Page 30 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

His touch sends electricity up my arm. I need to stop having these thoughts. He's an alien fugitive camping on my sofa, not boyfriend material.

Right?

The cookies cool on the rack as Sam snuggles up between Krampus and me, her eyes fluttering shut. I feel a pang of guilt for letting my mind wander to such inappropriate places. He's an alien, for goodness sake. This is insane.

Once Sam's breathing evens out, I clear my throat. "Krampus, we should talk about... protection. I mean, in case anything were to happen between us."

His red eyes bore into me, unblinking.

"Protection is unnecessary. My species only procreates when we wish to."

"Well, that's convenient," I mutter, fiddling with the hem of my sweater.

"Our planet has limited resources," he explains. "It was an evolutionary change, to ensure we do not overpopulate and consume everything in our path."

I nod slowly, processing this information. "So you're saying you can... control it?"

"Precisely." His gaze flicks down to Sam's sleeping form. "The Odex are a victim of our own success. We became too powerful, too resilient to kill. We bred without restraint until our home world was depleted."

I shudder, imagining a planet stripped bare. "What happened then?"

"The Ataxian Coalition offered us the hope of new worlds to colonize." His lips curl in a bitter smile. "Instead, they sent us to die in the Centuries War."

A chill runs down my spine.

"Die?"

"The Odex are virtually indestructible. We are the perfect soldiers." His claws flex, nearly dislodging Sam. "But the cost has been high. Too high."

I bite my lip, unsure how to respond. The weight of his people's suffering hangs heavy in the air. I reach over and gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind Sam's ear, marveling at the gentle way Krampus watches the gesture.

"I'm sorry, Krampus," I murmur. "That must have been... devastating."

He nods slowly, his gaze returning to mine. "It is in the past now. I focus on the present - and ensuring a future for my kind."

The intensity in his eyes steals my breath. I swallow hard, pulse quickening. "And what does that future entail?"

His clawed hand comes up to cup my cheek, sending electricity racing across my skin. "That remains to be seen."

I search his face, transfixed by the depth of emotion I find there. Whatever this is between us, it feels... fated. Inevitable. And terrifying.

His touch burns against my skin, gentle despite those deadly claws. My heart hammers so hard I wonder if he can hear it.

"Why are you trembling?" His voice rumbles low, careful not to wake Sam.

"Where do I start?" A bitter laugh escapes me. "My alien ex-boss wants us dead. I'm discussing birth control with someone who's not even from this planet."

His thumb traces my jawline. "Those are surface fears."

"Fine." I close my eyes, unable to meet his intense gaze. "I'm happy. Really, truly happy. For the first time since... maybe ever."

"And this frightens you?"

"Because something always goes wrong." My voice cracks. "The moment I let myself believe things might work out, that's when it all falls apart. Tom left. My parents died. Every time I dare to hope, the universe laughs and takes it all away."

"Look at me."

I shake my head, but his hand remains steady on my cheek.

---