Page 23 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

Istare at Krampus, his blue fur contrasting with the stark white of my bedroom. He's huge, not just in height but in presence, dominating the space. Yet, there's a softness in his eyes that wasn't there before. I step closer, my heart pounding. I'm not sure what I'm doing, but I know I want him.

"Mel," he starts, but I cut him off, placing a finger on his lips.

"Shh," I say, sinking to my knees. His eyes widen, but he doesn't stop me. I reach up, tracing the line of his belt, feeling the heat of his skin beneath. He's tense, every muscle coiled, but he doesn't move. I unbuckle his belt, my fingers trembling slightly. He watches me, his breath coming faster.

I slide his pants down, revealing him. He's huge, just like the rest of him. I look up, meeting his gaze. There's a question in his eyes, a vulnerability. I smile, then lean forward, taking him in my mouth.

He groans, his hands fisting in my hair. He's gentle, though, letting me set the pace. I explore him, tasting, teasing. His breath hitches, his grip tightens. I can feel his control slipping, and it's exhilarating.

Suddenly, he pulls me up, his mouth crashing against mine. He lifts me, carrying me to the bed. He's dominant, but loving,every touch sending shivers down my spine. He lays me down, his body covering mine. I can feel his heart pounding against my chest, matching my own.

He enters me slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. It's intense, the connection between us palpable. He starts to move, his rhythm steady, controlled. I wrap my legs around him, pulling him deeper. He groans, his pace quickening.

He reaches between us, his fingers finding my clit. He rubs, his touch sure and confident. I gasp, my hips bucking. He smiles, a wicked, knowing smile. He leans down, his mouth capturing mine. His tongue mimics his thrusts, driving me wild.

I can feel it building, the pressure, the heat. It's too much, too intense. I break away from his kiss, gasping for breath. He doesn't stop, his fingers, his thrusts, pushing me higher, harder.

"Krampus," I gasp, my nails digging into his back. He growls, his pace punishing. I can't hold back, I can't...

I scream, my body convulsing. Waves of pleasure crash over me, drowning me. He roars, his body stiffening as he finds his own release. He collapses on top of me, his breath ragged.

I lay there, stunned. That was...that was...

I can't find the words. I just hold him, my body still trembling with aftershocks. He nuzzles my neck, his breath hot against my skin.

"Mine," he growls, his arms tightening around me. I smile, too exhausted to argue. For now, I'm his. And he's mine.

The warmth of Krampus's fur against my skin lulls me to sleep, his steady breathing a comforting rhythm in the quiet night.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

My eyes snap open. The pounding on the front door echoes through the house.

"What the hell?"

The death ray Krampus installed would have vaporized any Grolgath trying to break in. Maybe those persistent carolers are back for round two?

I slip out of bed, careful not to wake the sleeping giant beside me. The silk robe whispers against my skin as I tie it closed. The wooden floor creaks under my feet as I make my way downstairs.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

"I'm coming!" The sun barely peeks over the horizon. Who shows up at this ungodly hour?

I unlock the door and before I can react, Tom pushes past me into the foyer. The scent of his expensive cologne makes my nose wrinkle.

"Merry Christmas." His smug smile sets my teeth on edge. "I'm here to pick up Sam."

"What do you mean? You didn't schedule any visits." The silk of my robe rustles as I cross my arms. "You gave up full custody when you decided Paris and your child bride were more important than your daughter."

Tom brushes invisible lint from his designer coat sleeve.

"That's ancient history. I'm here now, and that's what matters. Sam deserves to experience Christmas in Paris." His lips curve into that condescending smile I remember all too well. "If you really love our daughter, you won't deny her this opportunity."

My fingers curl into fists. He always does this - twists everything around until somehow, I'm the villain. The bad mother. The unreasonable ex. Heat rises in my cheeks.

"You've never even met your daughter." The words come out sharp enough to cut. "She's not going to want to go anywhere with a stranger."

Tom's eyes narrow, that familiar dangerous glint appearing. He steps closer, looming over me.

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