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‘I’d appreciate that, but I know I have a long way to go before that is even an option.’
‘Where are you living?’
Talen raises his eyebrows, no doubt suspicious about the reason he’s asking that question.
‘I’m not planning on coming after you. I’m just curious.’
‘I have an old cabin.’
Judging by the holes in his clothes and the general unkempt appearance, Nick doubts he’s living in lavish conditions. He can’t believe what he’s about to do, what he thinks he’s going to do. And no doubt he’ll get it in the neck from everyone else, but he’s never cared about stuff like that. He’s the boss. He’ll use that card if he has to.
‘I’m going to make you an offer, and it’s just that - an offer. You can refuse or accept. We’ve just finished a new wing in the workshop, but it’s empty. I had it built in case we needed more room. If you want, you can move in to one of the rooms. You’ll be left alone and will be free to come and go as you want.’
‘Why would you make such an offer?’
‘If the end goal is to earn your place on the team, you’ll have to do just that - earn it. You can’t do that out in the arse end of nowhere by yourself. Might help you to be around people. Help get your humanity back a little faster.’
‘I doubt any of the team, or your workers, will appreciate that.’
‘That’s their tough luck. Once I tell them you’re under my protection they’ll have to accept it.’
‘And you would offer me your protection?’
‘Yes.’
‘Why?’
‘One of my team tried to kill me. A new Sandman will be brought in, but our numbers are low compared to the fuckers we’re fighting. We need all the help we can get. And from what Scarlett said, you’re a fan of research. That could come in useful.’
‘You really believe Santa and Krampus could fight together again?’
‘From what I read, they made a damn formidable team. Who knows? It could happen again.’
Talen smiles, his large fangs gleaming in the moonlight. The demon may have a hold on Krampus, but he’d give Damon a run for his money. Both are as scary as each other.
‘I would like that very much.’
‘I’ll organise everything.’ He passes Talen a wristband. ‘This will help Eve find you. She’s my assistant. Runs the whole workshop for me. You can trust her. She’ll also gut you if you piss her off, so try to behave.’
‘Thank you for the warning. And thank you for this chance, Nick. I would have been content to be ignored. I never thought anything like this would happen.’
‘Don’t get too excited yet. It’s not going to be easy. I can protect your life, but I can't make people like you.’
‘I understand.’
Nick takes hold of the reins and pulls himself back into the saddle. ‘One chance Talen. That’s all you get with me. See you soon.’
He takes off and heads home to break the news to everyone. They’re going to be pissed off with him about it, but he couldn’t care less. He’s all about second chances. It would be seriously hypocritical if he didn’t offer Talen the same second chance he was given.
