They will figure it out in time. As long as they are happy and okay with sharing me, that’s what matters most.
“Did you have a good day at the North Pole, princess?” Mortem asks.
“I did. I really love it here,” I say, looking over at Krampus and wondering how to broach the subject of wanting to spend most of my time here.
“I assumed as much. I had a talk with the man in charge before coming here. You now have access to all three realms, this one, Cupidale, and mine.”
“You spoke with Santa?” Krampus says, his voice reverberating with confusion at my back.
“Yes, well, I am older than him. He apparently has a soft spot for you, beasty,” Mortem says to Krampus.
I clear my throat, feeling slightly shy and exposed with Krampus and me both naked and Mortem fully dressed. It’s weird how this keeps happening, but it feels like some sort of power move.
“Is everything resolved with your work?” I ask, and Mortem nods.
“Yes, and I was hoping you could help me with something else.”
I perk up. Being helpful to others gives me immense joy. While I might not have been the best at creating love matches, I was great at my position with Cupio. Helping him is what kept me going, and the idea of being able to help Mortem would be a thrill. The thought of him being grateful and telling me I did good seems priceless.
I’m at the edge of the tub, holding on with pruned fingers as he smiles.
“I’ve decided to host a New Year’s party in Purgatory. My assistant Morticia is working on the preparations, but I’d love your opinion on how to make it a great event for our newcomers.”
My jaw drops, and Krampus laughs behind me.
“You’re hosting the beings of the realm…in Purgatory?”
I elbow him, and he doesn’t even wince as I look back up at Mortem. He’s usually great at being stoic and schooling his features, but as I look at him, I realize this was a big step. He mentioned to me last night that he feels like he’s failed the reapers with how he set up Purgatory and this is him changing, just like he is for me.
“I think it’s amazing. I’d love to help in any way I can.”
Mortem’s shoulders relax and he takes a deep breath.
“Excellent. I was hoping to bring you both back to Purgatory and show you my home as well as introduce you to Morticia to help her plan the party.”
I take a deep breath. Holy shit. Never in a million years did I think I’d be in charge of a party. That’s something that someone like Love deals with. I decide right then and there to throw the best fucking party ever. Not just to make Mortem happy, or to show the cupids that I’m more than just a house cleaner. It’s for me to prove to myself that I’m capable and I don’t need to hide away any more.
“Perfect. I’ll go get dressed,” I say excitedly, nearly falling out of the tub. Luckily for me, Krampus stops my fall and Mortem holds out a hand to help me out.
As soon as my naked dripping body is standing on a candy cane-patterned bath mat, Mortem wraps a cozy, massive towel around me.
“I’m excited to show you my realm,” he nearly purrs into my ear before leaving the bathroom all together.
I stand there in shock, clutching the towel to my chest. Against my will, some of the same old fear creeps in.
“Why are you nervous?” Krampus asks, leaning over the edge of the tub, the ends of his hair wet.
“What if I fuck it up? What if it’s a horrible party?”
“You’re excited to plan it?” he asks, and I nod. “Then it will be perfect. Mortem wouldn’t ask you to do the task if he didn’t think you were capable. You’re brilliant, Candy. It’s time everyone else sees that.”
I steel my spine. Brilliant seems like a loaded term, but I am capable. I can do this, for myself and for Mortem.
“You’re right, I got this.”
“That’s my girl,” he praises and I realize I need to get dressed immediately before I wind up on my back again.
Ibring us to my office first, where Morticia is glaring at me from her desk.
