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He scrubs his hand over his hair and nods, finally in control of his body again. ‘Yeah, I’m good. My magic is buzzing, but it’s the way it should feel. Not like it was a few hours ago.’ He steadies himself against the wall, when the room tilts again. ‘Maybe it’s buzzing a bit too much. I just need a minute.’
Nick doesn’t resist when Damon pushes him back onto a chair. Scarlett sits beside him, rubbing her hand along his leg, as he gives his body a chance to recover.
Damon crouches down in front of him and frowns. ‘That was close, Nick. Even for you.’
‘Yeah. It wasn’t planned. What happened with the Púca?’
‘You and Scarlett put on one impressive display! No chance we’d miss something that powerful! We all picked up on it and came to your rescue, just in time. You were unconscious, and Scarlett was about to take on a hoard of Púca with a poker. By the way, I’m impressed,’ he adds, glancing over at her.
‘I’m just glad you arrived when you did. Thank you, Damon.’
He nods and pushes to his feet. ‘Glad you’re back with us, Nick. Hunter and Cobh are irritating assholes!’
Nick laughs. ‘I know!’ Then he turns to look up at the clock on the wall, and the laugh dies. ‘Fuck! Cut that close, didn’t I?’
‘Yeah,’ Damon says, holding out his hand to help him up. ‘Being dramatic as usual. Will you be okay to leave in a few hours? You look rough.’
‘Fuck off!’ he replies with a grin. Damon stands beside him, until he’s sure Nick isn’t going to fall on his ass. ‘I’m fine. It’s all settled again, thank fuck. Is everything sorted for the run?’
‘Of course,’ Eve says, walking down the stairs to join them. She hurries over and gives him a tight hug. ‘Glad you’re back, Boss. You had us all a smidge worried there for a bit.’
‘Sorry about that. We all set?’
Eve nods. ‘Everything is ready whenever you are.’
He reaches out and takes Scarlett’s hand. ‘Damon, are the rest of the team here?’
‘Around, yes.’
‘I want a meeting now.’
‘You need to get ready for the run.’
‘Meeting first.’ He glances down at his arms and clothes. ‘Actually, give me ten minutes. I stink of Púca.’
Eve grumbles to herself, then nods. ‘You’re the boss. I’ll let everyone know.’
The Boogeyman falls into step with him, as he leads Scarlett through the workshop. It’s amazing having her here with him like this. He had never thought about bringing her back to the workshop. Didn’t even contemplate it. His concern was getting himself back. But walking through his home with her beside him, is better than he could have imagined. And at least if she’s here while he does the run, he’ll know she’s safe.
He just wishes her introduction to the workshop hadn’t been so crazy. Having to sit in the heart of the workshop, waiting for him to reconnect with his magic wasn’t the best way to show her his home for the first time. It’s such an amazing, magical place. He’d love to show her around properly, but time is against them. Again.
He glances over at her and smiles. Her eyes are darting all over the place, taking in everything around her. The workshop isn’t like it’s depicted in the dozens of Santa films. But you would absolutely know it’s Santa’s workshop. No doubt. He knew the minute he was brought here. Even drunk and on drugs he knew exactly where he was that first night.
But it really comes alive this time of year. From the decorations hanging out of the vast wooden beams, to the constant playing of Christmas music, to the huge Christmas trees scattered throughout the workshop to his amazing team of workers, hurrying around in brightly coloured Christmas jumpers. This was their time - his, Eve’s, all the workers - and they absolutely owned it.
‘Are you all right?’
Scarlett nods. ‘Oh yeah.’ She smiles up at him. ‘I’m in Santa’s freaking workshop! With Santa! This is your workshop! It’s so—’
‘Sickeningly Christmassy.’ Damon finishes. ‘What the fuck is it with the music?’
‘Blame Eve,’ Nick says, still unable to take his eyes off Scarlett. ‘The music and jumpers are down to her. She suggested the tradition a while back and it stuck.’
‘Figures!’
As much as Nick doesn’t want to bring up other business with Scarlett around, he’s against the clock. ‘Is the workshop secure?’
Damon nods, his black eyes scanning their surroundings. He’s never at ease. Never settled. ‘Of course. Has been since your reindeer came back with a piece of the sleigh and no Santa. Any idea who attacked you?’
