Page 88 of The Chosen One Universe: Volume One

Natasha smiled. “Now you’re being silly. You never forget to eat.”

“What’s that big book you’ve got there, Henry?”

“Zaire has me practicing learning what trees look like, Grandpa. But we were curious about one called holly. Can you read to us about it?”

“Well it is the time of year for it, isn’t it? Let’s see.” Grandpa flipped the pages and held up the book. “This is it, here. Now, what does it say? How about that. It’s a protective thing, magically speaking. I didn’t know that. I suppose I should have. And it’s supposed to help you stay calm. Learn something new every day.”

Henry turned to Natasha, his eyes wide. He mouthed the word calm and she nodded. Their clues were connected. Calm and bright was somehow part of the deck the halls clue.

“Thanks, Grandpa. You’re the best.” Natasha pecked a kiss on his cheek before standing again. “Do you need something to drink or a snack?”

“Oh, go on now. I’m fine. Besides, your Papa’s already promised to bring me something in a few minutes once he finishes Ben’s lessons.”

Natasha and Henry dashed out the door and went to add their newest information to the plan. Things were really coming together. Natasha grinned and pulled Henry in for a hug. Santa’s the one who better watch out. Natasha fully intended to deck him if she got the chance.

Ollie knocked on Grandpa William’s door and waited for him to say “Come in.” It always took him a second because he had to use the remote to pause his show first. Ollie was supposed to practice his patience while he waited. He didn’t really know what that meant, but he stood there anyway until Grandpa said it was okay.

Grandpa patted his leg once Ollie got close enough, so he climbed over the arm of the big recliner Grandpa liked to sit in and curled up on his lap. He let out a tired sigh. He didn’t need a nap. He didn’t. But maybe he could just sit with Grandpa for a little while so he didn’t have to worry about the plan.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothin’,” Ollie said before he yawned and settled his head against Grandpa’s shoulder. Grandpa always smelled good. Like Papa, but different.

“Thought we agreed no lyin’ around here,” Grandpa huffed.

Ollie sighed, and Grandpa wrapped his arm around Ollie’s back. “Not lyin’, Grandpa. We finished the plan. I’m just a little tired. But I don’t need a nap.”

“The plan?”

Ollie nodded. “Not supposed to talk about it. But you don’t have to worry. We’re good enough to be the alpha’s kids, and we’ll keep that Santa guy out of here.”

Grandpa’s arm tightened. “I think I’m missing something. Remember that I’m old and forget stuff. And I’m human. Can’t forget that bit. You wanna explain to your old Grandpa what’s going on?”

Ollie yawned. “There’s a guy who comes and makes sure kids are good or bad. We have to keep him out or we don’t get to be the alpha’s kids. Only the best kids get alphas for daddies. We’re the best kids, Grandpa. No need to worry.”

Grandpa made one of his weird noises, but Ollie ignored it. Papa said that sometimes when you got old your body made noises like that and it wasn’t polite to mention them.

“You talking about Santa Claus?” Grandpa asked.

Ollie nodded and rubbed his nose against Grandpa’s shirt. He wasn’t tired. He patted Grandpa’s chest and closed his eyes. “It’s okay, Grandpa. We made a really good plan.”

Ollie woke up when Grandpa’s show finished and he turned his television off. “Feel better?”

“I wasn’t tired,” Ollie protested.

“I know. Nothing wrong with closing your eyes for a minute to think. Grandpa does that all the time.”

Ollie rubbed his eyes.

“Grandpa has a mission for you.”

Ollie lifted his head. “A secret mission?”

“Not this time. We need to have a family meeting. Grandpa has some important news. Now you go on and tell your Papa that Grandpa needs everybody in the living room stat. Remember what stat means?”

“Right now!”

“That’s the ticket. We need Nana, Pop-Pop, and Grammy too.”