Hung with Care

Quaythars Felixiuh couldn't be mistaken for Santa, and he's no saint.

Andrea Watts, aspiring teacher, loves all things Christmas. But when she falls asleep in her car in a winter storm, only the timely arrival of a hairy alien saves her from certain death.

Quaythars Felixiuh, species geneticist, intends to retrieve his mate at her request. The entire Uhraervi race is counting on their success. But when he lands on Earth, he is shocked by Andrea's poor judgment. He can save her life, but he will not be keeping her. Even if it costs him his future.

A fake relationship can lull the expectations of the Uhraervi people, and allow Andrea to receive necessary medical care. But she didn't ask to be rescued, and her future isn't on an alien space station.

She's going home for Christmas, no matter how attractive Quay is.

Originally published in the Passionate Ink Holiday Shorts anthology.