Page 86 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

“You’re important, Grandpa. You have to take care of yourself or we will.” Nana said that all the time and she was right.

He cackled again and opened the door. “Just as fussy as your Nana.”

Natasha went over the words to the song again while Calli talked to Teague on the other side of the yard. This was the toughest clue yet. She practiced saying the words over and over to make sure she wouldn’t forget them.

“What’s on your mind?” Calli asked. She shrugged out of her leather jacket and dropped it on the steps.

“What’s deck mean?” Natasha asked.

“Deck? Like on a boat?”

Natasha frowned. A boat? That didn’t make any sense. “Like if you deck something?”

“Oh,” Calli said. “That means hit. Like punch. Nobody better be decking anyone around here or I’ll have something to say about it.”

Natasha smiled up at her. Calli clearly knew about the Santa challenge but wasn’t worried. They totally had this.

“Do we know anyone named Holly?”

“Not around here, no. Why?”

“Just wondering.”

“Well, let’s get to work. Defensive stances. Let’s go.”

They worked on a few drills, and Natasha felt stronger by the second. Aunt Calli made her practice getting out of holds and how to block hits. She also made sure to know a couple good places to kick someone if they tried to grab her.

Knees were a particular weak spot. She made a mental note to take Santa out at the knees if he got close enough. Natasha already knew she wasn’t supposed to get close enough for someone to grab— that had been one of their first lessons. She was supposed to run if she could. But sometimes, things happened.

“You’re distracted today,” Calli said.

“I’m sorry. I’ve got… stuff to think through. Plans. You know. Because of… later this month.”

“Ah,” Calli said. “Understood. That does require some thought. But don’t worry. It’ll be okay. Just do your best. Do you know what you’re getting for your dad?”

Getting for him? “Um, no?”

“Oh, that’s okay then.”

Getting something. Another clue. Did Santa have something they were supposed to take from him? Maybe that was how they won the challenge. Taking something from Santa and giving it to Daddy?

“Calli, are you allowed to tell me anything about Santa? You know, something mostly secret? I won’t tell.”

Calli made a really funny look and Natasha sighed. It had been a long shot, but worth it to try. If anyone would give her inside scoop, it would be Aunt Calli.

“I’m…uh… I don’t really… well…”

“It’s okay, Aunt Calli. I understand. There are rules about these things.”

Santa even had Calli flustered. It was another sign that they were dealing with one of the champions. Natasha only hoped he wasn’t as tough as Calli and the other hellhounds. She wasn’t sure they could beat them. But with all these clues, they had a chance.

Natasha pondered the clue Grandpa William had given her again.

“Bows of Holly,” Natasha murmured.

“What was that?” Calli asked.

“Bow. I’m confused about that word.”