Page 22 of A Merry Misfit Christmas

Callie instinctually moves into my chest, and I hold her to me, ticking my chin at the group of misfits. “These are my club brothers, but also the others I call family. You know Spike,” I remind her, gesturing to my pres.

“Hi again, Spike.”

“You’re welcome here as long as you want to stay,” Spike says. The glare he gives each of my brothers dares them to objectto his command, which I know they won’t do. None of us want to rile his dragon; he’s fearsome enough as it is, but when he’s in a rage, he’s practically unstoppable.

Callie nods. “I appreciate that.”

There are over a dozen shifters, and I take the time to introduce each one. It’s important that she knows who friend and foe is because if someone manages to get inside, I don’t want her to trust the wrong person. The introductions finish and Spike gestures to the chapel.

“Church. We’ve got shit to discuss.”

The bar nearly empties. I’m standing with Callie and Spike when he grips my shoulder, squeezes, and leaves us alone.

“What’s going on?” She sounds tired, which has me itching to get this over with so I can get her settled.

“A mandatory meeting. We might be a few minutes. Anything you need before I go?” I ask.

“I don’t know.” She presses her hand to her forehead, and I lead her to the couch.

Callie flops down and turns on her side, facing the flickering flames of the logs. They won’t die down anytime soon. Spike seems to have a knack for creating the perfect, long-lasting fire.

“Babe, you okay?”

“Just tired.”

“The kitchen is stocked if you want anything to eat or drink.” I point to the closest hallway. “Bathrooms are that way.”

“Okay.”

I turn to leave when she reaches for my hand. “Wait. Am I going to be alone while you’re in church?”

I chuckle. “Sweetheart, you’re never alone. I might be behind a wall but there isn’t a single shifter here that won’t hear someone coming long before they attempt to open the door.”

Mollified, she smiles. “Then I’ll take a nap until you come back to me.”

I lift her hand and kiss her soft skin before letting go. “Rest. I won’t be long.”

Her eyes are closing as I walk away, and I know my bear will alert me the moment he senses that she’s awake. I briefly wonder how much stronger our bond will become once I’ve fully claimed her, then push it to the side so I don’t walk into the room with a raging hardon.

When I enter the chapel, all eyes are on me as I shut the door and take my seat.

Spike lifts the gavel and slams it down on the wooden table. “Church is in session. First order of business, Kodiak and his mate. Tell ’em what you did, V.P.”

My grin is too fucking wide. “I showed Callie my bear.”

Shocked, no one utters a word.

“She didn’t freak out either.” I shrug. “My pretty mate petted my fur,” I brag. “She nuzzled my bear with her nose and said I was soft and warm.”

“She didn’t run?” Nix asked.

“Nope.”

“Or scream?” Chomp clarified.

“No. She seemed to be in awe.”

“That’s ‘cause your dick was swingin’ in the breeze,” Spike sputters out through a laugh.

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