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He had always preferred string orchestras, but there was something about Christmas music that just lent itself to the light, airy sound of the flute. It was perfect for making his annual Christmas Crown Roast to. Yes, noon was a little early to get the roast started, but Eddie Monroe was a stickler for perfection. If he started it now, he knew it would definitely not come out underdone, and he could slow roast it at the perfect temperature.
But first he had to finish this organic mustard rub. Thyme was such a bother to work with, because he had to strip each tiny leaf off the stalk individually. No one liked to end up with a thyme stalk stuck between their teeth. And then it would be the same with the rosemary
The aroma of crushed thyme permeated through the air as a knock came at Eddie’s door. It was Christmas, and he knew there were a very limited number of people who would interrupt him at noon on Christmas. Specifically, one. Only one who was in the Pacific Northwest at this time of year, anyway.
Eddie set the piteous-looking stem of thyme back on the cutting board and counted to twenty. What kind of monster would do something on Christmas, of all days? He took a deep, fortifying breath before walking out of the kitchen and answering the door.
Just as he expected, it was Nick.
Recognition hit at the same time as the mixed scent of blood and poison. The latter quelled the immense, dark hunger inspired by the first. After a mere moment of panic over the passing bloodlust, Eddie’s first thought was, ‘No, not on my good green sweater.’
And yet, he found himself dragging Nick into the house, closing the door and turning the lock with a hasty click. Even though Eddie knew what had done this, he still had to ask. “Gremlins?” No one used their proper names anymore. Not the way those imps screwed things up for everyone. Nick was nodding woozily, stammering something as he swayed. “Oh, oh man, don’t faint.”
But it was a little too late for Eddie to stop Nick from doing just that. It was going to be awful, cleaning blood off the floor. Well, he had better go grab his dry herbs. The antidote wasn’t just going to make itself. Despite the trouble the man constantly stirred, Eddie could not help but send a fond thought Nick’s way as he hurried back to the kitchen.