Page 52 of Prize for the Alien Grumpus

After pizza and games, we head home. Sam perches on my shoulders, still buzzing with sugar and excitement. Mel walks close, her warmth against my side better than any combat high.

"I'm just a typical Earthman out with my family," I announce proudly.

Mel laughs. "Yes, completely normal. Nothing to see here."

Sam yawns above me. "Best... night... ever."

And despite centuries of battles and conquests, I have to agree. This simple evening with these two humans means more than any victory I've ever claimed.

CHAPTER 19

MEL

Sam's head droops against Krampus's shoulder as he carries her up the stairs. Her blonde curls spill over his blue fur, and my heart does a little flip at the sight.

"Right here." I pull back her unicorn covers. "Easy does it."

"Your offspring weighs less than my smallest weapon." He sets her down with surprising gentleness.

Down in the kitchen, the coffee maker gurgles to life. "I still can't believe you ate three whole pizzas."

"The small human was correct. That establishment makes superior sustenance."

"And you were amazing with her friends. The way you played along with their pageant..."

"They cast me as the monster. It felt... appropriate."

"Hey." I reach across the table and touch his hand. His fur tickles my palm. "You're not a monster. You saved Christmas for those kids today."

"Perhaps Earth customs are growing on me." His golden eyes meet mine. "Or perhaps it's the company."

The coffee grows cold as we talk. About Sam's performance, about his life before cryo, about everything and nothing. Hisdeep laugh fills the kitchen when I tell him about my own pageant disaster at age eight.

How is it possible that this alien criminal understands me better than any man I've dated? The wrapped package upstairs burns in my thoughts. I hope he likes what I got him...

A high-pitched whine cuts through the air. Krampus's ears prick up and he's on his feet in an instant.

"The perimeter defense system." He pulls a wicked-looking weapon from somewhere in his fur. "Hide. Now."

"But Sam-"

"I'll protect the small one. Go!"

The whine turns into a screech as the death ray powers up on my roof. Because apparently that's my life now - death rays and alien boyfriends.

Wait, did I just think of him as my boyfriend?

"Move!" Krampus shoves me toward the pantry just as the first blast hits.

The pantry shelves dig into my back as explosions rock the house. Krampus's battle roar drowns out even the whine of energy weapons. My hands shake as I grip the can of green beans like it's going to protect me somehow.

The sounds of combat move across the kitchen, then through the sliding door. Each blast lights up the gaps around the pantry door like strobes at a nightclub. The fight moves further away until I can barely hear it.

My legs feel like jelly as I ease the door open. The kitchen's a disaster - scorch marks on the walls, broken dishes everywhere. Through the shattered sliding door, craters dot my backyard like some kind of alien crop circles. The grass is still smoking.

No sign of Krampus. Or the grolgath. Just destruction as far as I can see in the dark.

"Mom!"

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