Page 25 of A Merry Misfit Christmas

Kodiak joins me and we dig in, too hungry to make conversation until we’re nearly finished. Once our plates are empty and I’m sipping my coffee, Kodiak clears the dishes. As soon as he sits back down, club members join us.

Kodiak growls and stands, reaches for me, and pulls me onto his lap. A few of the guys smirk or laugh. I can tell my grumpy bear doesn’t care what they think about it and surprisingly, neither do I.

Spike sits closest to me and ticks his chin, something I’ve seen the guys do several times in the short time since I arrived. “So, this ex of yours,” he begins.

“Jeremy,” I interject as I sense he’s gathering his thoughts.

“Jeremy in a gang?” Spike asks.

A gang? I almost laugh. He’s a bully and an abusive prick but that’s only because I’m weaker and smaller than him. “Not that I know of, Spike. If you’re asking if he’s a threat to any of you, I highly doubt it.”

Grins appear on multiple faces.

“No,” Spike answers with a slight head shake. “You ever see him wear a cut?”

A cut? I must look confused because Peanut, who isn’t tiny by any means, points to his leather vest. “That’s what we call these. They’re our colors. It signifies our allegiance to a specific club.”

“Shifted Misfits,” I murmur, understanding finally dawning. “Hmmm. No. I don’t think I ever did. I don’t remember ever seeing one.”

“That’s good,” Kodiak rumbles from his chest, holding me closer. “Ever see Jeremy with any guys who were wearing a cut?”

“Not that I recall.” I mean, it wasn’t like we lived together or anything. I only ever saw him in suits or business casual style clothes. I don’t even think he owns anything as casual as the jeans and t-shirts the men sitting around me wear like a uniform of sorts.

Some of the tension in the room eases. It catches me by surprise because I didn’t sense it before now. I was probably too caught up in Kodiak to notice. Not that it’s difficult to get lost in him; he’s everything I never knew I needed and while I’m still a little wary about him saying I’m his mate, I’m willing to explore a relationship with him.

“I hear you organize stuff,” Nix blurts out into the silence, and Kodiak snorts.

“I do.” The change of subject is welcome. I don’t like thinking about my ex. He’s caused me enough heartache. “I’m a professional organizer. I help businesses or individuals better utilize their space and arrange their belongings or inventory to promote wellbeing, productivity, and better functionality.”

I almost giggle at the looks on their faces. It’s priceless. Most look confused while the rest look shocked that a person can make a career out of what I’m doing.

“The point is to reduce clutter, avoid costly errors, and develop good habits that will increase success,” I add. “So many people become overwhelmed, which impacts all aspects of their health. By organizing their homes, they’re able to enjoy their sanctuary, and at work, they’re able to be more productive, which helps their employer.”

I’m in my element so it’s hard not to continue but I don’t want to lose their attention now that I have it, so I rein it in and go back to what my focus is this year.

“But that’s not what’s driving me this Christmas. It’s the kids in foster care who don’t have much for the holidays or even many toys that are all their own. They need coats, gloves, and hats for the winter. Snow boots, scarves, and maybe their own blanket to snuggle with.”

Kodiak squeezes me and drops a kiss on my hair. He knows my personal experiences have given me insight others will never have. Someday, maybe, I’ll share it with his brothers. Because ofhow he reacted, the embarrassment and humiliation I’ve carried most of my life has eased to a dull roar. None of what I went through was my fault at all; I was merely an innocent byproduct of others. I’m proud of the life I’ve built from virtually nothing.

“I want them to rip into those presents and see their little faces light up with wonder because Santa knows what they need and he’s going to deliver,” I say.

“That’s why we want to help,” Fang replies.

“No kid should go without,” Chomp adds.

I’m beaming a smile at the guys when I poke Kodiak with my elbow. “And I’m really looking forward to seeing this big bear dress up like Santa and pass out those presents.”

Snickers follow as Kodiak grunts.

“You think you could find out some info on the kids? Sizes, wish lists, that sort of thing?” Spike questions, interrupting my mental thoughts of seeing Kodiak with little ones climbing on him.

I nod at Spike. “Sure.”

“Because all of us want to make sure this happens for the kids, and they have a Christmas to remember.”

Wow, I’m touched by their generosity. With the items we’re gathering from local businesses, it’ll put us in a surplus for the kids and provide all they need.

“I’m so thankful and I know the kids will be too,” I reply, eager to reach out to Cheryl so I can get the information Spike asked me to gather.

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