Claus (Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides #7)

Chapter 12

It was five days until an event called Christmas, and Claus had risen early so he could research the human holiday. Aubrey and the boys had recently placed an artificial but very realistic looking coniferous evergreen, decorated with string lights and handmade ornaments, in the front window of the house. They’d also placed other festive decorations around the house, and the boys seemed particularly excited about a visit from a white-bearded man called Santa Claus, who would supposedly come at night while they were sleeping to deliver presents and place them under the Christmas tree.

How interesting, he thought as he scrolled through several artistic depictions of the male, that he shared a name with the so-called jolly bearded fellow.

Of course, Claus understood that Santa wasn’t real. Aubrey had explained the tradition of Santa to him over breakfast yesterday morning, and she’d asked him to play along and not breathe a word about Santa being fictional in front of the boys. “I think Marcus suspects he’s not real, but Wyatt and Finn absolutely still believe, and I want to see their faces light up when they awake on Christmas morning and find presents from Santa under the tree,” she’d said, careful to speak in Vaxxlian so the children wouldn’t overhear her well-intentioned scheming.

He watched several video clips showing human males dressed as Santa interacting with excited groups of children, usually to hand out presents or ask what they wanted for Christmas, and an idea started to form. He had a materials replicator aboard his cruiser. Perhaps he could use it to create a Santa outfit and surprise the children. Aubrey seemed anxious about ensuring they had as nice a Christmas as possible this year, which made sense considering it would be their first Christmas without their mother.

He watched several more video clips and then got to work. The materials replicator created an adequate version of Santa’s red but white fur-trimmed pants and jacket, as well as a white wig and matching beard. Lastly, he replicated a thick black belt with a gaudy golden buckle and a pair of black boots to complete the look.

After trying on the clothes, he stood in front of a mirror and turned in a slow circle as he scrutinized the ensemble. Something was off, though the outfit itself appeared fine.

Finally, it hit him, and he quickly shoved a pillow under the jacket to make it appear as though he had a large, bulging stomach.

Almost but not quite.

He stared at his bearded face and pinched his cheeks, causing them to turn pink. Ah, yes. He would replicate a pink cosmetic and apply it to his cheeks, and perhaps to the tip of his nose as well.

Satisfied by his creation, he removed the Santa costume, folded it neatly, and placed it on a table beside his bed. He checked the hour and realized it was almost midday, so he hurried to get dressed in his usual black warrior garb and exited his cruiser.

The sound of children’s laughter reached him, and once he rounded the house, he spotted the boys playing ball in the spacious front yard. It pleased him to find they were dressed warmly in the new jackets, shoes, and hats and gloves he’d gifted them. He was glad the items were being used, as well as relieved that Aubrey had finally stopped trying to pay him back.

When he spotted the beautiful human female seated on the porch, his spirits brightened. He quickly joined her, sitting down and draping an arm around her shoulders. To his delight, she smiled and then leaned her head closer to him.

Hope swelled in his chest. Would she invite him to claim her today? He prayed it would happen soon. He realized several days had passed since she’d sent him away or bluntly informed him that she couldn’t be his mate. Lately, her responses to his inquiries about entering a mating union had changed. Her eyes usually brimmed with hesitation but also longing when she informed him that she needed more time to think.

He nuzzled his nose in her hair, then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She placed a hand on his thigh and snuggled closer. Surely she was on the verge of saying yes . He sent up another prayer to the Star God that she would agree very soon. Perhaps after Christmas. After the boys got to enjoy the holiday which she was so focused on making perfect for them.

“I have an idea, sweet human.”

“What’s that?”

“Tonight, I would like to invite you and the boys to my Vaxxlian cruiser for dinner,” he said while brushing a lock of hair away from her forehead. “I have a small, eat-in kitchen area aboard my vessel, but it is large enough to fit all five of us. I will prepare the meal.”

She grinned. “I didn’t know you could cook.”

“I must confess that I have little experience cooking, unless you count roasting meat over a fire in the woods, but I have a brand-new food replicator that can make many different foods.” He glanced at the boys and did a fast visual scan of the street to ensure all was safe. Once satisfied all was well, he returned his attention to Aubrey. “It is programmed to make both Vaxxlian and human dishes. Do you have any special requests?”

“Hm. How about you make your favorite dishes?” she said. “I bet the boys would be excited to try Vaxxlian food, and I would enjoy it too. I’ve eaten lots of different alien foods as I traveled from place to place, but I haven’t tried Vaxxlian yet.”

Her thoughtful suggestion warmed his heart. She was showing an interest in his culture. It caused his heart to swell with hope anew. “I will prepare a scrumptious Vaxxlian feast for you and the boys, sweet Aubrey.”

“I can’t wait.” Her smile was radiant.

A ball landed on the porch, and Claus bent to retrieve it. When he straightened, all three boys were standing below the steps. “You should come play baseball with us, Claus,” Finn said, his face flushed from running around the yard.

“Yeah,” Wyatt said. “You can be the pitcher.”

“I have never played baseball before,” Claus said, “but I’m willing to try if you boys will teach me.”

“We’ll help you learn,” Marcus said. “Don’t worry. Come on and I’ll show you where to stand.”

Though he was reluctant to leave Aubrey’s side, he couldn’t pass up a chance to build a relationship with the children. He jogged down the steps and walked to the area of the yard Marcus indicated for him to stand. Wyatt stood a short distance away holding a bat. Finn moved further away, as though he intended to catch the ball after Wyatt hit it. Claus understood the gist of the game from watching the boys, but he wasn’t entirely sure about the rules, but Marcus was quick to explain, and they soon got started.

“Play ball!” Aubrey shouted in a sing-song voice.

Claus tossed the ball toward Wyatt, mindful of his strength and careful not to throw it too fast, and the middle child of the bunch swung the bat straight into the ball and took off at a run.