Page 73 of The Alien Who Saved Christmas
“Share? You canhaveHathgarr, if you want. And I have other relatives, who are even worse. Take them all.”
She snorted at his tone. “The 1 family Thanksgiving will be fun. I can already see it.”
“What is Thanksgiving?”
“A big dinner where relatives get into fights about politics.”
He nodded, like that translation made perfect sense. “A royal feast, we call it.”
“Yes. A royal feast, with midnight electronics sales and turkey. It’s my second favorite holiday, next to Christmas, even though I always have to work.” She paused. “Maybe third favorite, because I also really love New Year’s. Do aliens have New Year’s?”
Xane frowned a bit, still caught up on Thanksgiving. “We cannot have a turkey farm, like your grandsire had. I’m sorry. I remain unclear as to what they are, but I know they do not grow in Rtaharion.”
“So, we’ll plant some other kind of bird.” She stood on tiptoe to brush her lips against his. “It’ll be a challenge, no doubt. But just so you’re with me, we can do anything.”
“Always, Sadie.” His fingers tangled in her hair. “I amalwayswith you.”
She grinned up at him. “Then take me home, husband.” She lowered her voice, so only he could hear. “Also, it’s about time you took me to bed.”
Xane groaned and swept her up into his arms. “Hathgarr, we’ll be in my cabin.”
“Mere princes-- who are not even princes-- do not get cabins.” Hathgarr protested, just to protest. “I decree it belongs to the princess now and, if she chooses, she can keep you out of it.”
“She doesn’t choose that.” Sadie breathed, leaning up to press her lips to Xane’s. “Not at all.”
Xane managed to kiss her back and still smirk at his brother. “My wife and I are on our third date. Do not bother us until we reach Rtaharion.”
“Hurry.” She whispered, nipping his lower lip, and Xane forgot all about taunting Hathgarr.
He nearly knocked men down as he carried her down the ship’s main corridor. The other Rtaharions jumped out of his way, eyes wide, as he barreled into their suite and sealed the door shut. Sadie’s joyful laughter sounded from inside the room.
For a second, no one else said a word.
Then Hathgarr grunted and looked at the other men on the bridge. “Someone tell me: What does dried fruit have to do with sex?”
Chapter Twenty
I saw Sadie kiss Santa Alien,
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
…And in the control room.
…And by the view screen.
And when he picked her up and told her how pretty she was.
Honestly, everyone sees her kissing him all the time.
A lot.
From “I Saw Sadie Kissing Santa Alien”
A Christmas Carol for Non-Earthlings by Sadie Malone
“Would it spoil the mood if I asked what happened to Lord C’don?”
“It is impossible to spoil my mood.” Xane carried her into the really lux stateroom, apparently unconcerned about the fate of the Vipri. “Not even with the mention of that deceitful asshole.”
