Page 14 of Vampire Claus
Glancing down, he found Paul’s face shining at him from the dark street, his arms spread wide for joy. Taviano crouched low and ran lightly over the shingles as he searched for a way in. Soon enough, he found a locked doorway that let out onto the roof, and snapped the handle off easily and quietly. He was able to enter unimpeded by the barrier magic. As with Paul’s building, the shelter evidently admitted too many people for it to be a sanctuary.
The steady breathing and occasional snoring of eighteen scattered humans came to him from throughout the shelter. He listened intently and realized at least one—no, three—had awoken in their beds, possibly at his entrance. After the amount of power Taviano had drawn, his demon stirred hungrily. He wasn’t confident about releasing more magic to influence anyone who might see him. Its tolerance of Paul might not extend to the residents.
He eased down the stairs as quietly as he could. Probing ahead, he identified and avoided a few treads with weaknesses that might squeak if he stepped on them. The doors on the second floor were ajar and led into what looked like dormitories. Bunk beds lined the walls, and bodies lay in various outlines under thin blankets.
On the first floor he found the common areas—dining room, kitchen, and living room. A large, artificial Christmas tree dominated the front of the house. A few packages lay scattered underneath, but his senses told him they contained little more than candy and nuts.
He began to unload the gifts Paul had purchased, hurrying around to arrange the colorfully wrapped gifts beneath the tree. The candy canes he draped over its boughs. When the bags were empty, he wadded them to tuck under the tree skirt for convenience.
Hands on his hips, Taviano surveyed the results and wished he could show it to Paul. The transformation was spectacular. Instead of the small assortment of presents, a glorious pile of happiness waited for the residents to unwrap.
The last thing he did was locate a piece of paper and a pen to scribble a note.
The chimney was too small for my belly. I’m sorry about the door to the roof but this should cover the repairs.
—Love, Santa Claus
He left the note with some folded money he had in his pocket before slipping up the stairs again.
On the second floor where the residents slumbered or tossed in their beds, Taviano paused. He grinned as he imagined what Paul would do, were he there.Should I?He tested the demon’s attitude, and found it hungry but not starving. It seemed amenable.
Carefully, he summoned a morsel of its magic. With it he wove a little glamour until the dust motes whipped and swirled around. Red lint from Paul’s sweatshirt joined the small tornado he shaped with his mind until it was wider around the middle. If residents came out of their rooms right then, they would see a blurred, red, man-shaped figure with a big belly.
The creature rolled over but seemed…amused? Was that right? Encouraged, Taviano drew a little more power to call clean, cold air over the roof and down the staircase. It brought the scent of snow to his playful illusion. He could tell when a few of the residents woke at the unusual sound and freshening smell. Then one or two more stirred sleepily.
He let out a hearty “Ho, ho, ho” and waited in the middle of his swirling mass, poised to run. Some of the braver souls tumbled out of their rooms to check on the commotion. He waited a split second for them to notice his glinting red shape. At the first sharp gasp, he rushed away at vampire speed. Down the hall and up the stairs to the roof, he pulled the mass of twinkling air with him. Finally, he ran back and forth in a line over the shingles, striking his feet heavily several times.
One of the inhabitants started to follow him to the roof. Taviano could scent the wood of a baseball bat.Fair enough—time to go. He ran at the edge of the roof and leapt off. An instant later the door banged open and a trembling but determined male voice yelled, “Get outta here, asshole.”
Taviano landed before an astonished Paul, swept him in his arms, and sped away. Floodlights hit the area where Paul had waited. Every window in the townhouse came on. He took them far enough to stay in the shadows and set Paul on his feet. With a finger to Paul’s lips, he listened to the ruckus from inside.
Don’t see anyone… Nothing missing… Anyone hurt, or see who it was?… Charlie, look! Presents… Where did all this shit come from?… This has my name on it…
He smiled and pulled Paul to him for a passionate kiss before explaining what he’d done. “They’re finding your gifts now.”
Paul hugged him back blissfully. “Oh man, I’m gonna kiss you so hard. You actually gave them Santa Claus!”
Taviano flushed slightly at the reaction, yet he was grateful to have restored Paul’s happiness. Something unexpected occurred to him. He’d never before used his abilities to help someone. To bring a little joy, as he had with his Santa tricks.
The warmth that idea produced in some ways rivaled what he’d felt when Paul was in his arms, back in the apartment. Every use of power that he recalled had been for the demon’s own hungers. He’d tracked prey or fed or concealed its monstrosity. Claiming a little of that magic for himself, directing it to help instead of harm, made him straighten his spine.
Of course he’d done everything to please Paul, but the fact that the bloodbeast permitted it… That was something to contemplate on lonely nights after he’d left Boston and Paul behind.
Pride gave way to chagrin as he admitted, “I probably scared a lot of them too. I hope they’ll understand I did no real harm.”
“Fuck ’em if they can’t take a joke.” Paul waved away the concern. “What was that noise at the end, before you jumped back down?”
Taviano looked at the ground and scuffed it with his toe. “Well, I wanted to make a sound that might, to a city child, resemble reindeer.”
At that, Paul doubled over with his laughter. “What a trip. ‘The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.’ And the red swirly stuff.” He could hardly breathe. “When you jumped you should have yelled, ‘Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night’!”
“I would have but a man with a baseball bat was on his way. I didn’t think he’d see the humor.” Paul’s laughter was infectious, and Taviano found himself grinning from ear to ear. “I’m glad that you do.”
He cocked his head at the townhouse. “Everyone’s awake now. Do you want to knock on the door so they can thank you?” When Paul shook his head, he asked again, “Are you certain?”
“I’m sure,” Paul exclaimed as he straightened and tried to get himself under control. “I don’t need them to know where the presents came from. Besides, I didn’t really even buy ’em. It was donations.” His eyes shone adoringly at Taviano. “I’m not going to take a moment of Santa away from the kids. Best. Christmas. Ever.”
As if to underline the point, it began to snow.