Page 17 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

"I transformed it," I say. "into something greater."

"And my blender!"

"A worthy sacrifice."

"How am I supposed to make smoothies now?" Her hands plant on her hips. "Or toast? Or coffee?"

Such passion over simple food preparation devices. Though I suppose that's to be expected from a primitive culture. Still, her fire inflames my desire. Even her anger is magnificent.

"I will acquire you superior replacements. Perhaps a matter replicator? Much more efficient than these crude devices."

"I don't want a matter replicator. I want my kitchen back!"

Her outrage is adorable. I must remember to destroy more of her possessions if it produces such delightful reactions.

The youngling materializes beside us like a stealth operative. Impressive. Perhaps she doesn't need as much training as I thought.

"Hey, Krampus," Sam's voice pipes up. "Do you know the Cat in the Hat? Because the Cat in the Hat has this special machine that can clean up big messes like this."

A warrior who knows of superior cleaning technology? This Cat must be formidable indeed.

"Sam! You're supposed to be in bed." Mel's voice carries the authority of a fleet commander.

"But Mom-"

"No buts. March."

My mate shepherds our future warrior-child toward the stairs, but not before shooting me a look that would melt durasteel. "Fix this. All of it. Before I get back."

The kitchen stands as testament to my technological genius - and complete lack of forethought. Dismantled appliances litter every surface. The disintegrator, my crowning achievement, mocks me from its perch atop the counter. What was meant to impress my mate has only driven her further away.

"I have much work to do, it seems." The sigh escapes before I can contain it. A warrior does not show weakness. "Perhaps I should find this Cat in the Hat and destroy him that I may claim his power."

CHAPTER 7

MEL

"Sweet dreams, kiddo." I tuck the blanket around Sam's shoulders, smoothing out the wrinkles.

"Is Mr. Krampus staying with us now?"

The question hits like a punch to the gut. My fingers freeze on the blanket's edge. "Just for tonight. In the morning... we'll see."

"I think he likes you."

My hands fly up to cover my burning face. A groan escapes my lips before I can stop it.

"Don't start, baby."

"But you've been lonely ever since Daddy ran off with his secretary."

Ice spreads through my veins. The bedroom spins. My mouth drops open, but no words come out. All this time, I thought I'd protected Sam from the truth. All those careful lies about secret missions and important work. Gone.

"I'm not a baby anymore, Mom." Sam's small hand finds mine in the dark. "I hear you and grams talk about Daddy. He doesn't sound like he was very nice." A pause, then softer: "Sometimes I'm glad I never got to meet him."

The tears come without warning, hot and sudden. My shoulders shake as everything I've bottled up for years breaksfree. The careful walls I built, the brave face I put on - it all crumbles.

Small arms wrap around my neck. Sam's strawberry shampoo fills my nose as she squeezes tight.

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