A Very Levet Christmas (Guardians of Eternity)

He would never look at gingerbread the same way again.

“You could say that,” he murmured, his gaze narrowing as he took in his companion’s tense expression. “What do you want?”

The king cleared his throat, straightening the cuff of his cashmere coat that he wore over his gray Armani suit before he managed to choke out the words.

“I have come to take you to the lair.”

It was not at all what Levet had been expecting. “What lair?”

Salvatore made a sound of impatience. “My lair, of course.”

Levet folded his arms over his chest, his expression one of disdain. “Only last night I was told I was not welcome. Do you not remember giving orders to have me sent away?”

“It was a . . . mistake,” he growled, the muscles of his jaw clenched into tight knots. “Harley wants you there. Will you come?”

Ah. So Salvatore had been raked over the coals by his lovely mate.

Levet briefly pondered the pleasure of refusing the less than gracious invitation. Harley would no doubt make life miserable for her mate, at least for a few hours.

Then the desire to be with his dear friend overcame any childish wish for revenge.

“I will come,” he conceded, stepping back as Salvatore gave a rap on the window of the car and a tall, bald-headed cur stepped out. Instantly, Levet bristled with remembered irritation. “The cur owes me an apology.”

The cur’s eyes flashed red. “Why you—”

“Hess,” Salvatore growled.

The cur snapped his teeth together, his hands balling into fists at his side. “Sorry,” he muttered, leaning to yank open the back door of the car.

Levet moved forward with a tilt of his chin. “Not very gracious, but I accept.”

He climbed into the car, settling on the smooth leather seat. Salvatore was swiftly settled next to him, and Hess drove them along the frozen path at a bone-rattling speed.

Not sure what to expect, Levet was startled when Salvatore reached between them to fold back a cushion, revealing a secret compartment.

“Champagne?” he asked, pulling out a bottle and swiftly pouring Levet a glass of the expensive wine.

Well, well. Salvatore truly was in the doghouse.

Levet took a sip, shivering with pleasure as the bubbles exploded on his tongue. Still, he wasn’t going to give the arrogant brute the satisfaction of admitting it was one of the finest champagnes Levet had ever tasted.

“Not bad,” he said with a shrug.

Anger briefly flared through Salvatore’s dark eyes before he leaned forward to sniff at Levet’s wing.

“Why do you smell like baked bread?”

Levet gave a small chuckle. “I had a very . . . interesting evening.”

“Hmm.”

Salvatore gave a shake of his head, leaning back in his seat as Hess turned onto the long drive leading to the large house on the hill.

Levet had barely managed to finish his drink when the car was pulled to a halt and Salvatore was shoving open the door.

“She’s waiting for you,” he said, nodding toward the front door where Harley was standing.

With a burst of eagerness, Levet hopped out of the car and hurried up the sidewalk and straight into Harley’s arms as she crouched down to greet him.

“Levet.” She gave him a warm hug before she stood upright and stepped back. “Come in.”

Together they moved from the foyer, directly to the large living room that had been cleared of guests. In their place were five tiny bassinettes that were lined up next to the window.

“Ma belle. You look radiant,” Levet said, running an appreciative glance over the delicate female with golden blond hair and large hazel eyes that were thickly lashed. “How do you feel?”

With a smile that spoke of a maternal love mere males would never comprehend, Harley reached into the nearest bassinette to pull out a tiny creature tightly wrapped in pink blankets.

“Complete,” she answered with a radiant smile. “Would you like to hold Holly?”

“Moi?” Levet’s eyes widened in shock. No one ever trusted him with anything important. “Are you certain?”

“Of course I’m certain.” Bending down, Harley gently placed the tiny bundle in Levet’s arms, planting a kiss between his horns. “You’re family.”

“Family.” A glorious surge of happiness filled Levet’s heart as he glanced down at the miniature face that was an exact replica of Harley’s. “Oui.”

“Merry Christmas, Levet,” Harley murmured softly.

Levet’s wings fluttered with joy. “Merry Christmas . . . everyone.”





Please turn the page for an exciting sneak peek of


BLOOD ASSASSIN, the next exciting installment

in Alexandra Ivy’s new series



The Sentinels,



coming in January 2015!