Ice Planet Holiday (Ice Planet Barbarians, #4.75)

by Ruby Dixon

holiday is eluding you, babe.” “Then tell me more.” So I do. I tell him about giving gifts, and surprising people. I tell him about white elephant gift exchanges, which he really doesn’t get. “Why would you give someone something that is not useful?” he asks over and over again, and my answer of “Because it’s funny?” doesn’t exactly hold water for him. I move on to other holidays instead, telling him what I know of Hanukkah (mostly from Adam Sandler songs), Thanksgiving (which he understands a little more), and Valentine’s Day. He’s intrigued by that one especially, and the courting aspects.

And just like that…I’m going. This time, when Ereven’s gaze flicks back in my direction, I beam a smile at him. It’s like we’ve got a secret between us.

I glance up, expecting to see Bek glaring, but he’s off talking to hunters. Instead, it’s Ereven, the hunter with the tangled hair and the smile that never seems to see a moment’s anxiety. He gazes at me thoughtfully, as if he wants to say something. When I give him a challenging look, he just gives me that lazy smile and saunters away.

Tiffany is good at everything. She’s beautiful, too, with dark skin the color of rich bronze. I’d hate the bitch if she wasn’t so awesome.

Poor Tiffany. It must suck to be the sexiest single woman on the planet.

I’m drifting off when strong arms lift me up and carry me. I blink awake to see Ereven’s handsome face near mine. He tucks my body against his chest. “You’re tired. Let me put you to sleep.” “I can walk,” I protest. “I know you can. But I like to carry you,” he tells me.

It’s late at night when Nora finally gives birth - a tiny, squalling girl with blue skin and a shock of white-blonde hair. Two minutes later? Her twin emerges, equally blonde and equally pissed. Calm Dagesh takes one look at the fact that he now has twins and has to leave the cave to get some air. Even Maylak’s a bit surprised.

“Anna,” she says, startling me out of my reverie. “Anna and Elsa. Like from the movie Frozen.”

“Well, you’re not going to like it,” Tiffany says. “But I don’t know that we have any better options.” “Just tell me.” I can take it. “I’m going to stick my hand up your cooter,” she blurts out. “And turn the baby manually.” I blink. “That was human tongue,” Maylak says. “I did not catch. What is coo-tur?”

Of course, my mate thinks I hate him right now. Guilt rushes through me. I hate that I hurt him. I hate that pregnant-and-panicky-Georgie turns into such a crankmonster. He deserves better than me.

“I am not convinced these human holidays are worth it.” He gestures at our small cave, still leaf-strewn from his earlier efforts. “Look at all the work I did, and not a single kiss on my cock from my mate.” My snort of derision turns into giggles, and I punch him in the side. “Your mate was a little busy today.” “So she was.” He grins, and I realize he was teasing.

“Nice?” He releases one of my hands and clenches a fist over his heart. “Nice? The sight of you makes my heart pound as if a dozen dvisti run inside my breast.” Funny, I’m pounding the same way. And I feel flushed, and excited. Kind of…excited all over. Tingly. On a hunch, I put a hand to his chest, covering his heart. At the same moment, we both begin to purr.