My thanks, as always, to PNWgal for her generous input. Without her, believe me, you wouldn't enjoy what I write half so much.
Christmas Eternal
A golden fire crackled, throwing lazy illuminations around the cavernous wood bedecked room; the high, beamed ceiling barely discernable in the shadows. They sat on a fur rug, naked but for quilts wrapped around them. The snow outside meandered from sky to ground like small cotton balls, insulating them from the outside world.
As Beth leaned forward to accept a cream dipped strawberry, biting into the succulent fruit held by the dark vampire, she mused that she had never felt exactly this way before. Her body was heavy, sated from hours of lovemaking, yet she felt light as if she could literally float to the beams above.
She smiled at the reason for her happiness, sitting across from her, already fingering through the bowl for the next strawberry. Her finger wiped at the whipped confection at the corner of her mouth.
When Beth had commented that it would be nice to actually have some snow on Christmas, Mick had immediately suggested they rent a cabin in Montana for the holiday. Just the two of them. They'd chopped down a nearby tree and dragged it in, decorating it with some ornaments she had brought with them. The last few days had been magical.
Now, finished with her strawberry, Beth scooted over as Mick held his blanket open for her and wrapped it and his arms around her. Snuggling her back against his chest she sighed in contentment.
They sat in the hush, listening to the pop of the logs and the almost indiscernible hiss of snow melting at the windows. There had never been a more perfect moment.
Small gold head tilted, nearly meeting her shoulder. "Mick?"
"Hmm?"
"I want you to Turn me."
Beth did not expect him to answer immediately. She knew how hard this subject was for him. She's brought it up several times before, hoping to soften, stretch his acceptance of something she considered to be inevitable. From his responses, which had gone from strict avoidance to lengthy discussion, she knew she was gaining ground.
"A hundred years from now we can be sitting just like this." Beth laced her fingers through his. "Or you could be laying a wreath at my grave." The body behind her shuddered and his fingers squeezed hers.
After a heavy sigh he rested his chin on her head. "Kinda pushy, aren't you?"
Sensing victory, a smile spread across the glowing face. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
"I don't know....."
Her head leaned back, face turned up to his, waiting.
Mick looked down, his gaze steady as it looked into hers. "But I'll have an eternity to find out."
Her breath hitched and her whispered "Thank you" was nearly lost against the sliding of lips. Beth twisted in his arms and her fingers slid around his strong neck, anchoring herself to him.
The fire was nearly banked by the time they'd finished sharing their gratitude. Mick finally lifted Beth from his chest so he could fetch a few more logs. From the warmth of their makeshift bed she watched the perfection of his body, muscles gliding and popping as he worked to assure her comfort. How could one woman be so lucky?
Finished, he slipped in beside her once again and laughed when she shivered at his cold embrace. Beth opened her mouth wide and exhaled on his chest before laying her cheek against him making him laugh again. In retaliation he cupped an ass cheek in a chilly palm making her jump.
Merriment faded into a comfortable silence.
Beth was busy counting her blessings until a question had her frowning. "As Christmas gifts go, I don't see how anyone can top eternity. What can I possibly give you in return?"
"You've already given me something that can't be topped."
Beth smiled and teasingly asked, "Me?"
Mick's grin made a quick appearance. "Well, there is that." His arms tightened around her. "And that's almost more than I can handle." He gave a soft bark as her elbow pushed at his ribs and then grew serious. "You also gave me something I never thought I'd ever have again." His head dipped, his lips skimming her ear. "Me. I was lost, Beth, gone. You found me and brought me back."
His heavy hand covered the small one lying over his heart.
"Merry Christmas, Beth." Their lips met in a sweet kiss. "And many, many a Happy New Year."
'sniff '. This was just...... 
