Page 54 of Unholy Night

“That little shit,” I growl and turn around to look for the boy. “I don’t want him around Mandy.”

“Why would that be, Master?” My friend lifts her glass and hides her mouth this time and I know it’s because she’s smiling.

“She’s too young to be courted.” Isn’t that obvious?

“She’s almost ten. In the time in history when Jack was originally brought to life, Mandy would be old enough to be betrothed.” Fuchsia takes a step back, canny as usual.

The glass I just picked up shatters in my hand and sends shards and champagne everywhere. “Centuries have passed since he was born. Things are different now. She is planning our trip to Disney World, not a wedding. Not any time soon.”

“Poor child. What will she do with you as her father?” Fuchsia cocks her head to the side. “Her suitors will face a fierce challenge indeed.”

I straighten my shoulders and adjust my tie. Father. Not a title I thought I would ever have. But I asked her a month ago if she approved of making our family official and she had agreed. The little sneak had even helped me pick out the--

“You’re sure you have it?” I look at Fuchsia again.

She aims her most droll stare in my direction. “You know that I do.”

“Of course. And the--”

“I have that as well.” Fuchsia sets her glass down on the table. “I will go finalize everything now. Are you ready?”

“Of course I am.” I straighten the arms of my tuxedo jacket and fiddle with the cuff links. Fuchsia hands me two small boxes that I tuck into my pocket. Of course, I’m ready. Unless she says no. I’m most definitely not ready for that. Maybe I should wait a while longer. We have eternity after all.

But no. Mandy is growing and deserves to have a stable life. Not that her life isn’t stable. I just want to be part of it. Officially. I’m the devil, after all. I’m selfish like that and a stickler for details. I have them, but I want it all. Titles included.

I watch Mandy playing with Jack for a little longer, but manage to restrain myself from going and interrupting. She is obviously happy and having fun. Instead, I turn my attention back to the crowd and look for Lyla.

My Lady is wearing a blue dress this year, as dark as the night sky. Crystals are scattered across it like stars. She looks like a goddess. The train of her gown swishing behind her as she crosses the grass, talking with Medusa. Gurch is trailing behind her, the ever faithful servant. Though, Lyla lectures anyone that calls Gurch that.

“Who knew you were such a romantic, Lucie?”

My thoughts grind to a halt as I recognize the voice next to me. I turn slowly and glare at the asshole.

“You really shouldn’t taunt me in my own realm, blood bag.” I sneer at his outfit. It’s mostly red, of course. He’s wearing a dark red flannel shirt, red vest, jeans, and an old baseball cap. “You do realize this is a black tie event, do you not?”

“Of course.” The old elf pulls at his jeans as if they’d been slipping down. “I dressed up for your special night.”

“This is ‘dressed up’?” I take a deep breath. “If you’re here, my sister must be nearby.”

“Of course, Lucie.” My sister appears next to me in a much more appropriate gown for the evening, even if it is red. Her white hair is glistening, bright eyes twinkling, her smile shining. “We couldn’t miss your big night.”

“What are you talking about?” I narrow my eyes. No one is supposed to know about tonight except for a few key people and I am certain they would never break my trust.

“Well, don’t worry about us, sweetie. We just want to see the fruits of our labor.” She tightens her shawl around her shoulders.

“You what?” I frown. The hobo posing as a lumberjack next to me laughs and it is much happier than the last time we crossed paths. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t worry, everything is as it should be.” My sister pats my cheek. “You know we love you.”

“You, yes.” I cut my eyes toward her undeserving husband. “Him, I would rather not contemplate.”

“As much as I enjoy our little games, you’re my brother in law. Of course I care.” The elf has the audacity to clap my shoulder as if we’re comrades… or friends.

“What games are you referring to?” I push his hand off my shoulder with one finger.

“Ah, well, let's not ruin those by talking about them.” He lifts the mug he is carrying and I realize he’s drinking hot cocoa with what smells like a heavy shot of peppermint schnapps. Disgusting. “Tell me did you ever figure out Mandy’s Christmas Wish last year?”

He regards the girl with warm eyes. The difference in him from that night and now gives me the creeps. And I’m the Devil.

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