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19
Nick adjusts his gripon Atlas’ reins as he glares at a rock in front of him. He woke up two days ago, in the worst fucking mood he’s ever been in. And it hasn’t improved since then. If anything, it’s getting worse by the day. It’s a self-inflicted bad mood, which isn’t helping the situation.
He pulls out his sword when a tall shape emerges from the trees. Talen raises his hands. ‘I am unarmed.’
‘I’m not.’
Talen nods and comes to a stop a few feet from them, keeping an eye on Atlas as much as Nick. The reindeer isn’t taking too kindly to Krampus, snorting loudly at the demon.
‘I’m surprised you came. I was convinced I’d be out in the cold, alone.’
Nick swings his leg over the saddle and drops onto the ground. ‘I came because I promised someone I’d listen to what you have to say.’
‘And I appreciate that. How is Scarlett?’
And there goes Nick’s mood, dropping to a new low. ‘She’s safe. Away from all of this, where she belongs. So, what do you think we can achieve by talking?’
‘I want what we all want, Nick. I want to live my life without looking over my shoulder. I had no idea how strong Krampus’ contract was. If I’d known I would not have signed. But it’s too late to change that. As I said to Scarlett, I’ve made mistakes. Mistakes I can't undo. All I can do now is make sure Krampus is under control.’
Not for the first time, Nick is grateful he was offered the contract he was. Being stuck with something like Krampus, the Horseman, or the Boogeyman sounds fucking horrible.
At least he’s driven to make people happy, if he can. Making kids wishes come true at Christmas is easy, compared to some of what the others have to deal with. The whole going on fire thing that Flint does is freaky as hell. Thirty-five years later, he still hasn’t got used to seeing him like that.
‘And you’re sure you have a hold of it?’
Talen nods. ‘My human form is returning. I’d prefer the transformation was progressing a little faster than it is. But I’m happy it’s happening at all.’
Nick slides his sword back into the sheath and crosses his arms. Maybe some of that sentimentality Scarlett released is getting to him, but he believes Talen. Not that it helps him figure out what to do next.
‘What do you want from me?’
‘I would like you to forget I exist.’
Nick frowns and turns to face Talen. ‘What?’
‘I’ve spent most of my life being hunted - justifiably so. But I’m tired, Nick. All I want is to become human again. Nothing more. I long for the day I can look at my reflection and see my old self.’
This guy is either really good at lying, or he’s one of the saddest guys Nick has ever met. He actually feels sorry for Talen. ‘What about the team?’
‘I don’t understand?’
‘Do you want back on the team? Not that I’m offering that right now. I meant, in the future.’
Talen gives him a long look, before he nods. ‘Of course I’d like that, but it’s not the priority for either of us, is it?’
‘No,’ Nick admits. ‘I wouldn’t necessarily rule it out though.’
