Varian Swift of the Border Elves has two pressing desires: to win the finals in the annual Reindeer Games, and to find a mate before dawn.

Randolwyn of the Wild Elves runs the Games' blacksmith shop. Once she thought she wanted a mate, but that was years ago, before a cruel trick made her turn her back on love.

When an accident brings Varian to Randolwyn's shop, he's struck with the bone-deep knowledge that he's found his mate. But she doubts his claim, even as she's drowning in his kisses.

Games are meant to have challenges, but with love on the line, games should take a back seat. Instead, this Christmas Eve becomes a race against the clock, a race to catch up, and a race to outrun those who dare to break them apart.