Claus (Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides #7)

Chapter 17

Four days later…

Claus peered at his reflection and adjusted his long white beard. Would the boys believe he was the real Santa? He thought it would be fun if they did, however according to his research, most Earth children understood that Santa had lots of helpers who dressed up just like him during the holiday season.

He picked up the sack he’d filled with toys and exited his cruiser with a bounce in his step. Excitement churned within him. He hoped a surprise visit from Santa would make Christmas Eve special for the boys.

Once outside, he was pleased to discover the shield that connected his Vaxxlian cruiser to the house was still active. Only a slight shimmer revealed the presence of the nearly impenetrable defense. A glance at the readings on his wrist comm also showed the shield wasn’t using as much power as he’d expected. Not only would they be able to reach the Eshunna Passage when they departed Earth in two days, but they would have no trouble reaching planet New Vaxx. Relieved by this outcome, he strode around the house and rang the doorbell.

As he waited, he scanned the street and listened for any signs of danger. It was still unclear why two of the neighbors had been murdered the other day, or why a procession of tanks had rolled through town, but scarcely a thing had happened since then. The militia groups that usually came out to fight one another in the dark hadn’t been seen in days. Were they taking a break due to the holidays? Claus was uncertain, but he found the silence eerie, like a calm before a great storm.

Dainty footsteps sounded on the other side of the door, and he straightened and mentally prepared himself to be holly and jolly . According to his research, Santa was a big cheery male who brought joy and presents to all the good little children around the world. He planned to play the part as best he could.

The door was finally opened, and Aubrey stood staring at him with wide eyes. “Claus?” She giggled and shook her head, and her whole face lit up. He’d never seen her look so delighted, and it pleased him that so far, his Santa stunt was going over well.

He placed a finger to his lips, a human mannerism he’d witnessed Aubrey do when she wanted the boys to quiet down. “Shh. I am Santa Claus. Ho ho ho.”

She laughed again. “You’d better say that ‘ho ho ho’ with a little more enthusiasm if you want the boys to believe you’re really Santa.”

“Thank you for the tip. May I come inside, sweet human?”

“You may.” She stepped aside and permitted him entrance. “And might I say, I think you look very handsome dressed up like that. You are the sexiest Santa I’ve ever seen.”

His face heated from her compliment. “Thank you.” He stroked his beard and waggled his eyebrows at her. Then he turned toward the living room and belted, “Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!” at the top of his lungs.

The boys materialized in the doorway, wearing varying expressions of shock and delight. “Wow, it’s Santa!” Finn shouted as he jumped in place. “Hi, Santa!”

“Hello, boys. I hope I have the right house. I’m looking for Marcus, Wyatt, and Finn.”

“That’s us!” Wyatt said.

Marcus, however, couldn’t be fooled. He shot Claus a knowing look, then casually pretended to zip his lips, another human mannerism he’d come to understand during his brief time on Earth. He was glad Marcus planned to play along for the sake of his younger brothers, and he winked at the older boy.

“Well, I am happy I got the right house. Ho ho ho! I hope you don’t mind that I rang the bell instead of coming down the chimney.” Claus patted his large, pillow-stuffed stomach. “I was afraid I might get stuck.”

The boys giggled, then they swarmed him to ask question after question. How cold is the North Pole? Where were his reindeer? How many more houses did he have to visit tonight? What was his favorite kind of cookie? And on and on. Claus did his best to answer each question, following up most responses with a cheerful ho ho ho . He was thankful he’d done his research so carefully, otherwise Wyatt and Finn might start to suspect him.

At last, Claus took a seat near the festive tree, setting the bag of toys between his feet. “Who wants presents?” he asked. “Ho ho ho!”

“Me!” Finn and Wyatt called.

Marcus sidled up to him and whispered, “You don’t have to say ho ho ho so much. It’s starting to get weird.” The young boy nodded encouragingly and stepped back to join his brothers. Claus shot him a look of thanks, appreciating the help. Maybe just one more ho ho ho would be appropriate. When he was leaving.

The bag of toys was a great success. Claus had purchased a few more items from Walter’s Emporium, and he’d replicated the rest. He handed out toy spaceships, alien figurines, fake blasters that discharged tiny soft balls, and more.

After he passed out toys, he took note of the time, realizing it was close to dinnertime, and he folded the empty sack and rose to his feet. “I must be on my way, children. I have many presents to deliver all over the world tonight.”

“Can I have a hug, Santa?” Finn asked.

“Of course! You can all have hugs,” Claus said.

After he hugged each boy, Aubrey walked Claus to the front porch while the children remained in the living room. “Thank you for stopping by, Santa.” She placed a quick kiss on his cheek.

It was then that he recalled the present he’d brought her, one that he’d tucked in the pocket of his Santa pants, not wanting it to get lost in the huge bag. He withdrew the black velvet box from his pocket and placed it in her hand. “I almost forgot. This is for you, Aubrey. Merry Christmas.”

Her lips parted on a small gasp, and she peered at the box, wonderment gleaming in her pretty dark eyes. She carefully opened the lid to reveal a diamond ring. Technically, it was an engagement ring. Or so the proprietor of the local jewelry store had claimed. As far as he was concerned, Aubrey was his fiancée. She’d agreed to become his mate, and he planned to claim her very soon. Once they were finally able to enjoy some time alone without being interrupted, that was.

“Oh, Santa.” She blinked fast as she peered up at him. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. Here. Allow me.” He retrieved the ring from the box and slipped it on her left ring finger. “Ah, it’s a perfect fit.

She swallowed hard and smiled at him through a sheen of tears. Then she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.

“See you for dinner in about thirty minutes?” she whispered.

“I’ll be here.”