Page 14 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

"Yes. You humans are most intelligent, keeping a useful deathtrap like that in your dwelling."

I stare at the sink, then at the massive alien body somehow crammed into it. The math doesn't add up.

"But... that doesn't even seem possible." My voice sounds distant, detached. "I mean, his body is three feet wide, and the hole in the sink-"

"I'm very clever." Krampus grins, showing off rows of razor-sharp teeth still flecked with turkey.

My heart hammers against my ribs as I force the words out.

"What do you want? Are you here to kill me?"

"What? Kill you?" His laugh booms through the kitchen, making the remaining Christmas ornaments rattle. He crunches through the rest of my turkey drumstick - bones and all - then wipes his mouth with the back of his massive paw. "No."

My legs wobble, but I force myself to stay upright.

"Then why did you come here?"

His eyes flash, and suddenly I see the weight of the cosmos in his gaze. This being isn't just huge and powerful…he'sancient.A literal force of nature on two legs.

"At first, I thought only to repay the debt I owe you for freeing me." His golden eyes gleam in the fluorescent light. "But after having seen your fierce bravery, and met your impressive offspring, I have other plans for you."

My gaze drifts to the half-eaten turkey on my counter, then to the alien remains still being processed by my garbage disposal. The grinding sounds take on a whole new level of horror. I swallow hard, my throat clicking.

"Are you going to... going to eat me?"

Before I can blink, he moves. For something so massive, he's terrifyingly fast. His arm snakes around my waist, pulling me flush against his fur-covered chest. The heat of him burnsthrough my thin pajama top. His hand spans my entire lower back, claws pricking gently through the fabric.

"In a manner of speaking." His voice rumbles through me like distant thunder. "I'm going to make you my mate."

"What?" My voice comes out as an embarrassing squeak. Of all the things I expected him to say, that wasn't even on the list.

"My mate." His chest rumbles against mine with each word. "My bride, I believe you humans would say."

The arm around my waist tightens, pulling me closer. When was the last time anyone held me like this? Jake certainly never made me feel so... protected. Desired.

My hands press against Krampus's chest, meaning to push away, but instead they sink into impossibly soft fur. Like touching living velvet. Nothing like the coarse bear pelt I expected. Beneath that plush exterior, his muscles feel like steel cables wrapped in silk.

His scent fills my nose - wild and primal, like a forest after a thunderstorm. The kind of smell that bypasses your brain and goes straight to more... primitive places. My heart races, and not entirely from fear anymore.

Oh God. No. This isn't happening. I cannot be attracted to the seven-foot-tall alien monster who just stuffed someone down my garbage disposal. The grinding sounds from the sink drive the point home with horrible clarity.

What kind of person gets turned on while there's literally a body being disposed of ten feet away? This is not normal. This is not sane. This is definitely not how I pictured spending the holidays.

"Perhaps you require some persuasion." His breath fans hot against my cheek.

"What do you mean, persua?—"

His lips capture mine, cutting off my words. The kiss starts gentle, almost tentative - surprising from someone who justturned my kitchen into a crime scene. His fur tickles my chin, softer than silk.

I should push him away. I should run screaming into the night. I should definitely not be melting against him like ice cream on a hot sidewalk.

But my body has other ideas. My arms slide around his neck of their own accord, fingers burying themselves in that impossibly soft fur. He tastes wild and sweet, like winter berries and midnight storms.

His claws trace delicate patterns on my back, the deadly tips never breaking skin. The contrast between his raw power and careful touch sets my nerves on fire.

A small voice breaks through our heated embrace.

"Is he your boyfriend now?" Sam asks from the pantry doorway. "Is that why he keeps coming over?"

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