An angel moves toward me.
Nick's there first.
I don't even see him move. One second, he's across the bakery, the next, he's between me and the angel, his hand buried in its chest. The angel's eyes go wide, its mouth opening in a silent scream.
"I told you," Nick says quietly. "I will erase you."
The angel dissolves. Just…gone. Like it was never there to begin with.
I can't breathe. Can't even begin to process what I'm seeing.
This is the man who wraps his arms around my pregnant belly at night. Who whispers sweet things to our baby. Who makes me breakfast and rubs my feet when they ache.
And he's absolutely, bone-deep terrifying.
The remaining entities are backing away now, scrambling for the exits. But Nick's not done.
He raises a hand, and the doors slam shut. Lock.
"No one leaves until I say so."
A massive demon, bigger than the others, steps forward. Its voice is like grinding stones. "You cannot fight us all, Kringle. Eventually, you will tire. And when you do, we will take what is ours."
"She was never yours." Nick's voice is ice. "But you're right about one thing. I could fight you all night. And I would win. But I have better things to do."
He snaps his fingers.
The bakery door explodes inward, and someone else steps through.
Everett.
I recognize him from the visions Nick has shown me over the last few weeks through the mirror, introducing me to his home. Tall, sharp-featured, impossibly beautiful, with an energy that crackles around him like static.
"About time, boss," Everett says, cracking his knuckles. "I was wondering when you'd call."
The two of them move in perfect synchronization. Where Nick is ice and winter, Everett is lightning and fury. Together, they're unstoppable.
I watch from the corner where I've wedged myself, my hands on my belly, trying to keep my breathing steady. The baby's still moving, but slower now. Like she knows the tide is turning.
A demon tries to slip past them, heading for me.
Nick sees it.
His hand shoots out, and the demon freezes mid-step. Then it starts to burn. That same blue-white fire, consuming it from the inside out.
"I warned you," Nick says, his voice carrying over the sounds of battle. "I told you what would happen."
The demon's screams cut off as it turns to ash.
Nick turns to the largest demon, the one who spoke. "You get to live. But only so you can deliver a message."
The demon's eyes widen.
"Tell whoever sent you," Nick says, each word precise and deadly, "that Samantha is mine. The child is mine. And if anyone ever comes for them again, what you've seen here tonight will look like child's play. You're not even allowed to think about her. Let alone come near her."
The demon nods frantically.
Nick waves a hand, and the door unlocks. "Run."
