Jigsaw smirks. “I like a woman who knows how to clap back. I bet I can make other parts of you clap loudly too.” His hand moves to my shoulder, and I jump away from him, instantly seeking out Krampus in the crowd.
He’s already by my side though, protectively sheltering me with his arm.
“Back up,” Krampus warns.
Jigsaw chuckles softly. “Relax. It’s not like she’s claimed yet. Maybe we canshareher? We can take turns with her or something.”
Krampus’ fists clench at his sides. “I claimed her at church,” he growls.
Jigsaw tilts his head. “Is that so? Thought she had to be present and accept the claim in order for it to be legit? I don’t remember you being at Church this morning, sugar peach.”
My stomach twists.
Drac steps between them instantly. “That’s enough, Jigsaw. Back the fuck up!”
Jigsaw lifts his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes stay locked on me. “Didn’t mean to step on anyone’s toes, Prez, I’m just saying that no one owns her yet, which means I have every right to shoot my shot with her.”
Krampus takes a step forward, fury rolling off him in waves. “You don’t get to talk about her like that.”
Jigsaw’s smile sharpens. “Are you sure you’re the one she’d want to choose if given the option, Krampy? Or are you just hoping she doesn’t see you as a charity case?”
“Outside, Jigsaw,” Drac snaps. “Now.”
Jigsaw laughs under his breath but backs off, shooting me one last look that makes me feel icky and gross before disappearing with the others.
Krampus turns to me immediately, concern replacing his rage. “You okay?”
I nod, even though my hands are shaking.
Bigfoot reappears at the bottom of the stairs. “Prez. We need you.”
Drac nods once. “Keep her here.”
Krampus hesitates, then presses a quick kiss to my forehead. “I’ll be right back.”
They follow Bigfoot upstairs, so I can’t hear what they’re saying, but I feel the weight of it like I’m tied to a cinder block and left to drown.
Amber stays by my side, rubbing my arm. “Hey. You’re safe right now, okay?”
My lip quivers. “I don’t feel safe.”
She nods. “I know, but trust the club, Mindy. They’ll protect you.”
“Maybe I should just leave town?”
Amber shakes her head. “Absolutely not. I need you to help me with Thanksgiving dinner. I can’t make pies like you do.”
The thought of having a big Thanksgiving dinner with all these people has me smiling.
“See, food always brightens the mood,” she says, her eyes slightly pinching together.
“Are you okay, Amber?”
She nods. “I’m having Braxton-Hicks contractions. Been having them for weeks.”
“When are you due?”
“Right around Christmas, if I even make it until then.”
