Page 45 of Letters to Satan

It’s something I thought I’d miss this year.

Something I thought I’d have to give up forever.

Fate, however, has a wicked sense of humor, and it often throws a lifeline at us from the most unexpected places.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the elves and the demons, along with some heavy-handed managing by me, Damien, Cadbury, and Xalreth, we met our production goals with a day to spare. It left just enough time to sort and load the sleigh, and now we’re ready.

The entire North Pole is exhausted, including the legion of Hellions that are staying one more night to reap the benefits of their hard labor.

My unexpected saviors.

The demons were surprisingly pleasant to work with, despite the… trouble… with the curse filter. For the first couple of days, it was non-stop chaos, a symphony of random words being shouted in every corner of the overcrowded workshop.

OSHA, forgive me.

Once they got used to it, things calmed down. There were a few pranks, a handful of arguments, but by and large, everything went much smoother than I ever expected it to.

“I have a surprise for you,” I say as Damien smiles at me again, more genuine this time. From the bag at my side, I whip out a Damien-sized Santa coat—fluffy, red velvet with white fur-lined sleevesand neck. Imbued with my magic, it will keep him warm regardless of the icy winds or biting cold, at high altitudes and even higher speeds.

He grins as I slide it over his slender shoulders. “You think this looks better than my old coat? You clearly know nothing about fashion here in the North Pole,” he teases, but I notice the way he draws it around him and sinks into the warmth.

“You’ll need it tonight,” I say as I gesture towards the ladder onto the sleigh, and his smile fumbles.

“What?”

I lean in and drop a kiss on his surprised, pouty lips. “Christmas only made it this year because of you, Damien. You better be prepared to see this through to the finish line, because I’m not going anywhere without you.”

He licks his lips, then narrows his eyes, attempting to hide the way he’s affected. “Are you sure this isn’t an excuse to keep a closer eye on me?”

I chuckle, dropping another kiss on his temple. “A mere coincidence, I assure you.”

“So, I really get to ride with you in the sleigh? With…” His already wide eyes grow even rounder. “With the reindeer?!” That makes me laugh, a rich one straight from my belly that threatens to become a stereotypical Santa laugh, and he’s still doe-eyed as he stares. “But… but how does it work? There’s so many houses and so little time.”

I shrug, nudging him towards the sleigh. “Magic.”

He climbs up, awe-struck, as the elves finish the preparations, poking and prodding at every switch and button, needing to touch everything as he explores. When we receive the final thumbs up, he grabs my hand and squeezes as I take the reins.

And then we’re off.

Being a gentleman, I won’t mention his rather undignified, almost childlike, squeal during takeoff. Or the way he holds onto me so tight, I’m convinced he’s caused a few hairline fractures.

Once the sleigh stabilizes, he relaxes, soon becoming brave enough to hang over the sides and stare down at the landscape far below. After he does his second round of exploring, he snuggles in beside me with a sigh, and I throw my arm over his shoulders.

High in the sky, moonlight shines through the snow that falls around us, framing his features in its gentle glow. “Thank you,” he whispers, so quietly I barely hear him.

“For what?” I tuck him into my side, where he nuzzles his face against my chest.

“For showing me what I was missing in life… and forgiving me when I was an idiot.” He tilts his head up, and I oblige him with another soft kiss. “For taking care of me and for teaching me what it’s like to be loved.”

“I have one more surprise for you. Reach into my sack…” I ignore his delighted snort of laughter, “… and pull out a present.”

“Oooh, is it for me?” he asks, diving towards the back and pulling out a gold-wrapped box.

“Sort of.”

He cocks a brow at me, and I wave at the box. “Open it.”

Paper goes flying as he rips into the gift, and his mouth sags as he stares into the packaging. “Is that…”

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