdom, and the rest of the staff's warm friendship. Most of all, she would miss...

"Stop it already," she commanded herself, zipping the duffel bag forcefully. "You knew this was temporary from the start."

But it hadn't felt temporary when she had kissed Kieran under the mistletoe, or when they had curled up together by the fire, or when he had looked at her like she was something precious instead of dangerous. The memory of his touch sent phantom tingles down her spine.

Thunder rumbled loudly outside, responding to her turbulent emotions. She forced herself to take deep breaths, counting slowly to ten. She didn't need to cause another storm right now.

She walked to the window, pressing her forehead against the cool glass. The Hearthstone's grounds stretched out below, dusted with fresh snow. The damaged decorations had been cleared away, but she could still see the scorch marks on the roof where Gregory's fire had burned.

Her mind drifted back to that fateful night when she had lost control.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, though no one was there to hear. "I wanted so badly to belong here."

A tear slipped down her cheek. Outside, the clouds darkened ominously. She quickly wiped her eyes and stepped back from the window. She had to maintain control for one more day. Just one more day, and then she could return to her solitary existence where she couldn't hurt anyone ever again.

Even if the thought of never waking up in Kieran's arms again made her heart feel like it was being torn in two.

Suddenly, a sharp knock rattled Mallory's door, making her jump. "I'm not leaving until you open up," Kieran's voice carried through the wood, deep and determined. "I'll camp out here all night if I have to."

Mallory pressed her lips together, knowing full well he meant it. The tiger shifter's stubborn streak matched her own. After a moment's hesitation, she opened the door to find Kieran filling the frame, his auburn hair slightly disheveled as if he'd been running his hands through it.

"You're going to be late for the party," he said, his blue eyes sweeping over her casual attire of jeans and an oversized sweater.

"I wasn't planning on going." Mallory crossed her arms, trying to ignore how good he looked in his dark suit. "I think it's better if I stay here."

"Not a chance." Kieran stepped into her space, his presence overwhelming her senses. "This is your goodbye party too, whether you like it or not."

"Kieran..." She glanced away, heat rising to her cheeks. "After what happened with the decorations?—"

"The decorations?" He caught her chin with gentle fingers, turning her face back to his. "You mean the cheap paper streamers and tinsel that took us all of two hours to replace? That's what you're worried about?"

"I lost control," she whispered, though her body betrayed her by leaning into his touch.

"No. Like I said before, you protected us," he replied, his thumb brushing across her cheek. "And even if every decoration, window, and tree had been destroyed beyond repair, it wouldn't matter. Things can be replaced, Mallory. You can't."

Her heart stuttered at the intensity in his voice. "I?—"

"Come to the party," he said, gentler now but no less commanding. "Let me show you off one last time, if that's really what your heart wants. Just don't hide away in here thinking you're not wanted."

The warmth of his hand on her face and the earnestness in his eyes made her resolve waver. "Fine," she conceded with a small smile. "Just let me change first."

Mallory slipped into the bathroom, leaving Kieran prowling around her suite's living area. She unzipped the garment bag containing Amy's black cocktail dress, her fingers trailing over the silky material. The dress hugged her curves perfectly when she put it on, the sweetheart neckline elegant without being too revealing. Her blonde hair fell in waves, and she touched up her makeup with trembling hands.

"You still alive in there?" Kieran's deep voice filtered through the door.

"Just finishing up," she called back, smoothing down the dress one final time.

When she emerged, Kieran's eyes darkened as they swept over her. He crossed the room in three long strides, reaching for her hand. "You look absolutely stunning."

Her cheeks warmed at the possessive gleam in his blue eyes. "Thank you."

He guided her through the inn's corridors, his large hand pressed against her lower back. The familiar touch sent a shiver through her. As they approached the event room, excited voices and music drifted out. Kieran pushed open the double doors, and Mallory gasped.

The entire ceiling was draped with handmade paper snowflakes and twinkling lights. Origami cranes hung in graceful chains between crystal-looking icicles crafted from clear plastic. Pine boughs wrapped in silver ribbon decorated every table.

"We took a page from your book," Kieran murmured in her ear. "Remember how you saved Christmas with your DIY decorations?"

Before she could reply, Amy bounded over. "Look what I made!" She pointed to an intricate paper lantern.

The rest of the staff soon crowded around, each eager to show off their own creations.

"I never would have thought of using coffee filters for snowflakes," Chase said, grinning up at his handiwork.

Mallory blinked back tears as warmth bloomed in her. These people, who she had grown to care for so much, had taken her ideas and made them their own.

Charlotte appeared at her elbow, wrapping her in a motherly hug. "You saved this place, you know. Not just from the fire, but from becoming just another hotel. You made it special." She pulled back, fixing Mallory with a stern look. "And don't you dare think for one minute that you don't deserve to be loved and surrounded by people who care about you."

"I don't know what to say," Mallory whispered with tears in her eyes, overwhelmed by their acceptance and love.

"Say you'll dance with me," Kieran rumbled, pulling her close against his broad chest.

Kieran swept Mallory onto the dance floor, his strong arms guiding her into a perfect dance frame. The band played an upbeat jazz number, and Mallory soon found herself smiling as Kieran spun her expertly through the other couples.

"I didn't know you could dance like this," she said, admiring how confidently he moved.

"I was trying to keep it a secret." His blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he pulled her closer than strictly necessary. "Though I must admit, having such a beautiful partner makes it hard to hide."

Heat crept into Mallory's face at the compliment. The way he looked at her, like she was the only woman in the room, made her heart flutter traitorously. She tried to focus on the string lights twinkling overhead instead of how perfectly their bodies fit together.

"You're not so bad looking yourself," she quipped. Kieran flashed her that devastating smile of his and dipped her low, making her gasp.

"Show off," she muttered when he pulled her back up, though she couldn't hide her own smile.

They danced through several more songs, falling into an easy rhythm together. Mallory found herself relaxing despite her best intentions, letting herself enjoy these final moments with him. The warmth of his hand on her lower back, the subtle scent of his cologne, the rumble of his laugh when she made a sarcastic comment about the drunk couple stumbling nearby - she tried to memorize it all.

"Thirsty?" Kieran asked after their third dance, though he didn't look the least bit winded.

"A little," she admitted.

"Stay right here." He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple before striding off toward the bar, moving with the fluid grace of his tiger form even in human shape.

Mallory watched him go, absently touching the spot where his lips had brushed her skin. She knew she should maintain more distance, make leaving easier tomorrow. But Kieran had a way of demolishing all her walls without even trying.

The band switched to a slower song, and Kieran returned with two champagne flutes. "Perfect timing," he said, handing her one before pulling her back into his arms. "One last dance before midnight?"

She nodded, unable to resist the tender look in his eyes. She rested her head against his chest as they swayed together, listening to his steady heartbeat. For just this moment, she let herself pretend this wasn't ending.

The crisp winter air nipped at her face as the party spilled out onto the snow-dusted grounds. Kieran's suit jacket draped warmly around her, carrying his earthy scent. Her heart ached knowing these were their last moments together.

"Five minutes to midnight!" Charlotte called out, distributing sparklers to the gathered crowd.

Mallory turned to face Kieran, his blue eyes reflecting the dancing lights around them. "Thank you for dragging me out here tonight. It was... perfect."

His large hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin. "Stay."

"Kieran, please." She placed her hand over his. "Let's just... let's just have this moment."

A low rumble vibrated in his chest, but he nodded. "You're right. But know this - you will have a home here, Mallory. Always."

She blinked back tears, determined not to let her emotions trigger a storm. "These past weeks with you, with everyone... they've meant everything to me."

"Three minutes!" someone shouted.

Kieran pulled her closer, his arms wrapping possessively around her waist. "Then let's make these last minutes count."

She relaxed against his chest, memorizing the steady thrum of his heartbeat. Around them, guests chatted excitedly, and staff members arranged the fireworks. The air crackled with anticipation.

"One minute!"

"Kiss me like you mean it, tiger," Mallory whispered, tilting her face up to his.

His eyes darkened with desire. "As my wife commands."

"Ten! Nine! Eight!"

Kieran's grip tightened.

"Seven! Six! Five!"

Mallory's fingers curled into his shirt.

"Four! Three! Two! One!"

"Happy New Year!"

He captured her lips in a searing kiss that caused her toes to curl. Fireworks exploded overhead, painting the sky in brilliant colors, but she barely noticed. All she could focus on was the heat of his mouth on hers, the strength of his arms around her, and the way her heart seemed to beat in perfect sync with his. For a brief moment, she let herself believe in forever with him.