Page 32 of Nice

I puzzle through it all the way to North Pole Proper. Normally I can tell what's going on, but tonight something is off. Gritting my teeth, I storm into the city, ignoring all the looks and gasps and I barrel my way through to Northport. Without bothering to knock, I burst open the door and walk inside, taking care to dust off the snow before dragging it into the foyer. I'm pissed with Kris, but his servants don't need to suffer because of his asshattery.

Storming down the hallway, I'm dismayed to see my wreckage cleared away and the decorations back up like they were never torn down. I may have to rectify that on the way out. Coming into the dining room, I stop short, trying to tamp down the rage at what took place just hours earlier. Curling my hands into fists, I look about the space, trying to find anyone.

My heart sinks as I determine Kris is in one of two rooms. I make my way to his study pleading with some unknown spirit that he's in there alone. I rip the door open and it's empty. He's in his bedroom then. I sit in the main chair and rub a weary hand over my eyes. Can I just rip her out of his bed? Am I that type of man? Yes. We are. Go get our woman. Make her ours.

"What in the sugar plum fairy are you doing in my study?"

I jerk my head up at Kris's strident tone. He's dressed in his pompous silks. Just looking at him makes me want to throttle him. Leaping up out of the chair, I stand toe to toe with Father Christmas. For once, it seems like his lackeys aren't here. Maybe for once things will finally go my way.

"I'm here for the woman."

Kris stares at me for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Caveman much?" He slides around me and sits in his chair, eyeing me warily. "She chose me, you know. So why are you here?"

I shake my head. "I want her. She's mine."

He crosses his legs, a smirk forming on his lips. "And that's why she's warming my bed as we speak?"

Growling, I stride over to him and grab him by the front of his shirt. His smile instantly turns down to a frown.

"How dare you lay your hands on me?"

"How dare you take everything from me. What gives you that right?" I counter, my fingers curling tighter into his shirt.

"If you ask me, I haven't taken enough."

There's a dangerous glint in his eyes as he stares me down. "What's left to take? Angelica, Caitlin? What more do you want?"

"I want my time back with Father. I want my brother back. I want my life back. But you can't give that to me, can you?"

I uncurl my fist and take a step back. A suspicious sheen lights his eyes, but he blinks it away before I can be sure.

"So, you can just fudge off right now if you think I'm going to let you have a moment's peace while I suffer." Kris bristles and pokes me in the chest. "Besides, look around you. You're not set up in a position to win. I'm Father Christmas, and you're just a perv that gets your rocks off by spanking women."

Growling I lift my hand and curl it into a fist. I cock my arm back to let it fly when a pair of strong hands wrap around my forearm.

"That's enough Asmon. I can't let you do this."

"Why the fuck not," I scream, straining against him.

Red sighs and holds onto me. "Christmas is doomed without him. You know that."

I turn and stare at him. "And you think Christmas is safe with him? He's a fuckup!"

"Don't talk about me like I'm not even here you re-gifted fruitcake."

"Why don't you stop being an ass for once!" Red roars, his anger blistering my ears.

I turn my head as best I can and stare at him. This is the first time I've ever heard Red so much as raise his voice at him. The steady, heated glare he's giving Kris gives me pause. That feeling of unease creeps back in. Something isn't right. I just know it. I pull against Red, desperation clouding my judgement.

"Give me back my woman. I will not ask you again."

Red's fingers dig in deeper, but I don't care. Nothing compares to the agony of my beast ramming against Red's shields, clawing deep into my brain, bellowing to be free. Kris stares at me, cold and calculating.

"What if I refuse? You can't make me give her up."

"I can sure as hell break your body."

Red's arms quiver around me, testament to how hard he's holding me back.