Keeping candy in production takes priority during the holidays as she spends time getting some sugar.

Blitzen enjoys fixing things, and the machines that make Christmas sweeter need attention, too. As Belinda Litzen, she is a one-woman repair shop catering to all the overworked bakeries in town.

When a candy shop has a rolling machine down, she shows up to save the day and meets a candy maker who gives her a visual sugar rush.

Rex has been waiting for his reindeer to show up, but the repairwoman was not what he had imagined. Instead of brown, she was golden, and instead of shy, she met his gaze head-on.

She is his first reindeer, and he is her first wolf.

Excerpt:

Blitzen wrapped her arms around herself and looked to Ru.

“I have never been alone.” Blitzen frowned and shivered.

“Are you sure you want to do this? I think that the others can have the desired effect.” Ru looked concerned.

“No. I think that I will stick with the original plan. It won’t hurt me to be out in the world for a while, and you know I do love all things mechanical. It will be good for me. I think.”

Ru put her hand on Blitzen’s shoulder. “I will miss you.”

“I will be home soon. The sooner that I leave, the sooner I will be on my way back here.”

Ru chuckled. “You can leave and enjoy yourself. There is no harm in it.”

“I have never really given enjoyment a try.”

Ru rolled her eyes. “I know. You started life as a Quaker, and the simple life has never really left you.”

“You know how terrifying this place was when I first arrived.”

Ru stroked her cheek. “I remember, but this time, the magic is giving you the knowledge that you need. You won’t be pulled out of your time again. If you trust me that this is for the best, I promise you won’t regret it.”

Blitzen nodded and took her folded envelope from her pocket. “Here is the letter. I hope it does some good.”

Ru took it and tucked it into her pocket. “It will. I have a plan for it.”

Blitzen smiled with amusement at the grim grin that Ru was giving her. “Santa is not going to like it, is he?”

“Men rarely like to be slapped in the face with the obvious.”

“Will it slap him?”

“It is going to knock him backward. Now, if you are ready?”

“I am ready.”

Ru unfastened Blitzen’s collar, and the air rushed in and caressed her neck for the first time in centuries. There was a moment of panic, and then, Ru handed her the snowflake. Without hesitation, Blitzen hugged her friend and then pressed the snowflake to her naked neck.

Moments later, a swirl of snow and magic swept her up, and Belinda Litzen prepared to start her day.