Page 40 of Nice

Growling, he turns and gives chase, letting me stay about a foot or so ahead of him. Stooping down, I just start throwing bits of snow at him, hoping to keep him at bay. He barrels through and pushes me down into the cold powder, pushing his massive frame into mine. Moaning, I lean up and kiss him, reveling in the contrast of his warmth with the cold at my back.

"I'm not going to take you out here in the snow, woman."

"Why not? Afraid a penguin will see?"

Smirking, he gets off of me and helps me up. "Because sound carries."

Reaching behind, he swats me hard before turning back in the direction of the house. Once we get there, I race ahead, eager to get inside and finish what we started. Instead, a flash of sparkle catches my eye. Bending over, I pick up a card from the front stoop. Krampus stands out in thick bold letters.

"I didn't know people wrote to you."

"They don't." He frowns at the envelope and pushes his way into the house.

"But aren't you the least bit curious?"

"Not really. I'm pretty sure if I'm getting a letter, it's from someone who thinks I'll answer their kinky fantasies."

Giggling, I slide my finger under the flap. "If that's the case, then I really want to read it."

The letter is simple with neat handwriting. A quick skim reveals that it's not what Asmon thinks at all. Leading him over to the fireplace, I set him down on the chair and sit in his lap.

Dear Krampus,

I'm writing to you instead of Santa because you need letters too.

I would like an iPad for Christmas and some crafting stuff.

Also, if you could punish my brother. He is so annoying.

And Santa for hogging Christmas.

Thank you, and Merry Christmas.

We both sit there for a moment before Asmon lets out a roar of laughter. "I want to frame that letter and send a copy to Kris." He wipes a tear from his eyes, his shoulders still shaking with mirth. "I don't think I can conjure an iPad, but I can for sure send them some crafting stuff. What do you think, leather?"

He scoops me out of his arms and sets me to the ground before heading off to his workbench. Bits of fabric and leather rain down as he rummages about looking for just the right thing to send. Shaking my head, I smile at the joy this letter brought him. I look back down at the paper and smooth it out before bringing to my lips. Such a dear, sweet child. Reading back through it, I chuckle at the idea of siccing Krampus on a sibling.

"See. Not everyone subscribes to that blowhard." I set the card down and wrap my arms about his neck. "But this does bring up a question I've been dying to ask."

He raises his eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Seeing as I'm your mate and all, does this mean that you won't be punishing anyone else for being naughty?" I pause for a moment, an idea lighting me up from the inside. "Does this mean that I'll get all the punishments?"

Asmon chuckles and kisses me hard, forcing his tongue past my lips. Pulling away, he smooths back my hair and looks deep into my eyes.

"I wish I could love. But then again, I'm probably going to be punishing your lovely ass daily." He sobers. "But there's a balance. Kris is the gift giver, I'm the justice. At least that's how it should be. I have to balance things out by bringing a person here every Christmas to punish."

My face falls, and I try to hide my disappointment and jealousy. "I see. So, you'll just be grabbing more sexy women every year?"

"It's not like that love. Now that I have you, it will be strictly punishment. No funny business."

"Does that mean I can watch?"

He peers at me for a moment, his brain churning. "Do you want to watch, or do you want to help?"

I gasp. "I can do that?"

Shrugging, Asmon pulls me close to him. "We're making this up as we go along. Who's to say we can't?"

"I love you Krampus." I sigh into his shirt.

"I love you too my nice, little girl."

Epilogue: Noel

The tracks from last night are completely erased this morning. I must be in the right spot, but there's not really any way to tell. All around me frozen wasteland and glass trees block my view. Frowning, I come across the spot, or at least my nearest estimation and hunch down. Nothing about the area smells off. At least there's not the odor of death. Thank the Fathers she didn't actually die.

Rising back up, I square my shoulders and head towards North Pole Proper. Anxiety churns in my gut the closer I get. I must break free, but I don't know how. Only one person can save me, and that's Father Christmas. That's if he even listens. The days and weeks I've spent hiding out at Northport taught me one thing, the line of Claus must come down. Kris is nothing but an overindulgent child that must be stopped at all costs.

I nibble on my bottom lip, engrossed in my thoughts. But when he was needed the most, he showed up. That must count for something. Right? Nodding, I continue my trek, trying to put my mutinous thoughts behind me. The decision is already made, I just have to have enough gumption to follow though. Groaning, I pause at the gates, my mind swirling with conflict.

Forcing myself across the threshold, I exhale my breath and make my way back up to Northport. Reaching to my side, I palm my trusty dagger. Worst case scenario, there will be no more Christmas. Best case scenario, I'll free myself of this burden and finally live the life I was meant to have. Between the two options, I'm rooting for the latter. Without Christmas, the world would fly into chaos.

I look up at the sky, wishing the Fathers would show me the right path. Do they answer all prayers or just those that belong to the nice? Hanging my head, I scuff my toe along the ground, drawing a line in the snow. If they don't answer the prayers of the naughty, then I'm royally fucked.

THE END