13. Mel

CHAPTER 13

MEL

I take a deep breath as my parents arrive, doing my best to keep a polite smile on my face. "Mom, Dad, welcome! I'm so glad you could make it." I usher them inside, trying not to fidget.

My mom surveys the catered spread with a slight frown.

"Well, Melinda, this is certainly...convenient. I had hoped we could all enjoy a nice, home-cooked meal together." Her tone is laced with gentle disapproval.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"I'm sorry, I've been so busy with work and Sam, I just didn't have the time. But the food is delicious, I promise."

My dad chimes in, "Yes, well, a growing girl like Samantha needs a proper home-cooked meal. You really should make more time, dear."

I clench my jaw, willing myself to stay calm. "I do the best I can, Dad. Sam is healthy and happy, that's what's most important."

"Of course, of course." He pats my arm condescendingly. "We just worry about you, that's all."

The thud of heavy boots on my porch makes my stomach drop. Sam races to the window, her face lighting up.

"He's back!"

"Who's back?" Dad's question hangs in the air as the front door swings open.

My jaw drops. There stands Krampus in his human disguise - tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He balances an enormous Christmas tree in one arm like it weighs nothing, while the other cradles a mountain of perfectly wrapped presents.

The scent of fresh pine fills the room as he strides in, tracking snow across my clean floor. I'm too stunned to speak.

"Who's this?" Mom's eyes light up as she gives him a not-so-subtle once-over.

"I am Melanie's boyfriend," Krampus announces in that deep rumble that makes my toes curl. "Doctor John Smith, Quarterback at Law."

My hand flies to my face.

Sam bounces on her toes. "He brought presents!"

I catch Mom shooting me an approving look. Great. Just great. The seven-foot-tall alien criminal is actually impressing my mother.

"A quarterback, a Doctor, and a Lawyer?" Dad adjusts his glasses, peering at Krampus with that look he reserves for when he's about to tear someone apart.

"You must be Melanie's father." Krampus sets the massive tree down with impossible grace, not a single needle falling. "Nice to meet you. Perhaps you should use your primitive..." He coughs. "That is, your google search engine to dox me, as the parlance of our time dictates."

I arch an eyebrow at him. What game is this oversized blue menace playing now? He shoots me back a grin that makes my stomach do a little flip.

Dad whips out his phone, fingers flying across the screen. His eyes widen. "Well, I'll be..."

I peek over his shoulder. My jaw drops. There's Krampus - or rather, "Dr. John Smith" - throwing the winning touchdown at the Super Bowl. Another picture shows him accepting some fancy medical award. News articles detail his groundbreaking legal cases.

The sneaky alien hacked the entire internet. And somehow managed to do all the Christmas shopping while he was at it.

"He really is the perfect man," I whisper to myself.

We gather around the dining table, and I brace myself for the interrogation. Mom and Dad waste no time.

"So, John, tell us about your practice." Dad leans forward, ready to pounce on any inconsistency.

"Criminal defense." Krampus spears a potato with his fork. "I believe everyone deserves a second chance."

Mom beams. "How noble! And you still find time for football?"

"The team understands my priorities. Speaking of which..." He reaches for my hand across the table. "Meeting Melanie changed everything."

My cheeks burn. The worst part? He sounds sincere.

"And your medical work?" Dad's not giving up.

"Trauma surgery. Nothing beats saving lives." Krampus winks at Sam, who giggles.

I watch in amazement as my parents soften with each perfect answer. Even Dad puts his phone away and starts sharing his old college football stories. Mom practically glows when Krampus compliments her earrings - which he somehow knows were a gift from Dad thirty years ago.

The giant blue menace is actually charming my parents. Who knew he had it in him?

Sam's head droops over her empty plate.

"Someone's ready for bed." Krampus stands. "May I?"

"Of course!" Mom jumps in before I can object. "Melinda, let me help you clean up while John puts Sam to bed."

Sam takes Krampus's hand, and they head upstairs. His massive frame makes her look even tinier than usual.

"He's wonderful, dear." Mom starts collecting plates. "Why didn't you tell us about him sooner?"

I stack glasses, buying time to think. If she only knew the blue-furred truth under that human disguise. Though I have to admit - when he's not smashing things or eating roller skates, he's surprisingly... capable.

"Come on, Mom." I stack plates with more force than necessary. "You and Dad haven't exactly been supportive of my decisions."

Mom's lips purse into that familiar disapproving line. "That's because you make such poor choices, dear. The deadbeat who left you with Sam. That ridiculous art degree before you finally studied something practical. Moving across the country away from us."

The ceramic plate in my hand trembles.

"Mom-"

"But John!" Her face lights up like Christmas came early. "He's clearly a good decision. A doctor and a lawyer? And so handsome. The way he looks at you..." She sighs dreamily. "Not to mention how wonderful he is with Sam. Did you see how she just adores him?"

"That's one of the reasons I love him," I reply automatically.

The words hit me like a bucket of ice water. My hands freeze mid-wipe on a wine glass. Did I just say that? Did those words actually come out of my mouth? About the alien criminal currently tucking my daughter into bed?

My chest tightens. The room spins slightly. I grip the counter edge, trying to ground myself.

Love him? I don't even like him! He's arrogant, destructive, and currently living in my house under false pretenses. Sure, he's good with Sam, and maybe seeing him carry that Christmas tree made my heart skip a beat, and okay, fine, watching him charm my parents is admittedly impressive...

Oh god. Oh no. This is not happening.

Heavy footsteps announce Krampus's return, saving me from my spiral of panic.

"Your offspring is safely unconscious." He grins. "Now, who wants egg nog?"

We settle in the living room, the Christmas tree twinkling. Mom passes around slices of her famous pecan pie while Krampus distributes mugs of egg nog. The rich, spicy scent fills the air.

"These presents won't open themselves," Krampus announces.

Dad unwraps his gift first, his eyes widening. "The new Callaway Paradym clubs? These aren't even available yet!"

"I have connections." Krampus winks at me over his mug.

Dad lifts each club reverently, examining the pristine grips and gleaming heads. "This is... incredible. Thank you, John."

The evening winds down, and my parents gather their coats and presents. Mom hugs me tight, whispering about wedding venues. I barely resist rolling my eyes.

Then Dad pulls me close. His familiar aftershave brings back memories of him reading bedtime stories when I first came to live with them.

"We're so glad you're doing well, Melanie..." His voice catches. "But even if you weren't, we would love you just as much."

My throat tightens as I squeeze him harder. For all their criticism, they've always been there.

As their car pulls away, Krampus's arm slides around my shoulders. His warmth seeps through my sweater, and I find myself leaning into him without thinking. It feels... right.

The thought sends a jolt through me. This morning he was the alien menace in my garage. Now he's comforting me on my porch after charming my parents. My heart stutters. Am I really falling for him this fast?