Yuletide Mischief Read Online Free PDF Page A

trouble coming,” his wife muttered and she whirled on Jonas who had gone from red to pale white.
    More pipes burst and complete turmoil reigned in the house as Jonas tried to calm his furious wife. Loki grinned as he blinked himself out of the house and casually walked down the street just as the enormous bedroom window opened and a handful of expensive-looking suits came flying out.
    He had finished one objective and was ready to move on to the other. Vivienne could be his Achilles heel, the one thing that could bring him back into the world or make him leave it permanently. Joko’s words rang in his ears and he thought of the penthouse in Manhattan and that took him instantly there. He decided to use the night to think on how to approach Vivienne the next time he saw her.
    * * * *
    Vivienne didn’t like that she was brooding. In fact, it pissed her off because one run-in with Loki shouldn’t have left her in such a bad mood. It was Saturday and one week before Christmas. Barneys on Fifth Avenue was humming with activity, shopping, and children sitting on Santa’s lap to give him their final wishes and also so mom and dad could get the perfect picture. The theme in the store was winter wonderland and the Christmas trees were decorated thickly with blue and silver bulbs and ribbons. Different-sized crystal snowflakes hung from the high ceilings and Christmas songs blared from the speakers. Usually she would be alight with happiness, but it all reminded her of Loki.
    Just one night and he left an impression, even though he was cruel in the end. She hated that he made her feel like this. Vivi knew that she should be steamed at his hateful words, yet she knew it was normal of any creature—mortal or not—to strike out when they were afraid. Stop acting like you’re so destroyed by this, Vivi. You’ve had worse happen to you! she chastised herself and vowed to stop thinking about him. She had to get him out of her mind. But when the store closed and everyone was making plans to meet up later for a combination of dinner, drinks and dancing, he was still on her mind.
    Vivi felt none of her usual cheer and claimed to be under the weather so she could just go home. She wanted her bed, a warm, comfy bathrobe, and a cup of hot chocolate. Even though she didn’t want to admit it, Vivi needed to have a good brood. She took a cab home and was happy to find the elevator empty on the ride up to her apartment.
    One hour later, she was lounging in her comfy pajamas, wearing warm and fuzzy socks, and drinking hot chocolate with three giant marshmallows and watching the news. Who cared if it was only eight o’ clock on a Saturday night? She was happy at home where her colorful Christmas lights blinked merrily and her entire apartment smelled of pine from the live Christmas tree. She was taking the last drink of what was left of her hot chocolate when the newscaster spoke of an unusual accident in the Hamptons. Since that is where she used to live, she turned the volume up on the TV and sat forward with interest.
    “This is Melody Raine reporting from the scene. A house frozen by more than the freezing cold.”
    Vivi rolled her eyes at the perky, made up name of the reporter, but kept listening.
    “The Waverly household was shaken to its core when, somehow, the pipes burst in the house and icicles the size of cave stalactites exploded through the walls. It is most definitely a strange occurrence in this community and has the neighbors questioning whether they are safe in their own home,” Melody Raine said. “We still don’t know why clothing is strewn across the snowy lawn. Residents called us when they woke up to the sight that you can see here.” The camera panned across the large front yard.
    She knew the name well. Waverly could only mean one thing. Jonas’s house was now worse for wear.
    “I’ll tell you why the damn clothes are on the front lawn.” The camera jumped to a woman coming down the driveway in a mink coat.