Monsters in my Bed

I've always hated Christmas. With a name like Chris Kringle, it's hard not to. It's only gotten worse since I've been back from the war. Christmas is supposed to be jolly, but for me, it's a grim reminder of past failures. I need to get away from it. To be somewhere quiet. To heal. When I wake up in the South Pole after an accident to a Krampus tending my wounds, it feels like the perfect opportunity to get some much-needed R&R. Yet this gentle giant is so achingly sweet, I can't help but fall for him, even though he's a monster.

All I've ever wanted was to protect the people I love. That's why I joined the military's Elite Specimen Containment Unit. When I learned they were experimenting on sentient monsters, however, everything changed. Now, I have a new mission: protect a scaly winged monster named Bud and escort him to somewhere he'll be safe from my superiors.

My life is a country song. I lost my abuela, my wife, my house, and my religion. After helping my two best friends find love, I'm broke, out of shape, and lonelier than ever. Until I find an injured winged monster in the church basement I'm remodeling. He's the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. Hurt and alone, he needs my help to find his missing halo. He also seems to think I'm destined to be his mate.

For the last year, I've been living with an invisible monster who steals my snacks, turns off my electricity, and runs off all my dates. As annoying as that is, he's my only companion, and the only one I trust with my deepest, darkest secret. I'm not human. Then again, neither is my new roommate, and he and ESCU have history. Not the good kind either. But since he seems to think we're mates, his problems are now mine. I'm certainly not going to argue, especially since he's got a razor-sharp teeth and claws. But hey, I'm into that so it works out . . .